When September rolls around and the calendar fills up seemingly overnight, I start looking for an escape. School, sporting, charity and social events are all in full swing this time of year, so it’s nice to fit a long weekend away into the mix to help rejuvenate and restore. This season is when the Northeast really shines, so if you’re looking for a little R&R before the holiday craze, we’ve rounded up a few Northeast retreats that help you enjoy the spoils of one of the region’s most breathtaking seasons.
Hidden Pond
Kennebunkport, ME
Minutes from the shore and set among the pines in Kennebunkport, Hidden Pond feels like a deep breath on a crisp fall weekend. “Late summer into early fall at Hidden Pond is one of my favorite times to experience the property,” says Emily Nelson, general manager at Kennebunkport Resort Collection. “The leaves in the acres of birch forest that the property is surrounded by begin to change color and the chef’s gardens are full of the season’s bounty for guests to enjoy.” Spend a day in the treetop spa, kayak along the shore or take a guided nature walk for some “forest therapy.” Dine at Earth, the resort’s farm-to-table dining experience where seasonal dishes take advantage of the local crop’s most delicious flavors.
Culinary and mixology classes will entertain foodies while golfing and deep-sea fishing keep the active set busy. There is no better place for whale watching if you can get here before they migrate south in October. Unwind with some guided yoga and meditation or rent a beach cruiser to explore the area and head downtown for shopping.
For those who come simply to relax, cottages, treetop lodges and suites, and the resort’s “From Away Lodge” are all designed to feel like home, with soothing color palettes, natural materials, fireplaces and screened in porches. “Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the screened-in porches offered in each of our units to enjoy a good book and a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon nap after exploring one of the nearby nature preserves,” adds Nelson.
Dog owners love that they can bring their pets to this dog-friendly resort that houses pets and their owners in either two-bedroom cottages or bungalow kings. Don’t miss “yappy hour” at 5 p.m. daily by the lodge fire pit and be sure to order something from the doggy dining menu like the chef-crafted beef bowls or pupcakes.
Twin Farms
Barnard, VT
This country estate is set on nearly 300 acres in the countryside of Vermont. Guests here can be as active or placid as they like. Cottages and suites are fitted with museum-quality art and fine furnishings chosen by lead interior designers and architects. No two rooms are alike, each with a unique aesthetic, from treehouse to cottage to lodge. Canoeing, ax throwing, bicycling, hiking, picnicking, tennis and swimming are all at your disposal. For those who prefer a quieter weekend, opt for watercolor painting, art history tours, culinary experiences or lawn games.
The all-inclusive resort allows you to dine anywhere on the grounds if you schedule a tailored picnic or boxed lunch, or visit the elegant dining room for seasonally inspired dishes and cocktails. Adventurous foodies can try the multicourse tasting menu for the chance to let the chef guide you through a unique gastronomic experience. If you are booking your visit for November, White Truffle Dining weekend at the beginning of November is an event centered around the aromatic white truffle harvest, and Thanksgiving at Twin Farms is always a feast for all senses.
Wellness is at the core of the resort’s approach, so complimentary classes and personal training sessions are available in the fitness center. The Bridge House spa has a menu of massages and body treatments, and guided yoga, meditation and Pilates activities are held indoors and out.
Harbor View Hotel
Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Most people think the twin islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket off the coast of Massachusetts are only for summer, but fall offers delightful weather, colorful foliage and a quieter social scene.
Try Harbor View Hotel, where the beautiful views of Edgartown Lighthouse are just the beginning. It’s steps away from the beach, walking distance to village shops and restaurants, and just a quick ferry ride away from Chappaquiddick Island where you can immerse yourself in the nature. The hotel also celebrates the tradition of artists visiting the island for inspiration by displaying art installations, paintings and more on the grounds.
“Fall is a wonderful time to visit Martha’s Vineyard,” says Jen Wong, director of marketing for the hotel. “The island slows down to a relaxed pace, with crisp air, colorful leaves, and uncrowded beaches creating the perfect setting for a getaway.”
The 130-year-old hotel has been newly remodeled through a $15-million renovation, so guest rooms, suites and cottages are beautifully appointed with classic New England décor and sumptuous linens. The Presidential Skyhouse Wing offers a VIP experience where guests can reserve one of three suites or the entire wing for an ultra-private and luxurious visit.
Guests throughout the resort have access to complimentary bicycles (a must-do on the island), electric car charging stations, seasonal lawn games and top-tier dining options: fine dining at The Bettini (no tie required!), casual cocktails in the Behind the View lounge or poolside cocktails and light bites from The Roxy Pool Bar through September and October. This year, the hotel’s annual Food and Wine dinner will be held Oct. 17. It’s an evening of celebrity chefs, creative cocktails and an elegant three-course dinner.
“At Harbor View Hotel, guests enjoy this seasonal beauty alongside luxurious accommodations, refined dining, and breathtaking harbor views—making autumn an unforgettable time to experience the Vineyard,” adds Wong. “Guests especially love sitting on our veranda this time of year, taking a ride on our complimentary bikes along the bike paths, and exploring all that the island has to offer without the crowds.”
