With international travel still somewhat stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now is an optimal time to explore the USA. A fall road trip is the perfect way to cover a lot of ground. Pack a bag, hop in the car, and take an epic road trip! Below is a bit of inspiration. I recently designed Northern California and Western Texas road trips for clients. Contact me for help planning your next bespoke road trip.
Northern California: Venture beyond San Francisco and check out Point Reyes, Mendocino, and wine country (hire a professional driver for wine tours). A few “must see” activities are Muir Woods (redwood trees) and a hot air balloon ride in Napa/Sonoma. Consider a multi-day biking tour for those who want a more active way of exploring the vineyards and wines. Many travelers like to include driving a stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) for breathtaking views of the ocean. Please check local weather conditions since wildfires are unfortunately becoming more common. Hotels to consider:
- Fairmont Heritage Place – Ghirardelli Square (San Francisco)
- Olema House (Point Reyes)
- Montage Healdsburg or Farmhouse Inn (Sonoma Valley)
- Solage Calistoga or Alila Hotel (Napa Valley)
Western Texas: Texas is huge, and there is so much more to it than Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Consider heading West and spending time in San Antonio and Texas Hill Country, then venture west to Marfa and south to Big Bend National Park. The longest stretch will be about 6hrs from San Antonio to Marfa, but it’s worth it! Hotels on my radar:
- Hotel Emma (San Antonio, TX)
- Willow House (Terlingua, TX)
Fall Foliage – New England: Fall is the perfect time for a scenic drive in New England. The foliage will be at its peak in mid-October, and you can enjoy rides through rural areas of Upstate New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts. There are some great resorts that offer serene retreats. A few on my radar to check out are below:
- Troutbeck (Hudson Valley, NY)
- The Lake House on Canandaigua (Finger Lakes, NY)
- The Wheatleigh (Lenox, MA)
- Twin Farms (Barnard, Vermont) * Twin Farms welcomes guests ages 14 years and older.
Fall Foliage – Northern Michigan: Whether you go before the leaves turn or during fall foliage, the trees and crisp fall air are reason enough to travel. Start in Chicago and drive North to Traverse City and/or Mackinac Island. Stop in Grand Rapids or South Haven for a night en-route to Northern Michigan. If you love wine & food, spend a few days in Traverse City checking out the wineries and restaurants. Then, head over to Mackinac Island (via the ferry). Lodging options in Northern Michigan are limited, but I highly recommend Hotel Walloon. It’s remote but a lovely hotel experience; consider staying there and doing a day trip to Mackinac Island.
- Hotel Walloon (my favorite hotel in Northern Michigan)
- Hygge Stay (a great option for those seeking to book an AirBnb)
Additional Road Trip Ideas:
- Los Angeles to Scottsdale
- Chicago to Tennessee
- Atlanta to Savannah & Charleston
- Durham to Asheville or Nashville
Want help planning? Contact me for your customized itinerary and hotel recommendations.