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.
Plan a memorable “leaf peeping” getaway to one of these three charming New England hamlets, featuring scenic views, refreshing outdoor experiences, polished dining and accommodations, and easy access via Tradewind Aviation private charter. To witness this breathtaking season in full flourish, there’s no time like the present.
Stowe, Vermont
Photo: Jim Liestman via flickr / CC BY
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) is Main Street’s white-steeple church, flanked on either side by an array of charming, locally owned boutiques, cafés, and refined dining hotspots. In fact, this region of Vermont happens to be the culinary capital of New England: The Bench, Plate, and Doc Ponds each receive rave reviews by critics and guests alike.
Stowe is also known for its craft brewery scene. von Trapp Brewing Bierhall 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.
Photo: The Lodge at Spruce Peak
One of our favorite things to do is simply rent a car and drive — half the joy of Stowe in the fall is simply meandering along its winding roads through colorful leaves as far as the eye can see. Check into either Topnotch Resort (also known for its rejuvenating spa) or The Lodge at Spruce Peak (which offers gold-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.
Recommended airport: Morrisville-Stowe State Airport (MVL).
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 on land and sea. In fact, 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 the island’s craggy 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. 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).
Photo: Bar Harbor Grand Hotel
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).
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. While this year’s season is on hold for now, there’s far more to Lenox than its renowned theatre scene (though it’s worth going back for next year) — namely, luxurious resorts, historic homes and buildings, outdoor activities, and of course, a rainbow of fall foliage.
Upon arrival, check into the Wheatleigh or the Blantyre, two resorts housed in ornate country mansions that date back to the 19th and early 20th century, respectively. Each perched on expansive, immaculately manicured grounds, they blend old-school opulence with modern luxury and extraordinary cuisine. The Blantyre’s signature restaurant Boulud (helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud) is currently open to guests who aren’t staying at the property, and is well worth a visit. (Other top Lenox dining destinations include Mediterranean hotspot Alta and innovative new American eatery Nudel.)
Photo: The Wheatleigh / Tara Consolati Events
For another immersion into a classic Massachusetts mansion, visit the Mount, the historic 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). And if you still 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 at 8am.)
Fit in a final day of leaf peeping at the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, which offers a glistening pond and seven miles of trails. One of them 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).
Tradewind offers charter flights year-round to Stowe, Bar Harbor, and Lenox. To receive a quote, please visit our charter request form or contact our charter specialists at sales@flytradewind.com or 1-800-376-7922. For the latest travel updates, please visit our Travel Advisory page.
Featured Photo: Tony Webster / flickr / CC B