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NicoleDeRosa

These charming small towns + cities from mountains to sunny beaches are the perfect places to welcome fall!


Choose any of my affiliate partners below to plan your next adventure!






NEW YORK CITY


Photo courtesy of Park Lane


  • Peak fall foliage the week of Oct. 4, but there should be great viewing from Sept. 20 - Oct. 25.


Photo courtesy of The Mark


  • Fall is a perfect time to visit New York City. Explore all the shops, restaurants & museums the city has to offer, or relax & take in a Broadway show!



  • Stay at a hotel near Central Park, like The Mark, Park Lane, or JW Marriott Essex House, which provide park views so you can enjoy the changing leaves from your room. Grab coffee & stroll through the iconic park to soak in the skyline vistas amid colorful trees.

Essex House photo courtesy of Kayak



HAWAII


Hotel Wailea (adults only) photo courtesy of TripAdvisor


  • Lahaina in Maui is a top choice as travelers opt to chase the last rays of summer. Brightly colored fall foliage is nice, but autumn is also the perfect time to head to beachy, tropical destinations.


Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea photo courtesy of Four Seasons


  • Lounge on beautiful beaches, go hiking in a rainforest, or just relax at one of the many stunning resorts on this island.


  • Adults-only: Hotel Wailea is perfect for a romantic getaway, while the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea offers a complimentary, daily Kids for All Seasons activities program for ages 5 - 12.



VERMONT


Photo courtesy of Twin Farms


  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Barnard, Vermont - At the all-inclusive resort Twin Farms, couples are treated to an upscale cabin experience complete with a crackling fire & hot tub. You can picnic among the 300-acre property meadows & apple orchards or feast on dinner in the 20,000-bottle wine cellar.


  • Get your hearts racing with a round of tennis, a canoe outing on Copper Pond, or a bike ride along area trails. Play croquet or try your hand at fly-fishing at the resort’s fully stocked pond.


Bridge House Spa photo courtesy of Spas of America


  • Rejuvenate sore muscles at the Bridge House Spa, where amenities include glass-brick steam rooms & furo — a Japanese hot soaking tub — with views of Vermont’s fall foliage.


  • Small Town Fall Getaway - Manchester, Vermont: Optimal peak foliage viewing is from Sept. 20 - Oct. 4, although the leaves will begin to change in early September. Located in the southwestern part of the state, Manchester is a quintessential autumn destination with fall foliage at its best around mid-October.


  • Set between the Taconic & Green Mountain Ranges, Manchester is perfect for hiking along leafy trails with waterfalls & stunning views. Restaurants, shops, boutique hotels, inns & historic buildings attract visitors to its downtown. Take a drive out of town to discover farms, antique shops, apple orchards & breathtaking scenery. Classic fairs and festivals add to the appeal of a fall visit.


  • Burlington, Vermont - Burlington is covered in red, orange & yellow hues as the leaves change every autumn. Spend a day picking apples at one of the many nearby orchards, visit a pumpkin patch, or take a scenic drive to check out the beautiful foliage. After a day spent exploring, enjoy a local beer at one of the craft breweries.

Hotel Vermont photo courtesy of Booking.com


  • Hotel Vermont offers charming accommodations in the heart of the city, near the Lake Champlain waterfront.




MAINE


Bar Harbor Inn photo courtesy of TripAdvisor


  • Acadia National Park, Maine - Leaves in Maine will create the perfect backdrop during the week of Sept. 20. The state will peak the week of Oct. 4 and nearly all the leaves will be past peak by Oct. 18.


  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Hike hand-in-hand through Acadia, Maine’s only national park, keeping an eye out for broad-winged hawks & moose along the pine-fringed trails, to get to Cadillac Mountain. It’s worth rising early to see the sun come up from that spectacular vantage point.


  • Spend the rest of the day exploring Acadia attractions like the scenic Schoodic Byway; sea cliffs formed from granite & carriage roads around Eagle Lake that are perfect for biking. The park teems with crowds during the summer high season, so visiting in autumn means a little more privacy.


  • Soak up more rugged New England scenery from the Bar Harbor Inn, a shingled lodge on Frenchman Bay with 8 acres of gardens, a spa & proximity to Bar Harbor shops & restaurants.



