Weekend Getaways: 5 Fall Vacation Ideas (and Beyond!) in the US

Autumn marks the coziest time of the year. From the return of pumpkin spice lattes to the electric anticipation of the coming holiday season, there’s magic in the air. Harvest time means pumpkin patches and showy trees decked out in stunning shades of gold, amber, and crimson. And the weather brings an invigorating chill, making sweaters and boots a happy addition once more.

It’s also a fantastic time for a weekend getaway (or longer) family vacation. Here are some of our favorite kid-friendly fall vacation ideas in the US.

1. Vermont’s Twin Farms

When it comes to the best fall weekend getaways, nothing beats Vermont’s Twin Farms. Accommodations are luxurious and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding forests. Floor-to-ceiling windows and private decks provide glorious autumnal vistas.

Located on 300 acres of rolling green hills, fields, and forests, Twin Farms boasts no end to outdoor activities. Whether your family loves to hike, bike, or fly fish, they’ve got you covered. You’ll also find golf, shopping, and gallery hopping in nearby Woodstock. Accommodation options include a rustic treehouse with twig accents, a cozy log cabin with a river-rock hearth, a meadow cottage decorated in a rich Moroccan style, and more.

Besides fall foliage, Twin Farms is equally celebrated for its crisp air and cross-country skiing once the snow falls. After a day spent enjoying lovely views and scoping out chickadees, relax by a roaring fire with a glass of wine and canapés. Other activities include sledding, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing.

2. New Hampshire’s The Manor on Golden Pond

Nestled in Holderness, New Hampshire, The Manor on Golden Pond is a sprawling 13-acre estate overlooking Squam Lake. (Squam Lake gained fame in 1981’s On Golden Pond.) The Manor has 24 luxurious guest rooms with wood-burning fireplaces, private decks with views of the White Mountains, and whirlpool tubs.

This cozy bed and breakfast is the perfect location for a glorious autumnal family vacation. It provides access to countless outdoor activities, including golfing, hiking, and sailing. If you’re looking for more varied activities, head to neighboring Concord for antique and boutique shopping. And when you’re ready for some serious relaxation? Head to the Seasons Spa for regionally inspired specialties like the maple syrup mud wrap.

If you can’t break away for a fall getaway, don’t despair! Consider The Manor for wintertime. As green hills transform into white slopes, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing become your ticket to winter family fun.

3. Maine’s Hidden Pond

Kennebunkport’s Hidden Pond is a secluded escape that puts your family smack dab in the middle of nature. This chic resort invites guests to head out on leisurely bike rides and guided hikes. Along the way, discover wooded trails and peaceful surroundings enveloping you in a swirl of fall colors.

Besides discovery as a family, you’ll also have chances to plant seeds with a gardener, take a painting class with the artist-in-residence, kayak along the shore, try forest bathing, venture out on a sailing trip, or join a yoga class on the organic farm. Other activities range from visits to historic lighthouses to deep-sea fishing expeditions and whale-watching excursions.

Hidden Pond’s Tree Spa invites you into a world of deep relaxation amid the treetops of Maine. Best of all, when you return in the evenings, a nightly bonfire invites s’mores roasting fun. Foragers, local farmers, and fishermen provide the fare for incredible meals at the establishment’s rustic and romantic Earth restaurant. All told, there are 36 bungalows and two-bedroom cottages to choose from, and historic Kennebunkport is a short drive away.

4. Massachusetts’s Canyon Ranch

Nestled in the wooded Berkshires, you’ll find Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort. Enveloped in the hues of changing leaves, the resort sits within walking distance of Lenox, a town rich in culture and history.

Canyon Ranch places a premium on outdoor activity for the whole family. And you’ll have the pick of many compelling options. Whether you’re a fan of hiking, kayaking, or leisurely walks immersed in a palette of warm fall foliage, you’ll never run out of fun things to do. Winter brings chances for snowshoeing and skiing, too.

The resort features 126 rooms and includes glassed-in walkways when temperatures drop, and you feel less keen about going outdoors. The Berkshires position your family for a visit to New York City while providing a wonderful escape when it’s time to slow the pace and escape into nature.

5. New York’s Lake Placid Lodge

Majestic views abound from the emerald shores of Lake Placid at New York’s Lake Placid Lodge. Clear waters and leafy islands make the perfect setting for fall weekend getaways. And you’ll adore the rustic lodge built by hand in the opulent Arts and Crafts tradition.

The only hotel on Lake Placid, it offers a pick of 13 well-appointed rooms and 17 richly decorated cabins. Savor the best in farm-to-table dining and an array of fun fall activities. Situated in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park, you’ll definitely get your fill of fall colors, whether you’re hiking, horseback riding, or golfing.

During the winter, the park comes alive with cold weather activities. These include dog sledding, ice climbing, and snowmobiling. And when you’re ready to relax and savor the glorious interior of this romantic location? Head to the Artisans restaurant for a gourmet meal and a sampling of the best of the lodge’s award-winning wine cellar.

Fall Vacation Ideas

There’s still time to plan your next weekend getaways or fall family vacations. When you make the Eastern Seaboard your home away from home, bask in the color of harvest time in one of the most beautiful regions in the US. Best of all, when you book one of the lodges above with us, you’ll reap the best of Virtuoso Amenities, including upgrades, complimentary meals, and much more.

Are you ready to bring your fall vacation ideas to life? We can help you craft an unrivaled journey where you’ll savor the best in luxury accommodations, one-of-a-kind activities, world-class cuisine, and exclusive perks. Contact us now to take the first step toward your next adventure!