Quick Links
Everyone who’s anyone knows that the East Coast is one of the best places to be when the calendar flips to autumn. Between the region’s brightly colored, picture-perfect fall foliage and its cozy, quaint places to visit just waiting to welcome visitors with delicious food, cool vibes, and fab fall events and fun festivals, there's no better place to be to celebrate the sweater season.
And while many fall East Coast destinations are as part of the cultural consciousness as pumpkin spice, haunted houses, and pumpkin picking, there are still a number of under-the-radar spots that deserve their own brand of autumn cred for being fall-friendly getaways in their own right. And the following places certainly fit the bill when it comes to majorly cozy sweater season vibes: scenery, stays, eats, and festive celebrations definitely included.
Small Town Getaway In Barnard
This quaint Vermont village may be only less than three hours from Boston, but it may as well be a million miles away. The perfect fall getaway for those looking for an idyllic retreat that’s as homey as it is picturesque, Barnard is the quintessential New England spot to simply leaf-peep and soak up the best autumn vibes imaginable.
- Things To Do: Green Mountain National Forest; Silver Lake State Park; Barnard General Store; visit nearby Woodstock, VT (15 minutes)
- Where To Stay: Twin Farms; The Fan House B&B; Woodstock Inn & Resort;
- Where To Dine: Bernard Inn Restaurant; Cloudland Farm; The Lincoln Inn & Restaurant; Worthy Kitchen
- When To Go: Harvest Celebration (October 8-9, Woodstock); Mid to late-October
Montauk: A Hamptons Fall Haven
Often overlooked as a top fall destination, Montauk is a Hamptons gem that is just as beautiful to visit as other famed New York getaways. Once the crowds of summer depart, this stunning spot comes alive with cooler temps and eternally beachy vibes that don’t fail to disappoint. And don’t forget about the foliage—here, the multi-hued backdrop shines as the perfect counterpoint to the area’s beachside beauty.
- Things To Do: Montauk Point Lighthouse; Montauk Brewing Company; Montauk Point State Park; Hither Hills State Park; Ditch Plains
- Where To Stay: Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa; Montauk Manor; Marram; Montauk Blue Hotel
- Where To Dine: The Harvest on Fort Pond; The Dock Montauk; Inlet Seafood; Scarpetta
- When To Go: 41st Annual Fall Family Festival (October 8-9); Mid-October to early November.
Lovely Leaves In Lake Placid
Anyone who loves fall knows that NY State has some of the best regions to visit throughout the season—after all, the Catskills and the Hudson Valley are at the top of most East Coast autumn itineraries. However, visitors who want their fill of fantastic fall fun shouldn’t overlook NY’s Adirondack region. Known for a plethora of quaint towns surrounded by stunning backdrops, the Adirondacks boast a number of sweet spots for vividly-hued leaf-peeping—and Lake Placid is undoubtedly one of the best with its lakeside charm and scenery to spare.
- Things To Do: Mirror Lake; Marcy Field and Keen Farmers Market (Sundays through October 9); Whiteface Mountain; Mount Van Hoevenberg; John Brown Farm
- Where To Stay: Mirror Lake Inn; High Peaks Resort; Whiteface Lodge; Grand Adirondack Hotel
- Where To Dine: Great Adirondack Brewing Company; Salt of the Earth Bistro; Smoke Signals; Kanu; The Breakfast Club
- When To Go: Flaming Leaves Festival (October 7) or mid to late fall for foliage and the Lake Placid Film Festival (October 20)
Hang Out In Historic New Hope
While PA’s Pocono Mountain region is undoubtedly one of the best spots to scope some of the Keystone State’s most spectacular foliage, the lovely river town of New Hope stakes its own claim to fall fame with quaint, cozy vibes that make for a sweet sweater season getaway. Shopping, dining, and outdoor activities make New Hope a unique place to visit, especially in fall when the leaves are at their peak and fall festivities are in full (spooky) swing.
- Things To Do: Ghost Tours of New Hope; Peddler’s Village; New Hope Railroad Fall Excursion; Bowman’s Hill Tower; Delaware Canal Towpath Trail
- Where To Stay: Porches on the Towpath; Olivia’s Bridge Street Inn; River House at Odette’s; Carriage House of New Hope
- Where To Dine: The Salt House; Sprig and Vine; The Landing; Nektar; Karla’s
- When To Go: Peddler’s Village OctoberFeast (October 15-16), but the entire month of October is packed with fun events both in New Hope and throughout Bucks County. Learn more about the area’s fall festivities here
A Cozy Connecticut College Town
Known as the home to famed Yale University, the CT college town of New Haven has more to offer than the campus’ architecturally stunning hallowed halls (though they’re definitely worth a look). In fall, New Haven’s leafy backdrop turns technicolor with a riot of stunning fall colors that can be seen throughout the area—from leaf-lined hikes to campus tours and everything in between; this beautiful burg is a definite autumn must-visit.
- Things To Do: Sleeping Giant State Park; Bishop’s Orchards; East Rock Park; New Haven Ghost Walk; Route 1 Scenic Driving Tour
- Where To Stay: The Graduate Hotel; The Blake Hotel; New Haven Hotel; The Study at Yale
- Where To Dine: Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana; ZINC; Prime 16 New Haven; Olea; Mecha Noodle Bar
- When To Go: Weekends throughout October; visit the Pumpkin Patch at the Shore Line Trolley Museum.
There are some autumn retreats that are simply iconic: think New York State’s Catskill and Hudson Valley Regions; the lovely Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania; and a plethora of small towns, beautiful burgs, and quaint villages dotting the East Coast that makes the grade when it comes to everything fall. But when it comes to a certain brand of spooky season coziness, the above destinations make the cut with their welcoming hospitality, stunning scenery, and fun, festive events that are the perfect way for fall fans to make the most of the season’s signature autumnal atmosphere.