10 Unforgettable Fall Weekend Getaways in the Northeast
Only a few days until August, which means that fall is just around the corner! One of my favorite things about living in the Northeast is how beautiful everything looks during autumn, which makes it the perfect place to travel to this time of year. In this post, I’m sharing my top 10 favorite fall weekend getaways in the Northeast, including classic New England destinations and a few hidden gems.
From Maine through Pennsylvania, there are so many amazing places in the Northeast for a fall weekend getaway. Maybe I’m biased because I grew up here, but I think it’s the best place to visit during autumn. Nothing beats the fall colors and the cozy fall vibes up here.
I’ve rounded up my favorite Northeast fall destinations in this post, but I could easily list so many more. You’ll find a list of things to do, must-try fall treats, and hotel recommendations for each destination. Although the fall foliage each year can be a little unpredictable, I’ve also included a rough estimate of the best time to visit each place.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or with the whole family, I hope you find this list inspiring when planning your fall getaway this year! By the way, don’t forget to check out all of my FREE printable done-for-you itineraries when planning your trip this year. I even have one for Stowe, Vermont!
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase or booking through these links, at no extra cost to you.
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase or booking through these links, at no extra cost to you.
1. Stowe, Vermont
Fall vibes in Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is one of the top New England fall destinations. If you Google “fall in the Northeast”, Stowe is sure to be one of the first 10 places that show up on your search. That’s because the fall colors are just stunning here and there’s so many different ways to enjoy it.
You’ll find iconic covered bridges, hiking trails, fall treats, and even a Gondola Skyride where you can enjoy the gorgeous fall scenery. Just 20 minutes outside of Stowe, you’ll find some delicious treats which I’ve mentioned below and included in my Stowe, VT day trip itinerary.
My favorite part of visiting Stowe was walking along Main Street and checking out all of the cute shops, restaurants, and inns. I also had one of the best grilled cheese and maple latte at Black Cap Bakery – highly recommend this place for lunch!
If you’re planning to visit Stowe in the fall, make sure you book your hotel early since they tend to book up fast – even as early as June! Also note that the fall colors tend to peak earlier than other places on this list so plan your trip accordingly.
📝 Get my FREE Stowe day trip itinerary! A complete, done-for-you itinerary to help you see the best of Stowe including top attractions and places to eat all in just 1 day! →
🍂 Best Time to Visit (subject to change per season): Late September to Early October
🍎 Must-Try Fall Treats: Grilled cheese and maple latte at Black Cap Bakery. I would also recommend taking a short drive to get apple cider donuts with warm apple cider at Cold Hollow Cider Mill – a must visit near Stowe!
🍁 Must-Do Fall Activities:
- Take the Gondola SkyRide for beautiful aerial views of fall foliage
- Visit the Ben & Jerry’s factory & ice cream shop in Waterbury, VT
- Drive through Smugglers’ Notch
- Drive through Historic Gold Brook covered bridge
- Sip fresh apple cider and buy fall treats at Cold Hollow Cider Mill
- Spend Sunday mornings at the Stowe Farmers Market
- Short on time? Take small group tour of Stowe, VT!
WHERE TO STAY IN STOWE, VERMONT
🏠 Green Mountain Inn
4.6/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor
This historic inn is a cozy, charming retreat with modern amenities that’s located right along Main street in the heart of Stowe. Features a heated pool, hot tub, an outdoor terrace, firepits, and an on-site restaurant.📍See more →
🏠 Stone Hill Inn
5/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor
A cozy couples-only bed & breakfast that’s perfect for a romantic fall getaway! The rooms in this top-rated inn include king beds, a jacuzzi, and a fireplace. 📍See more →
2. Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock, VT is another small, cozy town in New England that’s a popular tourist destination in the fall. I know it sounds cheesy, but when you visit Woodstock it feels like you’re stepping into a Hallmark movie! Everything is picture-perfect and I think the colors are a bit more vibrant here compared to Stowe.
You’ll find historic homes with white picket fences, covered bridges, and tons of places to go leaf peeping. The shops here are a little more upscale compared what you’ll find in Stowe, and there’s many cafes and restaurants to check out while you’re here too.
🍂 Best Time to Visit (subject to change per season): Late September to Early October
🍎 Must-Try Fall Treat: Pumpkin bread at Mon Vert Café. We also had a maple creemee from Woodstock Scoops to end our day here!
