There’s something about fall that brings couples closer together. Crisp air, colorful leaves, and quieter towns create the perfect backdrop for romance. Add a fireplace to the mix and you’ve got the ultimate fall escape.
Whether you want to hike through mountain trails, sip wine in rolling vineyards, or simply unwind in a cozy inn, these destinations are designed to help you slow down and enjoy the season. Each one offers plenty to do outdoors during the day and a warm fireside retreat at night.
Asheville, North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Mountains make Asheville a top choice for fall. Thanks to its varied elevations and more than 100 types of trees, the leaf season here is long and vibrant. Couples can take in the views along the Blue Ridge Parkway, explore the 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate, or try activities like zip-lining, biking, and cider tasting. Downtown Asheville has a laid-back vibe with plenty of craft breweries, chocolate lounges, and local shops to fill your afternoons.
Evenings in Asheville are best spent by the fire. You’ll find cabins and mountain lodges with wood-burning hearths, along with suites at the Biltmore Estate that include fireplaces and access to the winery. Boutique hotels in town also offer cozy fireplace rooms if you prefer being closer to restaurants and nightlife. Packing a plush throw blanket for your trip makes fireside evenings even more comfortable, especially if you’re staying in a cabin with outdoor seating.
Barnard, Vermont
Barnard offers the quintessential New England fall. Picture country roads lined with brilliant sugar maples, orchards heavy with apples, and meadows that invite a quiet picnic. Active couples can canoe on Copper Pond, hike the wooded trails, or ride bikes through the rolling hills. It’s also a place to slow down and enjoy Vermont’s natural beauty without rushing from one activity to the next.
At Twin Farms, an all-inclusive resort and Relais & Châteaux property, you’ll find upscale cabins with fireplaces, hot tubs, and stunning views. You can even book a private dinner in the resort’s wine cellar or spend an afternoon in the Japanese-style bathhouse that overlooks the foliage.
If you plan on making your own fires during a cabin stay, bringing along a compact fire starter kit can make evenings easier. No matter your lodging style, Barnard ensures your day outdoors ends in comfort by the fire.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Oregon’s Willamette Valley shines during the harvest season. Just an hour outside Portland, this region offers hiking trails, vineyard tours, and hot-air balloon rides over colorful hillsides. With more than 700 wineries in the area, couples can spend the day sampling pinot noir while enjoying the scenery. The harvest buzz in late September and October gives the valley an energy that feels festive yet laid-back.
The Allison Inn & Spa is a standout place to stay, with fireplace suites, a large spa, and a fine-dining restaurant that sources ingredients from its own garden. After a day of tastings, you can relax with a couple’s spa treatment or a swim before enjoying dinner at Jory. To make the most of the trip, pack a wine travel tote so you can safely bring back a few bottles from your favorite vineyard.
Smaller boutique inns also offer fireplace rooms and easy access to local wineries, ensuring the day ends with both warmth and a glass in hand.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Maine’s Acadia National Park is a rugged but romantic choice for fall. Couples can start their day with a sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, then hike along the pine-fringed carriage roads or explore granite sea cliffs. Wildlife is plentiful, from deer to peregrine falcons, and autumn brings thinner crowds compared to the busy summer season. The coastal setting makes every view feel special, especially in early to mid-October when the leaves peak.
Bar Harbor is the perfect base, with inns and lodges offering fireplace rooms and ocean views. The Bar Harbor Inn, for example, pairs its waterfront setting with crackling fires in both guest rooms and common areas. After a day outdoors, you can enjoy chowder and lobster in town, then return to the warmth of a fire.
Packing a lightweight daypack makes hiking easier, and once you’re back, you’ll be glad to cozy up by the hearth. The mix of rugged trails and comfortable inns makes Acadia a balanced fall escape.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Set at the base of the Tetons, Jackson Hole is stunning in autumn. Golden aspens light up the valley, elk begin their mating calls, and crisp mountain air makes hiking or scenic float trips even more refreshing. Couples can explore Grand Teton National Park, visit Jenny Lake, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views that surround the town. With fewer crowds than summer, fall feels quieter and more intimate.
Luxury resorts like Amangani and Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa feature fireplaces in their suites, along with deep soaking tubs and spa treatments. After a long hike, you can indulge in a massage, then settle in by the fire. Many properties also arrange guided wildlife tours, letting you enjoy the wilderness during the day before coming back to a warm fire at night.
Park City, Utah
Park City may be known for skiing, but fall is a hidden gem season. With the lifts closed, hiking and biking trails are open and uncrowded, and the aspen groves light up in gold. The town itself has a strong arts and music scene, with galleries and live performances at venues like the Eccles Center. Couples can enjoy a mix of outdoor activity and cultural events all in one trip.
When it’s time to wind down, Park City’s accommodations make fireplaces easy to find. Townhomes and vacation rentals often include stone hearths, hot tubs, and mountain views. For something more intimate, the Washington School House Hotel has suites with fireplaces and elegant décor. After a day outdoors, you can cook a simple dinner together or head out to Main Street before capping the night by the fire.
Middleburg, Virginia
Middleburg is a charming small town in northern Virginia, surrounded by horse farms and wineries. In autumn, the rolling hills and historic stone walls are framed by colorful foliage. Couples can spend the day visiting antique shops, walking the quiet streets, or exploring nearby vineyards with views of the countryside. The area’s close proximity to Washington, D.C. makes it an easy weekend getaway.
The Salamander Resort & Spa is a top option, featuring fireplace suites, private patios, and couples’ spa treatments. You can enjoy horseback rides, wine tastings, and a romantic dinner at the historic Red Fox Inn & Tavern. Many of the area’s accommodations also include fireplaces, making it easy to end the day in warmth and comfort. Middleburg’s mix of history, wine, and cozy stays creates a romantic atmosphere perfect for fall.
Hocking Hills, Ohio
Hocking Hills offers a rugged yet cozy backdrop for a romantic getaway. Trails lead you through sandstone gorges, caves, and waterfalls, with highlights like Old Man’s Cave and Conkles Hollow. Couples can spend the day hiking, taking photos, and exploring hidden overlooks before returning to their lodging. Mid to late October is the best time for peak foliage here.
This region is full of cabins designed with romance in mind, many with fireplaces and hot tubs. The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls offers unique options like yurts and geodomes, while Ravenwood Castle adds a whimsical, fairy-tale touch. With so many fireplaces available, you can easily plan for a night in after a day outdoors. Hocking Hills blends adventure and cozy downtime seamlessly.
Conclusion
Fall is the perfect season to plan a trip that mixes outdoor adventure with cozy evenings by the fire. From New England’s covered bridges to the vineyards of Oregon and the mountains of Wyoming, each of these destinations offers something special. What ties them together is the chance to return from a day outside to a warm fireplace where you can slow down, share a drink, and enjoy the season together. Adding a few essentials like a travel blanket, a fire starter, or a wine tote can make your getaway even smoother. No matter where you go, planning around both fall scenery and a cozy hearth will make your trip unforgettable.