Autumn is a pleasant time to be in New York City, but city folks find themselves craving the type of fall foliage, wine tours and cosy lodging that can only be found in the countryside. Just a short drive, train or bus ride away from the Big Apple, these fall getaways offer wide-open spaces with crisp air, a slower pace of life and outdoor activities, such as hiking and apple picking.
With over 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve picked the best weekend getaway destinations from New York City where you can really unplug, from the Berkshires to Rhode Island. Whether you stay in a lakefront estate, cosy cabin or luxury retreat, you’ll find plenty of leaf-peeping opportunities and fun seasonal activities.
Why You Should Stay in New Paltz
About 128 kilometres from New York City, New Paltz is known for its scenic hiking trails set in 890 hectares of forest. It’s also a base for exploring the Shawangunk Mountains (“The Gunks”), which have glacially carved lakes and rock climbing. In the village centre, you can stroll past colonial-era architecture along Main Street and discover hippie boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants and charming coffee shops.
Must-Do Experiences in New Paltz
- Marvel at waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes and dense forest in Minnewaska State Park.
- Take a guided tour on Historic Huguenot Street, the oldest continuously inhabited street in the United States.
- Sample craft beer at Clemson Bros. Brewery and local wine at Robibero Family Vineyards.
Top Hotels in New Paltz
Mohonk Mountain House
Mohonk Mountain House is a Victorian castle resort set in the Hudson Valley, about 144 kilometres from New York City. Practise your swing at the 18-hole golf course or swim in the indoor pool, then visit the award-winning spa’s eucalyptus steam room or enjoy tea and cookies by the fireside lounge.
Rooms feature antique decor, wood-burning fireplaces and private balconies, while upgraded Suites add living rooms and clawfoot bathtubs. The intimate cottages offer full kitchens, but families might better appreciate the extra space in the six-bedroom Grove Lodge.
Nearby Attractions
- Mohonk Preserve (16 kilometres)
- Dressel Farms (14 kilometres)
- Poughkeepsie Train Station (28 kilometres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 650 – USD 2,559
Guest Rating: 8
Address: 1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, New York State, United States
Hampton Inn by Hilton New Paltz
Just five minutes from State University of New York, Hampton Inn by Hilton New Paltz offers easy access to the town’s restaurants and shops. Cosy rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and mini fridges, while upgraded rooms add pull-out sofas.
Enjoy the free hot breakfast, then relax at the heated indoor pool or visit the nearby Wallkill Valley Rail Trail for scenic hikes. A 24-hour fitness centre is available on site if you prefer to stay fit indoors.
Nearby Attractions
- Unison Arts Center (4 kilometres)
- Twin Star Orchards (3 kilometres)
- Mohonk Preserve (14 kilometres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 126 – USD 160
Guest Rating: 9.2
Address: 4 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, New York State, United States
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay in North Fork
Less than 160 kilometres from New York City, Long Island’s North Fork is an idyllic wine lover’s destination in fall. Beyond the busy roads, you’ll find a quiet getaway with sweeping farmland, beautiful vineyards and coastal backdrops. Days here are well-spent hopping from farm stands like Sang Lee Farms to Lavender By the Bay, a picture-perfect landscape of lavender fields, while sampling local wine.
Must-Do Experiences in North Fork
- Sample Pinot Noir and Merlot in the charming tasting room at McCall Wines.
- Visit Croteaux Vineyards, a winery devoted exclusively to rose wines.
- Pick up pasture-raised and grass-fed meats and fibre products from Icelandic sheep at 8 Hands Farm.
Top Hotels in North Fork
Shinn Estate Vineyards and Farmhouse
Shinn Estate Vineyards and Farmhouse lets you spend a night in wine country at their romantic bed and breakfast. Located on eight hectares of vines, the beautifully-restored farmhouse features complimentary wine tastings, a daily country breakfast and cosy living room with a fireplace.
HotelsCombined visitors love the rooms at this historic farmhouse, which offer farm field or vineyard views, flat-screen TVs and sitting areas. Certain rooms add four-poster beds and cathedral ceilings.
Nearby Attractions
- One Woman Wines and Vineyards (13 kilometres)
- Coffee Pot Cellars (6.5 kilometres)
- Bailie Beach Park (2.5 kilometres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 319 – USD 399
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: 2000 Oregon Road, Mattituck, New York State, United States
Cliffside Resort Condominiums
Cliffside Resort Condominiums is nestled on a bluff overlooking the ocean, offering luxury accommodations on Long Island Sound with private beach access and communal barbecue grills. Check the hotel’s calendar for movie nights, yoga and Pilates on the great lawn.
The spacious two-bedroom condos boast spacious living rooms, fully-equipped kitchens and private balconies and decks. Upgrade for a room with ocean views.
