Before the winter season makes traveling more difficult, now’s the time to make any last-minute plans for fall vacations. With fewer crowds to navigate around, stunning Fall foliage, exciting seasonal events, and cooler temperatures to beat the heat, the Fall season is a great time of year to take a vacation. Of course, there are so many popular vacation destinations, so choosing just one to visit might seem a bit intimidating. Fortunately, we’re here to help! Here are seven last-minute Fall getaways to end your year strong.
The Great Smoky Mountains
As the most visited national park in the U.S., it should come as no surprise that the Great Smoky Mountains are a site for some of the best Fall vacations. This mountain range is world-renowned for its beauty and history of Appalachian culture. Visitors can explore hiking trails, marvel at waterfalls, and relax in the peaceful atmosphere of the woods. Speaking of the woods, the beauty they have in Autumn just can’t be matched. You’ll watch as the changing leaves are filled with bright colors like red and gold. Hiking the Chimney Tops Trail is a good way to get some spectacular views of those gorgeous fall colors. You can also go horseback riding along the rolling hills up until late October. With the beauty of Autumn all around you, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best national parks to visit during this time of year.
Where to Stay in the Great Smoky Mountains for a Fall Getaway
One of the best resorts for a Fall getaway in the Smokies is definitely Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort. This resort is located right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, so you’ll never be far from fun things to do. This resort features an indoor and outdoor pool, as well as indoor hot tubs. This Holiday Inn resort also has an indoor water play area for kids, complete with two waterslides. Other amenities include a fitness center, poolside barbecue grills, and a variety of special activities like mountain tours and tie-dyeing. When you return to the resort, you’ll be greeted by spacious suites with king-sized beds. Some of these suites even have a toasty fireplace. You can rest assured you’ll be taken care of at this Gatlinburg resort.
Sedona, Arizona
When you think about Arizona, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For most people, it’s probably vast deserts with unbearable heat. Believe it or not, that’s not the case in Autumn! In fact, Fall getaways are the perfect time to visit Sedona. The temperatures drift from the high 80s in late September to the more comfortable 60s by mid-November. Sedona’s sycamore, oak, and maple trees change into their fall colors, and you’ll have some incredible views of them from Sedona’s famed mountain peaks. Sedona is also home to a treasured seasonal event in late October: a Day of the Dead celebration. This four-day festival features live music and breathtaking art, so you won’t want to miss it. The beauty of nature and culture combine for an unforgettable experience in Sedona.
Where to Stay in Sedona for a Fall Getaway
Wyndham Sedona is a great desert Oasis for any travelers hoping to spend their Autumn in Arizona. You’ll be close to the natural beauty of the desert while enjoying the comfortable amenities and accommodations of a Wyndham resort. Unwind in the sauna, swimming pool, or hot tub, or cook up some delicious meals at the barbecue grills. The resort also has a business and fitness center to help you keep up with routines even when you’re on vacation. Wyndham Sedona has more than enough to keep you entertained. For accommodations, the resort boasts suites with king-sized beds, private balconies, and flat-screen TVs.
New York City, New York
Our next entry takes us to the East Coast: NYC. The big city is at its most pleasant in Autumn. Compared to the freezing Winters and humid Summers, Fall getaways in New York tend to be very mild. NYC tends to have some very fun seasonal activities like apple picking, and there are fewer crowds around this time of year. One of the biggest benefits of the city in the fall, though, is the transformation of Central Park. The park is at its best as the leaves change colors, especially in the Central Park Mall. New York is also an excellent place to visit during the spooky season. In fact, early to mid-October is rife with opportunities to get into the Halloween spirit. There are pumpkin carvers and elaborate jack-o-lanterns displayed in multiple parts of New York, so it’s great to visit near Halloween.
Learn more: 10 Inspiring Upstate New York Getaways
Where to Stay in New York City for a Fall Getaway
Nestled in the heart of Tudor City, Westgate New York Grand Central combines classic elegance with a modern touch to create an unforgettable home away from home in the Big Apple. Amenities include dry cleaning and laundry services, so you won’t have to worry about handling it on vacation. Plus, there’s a business center and fitness center to help you keep up with your routines. You’ll also be able to enjoy on-site dining at the Tudor City Tavern. This historic bar has an old-world charm thanks to its historic NYC cocktails like Cochran’s Apple or the Rag Gang Smoking Gun. The resort has a variety of one-bedroom suites, each of which comes with plenty of space to stretch your legs.
Salem, Massachusetts
Is it any surprise that Salem made the list? From early October onward, this is the number one destination for Halloween fanatics. You can visit the buildings where much of the beloved Halloween film: Hocus Pocus was filmed. Be sure to stop by the Old Town Hall to see where they filmed the scenes from the Town Hall Party in the movie! You can also enjoy the changing colors of the fall foliage while enjoying a walking tour. If you have younger children, Salem’s also a great place to go pumpkin picking. Last but not least, this western Massachusetts town is home to Pioneer Village. Here, you’ll be transported to a recreation of Salem in the 1630s. In October, the village is lit with Jack-O-Lanterns and filled with Halloween-inspired vendors. As a result, the town is an amazing spot to visit in Autumn, especially during the Halloween season.
Where to Stay in Salem for a Fall Getaway
While the town of Salem itself is great for Fall getaways, there’s just as much to see on the coast of Massachusetts. We recommend staying close, but not too close, and making a day trip out of visiting Salem so you can see everything the state has to offer. With that in mind, InnSeason Resorts – Surfside is a great place to stay nearby. Set between the ocean surf and the clear bay, you’ll experience New England tranquility. Enjoy direct access to the beach, boat rentals, pools, tennis, and plenty of children’s activities for family fun. Each suite comes with a king or queen-sized bed alongside fully equipped kitchens and private decks with ocean and bay views.
