NEWSLETTER
Fall is the perfect time to gather your favorite people and enjoy a getaway across New York State. From rustic mountain retreats and colorful foliage to lakeside spa days, vineyard tastings, and cultural landmarks, each destination offers its own reason to turn a fall getaway into a memorable journey for you and your friends.
Pick the region that interests you most and discover Black-owned businesses, cultural landmarks, memorable dining, and must-see attractions. Whether you are planning a celebration, catching up, or setting out for a spontaneous weekend, these regional stops make it easy to create moments that feel personal, flexible, and full of discovery.
This article was originally published on 09/03/2025 and last updated on 09/09/2026.
View Scenic Mountain Escapes in the Catskills (Catskills)
Make The Lorca–Catskills your home base in Shandaken, NY, and experience a Black-owned collection of private mountain homes offering plenty of space for groups to relax, reconnect, and enjoy the surrounding Catskills scenery.
From there, spend time exploring Phoenicia, a laid-back mountain town filled with local shops, restaurants, and small-town charm. For sweeping views of the fall landscape, head to Belleayre Mountain and ride the Catskill Thunder Gondola to the summit, where you can take in views of the Catskill Forest Preserve.
For low-key adventures, take the easy Round Top Trail or enjoy a scenic walk on the Parksville Rail Trail. For deep-woods exploration and miles of tranquil trails, streams, and quiet overlooks perfect for nature photos, hike in the Willowemoc Wild Forest. Art lovers can explore the Catskill Art Space, a contemporary hub showcasing regional creativity.
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When it’s time to slow down and browse, stop by Main Street Farm for artisan goods, specialty foods, and locally made products that capture the character of the Catskills. Then settle in at The Kaatskeller, a laid-back backyard favorite where wood-fired pizza, cocktails, and an easygoing atmosphere make it a natural gathering place for groups.
Add a cultural touch to your getaway with a visit to the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, home to live concerts and seasonal festivals including Peace, Love, and Pumpkins in the fall. Then step into the Museum at Bethel Woods, an immersive space that brings the spirit of the 1969 Woodstock festival to life with films, artifacts, and exhibits honoring icons like Richie Havens, Sly & The Family Stone, and Jimi Hendrix.
Plan a Culture-Filled, Luxe Adventure with City Views in Brooklyn (New York)
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Settle in to the historic Akwaaba Mansion, a Black-owned bed and breakfast where Afrocentric design, lush gardens, and Southern-style breakfasts make for a memorable home base for a weekend getaway in Brooklyn.
Immerse yourself in history at the Weeksville Heritage Center, one of the first free Black communities in the U.S. Located in Central Brooklyn, this powerful cultural site features preserved 19th-century homes and exhibitions that celebrate Black resilience, creativity, and community.
Continue discovering New York City’s Black history through the Black Gotham Experience, which uses storytelling, art, and immersive programming to bring to life the overlooked stories of the African diaspora and early Black New Yorkers on walking tours in Lower Manhattan and Harlem.
Afterward, take some well-deserved time for self-care. Cynergy Spa offers soothing massages, facials, and wellness treatments perfect for recharging during your city escape.
As evening sets in, grab Caribbean-inspired bites and cocktails at The Rum Bar in Crown Heights, a Black-owned spot bringing together hip-hop and reggae playlists, flavorful small plates like jerk spring rolls, and a laid-back backyard vibe made for catching up with friends. Keep the night going at Café Erzulie in Bushwick—a Haitian-inspired café that transforms into a vibrant nightlife spot with DJs, live music, creative pop-ups, and a backyard that always draws a crowd. It’s a perfect place to dance, vibe, and soak in Brooklyn’s energy.
Explore and Unwind with Lakeside Vibes (Finger Lakes)
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For a serene and pampering weekend, book your stay at Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles. This French-inspired resort offers massages, facials, and luxurious amenities—perfect for groups looking to unwind and indulge in self-care.
Add a splash of wine country charm with a visit to Anyela’s Vineyards, a family-owned spot overlooking Skaneateles Lake. Enjoy a wine tasting with panoramic views and, if you’re lucky, catch a live music event that brings the vineyard to life. For even more local flavor, head to Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards in nearby LaFayette. Known for their hard ciders, wines, and spirits, plus classic fall fun like apple picking and warm cider doughnuts, this destination also features seasonal events and a laid-back tasting room.
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Round out your trip with a powerful and moving visit to the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn. Walk through Tubman’s former home, explore the AME Zion Church that she helped fund, and learn about her extraordinary life at the visitor center. It’s a must for groups looking to honor Black history and leadership.
While in Auburn, stop by Lavish Lounge—a Black-owned restaurant and bar that blends authentic Jamaican and American cuisine in a stylish setting. From jerk chicken to oxtail, and events like trivia nights and live music, it’s a flavorful and festive way to end your Finger Lakes getaway.
Follow Culture and Flavor Through Greater Niagara (Greater Niagara)
Make your way to Buffalo to check into The Mansion on Delaware Avenue, a boutique hotel offering complimentary butler service and an evening wine and cheese reception. Located less than a mile away, spend some time exploring the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, home to landmark sites like the Nash House Museum and the WUFO Black Radio Historic Collective— which preserves Buffalo’s influential legacy in Black radio and broadcasting. These historic venues offer a deep dive into Buffalo’s vibrant legacy of music, culture, and civil rights.
