Bar Harbor, Maine

Highlights: The setting of Bar Harbor is quintessential Maine. Indulge in the fresh lobster, blueberry pie, and delectable craft beers. For the ultimate nature fix, Acadia National Park is a short drive away from this coastal village.

Where to Stay: Bar Harbor Inn or The Harborside Hotel

Woodstock, Vermont

Highlights: This picture perfect Vermont town has covered bridges and a charming main street. It also has access to nearby hiking trails in the Green Mountains and culinary adventures like cheese tastings at dairy farms. Vermont is one of the most iconic fall destinations for leaf peeping.

Where to Stay: Woodstock Inn

Salem, Massachusetts

Highlights: The stereotypical Autumn getaway for all things witchy (Salem is known for the witch trials in 1692). The town thrives during Halloween and really puts you in the holiday spirit.

Where to Stay: The Merchant

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Highlights: Visit this classic New England getaway without the summertime crowds. Bike around the island and stroll the stunning Sconset Bluff Walk. Walk around the historic cobblestone downtown and eat at some of the best restaurants in the country. Check out my full Nantucket travel guide here.

Where to Stay: White Elephant Hotel

Newport, Rhode Island

Highlights: Pack your blue & white striped J Crew sweater for this preppy paradise. Don’t miss the Cliff Walk, passing outrageous Gilded Age estates set on the rocky bluff. Some of these mega mansions are abandoned, giving a spoooky vibe as you walk by.

Where to Stay: Castle Hill Inn

The Finger Lakes, New York

Highlights: This region is known for the eleven long, narrow lakes spread out like fingers across the center of the state. Quaint towns, rolling farmland, dense forests, dramatic gorges, and over 100 vineyards surround the lakes. Fill your days with scenic wine tastings, picturesque boat rides, and easy waterfall hikes in state parks. Check out my full Finger Lakes travel guide here.

Where to Stay: Lake House Canandaigua or Inns of Aurora

Lake George, New York

Highlights: Fall is a stunning time of year to relax in the Adirondacks. Walk around the beautiful waterfront town of Lake George for picturesque sights. There are endless hiking opportunities, but my personal favorite trail is Buck Mountain. Go for a bike ride or check out one of the rail bikes, two-seater pedal bikes that wind through the mountains.

Where to Stay: The Sagamore

Lake Placid, New York

Highlights: Not too far from Lake George, Lake Placid is another gorgeous lakefront village in the Adirondacks. Focus on being in nature and enjoying the fresh mountain air by hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and boating.

Where to Stay: Lake Placid Lodge

The Catskills, New York

Highlights: The Catskills is a perfect place to relax and take in the changing colors of the leaves. It has prime access to uncrowded hiking trails. Hike through the forested mountains with babbling brooks and streams. Or shop and dine in cute small towns like Catskill, Woodstock, and New Paltz.

Where to Stay: Scribner’s Catskills Lodge or Urban Cowboy

Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

Highlights: Discover the magic of Penn’s Woods. For the active-type, go hiking to waterfalls, zip-lining through the forest, or ATVing. Visit local breweries, cideries, and wineries, or take part in traditional fall activities like apple picking, haunted houses, hay rides, and pumpkin patches.

Where to Stay: Lodge at Woodloch

New Hope, Pennsylvania

Highlights: This quirky town set on the Delaware River looks like a movie scene during Autumn. Shop on Main Street, meet local artists at work, or get into the Halloween spirit & book a Ghost tour. Walk along the tranquil canal or in Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve. There are Bucks County farms, breweries, and wineries nearby too that really come alive in the fall.

Where to Stay: River House at Odette’s

Cape May, New Jersey

Highlights: A beach town with a twist - Cape May is more than just a summer destination. If the weather is nice, go for a peaceful stroll along the shoreline. Walk around the charming downtown with its stately mansions and sophisticated shops. Explore the coastal farms, craft breweries, and wineries nearby via bike. Check out my full Cape May travel guide here.

Where to Stay: The Hugh B&B or Congress Hall

St. Michaels, Maryland

Highlights: An idyllic waterfront village on a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, perfect for a day of sailing and crabbing. Enjoy the “low and slow” life. Read a book and watch the boats on the lapping water.

Where to Stay: Inn at Perry Cabin

Middleburg, Virginia

Highlights: A low-key country town with chic boutiques and an impressive winery and brewery trail. Take a day trip to Shenandoah National Park for hiking and endless foliage views.

Where to Stay: Salamander Resort