NORTH CAROLINA


Photo courtesy of Biltmore.com


  • Small Town Fall Getaway - Jackson County, North Carolina: Optimal peak foliage viewing - North Carolina's leaf patterns move east across the state. The first leaves in the western part of the state will begin to peak the week of Oct. 11. By Oct. 25, the entire state should peak & the show will be pretty much over by Nov. 1.


  • Located in western North Carolina's Jackson County high on a plateau in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cashiers is a quiet village of fewer than 1,000 residents, but the population swells in summer & fall when visitors come to enjoy the mild weather, hiking trails, waterfalls, boating, golf & outdoor activities.


  • Town life centers around The Village Green, a 13.2 acre park offering botanical gardens, art displays, walking paths & seasonal events. Fall weather is mild & leaf peepers who visit to witness the vibrant fall colors get a special treat with the nearby "Shadow of the Bear," when, for just 30 minutes a day, the shadows creep over the mountains & form the shape of a bear.


  • Small Town Fall Getaway - Asheville, North Carolina: Nestled in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has everything you could want in a fall getaway. The quaint downtown area is filled with unique shops, galleries, breweries & restaurants & you're almost guaranteed to see some local street performers as you wander around.

  • Hike in nearby Pisgah National Forest to spot beautiful waterfalls among the changing leaves, or take a scenic drive through part of the park to take in the beauty without working up a sweat.


  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Asheville, North Carolina: Extreme elevations & more than 100 species of deciduous trees give the Blue Ridge Mountains one of the most vibrant leaf seasons worldwide. For a novel perspective, try Asheville’s canopy tour adventure, Navitat, a mountaintop thrill ride 350 feet above the forest.


  • Other area adventures include biking, horseback riding & river floating trips from the Biltmore Estate. The historic home hosts a Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting. The Biltmore Estate is a popular Asheville attraction worth visiting; this Gilded Age mansion is the largest privately owned house in the United States, complete with gardens & a winery.


  • For private & cozy accommodations, opt to stay in a nearby tree house or cabin found on Airbnb.


  • Visit the Chocolate Lounge at French Broad Chocolates which has a menu of hand-crafted cakes, brownies, trifles & drinking chocolate (ganache-based liquid truffles in exotic flavors such as cayenne & cinnamon or Indian kulfi, or steamy Oaxacan hot chocolate with almonds, cinnamon & almond milk).


  • Fill up on more seasonal treats at the Urban Orchard Cider Co., which features a cider bar & numerous apple & pumpkin farms around the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.



NEW JERSEY



  • Small Town Fall Getaway - Cape May, New Jersey: Summer crowds have gone, leaving the historic Victorian-style seaside town for the fortunate few who call it home or drop by for an autumnal visit.


Photo courtesy of Pinterest


  • With nearly 600 well-preserved Victorian buildings, the city is a National Historic District as well as a perfect beach town with a promenade for strolling or biking, along with myriad restaurants serving excellent local seafood.


  • Tour the historic district, climb the Cape May lighthouse, sip wine at Cape May Winery, or browse Washington Street Mall, the local town square full of shopping, dining & entertainment.


  • For special fun, plan a visit around Sherlock Holmes Weekend, around mid- to late- October & join the festivities, including performances & hunts for clues.



KENTUCKY



  • Small Town Fall Getaway - Bardstown, Kentucky - Fall weather is mild in this part of Kentucky, but if evenings get a bit brisk, there's always a glass of bourbon to take away the chill!


  • Kentucky's second-oldest city, Bardstown was first settled in 1780. Nearly 200 buildings in the historic downtown district are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including a 1779 stagecoach stop that today is the Old Talbott Tavern, the oldest bourbon bar in the world!


  • Since the 18th century, bourbon has been central to Bardstown, home of the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival. In fact, along with Covington & Frankfort, Bardstown is part of a collaboration called Come Find Bourbon. These quaint towns offer some of the most respected bourbon distilleries in the world as well as restaurants, pubs, diners, boutique hotels & of course, distillery tours & tastings.



