Credit: The Inns of Aurora

Do cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and the memories of summer vacation have you full of wanderlust for your next getaway? With colorful foliage, seasonal flavors, and 11 regions to explore in New York State, fall is the perfect time to enjoy a weekend retreat. Whether the mountains call, the rivers beckon, or rolling fields entice, round up your travel companions, pack your coziest sweaters, and enjoy an intimate autumn escape before the snow flies! 

Masks are encouraged, but optional in most settings per New York State guidelines. Individual businesses or attractions may require mask wearing. Call ahead and check websites and social media to make sure attractions and amenities are open and available. 

Updated 08/07/2023

Hotel Kinsley (Hudson Valley) 

Hotel Kinsley, Kingston
Credit: Nicole Franzen

Picture this: you spend the day strolling through apple orchards breathing in the heavenly scent of ripe apples and picking a basketful to take home. Maybe you've stopped at Kingston’s Half Moon Books to peruse the shelves looking for a classic tale. Found one? Good, now head to Hotel Kinsley and curl up with your book and a hand-crafted cocktail from the hotel's wood-paneled bar. Hotel Kinsley is located in a restored 19th-century New York State Bank building in the Stockade district of Kingston. Spend the evening getting lost in a gothic tale, or hit the town for dinner at the Hoffman House.

The DeBruce (Catskills)

The DeBruce Hotel
Credit: Cadiz

Listen to the autumnal crunch of fallen leaves beneath your feet as you explore acres of easily accessible, private land around the DeBruce in Livingston Manor. Situated on a ledge overlooking the Willowemoc Valley, the DeBruce is a cozy retreat that zeroes in on the simple pleasures of a walk by the river, a sumptuous culinary experience, and the bone-deep desire to curl up by the fireplace and relax. Taste the flavors of the Catskills at a chef-prepared dinner by Executive Chef Eric Leveillee and his team (reservations required). Creative, locally sourced, and bountiful, multiple course dinners are prepared to a seasonal theme. Dinner starts in the “jewel box” dining room where a wood-burning stove creates a cozy atmosphere and the sunset over the mountains and valley offers nature’s finest show. After dinner, sit back and relax in front of a fire in the DeBruce’s fieldstone fireplace made with stones from the Willowemoc River.

The Wick Hotel (Hudson Valley)

The Wick Hotel luxury suite with couch, desk, window

If you’re interested in discovering local, independently owned shops featuring affordable artwork, seasonal culinary creations, and craft beverages, Hudson is the place to be! The Wick Hotel is in the heart of this creative town’s renaissance. Put your feet up in your modern-meets-vintage hotel room or indulge in various small plates and charcuterie boards at the Wick Restaurant and Lobby Bar. Traveling via train? The Wick Hotel is a very short walk to the Amtrak station, making this an ideal location for a quick escape.

Sannino Vineyard Bed & Breakfast (Long Island) 

Sannino Vineyard Bed & Breakfast
Credit: Courtesy of Sannino Vineyard Bed & Breakfast

Looking for a romantic getaway? Feel like you’ve ventured to Italy in the Tuscan Villa or Suite at Sannino Vineyard Bed & Breakfast in Cutchogue on Long Island’s North Fork. Each morning, share a freshly made breakfast with your sweetheart on your private patio or balcony overlooking the vineyards. Wander through the vineyards to the eco-friendly tasting house for a complimentary tasting of Sannino’s locally produced wine and a complimentary cheese platter. The tasting house was built using environmentally efficient materials, aligning with the vineyard’s sustainability practices. Sip a glass of wine as you watch the sunset over the vineyards from your sumptuously appointed room.

The William Vale (New York City)

The William Vale, Brooklyn
Credit: Courtesy of the William Vale

If coffee on your own balcony overlooking the city that never sleeps in the morning and cocktails at a rooftop bar at sunset sound like your kind of cozy, then the William Vale in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn is your kind of place. This bold-yet-intimate boutique hotel excels at making each guest experience feel special. Indoor spaces feature artwork by artists from Brooklyn and beyond and outdoor spaces provide little pops of seclusion amid the urban landscape. The Beer Garden on Vale Terrace features murals from local artists, as well as craft beer from Brooklyn’s most celebrated breweries. Don’t miss dinner at William Vale’s culinary concept, Leuca, featuring Southern Italian cuisine from celebrated NYC chef Andrew Carmellini. Bonus: In the winter, skate the skyline at their rooftop ice skating rink!  

