30 Charming Towns for the Perfect Fall Getaway

Though Burlington is the largest city in Vermont, it still offers that quaint cozy feel for those who prefer to take a stroll through its historic downtown district. Outside of the city center, visitors can see gorgeous views of the leaves changing colors or go apple picking at one of the orchards nearby.

Perhaps best known as the hometown of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow author Washington Irving, the spooky little town of Sleepy Hollow is the perfect place to enjoy a weekend getaway. Visit the burial ground Irving wrote about, book a tour of Lyndhurst Castle, or time your trip so it lines up with the annual Halloween parade.

New Mexico might not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of a fall retreat, but the small desert town of Taos is a sight to behold. Home to beautiful foliage that only gets more beautiful as fall continues, you'll forget you're in New Mexico. While you’re there, you can drive around exploring historic buildings erected by the region’s Indigenous people.

For leaf gazers and lobster enthusiasts, there's hardly a better place to spend a fall weekend than Portland, Maine. The coastal town offers some of the most breathtaking views and you can enjoy a fresh lobster roll before they’re gone for the season.

Lake Placid in the fall is a magical sight with countless trees forming a rainbow of colorful leaves right along the water’s edge. Observe the glorious view via gondola rides at Whiteface Mountain. The best time to visit is between late September and the first half of October.

A quiet, picturesque town filled with charming inns and stunning scenery, Lenox, Massachusetts is a go-to for enjoying autumnal hues. While you’re in town, be sure to check out the excellent hiking trails to make the most of the crisp fall air and stunning nature views.

A town made up of charming historical buildings, quaint bed and breakfasts, and breathtaking fall foliage, Mystic, Connecticut deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. Spend your day leaf gazing and hiking before enjoying a quiet dinner at one of the town’s adorable restaurants.

Many people assume New England is the best place to watch leaves change colors, but the Ozarks give New England a run for its money, and Eureka Springs, Arkansas is the place to see it all. Book a weekend treat and explore Ozark National Forest to soak in all of the fall foliage.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia is home to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, where visitors will be blown away by the magnificent fall sunset shades. Go for a long hike during the day and spend your evenings exploring the town’s idyllic downtown district.

Charlottesville, Virginia, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers stunning views. While in town, head to the excellent wineries or take in some American history at Monticello, the former home of U.S. President Thomas Jefferson.

Situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains, just west of the famed ski town of Aspen lies Snowmass Village, a quiet town known for its short-lived, yet beautiful, fall season. Visitors who time their trip right can watch the leaves change from yellow to orange to a few bits of red.

Each year, locals and visitors alike celebrate fall's changing colors with the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival, which runs from mid-September through the end of November. The festival includes fall displays, scavenger hunts, crafts and games for guests of all ages.

A weekend getaway to Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York, is like stepping into an autumnal wonderland. The town's fall colors are breathtaking! You can send your days traversing the gorgeous Minnewaska State Park.

With quaint covered bridges and sprawling pastoral landscape, West Dover, Vermont is an idyllic destination to take in the bright, fall foliage. Visitors can get the best scenic views from the summit of the Mount Snow ski resort, accessible by way of the Bluebird Express.

Spearfish, South Dakota offers incredible scenery for those who traverse the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway that spans 19 miles across the Black Hills. Spend your nights bundled up in the cozy Spearfish Canyon Lodge.

For a fall getaway steeped in natural autumnal beauty, a visit to Hocking Hills, Ohio is bound to deliver. The Appalachian Mountain town serves up a wealth of opportunities for leaf-peeping during the day and stargazing at night. While you're there, be sure to explore the town's natural rock bridges, gorges and waterfalls.

Although Stowe, Vermont is a popular destination for Nordic and alpine skiing, the village that lies at the base of Mount Mansfield is rich with beautiful trees that showcase stunning fall colors through September and October. Each October, the town hosts a Pumpkin Chunkin' Festival as well as an Oktoberfest.

With a population of only 75 full-time residents, Stanley, Idaho is a small town, to say the least. The sleepy mountain town at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains has an abundance of beautiful cottonwood trees that turn the most beautiful shades of yellow and orange in the fall. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, hiking, and soaking in hot springs.

Each year, the five-day Autumn Glory Festival is celebrated in the small town of Oakland, Maryland. Visitors can take in the beauty of the fall colors on display, enjoy plenty of hiking, and take in the 53-foot waterfall, Muddy Creek Falls.

Bar Harbor, Maine, is one of the most highly acclaimed spots to observe the leaves changing color. Visitors flock to Bar Harbor between mid-September and the beginning of October when the hues are at their brightest.