October usually ushers in pumpkin spice lattes, apple picking, Halloween and turning leaves. It’s also a great time to travel — the cooler weather makes it more comfortable to hit the road and start exploring.
Whether you want to go leaf peeping or golfing, we rounded up the best places for you to visit this month.
You can’t beat Boston in the fall. Of course, its biggest autumnal draw is the foliage turning brilliant shades of amber, red and orange throughout the city. But this year brings another reason to visit: the Boston Marathon, which usually occurs in April, will take place October 11. It’s the first time that the marathon will happen in the fall and the first time it’s been held since 2019.
After leaf peeping or marathon viewing, rest up at The Langham, Boston. The newly renovated hotel boasts light and sophisticated interiors, an impressive mostly local art collection, British-inspired bar The Fed and Italian restaurant Grana.
Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Escape to Southern California’s Terranea Resort during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During October, a portion of proceeds from select spa treatments, activities and more will benefit breast cancer organizations Cancer Support Community Redondo Beach and Play for P.I.N.K. Nosh on blush-hued macarons, sugar cookies and cake and meringue pops and sip ONEHOPE Rosé and those organizations will benefit, too.
The oceanfront oasis also will celebrate Halloween throughout the month. Take aim at an archery session with zombie and pumpkin targets; embark on a haunted self-guided nature walk in search of the phantom Lady in the Light; or listen to family-friendly spooky stories.
Kohler, Wisconsin
Travel to this small town for some big flavors at the Kohler Food & Wine Experience. Running October 21 to24, the epicurean event marks its 20th anniversary this year.
A lineup of celebrity chefs such as Fabio Viviani, Rick Bayless, Nyesha Arrington, Jamika Pessoa, Melissa King and Elena Besser will headline cooking demos, tastings, luncheons and more. New festival additions include the Kohler Food & Wine HUB, a gathering spot serving craft cocktails, and The Seeker: Your Passport to Wine, a vino-guided tour in Kohler.
After eating and drinking, retire to The American Club, a historic Five-Star hotel on the Kohler campus. Its elegant rooms have bathrooms outfitted with the indulgent Kohler shower experience.
One of the U.S.’s largest entertainment and gaming destinations, Mohegan Sun will go big for its 25th anniversary.
Throughout October, Mohegan Sun will have special deals in the casino (like an anniversary slot sweepstakes to win $250,000 in cash) and shops (like 25 percent off select Le Creuset items). The celebration culminates October 22 to 24 with Harry Styles and Blake Shelton performing at the Mohegan Sun Arena and hip-hop legends Run DMC rapping in the Wolf Den. Expect more celebrities at a VIP party at Mohegan’s newest hot spot, TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge.
Don’t worry about staying out too late: tuck into Sky Tower or its hotel-within-a-hotel Aspire. Both luxury options provide a respite at the buzzing casino.
If you want to plan a golf getaway this season, bring your clubs to Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. The hotel, which is home to three golf courses, created a slew of fall stay-and-play packages.
The Unlimited Teeth of the Dog with Breakfast promotion allows all-day play on the iconic Teeth of the Dog course and the other two Pete Dye-designed gems: the 27-hole Dye Fore and 18-hole Links. The Unlimited Teeth of the Dog All Inclusive features all the same perks, plus daily breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and drinks by the glass; unlimited horseback riding; use of the hotel tennis courts; and more.
Or swing for the Golf Buddies in Villa offer, which includes a three- to five-bedroom villa with a daily round of golf at the resort. Breakfast is prepared in the villa each morning.
Disney
Walt Disney World celebrates its 50th anniversary on October 1, kicking off 18 months of festivities at the iconic park. If you plan to attend, we have some suggestions on where to stay.
But we also recommend making another Disney trip this month. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa in Anaheim debuted Tenaya Stone Spa in September. The new 6,000-square-foot facility brings nature inside with a tree root chandelier, stone art pieces and flooring made of wood rounds. Open to guests of Disneyland Resort hotels, the spa has services like the Avocado, Lime & Honey Foot Treatment, which revitalizes park-worn feet with a smoothing exfoliation, a hydrating avocado butter mask, a honey-based fruit serum and some agave nectar oil.
Champagne, France
Toast the new 007 film No Time to Die at Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. Starting October 6, the boutique hotel will offer the Feeling Like James Bond package, which includes a stay in the new 007 suite with vineyard panoramas and a bottle of the secret agent’s favorite Bollinger champagne. The package also comes with a tour of the nearby Bollinger Champagne House and a tasting; the British spy’s famous shaken-not-stirred Vesper Martini at the hotel bar; a gourmet meal at Le Royal restaurant; and a candle massage.
Soak up every last drop of the pleasant weather aboard a luxury catamaran with Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. The 40-foot vessel is docked just steps from the hotel and can hold up to 10 people. Through October, take a two-hour morning or sunset cruise around the Inner Harbor and peek at historic sites like Fort McHenry National Monument and Federal Hill. Or make a day of it and head out on a six-hour adventure to downtown Annapolis, the U.S. sailing capital.