CALIFORNIA


Photo courtesy of Visit Cambria


  • Small Town Fall Getaway - Cambria, California - This historic coastal town located halfway between San Francisco & Los Angeles is lovely year round, but when the air cools a bit in autumn, it's ideal for strolling through town or biking along many of the nearby picturesque trails. Victorian architecture dates to the 1800s, when Cambria was a busy mining town.


  • Today, visitors can explore beach trails, art galleries, boutiques & vintage buildings or enjoy local wildlife like the elephant seals at the Northern Elephant Seal Rookery, especially fun in autumn when juvenile seals arrive.


  • Venture less than 30 miles inland to Paso Robles for wineries & the stunning art installation Sensorio with its light towers exhibit.



  • Sonoma, California - Fall is an ideal time to visit California's wine country. Tour the area's vineyards & wineries cloaked in beautiful red, orange & yellow foliage at this time of year or take a ride on the open-air Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley.

Photo courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism


  • Go for an easy hike on the Bodega Head Trail for sweeping ocean & bay views & grab some fresh seafood for lunch.


Photo courtesy of Montage Healdsburg


  • Montage Healdsburg (named to Travel + Leisure's It List in 2021) offers guests a luxurious stay with plenty of opportunities to immerse in the fall colors, with outdoor yoga classes, miles of hiking trails & guided e-bike tours.



Photo courtesy of Visit California


  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Big Sur, California - Big Sur shines brightest in the fall, when the forecast calls for clear, warm days & cool, starry nights.


  • Do your stargazing at the Post Ranch Inn, overlooking the Pacific Coast & one of the largest hotel telescopes in the U.S. Epicureans will also appreciate the hotel’s romantic restaurant, which hosts a 4 course wine-pairing experience 1,200 feet above the breaking waves. Back in your guest room, you can settle in by the fireplace & keep an eye out for migrating whales — with some help from the supplied binoculars.


  • Head to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park in time for a romantic coastal sunset, or time your visit to October’s Big Sur River Run, known as the most beautiful 10K in the world.



  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Rancho Santa Fe, California - 30 miles north of San Diego & the former hangout of 1930s stars like Bing Crosby, with mansions, a world-class golf course & horseback riding. Still, the vibe here is laidback.

Photo courtesy of Inn at Rancho Santa Fe


  • Browse Main Street’s few boutiques & the Rancho Sante Fe Market held each Sunday morning.


  • At Torrey Pines State Reserve, take the beachside trail & then walk back along the beach (you don’t have to go uphill on the way back).


  • The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe feels like a romantic country retreat, with cottages set along garden pathways. Kick back with cocktails on the croquet lawn in front & take advantage of the couple’s spa suite with a private outdoor courtyard including a shower & tub.



LOUISIANA



  • Small Town Fall Getaway - Gretna, Louisiana - On the west bank of the Mississippi, just across the river from New Orleans, Gretna is the seat of Jefferson Parish, home to Louisiana's largest national historic districts.


  • Festivals & special events commemorate the harvest season with music, dancing, food & local culture. The Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival, hay rides, corn festivals & pumpkin patches are a few ways to celebrate the season. With New Orleans & the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport nearby, Gretna is a perfect home base as well as a historic destination.


  • A free pedestrian ferry makes it simple to travel between New Orleans & Gretna.




UTAH


Washington School House Hotel - photo courtesy of Kayak


  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Park City, Utah - The slopes don’t open until the end of November, so fall is the time to enjoy Park City’s still-temperate weather & other outdoor adventures like hiking & mountain biking. A mountain town with serious culture, demonstrated by the Kimball Art Center & live-music venue Eccles Center.


  • If a boutique hotel is more your style, check in to Washington School House’s 16-foot-ceilinged King Room with a wrought-iron bed dressed in crisp white linens, a white marble bathroom with heated floors & a century-old European chandelier.



Photo courtesy of Villaway


  • Treat yourselves to a stay at one of the Natural Retreats in Deer Valley, The Canyons & Silver Star. Some of these properties come stocked with private bars, hot tubs, gourmet kitchens & pool access.


  • Torrey, Utah - With fewer than 250 residents, Torrey is best known as the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park. Set at 6,800 feet above sea level, the tree-filled town sees cool weather in autumn & by November, temperatures average between 30 & 50 degrees.


