With the first day of Fall approaching on Sept. 23, wouldn’t it be great to know the top destinations for enjoying the crisp Autumn weather?
Newly released data from Vacasa shows that nearly half of travelers are in the process of booking their Fall getaway (46%).
Below, we’ve rounded up the top Vacasa-approved Fall oases outside of major cities; perfect for city-dwellers looking to explore charming local towns in their favorite Fall sweaters.
Escape from Chicago to Lake Forest, IL
Accessible by short road trip or train, the quaint lakeside town of Lake Forest, IL, is just 40 minutes north of Chicago—perfect for a quick fall getaway. There, you’ll find the award-winning, English-inspired Deer Path Inn—and you won’t even need your passport to feel like you’ve been transported to the Cotswolds. Reminiscent of a Tudor manor home, Deer Path Inn offers all the luxury and refinement you might find at a posh London hotel, including a traditional Afternoon Tea service. This fall, you can leaf peep along the shores of Lake Michigan by booking the inn’s Picnic in the Park package (available upon request), which includes complimentary bike rentals and a customized picnic basket filled with a selection of curated snacks and beverages. Stroll through the 39-acre Grant Park and the Chicago Botanic Garden, before retiring to the inn to cozy up in the Hearth Room and sip Insta-worthy cocktails created by the Chief Spirits Officer—including the Fall in Love and Corny & Old Fashioned, both garnished with unexpected touches, like fall leaves and a corn husk.
Escape from Louisville to Lexington, KY
A remarkably underrated and affordable Southern gem well-known for its equine culture and bourbon, Lexington is a bucolic countryside escape for fall travelers—and a mere 90 minutes from Louisville. A weekend getaway to “The Horse Capital of the World” means travelers can witness the time-honored tradition of horse racing set against some of the country’s most stunning autumnal hues during Keeneland’s Fall Race Meet (October 6 – 28). Equine enthusiasts can also enjoy the crisp fall air atop a steed borrowed just for the occasion, with horseback riding excursions offered at Kentucky Horse Park and The Kentucky Castle. Adventure seekers can hike the Kentucky River Palisades Trail, kayak along the river or soar over these natural wonders at 40 MPH via Boone Creek Outdoors’ Zipline Canopy Tours. Weekenders can book a stay at Central Kentucky’s first boutique hotel, The Manchester (just opened this summer), which has a rooftop bar perfect for soaking in some KY sunsets. Stay at 21c Museum Hotel Lexington (an 88-room boutique hotel, contemporary art museum) for quick access to all the action (rates starting at $180 this fall).
Escape from Dallas to Fort Worth, TX
Less than an hour drive outside one of Texas’ largest cities is the unexpected, fast growing Fort Worth. For the perfect fall getaway, Fort Worth offers rich Western heritage, world-class culture and a booming hotel scene, including one of the newest hotels opening later this fall, the Crescent Hotel, which will offer a refined and luxurious stay in the Cultural District. For entertainment, visit the Stockyards District, a historic neighborhood that preserves the city’s Western culture, known for its legendary cattle drive reenactment with real cowboys. This October the Fort Worth Stockyards will be holding the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering, celebrating the event’s 32nd anniversary. From rodeos at the Cowtown Coliseum to Billy Bob’s Texas, the largest honkytonk in the world, the Stockyards are filled with exciting western entertainment. Beyond its cowboy culture, Fort Worth boasts one of the best zoos in the country, as well as world-renowned museums in the Cultural District, including the National Cowgirl Museum, The Modern and the Kimbell. The unexpected city is also home to a handful of local coffee roasters including Avoca Coffee and the Fort Worth Coffee Co. Every October, locals and visitors alike can experience Fort Worth’s Coffee Festival which features live music and dancing, activities for kids, and of course coffee tastings from local vendors.
Escape from Atlanta to West Midtown
Skip Atlanta’s hustle and bustle for a quieter urban enclave – West Midtown. Once an industrial haven, Atlanta’s Westside has become a mecca for artists, young professionals and curious travelers with 19th-century buildings and factories converted into modern lofts, an eclectic mix of galleries, retailers, entertainment venues, office spaces, and some of Atlanta’s best emerging restaurants (like the Tik Tok famous mozzarella bar, Bastone!). Anchoring West Midtown and giving visitors a place to dine, play, and stay is Bellyard Hotel. The hotel’s restaurant bar and lounge, Drawbar, is a beloved hangout that encourages guests to socialize with plenty of cushy seating and stay awhile for elevated American cuisine with an Asian twist and fresh craft cocktails. The restaurant’s outdoor rooftop showcases some of the best views of Midtown Atlanta’s skyline. Look for unexpected bursts of color at the outdoor terrace and private courtyard garden with a sunny mural by local artist, Lacey Longino, or subtle design delights like room numbers branded onto the floor. Bellyard is also conveniently located within The Interlock for quick access to the area’s top attractions, including Puttshack (tech-infused mini-golf), Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and State Farm Arena.
Escape Nashville for Memphis, TN
For rich music history, indulgent comfort food, and fewer crowds, opt for a visit to Nashville’s western neighbor this fall. Over the past decade, Memphis’ Overton Square has transformed into an artistic entertainment hub anchored by five live-performance theaters (one of which Elvis used to rent out for private movie screenings with his friends) and a new boutique hotel, The Memphian. Overton Square is emerging as the “it” destination for a long weekend in Bluff City, and The Memphian is the area’s only boutique hotel. The property transports visitors to the glamour of the early 20th century with cheetah print chairs complemented by pop art prints, extravagant neon chandeliers, a lobby piano, and artwork sourced from local artists or repurposed from vintage shops throughout the hotel. Check out exclusive programming like the new Treasure Hunt package that takes visitors on a guided tour of Memphis vintage shops.
BONUS: Escape from ANY Major City with Vacasa
For those in need of an autumn retreat from daily life in a big city, Vacasa — the nation’s leading vacation rental management platform — offers a vast collection of homes and unique stay options in some of the country’s most coveted remote destinations. Vacasa’s 2023 Fall survey data shows that travelers are currently searching for places and experiences that will truly allow them to unplug and disconnect (37%), hence the trend in staying outside of major metropolitan areas. For travelers looking to unplug at a beach destination this fall, Vacasa has a wide variety of stay options available in Anna Maria Island, FL (just an hour outside of Tampa) and Cape Cod, MA (90 minutes from Boston). For those with a preference for small towns and mountain destinations, Willamette Valley, OR (45 minutes from Portland), Brekenridge, CO (90 minutes outside of Denver), and the Great Smoky Mountains (an hour from Knoxville) are worth considering. Renting a home through Vacasa not only affords you a quiet escape with your own space, but it also makes for a seamless and cost-effective stay.
