The fall season offers an unlimited selection of vacation options. From bright yellow aspens in Colorado to crimson reds in Vermont, fall foliage alone is a reason enough for a quick getaway. In Vermont and upstate New York, the season generally runs from late September through the third week of October. Columbus weekend is usually a good bet, but you should book your room well in advance because many couples and families go on a long weekend getaway then. Maine fall foliage peaks during the early part of October. Find great trip ideas from New York City, Washington D.C., Minneapolis - St. Paul, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Dallas and many other cities.
1. Boulder, Colorado
As summer makes way for winter, spend an active and entertaining fall weekend in Boulder, exploring a great variety of activities for the whole family. Enjoy cooler days and beautiful fall foliage as you hike through the Eldorado Canyon State Park or go on a Bike to Farm Tour with Awe-Struck Outdoors - suitable for all ages. Boulder has many indoor family attractions for rainy days starting with the wonderful Fiske Planetarium, where visitors can learn all about the solar system in the Sky-Skan immersive theater, surrounded by an incredible 65ft screen and state-of-the-art sound. The Boulder History Museum, UCAR Center for Science Education and the University of Colorado Museum Of Natural History all boast excellent exhibits to interest everyone.
Art enthusiasts can explore the BMOCA - Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art and the Dairy Center for the Arts. Evening entertainment could include a concert by the Boulder Chamber Orchestra or a recital by the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra at the Macky Auditorium. Foodies can visit a certified organic farm on a Cure Organic Farm Tour, see how seasoned local teas are made on a Celestial Seasonings Tea Tour or explore local flavors on a Local Table Food Tour. The Pearl Street Mall is the place to go for shopping, dining and afternoon tea at the Dushanbe Teahouse.
2. Laguna Beach, California
There are many good reasons to visit Laguna Beach during the fall, including lovely warm weather, predictably blue skies and smooth glassy seas. You can take advantage of the “Indian Summer” weather by soaking up the sun on famous Main Beach, or move a little further up or down the coast to get active in Crystal Cove State Park, Heisler Park or Crescent Bay Point Park, all of which have good trails for hiking and biking and offer swimming, scuba and skin diving, picnics and barbecue facilities. You can spend hours exploring the numerous tidal pools on a guided Tidal Pool Walk or sign up for a guided hike. If you enjoy skim-boarding you should head to Table Rock Beach or Aliso Beach.
For a change from beach activities you can explore the city on a Laguna Beach Walking Tour, which touches on all the main historic and architectural highlights, or do you own tour using the free Laguna Beach Trolley - you can get all the details from the Laguna Beach Official Visitor's Center. Art enthusiasts can enjoy Californian art at the Laguna Art Museum (which hosts a special Fall Exhibition), admire surrealist paintings and sculptures at the Kush Fine Art Gallery and take themselves on a self-guided Public Art Tour. Families can visit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center to see rescued marine creatures including seals and sea lions.
3. Burlington, Vermont
Fall is undoubtedly the most beautiful time of year to visit Burlington, Vermont when the trees are decked out with fall foliage and cooler temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities. You can go cycling or rollerblading along the 7-mile Burlington Bike Path in Waterfront Park - bike rentals are available. Another great way to explore the city is on a Segway tour with Burlington Segways, or you can jump aboard a historic trolley for one of the Historic Burlington Trolley Tours. Another excellent way to combine history with food is to go on a Burlington Edible History Tour.
At the ECHO Aquarium and Science Center you can learn all about Lake Champlain as you work your way through more than 100 interactive exhibits and see over 70 species of fish. The Fleming Museum of Art is a delight for all art lovers and besides feasting your eyes on the permanent and visiting collections you can also attend free Saturday workshops, lectures and movies for both adults and children. If you enjoy the performing arts you can be entertained at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts where you can attend the Vermont Symphony Orchestra or enjoy a play by the lively Vermont Stage Company. The Church Street Marketplace is the place to see and be seen, enjoy great shopping, dining and live entertainment.
4. New Orleans
New Orleans is ready to welcome weekend visitors all year round, offering a great line-up of musical, culinary and cultural activities in one of the most colorful cities in Louisiana. The ideal place to start your New Orleans visit is the bustling French Quarter, where you can mingle with visitors and Locals, admire the historic architecture and absorb the unique atmosphere. New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz and you can go on a nostalgic tour of the city's cultural heritage on an 11-stop guided tour presented by the Jazz National Historic Park. Tours start at the Visitors Center right in the heart of the French Quarter, and will take you to see most of the popular jazz venues in town including the famous Spotted Cat Music Club and Maison Bourbon.