Savannah, Georgia
Speaking of Halloween, Savannah is another city that gets into the spirit of the season. While Savannah is great to visit year-round, the city is filled with ghost tours starting in early October. The southern heat dies down in Autumn, which makes it easier to explore the city. There are plenty of great wine tours to enjoy in the evenings, as well as the Savannah Jazz Festival. This free festival showcases acclaimed jazz artists from across the country, making it a great opportunity to enjoy some fantastic live performances. This is also a great time to visit River Street and take in the sights of Riverboat cruises leaving the docks or enjoying the many delicious restaurants in the area.
Where to Stay in Savannah for a Fall Getaway
If you’re looking for a taste of Southern hospitality, look no further than the Studio Homes at Ellis Square Resort. You’ll be greeted by the welcoming staff and spacious one and two-bedroom suites with king-sized beds, designer kitchens, and separate living and dining areas. Plus, Ellis Square is within walking distance of many of Savannah’s best attractions, including ghost tours. Thanks to its location in the heart of the city, Ellis Square is a great home away from home for your next Fall getaway.
Asheville, North Carolina
Located up in the Blue Ridge mountains, the small town of Asheville has everything you could want from Fall getaways. Extreme elevations and more than 100 species of deciduous trees give the city one of the most beautiful sets of changing leaves in the Autumn season. As a result, Asheville is a great place to stay during leaf-peeping season! Take a scenic drive up Grandfather Mountain for a breathtaking view of those Autumn colors, or enjoy mountain biking or hiking along the many hiking trails Asheville has to offer. Aside from taking a scenic drive or hiking through the woods, you can check out Krafthouse: Forest of the New Trees. This first-of-its-kind art installation is a self-guided experience created by local artists, filmmakers, and more that transports visitors to an imaginary realm inspired by Appalachian traditions and the ancient wildness of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Where to Stay in Asheville for a Fall Getaway
If you’d like to be close to the beauty of Asheville while still getting to explore the rest of North Carolina, stay at Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Mountains. You’ll be right next to the beautiful Lake Lure as well as the Blue Ridge mountains, making this a perfect place to experience the beauty of North Carolina’s nature. Amenities include an activity center, 18-hole golf course, and two swimming pools. There’s also plenty of on-site dining for those days you don’t feel like leaving the resort. When you’re ready to call it a night, you’ll be greeted by a cozy suite with king-sized beds and toasty fireplaces.
Branson, Missouri
From the deep green, and of Spring and Summer to the red and gold of Fall, Branson is an amazing spot for a nature-filled getaway. While the city is great for hiking and biking, it also has plenty of craft and music festivals. If you want an unforgettable view of the Ozarks, take a drive up the 165 scenic Overlook. From there, you’ll catch a glimpse of Table Rock Lake. You should also visit the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, which features a 40-foot tall viewing tower where you can see the rolling hills of White River, as well as many of the Ozarks’ towering cliffs. Thanks to the great elevation, the conservation area is a great spot for leaf peeping. For the little ones, stop by the McKenna Family Farm, where you and your family can pick the perfect pumpkin or explore massive corn mazes.
Where to Stay in Branson for a Fall Getaway
At the Falls Village, family is the focus. In fact, everything about the resort was designed with families in mind, from the outdoor picnic area to the children’s playground, you and your family are sure to love Falls Village. There’s a picnic area with charcoal grills to help you cook meals in the fresh air, and right after, you can embrace your competitive side with a game of mini golf or shuffleboard. Plus, the resort features both an indoor and outdoor pool you can unwind in. For accommodations, relax in spacious suites with all the comforts of home. From full kitchens and baths to master bedrooms with king-sized beds, you’ll have plenty of room to stretch your legs in. You’ll also have a washer and dryer right in your suite to make laundry a breeze! Falls Village isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a true home away from home.
Expand Your Options With Vacation Exchange
Vacation ownership is already great, but did you know there’s a way to get even more value out of your timeshare? Vacation Exchange is a travel program that allows you to trade your timeshare week or points at your home resort for a stay at one of thousands of other properties around the world. So you can use your home resort in one city to visit thousands of others with theme parks, state parks, and plenty of popular destinations like the Grand Canyon. All you need is a home resort affiliated with a vacation exchange network like RCI or Interval International and you’ll be eligible for a membership. Fortunately, many of the resorts we’ve mentioned are affiliated with RCI, so you’ll be well on your way to a membership just by buying a timeshare at one of them.
Buy a Timeshare to Enjoy a Fall Getaway
If you’re ready to enjoy a lifetime of vacations strolling through Fall foliage, consider buying a timeshare. With a timeshare, you’ll be able to return to your favorite Fall destination year after year. Plus, the amenities you’ll find at the luxurious resorts are second to none! If you’re ready to get started, check out our marketplace! You can browse our marketplace for timeshares from plenty of great resorts from top developers like Westgate, Wyndham, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and more!
Rent a Timeshare to Save Some Money
While buying a timeshare comes with a lot of benefits, vacation ownership isn’t for everyone. If you’re on the fence about buying, try renting a timeshare. You’ll still enjoy all of the great amenities of a resort, but you won’t have to worry about committing to the maintenance fees that come with timeshare ownership. You can browse our marketplace for rentals today! Once you find one you like, just hit reserve. It really is that simple! If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-610-2734 or email us at [email protected].
