Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of inquiries about fall getaways that are easy to do and relatively safe for a COVID fall season. So, I’m sharing with you my top 4 picks for a simple, gorgeous, and FUN fall escape, all of which can be tailored for couples or families depending on how you are looking to travel. I’ve also included recommendations for activities and accommodations with each pick. All of the hotel and resort suggestions are Virtuoso properties that have been rigorously vetted across multiple screening categories. Oh, and did I also mention that you receive a whole host of perks and exclusives just for booking your stay through RH Travel Design?!?
Shoot me an email to take advantage and let’s get planning!
Route 100 in Vermont
A gorgeous scenic highway that runs the length of Vermont from North to South. It’s about 200 miles long so it lends itself well to a long weekend getaway with plenty of stops. Perfect for a self-drive itinerary.
Why I Love It:
It is an absolutely spectacular drive for taking in the beauty of New England’s fall foliage. Postcard-perfect Vermont villages dot the route with plenty of stops built-in along the way. Visit classic cider mills, breweries, farm to table restaurants, and the famous Cabot Cheese farm store!
Insider TIp:
Check out American Flatbread restaurant and the village of Grafton-the prettiest town in Vermont! I also suggest Quechee. It's makes for a relaxing lunch stop and there is also the Simon Pearce workshop. A meal or drink on their terrace overlooking the falls is not to be missed. Wonderful place to shop for an original piece of his to take home as a souvenir!
Where to Stay:
So many options, you will be spoiled for choice! I recommend Twin Farms, right off Rt 100. It's perfectly situated, all-inclusive, and 5-stars all the way around!
Lenox, Massachusetts
Perfect for outdoor activities and those who appreciate the arts, the area is centrally located in the region and makes a perfect base for exploring all that fall in New England has to offer.
Why I Love It:
Because of its location in farm country, Lenox is well-known for its locally-grown food scene. Think New England’s version of northern California! You’ll need it after working up an appetite hiking, biking, and canoeing! Not to mention taking in all the local artist galleries in nearby Tanglewood.
Insider Tip:
Intrepid hikers try Mt. Lafayette. For a smaller hike, go with Mt. Tom. For quintessential New England dining, try Cloudland Farm.
Where to Stay:
Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort. It is located in the heart of the wooded Berkshires and is within walking distance of lovely, culture-rich Lenox. Canyon Ranch does a fantastic job of making your stay as relaxing or as active as you want it to be, and places special emphasis on integrating health and wellness during your visit.
Litchfield County, CT
The Litchfield Hills, located in the Northwest corner of Connecticut are gorgeous when covered in their fall foliage glory.
Why I love it:
Basically, when you picture New England, you are probably picturing the Litchfield Hills. Think rolling farmland, village greens, resplendent fall foliage, covered bridges, quaint towns…you get the idea.
Insider Tip:
Be sure to check out the towns of New Preston, Litchfield, and Kent.
Where to Stay:
Mayflower Inn in Washington, CT. A beautiful country retreat situated on 58 acres of beautiful countryside with a renowned spa.
Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains
When you think of the Blue Ridge Mountains, your first thoughts might be of Asheville or the Smokies, but Virginia mountain country is just as spectacular!
Why I love it:
It’s a bit off the typical Blue Ridge circuit with its own Southern-farm-country- meets-the-mountains vibe.
Insider Tip:
Check out the Virginia apple country. Picking apples at an orchard is a super-fun family excursion that can become a great family tradition to add to your fall memory bank.
Where to Stay:
Primland or The Salamander Resort and Spa. Primland for mountain country and Salamander for Virginia horse and wine country.
Montreal & Eastern Townships, California Wine Country
THE HONORABLE MENTIONS
These receive honorable mention due to a couple of factors. Remember at the beginning how I mentioned these would be simple, easy, and COVID friendly? Unfortunately, Montreal may not be accessible for us this fall. It will all depend on whether or not the Canadian government decides to extend the border closure after the September 21st deadline. If the restrictions on leisure travel are lifted, it could be a fabulous last-minute booking options.
Sonoma and Napa were going to be my #5, but due to the ongoing wild fires, this may not be the best choice for people with chronic lung conditions, asthma, or airborne allergy sensitivities. The dust and ash kicked up by the winds travels for miles. As an asthma sufferer myself, it would make my trip less than pleasant. If you are one of the lucky ones where this isn’t an issue, please contact me! I highly recommend Meadowood in Napa and Farmstead in Sonoma. I also have some wonderful wine country itineraries to share with you!
