As warm summer afternoons turn to crisp autumn nights, there’s no better time to visit the Northeast — with its bursts of marigold yellows, fiery reds, and impossibly vibrant shades of orange, the fall foliage in this corner of the country is second to none. It’s positively one of the best places to go in autumn.
Plan a memorable “leaf peeping” getaway to the Northeast’s best towns for fall foliage. All three of these charming New England hamlets feature scenic views, refreshing outdoor experiences, polished dining and accommodations, and easy access via a Tradewind Aviation private charter. To witness this breathtaking season in full flourish, there’s no time like the present.
Stowe, Vermont
Located just 100 miles south of Montreal, Stowe in the fall feels like a dreamy escape to a far-flung destination — or maybe even a different time. Its tallest “skyline” feature (aside from the Green Mountain views) has been Main Street’s white-steeple church. For the first time since it was built in 1863, the steeple was taken down for a comprehensive renovation in October 2024. It is expected to be fully restored and back up on the skyline in spring 2025. The historic church is flanked on either side by an array of charming, locally-owned boutiques, cafés, and refined dining hotspots. Some must-try restaurants include Plate, Harrison’s, and the popular après-ski destination, Doc Ponds. Cork offers natural wines with a menu of small plates and entrées. For elevated fare on the mountain, head up to Spruce Peak ski resort’s Alpine Hall for farm-to-table cuisine and Tipsy Trout for regional seafood.
Just 10 miles outside Stowe in the neighboring town of Waterbury is the award-winning restaurant Hen of the Wood with a daily-changing menu highlighting Vermont-sourced ingredients. It’s well worth making the short drive.
Stowe is also known for its craft brewery scene. The Alchemist, von Trapp Brewing Bierhall, Ten Bends Beer, and Idyletyme Brewing Company are favorites (the latter offering much-loved seasonal bistro fare, too). Beyond dining and drinking in the refreshing autumn air, Stowe of course offers countless outdoor experiences, including hiking, biking, and the Percy Farm Corn Maze off the Stowe Recreation Path.
Half the joy of Stowe in the fall is meandering along its winding roads through colorful leaves as far as the eye can see, so consider renting a car just to explore. Check into either Topnotch Resort (also known for its rejuvenating spa) or The Lodge at Spruce Peak (which offers golf-enthusiast guests access to The Mountain Course at Spruce Peak), then embark on an adventure up to Smuggler’s Notch or toward Waterbury. Truly, there are no wrong turns on this Vermont fall getaway.
Recommended airport: Morrisville-Stowe State Airport (MVL/KMVL).
Bar Harbor, Maine
While this small enclave on Mount Desert Island (just off Maine’s Down East shoreline) is lauded for its summer scenery and traditions, autumn offers an equally picturesque time to explore the best places to see fall leaves from land and sea. In the spirit of its location, one of the best ways to witness Bar Harbor’s dazzling coastal foliage is on the waters of Frenchman Bay, located next to the charming downtown. Bundle up, rent a kayak, and paddle along the coastline to take in views of the island’s rugged outcroppings, dramatic granite cliffs, and colorful fall vistas.
Warm up afterwards with a hot spiced apple cider at Coffee Hound Coffee Bar, or try a fall-inspired cocktail at Galyn’s — stay for dinner to enjoy fresh Maine lobster or a hand-cut steak overlooking Frenchman Bay. Open seasonally, Havana offers American cuisine with a Latin twist, and a more casual menu at The Parrilla, their outdoor tapas bar and grill. For a fine dining experience paired with nightly live entertainment, make a reservation at The Reading Room at the Bar Harbor Inn (also a historic and upscale place to stay on the island).
The elegant Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina offers stunning views of the island and Frenchman Bay from private balconies. Bar Harbor Grand Hotel is another charming favorite for accommodations, and with its location less than two miles from the Cadillac Mountain entrance of Acadia National Park, it’s particularly ideal for those looking to partake in Bar Harbor’s renowned hiking opportunities amid the season’s blazing foliage (here are five that can’t be missed).
Recommended airport: Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport (BHB/KBHB).
Lenox, Massachusetts
This quintessential New England town in the southern corner of the Berkshires is perhaps best known as the home of the famed Shakespeare & Company. The theatre performs works by Shakespeare as well as other classic plays and contemporary works. But there’s far more to Lenox than its renowned theatre scene — namely, luxurious resorts, historic homes and buildings, outdoor activities, and of course, a rainbow of fall foliage.
Upon arrival, check into the Doctor Sax House or Life House, two stylish boutique inns with cocktail lounges and eateries. The intimate 33 Main is a nine-bedroom B&B in a restored 19th-century Federal style house designed by home furnishings entrepreneur Annie Selke.
In addition to Dulu Cafe at Doctor Sax House, other top Lenox dining destinations include Mediterranean hotspot Alta Restaurant and Wine Bar, Zinc Bistro & Bar, and Brava serving tapas, pizzas and a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list.
For an immersion into a historic Massachusetts home, visit The Mount, the estate of author Edith Wharton. Featuring public grounds dotted with colorful leaves, house tours are available by reservation only (fans of the paranormal shouldn’t miss the Ghost Tour, in particular). If you haven’t gotten your fill of classic estates, make a point to visit the Jacobean-style Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. (On Saturday mornings, they offer outdoor yoga)
Fit in a final day of leaf peeping at the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, which offers a glistening pond and seven miles of trails amidst autumn fall trees. One of the trails leads to the summit of Lenox Mountain — a perfect spot to survey the scenery and soak in the incomparable beauty of fall in the Northeast.
Recommended airport: Pittsfield Municipal Airport (PSF/KPSF).
To learn more about booking a flight to Stowe, Bar Harbor, and Lenox with Tradewind Aviation, please visit our website. For private charters, contact sales@flytradewind.com or call +1 203-267-3305, option 2.
Featured Photo: Tony Webster / flickr / CC B