NYC Fall Getaways: Hudson Valley & New England Hotels

Autumn Escapes from the City

Travellers departing New York City for short breaks this autumn can consider a range of regional destinations that provide a change from the urban environment. These areas, including the Hudson Valley, the Catskills, the Berkshires, the Adirondacks, and parts of Pennsylvania and New England, are noted for their autumnal scenery.

The appeal for many lies in activities such as apple-picking, wine-tasting, and observing the changing leaves. Several well-appointed hotels across these regions cater to weekend visitors, offering facilities that extend beyond simple lodging.

These properties include private cabins situated within wooded areas, carefully renovated inns reflecting local character, and establishments that combine accommodation with operations like cider mills or apple orchards. These options serve as a primary reason for individuals or families to plan a short trip from the city, particularly as the autumn season advances.

Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa in Finger Lakes

One such destination is the Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa, located in Skaneateles, New York, within the Finger Lakes region, known for its wine production. The resort features a noteworthy farm-to-table restaurant, a well-maintained wellness area, and live music.

It offers 89 rooms, including deluxe kings, double queens, and family-style configurations with multiple sleeping areas. Recreational facilities comprise pools, trails, a nine-hole putting green, a pond, and a game room equipped with racing games, a duck claw machine, and a classic Pac-Man arcade unit.

For outdoor pursuits, visitors can hike a 1.7-mile loop around Bahar Preserve and Carpenter Falls, where a 90-foot waterfall can be observed amidst the autumn foliage. Apple-picking is also available at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards. Travel from New York City involves taking the Amtrak Empire Service to Syracuse, followed by a car or regional bus, or a drive of over four hours.

Stockton Inn in the Delaware River Valley

Another option is the Stockton Inn, situated in Stockton, New Jersey, offering access to the Delaware River Valley. This historically significant property, which is 300 years old, underwent renovation in 2024. It has previously hosted notable guests such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Jackie Kennedy Onassis.

The inn comprises nine rooms, distributed between the original structure and neighbouring carriage houses, each equipped with king-sized beds and white marble bathrooms. Dining options include fresh pastries delivered daily from the nearby Stockton Market and the Stockton Inn Restaurant, led by Chef Bob Truitt, which serves seasonal cuisine.

Guests can utilise complimentary bicycles to cycle along the D&R Canal Towpath, which runs beside the Delaware River. The inn’s location also provides convenient access to the towns of New Hope, Lambertville, and Frenchtown, known for their picturesque main streets, dining establishments, and vintage shopping.

Planning Autumnal Retreats

These regional destinations offer New York City travellers structured options for seasonal breaks, moving beyond the city's activity to natural landscapes and specific leisure pursuits.

The selection of properties provides varied amenities, from extensive recreational facilities at Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa to the historical ambience and renovated comforts of the Stockton Inn.

Travellers can choose their retreat based on preferred activities, whether it involves wine-tasting in the Finger Lakes, exploring historical towns in the Delaware River Valley, or simply observing autumn foliage.

The availability of diverse accommodation types and local attractions simplifies the planning process for short trips, allowing for selection based on travel duration and desired seasonal activities from New York City.