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      Forbes Travel Guide Stories

      Events, Hotels

      50 Reasons To Travel This Fall
      By Forbes Travel Guide Editors

      October 22, 2019

      The Dolder Grand. Credit: The Dolder Grand

      Autumn sometimes gets lost in the seasonal shuffle. It doesn’t tempt with beach vacations like summer or tantalize with snow-filled winter holidays, so it can be easy to discount it as the subdued time surrounding Thanksgiving.

      But we’ve discovered places around the globe that describe the span between September and December a little differently. They see champagne sunsets and cashmere trails, fishing trips and off-roading expeditions — and they want you to be a part of it all. From Miami to Munich, these are the destinations embracing the calendar not just for its foliage and football but for its festivals and outdoor fun, too.

      Go Nordic Walking

      Witness fall’s colors with scenic Nordic walking tours through Zurich’s Adlisberg forest with The Dolder Grand. The sport uses ski-like poles for a low-impact workout that engages 90 percent of your muscles.

      Wynn Las Vegas. Credit: Barbara Kraft

      Play Golf on the Strip

      Being considered one of the finest golf courses along the Vegas Strip would be enough for most resorts. But “fine” has never been Wynn Las Vegas’ game. Instead, the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star treasure is introducing a newly redesigned, 130-acre layout (new water features, elevation changes and freshly planted flora) on October 11.

      Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. Credit: Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach

      Explore the UAE

      Journey through Dubai and Abu Dhabi with the help of Four Seasons. The trip includes a two-hour spa treatment at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, a personal shopping experience with Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Finance Centre and a VIP Louvre Abu Dhabi tour with Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, along with stays at all three hotels.

      The Grand Canyon. Credit: Jasper Van Der Meij

      See the Grand Canyon

      Trek to the famous national park for its centennial. To celebrate the milestone, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, a Phoenix resort steeped in the local Gila River Indian Community’s culture, offers up to 15 percent off.

      Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Credit: Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

      Dine with Star Chefs

      Partake in cooking demonstrations, oceanfront dinners and wine tastings at the exclusive Culinary Getaway (Oct. 10-13) from Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and decorated chef José Andrés. You’ll join notable toques like Ludo Lefebvre, Tyler Florence and Lorena Garcia at the Puerto Rico hotel.

      The Clement Hotel. Credit: The Clement Hotel

      Catch a Game in Style

      Some college football pundits insist the Pac-12 conference is destined for another ho-hum season. Don’t tell that to the Stanford Cardinal, a squad that hopes to prove its mettle in upcoming home tilts versus Oregon (Sept. 21), Washington (Oct. 5) and UCLA (Oct. 17). After the games, sprint a few hundred yards over to The Clement Hotel, a stay with all-star accommodations (spacious suites) and amenities (all-inclusive meals, rooftop pool deck).

      The Nearest Green Distillery. Credit: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

      Try a Tennessee Tipple

      Uncle Nearest Whiskey, a label honoring Nearest Green, the African American master distiller who taught Jack Daniel the tools of the trade, is opening its first distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee, on September 14. With its historical significance and unique onsite experiences, the hour-drive from Nashville will prove more than worth it. When you return to the city, toast to the day over an Old Fashioned at Five-Star The Hermitage Hotel’s Oak Bar.

      Casa Angelina. Credit: Casa Angelina

      Search for Squid

      In the Amalfi Coast, Casa Angelina will send you on a nighttime boat excursion for some of the world’s best squid fishing. Bring your catch back to the hotel to learn how to make the traditional totani e patate (“squid and potatoes”)

      Beijing. Credit Magda Ehler

      Fly a Kite in Beijing

      It’s believed that kites originated in China thousands of years ago. Let The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street’s concierge plan a visit to Three Stones Kite Company to buy a handmade creation and then point you to places like Tiananmen Square to let it fly.

      The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas. Credit: The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas

      Show Your Support

      The best way to help the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian is to travel there. Nassau properties like The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas remain relatively unscathed and continue to welcome visitors. In fact, the colonial-inspired escape recently unveiled a menu of artisan cocktails (try the Old Nassau Rum Fashioned) featuring local J.A.B botanical spirits. Grab a tipple and feel good knowing that your tourism dollars are helping the destination rebuild.

      Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Credit: James Lipman and Peninsula Beverly Hills

      Hit the Road in a Rolls-Royce

      No stranger to opulence, Five-Star The Peninsula Beverly Hills is putting things into another gear with its Peninsula Academy Road Trip, a program that allows you to drive a Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV up the Pacific Coast Highway, through a vineyard and onto Pismo Beach. Once you pry yourself away from the steering wheel, hop on a private plane for a one-way flight back to L.A.

      Feast in South Florida

      There’s a lot to love about South Beach Seafood Week: a cocktail-pairing dinner (Oct. 23); a lavish seafood spread with 20 pop-up cafés (Oct. 26); and its location just two miles from your The Miami Beach EDITION room. Ironically though, the event we’re most looking forward to, a silent disco aboard the all-new Celebrity Edge, an experience in the festival’s VIP Village, has nothing to do with food.

      The Raphael Hotel. Credit: The Raphael Hotel

      Get Jazzed Up for Kansas City

      Jazz lovers appreciate Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The Raphael Hotel for its monthly entertainment calendar (Lonnie McFadden Trio, the Mengel Brothers Duo). That it’s almost within earshot of Kansas City’s Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, a world-class facility welcoming The Kingdom Choir (Oct. 1), Boyz II Men (Oct. 2) and the Indigo Girls (Nov. 19) soon, doesn’t hurt.

      Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina. Credit: Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina

      Marvel at New England Mansions

      If you think the old naval station that composes Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina is something to see (and, trust us, it is), just wait until you take one of the coastal Rhode Island city’s mansion tours. A few hours walking around Rosecliff or The Breakers (both close for the season on Oct. 14) will leave you in awe.

      Seven Stars Resort and Spa. Credit: Seven Stars Resort and Spa

      Take to the Seas in T&C

      Though Turks and Caicos’ only heated saltwater pool could be enough reason to stay on property this coming season, Four-Star Seven Stars Resort and Spa provides so many water pursuits — everything from three-hour sunset cruises to snorkeling near the world’s third-largest coral reef — that you can’t help but go with the flow.

      Scottish Style. Credit: The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel

      Cozy Up to Cashmere

      You may love your cashmere scarves, but until you’ve witnessed how they’re made, you may not fully appreciate the craftsmanship behind them. On The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel’s Cashmere, Tartan & Tweed Trail, textiles expert Kitty MacKenzie will be by your side as you’re chauffeured an hour south of Edinburgh for private tours of the 1797-established Johnstons of Elgin and some of Scotland’s other prized mills.

      Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. Credit: Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

      Take an Instagram Tour of Marina Bay

      Singapore’s striking Marina Bay ranks as one of the world’s most Instagram-worthy destinations. Mandarin Oriental, Singapore will give you a curated area map and selfie stick, and an influencer will offer tips to help you nail the perfect shot.

      Rosewood London. Credit: Rosewood London

      Embark on a Treasure Hunt

      Solve a series of puzzles at Rosewood London for a chance to win an upgraded suite stay, an in-suite dinner with a mixologist and band, massages and more starting in November. Clarendon Games helped devise the Room Hunt challenges, some of which are experiential.

      The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel. Credit: The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel

      Up Your Golf Game

      Hone your skills at The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel’s immersive three-day golf school in Charlotte. The certified LPGA and PGA instructors will help advanced beginners and beyond on everything from short game skills to handling trouble shots.

      Wunder Garten. Credit: Wunder Garten

      Drink in D.C.’s Beer Gardens

      Munich isn’t the only place with beer gardens. D.C. boasts its own scene with spots like Wunder Garten and Dacha Beer Garden serving top-notch brews and a great vibe. For a more upscale sampling, Trump International Hotel Washington, D.C. does private beer tastings.

      Swimming with Bull Sharks. Credit: Velas Resorts

      Take Mexico to the Extreme

      Velas Resorts is recognizing the woman who can do everything with its Alpha Female Adventure Getaways. From power hikes through the Sierra Madres (Grand Velas Los Cabos) to tequila tastings with a side of crickets (Casa Velas Puerto Vallarta) to diving expeditions with bull sharks (Grand Velas Riviera Maya), thrill-seeking besties need apply.