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Don’t miss a photo stop at the Freedom Wall, a striking mural featuring portraits of 28 civil rights leaders, or a visit to Zawadi Books, a long-standing Black-owned bookstore and cultural hub offering literature and gifts rooted in African diaspora.
Then continue exploring Buffalo’s Black culture through its vibrant food scene, where local restaurants serve everything from Southern comfort food and smoked barbecue to Caribbean favorites:
- Stop by A Taste of Soul for freshly prepared soul food with a Caribbean twist, including fried chicken, oxtails, catfish, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and homemade cornbread.
- For a sweet-and-mouthwatering combination, head to Crenshaw’s Chicken & Waffles, known for specialty waffles, crispy chicken, and dishes prepared “The Crenshaw Way.”
- Barbecue lovers can visit La Verdad Café & Deli for smoked meats and rich, Southern-inspired sides that add even more flavor to the city’s culinary offerings.
- Savor bold Jamaican flavors with a visit to Chef BigWayne Jamaican Cuisine, where jerk chicken, oxtails, rice and peas, and island-inspired desserts bring the bold flavors of Jamaica to Buffalo.
- For another welcoming neighborhood experience, Park Vue Soul Food is a family-owned East Side restaurant serving fresh soul food for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
- Manna Culinary Group serves “food for the soul,” with daily specials, vegetarian options, and freshly baked sweets offering something for every appetite.
With so many choices across Buffalo, each meal can become a flavorful celebration of the region’s Black heritage while supporting the entrepreneurs and culinary traditions that help shape the community.
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Venture to nearby Niagara Falls and start your day at Golden Cup Coffee, a Black-owned cafe known for its premium coffee and homemade pastries before visiting the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center. Through immersive exhibits and guided tours, this powerful museum honors the bravery of freedom seekers and highlights Niagara Falls’ critical role in the Underground Railroad—a moving experience for groups interested in history and social justice.
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Then experience the region’s natural beauty at Niagara Falls State Park, where walking paths and scenic overlooks offer views of the falls, Niagara River, and surrounding fall foliage. After a day of reflection and discovery, settle in for dinner at Simply Soul, where popular dishes like barbecue ribs and oxtails over white rice offer a comforting and flavorful end to the evening.
Pair Wine Country and Modern Art with a Beacon Getaway (Hudson Valley)
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Check in at The Roundhouse in Beacon, a boutique hotel set in restored 19th-century mill buildings overlooking Beacon Falls on Fishkill Creek. The property’s industrial character, waterfront setting, and on-site restaurant with views of the waterfall create a memorable home base for a fall getaway. Start your day with a walk through Long Dock Park, where trails, wetlands, meadows, and Hudson River views offer a peaceful way to experience Beacon’s fall scenery.
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Spend the day at Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville, the oldest operating winery in America. Tour the historic cellars, sip your way through a tasting flight, and relax with vineyard views—perfect for a low-key afternoon with your crew. Arts lovers can explore Dia Beacon’s light-filled galleries, home to monumental works by minimalists and conceptual artists. Wander the expansive meadows and woodlands of Storm King Art Center, where large-scale outdoor sculptures are set against sweeping Hudson Valley views—especially striking in fall.
End the day with dinner at Black-owned An Artistic Taste, where Caribbean-inspired dishes bring food, family, and culture together on every plate at its locations in Newburgh and Harriman.
Discover Culture and Community in Capital-Saratoga (Capital-Saratoga)
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Start your stay at The Morgan State House Inn, a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Albany’s historic district. Known for its classic elegance and proximity to the capital city’s cultural landmarks, it offers a cozy and character-filled home base for your squad getaway.
Dive into history at the Underground Railroad Education Center, housed in the former residence of Stephen and Harriet Myers—leaders in Albany’s Underground Railroad movement. The center’s exhibitions and tours bring to life the stories of freedom seekers and resistance, offering a deeply meaningful experience for history-loving groups.
Just outside the city in Petersburg, Soul Fire Farm is a Black and Brown-led farm dedicated to food justice, Afro-Indigenous agriculture, and sustainability. Offering transformative tours and workshops by appointment, it’s the perfect stop for friend groups interested in healing, heritage, and conscious living.
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When it’s time to eat, grab a table at Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen, where Chef Kizzy Williams-Francisco serves up soul food classics like fried chicken, collard greens, and candied yams using cherished family recipes. Or head to Umana Yana, a highly rated, globally inspired café with Caribbean flavors and plenty of vegan-friendly options—great for a relaxed meal before your next stop.
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Art lovers can visit Albany Center Gallery, a nonprofit contemporary art space known for its dynamic exhibitions and creative community events. Admission is always free, making it the perfect spontaneous stop to spark inspiration before you and your crew head out on your next adventure. Also, consider the New York State Museum, where admission is also free, and enjoy the ongoing exhibit “Black Capital: Harlem in the 1920s” that explores the era’s entrepreneurship, arts, and culture.
For even more travel inspiration, check out these blogs on Black-Owned Businesses in New York State, Places to Experience Black History, and where to Experience Black Culture in New York.
Don’t forget to tag us in your travels on TikTok, Instagram, and X using #ILoveNY and #iSpyNY—and let us know where your getaway takes you.