  • Hiking, biking & enjoying the small town's casual, welcoming atmosphere are the main attractions. If you enjoy peaceful surroundings, a chill in the air, friendly folks, stargazing & a comfortable place to relax near Capitol Reef, be sure to visit Torrey, Utah.


WYOMING


Photo courtesy of Aman Hotels


  • Jackson Hole, Wyoming - Located near some of the country's best national parks & most popular ski areas, Jackson Hole is a great place to visit year-round, but fall is ideal if you want to avoid some of the crowds & see the colorful mountain foliage. The ski season typically starts at the end of November, so time your trip for early fall to enjoy milder weather without the summer visitors.


  • A short drive to both Yellowstone National Park & Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole is truly a gateway to autumnal outdoor adventure.


  • Take a scenic drive (and watch out for moose & bears), go for a hike, or visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art.


  • For a luxurious stay during your outdoorsy fall getaway, check out the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole. Or consider The Virginian Lodge, totally renovated in 2021 & a few minutes' walk from the town center.


  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Jackson Hole, Wyoming - At the southern gateway of Yellowstone National Park & Grand Teton National Park, couples are greeted with a dose of crisp autumn air, golden aspens, a bundle of activities on their doorsteps, & wildlife galore.


  • The ultra-luxurious Amangani does its own part to pamper visitors; you can lounge in deep soaking tubs or get an après-hike foot massage. The resort also arranges excursions, including private trips to Jenny Lake (a favored spot for elks, which mate in fall).


  • Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa offers packages that take advantage of the season's renowned fly fishing. Outings include a leisurely float trip along the Snake River for unbeatable views of the foliage, the grandeur of the Teton Range & of course, honey holes teeming with cutthroat trout prime for the catching.



MASSACHUSETTS



  • Berkshires, Massachusetts - Escape to rolling hills & stunning fall foliage in western Massachusetts. There are several charming towns to choose from (Lenox, Stockbridge & Pittsfield). Drive from town to town while enjoying views of the colorful changing leaves. Photo courtesy of Hotel Planner


  • The Lenox Collection is composed of three charming innsThe Constance, The Dewey, The Whitlock — housed in 18th & 19th-century buildings that were extensively renovated in 2022.



ARIZONA



  • Flagstaff, Arizona - Flagstaff is a nature lover's dream in early fall. This Arizona city is surrounded by national forests, monuments & parks, so there's plenty to see & explore at this time of year.


  • Learn about Native American history & culture at Wupatki National Monument, where you'll find pueblos that were occupied 900 years ago & visit the Petrified Forest National Park to see petrified wood & the hills of the Painted Desert.


  • Grand Canyon National Park is just 90 minutes away, so you can easily take a day trip to this incredible national park & enjoy milder weather & fewer crowds compared to the summer months.


  • If you visit in September or early October, consider glamping at nearby Under Canvas Grand Canyon, which is open until Oct. 24.



COLORADO


Photo courtesy of Kayak


  • Telluride, Colorado - You might think of Telluride as a winter ski destination, but this Colorado town is beautiful all year round. Early fall is ideal if you're looking for colorful foliage in a breathtaking mountain setting. Visit in September or early October to take full advantage of the season's offerings.


  • Go for a hike or bike ride, or take in 360-degree views of the mountains & valley from the gondola, which runs until the end of the summer season in mid-October, before pausing until the winter season begins.


  • The Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection is a perfect basecamp for all your outdoor activities, with close proximity to hiking trails.



BERMUDA


Photo courtesy of The Loren


  • Bermuda - Escape cooler autumn temperatures for sunny Bermuda this fall. Here, the average daily highs reach the low to mid-80s in September & October — perfect weather for relaxing on Bermuda's iconic pink-sand beaches.


Photo courtesy of Hamilton Princess


  • Plus, from many East Coast travel hubs, it's less than a 3-hour plane ride to this British Overseas Territory that's 600 miles off the coast of North Carolina — from New York City it's just over two hours in the air.


  • The Loren & the Hamilton Princess are among the popular luxury accommodations on the island.



