17 Greatest Fall Getaways On The East Coast

From New England to Florida, the East Coast is likely one of the finest locations to spend crisp autumn days. Under, TravelAwaits writers inform us about their favourite East Coast locations to go to within the fall. Whether or not you’re after fall foliage or sunshine and sand, listed below are one of the best locations to go on the East Coast in autumn.

1. Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine

“Acadia Nationwide Park on Mount Desert Island is a 47,000-acre park that’s stunning year-round. It has a 27-mile park loop with loads of locations to cease and benefit from the leaves and take pictures of the foliage.

“You can too go to the very best level alongside the Jap Coast on the park’s 1,527-foot Cadillac Mountain. You’ll have fairly a view from there. Benefit from the leaves on maples and birches, together with quite a lot of evergreens. For those who need to get a little bit of train, there are 120 miles of trails.

“You possibly can spend a half or an entire day having fun with the colourful orange and crimson hues of nature within the park. The city of Bar Harbor can be enjoyable with outlets and plenty of seafood eating places. You possibly can simply spend a complete weekend right here.

“Spend the evening in Bar Harbor on the Stability Rock Inn. It’s a beautiful resort proper on the water overlooking a secluded seashore.” — Robin O’Neal Smith

2. Stowe, Vermont

“You’ll get pleasure from spending time in Stowe, Vermont, a picturesque city ablaze with stunning leaves within the fall.

“There are mountaineering trails for individuals who need a bit extra train. Many eating places characteristic farm-to-table eating and craft beer. Strive a cider donut from one of many many nation shops within the space.

“Spend the evening within the European-style Trapp Household Lodge owned by the Austrian household who impressed The Sound of Music. They’ve rooms, suites, and villas in addition to quite a lot of eating places and actions.” — Robin O’Neal Smith

3. New Hampshire’s Lakes Area

“The White Mountains of New Hampshire are in all probability the Granite State’s most well-known spot for viewing fall foliage — for good purpose. The scenic drive alongside the Kancamagus Freeway is among the many nation’s most attractive areas for admiring blankets of vivid orange, golden yellow, and fiery crimson leaves in autumn.

“For those who’re in search of a fall RV trip vacation spot that may have barely fewer guests in September and October, think about the Lakes Area. This space within the central a part of the state is residence to Lake Winnepesaukee, New Hampshire’s largest physique of water. Right here you’ll additionally discover scenic Squam Lakes, the place On Golden Pond was filmed.

“Whether or not you’re driving across the lakes, strolling via small cities like Meredith or Wolfeboro, looking for out lined bridges, taking a scenic boat cruise, or mountaineering within the space’s mountains, you’ll possible be capable to get pleasure from fairly altering leaves. Sustain with the place and when leaves are peaking with the state vacationer affiliation’s on-line foliage tracker.” — Kara Williams

4. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

“I used to be raised on the New England coast and by no means miss a chance to go to. After I need an city getaway that’s nonetheless near the shore, I head to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, simply 10 minutes from the state’s short-but-spectacular shoreline. All fantastically preserved historic structure and walkable streets, Portsmouth is photogenic and simple to discover. It additionally has a vibrant arts, tradition, and eating scene.

“Moreover appreciating the fiery foliage, prime fall actions embody biking, mountaineering, historical past and meals excursions, and reside jazz and theater (the latter in a restored vaudeville home). By early October, you may take a cruise out to the beautiful, remoted Star Island. The boutique procuring scene is memorable, particularly for brand new and preowned clothes, books, and native artwork and crafts. My favourite new addition to Portsmouth is Vent, an ‘various exercise’ house the place you may free your frustrations by splattering paint and smashing glass.” — Robin Catalano

5. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

“I really like Cape Cod any time of yr, however autumn is additional particular. The crowds of vacationers have gone again to work, the summering college students have returned to highschool, and the locals have begun to settle into their low season routine.

“After Labor Day, many seashores, like Mayflower Seaside in Dennis, loosen their canine restrictions. One in every of my favourite methods to spend a fall morning is to stroll alongside the quiet seashore with my canine fortunately chasing seagulls. It’s a kind of particular moments — joyful and contemplative.

“The Cape Cod Rail Path takes on sensible fall colours, dotted between the evergreens; it offers a picturesque stroll via the cities and villages. A cease at Truro Winery for a wine tasting is a calming method to benefit from the cooler climate. A bit of additional down Route 6 and also you arrive in Provincetown the place the streets are much less congested. A brisk wind whips round Provincetown Harbor as you stroll alongside the pier — a foretelling of the onset of freezing winter gales.” — Sandi Barrett

6. Newport, Rhode Island

“Oozing with New England attraction, Newport is a lovely, Rhode Island coastal city with excellent views, superb eating places, and majestic mansions. Fall festivities embody pick-your-own orchards, harbor cruises (via mid-October), and ghost excursions. Take a lantern-led tour via Newport’s oldest and most haunted places on an Olde City ghost stroll, the preferred strolling tour.

