__banner-large.jpg)
After a summer of heat waves and hot spells, the return of Pumpkin Spice Lattes couldn’t come soon enough. And while autumn may signal the start of apple picking, the switch from rosé to cider, and fall rituals like Oktoberfest, it’s also one of the best times of the year for road-tripping across America. From mountainous highways to California’s old mining towns, here are the best spots to sneak a peak at the leaves this fall.
1. Burlington, Vermont
ⓒ Richard Ricciardi
The brisk snap of autumn-scented morning air, the crunch of fallen leaves under your boots, and the sweet tartness of locally (brewed) apple cider compliment the state of Vermont’s vibrant array of terracotta terrain as the late afternoon sunlight turn the fading grasses into gold. With 70% of its land covered in forests and a surplus of sugary maple syrup rivaled only by Canada, the Green Mountain State has the country’s highest concentration of maple trees that set the backcountry ablaze, signifying the fervor many feel for this fleeting season. Though Vermont is an all-season spectacle, the autumnal equinox is especially exceptional in the lovely lakeside town of Burlington.
The charming birthplace of local legends such as political powerhouse Bernie Sanders, the jam-band Phish, and the dynamic duo behind Ben & Jerry’s, Burlington is a total hippie haven & the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of a big metropolis; the city is just over three hours by car from Boston and has direct, one-and-a-half hour flights to New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Home to the University of Vermont, Burlington has long embodied the earthy progressivism and can-do independence that define the state’s spirit, with the breweries, coffee shops, and live music venues lining the cobblestone streets solidifying its identity as Travel & Leisures #1 College Town. That said, lately, that ethos has taken on a sophisticated sheen with a budding artisanal food scene revealing a whole other side of Burlington that is all grown up.
Accommodations in Burlington
Named 2014 "Top Ten Romantic Inn" by I Love Inns and 2017 “Editors Choice” for Air-Canada enRoute Magazine, Made INN Vermont has a stunning and chic boutique bed and breakfast with quality and artistry in design. Nestled in Burlington’s Historic Hill district, they have sophisticated, eclectic decor combined with state-of-the-art amenities for an "old meets new" vibe.
2. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
ⓒ Dapixara
Though largely known as a summer destination, Autumn is actually Cape Cod’s exciting little secret. After Labor Day, visitors can expect fewer crowds, warm temps, a slower pace of life, and fun outdoor adventure all the way through the fall. Also known as the Cape’s second summer, visit this New England gem and celebrate the seasonal contrast of vibrant blue ocean, shimmering gold foliage, and scarlet-drenched cranberry bogs.
Perhaps the only thing more synonymous with Cape Cod than cranberries is seafood. The Wellfleet OysterFest, a two-day event, has become a premiere fall festival on the Cape since its inception in the late 1990s. Held this October 15th and 16th at Baker’s Field, except a fun family festival attracting people of all ages - locals and visitors alike - in celebration of the town’s oysters, clams, and love of the arts. Although you’ll find theatre and concerts, food plays a central role in the celebration, including meals, cooking demonstrations, and the annual Oyster Shuck-Off competition. Held this October 8th - 10th, the Yarmouth Seaside Festival was originally founded in 1978 to create a community spirit in the Town of Yarmouth. Since then, it has frown into a gala event which includes a craft fair that attracts more than 125 crafters from all over the country, a giant parade, continual musical entertainment, races (kayak, canoe, 5K road), greased pole contests, pie-eating contests, and fireworks. Despite that packed roster, it’s still free for everyone to attend.
Accommodations in Cape Cod
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club – Cape Cod, MA
Situated along the beautiful shoreline of Cape Cod Bay, Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club is more than a beach resort, it’s a welcoming destination with a bevy of experiences to enjoy year-round. Ocean Edge is also an upscale resort catering to families, groups of friends, couples, and those looking for a solo retreat.
3. Colorado Springs, Colorado
ⓒ The St. Mary's
One of the most cherished communities in all of the Centennial State, Colorado Springs is best described as the Goldilocks of travel. It's Colorado's second-largest city, but it by no means feels crowded. It's far enough away from Denver, but big city life isn't inaccessible. It has plenty of green spaces but also an urban center where you'll find luxury accommodations worthy of your reservation. A place where you can do it, Colorado Springs is filled with immense beauty, making it little surprise that poet Katharine Lee Bates wrote America the Beautiful while vacationing in The Springs in 1883.