VIRGINIA


Photo courtesy of Salamander Resort & Spa



  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Middleburg, Virginia - With 18th-century buildings & just one traffic light, the town of Middleburg makes a charming introduction to Loudoun County, northern Virginia’s bucolic horse country. You can spend the morning browsing antique shops & local galleries, then head over a few streets to reach horse farms & wineries offering a spectacular backdrop of fall foliage from mid-October to the beginning of November.


  • Salamander Resort & Spa often has packages just for couples, like the Season of Romance special, which includes a bottle of sparkling wine, handmade pastries, & a $100 nightly resort credit "to be used on romantic dining, couples massages, intimate trail rides, and so much more." The resort’s spa features a two-person suite with a private wraparound stone patio & garden, an outdoor Jacuzzi & a fireplace.


  • Go for a 4 course locavore dinner at the Red Fox Inn tavern, set in a 1728 stone building with period furnishings.



OREGON


Photo courtesy of The Allison Inn & Spa


  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Willamette Valley, Oregon - Just 45 minutes from Portland, the Willamette Valley promises exceptional restaurants, hiking trails, hot-air balloon rides, wine tours by helicopter or horse & scenic countryside primed for picnicking.


  • Among the 700-some area wineries, some of the best are Anne Amie in the rolling hills of the Yamhill-Carlton District & Ardiri Winery, where you can sit fireside & take in views of the Chehalem foothills.


  • The Allison Inn, where you can unwind with a couple’s treatment in the 15,000-square-foot spa complete with landscaped garden terraces & fire pits. You’ll be refreshed in time for dinner at Jory, whose dishes are sourced from the hotel’s 1.5-acre vegetable garden & best paired with a vintage from its 800-bottle list.



MONTANA


Photo courtesy of The Resort at Paws Up


  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Greenough, Montana - Food, romance & adventure are in the air at The Resort at Paws Up, a 37,000-acre Montana ranch.


  • For foodies & wine lovers, Montana Master Chefs is the event of a lifetime with world-class cuisine & exquisite vino. Get up close & personal with a group of James Beard Award winners, finalists & nominees every September.


  • For an adventurous date, hop a private helicopter to Glacier National Park (otherwise a 3 hour drive from the resort) & peep the changing colors.


  • Spend an afternoon at Spa Town, the resort’s cluster of white tents surrounded by nature, for luxurious treatments, yoga classes & pure bliss.



PENNSYLVANIA



  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Bradford, Pennsylvania - In northwest Pennsylvania, this small town is filled with vibrant shades of yellow, orange & red each fall. A chill rolls in at night, where you can snuggle up by a bonfire around Skipper Lake.






  • Lodge at Glendorn, where you have the option of staying in the main lodge — with its impressive two-story sandstone fireplace, beamed cathedral ceilings, stained-glass windows & sun porch — or in a private cabin by running streams.




  • The lodge’s chef can prepare a picnic spread for you two, or you can take matters into your own hands by enjoying a custom cooking class (think deboning stream-caught trout & preparing vegetables freshly picked from the lodge's own culinary garden).



SOUTH CAROLINA


Zero George photo courtesy of This Is The Place I Was Telling You About


  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Charlestown, South Carolina - Charleston’s cobblestoned neighborhoods & grand moss-draped avenues set the scene for romance. A dynamic food scene has been brewing here & you can take a culinary tour that starts with sweet tea & grits & ends with authentic Carolina barbecue.


  • Couples who stay in one of the 5 historic buildings (all circa 1804) at Zero George can also sign up for a Lowcountry cooking class with a guest chef in the kitchen carriage house.


Market Pavilion Hotel photo courtesy of Fodor's Travel Guide


  • Finish your tour of Charleston with a romantic dinner at Husk or Circa 1886 & a nightcap at Market Pavilion Hotel rooftop bar.



MISSOURI


Photo courtesy of Chaumette Winery


  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Missouri Wine Country - The area around Hermann & Augusta — 40 miles apart by car — counts a handful of boutique wineries. It’s part of Missouri’s leisurely wine trail & comes with the bonus of rich fall colors, peaking in mid-October.


