There’s no season or place that radiates more beauty than fall in the Northeast. Whether it’s Vermont, New Hampshire, New York or Massachusetts, trees are lush with colorful leaves and pumpkins are ripe for the picking. As the temperature begins to drop and the smell of autumn perfumes the air, it’s the perfect opportunity to step away from life in the city and embrace the amber skyline. If you’re ready to experience the season and all its beauty, here are 11 fall getaways you can drive to from New Jersey in 2022.
1. Twin Farms – Barnard, VT
Just south of Burlington, there’s a resort called Twin Farms—300 acres of bucolic serenity. Founded by Nobel Prize-winning novelist Sinclair Lewis, this historic resort was an idyllic escape for great thinkers and literary experts throughout the 1940s and ‘50s. Today, Twin Farms remains a one-of-a-kind fall getaway where lovers and friends can reconnect, relax and enjoy the immaculate landscape.
The five-star accommodations and amenities at Twin Farms are second-to-none. Visitors have their pick of 20 unique cottages and various suites decorated with an exclusive collection of art. As for activities, relaxation and luxury are on offer—this means farm-to-table meals, fine wine pairings and spa days. If you’re looking to roam off-campus, you can visit the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, tour a working farm or explore Silver Lake State Park.
2. Kimpton Taconic – Manchester, VT
Buried deep in the picturesque mountains of Vermont, the Kimpton Taconic is a boutique hotel perfect for couples and families. Whether you choose to stay in a guestroom, suite or cottage, the accommodations are spectacular. Guests can expect tastefully curated artwork and a view of the surrounding mountainside. Best of all, the Kimpton Taconic is pet friendly with no additional fees.
While at the resort, patrons can unwind at the spa, take a dip in the heated pool, peruse an exclusive boutique or enjoy food and drink at the Copper Grouse. There are also plenty of activities away from the hotel to satisfy the adventurous spirit. Nearby, you can tour the Southern Vermont Arts Center, hike the Equinox Preservation or test your driving skills at the Land Rover Experience.
3. The Sagamore – Bolton Landing, NY
Founded in the 1880s, this sprawling resort has provided a charming family escape for well over a century. It’s a marvelous location—an island on Lake George—makes it one of the most unique fall getaways you can drive to from New Jersey. Whether you’re in the Historic Hotel or a lakeside condominium, guests will be ensconced by the scenic landscape of the Adirondacks that surrounds the lake.
The Sagamore has a vast selection of restaurants on-site. Fine dining options include authentic Italian cuisine at La Bella Vita Italian Restaurant and a genuine New York Steakhouse experience at The Club Grill. However, if you’re in the mood for a casual meal you can check out Mr. Brown’s Pub or Caldwell’s. Although it’s easy to get lost in the food at the Sagamore, don’t forget to make the most of its other amenities. With Lake George at your disposal, there are countless waterfront excursions to enjoy, from fishing and swimming to a scenic boat ride on The Morgan—a 19th-century touring vessel.
4. River House at Odette’s – New Hope, PA
The views at this edgy-meets-elegant woodland paradise are teeming with iconic fall scenery. For New Jerseyans who love to hop the western border, River House at Odette’s has become a staple weekend getaway – especially in the autumn. Fitted with bold finishes and private balconies, this property also features a unique rooftop restaurant that’s perfect for stargazing in October and November.
Around 1800, the original “River House” was used to service passersby on the River who sought a drink and a warm bed for the night. By 1830, the Delaware Canal the property’s popularity only increased, garnering visits from coal barges from the port of New York. Eventually, the coal industry came to a screeching halt, and the River House was shuttered up. Almost one hundred years later, actress Odette Myrtil Logan bought the property, and the hotel donned the moniker: Chez Odette. Soon, River House was groomed into a Parisian-style bistro with a cabaret and piano bar. Today, the hotel keeps this spirit alive, albeit with a modern flare and the same incredible views.
5. Winter Clove Inn – Hudson, NY
Despite its name, the Winter Clove Inn is one of the best fall getaways you can drive to from New Jersey. Located in the beautiful Catskills of New York, the resort offers a home away from home for couples and families. Accommodations include three buildings where visitors can rent suites and guest rooms—The Main Inn, The Oaks Lodge and The Carriage Lodge. As an all-inclusive resort, the Winter Clove Inn offers three meals a day, including a bevy of children’s options.
On-site, visitors can enjoy the antique bowling alley, a fully equipped game room and an indoor pool. It’s definitely advised that visitors make the most of their time in Hudson Valley, as well. Just down the street is Hudson, NY, a beautiful little town that has a host of activities from exploring the shops on Warren Street to catching a live show at the Helsinki Hudson.
6. Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz, NY
Less than two hours north of New York City, Mohonk Mountain House is one of the closest fall getaways you can drive to from New Jersey. This luxurious resort is known for its Victorian-style cottages and suites, as well as its spa and wellness center. That said, located directly on Mohonk Lake, visitors are only a short walk from challenging hiking trails and other outdoor activities.
At Mohonk Mountain House, your inclusive stay includes three first-in-class meals a day. This can be at the resort’s renowned restaurant, the Granary, or in one of its dining halls. And when you’re ready for dessert, check out the resort’s authentic old-fashioned soda fountain. Finally, don’t forget to take a stroll through the village of New Paltz during your trip. This little town is full of antique stores, delicious food and live entertainment.
7. The Golden Plough Inn – Peddler’s Village, PA
There’s only one word to describe The Golden Plough Inn…charming. This quaint, yet elegant hotel is at the center of a colonial-style town, Peddler’s Village. The accommodations include guest rooms and suites that are located in the Main House. But, there are also other suites available throughout the village, as well. This includes rooms above shops in desirable areas, such as Merchants Row, the Wagon House, Mill View House, the Carousel, the Village Square and the Gazebo Garden Inn.
As for dining and activities, visitors at the Golden Plough Inn have the village to enjoy. Lined with small antique shops, old colonial homes, and a variety of eateries—ranging from fine dining to casual cuisine—there is never a dull moment or an empty belly in Peddler’s Village.
8. Blantyre – Lenox, MA
Visiting Blantyre feels like you’ve been teleported into an episode of “Downton Abbey.” This Forbes five-star resort is defined by its Tudor-style mansion and cottages, set long 110 acres of deep green lawns and eloquent gardens in the Berkshires. The scenery here is especially serene as the fall foliage unfolds across Massachusetts.
Still, Blantyre’s posh appearance isn’t its only extraordinary feature. The cuisine is top-notch, featuring Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud’s French restaurant, Cafe Boulud. Furthermore, its spa is complete with pools, gardens and greenhouses for meditation. And of course, you’re in the Berkshires, so there’s plenty of hiking and adventure to be had.
9. Race Brook Lodge – Sheffield, MA
Another Berkshires resort, Race Brook Lodge is a mesmerizing fall getaway in New England. However, it’s vastly different from a stay at Blantyre. Nuzzled at the base of Mount Race, Race Brook Lodge is a family-run space that emphasizes relaxation and wellness for its guests, while also focusing on local sustainability and nature.
Whether you’re in the Race Mountain House, the Coach House or a cottage, visitors are surrounded by natural beauty, with direct access to the Appalachian Trail. The resort’s claim to fame, however, is the Stagecoach Tavern, which was built in the 18th century. Here, guests can enjoy food from local farms, plentiful libations and regular live music. Nearby towns such as Great Barrington and Stockbridge also offer unique experiences, including the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center and Berkshire Botanical Garden.
10. Omni Mount Washington Resort – Bretton Woods, NH
Perhaps the epitome of luxury resorts, Omni Mount Washington Resort is the perfect place to rest, play some golf and experience the fall foliage. Here, visitors can enjoy opulent accommodations in guest rooms and townhomes with views of the Presidential Mountain Range. It also has two championship golf courses, Mount Washington Course and Mount Pleasant Course.
As for food, the resort has no shortage of fine dining options, including The Princess Room, The Cave, Stickney’s Grill and Chop Pub, and the Rosebrook Bar. That said, the Bretton Woods area is littered with wonderful little restaurants and is definitely worth exploring. Off the resort grounds, guests can indulge in countless outdoor activities, ranging from scenic gondola rides to guided mountain climbing.
11. Crystal Springs – Hamburg, NJ
Located in Sussex County, Crystal Springs Resort is one of the state’s premier fall getaways. If you examine it by the numbers, it might just be the Northeast’s most luxurious resort, as well. Not only does it offer two expansive hotels, Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel, but it’s also home to two spas, three pool complexes and 11 eateries, (which includes a wine cellar and a beer garden). And for those of you who golf, welcome to heaven…Crystal Springs has six golf courses.
Between the resort and its surrounding landscape, the activities are endless. Visitors can hike the Appalachian Trail, visit an array of local wineries and distilleries or explore shops and restaurants in the nearby town of Warwick. And if that’s not enough, check out this list of over 250 things to do at Crystal Springs Resort.
A product of North Jersey, Will is an aspiring writer who enjoys music, comedy and fast food.