🍁 Must-Do Fall Activities:
- Buy fall treats at the Woodstock Farmers’ Market (open Tuesday-Sunday)
- Hike to the summit of Mount Tom for gorgeous fall views
- Visit Sugarbush Farm for cheese sampling and maple syrup
- Drive through the iconic Middle Covered Bridge
- Check out the Billings Farm & Museum to learn about Vermont’s rural heritage
- Explore the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
WHERE TO STAY IN WOODSTOCK, VERMONT
🏠 Woodstock Inn & Resort
4.5/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor
A beautiful, iconic hotel located in the center of Woodstock, VT. Features a pool, spa, and cozy rooms. Even if you can’t get a room here, it’s worth a visit to check out their gorgeous gardens & landscaping!📍See more →
🏠 The Jackson
4.9/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor
A cozy bed & breakfast located in the heart of Woodstock. Although you won’t find resort-style amenities here, it’s a quaint getaway with evening firepits, beautiful gardens, and even a little trout pond!📍See more →
3. Manchester, Vermont
While Stowe and Woodstock are both beautiful, my favorite place to visit in Vermont during the fall is Manchester! It’s about 4-4.5 hours drive from New York City, so it’s perfect for a fall weekend getaway from the city.
Manchester is not as popular as Woodstock and Stowe during the fall, but it still has lots of fun things to do. The town center has lots of shops and cafes to check out. The fall foliage is also beautiful here and there’s many places to go hiking or take a scenic drive. I love that it’s also less touristy compared to Woodstock and Stowe.
🍂 Best Time to Visit (subject to change per season): Early October
🍎 Must-Try Fall Treat: Maple latte and a waffle at The Maple Reserve Cafe
🍁 Must-Do Fall Activities:
- Drive the scenic Mount Equinox Skyline Drive
- Pick up some fresh farm produce at Dutton Farmstand
- Load up on all the maple goodies at Sugar Shack
- Shop at the Manchester Designer Outlets
- Relax by the waterfall at the Manchester Riverwalk
- Hike to Lye Brook Falls or Equinox Preserve
- Tour the Southern Vermont Arts Center
WHERE TO STAY IN MANCHESTER, VERMONT
🏠 Hampton Inn & Suites Manchester
4.7/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor
Located just minutes away from the heart of Manchester village, this Hampton Inn is one of the best I’ve stayed at! It’s got free breakfast, a pool, hot tub, fitness center, and an outdoor firepit perfect for chilly nights.📍See more →
4. Lincoln, New Hampshire
Lincoln is one of the best towns to visit in New Hampshire for fall colors. It’s about 2 hours from Boston, making it a great day trip or weekend getaway destination from the city.
It’s a small town nestled in the White Mountains, which look absolutely stunning during fall. It’s located right along the famous Kancamagus Highway, which is a must-do road trip for autumn lovers! You can check out the fall colors via a train ride or an aerial tram if you prefer to let someone else do the driving.
🚌 Visiting from Boston? Take a full-day guided fall foliage tour of the White Mountains through the Kancamagus Highway starting at just $150 per person! Includes hotel pickup and transportation →
🍂 Best Time to Visit (subject to change per season): Late September to Early October
🍎 Must-Try Fall Treat: Pancakes with maple butter & maple syrup at Flapjacks Pancake House
🍁 Must-Do Fall Activities:
- Drive the Kancamagus Highway for breathtaking foliage views
- Explore Flume Gorge and hike the easy trails
- Take a scenic train ride through the White Mountains
- Ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
- Visit Franconia Notch State Park for waterfalls and mountain vistas
- Hike the White Mountains
WHERE TO STAY IN LINCOLN, NH
🏠 Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain
4.5/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor
A resort-style hotel surrounded by mountains with activities for both kids and adults. Features an onsite spa, hot tub, heated indoor + outdoor pools, wellness classes, seasonal activities, and more! 📍See more →
5. Bar Harbor, Maine
While most people visit Bar Harbor during the summer, it’s still worth checking out in the fall. That’s because it’s located near the famous Acadia National Park which looks stunning during the autumn months. I would also recommend visiting Bar Harbor if you enjoy hiking and outdoor activities. But don’t worry – there’s still a lot to do here even if you prefer a more relaxed vacation!