  • Plan your itinerary with stops at Chaumette Winery & nearby Cave Vineyard's biscotti bar (flavors range from traditional anise and almond to modern snickerdoodle and bacon chocolate chip)


  • Les Bourgeois Blufftop Bistro for a meal overlooking the Missouri River Valley


  • Katy Trail State Park, the nation’s longest rails-to-trails conversion. Missouri’s wine country is more affordable & easy going than most & the wineries are situated in small communities big on charm.



MICHIGAN


Photo courtesy of Holland.org


  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Saugatuck, Michigan - Saugatuck has been an artists’ haven since the 19th century, with plenty of galleries as well as beachy pursuits like paddlewheel boat cruises & open-air Jeep dune rides.


  • Beer tastings at Saugatuck Brewing


  • Pick from dozens of apple varieties at Crane Orchards.




  • This is B&B territory & romantic options include the The Belvedere Inn & Wickwood Inn, which hosts evening candlelight cocktails.



Photo courtesy of Wickwood Inn


  • Make your dinner reservations at The Southerner, an Appalachian comfort food restaurant founded by 2 time James Beard-nominated chef Matthew Millar. Try the shrimp with grits or split Nana's fried chicken with your date.



CONNECTICUT


Mayflower Inn photo courtesy of Pinterest


  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Washington, Connecticut - With gardens, a pond & woodland, the Mayflower Inn is a place to take things slow. You can admire the changing leaves from a wraparound porch, dine on locavore dishes prepared by the culinary team, or enjoy a facial with organic local ingredients in the 20,000-square-foot spa.


  • The 30-room inn also makes a convenient jumping-off point for exploring Mount Tom State Park or Lake Waramaug, antiquing in Litchfield Hills, or driving to the pre-revolutionary village of Kent or the beautiful covered bridge at West Cornwall.



FLORIDA


Photo courtesy of Visit South Walton



  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Alys Beach, Florida - Mediterranean-style white buildings with architectural flourishes line the walkable streets of Alys Beach along a beautiful stretch of the Florida Panhandle. It’s easy to while away the day at the white-sand beach or in a private cabana at the 100-foot, zero-entry saltwater Caliza Pool & at its surrounding candlelit alfresco restaurant.


  • Go paddleboarding, bike in search of butterflies, or take a walk in the rare coastal Dune Lakes nearby.


  • Autumn ushers in the lowest rental prices of the year, moderate temperatures & outdoor food & area wine events like Rosemary Beach Uncorked & the Seeing Red Wine Festival.



WISCONSIN


The American Club photo courtesy of Destination Kohler


  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Kohler, Wisconsin - One of the Midwest’s most luxurious resorts, The American Club at Destination Kohler, happens to be strategically located 2 hours from Chicago & 1 hour from Milwaukee.


Eau de Vie Suite photo courtesy of Pinterest


  • Retreat to the Carriage House or splurge on the Eau de Vie Suite with a glass fireplace adjacent to your overflowing chromotherapy bath & a one-of-a-kind shower experience.


  • Kohler is known for golf courses like Blackwolf Run & fishing is excellent in the fall. (For a more indulgent water experience, the spa offers hydrotherapy services, plunge pools, a whirlpool & the sound of nearby waterfalls.)



  • Hiking, kayaking, canoeing & horseback riding are other popular pastimes. Dine outdoors at Whistling Straits Clubhouse, which overlooks the golf course and Lake Michigan.



GEORGIA


Photo courtesy of Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds


  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Greensboro, Georgia - Get acquainted with this southern town by strolling together down Main Street, past antique shops & elegant mansions.


  • Along the shore of Lake Oconee, you’ll find the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, which lures couples with its 251 rooms (hello...frette linens, marble baths!), 99 championship golf holes & spa.


  • Biking, kayaking, fishing, tennis & exploring by Segway are also on the agenda. On a cool evening, cozy up to the lodge campfire for totally sophisticated, grown-up s'mores.



TEXAS


JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa photo courtesy of Texas Monthly


  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Texas Hill Country - In Sonora, where Texas Hill Country & the Chihuahuan Desert meet, JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa sets the scene for romance with horseback riding, wine tastings, live music on-site & a whole couple's package that includes a massage & lunch.