1000 Islands Harbor Hotel (Thousand Islands-Seaway)

1000 Islands Harbor Hotel

Wake to a panoramic view of the rolling St. Lawrence River from your well-appointed suite when you get away to the charming, pedestrian-friendly village of Clayton in the Thousand Islands Region this fall. Clayton sits on a peninsula surrounded by the river, creating a coastal feel that permeates through the downtown’s shops, art galleries, waterfront restaurants, and museums. Take a boat tour to the region’s two castles, Singer Castle (until October 15) and Boldt Castle (until October 9), enjoy a show at the Clayton Opera House, and settle in for a cozy dinner at the Seaway Grille at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel. Grab a few bottles of wine from local vineyards, such as Coyote Moon Vineyards or Thousand Islands Winery, and enjoy a glass as you watch one of the Thousand Islands’ legendary sunsets.

Inns of Aurora (Finger Lakes) 

The Inns of Aurora
Credit: The Inns of Aurora

In the heart of the Finger Lakes, the Inns of Aurora is a collection of historic estates lovingly restored and united to become a luxury resort, offering a nostalgic retreat for grown-ups. Join in organized activities, including lawn or indoor board games, grab a chair for lakeside bonfires, take a walking tour, and perfect your skills at cooking classes offered by the inn. A trip to the Finger Lakes wouldn’t be complete without wine! Guests enjoy a complimentary glass of wine at happy hour, then sit down to an exquisite meal without leaving the property at 1833 Kitchen & Bar (reservations required). Named in honor of the year the Inn was built, one taste of Executive Chef Eric Lamphere’s Mushroom Crêpe Manicotti will leave you wanting more. The Inns of Aurora offer four additional stately properties for fall escapes: E.B. Morgan House (pictured), Rowland House, Zabriskie House, and Wallcourt Hall. Find your place and enjoy a cozy escape this fall.

The Inn at 28 (Chautauqua-Allegheny) 

The Inn at 28, Cuba, NY

Do country explorations and historic settings excite you? Venture to the Inn at 28 in Cuba to find a wonderful gem of a fall escape! Wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and homemade breakfast each morning. Spend your day breathing in the crisp air and leaf peeping on a hike at the nearby Letchworth State Park—known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Relax in the afternoon lounging by the fireplace with a coffee or freshly baked treat. Do you have a dog you just can’t leave behind? Not a problem! The Inn at 28 is dog-friendly.

The Adelphi Hotel (Capital-Saratoga) 

The Adelphi Hotel
Credit: Dave Bigler Studio Photography

Walk through the picturesque downtown Saratoga Springs, stopping at local shops and distinct restaurants, before arriving at the historic Adelphi Hotel. Renovated in 2017 to showcase its timeless beauty through a modern lens, the Adelphi Hotel isn’t just a hotel, it’s a must-experience destination. Forget your worries as you put on your soft robe and warm slippers and relax in ultimate luxury. Rooms feature deep bathtubs, heated everything, and luxurious touches like the hotel’s signature lotion, shampoo, and conditioner. As the sun begins to set, enjoy seasonal cocktails at Morrissey’s Lounge before heading out to dinner.

Brewster Inn (Central New York) 

Brewster Inn, Cazenovia
Credit: The Brewster Inn

Are you dreaming of a quiet lakeside escape before the snow falls? Head to the noteworthy Brewster Inn on Cazenovia Lake. Wake up each morning to fresh breakfast before taking on a day of fall activities. Navigate through a corn maze, pick your own pumpkin, and sample sweet apple cider at Critz Farms. Later in the day, relax along the lake with a glass of wine, or share a bottle from Cazenovia Inn’s award-winning, climate-controlled wine cellar. Consider yourself a “foodie?” Try Brewster Inn’s beautifully prepared dishes such as grilled filet mignon, maple-glazed salmon, and spicy lobster pasta—all made from scratch.

Friends Lake Inn (Adirondacks)

White house with brown roof and glowing orange lights at sunset

Nestled in the Southern Adirondack Mountains and surrounded by lakes, the Friends Lake Inn is the perfect place for hiking and relaxing among the vibrant fall foliage and experiencing all those cozy fall feels. Choose from rooms boasting ultimate fall comforts like fireplaces, jacuzzis, or views looking out at the bright colors of fall. Experience on-site activities like hiking on trails behind the inn, taking in the sights over the spring-fed pond, lounging next to the outdoor fire pit, or having a farm-to-fork meal at the Birch Bistro. After, immerse yourself in even more Adirondack beauty on horseback with Circle B Ranch, just a five minute drive from the inn, or on a hike up the famed Gore Mountain, 25 minutes away, and take it all in from 3,500-feet above.


Don't forget to post photos of your New York adventures on Instagram and Twitter with #NYLovesFall and #ILoveNY and tag us on Facebook!