Best Fall Vacations for Couples in the US

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year to take a vacation. The crisp air, gorgeous foliage, and sense of coziness make it perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway. There are many excellent destinations around the United States that provide enchanting environments for an autumn couples vacation.

Why Take a Fall Vacation

There are several reasons why fall is an ideal time for a vacation for couples:

• Scenic beauty - The fall foliage in many parts of the country provides a stunning backdrop. The red, orange, and yellow leaves make for dramatic scenery. Cooler weather means the leaves stay at their peak color for longer.

• Fewer crowds - Summer crowds have dwindled after Labor Day. Popular destinations are less crowded which means more availability for couples to enjoy activities together.

• Cozy ambiance - Cooler temperatures, blankets, warm sweaters, crackling fires, and steaming mugs of cider create a perfect cozy mood.

• Special events - Many locations have autumn food, beer, and wine festivals. Plus there are small-town harvest celebrations.

• Lower prices - Fall room rates and airfares are often lower outside of peak periods. There are more deals and packages available.

Best Fall Vacation Destinations for Couples

Here are some of the top romantic autumn vacations in the United States for couples:

New England

New England is the quintessential fall destination. Charming colonial towns combined with brilliant fall vistas make New England ideal for couples.

• The Berkshires, Massachusetts - Hike mountain trails past colorful maples and oaks. Visit art museums and galleries in Lenox and Williamstown. Stay at romantic inns with views of the fall foliage.

• Vermont - Small towns like Woodstock and Stowe are incredibly picturesque in autumn. Take country drives past covered bridges, orchards, and farms. Go leaf-peeping on the gondolas up Killington Peak.

• Maine - The rocky coastline and Acadia National Park are beautiful in the fall. Enjoy lobster bakes, lighthouses, whale watching, and peaceful walks along the dramatic shoreline.

• New Hampshire - the White Mountains provide excellent hiking among the fall foliage. Tour the Castle in the Clouds mansion with panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee.

East Coast

In addition to New England, some other excellent East Coast destinations for couples are:

• Shenandoah Valley, Virginia - Take in vivid views driving along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Stay in a cozy cabin and cuddle by the fireplace.

• Finger Lakes, New York - Tour and taste at wineries overlooking stunning fall foliage over the lakes. Hike through Letchworth State Park.

• Poconos, Pennsylvania - The Pocono Mountains are a drivable escape from Philadelphia and New York City. Enjoy waterfall hikes, scenic chairlift rides, and mountain lodges.

Southeast

The Southeast United States provides mild fall weather and southern charm.

• Charleston, South Carolina - Take romantic carriage rides past historic homes draped in Spanish moss. Explore gardens, and art galleries, and dine at excellent restaurants.

• Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina - Drive this scenic roadway looking out over the Blue Ridge mountains ablaze with fall color. Visit charming places like Asheville and Boone.

• Nashville, Tennessee - Explore the city's live music scene, trendy restaurants, and historic attractions like the Ryman Auditorium and the Hermitage.

Midwest

The Midwest has excellent destinations for fall vacations too:

• Mackinac Island, Michigan - Reach this car-free island by ferry to step back in time. Take in the fall foliage while riding bikes or horses around the island.

• Door County, Wisconsin - Stay at a cozy bed and breakfast, hike through forests, sample cider and donuts, and take in the dramatic fall sunsets over Lake Michigan.

• Brown County, Indiana - This area has rolling hills perfect for viewing fall colors. Hike and tour Nashville, Indiana's art colony.

West

• Santa Fe, New Mexico - Admire colorful adobe architecture and visit art galleries. Go on drives to see desert canyons and mountains with golden fall foliage.

• Mt. Hood, Oregon - Enjoy the fall days hiking and mountain biking. Visit fruit orchards and sip wine at nearby wineries while taking in views of the snow-dusted volcanic peak.

• Rocky Mountains - Colorado towns like Aspen, Boulder, and Vail make excellent bases for leaf-peeping drives through stunning mountain scenery.

