Fall in the U.S. is nothing short of extraordinary, with the entire country drenched in the vivid kaleidoscope of autumn colors. In addition to enjoying fall foliage at our national parks, you might be tempted to take your fall affections to the next level with a seasonal getaway. This instinct? Run with it; pack up the car, book a cabin or cottage, and let yourself fall for fall. Here are 11 magnificent fall getaways in the U.S. that not only make the most of this fleeting season's splendor, they also offer pure, unadulterated, soul-filling rest and relaxation.
Leavenworth, Washington
You'll feel as though you've been whisked away to the German Alps when you visit Leavenworth, Washington, one of the most enchanting towns in the Pacific Northwest. While outdoor options abound in this part of the country, Leavenworth really is a cultural hub for those looking for the perfect apres ski experience. Here you'll find German specialties, including sausages, schnitzel, sauerkraut, pastries, potato salad, and of course, plenty of beer. During the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, ice climbing, sleigh rides, and more; but Leavenworth is equally resplendent in the fall, when its mountainous surroundings are dotted with vivid fall foliage. What's more, the town's annual Oktoberfest is one of the best fall festivals the country, and between the bright foliage, crisp air, and bustling downtown, you'll be positively delighted when you visit Leavenworth in the autumn.
Sun Valley, Idaho
A year-round all star, Sun Valley might be world-famous for winter recreation (people travel from all over the country to ski at the superlative Sun Valley), hiking, fly-fishing, golf, *and* wineries, but this town is especially lovely during the autumn. A period of sublime natural splendor and epic fall foliage that's betwixt and between the town's peak tourist seasons, there's no place like Sun Valley in the fall. Whether it's the vibrant scenery or the feeling of the crisp mountain air, this beautiful mountain town somehow becomes even more irresistible in the fall season. Whether you come to enjoy the town's seasonal festivities, fly fishing, wineries, or cozy mountain resorts, you're in for a real treat when you visit Sun Valley in the fall.
Telluride, Colorado
A place of unrivaled natural beauty, Telluride, Colorado, is a serene Old West town that's sure to capture your heart. From its historic downtown, the massive, snow-capped San Juan peaks seem to rise up into the clouds; these mountains are Telluride. Winter recreation aside (and it's epic, by the way), visitors can't help but want to spend their time strolling through the streets of downtown Telluride during the autumn, when the vivid fall colors of its surrounding forests and valleys offer a startling contrast against the stark granite peaks. If you can manage to pull yourself away from the views, stop in to Last Dollar Saloon and New Sheridan Hotel, two must-visits that harken back to the town's Old West days. Oh, and did we mention Telluride's public transit system is a gondola? It is, and believe us when we say that an autumn ride on the Telluride and Mountain Village Gondola will leave you completely smitten with this Colorado town.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
There's simply no way to talk about fall getaways in the U.S. without including Gatlinburg. One of the most visited and iconic mountain towns in America, Gatlinburg is a place that needs no introduction. So instead allow us to wax poetic about this Tennessee treasure. A massive aquarium, mountain coaster, and abundance of attractions and restaurants make Gatlinburg one of the country's most unique and family-friendly destinations. And in terms of mountains, Gatlinburg sits beside the world-famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so needless to say, outdoor activities abound. The Smokies are a wonderland of hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife; however, if you're not a hiker, the Ober Gatlinburg Tramway is an exciting and accessible way revel in the majestic mountain scenery -- and during the fall? Well, prepare to be totally dazzled by the views.
