High Fashion In North Africa, Photo Credit: Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech
Fall is officially upon us and though you may be tempted to stick to the usual staples — leaf peeping, pumpkin picking and harvest festival-going — these seven destinations prove that October can be anything but ordinary. From a fashion museum in Marrakech to a taco extravaganza in Arizona, amazing experiences abound this autumn.
Marrakech
High fashion meets the markets of Marrakech with the grand opening of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum on October 19. Inspired by the city’s colors and textiles more than 50 years ago, the world-famous designer decided to buy a home here, and he would go on to produce some of the best work of his career in the north African city.
After exploring the palatial 43,000-square-foot space and the thousands of articles of clothing it houses, retreat to the nearby urban oasis of Four Seasons Resort Marrakech. Relax in the spa’s signature hammam, swim some laps in the tranquil adults-only pool or simply sip traditional Moroccan mint tea from the terrace of the Inara lounge as you reflect on all you saw at the museum.
Bayou City Art Festival, Photo Credit: Bayou City Art Festival
Houston
An extra dash of culture comes to Houston this fall with the Bayou City Art Festival, taking place downtown on October 14 and 15. The event welcomes more than 20,000 guests and features more than 300 regional artists showcasing their work alongside live music, food, beverage and creative zones for the little ones.
The festival aims to promote public awareness of the arts and help fund designated nonprofits, including local arts and community service organizations — with sponsors and volunteer efforts that give back to the city with initiatives like Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
For a chic stay just around the corner from the popular gathering, book a room at Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Four Seasons Hotel Houston.
Kohler Food and Wine, Photo Credit: Kohler Co.
Kohler, Wisconsin
Uncork something delicious at the 17th annual Kohler Food and Wine festival, taking place October 19 to 22 in the charming town of Kohler, Wisconsin. Originally built as housing for the factory workers of the kitchen and bath fixtures company, Five-Star The American Club has become an iconic destination for fine dining, golf and relaxation, offering 196 rooms, two award-winning championship golf courses and the Five-Star Kohler Waters Spa.
This month, the Wisconsin hotel hosts a four-day food extravaganza featuring all things epicurean, including a star-powered lineup of guest chefs, such as Richard Blais of Top Chef fame and world-renowned restaurateur Alex Guarnaschelli. Be sure to book one of the luxurious property’s event packages to enjoy two nights of plush accommodations, tickets to the foodie fest and exclusive extras like private dinners and tastings.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Celebrate your love for flavorful Tex-Mex morsels at the Arizona Taco Festival. On October 14 and 15 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, nosh on tacos all day long from tons of the city’s top restaurants and vendors. Make a stop at the margarita tent and taste more than 100 spirits at the tequila expo. Other highlights include a chihuahua beauty pageant, an eating contest and Mexican wrestling.
When you’ve had your fill of tacos and tasty libations, slip back into the lap of luxury at the Four-Star Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa, where you can lounge by the pool or have a relaxing detox body treatment at the Arizona hotel’s Four-Star Sanctuary Spa.
Triple Creek Ranch, Photo Credit: Triple Creek Ranch
Southwestern Montana
A girls’ getaway like no other awaits at Four-Star Triple Creek Ranch in scenic Southwest Montana. Pony up for Klicks for Chicks, an all-women riding adventure exploring the Bitterroot Mountain Range from October 11 through 16.
Your corral of cowgirls will appreciate the luxury accommodations at the ranch each night while venturing through canyons, mountain passes, meadows and crystal clear lakes of the Western frontier and the Rocky Mountains during the day.
As a bonus, for each mile you and your girls ride, Triple Creek Ranch will donate $1 to the Montana-based nonprofit Summit for Parkinson’s.
The Cincinnatian Hotel, Photo Credit: Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Cincinnati
On October 7, Ohio’s iconic Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati will reopen after a $4.2 million renovation in style — with a world premiere and several regional showings to kick off the 2017-18 season in the city.
This fall, take in Steven Dietz’s much anticipated drama, This Random World, a play that explores the comedy and heartbreak of missed connections. Make a weekend of it and book a stay at Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The Cincinnatian Hotel. Tuck into one of the historic downtown property’s luxury suites, complete with cozy fireplace, or enjoy an elegant afternoon tea in the Cricket Lounge.
Doha
We have a great reason to embark on a luxe Doha escape: Mondrian Doha debuted this month. SBE’s first hotel in the Middle East brings the brand’s hip, energetic vibe to the West Bay Lagoon, along with the world’s largest ESPA spa (a first for the region) along with a 27th-floor rooftop pool under a hand-painted glass dome.
Elsewhere, Marcel Wanders created eye-popping design, from the floating staircase to the 270 rooms, which boast gorgeous murals and bathrooms with marble tiles, a 3-D wall and a Swarovski chandelier dangling above the bathtub.
Among the seven restaurants and bars, indulge in Cut by Wolfgang Puck, Morimoto, Magnolia Bakery, Qatari-inspired restaurant Walima and sleek nightclub Black Orchid.
