With the sun setting on the summer season, the prime hour for leaf-peeping is finally here. If you haven’t already considered a trip to see the fall foliage, now is the perfect time to start the planning process. From the northeast to the west, there are quite a few Hawkins International properties that make the perfect home base for this festive activity – don’t forget to pack your camera!
Go West!
Located in Park City, Utah, Montage Deer Valley is a destination for adventurers to get out on the slopes without the skis and take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage. This season, the resort is offering a Ride & Relax package, where guests can enjoy two complimentary Scott Mountain Bike rentals to explore and enjoy the breathtaking hues of orange and yellow as the foliage begins to transform. Guests will also receive a $100 Spa Montage treatment credit where they can pamper themselves with a Tata Harper Floral Facial or a Mountain Stone Massage. For outdoor adventurers, the resort offers a Fondue Hike where guests can hike up Guardsman Press and marvel at the 360 views of the city’s changing leaves while working up an appetite for decadent fondue, or can experience fly fishing, as the fall season is the most spectacular time to go. If travelers are looking to explore beyond Park City, Montage Expeditions provides personalized experiences to take in the stunning landscapes of famous National Parks. Starting rate: $355
Santa Fe, N.M. is an under-the-radar destination for fall, with not many travelers aware of its vibrant seasonal foliage. As the only destination spa in Santa Fe, and located in an all-natural springs sanctuary, Sunrise Springs Spa Resort is the perfect escape to truly relish in the South West’s autumn’s bliss. The resort offers a robust selection of all-new fall wellness experiences for one-of-a-kind leaf-peeping. From soaking in the vibrant scenery with a host of medical and scientific wellness benefits in the NEW Repose Pools to culinary class – Fall Storage: Preserving the Harvest, and out-of-the-box adventures such as Hatchet Throwing, and Body As Brush an expressive outdoor art class, the property’s fall-inspired classes are offered on a daily basis so guests can experience the one-of-a-kind programming at their leisure. (all-inclusive Savor the Harvest Package Rates start at $420)
Located just outside of Bend, Oregon, Brasada Ranch is the perfect destination for an epic fall vacation as the property is a Central Oregon adventure basecamp boasting breathtaking fall scenery. The resort is home to some of the area’s best horseback riding, offering over 900 acres of trail riding with leaf-peeping and Cascade Mountain views. The Ranch’s concierge can arrange off-site adventures where guests can climb the face of Smith Rock, or take a short trip to downtown Bend to check out the local brewery scene for an autumn-inspired brew. After a day of adventure, guests can retreat to the private and secluded Ranch House Suites to create a cozy evening by the fire or they can end the trip with a relaxing spa day at Spa Brasada. (starting rates at $229)
Launched in time for leaf “peeping” season is The Sebastian, Vail’s newest adventure package, “Pack and Picnic.” Before the first snowfall in Vail, the mountain town shimmers with vibrant hues of gold and copper-red as the leaves on Colorado’s signature Aspen trees begin to change colors, signaling the end of summer and the start of fall. Guests can get up close and personal with the fall foliage with the “Pack and Picnic” package and can choose from Pack and Pedal (mountain biking), Pack and Paddle (kayaking), Pack and Pooch (hike). Each adventure comes with a gourmet picnic from Leonora, The Sebastian’s signature bistro and a private guide. The boutique luxury hotel and private residences is located in the center of the action allowing guests and owners to see Vail Mountain’s slopes transformed and framed by the brilliant hues of Autumn leaves from the windows of the guestrooms and residences.
To the Northeast
Enjoy a fall getaway at the historic XV Beacon located in the heart of Boston’s distinguished Beacon Hill, steps away from iconic Boston landmarks. The critically acclaimed boutique property is celebrating 20 years of welcoming guests in 2020 and has become a favorite among local Bostonians and travelers since opening its doors on New Year’s Day 2000, consistently ranking among the city’s top hotels. Guests can spend a crisp autumn day strolling through Boston Common or The Esplanade to admire the changing leaves, or hop in a Lexus sedan courtesy of the Lexus Drive Program for a day trip to surrounding suburbs for ample sights of fall foliage. After a day of fall fun, retreat back to XV Beacon to enjoy fine dining at on-site steakhouse Mooo…. or cuddle up with a cashmere throw in front of the gaslit fireplace found in every room.
See fall foliage at its best along the Hudson River with iconic Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, during a leisurely full-day cruise to historic Bear Mountain. A six-hour excursion to one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the Hudson Valley, the Oktoberfest Bear Mountain Cruise offers an Oktoberfest celebration every Saturday and Sunday from September 21 to November 10, 2019. Guests can enjoy traditional German beer, food and live music on board, with three hours on land to enjoy natural beauty, hiking trails, the Bear Mountain Zoo and more. Pricing: $65 for adults; $52 for children (3-12). (2.5 hours in each direction with 3 hours at Bear Mountain).
Only a 15-minute ferry ride from Portland from one of Maine’s most beautiful islands in Casco Bay lays Chebeague Island Inn, which explodes with autumnal colors every fall. Chebeague Island Inn is the ideal getaway for a seasonal escape, as it is a relaxing oceanfront escape away from the hustle and bustle of city life and provides a unique destination that won’t be overrun with other fall tourists. Travelers can take advantage of the Inn’s “unplugged” nature as there are no TVs or phones in the 21 individually designed guestrooms, allowing guests to relax and unwind. The simple elegance of coastal New England is evident throughout the property from their state-of-the-art copper bar, L.L Bean Bicycles, and the local art that is sprinkled in every guestroom. For that ideal autumn night, guests can throw on a cozy sweater and set up a private beach bonfire or participate in sunset cocktail cruises aboard classic schooners and experience the remarkable Autumn colors from the unique perspective on the water. Rates from $180 per night. Please note that the Inn is seasonal, open approx. May – October only.
For the dedicated traveler, go international!
The only five-star hotel in County Donegal in northwest Ireland, Lough Eske Castle offers a true taste of Ireland’s countryside. Coziest in the fall, Ireland is a totally underrated destination for leaf-peeping! Admittedly, Ireland’s autumn foliage isn’t as widespread as other destinations, but what sets the Irish leaf-peeping experience apart from all others is the subtle smattering of vivid reds, oranges and golds, which pop against the seemingly eternal verdant landscape. It’s also the perfect time of year to snuggle up by a fire in the castle’s Green and Red Drawing Rooms or enjoy a pint in the hotel’s newly opened Father Browne Bar, named after the prolific Irish photographer who survived The Titanic and brought home hundreds of photos documenting the journey. The bar is home to more than 200 of his never-before-seen photos depicting “everyday life” in Ireland during the early 1900s.