Asheville, North Carolina
Surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, combines epic outdoor adventure with indelible mountain town charm. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene and delightful mix of quirky eateries and acclaimed restaurants; the region is also home to beautiful wineries and world-renowned attractions (see: The Biltmore). Of course, the area's natural splendor is in a league all its own, with the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains embracing Asheville and offering visitors unparalleled outdoor recreation, adventure, and scenery. As a bonus, the numerous vineyards in Asheville are impossibly beautiful during the peak of fall foliage.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
With its iconic Victorian architecture and winding streets, you'd be hard-pressed to find a town as incredibly charming as this Natural State gem. The entire city of Eureka Springs is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making this mountain town a favorite for historians, too. Of course, that's not to discount the outdoor recreation in this area; Eureka Springs has everything from zip lining, cave tours, and boat excursions to scenic hikes and adventures in the awe-inspiring Arkansas Ozarks. Visit in the fall, however, and it's almost as if Mother Nature herself has turned the dial up on the sublime beauty of this Southern mountain town.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is home to some of the most charming mountain towns in the country, and Harpers Ferry is quite possibly the Platonic ideal of mountain towns. The site of John Brown's Raid, a key event in the prelude to the Civil War, Harpers Ferry is home to a historic district with 100 buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When you're finished your historical tour of Harpers Ferry, it's time to revel in the town's abundant outdoor attractions. The options are endless: go hiking, fishing, or whitewater rafting at the 3,660-acre Harpers Ferry National Park, located in the Blue Ridge of the sprawling Appalachian Mountains. In fact, Harpers Ferry is an Appalachian Trail town, one that represents the mid-point of the iconic trail, too. It's got options for train lovers, nature lovers, adventure lovers, National Park lovers, water lovers, civil war buffs, and those interested in walking in the steps of the Founding Fathers or Lewis and Clark. Oh, and for fall foliage enthusiasts, Harpers Ferry puts on what is perhaps the best fall foliage show in the country.
Lake Placid, New York
Upstate New York is full of charming accommodations in the midst of beautiful landscapes, but it’s hard to top Lake Placid. Full of top-tier amenities and surrounded by spectacular views, it’s one of the best places in the Empire State to visit if you’re looking for a stellar family vacation or romantic weekend in the mountains. No matter when you visit, you'll be positively enchanted: Lake Placid is a snowy wonderland in the winter and a picturesque outdoorsy escape in the summer. For a truly bucket-list experience in Lake Placid, though, visit during the fall, when the foliage of Upstate New York shines brightest. Revel in the autumn landscape at Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, the epitome of luxurious mountain getaways that features a private beach, complimentary boats, world-class spas, top-rated restaurants, and Insta-worthy accommodations -- all in one of the most resplendent regions of the country.
The Berhshires - Massachusetts
There's nothing quite like fall in New England. While New Hampshire and Vermont tend to steal the spotlight, the Berkshires of Massachusetts are a charming alternative that offer equally awe-inspiring autumnal views. For a total fall-in-New-England experience, pay a visit to one of the many little locales in the region, like the artsy town of Lenox. Come and enjoy a fall weekend in this winsome town in the Berkshires, and prepare to be totally charmed by the entire experience!
Stowe, Vermont
Located in northern Vermont, Stowe is a mountain town that's a picture-perfect slice of pastoral living. During the spring and summer months, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking; in the winter, the skiing in Stowe is positively perfect. Of course, Stowe's beauty really shines in the autumn, as its streets and landscape come alive in bright crimson, gold, and orange hues. With so much natural beauty and Northeast charm, Stowe is definitely one of the country's most beguiling little towns, and it is at its finest in the height of fall foliage.
Bar Harbor, Maine
This quaint mountain town on Maine's iconic coast is nothing short of magical. Known primarily as the gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a delightful destination in its own right. The idyllic town boasts an abundance of bed-and-breakfast accommodations, resorts (see: Terramor Outdoor Resort!), charming local shops, and a plethora of fresh seafood restaurants -- many of which overlook the ocean. Visitors to this Maine village will also enjoy wandering along Frenchman Bay, admiring classic lighthouses, and exploring the area via the land or water. Of course, with regard to Acadia, the park's unique mountain attractions -- such as an overlook at Cadillac Mountain where you can be among the first in the country to watch the sun rise -- are truly bucket-list worthy, and all the more reason to make Bar Harbor, Maine, your next mountain town getaway.
Don't let the season pass you by; take a moment to drink in the gorgeous fall colors of America, because there truly is nothing better. (Except, of course, taking in the fall foliage from one of these amazing getaway destinations.)
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