By Libby MacCarthy, The Nest
Fantastic fall getaways to take advantage of this gorgeous season.
The balmy days of summer are long gone, but for travelers, fall has plenty of its own perks. Not only have the crowds gone home, but travel is typically cheaper this time of year — good news for your wallet and your sanity. An added bonus? The weather is prime and, in many cities, there are a slew of unique experiences to be had (hello, foliage).
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Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacay, a big city break or a romantic New England excursion, we've compiled 10 fall weekend trips that will make your Insta following green with envy.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Miles upon miles of rocky coast, awe-inspiring mountains and vibrant foliage as far as the eye can see – Maine is just about as scenic as you can get (they don't call it Vacationland for nothing, you know). Soak up the state's rugged scenery with a hike through Acadia National Park, stopping to admire the park's sea cliffs, wildlife and 1,530-foot Cadillac Mountain. If water sports are more your thing, try your hand at ocean kayaking. After a full day of exploring, head into downtown Bar Harbor fresh, local eats at Havana or the Bar Harbor Inn's Reading Room, then rest easy at the West Street Hotel.
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Charleston, South Carolina
Sweet tea, grits and a side of romance — we're so in! Foodies and shopaholics alike will find Charleston just as intriguing as any history buff, with a seemingly endless supply of topnotch restaurants ( Husk, Fig and the Hominy Grill are local faves) and boutiques at your disposal. Looking for cool digs for your stay? Try the Zero George, The Restoration or the luxe French Quarter Inn, all of which serve up a unique blend of contemporary cool and Lowcountry class.
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Boulder, Colorado
Outdoor enthusiasts, listen up! A trip to Colorado is the perfect way to bask in fall's glory – dazzling golden maples, cottonwoods, aspens and all. Soak up the sights with a walk along Mesa Trail or Wonderland Lake, where the changing leaves are on full display, or test drive the Bike-to-Breweries Trail where you'll imbibe and enjoy the beautiful Boulder landscape, complete with foothills and open vistas.
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Montreal, Quebec
Skip town and head to this charming Canadian city that's rich in culture, history and to-die-for cuisine (poutine included). Quaint cobblestone streets abound, giving way to a slew of noteworthy bars, restaurants, boutiques and coffee shops that will ensure your stay is nothing short of spectacular. While there are plenty of chic hotels located in the heart of downtown, Hotel Gault, Le Petit Hôtel and Germain are particularly enchanting.
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Havana, Cuba
Now that travel between the U.S. and Cuba is officially a thing, take advantage of the opportunity to immerse yourself in Havana's vibrant culture. Explore Old Havana's colorful streets and pay a visit to The Malecón, the city's seaside boulevard. Live music and dancing are a must and Casa de la Musica and Café Teatro Bertolt Brecht are two topnotch spots for both. Polish up on your Cuban history with a visit to the Museo de la Revolucion, then basic in the beauty of the city's Jardin Botanico Nacional. Your digs for the trip? The salmon-colored Hotel Ambos Mundos, where Hemingway wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls.
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Big Sur, California
Couples looking for a little bit of everything will find it all in Big Sur. Between the laid-back beaches, lush national parks prime for exploring (Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is always a good bet) and eats that will please even the pickiest palettes, there is truly something for everyone (with amazing weather to boot). A stay at the Post Ranch Inn is like hitting the wanderlust jackpot — the spot offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast and a cozy, romantic restaurant with a menu of mouthwatering fare (like a five-course wine pairing experience, anyone?).
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Burlington, Vermont
Craft brews, changing leaves and farm-to-table eats — these are just a few of the many reasons to add Burlington to your must-visit list stat. The Burlington Bike Path offers a great way to get active, take in the scenery and sample some of the city's finest beers. Live music enthusiasts fill vibe with the Radio Bean, ArtsRiot and Signal Kitchen, while the Church Street Marketplace is essential for scooping up quirky and eclectic finds. When you've worked up an appetite, head over to Hen of the Wood or Juniper for home-grown eats that rotate seasonally. And don't let brunch at Butch & Babe's pass you by.
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Portland, Oregon
The land of the locavore is a mecca for foodies everywhere, especially in the height of autumnal season when the salmon are swimming and fresh produce is abundant. Taste your way through the city, stopping off at Måurice, HoldFast Dining, Ned Ludd and Clyde Common. Continue the feasting frenzy by sampling Portland's finest brews at spots like Hopworks, BridgePort Brewery, StormBreaker Brewing and Deschutes.
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Savannah, Georgia
Introducing Southern charm at its best. October and early November are the perfect time to visit this haunted spot, with activities like the Moon River Brewing Company's haunted pub crawls and Blue Orb's City of the Dead tour on offer. But it's not just the spooky sights that will suck you in — Savannah is a culinary hot spot that you won't want to pass up. Between a calendar jam-packed with culinary festivals and a long list of to-die for eateries (a visit to The Olde Pink House is non-negotiable), the city is an epicurean dream. The Kimpton Brice Hotel is a modern southern belle that offers the best of both worlds — contemporary amenities and old world elegance. Located in the heart of Savannah's National Historic Landmark District, it's just a hop, skip and a jump away from the city's best museums, gardens, monuments and mansions, as well as the famed River Street.
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Boston, Massachusetts
There's just something so charming about New England in fall. The crisp air, colorful foliage and the return of the city's college students fills Boston's historic streets with excitement and energy. Plan to revisit Boston's historic landmarks and colonial-era architecture which take on an enchanting tone in the glow of the sunlit gold, orange and red leaves. Add Newbury Street as an essential stopover on your to-do list, and don't even think about letting your city escape pass you by without indulging in at least one sweet treat from the iconic North End neighborhood. If you plan on visiting the city in late fall, head over to Boston Common for ice-skating at the Frog Pond.
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