This lakeside retreat sees rustic shades of fall foliage with the most vibrant colors during the lodge’s Sept. 3–Oct. 11 special. The “Couple” Reasons to Escape this Fall package includes breakfast daily, two rounds of golf for the price of one, a 20% spa discount, and half-price wine from $150 a night.
To book: grandviewlodge.com
One of the great pleasures of the coming season is watching the leafy green trees that gave us cool shade in summer burst into the bright hues of autumn. We might think of New England or other northern locales when fall colors come to mind, but throughout the world, shorter days and cooler temperatures bring on vivid red, yellow, orange, and gold foliage.
A great way to celebrate autumn is a getaway to explore the seasonal colors in a new place. Many committed leaf peepers make it an annual event — visiting different towns seeking the best views of their beloved fall foliage. Timing varies each year, but mid-September through October is usually the best time to see colorful trees in most areas. Foliage followers are happiest when they arrive at the peak of autumn hues, but no matter what, a trip during the fall season is the perfect way to bid goodbye to summer and anticipate the coming chill of winter.
Hotels are getting into the act with special offers to tempt travelers, and we’ve rounded up a selection of programs that might take you to somewhere new or back to an old favorite locale.
Montage Deer Valley: Park City, Utah
Enjoy the radiant yellows of the aspens and receive a $150 resort credit when you reserve three consecutive nights. The credit can be applied to dining, Spa Montage treatments, and more. With the Montage’s Cadillac Ride and Drive program, you can take a complimentary chauffeured drive through the area's most scenic stretches.
To book: montage.com, promo code "Autumn"
The Godfrey Hotel: Boston, Massachusetts
From the colorful trees of the Common to its historic neighborhoods and harbor, Boston presents the classic best of autumn. The Godfrey, centrally located downtown, provides guided running tours and free rental bikes for exploring the local foliage. They’ll also arrange fall foliage cruises for another way to view the autumn colors. Rooms start at $329 per night.
To book: godfreyhotelboston.com
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee: Greensboro, Georgia
Fall colors usually arrive a bit later in southern locales, giving you more time to plan your trip. Special October programming includes festive weekend rides on the Linger Longer Express Train, Halloween candy making, pumpkin carving, and hay rides. The Family Memories Package (from $399 per night) includes breakfast for two adults and two children, keepsake gifts, and a $200 resort credit. For golfers, the Swing & Spa Package (from $549) includes golf, breakfast, and $150 spa credit per stay.
To book: ritzcarlton.com
The Lodge at Nakoma: Clio, California
Mountains, forests, and lakes in the Sierras of North Lake Tahoe create the setting for The Lodge at Nakoma. Their fall foliage package includes dinner for two and exclusive access to Altitude Recreation Center featuring a fitness room, lap pool, hot tubs, climbing wall, theater, and children’s center. The package, available from Oct. 15–Nov. 16, starts at $349 per night.
To book: nakomaresort.com
Snake River Sporting Club: Jackson, Wyoming
Set on 800 private acres along the Snake River, there’s wildlife, fly-fishing, horseback riding, and hiking among the fall colors of bright aspens. The Stay and Play package provides accommodations within Discovery Village and access to these amenities and more. It's available from Aug. 27–Oct. 14 for stays of two nights or more, from $995 per night with $100 credit towards an activity.
To book: snakeriversportingclub.com, promo code "FALL18"
The Ballantyne: Charlotte, North Carolina
This recently renovated Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond resort offers its Fall Foliage & Flavors Package that includes a day trip guide to view fall in the Carolinas and a picnic basket for two with savories, sweets, and beverages. Offered Sept. 21–Nov. 18, rooms start at around $300.
To book: theballantynehotel.com
Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina: Newport, Rhode Island
The view of Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor is breathtaking at any time, but when fall colors take over, it’s truly spectacular. Fire pits keep you warm on the outdoor deck and an indoor pool make this a year-round destination. They’re offering 25% off a minimum of three nights.
To book: gurneysresorts.com, promo code "STAY3"
Gateway Canyons Resort: Gateway, Colorado
Surrounded by fall foliage in the red rock canyons of southwestern Colorado, this resort is a perfect autumn destination with a breathtaking landscape and luxurious amenities. Guests can rent a vehicle from a rugged Jeep Wrangler to an elegant Bentley for exploring the area. Several packages are available, including a $200 daily credit or fourth night free.
To book: gatewaycanyons.com
Madeline Hotel & Residences: Telluride, Colorado
This year-round resort overlooks the town from mid-mountain and offers dramatic vistas, a heated outdoor pool, hot tubs, and fire pits. Late September’s Festival of Cars & Colors is planned with the fall colors in full array as their backdrop, and the hotel is offering a 20% discount.