Wherever you wander, a vibrant display of fall foliage covers each corner of the Pikes Peak Region; from ruby red to golden yellow, the ever-changing leaves are something you don’t want to miss in the Rocky Mountains. As an unspoken rule, autumn should be all about taking the scenic route. For a fall drive that goes the extra mile, The Gold Belt Tour is one the most popular drives down the scenic byway. Once serving as the main road for Gold Rush Traffic, the historic highway now turns the region into a different kind of gold mine with some metamorphic magic enchanting the region's forests each September. Alternate routes for ascending the fourteener include the iconic Pikes Peak Cog Railway and Gray Line Tours, which take visitors up in climate-controlled coaches with plenty of opportunities for stops and photos along the way. As a final note, the Garden of the Gods, known to come alive in autumn, appears painted by the palette of fall; golds, red-browns, and oranges scattered against the backdrop of evergreens and sweeping mountainscapes. Whether you drive through or hike around, Colorado is a can’t-miss fall destination.
Accommodations in Colorado Springs
Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, A Dolce Resort
Known for its breathtaking mountain views, exceptional accommodations, fine dining, and comprehensive conference facilities, Cheyenne Mountain Resort, a Colorado Springs Resort, is an extraordinary escape from the ordinary and a great way to experience the Rocky Mountains. Get away and experience the great Colorado outdoors. For a limited time, save 25% on your room during their Fall Sale.
4. Kenmore, Washington
ⓒ Kenmore Air
Along the northernmost shore of Lake Washington lies Puget Sound's best-kept secret, the city of Kenmore. Just 12 miles north of Downtown Seattle the town's city lines fall between the big city buzz and the Western Washington woodlands, revealing a hotspot that is equal parts nature and civilization. Named the best surrounding city in the Seattle area by Seattle Magazine, the great outdoors that encompass the otherwise cosmopolitan community has helped solidify Kenmore as an award-winning adventure spot in the Pacific Northwest.
One of the biggest draws to Kenmore happens to be Saint Edward State Park, the largest park in the city with 25 miles of hiking paths and cycling trails as well as over half a mile of undeveloped Lake Washington shoreline. For more fall fun, the Tracy Owen Station at Log Boom Park is dotted with trees ablaze with the palette of fall that dazzles reflecting onto the lake. If you are itching to explore by foot, the Wallace Swamp Creek Park can be found in the northeast part of the city and features plenty of foliage-filled walking trails. For those seeking a unique outing, Kenmore Air, which is based along the shores of the lake in Kenmore, makes island-hopping and fall flightseeing a breeze.
Accommodations in Kenmore
The Lodge at St. Edward State Park
The Lodge at St. Edward State Park is a tranquil escape that’s equal parts natural beauty, historical charm, and modern hospitality. It has been thoughtfully restored into an iconic new Pacific Northwest destination; preserving the past while reimagining the future. Enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments, inspired bars and restaurants, convenient meeting and event spaces, and a wide range of activities and amenities.
5. Napa, California
ⓒ Malcolm Carlaw | The Regusci Winery in Napa Valley
From show-stopping fall foliage to the sweet smell of crushed grapes wafting through the vineyards, autumn is an awe-inspiring season in Napa Valley. Located in the northern portion of the Bay Area, California’s Wine Country begins metamorphosing into an abundant autumnal daydream as soon as the leaves start to shed in September, though peak foliage season typically falls between mid-to-late October until early November. Bringing a welcome morning chill and comfortable afternoon warmth to the region, fall is the perfect time of year to visit; the weather is mellow, wine harvest festivities and tastings are in full swing, and the vibrant vineyards stun dressed in scarlet, rust, and golden tones, casting a sepia hue on the region.
The Napa Valley State Park is one of the most spectacular leaf-peeping destinations in all of wine country, as the abundance of big-leaf maples, black oaks, and ginkgo Biloba add striking shades of yellow to the twisty country roads. For an easy trek with minimal climbs, the scenic 1.5-mile Redwood Trail is easy on the eyes, running alongside the creek in a lush, shaded redwood and oak forest. Head to Alexander Valley for aerial photos of the colorful vineyards that cover the hills with vibrant foliage or make a stop at Far Niente Winery to capture all the Instagram-worthy shots your heart desires.
Accommodations in Napa Valley
Carneros Resort and Spa
Nestled on 28 acres surrounded by rolling vineyards, Carneros Resort and Spa is the quintessential Napa Valley escape; this newly revitalized resort lets guests experience stylish cottage-style accommodations and elevated amenities that reflect the area’s distinct charm. Relax in a private cottage featuring unique touches like alfresco showers and a private landscaped garden.
6. Niagara Falls, Canada
_(2).jpg)
ⓒ Niagara Falls Tourism
Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a Canadian city with world-famous waterfalls of the same name. Linked with the U.S by the Rainbow Bridge, a weekend getaway to Niagara Falls is a fantastic way to take in the spectacular fall season. With school back in session, it’s time to start thinking about cozy getaways, scenic hikes, and crisp fall air. As the seasons shift, Niagara silently explodes with vibrant colors of red, yellow, and orange as the same trees that have made Canada famous for Maple Syrup dominate the landscape.