      Edward Hopper’s Western Motel. Credit: Western Motel, 1957, Edward Hopper (American, 1882-1967), oil on canvas. Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Bequest of Stephen C. Clark, B.A., 1903. ©2019 Heirs of Josephine N. Hopper / Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY

      Sample the Arts in Virginia

      “Edward Hopper and the American Hotel” is an exceptional look at the 20th-century artist’s take on hospitality settings showing at Richmond’s Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Oct. 26-Feb. 23). It makes sense then that The Jefferson Hotel, one of the state’s only Five-Star properties, would offer an overnight package to help you to fully enjoy the expansive exhibition.

      Do Oktoberfest the Right Way

      Thanks to Mandarin Oriental, Munich’s Celebrate Oktoberfest package, you can commemorate the world’s largest beer festival (Sept. 21-Oct. 6) in style. In addition to Five-Star accommodations, you’ll receive Bavarian treats at arrival, a vintage bus ride to the big event and special access to the iconic Schützen-Festzelt tent.

      Grand Lisboa Hotel. Credit: Grand Lisboa Hotel

      Sip Magnums in Macau

      Carrying 17,000 labels, Grand Lisboa Hotel impresses with its wine collection. Through December, taste some of the best pours as the Macau hotel pairs magnums with dishes at its top restaurants, including Robuchon au Dôme and The Eight.

      Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake. Credit: Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake

      Tour a UNESCO World Heritage Site

      Glide through UNESCO World Heritage Site West Lake on a boat ride with Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake. Afterward, go on a limousine tour of the city and attend a Chinese tea ceremony, both also courtesy of the hotel.

      Garden Of Earthly Delights’ Melting Memories by Refik Anadol. Credit: Wynn

      Encounter Earthly Artistic Delights

      The exhibit “Wynn – Garden of Earthly Delights” debuted as part of Art Macao, the city’s first big arts event. Inspired by Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights, the show features modern and contemporary works through Oct. 6. Stay at the all-suite Encore Macau, which wows with its bold red and gold décor.

      Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago. Credit: Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

      Attend a Show in Chicago

      It doesn’t matter if you’re hungry for a thorough art show (Expo Chicago, Sept.19-22) or a quick bite (Chicago Gourmet, Sept. 24-29), the Windy City is where you’ll want to be this autumn. And because of its great location and whatever-you-might-need service culture, Four-Star Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago is where you’ll want to be when it’s time to recharge after all of the walking.

      Whiteface Lodge. Credit: Whiteface Lodge

      Fawn over Lake Placid’s Foliage

      There’s fall foliage season and then there’s the explosion of rich reds, bold oranges and brilliant golds found in the Adirondacks. Bask in nature’s plentiful palette this September and October during a stay at Whiteface Lodge, a Four-Star beauty that’s enveloped in Northern white cedars, black spruces and red pines.

      Wanda Reign on the Bund. Credit: Wanda Reign on the Bund

      Savor a Shanghainese Delicacy 

      Fall is hairy crab season in Shanghai, where the rare culinary delight becomes a menu staple for two brief months. Check into Four-Star Wanda Reign on the Bund to savor the specialty alongside skyline vistas and Shanghainese art.

      Taipei Marriott Hotel. Credit: Taipei Marriott Hotel

      Celebrate Like a Local

      There’s no better time to visit Taipei than during Double Tenth Day, Taiwan’s October 10 national holiday. After catching the presidential palace parade and pyrotechnics display, rest your head at Four-Star Taipei Marriott Hotel, where stunning downtown views come standard.

      Horseback Riding at Sorrel River Ranch Resort. Credit: Sorrel River Ranch Resort

      Explore More of Moab

      With cooler temperatures and thinner crowds, fall is a great time to horseback ride, canyoneer (canyon exploring) or mountain bike through Moab, Utah’s red rocks. The desert adventures are all available at Sorrel River Ranch Resort.

      Gateway Canyons Resort’s Impressive Wheels. Credit: Gateway Canyons Resort

      Drive Through the Desert

      Cruise through Western Colorado with Gateway Canyons Resort’s Driven Experience. Rent a rugged Jeep Wrangler or a sleek Bentley for a leaf-peeping adventure through the canyons — the state’s golden aspens are particularly picturesque.  

