Summer may be over, but these seaside destinations are some of our favorite fall retreats.
Castle Hill Inn’s stunning location provides unbeatable water views.
Chatham Inn, Relais & Châteaux
While a popular seasonal escape, Chatham is still full of life and color after the first frost. Stroll through town and stop by the annual Oktoberfest at Kate Gould Park on October 21. Visitors can imbibe in a sip at the Devil’s Purse Beer Garden and freshly-shucked treats from Handsome Oyster Co. as live music plays in the background. The Wellfleet Oysterfest is also a must-experience festival on October 14 and 15, drawing attendees with an oyster shuck-off competition, live music, local craft vendors and more. These events and more are at the fingertips of Chatham Inn, Relais & Châteaux guests. Settle down at the historic, charming stay’s luxurious accommodations before dinner at Cuvée—the property’s award-winning eatery helmed by three Michelin-Star trained chef Isaac Olivo. 359 Main St., Chatham, chathaminn.com
Cliff House Maine.
Cliff House Maine
The Maine event of your fall travels is a tranquil weekend in Cape Neddick. With the Nubble Lighthouse as a guide, find your way to Cliff House Maine. The sumptuous oceanfront suite at the edge of Bald Head Cliff offers stunning sea views and every modern comfort one could desire. Crashing waves and a humming sea breeze serve as your alarm clock before joining a Plein Air oil painting class with the property’s artist-in-residence, Ric Della Bernarda. For the chef, harvest-themed mixology and cooking classes are a treat, featuring botanically infused simple syrups from the resident gardener. 591 Shore Road, Cape Neddick, ME, cliffhousemaine.com
Harbor View Hotel’s Presidential Skyhouse Wing.
Harbor View Hotel
Oenophiles—it’s time to flock to Martha’s Vineyard. If the autumnal hues are not enough of a draw, Harbor View Hotel’s Wines Around the World Tasting Package will surely entice you. In addition to a plush, modern room, guests can revel in a wine tasting for two with Bettini Restaurant’s sommelier. Bottles from the Wine Room at Bettini are expertly paired with gourmet cheeses to create a decadent feast for the senses. If you’re still craving another glass, the hotel is hosting various Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival events from October 19 to 22, including a grand tasting and dinner series with mother-son duo Alex Pineda and Lydia Shire. 131 North Water St., Edgartown, harborviewhotel.com
Ocean House
Shortly after travelers bid adieu to another New England summer, the air in Watch Hill feels a little lighter and quieter, creating the ideal autumn escape. Those looking to take in the wonders of a Rhode Island fall will find their sanctuary at Ocean House. The property’s newly restored putting green is perfect for practicing your short game, while private fishing charters on the Bonita II welcome guests to take a restorative breath of salty sea air. Leaf peeping excursions are also elevated with the hotel’s Mercedes- Benz partnership—zip over to the Newport Mansions or Saltwater Farm Vineyard for an afternoon tour. 1 Bluff Ave., Watch Hill, RI, oceanhouseri.com
Enjoy a Newport retreat at The Vanderbilt
The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection
Newport may be known as a summer destination, but once the season ends, the area transforms into a quiet little beach town dotted with mesmerizing colors. Breathe in the brisk fall air while snuggling under a blanket with The Vanderbilt’s Fireside Folly experience. All the fixings for s’mores, light bites and hot cocktails await guests in The Garden. After indulging in the ooey, gooey treat, join Enchanted Hour in the Mansion. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, visitors can book a candlelight tarot card reading—a special gold card unlocks an exclusive, off-menu cocktail in The Dining Room. 41 Mary St., Newport, RI, aubergeresorts.com
Fall sunsets at Weekapaug Inn are vibrant with color
Weekapaug Inn
A chance to explore the Rhode Island landscape, especially in the fall, is a remarkable experience. Why not let Weekapaug Inn’s in-house naturalist be your guide? Tours, activities and presentations welcome guests to discover more about the local habitats and wildlife like whales and seals. If you’d rather reserve your nature walks for 18 holes, the hotel’s staff can make private golf arrangements at local courses like Lake of Isles: a Rees Jones-designed green in North Stonington. End each day with a chef’s tasting menu at The Restaurant at Weekapaug Inn before climbing into bed in one of their private carriage houses—views of both the Pond and salt marsh Cove abound. 25 Spray Rock Road, Westerly, RI, weekapauginn.com
Chatham’s quaint neighborhood is lined with chic boutiques, art galleries and delectable eateries
Castle Hill Inn
Slip into a serene dream at this whimsical Newport property. Shortly after the sun rises over the Atlantic and Narragansett Bay, visitors can stroll along the Cliff Walk before warming up by one of their crackling wood-burning fireplaces. Curl up with a good book, or take a private tennis lesson on the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s historic grass courts through an exclusive package. When you return, find a sweet surprise at the Terrace fire pit. Through private booking, guests can bundle up in fleece blankets while indulging in traditional s’mores, a buffet of treats, homemade hot chocolate, hot apple cider and spiked sips. 590 Ocean Ave., Newport, RI, castlehillinn.com
Photography by: ALEX PAUL PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY OF BRAND; BARRY; COURTESY OF BRAND; COURTESY OF BRANDS; COURTESY OF BRANDS
