NEWSLETTER
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! Photo Credit: The Inns of Aurora.
Originally published 8/15/22 | Updated: 07/30/2025
Hotel Kinsley (Hudson Valley)
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, cruising the historic Hudson River with views of lighthouses, waterfront mansions, and more on a Sightseeing Cruise, or hit the town for dinner at the Hoffman House.
The DeBruce (Catskills)
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 (and a 2024 James Beard Foundation semi-finalist for Best Restaurant) with creative, locally sourced, and bountiful, multiple course dinners 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. Or explore the vast 600-acre grounds across two mountains of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and birding on The DeBruce’s private 5-mile trail system.
The Wick Hotel (Hudson Valley)
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. Fall is the perfect time to visit the home of Hudson River School painter Frederic Church at Olana State Historic Park. The sprawling 250-acre estate is an architectural mix of Victorian design and Middle Eastern decor nestled on a picturesque slope by the Hudson River. Meander the scenic carriage roads overlooking impressive scenes of the Hudson Valley and Catskill mountains. 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)
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 hot 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. Wake up with the waves and walk hand-in-hand along the shores of Orient Beach State Park, just 30 minutes from your stay. Travel + Leisure magazine once named this beach one of the best secluded beaches in the United States.
The William Vale (New York City)
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)
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 and Boldt Castle (both open until October 13), 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)
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, paddling on Cayuga Lake, yoga at the waterfront, archery, or grab a chair for lakeside bonfires, take a walking tour, or partake in unique culinary experiences like an artisan chocolate tasting 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 Smoked Sweet Corn Risotto or Oyster Mushroom Milanese 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)
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. Brie-lieve it or not, if you’re a cheese lover, you’ve found the right place. Once hailed as the “cheese center of the world,” Cuba is home to the Cuba Cheese Shoppe, just steps away from the Inn!
The Adelphi Hotel (Capital-Saratoga)
Walk through the picturesque downtown Saratoga Springs, stopping at local shops and distinct restaurants, before arriving at the historic Adelphi Hotel. Showcasing 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 taking a peaceful jaunt through Congress Park on your way to a gourmet meal at 15 Church Or Hamlet & Ghost.
Brewster Inn (Central New York)
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 apples and pumpkins, and sample sweet apple cider, craft beers, and hard cider at Critz Farms. Later in the day, relax along the lake with a glass of wine, or share a bottle from the 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 truffle crusted big eye tuna—all made from scratch. An outdoor oasis awaits you 10 minutes from the Inn. Chittenango Falls boasts a magnificent 167-foot waterfall that formed 10,000 years ago, and you can soak in stunning foliage and falls views from the foot-bridge and well-groomed trails.
Friends Lake Inn (Adirondacks)
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 or scenic skyride up the famed Gore Mountain, 25 minutes away, and take it all in from 3,500-feet above.
Red Coach Inn (Greater Niagara)
Fall in love with a cozy fall getaway in Niagara Falls. Nestled in the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" is the Tudor-style Red Coach Inn, overlooking Niagara Fall's majestic Upper Rapids. Just 500 yards from the brink of the falls, you're close enough to hear the roar! If you want to get even closer, book a Maid of the Mist tour. Soak in the brisk autumnal air when you step outside the inn and follow the path to Goat Island to take in the majestic scenery and colorful foliage of Niagara Falls State Park. Relax and reconnect with the Romance Package, which includes scattered rose petals, a bottle of bubbly, chocolates, and $75 gift certificate to their restaurant. Included in your room reservation is a complimentary sit-down breakfast at the inn's award-winning restaurant.
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