⏰ Short on time? Take a half-day narrated bus tour of Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor →
🍂 Best Time to Visit (subject to change per season): Early to mid October
🍎 Must-Try Fall Treat: The blueberry macchiato at Acadia Perk is a must-try! They also make yummy seasonal fall espresso drinks
🍁 Must-Do Fall Activities:
- Take a scenic drive along Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park
- Hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain
- Take a fall foliage cruise on Frenchman Bay
- Stroll the Shore Path for waterfront foliage views
- Explore local boutiques and seafood shacks downtown
WHERE TO STAY IN BAR HARBOR, ME
🏠 Bar Harbor Manor
4.7/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor
Most hotels around Bar Harbor can get expensive during summer and fall. The Bar Harbor Manor is a reasonably priced hotel in a great location between Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The rooms are spacious and there’s grab and go breakfast available as well. 📍See more →
6. Lake Placid, New York
I went to Lake Placid for the first time during Labor Day weekend of 2024 and it was breathtaking. I can only imagine how beautiful it is during peak fall season! It’s a bit of a drive from NYC so I’d recommend going there over a 3-day weekend if you can.
It’s a lakeside town in upstate New York that’s surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains. You’ll find fresh mountain air, a pretty large Main Street, and there’s also a museum dedicated to the Winter Olympics here. I found it to be a really calm and serene town and was so rejuvenated after my weekend here.
Just keep in mind that although the town is named Lake Placid, the main street with shops & restaurants is located around Mirror Lake, NOT around Lake Placid. Yep, it confused me when I first went there too! Even though I went there in the summer, I highly recommend checking it out during autumn if you can since the fall colors are beautiful here.
🍂 Best Time to Visit (subject to change per season): Late September to Early October
🍎 Must-Try Fall Treat: Maple soft serve ice cream at Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery
🍁 Must-Do Fall Activities:
- Ride the Cloudsplitter Gondola to the top of Whiteface Mountain
- Kayak or paddleboard around Mirror Lake
- Drive the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway
- Hike Cobble Hill for a quick scenic payoff
- Visit the Lake Placid Olympic Museum
- For history lovers, make sure to check out the John Brown Farm State Historic Site
- Visit High Falls Gorge for easy waterfall hikes
- Stroll Main Street and go shopping!
WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE PLACID, NY
🏠 Crowne Plaza Lake Placid
4.1/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor
I stayed here the last time I visited Lake Placid and had a wonderful stay! Get a room with a patio or balcony that faces Mirror Lake if you’re able to. The hotel is a short walk from Main Street and features a pool, hot tub, fitness center, and an outdoor fireplace for chilly fall evenings 📍See more →
7. Lake George, New York
Lake George is a favorite summer destination for many New Yorkers, but it’s also gorgeous (and a little quieter) in the fall. I’ve been to Lake George twice and to be honest, I find it so much more relaxing here in the fall than in the summer! You’ll find less crowds during autumn and the colors up here are stunning.
Nestled in the southern Adirondack Mountains, Lake George is a 3-4 hour drive north of NYC. It’s a very family-friendly town with many activities for both adults and kids to enjoy year round! Some shops may be closed during the autumn months and activities may be limited, but it’ still a fun weekend getaway with lots to do.
🍂 Best Time to Visit (subject to change per season): Early to mid October
🍎 Must-Try Fall Treat: Pumpkin spice latte at Caffe Vero
🍁 Must-Do Fall Activities:
- Relax at Shepard Park
- Take the Lake George Steamboat’s fall foliage cruise
- Visit the Fort William Henry Museum
- Hike Shelving Rock Falls Trail
- Drive Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway
- Explore local wineries and cider houses
- Go shopping at the cute shops around Lake George
- Take a day trip out to nearby Saratoga Springs
WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE GEORGE, NY
🏠 Courtyard Lake George
4.5/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor
This cozy cabin-style hotel is located in the heart of town and features gorgeous views of Lake George, an indoor pool, rooftop terrace, and a fitness center.📍See more →
🏠 Holiday Inn Resort Lake George
4.5/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor
We stayed here during out last fall trip to Lake George, and had the best time! The hotel is located on a hill, so you’ll get beautiful views of Lake George from the property. It’s a resort-style Holiday Inn with an indoor + outdoor pool, hot tub, outdoor activities, a basketball court, and an on-site restaurant.📍See more →
8. New York City
You guys know I had to mention NYC in this roundup. How can I not?! 😆
Although it may not be as calm or quaint as Vermont, fall in NYC is magical and there’s a lot to do here during autumn – including many free activities! Just note that the colors tend to peak slightly later than they do in other places on this list, so plan your trip accordingly.
I think it’s a perfect fall destination if you’re traveling solo since there is so much to see & explore here, and you definitely won’t feel weird doing things by yourself in NYC. You also don’t have to have a car since the public transportation in NYC is fantastic.
