Top 5 Fall Weekend Getaways
Now that you have a few months of the year under you’re belt, it’s time to start thinking about that first getaway. While the usual suspects include such places as Vegas or South Beach, we at SPM would like to offer a few alternatives for a weekend getaway this fall.
1. Palm Springs, California – Ideal if you’re looking for a mellow desert alternative to the now played-out Vegas trip. Fall weather is in the 70-90 degree range, and it never rains. With over 100 pristine golf courses, Palm Springs is the self-proclaimed golf capital of the world. And despite the laid back atmosphere, the nightlife is great- there are even a few large casinos that rival Vegas, if you’re so inclined. [Which brings me to something else: Remember when it seemed like the only places that you could go to gamble legally were Las Vegas and Atlantic City? Now casinos are popping up everywhere from Detroit to Duluth. What’s the deal with that?] Anywho, Palms Springs is a fantastic place to spend a long weekend or more this fall. Flights direct to Palm Springs are very reasonable, or for the budget-minded, you may consider flying into Los Angeles or nearby ontario airport.
More info: http://www.palm-springs.org/
2. Austin – You’ve heard great things about it. You’ve always wanted to go. You never got the chance. Austin consistently ranks high on national lists of best places to live, work, and play. I don’t know about you, but I have always wanted to see Austin City Limits live. Sheryl Crow, Jack Johnson, Ben Folds, Etta James, the Killers are among the guests this fall. And what could be more exciting than catching a University of Texas football or basketball game? Do I even have to mention Texas barbeque?
Austin City Limits website: http://www.austincitylimits.com/festival/
Austin 360: http://www.austin360.com/
3. Vermont – If you’ve never seen the fall foliage in Vermont, now is the time to do it. There is nothing more romantic than staying in a century-old Inn nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains.
Pick pumpkins off the vines and apples from the tress; tap your own maple syrup straight from the source.
When you’ve gotten your fill of autumn air, relax in your room by the fireplace and take a nap before sampling the best of the fall harvest for dinner. If you’re thinking upscale, The Pitcher Inn & Spa (http://www.pitcherinn.com/) will coddle you until you say Montpelier.
On the other hand, there are literally hundreds of delightful B&B’s where the experience will be just as rich (http://www.vtgreenhotels.org/).
If you get bored, you can even take a day and cross the border to Montreal, less than 2 hours away.
4. Pacific Northwest – How nice does a trip to Seattle/Vancouver sound right now? Worried about rain? Seattle actually receives an unremarkable 35–38 inches of preciptiation per year, less than New York, which averages 47.3 inches. However, Seattle is cloudy an average of 226 days per year vs. 132 in New York City. With a plethora of activites, sights, and unmatched natural beauty, the Pacific Northwest is an excellent weekend vacation choice. Put on that flannel, grab a mocha java, and forget about that grand rounds presentation that you have to give next month.
More info here: http://www.cityofseattle.net/
5. Puerto Rico – Not a fan of the fall? That cool air reminding you of what is in store after December? Go get in touch with your tropical side by taking a quick jaunt to the Shining Star, or P.R., as the kids call it. With boutique hotels sprouting up all over San Juan, the days of P.R. being a cheap alternative to The Carribean are waning. Our favorite, and we really hate to give out this secret, is Numero Uno Guesthouse (http://www.numero1guesthouse.com/ ) which sits literally on one of the nicest beaches in San Juan. The rates are affordable, the rooms are clean and the staff is friendly. They also feature one of the tastiest (and smallest) restaurants in San Juan, called Pamela’s.
If they’re booked up, you might one of the numerous other guset houses located close to the beach. We checked out one chill converted private home, called Andalucia Guest House- 1 block from the beach. At $79/night, it’s tough to beat.
If San Juan reminds seems too much like a tropical New York City, head out to Rincon, P.R.’s surfing capital. The Horned Dorset (http://www.horneddorset.com/) vies for the Nicest Hotel in P.R. Award and is perched atop a rocky crag overlooking the water.
If you’re really adventurous, go to the soon-to-be-touristized Vieques and check out the Hix Island Guest House (http://www.hixislandhouse.com/), written up in Travel & Leisure.
More here: http://www.puertorico.com/
Bon Voyage from StopPagingMe.com!