Nearby Attractions
- Sparkling Pointe (6.5 kilometres)
- Horton Point Lighthouse (5.8 kilometres)
- East End Seaport Museum & Marine Foundation (3.2 kilometres)
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 276 – USD 530
Guest Rating: 8.1
Address: 61475 Route 48, Greenport West, New York State, United States
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay near Cooperstown
Sports fans flock to Cooperstown to explore its famed National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Hugging the shore of Otsego Lake, this quaint area offers a slice of authentic America with its charming main street dotted with historic Victorian inns, art museums and restaurants serving locally-sourced cuisine.
Must-Do Experiences in Cooperstown
- Admire Native American art exhibits at Fenimore Art Museum.
- Sample Belgian ales at the 54-hectare Brewery Ommegang.
- See the cider-making process and indulge in apple-infused treats at Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard.
Top Hotels in Cooperstown
The Otesaga Resort Hotel
Overlooking Otsego Lake, The Otesaga Resort Hotel is a refined retreat with luxury lakefront lodging. Enjoy country house-style furnishings, gourmet coffee and flat-screen TVs in a Superior Room or upgrade to a Superior Lake Suite for lake views, a fireplace, soaking tub and parlour area.
Play a round on the award-winning golf course or join a boat cruise around the lake. Sit back on a rocking chair on the back veranda, then book a massage at Hawkeye Spa or indulge in succulent steaks at 1909 steakhouse. For sunset views and cocktails, visit Fire Bar.
Nearby Attractions
- National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (650 metres)
- Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard (5.9 kilometres)
- Hyde Hall (14.4 kilometres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 397 – USD 889
Guest Rating: 9
Address: 60 Lake Street, Cooperstown, New York State, United States
Lake Front Hotel
Offering spectacular Otsego Lake views, Lake Front Hotel is a family-owned-and-operated property. Take advantage of the weekly seafood specials and full bar at Lake Front Restaurant & Bar, then charter a scenic boat tour. You can also rent your own boat, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Save money in the 1 King or 1 Queen room, which features a flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi, or upgrade to a Water Front room for the best views of the lake from a covered balcony. Got the kids in tow? Family Rooms feature two queen-size beds and private balconies.
Nearby Attractions
- Fenimore Art Museum (2.1 kilometres)
- Cooperstown Beverage Trail (6.5 kilometres)
- Butternuts Beer & Ale (31.4 kilometres)
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 99 – USD 230
Guest Rating: 8
Address: 10 Fair Street, Cooperstown, New York State, United States
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay in Newport, RI
Newport, Rhode Island is a postcard-perfect New England town best-known as a getaway for America’s elite in the Gilded Age. While you may not be a part of the Vanderbilt family, you can still enjoy its seaside charm, classic fall festivals and rolling vineyards. Don’t forget to visit the elegant mansions and historic attractions, such as the White Horse Tavern, America’s oldest restaurant.
Must-Do Experiences in Newport, RI
- Admire famous mansions and sea views from the observation deck at The Cliff Walk.
- Enjoy hiking trails and picnic spots in Fort Adams State Park.
- See the rotating exhibitions from global contemporary artists at Newport Art Museum.
Top Hotels in Newport, RI
The Francis Malbone House
The Francis Malbone House is an award-winning bed and breakfast in Newport, offering seaside accommodation on the famed Thames Street. Elegant rooms feature fireplaces and flat-screen TVs, while master suites boast double Jacuzzi tubs, king-size beds and sitting areas.
Start your day with a gourmet breakfast, then walk to the marina or downtown restaurants and shops. Return for afternoon tea in the hotel’s outdoor courtyard or sit fireside in the Victorian dining room.
Nearby Attractions
- The Breakers (2.9 kilometres)
- The Redwood Library and Athenæum (1 kilometre)
- International Tennis Hall of Fame (800 metres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 413 – USD 617
Guest Rating: 10
Address: 392 Thames Street, Newport, Rhode Island, United States
The Chanler at Cliff Walk
With 5-star amenities and Easton Bay views, The Chanler at Cliff Walk is a luxury escape. Each of the 20 rooms is decorated in various period styles, from the Ocean Villas with private outdoor hot tubs and saunas to Estate Rooms with Mediterranean or Moroccan decor.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Cara, offers Atlantic Ocean views and a modern tasting menu, while The Cafe has an outdoor terrace. You can also take in the ocean vistas from the manicured gardens or enjoy an after-dinner drink by the fire pit.
Nearby Attractions
- Easton’s Beach (650 metres)
- The Breakers (1.9 kilometres)
- Newport Vineyards (6.4 kilometres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 606 – USD 1,357
Guest Rating: 9.3
Address: 117 Memorial Blvd, Newport, Rhode Island, United States
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay in the Berkshires, MA
Located in scenic Western Massachusetts, the Berkshires is an outdoor lover’s haven, bursting with colourful fall foliage. This region is popular for outdoor activities, such as canoeing, kayaking and hiking. Culture vultures can explore the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art or the Clark Art Institute.
