Pack your bags and buckle up for the ultimate fall road trip; luxury hotels & resorts across the country are offering travelers unique ways to capture fall’s vibrant foliage this season.
Throw on a sweater, fill up the tank, turn up the tunes, and explore the vibrant color-changing landscape from the front seat with pitstops at luxury hotels and resorts across the country. From brisk days spent driving through the renowned Blue Ridge Parkway with The Omni Grove Park Inn’s “America’s Favorite Drive Package” in Ashville, NC, to driving up the East Coast and embracing the change in season with oceanfront views on a remote island at the quaint Chebeague Island Inn located just ten minutes away from Portland, ME, there is no better time to grab your friends and family, and embark on the ultimate road trip than this fall.
For the New Englanders:
Panoramic Views of New England’s Famed Fall Foliage at XV Beacon (Boston, MA)
Guests of XV Beacon have exclusive access to the hotel’s rooftop offering a bird’s eye view of the Boston skyline, Charles River, and the famed New England fall foliage. Come Autumn, the trees along the Esplanade and in the Boston Public Garden showcase classic amber and gold hues, becoming the ideal view from the passenger seat. Located in Boston’s quaint Beacon Hill neighborhood, road-trippers can stretch their legs and hop out of the car as the hotel is walking distance from the Boston Public Gardens, Charles River, Theater District and steps away from public transportation that can take travelers to The Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park, the waterfront and more.
Oceanfront Views & Private bonfires at Chebeague Island Inn (Chebeague Island, ME)
Chebeague Island Inn is the ideal getaway for a fall getaway, 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.
Cheers to the Change in Season with the Nations First Beer Concierge at Hotel Vermont (Burlington, VT)
Known for its vibrant views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains, and a world class beer scene, Burlington, VT is the perfect place for a fall getaway. As the brisk weather begins to creep in and the leaves start to fall, travelers are invited toast to the change in seasons at Burlington’s only independent hotel, Hotel Vermont. Join the nation’s first Beer Concierge for an exclusive craft beer experience and guided tour of Vermont hops and malts. In an attempt to help guests explore like a local, Hotel Vermont also provides guests with access to sample and take home some of the most sought after beers in the world including, Hill Farmstead, Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Heady Topper and more. The package includes a Hotel Vermont branded beer can glass, transportation and lunch, and a welcome back snack from Juniper restaurant. The package is a two-night minimum Monday-Wednesday stay only. Single person – $359, two people – $419.
Autumn in the Allegheny Mountains at Omni Bedford Springs Resort (Bedford, PA)
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, Omni Bedford Springs Resort is a wellness haven that offers guests a chance to escape and indulge in the splendid fall foliage of one of the most celebrated mountain ranges in the Northeast. Visitors can take in the mesmerizing fall colors during a walk or bike through the resort’s new 1.3-mile Heritage Trail. The trail winds through the Allegheny woods connecting the main hotel to the historic town of Bedford, where the annual Fall Foliage Festival takes place! After embracing the natural spectacle of the foliage, guests can also relax in the resort’s new Golf Clubhouse at The Old Course and enjoy the property’s custom Wigle Whiskey blend among the outdoor fire pits overlooking the 18th hole. Rates starting at $239 per night.
Embrace The Great Outdoors at Omni Mount Washington Resort (Bretton Woods, NH)
The historic Omni Mount Washington Resort – located in Bretton Woods, N.H., and just a few hours’ drive from major New England cities like Boston, Mass. and Burlington, Vt. – is the perfect destination for breathtaking and colorful views of the stunning White Mountains. The resort offers exciting activities for families to enjoy, making it home to a variety of fun outdoor activities like leaf peeping, hiking, scenic lift rides, zip lining and much more. After a day of activities, parents can sip on the resort’s exclusive bourbon blend, Mount Washington Woodford Reserve II. Only available at the resort, the unique bourbon blend features subtle tones of the season’s rich flavors including, brown sugar, maple and vanilla, making the Mount Washington Woodford Reserve II a one-of-a-kind drink to try this fall.
Escape the City With Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises (New York, NY)
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. Guests of the Oktoberfest Bear Mountain Cruise 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. A special Columbus Day Bear Mountain Cruise will also take place on Monday, October 9, with plenty activities for the whole family to enjoy. With Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises new state-of-the-art Empire Class vessels, passengers will be able to appreciate updated comfortable seating, expanded windows, and an exclusive third-floor observatory deck, making taking in the spectacular New York views that much better! Pricing: $65 for adults; $52 for children (3-12).
Breathtaking Views and Walking Trails at Montage Palmetto Bluff (Blufton, SC)
Situated in coastal South Carolina along the May River, Montage Palmetto Bluff is a picturesque destination for travelers to enjoy the changing of the seasons this fall. Set within an award winning 20,000 acre community, guests can take in the stunning fall landscape while exploring an extensive nature preserve, walking trails, vibrant village, marina, restaurants, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. In addition, guests can indulge in the new s’mores cart, featuring a variety of fun marshmallow flavors and s’mores supplies perfect for roasting around the River House fire pits or other locations onsite on cool fall nights. Overnight rates starting at $295.