The pleasant fall temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities and you can enjoy walking or cycling through City Park (which includes the Botanical Garden and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden) or go on a guided cycling tour of the major city landmarks with FreeWheelin' Bike Tours. If you are visiting with the family you can spend hours enjoying some of the eight museums and parks that make up the Audubon Nature Institute. The most popular of these are the Audubon Zoo, the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and the Entergy IMAX Theater.
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5. Chicago
Chicago is a year-round getaway destination boasting wonderful museums and cultural attractions, and when fall sets in and the leaves turn to red, the city puts on a brilliant fall display to delight all nature lovers and photographers. You can get a good overview of the colors from 360 Chicago, the observation deck on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, then move in for a closer look as you visit some of the city's many wonderful parks and gardens, such as the Garfield Park Conservatory, Millennium Park, Lincoln Park or Humboldt Park.
Once you have admired all the fall colors you can enjoy another visual feast at the Art Institute of Chicago which showcases every genre of art you can name, before moving on to listen to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Center in downtown, or watch a cutting-edge theatrical production at the Looking glass Theatre Company. If you are interested in architecture you can visit the very impressive Chicago Cultural Center (which boasts two of the world's most enormous stained glass domes), the Driehaus Museum, or take an in-depth look at some of the city's famous sky-scrapers on a Chicago Architecture Foundation Tour. Families can enjoy the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago Children's Museum, Legoland Discovery Center and the Shedd Aquarium.
6. Fall Vacation Ideas: Sioux Falls
The changing color of the foliage and the slight chill in the air herald fall in South Dakota, the perfect time of year to plan a weekend getaway in picturesque Sioux Falls. You can start your weekend by exploring Falls Park, a 123-acre green space surrounding the waterfalls on the Big Sioux River. There are around 19 miles of hiking and biking paths surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, which should be particularly spectacular in the fall. Another good outdoor area for walking, biking and ball games is Terrace Park, and you can also get plenty of exercise on the hiking trails in Great Bear Recreational Park (which is a very popular ski area in winter).
Art enthusiasts can visit the Washington Pavilion of Arts which contains an art gallery, theater and concert hall and features performances by the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society, among others. If you enjoy learning about history you can visit the Old Courthouse Museum, the Pettigrew Home and Museum, the USS South Dakota Battleship Museum and the Veterans Memorial Park, which is dedicated to local war veterans. Families can tour the Sertoma Butterfly House & Marine Cove, or make their way to the Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History to enjoy several hours of educational fun.
7. St. Augustine
Fall is a great time to visit St. Augustine, when the temperatures are a little lower and the city puts on a large variety of fall festivals and events. A good place to start exploring this historic city is in the cobbled Old City. You can go on a historic walking tour or take a sightseeing trolley bus tour or see the sights from a horse-drawn carriage. If you are interested in Victoriana you can visit the Lightner Museum in the old Hotel Alcazar (which also has wonderful grounds to explore), and those fascinated by military history can tour Castello de San Marcos and the smaller Fort Matanzas National Museum, both of which date back to the Spanish occupation around 1692.
Anastasia State Park is great for nature enthusiasts, offering swimming, beachcombing and all kinds of boating, and the Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, on part of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway, includes a Timucuan Village and a planetarium, besides the fabled Fountain of Youth well. There are plenty of activities for families including the gun demonstration and firing of the canonat Castello de San Marcos, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, a Wheatstone Chocolate Factory Tour or a visit to the St. Augustine Wildlife Reserve.
8. Cape Cod
Cape Cod is full of hidden treasures waiting for you to uncover on a fall weekend break, and you will need to do some serious prioritizing to make the most of your time. The coastline is extensive and amazing; the Cape Cod National Shoreline boasts over 60 fabulous beaches where you can soak up the sun and go for long romantic walks. You can enjoy cycling along the famous Nauset Bicycle Trail or explore the Nauset Marsh Trail and the Buttonbush Trail. At Wellfleet Bay there are dozens of trails through the salt marshes (excellent bird viewing) and you can go on wildlife-viewing cruises.
You can sample Cape Cod history at the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum (built to commemorate the 1620 Mayflower Pilgrims), the Nauset Lighthouse and a few historic house museums like the Crosby Mansion, the Edward Gorey House or Highfield Hall and Gardens.
Offshore the fun and education continues with boat-based tours; Bay Spirit Tours will take you out on a romantic catamaran tour or you can go wildlife watching with Dolphin Fleet Whale Watching Tours or Barnstable Harbor Ecotours. Art enthusiasts will enjoy strolling through arty Provincetown's many galleries, or watching a show at the vintage Orpheum Theater in Chatham. Try to fit in a day-trip to charming Martha's Vineyard Island on the Island Queen ferry, and do not even think of leaving Cape Cod without sampling some delicious fresh lobster.
9. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara boasts up to 300 days of sunshine every year and fall is one of the best times to visit to enjoy an array of outdoor activities. Although the water is a little cooler in fall, you can don a wetsuit and still enjoy a variety of water sports at the Arroyo Burro Country Beach or simply soak up the sun and picnic or barbeque in Shoreline Park. The lower fall humidity makes this the ideal season to visit some exceptional gardens, which include the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, the Ganna Walska Lotusland (which is bursting at the seams with exotic plants from all over the world) and Casa del Herrero, a beautiful example of 1925 Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, set in an 11-acre garden.
If you prefer museums to gardens you can tour the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center and the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, all of which are great for families. Art lovers can visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art which showcases American, Asian and European artworks, and round off their day at the historic Lobero Theatre. Foodies can enjoy visiting local vineyards on a Sustainable Vine Wine Tour, tasting local specialties on a Santa Barbara Tasting Tour or exploring the many restaurants at Stearns Wharf.
10. Miami
Miami's warm water and sunny beaches are waiting to welcome visitors all year round, and the city is a perfect destination for a fall weekend break to revive your spirits before the onset of winter. Soak up some end-of-summer sunshine on South Beach, or relax at a pavement café in lively Coconut Grove as you sip a coffee or cocktail. There are several parks where you can enjoy walking, jogging, picnics or cycling with a great bay view - try Kennedy Park, Peacock Park or Barnacle Park.
Try to arrange your visit to coincide with the Art Walk that takes place every second Saturday through the Wynwood Arts District, which boasts over 70 galleries and an array of interesting antique shops, bars and cafes. For a relaxed hands-on art (and wine) experience you can bring along a bottle of wine and some inspiration and join Painting with a Twist, while for a more formal experience you can visit the Miami Art Museum in the Bayside Marketplace.
There is excellent shopping, dining and entertainment at CocoWalk Entertainment Complex or in the Bayside Marketplace. Families can head to Jungle Island for an interactive wildlife experience (and petting zoo) or visit the really unique appointment-only Zoological Wildlife Foundation where rescued exotic pets are cared for. Kids will also love the Miami Seaquarium and the Miami Children's Museum.
11. Sugar Hill Inn
Dream Cottage at the Sugar Hill Inn in New Hampshire's White Mountains is the ultimate couples' hideaway, offering scenic views, elegant decor and a spacious layout. The free-standing cottage has a romantic stone fireplace, a cathedral ceiling, wood beams, and Pine floors with radiant heat. The bathroom has a private sauna, whirlpool tub for two and an over-sized shower with multiple shower heads. The bathoom has a window that opens to the living room so that you can see the fireplace from the tub.
Sugar Hill Inn is a year-round, adult-only getaway with an outdoor swimming pool, spa, gourmet restaurant and a choice of guest accommodations. The restaurant serves seasonal dishes which incorporate the freshest local produce and herbs grown in the hotel's own gardens. The dining room has scenic views of Cannon Mountain and Mt. Lafayette. You will find an array of activities nearby, including skiing, cycling, golf, horseback riding, antiquing, shopping, museums, waterfalls and farmer's markets.
116 NH-117, Sugar Hill, NH 3586, Phone: 800-548-4748
12. The Manor on Golden Pond
If you are looking for unique getaways from Boston, the Manor on Golden Pond is a historic English Manor House retreat set on 15 acres overlooking Squam Lake in New Hampshire. Plan a romantic trip to this inn which has an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court and a private beach with canoes and paddle boats. At the end of the day, guests can indulge in a relaxing massage in the spa treatment room. There are 25 guest rooms, including two suites. All of the rooms are individually designed and have views of the water of the White Mountains. Some rooms have working fireplaces and private porches, perfect for relaxing surrounded by nature.
Dining is an integral part of a relaxing getaway. Start your day with a breakfast buffet, enjoy afternoon tea in the library or overlooking the lake, then sit down to a gourmet dinner, and finish off your evening with a drink at the Three Cock's Pub. The property is a 2-hour drive from Boston and one hour from Manchester Airport. Minimum guest age is 12 years.
31 Manor Drive, Holderness, NH 3245, Phone: 603-968-3348
13. Woodlands Mansion in South Carolina
If you are planning a fall celebration, wedding or a family reunion, Woodlands Mansion in Summerville, South Carolina, about 20 miles from Charleston, offers several event venues in a relaxed Southern atmosphere. The mansion is popular for weddings and business gatherings. The whole mansion can be rented for a party, including 18 guest rooms and suites which have recently been refurbished.
