Autumn is a wonderful time to squeeze in a getaway. With families home from summer break and kids back in school, the crowds have thinned out and there are often tempting deals to be found. And with so many quaint destinations just a few hours from New York City, it’s easy to plan an escape.
Whether you’re looking to soak up the last rays of summer or embrace crisp air and fall foliage, here are a few destinations we know you’ll enjoy.
A five-hour car ride from the Big Apple lies this 6-million-acre piece of countryside paradise. Embrace the region’s rugged surrounds with a stay at Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Lake Placid Lodge, a celebrated boutique property that channels the destination’s Gilded Age history.
A central lodge and cozy private cabins dot the edge of the lake and boast picture-perfect mountain views. Each is beautifully decorated in plaids, antique rugs, stone fireplaces and other rustic Americana touches.
Admire the foliage and idyllic vistas while hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding or during an excursion on the property’s custom-built, mahogany Hacker-Craft boat. Those wishing to sit idly by can laze on a private covered terrace in an Adirondack chair or enjoy the seclusion with an in-room massage.
At the end of the day, dine lakeside at Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Artisans Restaurant. The locally sourced fare is a highlight, as is the dining room’s mountain-chic décor.
Venture about an hour west of the city to enjoy bespoke service at Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The Bernards Inn, a charming century-old boutique hotel whose hospitality harkens back to a bygone era.
The small-town ambiance is particularly charming, but weekend entertainment and a swanky Forbes Travel Guide Recommended dining room keep city dwellers coming back for more. Be sure to snag a table at the restaurant where executive chef Todd Mark Miller curates a menu of seasonal delights like filet of beef with smoked crème fraîche or Long Island duck with Rainier cherries.
The cuisine pairs well with an award-winning vino list. Sample the goods this fall during an Around the World Tasting Experience on October 11, when more than 100 wines, spirits and beers (many which are not available in stores) will be on offer for you to sip.
Those who prefer the links over libations can take a trip to the nearby United States Golf Association Museum. Be sure to practice your swing on Pynes Putting Course, a 16,000-square-foot onsite replica of the celebrated Himalayas course in St. Andrews, Scotland.
Head for the Hub to get a dose of culture (and some great weather) this fall. Just a five-hour drive (or four-hour train ride) from NYC, this historic harborside city beckons those craving a little leaf-peeping in urban surroundings.
To make the most of your stay, check into the sleek waterfront InterContinental Boston. The Four-Star hotel is conveniently located downtown, steps away from Amtrak’s South Station and less than a mile from attractions like Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market and the North End.
Embrace the city’s history with the modern property’s Boston Tea Party package, which includes two combo tickets to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum and Old South Meeting House, VIP viewing access for the Boston Tea Party Annual Reenactment and two tea-infused cocktails.
After a day of exploration, you’ll appreciate your spacious room’s contemporary furnishings and luxury touches like pillow-top mattresses and deep-soaking tubs.