      Wequassett Resort and Golf Club. Credit: Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

      Whale Watch on the Cape

      September and October are prime time for whale watching in Cape Cod. Opt for an excursion or charter your own boat at Wequassett Resort and Golf Club before returning to the Five-Star property for a seafood feast at Four-Star Twenty-Eight Atlantic.

      Leaf-Peep in Osaka

      For impressive leaf-peeping photos, visit Osaka Castle Park, where the greenspace’s namesake structure will be perfectly framed by golden gingko foliage come fall. Afterward, head for Imperial Hotel, Osaka to toast the autumn-hued sunset at The Rainbow Lounge.

      Hotel President Wilson, A Luxury Collection Hotel. Credit: Hotel President Wilson, A Luxury Collection Hotel

      Become a Chocolatier

      Learn the secrets of Swiss sweets during a tour of Geneva chocolate maker Stettler’s workshop. Craft confections like caramel salted butter and a classic chocolate bar before heading back to Four-Star Hotel President Wilson, A Luxury Collection Hotel for a cozy sugar crash.

      Mandarin Oriental, Milan. Credit: Mandarin Oriental, Milan

      Linger in Italian Luxury

      Live the high life in Italy this autumn with the One Trip, Two Destinations offer from Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, Milan. Spend two nights in the country’s fashion capital followed by two evenings at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como with plenty of culinary delights in between.

      W Doha Hotel & Residences’s E WOW Suite. Credit: Marriott International Inc

      Cruise Qatar’s Dunes

      Head for the desert for a dune-bashing adventure in Doha. The local pastime involves careening through the sands in a 4×4 vehicle at high speeds for a unique heart-pumping thrill. Cool off with a swim in W Doha Hotel & Residences’ mosaic-tiled pool.

      Singapore. Credit: Grand Prix Season Singapore

      Gear Up for Grand Prix Season Singapore

      Get revved up for the Singapore Grand Prix excitement (Sept. 13-22) with the Formula 1 race, the four precinct parties and other events. Pan Pacific Singapore has a special Singapore Night Race offer that will give you track-facing accommodations.

      Culinary Stars at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Credit: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

      Grab a Gourmet Getaway

      Prepare for the meals of your life at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi’s second annual Culinary Stars (Oct. 6-13). Eighteen renowned chefs will collaborate on foodie events, including a dinner in which each course focuses on a different spice and is paired with spice wines, and a showdown where chefs go head-to-head in a cook-off.

      The Lodge at Glendorn. Credit: The Lodge at Glendorn

      Ride Horses Amid the Leaves

      Pennsylvania’s rural woodlands are bursting with colors in the autumn. Meander among the trees with a horseback riding excursion at The Lodge at Glendorn. The rides run through late fall.

      Eden Roc Cap Cana. Credit: Eden Roc Cap Cana

      Soar Above Punta Cana

      Take your Caribbean vacation to new heights with Four-Star Eden Roc Cap Cana’s curated aerial excursions. Explore historic Santo Domingo, visit isolated Bahia de las Aguilas beach or discover El Salto del Limón waterfall, all with the luxe Dominican Republic retreat as your home base.

      Dining at Chatham Inn. Credit: Chatham Inn

      See the Sunset in Cape Cod

      Cozy up with the Cape Romance package at quaint Four-Star Chatham Inn this fall. Sip champagne during a private sunset cruise, followed by a five-course feast and a post-dinner soak in your oversized tub back at the boutique hotel. 

      1881 Napa Wine History Museum & Tasting Salon. Credit: 1881 Napa Wine History Museum & Tasting Salon

      Get a Taste of History

      Pop into the newly opened 1881 Napa Wine History Museum & Tasting Salon to sip on NorCal cabernets while browsing a collection of winemaking artifacts and antiques. Continue your vino visit with a wine peel facial at Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Napa River Inn.