Elegant events can be held in the historic mansion, in the Pavilion or outside on the lawn surrounded by trees and flowers. To stay active, bicycle through the picturesque streets of Summerville. Nearby vacation attractions include world-famous gardens at the Middleton Place, Historic Charleston, Aquarium, Beidler Forest, Cypress Gardens and beaches. Fall is a great time to enjoy colorful fall foliage or a round of golf at one of the nearby golf courses. Major airlines service Charleston International Airport where you can rent a car.
125 Parsons Road, Summerville, SC 29483, Phone: 843-875-2600
14. Fearrington House in North Carolina
Plan a romantic getaway to the charming Fearrington Village near Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and stay at the Fearrington House, a luxury inn with a first class restaurant. The inn has earned prestigious awards for its service and elegant accommodations, including the AAA Five Diamond Award and membership in the Relais & Chateaux organization. Nearby, you will find beautiful gardens, open seven days a week. Tour the Herb garden which grows fresh herbs used at the inn restaurant, view the wildflower garden, and stroll through the Perennial Border garden which is the site of many weddings.
The guest rooms are individually furnished with original art, antiques, canopied beds and beautiful fabrics. If you are planning a romanticweekend getaway, ask for one of the rooms with a fireplace and a whirlpool tub. The restaurant is famous for its sophisticated Southern cuisine and romantic atmosphere. Several times per year, the property offers cooking classes with hands-on instruction by award-winning chefs from the inn as well as other Relais & Chateaux restaurants.
2000 Fearrington Village Center, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Phone: 919-542-4000
15. Woodloch Pines Resort
Founded in 1958, the Woodloch Pines Resort has proven itself to be a top family resort in the country. The resort is so beloved by the public, that it was even voted the Top Family Resort by USA Today readers. Nestled within the breathtaking Poconos Mountains, Woodloch Pine Resort welcomes guests year-round with appealing summer and winter activities to keep you and your family active and engaged for your entire trip. Enjoy resting at spacious accommodations through guest rooms or vacation rentals, dine in one of the resort’s great restaurants, and do as many of the over 30 activities scheduled every day across the resort campus.
731 Welcomes Lake Road, Hawley, Pennsylvania 18428, Phone: 800-966-3562
16. Old Faithful Inn
Built sometime between 1903 and 1904, the Old Faithful Inn isn’t just a relaxing place to stay, it’s also an irreplaceable part of the park’s history. It now carries the distinction of being a national historic landmark and remains to be the most popular and most requested accommodation in the entire park. The inn is characterized by its stone and log construction – in fact, it’s the world’s largest log structure – and the huge stone fireplace that sits within the Old Faithful Inn’s towering lobby. There are eight different types of accommodation to choose from at the inn, which is also a great jump-off point for some of the park’s incredible sites and attractions such as the Firehole Basin Adventure.
3200 Old Faithful Inn Road, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190, Phone: 307-344-7311
17. The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
At White Fish Lake’s The Lodge, each and every visitor is encouraged to simply be. The Lodge’s promise? They’ll take care of the rest. Undeniably, The Lodge delivers with their incredible amenities and beautiful accommodations, all of which are embraced by the scenic nature of Whitefish Lakes’s mountains and waters. The Lodge is the perfect place to stay for visitors who want to explore the best that the area and northwest Montana have to offer as it’s only a short drive to the Glacier National Park and an even shorter drive to the ski slopes of Whitefish Mountain Resort. With a Four Diamond Award under their belt, guests are bound to enjoy a relaxing and luxurious stay at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake.
1380 Wisconsin Avenue, Whitefish, Montana 59937, Phone: 877-887-4026
18. Skamania Lodge
If you love nature, Skamania Lodge may just be the perfect getaway for you. Tucked in gorgeous mountains of the Pacific Northwest, Skamania Lodge is a unique location to slow down, release the stress of your every day, and be one with some of the most iconic and dramatic natural landscapes in the world. The lodge is inspired by its local culture and is influenced greatly by Native American design while still incorporating all of the luxuries of modern comforts. Stay in one of the lodge’s tree houses or book a stay in one of the luxurious suites. Activities at Skamania Lodge include hiking, yoga, golfing, and a challenging fitness trail for adventurous visitors. Additionally, the lodge also has a thrilling aerial park, amazing zip lines, and even axe throwing.