Accommodations in Niagara Falls, Canada
Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview
Experience the luxury of a full-service hotel when you stay with the Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview—the closest hotel to the Falls. At 42 stories, this gay-friendly hotel boasts 625 guest suites all equipped with a separate living room, two TVs, and floor-to-ceiling windows where you can view the nightly Falls Illumination. Conveniently connected to the incline railway which brings guests directly down to the natural wonder in a matter of minutes—plus, the railway is open year-round, fully accessible, and climate-controlled.
7. Providence, Rhode Island
ⓒ GoProvidence
Once considered a stopover on the way to one of the East Coast’s posh coastal playgrounds, Providence has quietly transformed into Rhode Island’s hippest hotspots. At about 18.5 square miles, the city is easily navigable and maintains that small-town charm. With a diverse population of about 180,000, a cultured college community, and a blossoming arts scene, Providence has become the cultural hub of New England - without the constant crush of crowds - we’ve been dreaming about as the temperatures start to drop and our sweaters make their way out of storage.
A former eyesore, Providence's waterfront has recently been reimagined into a scenic riverside park, while a newer pedestrian bridge has been put in place to connect the historic architecture of the iconic East Side with the buzzy Innovation District. For a closer look, guided kayaking and historic walking tours spotlight the city’s development or you can pedal along the Providence Foodie Bike Routes for a GPS-guided sampling of doughnuts, craft beer, and finger food. Prefer to sample several different cuisines? Hit the food truck village at Innovation District Park on Friday nights.
Accommodations in Providence
Built around the history and culture of Providence, The Dean is a hotel that values collaboration with its neighbors. Filled with custom furniture, craftwork from local purveyors, and found objects from Europe and beyond, The Dean revels in the details. This historical building has been elegantly transformed into a 52-room hotel in the heart of Providence’s historic district.
8. RV Road Trip
-min.jpg)
Once the weather cools down a bit, most people retire their tents to the garage and store their RVs, failing to realize that this means less crowded campgrounds and hiking trails. During the spring and summer months, temperatures, especially in certain parts of the country, can climb sky-high, sucking the fun out of once-fun activities like hiking, biking, or camping. In the fall months, the temperatures begin to drop without getting too cold, making fall the perfect time for a cross-country road trip. For some foliage-filled fun, team up with RVshare, a trusted gay-friendly rental service connecting renters and owners one road trip at a time.
9. Walla Walla, Washington
ⓒ Cameo Heights Mansion
The crown jewel of Washington State's wine country, Walla Walla is a tiny town on the southeastern side of the Pacific Northwest. Positioned at the foot of the Blue Mountains, Walla Walla has been making a big name for itself as of late, growing from a small wheat-farming community into a world-class wine destination with over 100 wineries in just a few short decades. Don’t go expecting the pine trees and misty skies of nearby Seattle or Portland; here, it’s all about rolling hills covered with sagebrush and rows of grapevines. In the harvest season, the verdancy of those vines creates an otherworldly effect against the otherwise arid land- especially as the sun begins to descend, coloring the sky with vibrant streaks of orange-red. Walla Walla’s sunsets are legendary and, truly, some of the most enchanting around.
Accommodations in Walla Walla
Anchoring historic downtown Walla Walla, the Marcus Whitman Hotel features luxurious accommodations, six independently operated wine-tasting rooms, and a nationally recognized gourmet restaurant and lounge. From two-room luxury suites which are perfect for romantic weekend getaways, to king deluxe rooms that are well suited for any type of traveler, you will be surrounded in luxury at this Gay Travel Approved hotel.
10. Yosemite, California
ⓒ Cameo Heights Mansion
Compared to summer, fall in Yosemite can feel like an entirely different place. By late October the crowds have thinned, the sun angle lowered, the foliage has turned, and the smell of perpetually stoked campfires fills the cooler air. The swing in temperature between the sun and the shade means you better have both a pair of shorts and a puffy coat on hand. It feels like the mountains are supposed to feel: an uncrowded, serene, glacial-carved playground.
Autumn offers a quieter, more peaceful experience to visitors of Yosemite. You can actually find solitude in the valley, something that doesn't happen during the warmer months. Trails like the Giant Staircase Loop that climbs above Vernal and then Nevada Falls, the Mirror Lake Loop that passes under Half Dome’s towering north face, and the Columbia Rock hike that leads up to the south rim near Yosemite Falls, are all spectacular fall hike options.
Accommodations in Yosemite
Two miles from Yosemite National Park's south gate entrance, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is an all-season resort in the Sierra Nevada Forest. So much more than a hotel, this extraordinary escape offers a variety of accommodations, multiple restaurants, spa services, indoor and outdoor pools, and hundreds of acres to explore right out your doorstep.
__large.jpg)
