Top 8 Autumn Escapes

It's Not Too Late For An Autumn Escape

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s something about fall that feels both comforting and fleeting. It’s a favorite season for so many of us — cozy sweaters, pumpkin patches, and the beauty of changing leaves — but between work, school schedules, and busy weekends, it can slip by faster than we’d like. That’s why a fall getaway isn’t just a luxury — it’s something we all need to slow down, breathe in the season, and actually experience it.

As a teacher, I know firsthand how long the stretch feels between the start of the school year and the first real holiday break. The energy that comes with new routines and full classrooms can be exciting, but it can also be exhausting. A quick weekend away in the fall — even just a couple of days — is the perfect way to recharge, reconnect, and come back refreshed.

2024 Fayetteville, W.V.

For me, my favorite fall getaway is always one that includes good friends, cozy cabins, and the mountains. There’s nothing like waking up to a view filled with red, orange, and golden leaves, a cup of coffee in hand, and the sound of kids laughing outside. Last year, we met up with friends in Fayetteville, West Virginia — a charming mountain town that checked all the boxes. We found local trunk-or-treat events for the kids, wandered scenic trails covered in crunchy leaves, and discovered local restaurants that truly embraced the spirit of the season. If you’ve been craving a quick escape before winter sets in, this is your sign to plan one. To make it easier, I’ve put together a list of the top 10 places that make the perfect fall getaway — each one filled with scenic views, cozy stays, and plenty of seasonal charm.

Stowe, Vermont

There’s no place like Stowe when the hills turn gold and crimson. Take the scenic drive up Smugglers’ Notch, then stretch your legs on the Stowe Recreation Path. Stop by Cold Hollow Cider Mill for warm cider donuts and let the kids watch apples pressed into juice. End your day at The Bench, where wood-fired pizzas and Vermont craft brews make the perfect cozy finish.

White Mountains, New Hampshire

Breathe in mountain air along the Kancamagus Highway, one of the Northeast’s most breathtaking drives. Hike the Flume Gorge Trail for waterfalls framed in fiery foliage, then take the family to Coppal House Farm for pumpkin picking and corn mazes. Wrap it all up with dinner at The Common Man—a New England classic serving comfort food and charm.

Great Smokey Mountains, Tennessee

Watch fog roll through fiery treetops as you cruise Newfound Gap Road. Wander the Laurel Falls Trail with the kids—it’s an easy walk with a big reward. Stop at The Apple Barn Cider Mill in Sevierville for sweet treats and souvenirs, and finish with Southern comfort food at The Peddler Steakhouse in Gatlinburg.

Hocking Hills, Ohio

Carved gorges, waterfalls, and fiery leaves make this Ohio gem a fall favorite. Drive through Hocking Hills Scenic Byway, then explore Old Man’s Cave for a kid-friendly hike that feels straight out of a storybook. Visit Walker Farm Pumpkin Patch for hayrides and cider slushies, and refuel at Kindred Spirits—a cozy spot tucked in the woods.

Shenandoah N.P., Virginia

There’s magic in every curve of Skyline Drive, where golden leaves frame mountain vistas. Stop for a family hike at Dark Hollow Falls, then head to Carter Mountain Orchard near Charlottesville for apple picking and caramel apples with a view. Cap off your day with dinner at Gathering Grounds Café, a local favorite in Luray.

Asheville, North Carolina

Roll down the windows and let the color-drenched mountains do the talking. Pull off at Craggy Gardens for a short family hike and unbeatable views. Visit Sky Top Orchard near Hendersonville for apple picking and fresh cider slushies, then dine at The Pisgah Inn Restaurant, perched right on the Parkway for sunset views that steal the show.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

Color spills over the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Asheville feels alive with fall. Drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway to Looking Glass Rock Overlook, stroll through the North Carolina Arboretum, and grab cider at Sky Top Orchard (a family favorite!). End the day at Tupelo Honey Café downtown for southern-style comfort done right.

Porcupine Mountains, Michigan

The Porkies in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are pure autumn wonder. Cruise along M-107 to Lake of the Clouds Overlook, where the forest blazes with color. Take the Escarpment Trail for sweeping views, stop by Grandma’s Pumpkin Patch in Ironwood, and treat your crew to homestyle favorites at Konteka Black Bear Resort—where you might even spot a bear out back!