As the crisp autumn air sweeps across the country, I find myself yearning for the cozy comforts and vibrant hues of the fall season. Whether it’s hiking through the Blue Ridge Mountains or sipping wine in Willamette Valley, September offers a chance to escape the summer crowds and immerse ourselves in the warm embrace of nature. From family-friendly adventures to romantic retreats, this article will guide you to the best September vacations that capture the essence of the season.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the most vibrant fall foliage destinations for a stunning September getaway
- Explore cozy retreats, luxurious spas, and world-class golf courses for the ultimate relaxation
- Indulge in seasonal activities like pumpkin spice treatments, fireside wine tastings, and autumnal festivals
- Enjoy smaller crowds and more intimate experiences during the shoulder season
- Find the perfect mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences for your September vacation
Romantic Getaways in the Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina are perfect for a romantic fall trip. The city of Asheville is nestled between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. It’s a great place for couples to enjoy fall foliage trips and outdoor adventures.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is known for its Art Deco buildings, making it a unique spot. The Biltmore Estate offers stunning views of nature and architecture in the fall. Couples can try zip-lining or enjoy guided bike tours and river birding trips.
For a sweet treat, check out the Chocolate Lounge of French Broad Chocolates. They offer handcrafted chocolates, cakes, and drinking chocolate. Craft cider lovers can taste unique flavors at the Urban Orchard Cider Co. tasting rooms, inspired by desserts.
| Accommodation | Dining |
|---|---|
| The Inn and the Village Hotel on the Biltmore Estate | The Chocolate Lounge of French Broad Chocolates |
| The Cottages on Biltmore Estate | Urban Orchard Cider Co. tasting rooms |
Park City, Utah: Outdoor Adventures and Cultural Escapes
Park City, Utah, is in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains. It’s a mix of outdoor fun and cultural spots. The fall season brings cool air and beautiful views, perfect for adventure and culture lovers.
Outdoor fans will love Park City. It’s just a 35-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport. You can ride world-class mountain bike trails for all skill levels. The Park City Mountain Resort has an Adventure Pass for activities like gem panning and mini golf.
Park City’s culture is also exciting. The Kimball Art Center has many exhibitions. The Eccles Center has live music that draws big crowds. The Autumn Aloft event in September features over 20 hot air balloons, lighting up the town.
For a luxury stay, check out the Natural Retreats. It has private bars, hot tubs, and gourmet kitchens. The Washington School House Hotel offers a unique experience with a 16-foot-ceilinged King Room and a white marble bathroom.
Park City is great for outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and luxury vacation rentals. It’s a top spot for a September trip. Dive into the lively community and make memories in this magical mountain town.
Vermont's Quintessential Fall Foliage and Cozy Retreats
Vermont is famous for its fall foliage, which reaches its peak in early October. Couples can take in the state’s legendary leaf peeping along Route 100. They can also explore charming New England villages with their country stores, farm stands, and historic sites.
Twin Farms and Japanese-style Bathhouse
The Twin Farms resort in Barnard offers a luxurious cabin stay. Guests enjoy a hot tub, a fireplace, and activities like tennis and fly-fishing. The Bridge House Spa has a Japanese-style bathhouse with views of the fall colors.
Guests can also picnic in the resort’s 300-acre meadows and apple orchards. Or, they can book a private dinner in the 15,000-bottle wine cellar.
Vermont’s cozy retreats and outdoor activities make it perfect for a September trip. From seeing the state’s fall foliage to enjoying spa treatments at resorts, there’s something for everyone. It’s a true New England experience.
Best September Vacations: Golfing and Spa Retreats in Kohler, Wisconsin
For those who love golf and spa, the American Club Resort Hotel in Kohler, Wisconsin, is perfect. It’s just 2.5 hours from Chicago and an hour from Milwaukee. This place is famous for its golf retreats, spa vacations, and beautiful scenic vistas.
Couples can enjoy elegant rooms, from the Carriage House to the Eau de Vie Suite. This suite has a glass fireplace and a chromotherapy bath. Kohler’s golf courses, like The Baths of Blackwolf Run, offer a great golfing experience. Fall brings excellent outdoor activities like fishing and hiking, with the area’s autumn colors.
The resort’s luxury resort spa is a place of relaxation. It has hydrotherapy services, plunge pools, and a whirlpool. Guests can enjoy romantic dinners at the Whistling Straits Restaurant, with views of the golf course and Lake Michigan.
| Key Highlights | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Major Championships Hosted | 6 major championships, including the Ryder Cup |
| Whistling Straits Accolades | Hosted 4 major championships and a Ryder Cup |
| Blackwolf Run Accolades | Hosted 2 U.S. Women’s Opens, a U.S. Senior Open, 3 PGA Championships, and the first public course to host the Ryder Cup in over 25 years |
| Ryder Cup Record | Team United States achieved the largest margin victory with a record score of 19-9 |
| Notable Tournament Winners | Se Ri Pak, Vijay Singh, Brad Bryant, Martin Kaymer, Na Yeon Choi, Jason Day |
| Golf Training and Tournaments | Kohler Golf Academy and Kohler Swing Studio |
| Golf Course Rankings | The Straits Course at Whistling Straits: #4 on Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses for 2015-16 The River Course at Blackwolf Run: #15 in Golf Digest’s ranking of America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses for 2017/2018 The Meadow Valleys Course at Blackwolf Run: #60 in Golf Digest’s ranking of America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses for 2017/2018 |
| Package Pricing | 3 nights/4 rounds: starting at $1,600 per person 2 nights/3 rounds: starting at $1,200 per person (Prices vary based on dates and availability) |
Destination Kohler in Wisconsin is the best spot for a September vacation. It offers top-notch golf retreats, spa vacations, and lots of outdoor activities and scenic vistas. It’s perfect for those looking for a luxurious and unforgettable trip.
