Editor's note: As we continue to practice social distancing, we encourage our readers to check the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date information on how to safely travel.
This year hasn't been kind to travel-adoring folks who used to spend the better part of their work weeks counting down the days until their next vacay. Large family vacations, exotic honeymoons, and trips to far-flung international locales may be put on hold, but there are still drivable destinations all over the U.S. serving up great mini escapes for couples and solo travelers that want a safe, accessible way to enjoy the remainder of the fall season. Don't sleep on quintessential summer destinations, like Montauk and Austin, that carry less crowds in late fall—embrace cozy inns that will tempt you to hibernate on the nature-filled grounds. Here, six November getaways to book now.
1. Washington, Connecticut
Where to Stay:
Set on 58 acres in Washington, Connecticut (about an hour's drive from NYC), the Mayflower Inn is celebrating its centennial year with a fresh look designed by celebrity interior designer, Celerie Kemble. You’ll feel like you’re in your very own country home as you cozy up by the parlor room fire for a game of cards or take part in sweater-weather croquet on the expansive front lawn.
What to Do:
Kick off your day with some R&R at Mayflower's sanctuary-like spa, which offers contactless treatments, like no-touch reiki sessions and sound healing. Later, lace up your hiking boots and explore the nearby Hidden Valley Preserve—a stretch of 727 acres filled with meadows, elevated walkways, and expansive trails. For all the fall feels, visit Averill Farm, a 10-generation family farm offering seasonal produce, homemade pies, and an onsite cider mill.
Where to Eat & Drink:
For breakfast or lunch, head over to The Pantry, a family-run country cafe with a rotating seasonal menu daily. For dinner, try the Community Table Restaurant and Bar, acclaimed for its innovative food and cocktails and mission to support local farms and food purveyors. There's a bonus outdoor fire pit to keep you warm as you wait for your table. Back at The Mayflower, The Garden Room's chef-in-residence, April Bloomfield, offers a four-course garden supper tasting menu featuring some of Bloomfield's signature farm-to-table dishes. If you're there over Thanksgiving, take part in the restaurant's Thanksgiving in the country experience: a three-course menu that includes everything from roasted turkey to pumpkin pie with whipped creme fraiche.
2. Montauk, New York
Where to Stay:
Montauk is fun in the summer, but it's the most picturesque in the fall. Sinking your toes into the sand while wrapped in a sweater is one of life’s simple pleasures. Lay your head at Gurneys Montauk—a summertime hot spot—where you’ll get to experience a prime location on the Atlantic Ocean without the summer crowds. Cozy outdoor bungalows are a fixture for the fall and winter seasons, so you can enjoy a cocktail fireside in an open-air structure decked out with sheepskin blankets, lanterns, and infrared heating. Lucky enough to be there over Thanksgiving? You can book a private bungalow and have a whole roasted turkey and stuffing dinner prepared for the family.
What to Do:
Take a morning stroll along the beach right outside of your room or head over to Montauk Point State Park, where you might catch a glimpse of seals as the cold weather draws near. On a warm November afternoon, visit Wölffer Estate and sip wine on the terrace amongst the grapevines. Alternatively, check out Duck Walk Vineyards' dog-friendly winery adjacent to the outdoor sculpture garden at the Parrish Art Museum. Afterwards, pop in the museum to see contemporary works of art from artists in and around the East End.
Where to Eat & Drink:
For breakfast, head to John's Pancake House for a killer stack of flapjacks or Pierre's bistro for a more upscale brunch with Parisian-style seating along the restaurant's exterior. Seafood lovers should head over to the Clam Bar for—what else?—New England clam chowder and clams on the half shell. For dinner, book a table at Scarpetta Beach to dine oceanside on mouthwatering Italian fare like tagliolini with lobster and braised oxtail cavatelli.
3. The Finger Lakes, New York
Where to Stay:
In the heart of the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York, the Inns of Aurora was originally built in 1833 by Colonel E.B. Morgan, beginning with the Aurora Inn. The inn was once a stop for the Wells Fargo Express, but has since been restored (alongside more than 10 other historic buildings) into a secluded resort located on the picturesque Cayuga Lake. The five inns provide charming accommodations with seating areas, writing desks, and roaring fireplaces giving each a unique Victorian quality, while updated amenities and modern art works keep them polished and comfy for a weekend away.