Must-Do Experiences in the Berkshires, MA
- Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum to see one of the largest collections of the artist’s work.
- Catch a live performance at Tanglewood.
- Explore the scenic trails in the 404-hectare Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
Top Hotels in the Berkshires, MA
The Gateways Inn & Restaurant
The Gateways Inn & Restaurant is a bed and breakfast in the heart of Lenox, offering an intimate atmosphere with only 11 rooms. A full breakfast is served daily in the private dining room or on the enclosed terrace, while the on-site restaurant boasts seasonal dishes and live music.
Each room features cable TV, a mini fridge, complimentary Wi-Fi and central heat/air conditioning. Upgrade to the Miranda for a gas fireplace, French doors and sitting room, while the Ophelia combines two rooms for families.
Nearby Attractions
- Tanglewood (2.5 kilometres)
- Norman Rockwell Museum (10.8 kilometres)
- Hilltop Orchards (13.5 kilometres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 150 – USD 682
Guest Rating: 9.4
Address: 51 Walker Street, Lenox, Massachusetts, United States
Hampton Terrace Inn
Hampton Terrace Inn is like a time machine that takes you back to the Gilded Age, offering glamorous touches. Georgian-era fireplaces and bathtubs pair well with the Southern-style breakfast with blueberry pancakes and egg casseroles. Don’t miss the heated outdoor pool and take advantage of the 24-hour complimentary Keurig machines.
Despite being built in 1897, the mansion’s rooms feature modern luxuries, such as HDTVs, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and complimentary cognac. The King Suite boasts a sitting porch, four-poster king-size bed and a living room with a gas fireplace and Jacuzzi.
Nearby Attractions
- The Mount (3 kilometres)
- Nejaime’s Wine Cellars (650 metres)
- Nudel Restaurant (400 metres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 279 – USD 323
Guest Rating: 9.5
Address: 91 Walker Street, Lenox, Massachusetts, United States
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay in the Catskills
Movie buffs might know the Catskills from the film Dirty Dancing, but it’s also home to some of New York’s most charming small towns, many of which are easily accessible just 2.5 hours outside of the city. Hikers will find plenty of trails filled with photo-worthy fall foliage, while fly fishing, white-water rafting and local art galleries are also popular activities.
Must-Do Experiences in the Catskills
- Peruse local artwork at the Windham Art and Photography gallery or Stray Cat Gallery.
- Walk along a former railway past forest, farms and hills on the Catskill Scenic Trail.
- See a live performance at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the iconic site of 1969’s Woodstock.
Top Hotels in the Catskills
Winter Clove Inn & Resort
Winter Clove Inn & Resort is a year-round all-inclusive family resort in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. Rooms at The Main Inn offer access to a large front porch and dining room, while rooms at The Oaks Lodge have a communal area with a flat-screen TV and mini fridge on each floor. The three-bedroom Carriage House is available for those seeking extra space.
Located on 121 private hectares, the resort boasts numerous facilities, including a heated indoor pool, tennis court, kids’ playground, nine-hole golf course and antique bowling alley. There’s also a game room and easy access to hiking, cross-country skiing and sledding.
Nearby Attractions
- Kaaterskill Falls (26.3 kilometres)
- Windham Mountain Ski Area (30.9 kilometres)
- Thomas Cole Historic Site (21.5 kilometres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 110 – USD 145
Guest Rating: No Rating
Address: 557 Winter Clove Road, P.O. Box 67, Catskill, New York State, United States
The Kaaterskill
Discover panoramic mountain views from every corner at The Kaaterskill. Relax with a pampering massage at the spa, which can be enjoyed in your room, outside in the fresh air or in the private spa room.
Cosy rooms in The Dutch Barn boast fireplaces, private patios and Jacuzzis. Looking for a more rustic setting? Stay in The Farmhouse for a wraparound porch, living room, fully-equipped kitchen and a private deck with a stone fire pit.
Nearby Attractions
- Olana State Historic Site (17.6 kilometres)
- North-South Lake (18.9 kilometres)
- Kaaterskill Falls (17.5 kilometres)
Star Rating: 3.5*
Price: USD 270 – USD 294
Guest Rating: 8.2
Address: 424 High Falls Road Extension, Catskill, New York State, United States
Hotel Location
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Luxury Autumn Escapes near New York City
New York City is an exciting destination in itself, but for colourful fall foliage, festive activities and picturesque countryside, it’s best to explore one of the many rural hamlets nearby. These six destinations not only offer an array of outdoor activities, but also boast romantic lodgings with on-site restaurants, lavish spas and heated pools.
What’s your favourite New York City getaway for autumn? Let us know in the comments below.