To book: madeline.aubergeresorts.com, promo code "CARS"
Grand View Lodge Spa and Golf Resort: Nisswa, Minnesota
This lakeside retreat sees rustic shades of fall foliage with the most vibrant colors during the lodge’s Sept. 3–Oct. 11 special. The “Couple” Reasons to Escape this Fall package includes breakfast daily, two rounds of golf for the price of one, a 20% spa discount, and half-price wine from $150 a night.
To book: grandviewlodge.com
Teton Mountain Lodge and Hotel Terra: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Both hotels, in the midst of colorful trees and shrubs on the mountain slopes, offer wildlife tours, hiking, mountain biking, golf, rafting, and fishing. Their Book Fall & Save package includes 20% off a two-night minimum stay for all rooms and suites.
To book: tetonlodge.com; hotelterrajacksonhole.com
Park City Mountain Resort: Park City, Utah
Some of the best fall foliage colors attract travelers to the mountains in autumn to enjoy the reds, oranges, yellows, and purples of the season. The Stay Longer, Save More package at Grand Summit Hotel, Silverado Lodge, and Sundial Lodge offer discounts of 20 to 30% depending on length of stay.
To book: parkcitymountain.com
Hoshinoya: Kyoto, Japan
In a serene spot alongside a river, the inn offers views of the fall colors from guestrooms and hotel grounds. In addition, from Nov. 20–Dec. 5, guests can view the red, gold, and orange hues of the trees from above during a helicopter ride. Bookings are limited; travelers should plan ahead. From about $1,500 per night.
To book: hoshinoresorts.com
Hoshinoya: Fuji, Japan
Enjoy the autumn leaves with views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi for a memorable autumn glamping experience from Oct. 25–Nov. 25. Set in the woods, the comfortable minimalist cabins are surrounded by nature and fall colors. The season’s outdoorsy activities include campfires, fishing, chopping wood, and cooking classes. From about $1,000 per night.
To book: hoshinoya.com
French Quarter Inn: Charleston, South Carolina
Visitors can take in the foliage and historic beauty of Charleston by land, sea, and air with the Inn’s Charleston Perspective package. Guests enjoy a privately chartered helicopter tour with champagne, a sailboat ride aboard a private yacht, and a horse-drawn carriage tour through the Historic District. From about $850 per night, including transportation to and from Charleston International Airport and a $100 dining gift card.
To book: fqicharleston.com
Vintage Gardens Bed & Breakfast: Newark, New York
Located in upstate New York’s beautiful Finger Lakes region, the Fall Foliage package, offered for October, includes a room in the historic 1844 Tudor property two blocks from the Erie Canal, spiced cider and local cheese in-room, full gourmet breakfast, and passes for the Ontario Lake Wine Trail. From $115 per night, double occupancy.
To book: bedandbreakfast.com
21c Museum Hotel: Lexington, Kentucky
With about 12 million acres of forested terrain, Kentucky is one of the best places to enjoy autumn colors. Equine enthusiasts will enjoy leaf peeping along with exploring the city’s famed thoroughbred farms set among miles of rolling hills. The Kentucky Bred package includes breakfast and a horse farm tour plus a behind-the-scenes visit to world famous Keeneland Race Course from $280 per night.
To book: 21cmuseumhotels.com
Hotel Ivy: Minneapolis, Minnesota
At this historic luxury hotel, guests can join a foraging expert from the University of Minnesota and gather rare mushrooms and truffles while they enjoy the autumn leaves as part of the Epicurean Journey package. Upon their return to the hotel, they work with a chef creating ingredients such as truffle butter or mushroom pate to take home. From $229 per individual, $389 per couple.
To book: marriott.com
Waldorf Astoria Park City: Park City, Utah
With this year’s new Mountain (leaf) Rider package, guests can enjoy the fall colors while riding on a Harley Davidson motorcycle arranged by the hotel. A gourmet picnic lunch and map showing the most scenic picnic locations in the area will be provided as well as fuel for a day of breezing along colorful mountain roads. From $350 per day.
To book: waldorfastoriaparkcity.com
Big Cedar Lodge: Ridgedale, Missouri
Nestled among more than 800 acres of wilderness and overlooking a massive lake in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains, Big Cedar Lodge offers log cabins, lakeside cottages, and guestrooms featuring rustic but elegant furnishings. Fall brings vivid foliage colors, campfires, hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and golf, a perfect spot for a cozy fall getaway.
To book: bigcedar.com