“For those who’d fairly take a journey, head to Pachet Brook Tree Farm in close by Tiverton to take a 30-minute hayride via the fields and woods of the 90-acre family-run farm which terminates on the pumpkin patch (weekends via October). Or, be part of Rail Explorers for a fall journey on pedal-powered rail bikes alongside deserted railroad tracks by the bay.

“Newport additionally hosts a number of festivals within the fall, together with meals fests resembling Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Pageant (October 15-16, 2022) and Newport Meals Truck & Craft Beer Pageant at Fort Adams State Park (Oct 15), each of which characteristic a few of the finest eats within the space.” — Laura Ray

7. Hudson Valley, Upstate New York

“On the subject of crisp mornings and wealthy colours, it’s exhausting to beat the Hudson Valley in Upstate New York as a fall vacation spot. Whether or not you head north from New York Metropolis or south from Albany, one of the best stops alongside the Hudson River stretch from Tarrytown to Catskill.

“Gallop with the Headless Horseman by visiting the actual locations that impressed Washington Irving’s quick story in Sleepy Hole,” suggests Scott. “Admire the views as soon as obtainable to solely the mega-rich by touring the grounds of Gilded Age mansions framed by yellow, orange, and crimson leaves. Or, get a chicken’s eye view by strolling over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie. Really feel the crunch of leaves beneath your boots while you hike with an alpaca in Hyde Park. Drink in the great thing about Kaaterskill Falls. Let the sounds of nature serenade you to sleep while you spend the evening glamping at Treetopia in Catskill.” — Sage Scott

8. Central Park, NYC

“It’s exhausting to choose only one spot to absorb the autumn magnificence on the East Coast, however New York Metropolis and Central Park particularly is a prime contender. The climate within the metropolis is ideal, the crowds are decrease than in the summertime, and Central Park places on a shocking show of fall foliage. We visited final yr in early November and the leaves have been nearly at their peak. We deliberate the journey so we may expertise fall within the metropolis and likewise catch the Christmas markets, that are usually in full swing by the primary a part of November. Fall is my favourite time to go to NYC.” — SJ Morgensen

9. Pennsylvania Fall Festivals

“Crisp air, vibrant autumn leaves, and the odor of apple cider and funnel desserts are just some issues that make you consider fall and the unbelievable festivals in Pennsylvania. From the Bedford Fall Foliage Pageant and the Ebensburg PotatoFest to the PA State Flaming Foliage Pageant and the Lancaster Balloon Pageant, there’s a pageant in Pennsylvania for everybody to get pleasure from.” — Robin O’Neal Smith

10. Boonsboro, Maryland

“Fall street trippers ought to think about Boonsboro, Maryland, a city I visited this week. This charming small city, all dolled up for fall, has a walkable downtown space with a widely known pizzeria, inn, and faucet home from Nora Roberts’s Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy. Roberts is from Boonsboro, the place one can find the biggest number of her world-famous revealed books at Flip the Web page Bookstore and rather more. Strive seasonal craft beer from Dan’s Restaurant & Faucet Home and cross your fingers that they’ve butternut squash soup on the autumn menu.

“Leaf peeping is a well-liked out of doors exercise, as is mountaineering to the primary Washington Monument at Washington Monument State Park. It’s a simple stroll from the parking zone and on the Appalachian Path. Be looking out for hawks, eagles, and falcons within the fall months. Historical past lovers ought to take within the Antietam Nationwide Battlefield Civil Warfare websites, 10 minutes away.” — Melody Pittman

11. Luray, Virginia

“Luray, Virginia, is a lovely location for fall adventures within the Blue Ridge Mountains. This charming small city affords delectable eateries, the well-known Luray Caverns, wineries, and a surroundings overload. See the large stalactites, flowstones, and stalagmites at Luray Caverns, a cave system with the Nice Stalacpipe Organ. Don’t miss the Backyard Maze on the Caverns, the biggest hedge maze within the Mid-Atlantic. Luray-Hawksbill Greenway is ideal for a two-mile stroll or bike journey.

“Contemplate overnighting in a darling cottage with a jetted tub and fireside on the Mimslyn Inn, a lovely historic property with an onsite restaurant and bar, inside strolling distance of Historic Downtown Luray. I like to recommend the nice and cozy ham-wrapped brie appetizer from The Speakeasy, which additionally options reside leisure. Luray is a good spot for hopping on the central entry level of the scenic Skyline Drive in Shenandoah Nationwide Park, the place the leaf-peeping needs to be primo.” — Melody Pittman

12. Virginia Seaside, Virginia

“Though regarded as a summer season vacation spot, Virginia Seaside might be loved within the fall. After Labor Day, trip crowds have thinned out, water turns into a little bit cooler, and seashores on the South finish are quieter. For me, this is a perfect time.

“Get pleasure from lengthy walks alongside the seashore and lunch at one of many native eateries. Head to Well-known Al’s for one among their basic scorching canine with fixings. Slurp oysters at Chick’s Oyster Bar. My private favourite is the mac and cheese at BoBo’s High-quality Hen whose recipes have been handed down from each household and pals.

