Autumn in New York (or fall, as the locals call it) is truly one of the most beautiful seasons you can experience anywhere. The air has a cool crispness, everything becomes apple cider or pumpkin-spiced, and most impressively, the leaves turn into a stunning rainbow of red, yellow, brown, and orange.
Though fall in New York is beautiful in itself (please do yourself a favor and spend a day wandering around the parks as the leaves change), if you were ever to plan a road trip out of the city, this is the season to do so! Upstate New York and the New England area, in particular, become a stunning leaf-peeping wonderland, and there are a number of adorable little towns, some only a day trip away from the city, that are well worth visiting! Here are some of our favorite fall getaways from the city.
Take a Day Trip to Beacon, New York
This little town along the Hudson River is often one of the first towns mentioned when speaking about fall getaways, and with good reason. It is accessible by Metro-North and is small enough to easily cover the entire town on foot.
The main street is full of cute boutiques and cafés, including the well-known Town Crier Café that offers live music most days. Just off Main Street, you can hop into the Hudson Valley Brewery to sample and purchase craft brews on rotation.
Beacon is also home to Dia: Beacon, a modern art museum with a collection ranging from the 1960s to the present—a perfect opportunity to add a little culture to the leaf-peeping season.
Explore Nature & Relaxation in Saratoga Springs, New York
One of New Yorkers’ more popular getaway spots, the town sits at the foot of the Saratoga National Historical Park. Its main street, called Broadway, offers everything you need for a relaxing afternoon strolling around, from fancy boutiques to top-notch cafes.
While you’re in town, take the time to visit the Saratoga Spa State Park, home of the mineral springs, and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, which has a great year-round cultural calendar.
There are a number of very popular apple orchards surrounding the town that host a number of family activities all season long.
Explore Your Artistic Side in Williamstown, Massachusetts
This is a super cute historical town in the Berkshires and one of our absolute favorite spots to visit this time of year! The town is completely surrounded by nature, creating a stunning backdrop once the leaves start to change. When driving there, take Route 43; it is one of the most picturesque drives as the leaves change color.
The downtown is small but has a really fun vibe as Williamstown is the home of the liberal arts school, Williams College. If you spend a weekend here, do not miss a trip to the Clark Institute, known for its world-class Impressionist collection. This museum is worth visiting, even if you’re not a big art fan. A great café is inside, and a beautiful outdoor area where you can sit, drink, and watch the sunset over the mountains.
Yes, Newport, Rhode Island Is Splendid in Fall
So yes, Newport is generally considered a summer destination, but hear me out! Newport, virtually unaffordable during the summer months, becomes a much more welcoming destination come the fall.
The who’s who have returned to the city, allowing visitors to truly embrace Newport’s small-town charm. You can enjoy boat rides from the center of town, some great coastal hikes made even more beautiful by the changing leaves, and the Newport Mansions, which are a must-visit any time of year.
A particularly beautiful option is to take in the fall views from Oceancliff, which you can visit without needing to be a guest.
Discover Lake Placid in Upstate New York
Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is the perfect getaway for those wanting a little adventure mixed in with their leaf-peeping. There are dozens of hiking trails for all levels, and with the lake right in the center, you can also kayak, paddleboard, or canoe, taking in the leaves from a different vantage point.
There are 46 peaks to hike to within the Adirondacks, and a particularly beautiful hike is heading up to the High Falls Gorge, with beautiful waterfall views as you cross the gorge. Of course, that view becomes a hundred times more impressive once the leaves change color.
Lake Placid is a little further north, so it’s a good town to add to your list earlier in the leaf-peeping season. If you can, it is definitely worth heading there during their Flaming Leaves Festival held every year in October.
No matter where you go during the season, you are guaranteed to see some stunning scenery in the fall. What may be surprising is how quickly the leaves change and drop, especially if there is bad weather. To ensure you don’t miss out, follow the fall foliage tracker (yes, it’s a thing!), which allows you to follow the leaves changing in real time and plan your perfect leaf-peeping getaway!
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 