When to Visit for Fall Colors

• In northern states, foliage peaks in October. By late September, colors start changing in northern New England. Mid-October is the peak for most of the northern US.

• Fall colors arrive later the farther south you go. Peak season is late October to early November in the Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway.

• In higher elevations like mountain peaks and plateaus, the fall foliage season arrives sooner, while lower elevations change later into the season.

• Each year can vary in timing depending on the weather. Longer warmer autumns delay the change, while early cool snaps can hasten it.

• For the most precise timing, check foliage forecasts. State tourism boards and websites like SmokyMountains.com provide weekly reports on the status of fall colors.

Types of Things to Do on a Fall Couples Vacation

There are many romantic activities and attractions to enjoy during cozy autumn getaways:

Outdoors

• Take scenic drives and go leaf peeping - stop at roadside farm stands and scenic overlooks

• Hiking and biking - parks and mountain trails provide epic fall vistas

• Take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage through fall foliage

• Go on a hot air balloon ride for bird's eye views over fall landscapes

• Pack a picnic lunch and have it at a scenic spot in a park or vineyard

• Take a train ride - Amtrak routes and excursion lines provide panoramic fall views

• Visit pumpkin patches and orchards - pick apples and sample cider donuts

Relaxation

• Schedule couples massages at a spa surrounded by fall scenery

• Soak in an outdoor hot tub overlooking autumn hues

• Relax fireside at your cabin or inn after a day of hiking

• Try meditative activities like doing a guided imagery practice together

Food & Drink

• Have a romantic dinner at a restaurant with panoramic views

• Sample fall flavors like maple syrup, caramel apples, and pumpkin dishes

• Take a cooking class focused on fall recipes - learn to make soup or bake bread

Culture & Entertainment

• Peruse art galleries - check if any have fall exhibitions

• Take in live music - look for fall music festivals

• Go to an outdoor festival - many feature fall foods and crafts

• See architecture in cities known for fall beauty like Boston or Washington DC

• Visit historic homes decked out for autumn

• Go to an outdoor concert at an amphitheater surrounded by fall scenery

Shopping

• Shop at farmer's markets and farm stands - buy fresh produce, breads, and preserves

• Browse local stores and artisan boutiques - look for fall decorations or gifts

• Visit bookstores and get cozy reading together after selecting books

• Shop local handmade crafts - many areas have authentic artisan goods

Getting Deals on Fall Vacations

Taking a fall vacation can often be cheaper for couples who can take advantage of lower rates. Here are some tips:

• Be flexible - trips midweek are often less expensive

• Look for packages and deals - these are commonly promoted in fall

• Use rewards points and miles to book flights or hotels

• Consider lesser-known but just as scenic destinations

• Travel just before or after peak dates to take advantage of lower shoulder season pricing

• Rent private vacation homes for a multi-day stay - these can be very cost-effective

Romantic Fall Getaway Ideas

Some favorite romantic activities and unique experiences for an autumn couples vacation:

• Watch the sunrise or sunset together somewhere scenic

• Go stargazing - fall's earlier nightfall makes it easier

• Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride

• Charter a sailboat for a sunset cruise for two

• Book an intimate breakfast in bed at your accommodation

• Treat yourselves to a couples spa day

• Cozy up by the fireplace with hot cider after a day out enjoying fall beauty

• Have a picnic lunch or gourmet meal at unique places like a winery, waterfall, mountain peak, or gardens

• Toast marshmallows together over a fire pit

• Dance under the stars - take a ballroom or line dancing lesson

• Take romantic photos together amidst gorgeous fall backdrops

Fall offers the perfect ingredients for an idyllic couples' getaway - beautiful scenery, cozy ambiance, fewer crowds, and abundant romantic activities. From the incredible fall foliage displays in New England to the charming towns of the Southeast to the dramatic autumn mountain scenery out West, the United States is filled with wonderful destinations for an unforgettable autumn couples vacation.