1131 SW Skamania Lodge Way, Stevenson, Washington 98648, Phone: 844-432-4748
19. Emerson Resort and Spa
A relaxing retreat awaits all who visit The Emerson Resort and Spa within the Catskill Mountains. This hidden gem is a mere two-hour drive from Manhattan and is your gateway to breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley. Take your much-needed respite within the luxurious Adirondack-style lodges of the resort, and enjoy one (or many) of the spa’s award-winning and nature-inspired treatments. After your massage or spa treatments, head over to the Woodnotes Grille, Emerson’s signature restaurant, to tuck into the mouthwatering fare. Additionally, The Emerson Resort and Spa is also home to the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope and provides access to great hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
5340 Route 28, Mount Tremper, New York 12457, Phone: 845-688-2828
20. The Lodge at Spruce Peak
Whether you’re an avid skier or not, The Lodge at Spruce Peak is decidedly one of the best places to stay when at Stowe, Vermont. Everywhere you look, you’ll be greeted by the awe-inspiring vistas of Spruce Peak, a view that you can also enjoy from within The Lodge thanks to its huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests to The Lodge can look forward to creating memorable experiences and a true New England vacation. Apart from being the only ski-in, ski-out luxury resort at Stowe, The Lodge is beloved for its immaculate surroundings, exceptional concierge services, delicious food, and a pristine golf course. Fantastic skiing is, of course, to be expected. The best part? The Lodge is dog friendly, so you won’t have to leave your beloved pooch at home.
7414 Mountain Road, Stowe, Vermont 05672, Phone: 802-282-4625
21. Bar Harbor Inn and Spa
If you want to see and experience some of the best that Maine has to offer, a stay at the Bar Harbor Inn and Spa is just what you need. The hotel, of which the original building was built in the 1800s, is a gorgeous coastal getaway that overlooks the spectacular vistas of the Porcupine Islands and Frenchman Bay. It is also celebrated for its exceptional hospitality, service, and charming atmosphere. Bar Harbor features 8 gorgeous acres of private land to explore with great art galleries and a number of waterfront activities to enjoy. Be sure to explore as much of the Acadia National Park and Maine’s rocky coast while you’re at it!
1 Newport Drive, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, Phone: 844-814-1668
22. Glacier Canyon Lodge
Glacier Canyon Lodge is one of three accommodation options available at Glacier Canyon Lodge, the largest waterpark resort in America. Your gateway to 600 acres of ultra-fun water activities, Glacier Canyon Lodge features luxurious amenities and stylish rooms that will suit every part and every budget. While access to the Wilderness Resort is already enough of a reason to book your stay at Glacier Canyon Lodge, this hotel also boasts an incredible 3-acre Lost World outdoor waterpark in addition to dozens of indoor and outdoor attractions. For adults who want to relax while the kids are out playing, there is a spa and a golf course available within the park’s facilities.
45 Hillman Road, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965, Phone: 800-867-9453
23. Flanigan’s Resort Springdale UT - Hotel Zion National Park
Just a quick five-minute walk from the Zion National Park Visitor Center is Flanigan’s Inn, a breathtaking boutique resort hotel that welcomes visitors no matter what time of the year. This eco-resort is beloved for its relaxing amenities and features which help each visitor meet the need to relax, unwind, and simply enjoy life. Book a stay at one of the resort’s park-lodge-inspired rooms, tuck into a great meal at the resort’s casual American bistro, The Spotted Dog, enjoy the great outdoors through professionally guided tours, or simply enjoy therapeutic massages care of the Deep Canyon Spa. No matter what you choose to enjoy at Flanigan’s, one thing this is certain – rest and utter relaxation await.
450 Zion Park Boulevard, Springdale, Utah 84767, Phone: 435-772-3244
24. El Tovar Hotel
The El Tovar Hotel opened its doors to welcome its first visitors in 1905 and has, since then, been extending its exceptional hospitality to visitors from near and far alike. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, the hotel was designed by Charles Whittlesey, who envisioned the hotel to be a perfect mix of a Norwegian Villa and a Swiss chalet. The El Tovar Hotel is no stranger to welcoming prestigious guests with Albert Einstein, Theodore Roosevelt, Sir Paul McCartney, and Oprah Winfrey being just some of their many patrons. Guests at El Tovar can enjoy great tours and activities around the area such as their world-famous Mule Rides, a tour of the Historic Village, rafting tours, and even a railway tour on board a vintage train.
1 El Tovar Road, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023, Phone: 928-638-2631
What are the 25 Unique Fall Vacation Ideas?
The 25 Unique Fall Vacation Ideas according to local experts are:
- Boulder, Colorado
- Laguna Beach, California
- Burlington, Vermont
- New Orleans
- Chicago
- Fall Vacation Ideas: Sioux Falls
- St. Augustine
- Cape Cod
- Santa Barbara
- Miami
- Sugar Hill Inn
- The Manor on Golden Pond
- Woodlands Mansion in South Carolina
- Fearrington House in North Carolina
- Woodloch Pines Resort
- Old Faithful Inn
- The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
- Skamania Lodge
- Emerson Resort and Spa
- The Lodge at Spruce Peak
- Bar Harbor Inn and Spa
- Glacier Canyon Lodge
- Flanigan’s Resort Springdale UT - Hotel Zion National Park
- El Tovar Hotel
More Ideas: Abingdon Manor
Located halfway between New York and Palm Beach in the quaint, turn of the century village of Latta of South Carolina, Abingdon Manor is an upscale country inn that offers luxurious accommodations and fine dining. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Abingdon Manor is built in the Greek Revival style with grand exteriors with elegant English Country-style interiors.
