It’s not too late: Places to visit in the Fall
Big Sur, Vermont, The Hamptons, Tuscany, Patagonia and more
Fall used to be my least favorite season—until I moved to NYC. The air becomes crisper, stays pleasantly warm well into the season, and as summer crowds thin out, stunning autumn foliage takes center stage. Later in the season, Halloween transforms our brownstone Brooklyn neighborhood. It was around Halloween 2012, just a few months after we moved here, that I realized I truly love and admire NYC. This was right after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. I won’t dive into that now (I’ve blogged about it before), but in short, I was in awe of the resilience of New Yorkers. It blew me away.
With this newfound love for the city, I became a fan of fall too - and, naturally, of fall travel. My personal fall trips are often short and sweet, tailored around non-aligning school schedules and other commitments. New England is our family’s go-to destination—it’s close, stunning and fun. From my friend’s lake house, you can almost watch the trees change color. It’s mesmerizing.
This fall, I’ll travel to my parent in the Netherlands. With my father’s health being a concern, visiting them as much as possible has become a priority. I try to combine these trips with a quick European escape, choosing a destination based on flight convenience. This fall, I’m considering Barcelona or Munich, both offering rich cultural experiences in the fall. Vienna, where I often traveled as a child, is also tempting with its golden leaves and elegant streets. I might just give in and return. - stay tuned for more on Vienna soon.
There's something undeniably special about fall travel. It’s why the art tours I co-led often took place in the fall and spring—seasons of change, when the allure of discovering new places is at its peak (though, of course, I think it always is)
I’ve compiled a list of some beautiful places to visit in the fall. These destinations are perfect for long weekends, but if you linger longer, I certainly won’t blame you. While extended trips might be tough for families during the fall, a beautiful weekend getaway is often within reach. And for those without kids, the possibilities are endless. Therefore, I also rounded up a few bucket-list destinations abroad that are simply spectacular in the fall. And of course, the sky's the limit—I have many more ideas (and perks) where these came from.
Domestic Destinations for Fall
Big Sur, California
A couple of falls ago, I road-tripped Big Sur with a friend, and it was nothing short of magical. Few places along this stretch of the California coastline are as enchanting. Nearly 100 miles of misty, rugged cliffs dotted with towering pine forests, seal beaches, and the occasional humpback whale sighting make Big Sur one of the United States’ most coveted destinations. In the fall, the contrast between the verdant mountains and sapphire-blue waves is especially striking. Highly recommended!
Where to Stay in Big Sur: Post Ranch Inn Perched on the cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn offers unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged California coastline. This adults-only resort provides a tranquil, luxurious escape with eco-friendly accommodations that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Fall is an especially peaceful time to visit, with fewer crowds and more opportunities to connect with nature through activities like stargazing, guided nature walks, and relaxing in the infinity pool. Three Michelin Keys!
Perks at Post Ranch Inn: Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability, Daily Full breakfast, $100USD equivalent credit, early check-In / late check-out, subject to availability
If you are visiting with kids there are some other beautiful options. The Alila Ventana Big Sur for example. And there is more! If you need help narrowing down a top pick, I'll happily provide personalized recommendations.
Vermont, New England
Few places in the U.S. experience a fall transition as breathtaking as New England. The region’s forests turn into a sea of red, orange, and yellow, and the crisp temperatures are perfect for outdoor adventures. It’s no wonder New England has become our family’s go-to fall destination. I love apple picking, a New England staple, and the incredible colors that paint the landscape. The cool weather is ideal for hiking, exploring historic towns, and enjoying local harvest festivals. Vermont, at the heart of it all, is a must-visit.
Keep in mind, Vermont is popular during this season, so I recommend booking your accommodations early—or plan for 2025!
Where to Stay in Vermont: Twin Farms, Barnard The former country estate of author Sinclair Lewis, Twin Farms is a rustic-luxe sanctuary with an incredible collection of artwork. Spread across 120 hectares of wildflower meadows, hardwood forests, ancient gardens, and private ponds, it seduces with outdoor pursuits and charms with nothing-is-too-much service and award-winning dining. It’s also great in winter with guest-only ski runs.
