Originally published by Dating Advice.
As the nights start to draw in, and the weather turns crisp, it’s only natural to think about wanting to cozy up with a significant other and make the most of all that fall has to offer. Colorful leaves? Tick. Warm cider? Tick. Snuggled up by the fireplace? Tick, tick, and tick. If, of course, you live in a big city, some of these activities might be harder to come by, so what could be better than a romantic fall getaway somewhere rural? DatingAdvice polled 3,000 couples, asking them to recommend their favorite romantic fall getaway destinations based on their previous experiences.
Maryland’s most romantic fall getaways, according to 3,000 couples, were:
St. Michaels
This charming town on the Chesapeake Bay provides a peaceful fall retreat with waterfront views, cozy inns, and delicious seafood. Couples can enjoy scenic boat tours, explore local shops, and dine at waterfront restaurants.
Deep Creek Lake
This beautiful lake area offers vibrant fall colors and cozy lakeside cabins. Couples can enjoy scenic boat rides, explore nearby trails, and relax in charming accommodations with picturesque views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Catoctin Mountain Park
Offering stunning fall foliage and peaceful trails, Catoctin Mountain Park is perfect for nature-loving couples. Hike scenic trails, explore beautiful overlooks, and stay in cozy lodges surrounded by colorful forests.
Some other standout locations from across the country were:
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires are well known as the perfect fall getaway, characterized by foliage that blazes with colors during the autumnal months. In the Berkshires, couples can explore various small towns, all within a few days. These can include stops in cozy coffee shops, shopping in boutique stores and visiting art galleries. It’s the perfect location to relax by a roaring fire after a day full of exploration.
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Lake Tahoe’s appeal does not fade when summer ends, particularly when it comes to romantic destinations in fall. The area transforms over the autumnal months, framed by blazing colors of the aspen trees, often accompanied by a light dusting of snow on the nearby mountain peaks. Lake Tahoe offers couples a combination of adventure and relaxation – they can hike during the day, enjoying the crisp mountain air, and then cuddle in a lakeside cabin at night, with a hot cider in hand.
Jemez Springs, New Mexico
Tucked away in the Jemez Mountains, this area offers a quiet escape for couples who are often seduced by the stunning colors in the local landscapes – the golden cottonwoods framed against the dramatic red cliffs in the distance. After spending a day hiking the scenic trails, couples can conclude the day by soaking in the natural hot springs.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
The Willamette Valley appeals to couples who appreciate drinking fine wine among beautiful scenery. The rich autumn hues transform the valley, making it perfect for wine tasting and leisurely countryside strolls. Each day can be concluded with a hearty meal at one of the many farm-to-table restaurants that dot the area.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island is mostly known as a summer destination, but the autumnal months represent a far more unique, romantic experience. Island life slows down, offering couples a peaceful retreat to enjoy the island’s natural beauty. With golden marshes, quiet beaches, and historic inns, it’s perfect for scenic bike rides or leisurely strolls along the shore.
DatingAdvice also made some other interesting findings, such as what survey respondents said is the most important aspect of a romantic fall getaway. Nearly half of respondents (46%) said it was the beautiful fall scenery; when leaves are blazing with a range of incredible reds, oranges and yellows. Just over a third (34%) said it was important to stay in cozy accommodation; perhaps an old-fashioned inn with wooden paneling, a roaring log fire, and four poster beds. Ten percent of those surveyed said that fun activities, such as hiking or wine tasting were also important.
Survey participants were also asked what type of accommodation was preferred for a fall getaway, and a quarter of respondents chose a rustic cabin in the woods; secluded, and surrounded by nature, it sounds just the thing for romance! Twenty-two percent said they would love to stay in a charming bed-and-breakfast, perhaps with floral bedding, a fireplace in the room, and a proper hearty breakfast freshly prepared the next morning. And 21% said they would love a lakeside or mountain lodge, with epic views to wake up to.
DatingAdvice also asked what the favorite fall activity to enjoy with a partner would be; nearly a third (28%) would love to share a wine or cider tasting to sample the delicacies of the region, while 22% wanted to cozy up by the fireplace (perhaps also with a glass of wine or cider). Nearly one-fifth (18%) were all about scenic drives to see fall foliage; there are fewer better opportunities for a romantic photo shoot than that! And another 18% love the idea of going hiking or on nature walks to fully immerse themselves in the scenery. The ideal length of a fall getaway was split between a weekend, and four or five days (both 34%), while an optimistic 18% said they would love to get away for a whole week.
The food or drink people said they are most excited to enjoy on a romantic fall getaway included the very popular choice of hot chocolate with marshmallows (44%), mulled wine or cider (18%), freshly baked pies (12%) and, of course, pumpkin spice lattes (12%). And the scenery people most want to see are, of course, colorful forests and mountains (32%), cozy small towns (26% – we’re getting a “Gilmore Girls” vibe), and coastal landscapes with fall foliage (18%).
“As the days grow shorter and the air turns a little cooler, it’s no wonder couples are drawn to places that capture the cozy essence of fall,” says Amber Brooks, senior editor at DatingAdvice. “Our survey highlights some incredible destinations that combine stunning scenery with a romantic ambience. These spots offer plenty of ways for couples to make special memories together this season.”