Abingdon Manor features seven beautifully appointed and individually decorated guest rooms with comfortable featherbeds in luxury linens, private bathrooms with walk-in showers and claw foot bathtubs, modern amenities, including flat-screen televisions, central air-conditioning, and complimentary wireless Internet.
Abingdon Manor offers a range of facilities for guests to enjoy, ranging from an award-winning restaurant, an honor bar and guest lounge, where guests can relax with a book and drink, and beautifully manicured gardens with patios, paths, and benches.
Abingdon Manor features seven beautifully appointed and individually decorated guest rooms with stunning views over the Inn’s grounds. All rooms feature comfortable featherbeds in luxury linens, private bathrooms with walk-in showers and claw foot bathtubs, plush bathrobes, and Gilchrist and Soames bath amenities.
Once the original master bedroom of the manor, The Master Room is located on the first floor of the Inn and features a king size bed with luxurious linens, and an en-suite bathroom with a claw foot soaking tub, a separate glassed shower, oversized vanity area and a makeup table and chair. A comfortable sitting room has a wall of windows with original working shutters from 1902, a French armoire and occasional chairs.
The Green Room is a bright and airy room with light green walls and old world décor and furniture and features a king-size bed with a richly upholstered headboard and a private bathroom with bath-shower combination, plush bathrobes, and Gilchrist and Soames bath amenities. A sitting area has an antique writing desk with two wing back chairs and a rocking chair and footstool, while 10-foot Palladian windows with original plantation shutters flood the room with natural light and boast beautiful views over the gardens.
Decorated in hues of dark green, the Hunter Room is a spacious room that has a canopied king-size bed with a large headboard and luxurious drapes, a cozy sofa at the end of the bed and a black marble fireplace. A private bathroom offers a bath-shower combination, plush bathrobes, and Gilchrist and Soames bath amenities, and ornate French doors open onto the side gardens.
The Red Room is an expansive room is on the second floor that offers a king-size mahogany sleigh bed in luxurious linens, and an en-suite bathroom with a tiled shower, plush bathrobes, and Gilchrist and Soames bath amenities. Four large windows provide a breathtaking panoramic view of the back yard with stately chestnut, pecan and walnut trees.
The Savannah Room features French country-style in décor in rich yellow hues, a comfortable queen-size bed and heart pine floors covered with oriental rugs. Large plantation shuttered windows offer natural light and air, while a private bathroom has a tiled shower heated floor, plush bathrobes, and Gilchrist and Soames bath amenities.
Aptly named, the Blue Room has dark blue walls with yellows accents and features a queen-size four poster mahogany rice bed in luxurious linens, and an en-suite bathroom with a tiled shower, plush bathrobes, and Gilchrist and Soames bath amenities. This decidedly French guest room is cozy and inviting with two windows looking out over the ‘Heritage Garden’ and a blue tiled fireplace with hand-painted fire screen.
The Yellow Room is a spacious room with pale yellow walls, 10-foot Palladian windows and original plantation shutters and two double beds with deep burgundy brocade bedspreads. An en-suite bathroom offers a bath-shower combination, plush bathrobes, and Gilchrist and Soames bath amenities and a cozy sitting area has a fireplace, oversized recliner, and wing back chair.
The Dining Room at Abingdon Manor is an award-winning restaurant that is open for guests seven days a week. A delicious gourmet breakfast is served for guests every morning and includes fresh melons and fruit, a selection of juices, crispy bacon or smoked chicken sausage with apples, eggs scrambled with fresh herbs, multigrain pancakes, breakfast quiche, and freshly brewed coffee, a selection of teas, hot chocolate, and hot apple cider.
Cocktails and wine can be enjoyed in the elegant parlor and library before dinner, which offers a mouth-watering prix-fixe menu of continental cuisine and fine wines accompanied by soft jazz. Dinner includes classic dishes with a modern twist and features a range of fare from around the world.
Abingdon Manor offers a range of facilities for guests to enjoy, ranging from an award-winning restaurant, a complimentary gourmet breakfast and hot and cold beverages served throughout the day. An honor bar on the main floor of the Inn serves a variety of soft drinks, beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails, as well as complimentary fruit and packaged snacks.