      Pub in the Park. Credit: Will Bailey

      Attend Food Festivals in the English Countryside

      Retreat to the English countryside for fall festivals like Pub in the Park St Albans (Sept. 13-15), St Albans Food and Drink Festival (Sept. 25-Oct. 7) and George Street Gin & Jazz (Oct. 4). Walk off those calories among bucolic Sopwell House’s 12 verdant acres.

      Portrait Roma-Lungarno Collection. Credit: Lungarno Alberghi Sr

      Stargaze in Rome

      See the stars (Ian McKellen, Bill Murray, Wes Anderson) shine in the Eternal City during the 14th Rome Film Fest (Oct. 17-27). Enjoy A-list digs between screenings at chic Five-Star Portrait Roma—Lungarno Collection.

      Lady Gaga. Credit: Kevin Mazur

      Go Gaga in Vegas

      If you’ve had your fill of illusionists and ’90s pop stars, you may like who Park MGM’s Park Theater has headlining. Nine-time Grammy winner Lady Gaga takes up residency (various dates from October through May 2020) at the venue with two shows, the electric Enigma and more restrained Jazz & Piano. With Four-Star Vdara Hotel & Spa only a short walk from the stage, you can wail “I’ll Never Love Again” without worrying about how you’ll get home.

      Birds at Play. Credit: Woodstock Inn & Resort

      Learn the Ancient Sport of Kings

      There’s a reason nature enthusiasts who stop by Southern Vermont’s Woodstock Inn & Resort for its prime leaf-peeping opportunities say the place has gone to the birds. New to the Four-Star property, the Introductory Falconry Package grants you a 45-minute session with a trained hawk, breakfast for two and elegant accommodations.

      Hiking in Boulder. Credit: Boulder CVB

      Hike and Bike Through Boulder

      Take advantage of fall’s cooling weather and hit the 200 miles of hiking and biking trails around Boulder, Colorado. Afterward, treat your muscles to a CBD-enhanced massage at downtown’s Four-Star St Julien Hotel & Spa.

      Erna’s Elderberry House at Château du Sureau. Credit: Château du Sureau

      Prep for the Holidays

      Fine-tune your culinary skills ahead of the holidays with half-day cooking classes at Yosemite’s Four-Star Château du Sureau. Learn to brine a turkey or plate hors d’oeuvres before spending the afternoon strolling the estate’s whimsical nine-acre grounds.

      The Villas at AYANA Resort, BALI. Credit: AYANA Resort, BALI

      Toast to a Bali Sunset

      Savor Bali’s sun-streaked skies with Five-Star The Villas at AYANA Resort, BALI’s Rock Bar VIP Villa package. Get priority access to the popular Rock Bar, which sits on rocks against the coast. Take in the up-close ocean view with a complimentary sundowner.

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      Casa Angelina Casa Velas Puerto Vallarta Chateau du Sureau Chatham Inn Dorado Beach a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Eden Roc Cap Cana Encore Macau Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach Gateway Canyons Resort Grand Lisboa Hotel Grand Velas Los Cabos Grand Velas Riviera Maya Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina Hotel President Wilson A Luxury Collection Hotel Imperial Hotel Osaka Mandarin Oriental Milan Mandarin Oriental Munich Mandarin Oriental Singapore Napa River Inn Pan Pacific Singapore Park MGM Portrait Roma – Lungarno Collection Rosewood London Seven Stars Resort & Spa Seven Stars Resort and Spa Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel Sopwell House Sorrel River Ranch Resort St Julien Hotel & Spa Taipei Marriott Hotel The Ballantyne A Luxury Collection Hotel The Balmoral a Rocco Forte Hotel The Clement Hotel The Dolder Grand The Hermitage Hotel The Jefferson Hotel The Lodge at Glendorn The Miami Beach Edition The Ocean Club A Four Seasons Resort Bahamas The Peninsula Beverly Hills The Raphael Hotel The Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street The Villas at Ayana Resort Bali Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago Trump International Hotel Washington D.C. Vdara Hotel & Spa W Doha Hotel & Residences Wanda Reign on the Bund Wequassett Resort and Golf Club Whiteface Lodge Woodstock Inn & Resort
      by Forbes Travel Editorial Staff 

      About Forbes Travel Editorial Staff

      View all posts by Forbes Travel Editorial Staff

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