For the Southerners:
Explore Virginia’s Colorful Landscape at The Omni Homestead Resort (Hot Springs, VA)
Nestled in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, The Omni Homestead Resort provides travelers with more than one way to fall in love with the red and orange hues of Virginia’s famed fall foliage. Adventure-seeking guests are invited to zipline through the color-changing leaves or explore the natural landscape by bike, kayak, or foot with Endless Adventure Package. Those seeking a soothing fall foliage experience can relax and cozy up in bed a little while longer with the resort’s Bed & Breakfast Package where fresh fruits and morning classica are delivered straight to your door. Travelers are also invited to experience the eye popping colors of the Allegheny Mountains with a golf club in hand with the Homestead Golf Package. More information on the resort’s Fall 2017 packages can be found here.
“America’s Favorite Drive Package” at The Omni Grove Park Inn (Asheville, NC)
As the fall season quickly approaches, there’s no better place to enjoy the brisk days than in vibrant Asheville, North Carolina. Located at the 400-mile marker of the renowned Blue Ridge Parkway (one of the most-visited sites in the National Park System), The Omni Grove Park Inn is providing guests who book the America’s Favorite Drive Package a copy of “The Ultimate Guide to The Parkway’s Best Attractions” to better enjoy the serpentine drive. Travelers can embrace the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains which are particularly stunning in the fall, following the guide that reveals hidden gems, hiking hot spots and historical attractions along the parkway. A portion of the proceeds go to protect and preserve the Blue Ridge Parkway and its cultural heritage in Western North Carolina. In addition to the guidebook, the package includes accommodations, daily Art of Breakfast Buffet at Blue Ridge and parking. Rates start at $309.
For the West Coasters:
Serene Leaf Peeping at Sunrise Springs Spa Resort (Santa Fe, NM)
Leaf peep in pure serenity at Sunrise Springs Spa Resort in Santa Fe, NM and take in Santa Fe’s vibrant colorful landscape while rejuvenating the mind, body and spirit. Surrounded by towering cottonwoods nestled above the natural, spring-fed pond, guests can indulge in Sunrise Springs’ Ojitos open-air soaking experience. This perfect unique spa experience overlooks the many colors of Santa Fe, while guests can sit back and relax with a soothing mineral-infused soak. Guests can leaf peep while bathing au natural in a private outdoor pool or mineral-infused soaking tub, or enjoy a sweat in the co-ed, eucalyptus steam room and private steam showers. Combine a soak before or after any spa service for the ultimate relaxation experience for both mind and body.
Authentic Fall Getaway at Montage Deer Valley (Park City, UT)
An authentic yet refined mountain retreat located less than five minutes from Park City’s celebrated Main Street, and an easy 40-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, Montage Deer Valley is an ideal destination for fall getaways. Guests can experiences a variety of seasonal activities, including hot air ballooning over beautiful Park City, or one of the Montage Expeditions to regional destinations including Moab, Bryce Canyon, Zion, among others. In addition, the property recently enhanced the dining experience at the resort’s signature restaurant, Apex, and created a fresh take on its dinner concept. Executive Sous Chef Christian Ojeda has transformed the menu into a modern interpretation of the American steakhouse by introducing Apex Steak for the restaurant’s dinner service. Overnight rates starting at $299.
Fall Foliage in the Peaks of Colorado (Telluride, CO)
Embark on a bucket list adventure and watch the seasons change at Madeline Hotel and Residences in Telluride, CO this fall. Travelers can take in the fall colors just outside Mountain Village in the nearby San Sophia Mountain Range and soar to new heights with the Glide Telluride Glider Air Tour. Details of every peak, valley, meadow and lake come alive in this thrilling journey above the clouds with a local pilot beside you and dramatic views beneath you during a half hour or full hour ride in an Ask-21 glider. Back on property, nature lovers and adventure seekers alike can soak in some of the most magnificent fall foliage in the country with easily accessible scenic trails and hikes, mountain biking, organized jeep tours to Ouray and the Million Dollar Highway and more. Overlooking the spectacular San Juan Mountains, the hotels brand new Sky Terrace is the perfect place to view the vibrant colored foliage. Featuring an outdoor year-round pool, two hot tubs, two fire pits, and spectacular views, The Sky Terrace offers guests small bites and cocktails from a curated menu. Guests don’t have to turn in on a chilly fall night as The Sky Terrace offers Madeline Wool Blankets to warm up while enjoying delicious s’mores by the fire pits.
For those looking to Stamp their Passport:
Ultimate Leaf Peeping Adventures with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (Various Locations in Canada)
For the ultimate leaf peeping adventure embark on Fairmont Hotels & Resorts‘ new The Great Canadian Railway Adventure– a luxurious 20-day journey across Canada that allows guests to take in the country’s vibrant foliage from coast-to-coast. Created in partnership with VIA Rail in celebration of the country’s 150th anniversary, this once-in-a-lifetime getaway package takes leaf peeping to a new level of spectacular. From coastal Vancouver all the way cross-country to the picturesque province of Quebec, travelers will be immersed in Canada’s colorful landscape (both onboard and on foot) with each stop along the trip providing a unique Canadian leaf peeping experience. Travel is provided by VIA Rail and luxury accommodations at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts’ historic castles and iconic properties, including the recently renovated Fairmont Queen Elizabeth which will reopen this year. The Great Canadian Railway Adventure prices start at $11,988 CAD / $9,990 USD per person. Valid for travel through December 31, 2017. Suggested 2017 dates, starting in Vancouver: August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; September 6, 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11.