A communal guest lounge in the upstairs hall has comfortable sofas and chairs and a variety of reading material and boasts beautiful views through large French windows over the grounds and historic Church Street. A Ladies Parlor features a carved wood and ceramic tile fireplace and original plantation shutters, while a Gentlemen’s Parlor has deep red walls and comfortable furnishings, including an original beveled glass mirror and carved mantelpiece. This elegant room is ideal for pre-dinner socializing. A private library off the main hall provides a quiet spot for reading and relaxing with daily delivery of the The Wall Street Journal and all the latest issues of Wine Spectator to compare with the Inn’s wine collection.
A broad verandah adds a Southern touch to the European-style façade of the Inn and offers a shady and tranquil place to relax and soak up the beautifully manicured gardens that surround the building.
Additional amenities at the Inn include in-room massages and salon treatments, fresh flowers, champagne, chocolates, occasion cakes, and gift baskets.
307 Church Street, Latta / Florence, South Carolina 29565, Phone: 843-752-5090
More Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Carolina
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More Ideas: The Inn at Middleton Place in Charleston
Set on the grounds of South Carolina's historic landscaped Middleton Place Gardens, the Inn at Middleton Place is a refined country-style hotel. Surrounded by America's oldest landscaped gardens, the award-winning Inn offers luxurious accommodations in an environment of unsurpassed natural beauty, along with luxurious amenities and gracious southern hospitality. Guests staying at the Inn enjoy full access to the Middleton Estate and guided tours of its spectacular Gardens, House Museum, Stable Yards and the restaurant.
The Inn at Middleton Place features 55 beautifully appointed guest rooms with hardwood floors, comfortable country-style decor and period furnishings, and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows that boast sweeping views over the winding Ashley River. All rooms have spacious sitting areas with fireplaces and plush seating, and en-suite bathrooms with marble soaking tubs, walk-in showers, and deluxe bath products.
A daily continental breakfast is served every morning and includes fresh fruit juices, tea, and coffee, followed by seasonal fruit bowls, freshly baked bread and pastries, and a variety of hot entrees (for an additional fee) that can be enjoyed in the elegant dining room. The Middleton Place Restaurant, which is just a short walk from the hotel, offers local, organic Low Country fare for lunch and dinner. An evening manager's reception is offered every afternoon/evening and features cheese platters and local beers and wines.
The Inn at Middleton Place offers an array of amenities for guests from a delicious continental breakfast served every morning and an evening manager's reception with cheese and wine to on-site recreational activities around the property such as bicycle rentals, kayaking on the Ashley River, and horseback riding trails. Guests staying at the Inn enjoy full access to the Middleton Estate and can enjoy guided tours of its spectacular Gardens, House Museum, and the Stable Yards. The Middleton Place Restaurant serves hearty country fare for lunch and dinner.
The Inn at Middleton Place is surrounded by the beautifully manicured Gardens of the Middleton Place estate, which were established in 1741 by Henry Middleton. Renowned for being the oldest gardens in America, the exquisite gardens reflect the grand classic style that was in fashion in Europe and England in the early 18th century. Following the design principles used for the gardens at the Palace of Versailles and Vaux-le-Vicomte, the gardens feature tree-lined allees (walkways), green arbors, small galleries, and pristine bowling greens. There are also magnificent sculptures and ornamental canals with surprises at every turn.
The House Museum tells the story of the families who made Middleton Place their home for over three centuries and features an extraordinary collection furniture, china, silver, original portraits, documents and other objects used by the family.
Middleton Place offers beautiful sites and venues for special occasions such as weddings, ceremonies, and receptions, along with an array of superior catering services and luxurious accommodations. Venues range from intimate garden settings beneath Spanish-moss draped live oaks, to private Secret Gardens and open terraced lawns. The Secret Gardens feature two private gardens for a more formal and intimate affair, while the Octagonal Garden is a perfect site for weddings with the Ashley River providing a romantic backdrop. Charleston is a vibrant city with an array of notable attractions and activities to enjoy from the beautiful Charleston Harbor and the eight-acre Waterfront Park to the Battery and its historic homes along Rainbow Row, the King Street Shopping and Antique District, the Historic Downtown District, and the Old City Market.
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4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414, Phone: 843-556-6020,
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More Ideas: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a classic and luxurious resort surrounded by towering live oak trees and boasting breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Situated on the grounds of the renowned Kiawah Island Golf Resort, the Sanctuary has access to a ten-mile stretch of white sandy beach, five championship golf courses, six swimming pools and 24 tennis courts, along with award-winning restaurants, cocktail lounges, and casual cafés. Seamlessly blending the charm and grace of a Southern plantation with the sophistication and modern amenities of a five-star hotel, The Sanctuary promises an unrivaled and unforgettable vacation experience.