What to Do:
No trip to the Finger Lakes region would be complete without a visit to the wineries. Pace yourself for an afternoon visit to Heart & Hands Wine Company, where they're committed to sustainably-produced pinots and rieslings. Speaking of rieslings, dry versions are the signature at nearby Long Point Winery and tasting room. You'll also want to carve out time to visit MacKenzie Childs' whimsical ceramic shop, where a team of artisans handcraft each piece. You can also visit the designer's nearby headquarters.
Where to Eat & Drink:
For breakfast, visit The Village Market to pick up freshly-baked goods or order a homemade soup and a fresh baguette for a wholesome lunch. For dinner, enjoy lakefront outdoor dining at 1833 Kitchen & Bar, where they serve up American classics with a sophisticated twist like Hudson Valley Duck Breast and a great selection of Finger Lake wines by the glass.
4. Chicago, Illinois
Where to Stay:
November can be tough in the Windy City. Make it more enjoyable by snuggling up in front of the fire at the ultra charming Deer Path Inn, a Tudor-style manor house inspired by the traditions of an English country estate. Explore the English Garden, the pub, or have afternoon pastries in the tea room.
What to Do:
Honestly, we recommend you tuck yourself in with a great book and just chill. If you forgot to bring along your own reads, support local businesses by visiting the nearby Lake Forest Bookstore that's served the community for more than 60 years. For a breath of fresh air, bundle up and take a walk along Lake Michigan. After that, return to the inn for a traditional afternoon tea in the comfort of your very own room. Wine lovers can spend the evening with a private wine cellar experience conducted by the inn's onsite sommelier.
Where to Eat & Drink:
If Chicago deep-dish pizza is on your bucket list, make sure to check it off at Lou Malnati's. Pick up a pie or have it delivered straight to your room. If you've opted to change out of your sweats for the evening, book a table at The English Room or White Hart Pub.
5. Austin, Texas
Where to Stay:
Known to be hot and humid in the summer, November's cooler weather makes this month the ideal time to visit the city known for its renowned music and culinary scenes. There's no better way to keep it weird than at Austin's newest oasis-like accommodation, Hotel Magdalena. Paying homage to Austin's 1970s lake houses, the hotel has a treehouse feel, with tall wooden buildings connected via outdoor walkways and courtyards. There's also a rock quarry and an outdoor pool to enjoy Austin's pleasant November days.
What to Do:
For a bit of nature on the outskirts of Austin proper, visit Lake Austin and consider renting a boat for a fun, socially-distanced day on the water. Back in the city, sightseers will want to visit the open-air Chapel Dulcinea, a beautiful Spanish-style chapel (plus, a free wedding space!) located in Texas hill country. The historical structure sits at the edge of an ancient walking trail boasting panoramic city views. In downtown Austin, spend a few hours at the city's celebrated Mexic-Arte Museum featuring a variety of artwork.
Where to Eat & Drink:
When in Austin, what not to eat and drink might be the better question. The mouthwatering food options can be quite overwhelming! For breakfast, stop by the El Primo food truck for an awesome breakfast taco slathered with homemade salsa. (Note that this taco institution is cash only.) For lunch, head over to Franklin Barbecue to devour some legendary Austin-style brisket. (Order online for pickup to avoid the hour-long lines at the door.) For dinner, go for a lighter tapas style meal. Make a reservation to sit on the patio at La Condesa.
6. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Where to Stay:
The Broadmoor, a historic 5,000-acre resort in Colorado Springs, is the ideal November getaway for outdoorsy travelers who want to immerse themselves in nature. Stay in one of the main house's classic guest rooms with cozy nooks, tranquil decor, and stunning Rocky Mountain views.
What to Do:
Spend your morning exploring the Red Rock Canyon Open Space that dates back to 7000 B.C. Formerly operated as a mill during the gold rush, the vast area is now a recreational park with gorgeous views, great hikes, and clear biking trails. Alternatively, spend the morning in a hot air balloon during a gorgeous sunrise ride. A visit to the Garden of the Gods is also a chance to take in the area's beautiful terrain. The national landmark has endless winding trails through awe-inspiring geological rock formations.
What to Eat & Drink:
Start the day at Omelette Parlor, where breakfast lovers will have the option to order their favorite morning foods any time of the day. For eclectic cuisine and cool cocktails, step into the subterranean space at The Rabbit Hole. Tables go fast in this quaint space, so make sure to plan ahead with a reservation. For a special dinner, dine at The Summit restaurant at The Broadmoor for upscale, rustic, regional cuisine like Wagyu beef and local Bison chops.
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