The seasons are changing and so is the scenery. Not everywhere in the world is lucky enough to experience the drastic change of landscape that happens along the east coast. Here are eight cities where you can watch summer fade into fall and get to know an exciting new town with plenty of offerings.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor has plenty to offer as one of Maine’s most majestic coastal attractions. The city itself is dotted with bars, restaurants, shops and museums, but outside of the city is where the magic lies. Biking, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, boating, whale watching and more await you in Acadia National Park. The oldest national park east of the Mississippi offers 47,000 acres worth of scenery and recreation. Its landscape is marked by woods, rocky beaches and granite mountain tops peaking up among the melted glaciers.
Stay at Bar Harbor Regency Holiday Inn located on 2 acres of oceanfront property. An in-ground heated pool, putting green, tennis courts and shore path are all located on the property, just one mile from downtown Bar Harbor. Island Explore shuttle stops every 15 minutes for a short trip into town and Acadia National Park entrance is located one mile from the hotel. The famous Ferry The Cat is located next door offering daily trips to Nova Scotia as well.
Burlington, Vermont
The most populous city in Vermont sits on the shores of Lake Champlain and has the dual pleasures of both world-class dining, shopping and entertainment while also being nestled beneath the mountains as an outdoor enthusiast’s haven. With more than 100 covered bridges, Vermont’s scenic drives are the perfect activity for a fall getaway.
Stay at Courtyard Burlington Harbor Hotel located on the shores of Lake Champlain, framed by the Adirondack and Green Mountains in the heart of Burlington. Experience the splendor of Vermont countryside from the hotel’s public spaces and exquisite guest rooms. The rooms include luxury bedding, Herman Miller work chairs, oversize tubs and much more. Hot buffet breakfast, indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness facility, complimentary Wi-Fi and a 24/7 business center add to the list of amenities.
Lincoln, New Hampshire
In the middle of White Mountain National Forest, the Appalachian Trail crosses through the town of Lincoln, New Hampshire. Explore its natural wonders and man-made attractions. Take in the foliage by plunging over the Pemigewasset River on a zipline or for those who prefer a slower pace, ride toward the mountain’s summit in a gondola that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Stay at Indian Head Resort where the staff is friendly, the food is excellent and rooms are private, quiet and clean with spectacular views. Amenities include a heated pool and hot tub overlooking the magnificent landscape. This is a great destination for couples or families alike.
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is without a doubt the best Halloween-themed fall destination. Just an hour outside of Boston, Salem is a charming town filled with the mysteries and history of the Salem Witch trials. Visit the House of the Seven Gables, take a Hocus Pocus themed tour or take a stroll on the Salem Heritage Trail to navigate your way through Salem’s rich history.
Stay at Salem Waterfront Hotel & Marina on Pickering Wharf. With a nautical, contemporary decor, the Salem Waterfront Hotel is a luxury hotel with the largest guest rooms on the North Shore of Boston. Choose from standard, single suites or two room suites. Conveniently located at the corner of Derby Street and Congress Street, on historic Pickering Wharf, the property is just steps away from museums, historic attractions, shopping, restaurants and all that Salem has to offer.
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid is the perfect fall destination for travelers to enjoy all kinds of shopping, dining and outdoor recreation. In upstate New York, the Adirondacks Mountains cover over 6.1 million acres making the state park larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon combined. There are plenty of options for hiking, biking and fishing and even wine and beer tasting. More importantly, Lake Placid was home to the 1932 and 1980 Olympics, giving it an exciting history and number of famous attractions.
Stay at Best Western Adirondack Inn by The Lake conveniently located in downtown Lake Placid, across the street from the Olympic Center. Within walking distance to a number of shops and restaurants, you will have plenty to do to occupy your time. All of the spacious rooms are equipped with refrigerators, irons and ironing board, hairdryer and patio. There is free wireless internet throughout the hotel and a complimentary breakfast buffet is served every morning.
Deep Creek Lake, Maryland
An easy drive from Washington DC, Baltimore and Pittsburgh, the crisp mountain air and picturesque scenery make Western Maryland one of the best fall east coast vacation spots. Deep Creek Lake is the perfect place for hiking, kayaking and more.
Stay at Wisp Mountain Resort, a ski and golf resort just a half a mile from the lake. The 102 suites and 67 guest rooms are all equipped with a refrigerator, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, individual climate control, telephone, high speed wireless and numerous dining options. Although it is well known for its ski in/ski out option in the winter, there are also a number of great activities happening in the fall.
Asheville, North Carolina
Those looking for an eclectic and artistic atmosphere will feel right at home in the Downtown Art District of Asheville. The 19th-century Biltmore estate displays artwork by masters like Renoir and the city is full of galleries, museums and studios. Not to mention the historic architecture, including the dome-topped Basilica of Saint Lawrence. Nearby Asheville, the Blue Ridge parkway’s 470 miles of scenic roads are perfect place to take in the fall foliage.
Stay at Doubletree Biltmore located in the heart of Biltmore Village just five minutes from downtown Asheville. A new 5-story Vanderbilt Executive Tower features over-sized deluxe rooms in various layouts. Guests have access to a fitness center, a heated indoor saline pool and whirlpool with a retractable ceiling, high speed wireless access, dry cleaning and laundry services, valet parking and a complimentary full breakfast.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah rounds off the list as the southernmost destination. Savannah’s Historic District and Forsyth Park will take your breath away when they are highlighted by the vibrant fall foliage. There is plenty to do and see in Savannah (read more here). It is full of fun fall events like the Savannah Jazz Festival, Oktoberfest, and the River Street Crawl-o-Ween pub crawl and not to mention the number of haunted ghost tours that happen year round.
Stay at B Historic Savannah, a stylish hotel in the heart of this quaint little city. State-of-the-art amenities include designer furnishings, free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, an indoor saltwater pool and fitness facility and a number of available excursion packages for guests to get to know the city firsthand. Revel in true southern hospitality at this unique hotel.
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