Guest Accommodations
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort features 255 spacious guest rooms and suites, ranging from Standard Guest rooms and Garden and Ocean View Suites to the luxurious Charleston, Governors and ultra-opulent 3000-square foot Presidential Suite. Rooms range in size from 520 square feet (King Rooms) to 1,200 square foot suites, which feature spacious living rooms with parlors and large balconies. The Governor’s Suite offers 1,538 square feet of space with gracious living and dining areas and private ocean-facing decks, while the ultra-opulent Presidential Suite boasts 3,000 square feet of luxurious space with a beautifully vaulted beam ceiling, an enormous living room with a fireplace, a grand oceanfront balcony and a private concierge service.
All of the hotel’s accommodations feature exquisitely designed interiors with contemporary décor and chic furnishings, marble-lined entrance hallways, and master bedrooms with designer king or queen-size pillow-top beds with Matelasse bed covers, high-quality linens and duvets, and hypoallergenic pillows. En-suite bathrooms have dual vanity sinks with granite countertops, glass-enclosed showers, deep garden soaking tubs, plush towels, full-length Chival mirror, Italian bathrobes and slippers, and luxury Penhaligon’s Quercus bath products. Most the rooms and suites have private balconies with chairs and cocktails tables and all boast in-room amenities such as televisions and DVD/CD players, customized mini-bars, hairdryers, Keurig coffee makers, safes, and complimentary high-speed and wireless Internet.
The Charleston Suite is 1515 square feet of space and features a sweeping marble entrance foyer with a powder room and a wet bar, an intimate living room with two sofas, armchairs, a writing desk and chair, and an airy dining area with a six-seater dining table. The master bedroom has two queen beds with Matelasse bed covers, high-quality linens, and duvets, and hypoallergenic pillows, a walk-in closet, and an en-suite bathroom with dual vanities, an enclosed toilet, a rain shower and a Jacuzzi tub. The suite opens onto a 256 square-foot balcony, which boasts breathtaking views of the Grand Lawn and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
The Governor’s Suite offers 1528 square feet of space with a grand marble entrance foyer, a powder room and a spacious living room with an elegant seating area, wet bar, and flat-screen plasma television. An inviting dining area features an eight-seater dining table and chairs, an antique sideboard, and an adjacent butler’s pantry with a full-size refrigerator. The master bedroom is accessed through elegant French doors and offers a custom-made king-size pillow-top bed with Matelasse bed covers, high-quality linens and duvets, and hypoallergenic pillows, and an en-suite bathroom with dual vanities, an enclosed toilet, a rain shower and a Jacuzzi tub. The suite opens onto a 177 square-foot balcony, which boasts breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Turtle Point Golf Course, and Kiawah’s private beach.
The incredible 3000 square foot Presidential Suite boasts a sumptuously furnished living area with elegant furnishings, a fireplace, a flat-screen plasma television and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, and a beautifully appointed dining room with a 12-seater dining table and chairs. A formal study has a large writing desk and chair, and volumes of antique books and the marble-tiled foyer feature a powder room. The master bedroom has a custom four-poster king pillow-top bed with Matelasse bed covers, high-quality linens and duvets, and hypoallergenic pillows, a private sitting area with an entertainment center, and a large balcony with stunning views. A dressing area features two walk-in closets with a dressing table, and an en-suite bathroom has two separate marble-topped vanities, a large rain shower with multiple showerheads, a garden Jacuzzi tub with jets, and a separate water closet.
Dining
A complimentary homemade breakfast is served every morning and includes freshly brewed coffee, tea and other hot beverages, fruit juices, fresh fruit platters, yogurt, cereals, hot entrées and signature dishes, eggs, and freshly baked bread, muffins, scones and more.
Amenities and Recreation
Deluxe amenities at the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort include two outdoor swimming pools, one indoor swimming pools, access to a private beach with beach chairs, umbrellas and towels, and an on-site restaurant called the Loggerhead Grill. A fully equipped business center offers a complete remote office with a document center, office supplies, computer workstations, clerical services, work alcoves, UPS & FedEx shipping and complimentary wireless Internet access. A state-of-the-art fitness center offers a variety of cardiovascular and weight-training equipment, as well as personal training sessions and classes, and an exclusive spa at the resort provides indulgent and pampering massages, body treatments, and salon services.
Weddings & Events
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers specialty wedding services and beautiful venues from elegant ballrooms that accommodate up to 350 guests for a served dinner to beautiful oceanfront lawns and the beach for outdoor ceremonies. Other services include specially designed wedding cakes prepared by the hotel’s top pastry chef, floor-length ivory linens, and glass encased votive candles, airport transportation for guests, rehearsal dinners, and post-event brunches, and access to all the hotel’s upscale amenities and facilities.
1 Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah Island, SC 29455, Phone: 843-768-2121
More Family resorts in SC, Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Carolina, Things to Do in Kiawah Island