  • For a touch of true Texas, participate in a "cowboy cookout," whisky tasting, or one of the many shooting activities offered at the ranch.


  • In October, enjoy complimentary tastings along the nearby Texas Wine Month Trail. The purchase of a passport from Texas Hill Country Wineries will grant you complimentary tastings & discounts at more than 45 wineries from San Saba down to Fredericksburg, a short drive from San Antonio.



OHIO


Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls photo courtesy of TripAdvisor


  • Romantic Fall Getaway - Hocking Hills, Ohio - Caves, sandstone cliff overlooks, waterfalls & hiking trails like the Rim Trail at Conkles Hollow are yours to explore in this section of southeastern Ohio.


  • Rent a cabin at Hocking Hills State Park, which features rock formations like Old Man’s Cave, a narrow, deep gorge with waterfalls.


  • Stay in a secluded cabin or yurt at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, where indulgent meals can be delivered directly to your cabin.



Photo courtesy of Ravenwood Castle


  • Add a dash of fairytale-like romance to your getaway at the Ravenwood Castle, a 12th-century turreted hotel.




All photos are courtesy of Wix unless otherwise noted.


Sources:


The Ultimate Fall Foliage Map - Use this map to see when the leaves will peak in your state this season.


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NicoleDeRosa


Pumpkin isn't the only star in fall's bountiful harvest. Indulge in the flavors of the season with fiber-rich apples, immune boosting mushrooms + more!

Here is a list of produce to look out for on your next trip to the farmers market or grocery store.



OWL VENICE



FALL RESET Recipes




Warm Berry

CHIA PORRIDGE

Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 1 serving


Ingredients
  • 1 cup coconut milk

  • 3 tbsp chia seeds

  • 1 tbsp honey, optional

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch sea salt

  • ½ cup blackberries

  • ⅓ cup strawberries, chopped

  • Toppings: fresh berries + edible flowers


Directions
  1. To a small saucepan, add all of your ingredients. Heat up the sauce pan to a medium low heat + bring to a simmer.

  2. Simmer for 6-8 minutes until the pudding begins to thicken + the berries begin to burst. Continue to stir. Serve warm with fresh berries on top + edible flowers.







Cross-Hatched ZUCCHINI

Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2


Ingredients
  • 2 medium-sized zucchini

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp ground coriander

  • Sea salt + pepper 

  • 1 cup coconut yogurt

  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

  • ¼ cup mint leaves, julienned

  • Sea salt + pepper 

  • Toppings: mint leaves and herb oil


Directions
  1. Slice your zucchinis in half lengthwise. On each zucchini half make several horizontal cuts (about an inch apart) along the entire zucchini + then repeat in the other direction. Season with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes.

  2. In a skillet over medium heat add the olive oil. Then add the zucchini halves cut side down. Sear for 5-6 minutes + then flip. Season with salt, pepper + coriander. Sear on the other side for another 5-6 minutes.

  3. Mix up the yogurt with the thyme + mint. Season with salt + pepper. Serve on top of zucchini halves with a drizzle of olive oil.





Baked + Stuffed

SWEET POTATO  

Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 2

 

Ingredients
  • 2 large sweet potatoes

  • 2 tbsp ghee

  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast

  • Sea salt + pepper to taste

  • 1 cup fresh watercress

  • ½ lemon, juiced

  • ½ avocado, thinly sliced


Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Poke holes into each sweet potato with a fork (about 4 each side) then wrap with aluminum foil.

  2. Add to the oven + roast for 45 minutes.

  3. Remove from the oven + make a lengthwise cut into each sweet potato. Spoon out the sweet potato from the skin + add to a bowl.

  4. Mash the cooked sweet potato with ghee, nutritional yeast and salt + pepper.

  5. Add the mash back into the potato skin. Then top each sweet potato with fresh watercress tossed in lemon juice + the avocado slices.


Recipes + photos courtesy of Claire Sporck





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Cozy up with a creamy, comforting bowl full of honest ingredients + real, delicious flavor.



Instant Pot BEEF STEW


Every cook, especially those who cook for families or lots of dinner guests, should have a trustworthy + simple stew recipe that they can make time + again + feel confident it will be a hit. Even if you’re cooking for one, stews are wonderful (perhaps even better) reheated the next day for lunch + make great freezer-friendly meals you can portion + stash in the freezer to have at the ready.