“If you’re seeking to destress, get a therapeutic massage or spa package deal at [email protected]. Merely mendacity on the North Finish seashores or watching navy plane land from First Touchdown Seaside additionally helps put you in a relaxed way of thinking. Mingle with locals within the ViBe district’s Younger Veterans, Smartmouth, or The Bunker breweries.” — Keshler Thibert

13. Hanging Rock State Park, North Carolina

“Hanging Rock State Park is 30 miles north of Winston-Salem. The park has greater than 7,000 acres set within the Sauratown Mountains. Peaks right here attain 2,500 toes. There are waterfalls, streams, and a lake. Climbing is a unbelievable method to view the autumn leaves. Lots of the trails listed below are reasonable to strenuous, however there are a few ‘simple’ trails for strolling. The lake has nice picture-taking angles. The picnic space close to the lake has consuming water, restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible picnic tables.” — Loretta Berry

14. Asheville, North Carolina

“Is there something higher than Asheville, NC, within the Blue Ridge Mountains? Asheville is residence to the enduring Biltmore, the 8,000-acre Vanderbilt Property. Now is a superb time to discover Asheville’s fall foliage, with dozens of deciduous color-changing timber, primarily in October. A mountain hike places you amidst the crimson, orange, and yellow hues, and the brisk mountain air. Graveyard Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a simple mountaineering path, or select Linville Falls Trails for its thundering waterfall.

“Get pleasure from appetizers and an area beer flight at Cedric’s Tavern, the place the Tavern Pork Pie is excellent, earlier than touring the Biltmore Mansion, gardens, and grounds. Procuring is fulfilling at Antler Hill Village, the place you may dive into the Creamery’s Winky Bar Sundae or partake in a complimentary wine tasting. Downtown Asheville shouldn’t be missed—with a mural path, the Grove Arcade, Asheville Artwork Museum, and French Broad Chocolate Lounge’s artisanal candies.” — Melody Pittman

15. Charleston, South Carolina

“Charleston is an thrilling city at any time of yr, however within the fall, when the climate is completely good, you’ll expertise all the things the so-called Holy Metropolis has to supply on the ultimate temperature to get pleasure from all of it. 

“Charleston is an previous metropolis with a ton of historical past. It is named one of the vital haunted locations in America. Despite the fact that they run year-round, the autumn is a terrific time to take a ghost and graveyard tour because it affords you unique entry to one among Charleston’s oldest graveyards after darkish.” — Jeanine Consoli

16. Amelia Island, Florida

“Amelia Island is the right fall getaway on the East Coast. It’s a attractive location yr spherical, however in fall, you’ve got a really tranquil, uncrowded seashore with a lot of wide-open out of doors house.

“A barrier island simply off the coast of northeast Florida, one can find your individual little piece of paradise while you go to within the fall. The mushy white sand received’t burn your toes, the pristine water remains to be heat, and the crowds are gone. The temperature in fall is within the 70s as much as mid-80s.

“Historic downtown showcases some glorious specialty outlets, eateries with all types of cuisines, the oldest bar in Florida, and extra. Plentiful out of doors actions embody fishing, crusing, biking, mountaineering, {golfing}, and horseback using on the seashore. Take a historic tour or hit the spa. I simply love strolling on the seashore and studying a e-book whereas sitting by the ocean. You may loosen up and savor the quiet and the wonders of nature.

“Fall ushers in a myriad of festivals for guests to get pleasure from from the Fish to Fork pageant happening on September 29 – October 2 to the Northeast Florida Truthful taking place October 13 – 23. You may additionally benefit from the Island Hop Craft Brew Fest and the Amelia Island Jazz Pageant each taking place in October.

“After we visited, we stayed within the newly constructed Springhill Suites by Marriott, and we cherished having a bit of additional room within the suites, the pool space, and the fantastic Luna High-quality Artwork Gallery, housed between the Springhill and the Courtyard resort.

“I can’t think about a greater place to go to and make new reminiscences if you end up wanting a much-needed escape within the fall on the East Coast.” — Robin O’Neal Smith

17. The Florida Keys

“Fall is a particular time to go to the Florida Keys. The warmth is much less oppressive, the crowds are smaller, and there are many occasions deliberate to lure guests throughout this usually sluggish time of the yr.

“Fantasy Fest in Key West attracts the largest crowds. It’s highlighted by outrageous occasions and costumes, physique portray, and plenty of alcohol. The nine-day continuous celebration in October is decidedly LGBTQ-friendly. There’s a clothing-optional pool celebration for males. Ladies are inspired to ‘Rock the Tatas,’ with one of the best tatas successful a $500 prize. Nearly each bar on the town has reside music each evening. This isn’t the place for bashful individuals.

“Issues are a little bit tamer elsewhere within the Keys. Key Largo hosts REEF Fest in October, with sports activities diving on the offshore reef. In November you’ll discover true gluttony on the Stone Crab Claw consuming contest in Marathon. The Islamorada Sailfish Event is the primary week in December.

“Verify the official Keys web site for a listing of all occasions.” — Fred Mays