5 amazing autumn retreats in the Northeast

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As summer fades away, autumn is right around the corner. Fall brings a refreshing break from the heat and humidity of summer, along with several long weekends (including Labor Day and Thanksgiving) and breathtaking views filled with vibrant foliage.

If you're situated in the Northeast, you have a fantastic opportunity to relish all the delights that fall offers, from dishes crafted with fresh produce to leisurely drives through forests that have transformed into stunning canvases of color.

To assist you in navigating the region's charming towns, we focused on five destinations that are just a short drive from New York City, Boston, and other Northeastern hubs—each with its unique appeal this fall.

Don't forget to pack a reliable credit card for earning points on fuel purchases if you're planning a scenic drive to see the autumn leaves, and make sure to make your reservations soon.

The Catskills

Depending on your location, you can escape to the beautiful and sometimes rural Catskills in just a little over two hours. This region features undulating landscapes interspersed with flowing rivers and stunning waterfalls, making it ideal for fall foliage hikes and drives.

Check out the Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain trails near Big Indian; Kaaterskill Falls in Hunter, New York; the hike leading to the restored fire tower on Mount Tremper near Phoenicia; and the Overlook Mountain trailhead just outside of Woodstock.

The Catskills region is experiencing a new revival, making it easy for even regular visitors to discover previously hidden parts of the vast wilderness.

Consider staying at the Urban Cowboy Lodge in Big Indian starting at $360 per night (choose a room with a clawfoot soaking tub or an outdoor cedar hot tub) or Kenoza Hall, a highly regarded property from the esteemed Foster Supply Hospitality. This 55-acre estate dates back to the 1800s, with room rates beginning at $349 per night. For a luxurious experience, try The Chatwal Lodge, a new rustic retreat created by the mind behind The Chatwal, a Luxury Collection hotel near Times Square in Manhattan. Rates here start at $1,200 a night.

Saratoga Springs

If you think Saratoga Springs is just about horse racing, think again. This city, located about four hours north of New York City, is experiencing a renaissance, driven by fantastic new hotel openings and the Upper Hudson Wine Trail, which boasts a growing list of family-owned vineyards and wineries.

If you visit between mid-September and early October, you might even witness the excitement of the harvest. From this location, you can conveniently explore the picturesque Lake George and the towering peaks of the Adirondacks.

The Brentwood Hotel, opened in 2016 in a transformed motor lodge, is a standout in the area. Designed by Brooklyn-based Studio Tack, this 12-room boutique hotel showcases equestrian themes reflective of its proximity to the racecourse; room rates start at $300 per night.

Another option is the historic Adelphi Hotel, which underwent a complete renovation in 2017 and now offers delightful rooms starting around $259. Even if you’re not an overnight guest, be sure to visit Morrissey’s bar, named after the yarn-spinning sportsman who introduced horse racing to the area.

The Berkshires

The word is out about this picturesque mountainous area in western Massachusetts. Nestled equally between New York City and Boston, the Berkshires offer an ideal fall escape featuring superb hiking, cultural experiences, and cozy accommodations.

There are countless ways to enjoy your autumn days in this region. Located in a cluster of 19th-century mill buildings in North Adams, MASS MoCA, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, has long attracted art enthusiasts. Be sure to check out Sol LeWitt's impressive wall drawings, a museum highlight since their installation in 2008. The region also hosts the Norman Rockwell Museum (where you should book timed tickets ahead of your visit) and The Mount, the historic home of Edith Wharton in Lenox.

Miraval Berkshires is the third location of this wellness-focused brand. Guests can enjoy horseback riding at Meadowview Stables, participate in beekeeping classes, hike in the surrounding woods, and indulge in soothing treatments at the expansive 29,000-square-foot Life in Balance spa. As part of the World of Hyatt program, an off-peak award night at this Category 12 resort will set you back 40,000 points for a single occupancy, with cash rates starting around $650 this fall.

Visitors can also stay at the nearby Wyndhurst Mansion, set within a Gilded Age estate and cottage. This complex features refined accommodations, an outdoor swimming pool, an 18-hole golf course, and a fitness facility. It also offers two dining options — a tavern serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as the upscale 1894 Fireside Bistro, which provides lunch and dinner.

The Hudson Valley

For a quick weekend getaway from New York City, the Hudson Valley is hard to surpass. The quaint town of Hudson is only two hours away by Amtrak or two and a half hours by car.

You can easily settle in at the relaxed Rivertown Lodge (with rates starting at $239 per night) or the culinary-centric Wm Farmer & Sons (starting at $269 per night). Another excellent choice is The Wick, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, which has been transformed from a 19th-century candle and soap-making factory in town (though anticipate paying 49,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night if booking this fall). There's also The Maker Hotel, a cozy 11-room venue spread across three historic buildings downtown; prices begin at around $450 per night in the fall, but be ready for a two- or three-night minimum stay. For a more serene atmosphere, head to Amenia and check into Troutbeck — an inn on a historic estate that once welcomed Mark Twain, Henry David Thoreau, and Teddy Roosevelt. The spacious, bright rooms here will cost you upwards of $435 per night.

No matter where you choose to stay, don’t miss the chance to sail on the Hudson, enjoy leisurely hikes, and partake in apple picking. After all, this is autumn in New York State.

Central Vermont

Located about five hours from New York City and under three hours from Boston, central Vermont's picturesque mountain scenery and quaint small-town vibe make it an ideal spot for an autumn retreat. With a total population of around 624,000, even the capital, Montpelier, has a friendly, community feel where everyone seems to know one another.

Nestled in the center of Woodstock, the historic Woodstock Inn & Resort, founded by Laurence and Mary Rockefeller, has recently completed a $16 million renovation of its Federalist-style building, which houses 142 rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining at the Red Barns and pamper themselves with treatments at the expansive 10,000-square-foot spa. Room rates begin at $342 per night.

In the nearby town of Barnard, explore the luxurious Relais & Châteaux property Twin Farms — a collection of elegantly decorated, art-filled cabins set within a sprawling 300-acre estate, with rates starting at $2,550 per night. Here, you can take in the stunning fall foliage, relax in a Japanese-style furo, or enjoy canoeing and fly fishing on the estate's pond.