Servings: 10 / Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 80 minutes

Ingredients
  • 1 large white or yellow onion, diced

  • 6 large carrots, peeled + sliced into 2-inch pieces

  • 1 pound baby red potatoes, sliced in half or in quarters if large

  • 3 cups beef bone broth

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 8 sprigs fresh thyme


Directions
  1. Season the roast evenly with salt + pepper. 

  2. Turn the Instant Pot on to the Sauté setting + heat Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil.

  3. Sear each side of the roast for 4 minutes. 

  4. Add onion, carrots + potatoes to the pot. Pour in bone broth. Add herbs.

  5. Cook, sealed on Manual High Pressure, for 70 minutes. Let the valve release naturally for 10 minutes. When the steam has finished releasing, unlock + remove the lid. Serve + enjoy!




BUTTERNUT Squash Soup


When it comes to fall comfort foods, butternut squash is definitely on the list, right up there with apple butter + pumpkin spice lattes. With nearly half of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C, it's a great way to bump up your C without citrus. Nutritionist Sima Cohen nailed “sweet, savory + simple” with this amazing butternut squash soup!

Ingredients
  • 1 medium onion

  • 1 butternut squash

  • Several sprigs of fresh thyme

  • Pinch of turmeric root

  • Pinch of cumin

  • 2 cups organic vegetable broth

  • Red chili flakes, to taste

  • Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil (for sautéing) 


Directions
  1. Dice the onion. Cut off the ends of the butternut squash + peel away the skin. Carve out the seeds + then slice + cube the body + neck of the butternut squash. Prepare small pieces of fresh thyme.

  2. Sauté the diced onions in avocado oil + season with fresh thyme in a large pot.

  3. Add the cubes of butternut squash on top of the onions. Sprinkle in a good pinch (each) of turmeric root + cumin.

  4. Pour in 2 cups of organic vegetable broth + bring to a simmer.

  5. Transfer the mixture to a food processor. Pureé until smooth.

  6. Pour the soup into a bowl. Finish with a sprinkle of red chili flakes + fresh thyme on top + enjoy!


Recipe + photo by Sima Cohen




SWEET POTATO SOUP with Collagen Peptides

Time: 75 min. / Servings: 4

With flu + cold season in full swing, sweet potato soup is the perfect recipe for soothing in case you're feeling under the weather. Made with butternut squash + sweet potatoes, this warm + fragrant soup is ideal for winter nights.


Ingredients
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes

  • 1 large leek, thinly sliced

  • 2 medium garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 12-16oz bag of frozen, cubed butternut squash

  • 2 tbsp Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil

  • 1 32-oz container of chicken or veggie broth (low or no sodium)

  • 1/2 tbsp sea salt

  • 1 tsp white pepper

  • 3 scoops Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides 


Directions
  • Pull the bag of butternut squash from the freezer + allow it to defrost overnight in your fridge.

  • Pre-heat your oven to 375ºF.

  • Scrub + poke the sweet potatoes with a fork multiple times. Place the cubes on a baking sheet.

  • Roast the sweet potatoes for about 35 to 45 minutes (or until soft and fragrant).

  • Remove from oven + allow them to cool.

  • In a pan, heat Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil over medium heat. Add the leeks + turn the heat down to medium-low heat. Sauté for about ten minutes, stirring the leeks every couple of minutes so they don't burn. After about eight minutes, add the garlic to the pan and keep the contents moving so the garlic doesn't burn.

  • In a high-speed blender, add the leak-garlic mixture, butternut squash + two sweet potatoes (with the skins removed). Add the room temperature broth, sea salt + white pepper. Blend on high until mixture is smooth.

  • Add the remaining two skinless sweet potatoes + the Primal Kitchen Collagen Peptides + blend again. If the mixture is too thick, add more broth (1/4 cup at a time) until you get to the consistency you want. If you do not have extra broth, just add water.

  • Add more salt + pepper to taste.

  • Optional: Add 1/4 cup browned ground dark turkey or beef. 

  • Enjoy! 


Recipe + photo by Jennifer Fugo



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