Loudoun County, Virginia: Wine Country and Horse Farms
Just 45 minutes from Washington, D.C., Loudoun County, Virginia, is a beautiful countryside. It’s filled with fall colors and historic horse farms. Middleburg, with its 18th-century buildings and antique shops, welcomes visitors. Couples can explore local art, visit wineries, and learn about the area’s horse history.
Middleburg and Salamander Resort & Spa
The Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg is a luxury getaway. It offers special deals for couples, like the Season of Romance package. This includes sparkling wine, pastries, and a spa credit.
Guests can enjoy a suite with a patio, hot tub, and fireplace. They also get a four-course dinner at the Red Fox Inn & Tavern.
Loudoun County’s wine scene is booming, with over 40 wineries. These wineries produce great viognier, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and norton wines. Visitors can taste these wines and enjoy live music at wineries.
Loudoun County is more than wine. It has historic towns, boutique hotels, couples packages, and spa treatments. It’s perfect for a romantic wine country escape or a horse country adventure.
Oregon's Willamette Valley: Wine Tasting and Scenic Escapes
Just an hour from Portland, Oregon’s Willamette Valley is a gem. It offers great dining, hiking, hot-air balloon rides, and top-notch wine tasting. With over 700 wineries, couples can taste wines at places like Anne Amie and Ardiri Winery. They can relax by a fire and enjoy the beautiful scenic countryside.
After exploring the wine country, couples can relax at The Allison Inn & Spa. It has a huge spa, gardens, and a pool. The Jory restaurant serves food from the hotel’s garden, paired with local wines.
For a special experience, try hot-air balloon rides or helicopter tours in Willamette Valley. Penner-Ash Wine Cellars was named Winery of the Year by Grape Escape. Domaine Serene was the 2007 Winery of the Year by Wine & Spirits Magazine.
“The best reviewed North American wines have been traditionally associated with Sonoma and Napa Valley in California, but Willamette Valley is rapidly emerging as a premier wine destination.”
Oregon’s Willamette Valley is perfect for wine lovers and nature fans. It has beautiful views, great restaurants, and luxurious resorts and spa treatments.
Acadia National Park: Rugged New England Beauty
Acadia National Park is a stunning spot in Maine. It has trails, cliffs, and roads perfect for hiking and biking. In autumn, the park’s beauty shines with fall foliage.
Cadillac Mountain is a highlight, standing at 1,530 feet. Watching the sunrise from here is unforgettable. It’s a short drive from Blackwoods Campground or Bar Harbor.
Acadia offers many outdoor activities. You can hike the Ocean Path Trail or tackle Gorham Mountain. The Schoodic Peninsula is also great for hiking and biking.
After exploring, stay at the Bar Harbor Inn. It’s a cozy lodge with gardens and a spa. It’s close to town, offering a mix of nature and comfort.
Acadia is perfect for a romantic trip or an outdoor adventure. It has stunning scenery, lots of recreational opportunities, and historic lodges. It’s a top spot for experiencing New England’s beauty.
Conclusion: Embrace the Autumn Season with These Top September Getaways
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to Vermont and Virginia’s wine country, these spots are perfect for a romantic getaway. They offer outdoor fun, cozy comforts, and stunning fall views. These places are ideal for enjoying the autumn with your loved one.
Planning a September trip means avoiding the crowds and enjoying mild weather. There are many amazing places for couples to explore in the United States. Each spot offers a unique autumn adventure.
Whether you love the Blue Ridge Mountains, Park City’s thrills, or Vermont’s coziness, there’s something for everyone. September is a great time to travel and see the beauty of the seasons. It’s a chance to make memories with your partner.
FAQ
What makes September a great time for a vacation?
September is a “shoulder season” between summer and winter. It has fewer crowds, milder weather, and often lower prices. This makes it a cozy time for travelers.
What are some of the best September vacation spots for couples?
Top spots for couples in September include the Blue Ridge Mountains and Park City. Also, Vermont, Kohler in Wisconsin, Loudoun County in Virginia, Willamette Valley in Oregon, and Acadia National Park in Maine. These places offer outdoor fun, cozy retreats, and beautiful fall views.
What types of activities can travelers enjoy during a September vacation?
September vacations offer many activities. You can try zip-lining and mountain biking for excitement. Or enjoy wine tastings, spa treatments, and scenic drives for a calm experience. You can also explore cultural attractions, historic sites, and seasonal festivals.
What are the benefits of traveling during the shoulder season?
Traveling in September has many benefits. You’ll find smaller crowds, pleasant weather, and sometimes lower prices. This makes your trip more intimate and enjoyable, away from the summer rush.
Are there any family-friendly September vacation options?
Yes, places like the Blue Ridge Mountains, Park City, and Acadia National Park are great for families. They offer outdoor fun, educational experiences, and family-friendly lodging. You can find places with private bars, hot tubs, and pools.