🗽 Get my FREE printable 3-Day NYC Itinerary →
🍁 25 free things to do in NYC this fall →
⏰ Short on time? Take this top rated 1-day guided sightseeing tour of NYC starting at just $99 per person! →
🍂 Best Time to Visit (subject to change per season): Mid to Late October
🍎 Must-Try Fall Treat: The blossoming hot chocolate at Dominique Ansel Bakery is one of my favorites. It’s such a cool Insta-worthy treat and they also have a little garden seating area. Check out my list of 30 cheap eats in NYC here! →
🍁 Must-Do Fall Activities:
- Walk through Central Park during peak fall foliage
- Check out fall + Halloween decorations on West Village brownstones
- Attend the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (requires a train ride up to Westchester)
- Shop seasonal produce at Union Square Greenmarket
- Visit the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery for gorgeous fall colors and spooky vibes
WHERE TO STAY IN NEW YORK CITY
🏠 Even Hotel New York – Midtown East
4.4/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor
There are so many hotels in NYC in so many neighborhoods to choose from, but I usually recommend getting a hotel near Grand Central since it connects multiple subway lines and it’s a relatively safe area. I’ve stayed in this hotel before – it’s affordable (for NYC standards!) and offers clean rooms, in-house dining, and a little outdoor terrace. It’s also located centrally around many top attractions. 📍See more →
9. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport may be known as a spring and summer destination, but it’s a hidden gem for the autumn season. It’s also less crowded here during the fall, which is another bonus!
Visit the historic mansions with a backdrop of gorgeous fall colors or relax by the water while sipping on some warm apple cider. It’s perfect for couples seeking a little romantic getaway, or for solo travelers looking to get away from the hustle & bustle of the city.
🌊 Get my FREE printable Newport, RI itinerary →
🚃 Short on time? Take a scenic trolley tour to see the best of Newport →
⛵️ Relax on the water and book a 75-minute cruise along Newport Harbor →
🍂 Best Time to Visit (subject to change per season): Mid to Late October
🍎 Must-Try Fall Treat: Maple latte and pumpkin muffin at Empire Tea & Coffee
🍁 Must-Do Fall Activities:
- Tour the Newport Mansions amidst the fall colors in the background
- Walk or bike the Cliff Walk
- Take a scenic drive along Ocean Drive
- Go apple picking at Sweet Berry Farm
- Get a free Newport, RI weekend getaway itinerary! →
WHERE TO STAY IN NEWPORT, RI
🏠 Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina
3.7/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor
My mom and I stayed at this hotel during our trip to Newport last year and really enjoyed our stay. It’s located right along Bowen’s Wharf and has gorgeous harborfront views. The hotel also has a really nice outdoor area with Adirondack chairs, a fire pit, and a boardwalk. 📍See more →
10. Ligonier, Pennsylvania
As a Pennsylvania girlie, I have to mention one of my favorite fall getaways in PA! My family and I visit Ligonier, PA nearly every fall. It’s only about 1.5 hours from Pittsburgh and about 2 hours from the Ohio border. It’s like the Poconos of western PA!
The town is located along the Laurel Highland mountains. You’ll find many cute boutique shops, restaurants, and family-friendly activities here, as well as lots of hiking trails here.
🍂 Best Time to Visit (subject to change per season): Early to Mid October
🍎 Must-Try Fall Treat: Homemade pumpkin pie at The Pie Shoppe
🍁 Must-Do Fall Activities:
- Visit Idlewild & SoakZone’s HALLOWBOO! for kid-friendly Halloween fun
- Tour Fort Ligonier, a historic French & Indian War site
- Drive the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway
- Hike at Linn Run State Park
- Attend the annual Ligonier Fall Craft & Vendor Show
- Spend the afternoon relaxing at the Seven Springs Mountain Resort
WHERE TO STAY IN LIGONIER, PA
🏠 Thistledown at Segar House
4.7/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor
Get cozy and relax at this charming boutique hotel in Ligonier. It features 8 guest rooms with fireplaces.📍See more →
🏠 Holiday Inn Express & Suites Donegal
4.6/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor
This hotel is perfect if you’re looking for a larger hotel with free breakfast, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. Located about 15 minutes outside of Ligonier in a cozy cabin-style hotel with beautiful views of fall colors. 📍See more →
📓 Here are all of my FREE printable itineraries!
☀️ Looking for more summer travel inspiration? Check out these posts!
✅ Don’t leave home without these packing lists!
- Weekend Getaway Packing Checklist (+Free Printable)
- Road Trip Packing Checklist (+Free Printable)
- Family Beach Vacation Packing Checklist (+ Free Printable)
🧳 Looking for more packing tips & essentials?