Perks at Twin Farms: Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability, daily Full Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, Twin Farms Farm-to-Table Gift Set (value of $140 USD), Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
The Hamptons, New York
After a beautiful summer weekend in The Hamptons, thanks to our lovely and generous friends, I put it on my list for fall. While the beaches are generally too cold for swimming by mid-fall (though my husband disagrees and swims year-round), they’re still gorgeous. The small towns offer luxurious dining, high-end shopping, and art galleries, all in a more laid-back setting. Clients share that in the fall the summer crowds have dissipated and the crisp air, scenic landscapes, and quieter streets make for a peaceful retreat, allowing you to enjoy the area’s charm at a slower pace.
Where to Stay in The Hamptons: The Roundtree, Amagansett The Roundtree, Amagansett, is one of the Hamptons’ best places to stay in the fall. What looks like a modest cottage from the street reveals itself as a spacious boutique hotel with a delightfully contemporary look and feel, remodeled in 2020
Our Perks at The Roundtree, Amagansett: Welcome amenity, Breakfast daily, Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible
Tuscany, Italy
Fall is harvest season in Tuscany, perfect for wine and olive oil tastings, and festivals. Fall in Tuscany also means fewer tourists, allowing for a more relaxed experience when exploring charming hilltop towns like San Gimignano and Montepulciano. The cooler temperatures also make it the perfect time to visit Tuscany’s historical sites, such as Florence’s museums and Siena’s medieval streets, without the intense summer heat.
I have fond memories of spending fall weeks in Tuscany when I lived in the Netherlands, pre-kids. The combination of visiting sleepy hilltop towns, enjoying the quieter streets of Florence, and sipping local wines makes for an unforgettable experience. Tuscany in the fall feels like a step back in time—there’s a serene, almost dreamlike quality to it that I can’t recommend enough.
So many incredible options in Tuscany, whether in the countryside, a small town or Florence, I’d love to match you to your perfect hotel. Here is one:
Where to Stay in Tuscany: Lupaia The flowers and intertwining greenery, the landscape-painting views of vines, cypress alleys and time-unchanged hilltop towns – it’s all you really want when you are in Tuscany. Lupaia is an authentic boutique hotel set in a restored Tuscan farmhouse,The hotel is nestled within a small village of charming farm buildings, some dating back as far as 1622. It holds all of Tuscany’s strongest cards: daily-changing dinners straight from the kitchen garden, tale-as-old-as-time rusticana, a bacchanal’s worth of wine (and negronis), and beamed and frescoed suites.
Fora Perks at Lupaia: Welcome amenity, Breakfast daily, Upgrade whenever possible
Patagonia, Chile
Patagonia has long been on my bucket list, ever since a Chilean friend I met during an exchange year in Michigan told me about this incredible place. He even had a pet penguin—though I’m still not sure if that was true! Regardless, Patagonia’s wild, untouched beauty has intrigued me for years. This region encompasses the vast southernmost tip of South America, shared by Argentina and Chile, with the Andes Mountains as its dividing line. September through December is spring in Patagonia, so if you’re looking to escape fall’s colder temperatures while exploring one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Patagonia is the perfect destination. The region's verdant grasslands, wildflower blooms, crystal-clear lakes, and majestic peaks offer stunning, almost otherworldly landscapes. Patagonia is also a great place to travel around Chile and Argentina.
Where to Stay in Chilean Patagonia: Explora Torres del Paine Located in a remote corner of Torres del Paine National Park, Explora is a lakefront resort that capitalizes on the region’s unparalleled beauty. The views are breathtaking, with dramatic mountains and verdant foliage all around. Guests can enjoy expertly guided hikes and horseback rides, exploring the stunning scenery with fewer tourists and comfortably warm temperatures.
Fora Perks at Explora Torres del Paine: $100 hotel/resort credit, Breakfast daily, Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible
I cannot write about fall travel and not mention Paris. It is breathtaking and so cosy in the fall. And after the Olympics, Paris will be even more delightful, with fewer crowds and a more relaxed vibe.. I have many recs for hotels here. (Maybe I’ll just choose Paris again as an add-on when I travel to my parents. It’s a very smooth train ride between Amsterdam and Paris)