The leaves are beginning to make their descent as the air takes on a new feeling of crispness. Fall is on its way in the Northern Hemisphere and it’s the best time to venture somewhere new. Whether you’re on a leaf-peeping mission or just feel the sudden urge to sip a hot apple cider in the mountains, autumnal travels have a special brand of magic. Gaze across sweeping vineyards or feel the crunch of leaves under your feet on a secluded hiking trail in the Berkshires. If you need some inspiration, consider checking into one of these pretty hotels, that become even more stunning in the fall.
Poetry Inn - Napa, California
The sprawling vines and misty mornings of Napa Valley create the perfect fall getaway and The Poetry Inn sets the stage. As the most secluded property in all of Wine Country, this adults-only stay is hidden among the grapevines. Suites are named for famous poets, like Emily Dickinson, and feature romantic amenities like wood-burning fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, wrap-around terraces, and impressive views of the valley. This five-star hotel was named for the Poetry Vineyard, a section of the Cliff Lede Winery that was rumored to be the “highest expression” of Cabernet Sauvignon. Napa Valley’s Harvest Season, running from August to October, is the perfect excuse to join in the fall festivities like grape stomping and farm-to-table meals.
The Wheatleigh - The Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Wheatleigh Hotel evokes a sense of a romantic, bygone era. Built in the late 1800s by Henry H. Cook, this Italianate mansion was designed to reflect his ancestral home in Oxford, England. Today, the hotel has a mere 19 suites that are sumptuously decorated with antiques and museum-quality artworks, some even feature marbled verandas that are perfectly idyllic for enjoying The Berkshires' impressive autumn scenery. Further indulgences include an outdoor heated pool surrounded by gardens and towering pines, an impressive wine cellar, and fine dining at The Bistro, with floor-to-ceiling views of the scarlet leaves.
The Omni Grove Park Inn - Asheville, North Carolina
Situated on 2,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Omni Grove Park Inn first opened its doors in 1913. Perched atop Sunset Mountain, the original Inn, which you can still stay in today, was constructed almost exclusively of nearby rocks and boulders. The picturesque property features an underground spa, voted “U.S. Top Resort Spas” by Condé Nast Traveler, an 18-hole championship golf course, and both indoor and outdoor pools that can be enjoyed in any season. Use the resort as a base for hiking to one of the nearby balds that are famed for dramatic views of colorful foliage. Should hunger strike after your adventure, head to one of 12 different dining areas onsite, most with striking, unobstructed views of the Smoky Mountains in the distance.
The Madeline Hotel & Residences - Telluride, Colorado
While Telluride is lovely year-round, autumn ushers in once-in-a-lifetime views of golden aspens shivering against the backdrop of snowy peaks. The Madeline Hotel & Residences is the picture of beauty come October in Telluride. Rustic meets modern in its décor that includes soaring ceilings and idyllic poster beds, each room also features private balconies with sweeping vistas, comfy accents like fluffy throw blankets, and cozy fireplaces. The Madeline prides itself on offering guests unique experiences like mushroom foraging, privately guided hikes, 4WD history tours through mountain scenery, and paint making from locally found minerals. Don’t miss a ride on the gondola for panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains.
The Inn at Ocean’s Edge - Lincolnville, Maine
Sitting on Penobscot Bay, The Inn at Ocean’s Edge is just a hop, skip, and jump from the autumn mecca of Acadia National Park. Plush king-sized beds and a complimentary gourmet breakfast are just a few of the amenities that guests can expect. Exposed wooden beams, bay views, and a light, airy decor elicit feelings of a quintessential beach retreat, made even better with the absence of summer crowds and onset of auburn leaves. The heated, infinity pool overlooks the ocean and its vibrant reflections of the surrounding scenery. If an autumnal chill takes hold after traipsing the beautiful grounds head to the cedar sauna or hot tub to properly thaw. Or warm up from the inside out with a glass of wine at Maine’s very first vineyard, Cellardoor Winery, located just a ten minute drive away.
