Wake up to Fall Foliage at a Northeast Bed and Breakfast

The Northeast is known for its spectacular fall foliage, and the beautiful rural areas around us have become essential viewing spots for many autumn travelers. Where you decide to stay on your leaf peeping adventures has a huge impact on your trip, and can turn a pleasant fall vacation into an unforgettable one. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of ten of the most impressive bed and breakfast hotels in the region.

Why stay in an ordinary hotel, when you can wake up every morning to the aroma of fresh baked pastries, the amiable chatter of other guests, and the awe and splendor of the colors right outside your window?

Explore the different accommodations listed and find the ideal getaway for couples or families. Many of our top-picks are also AAA Diamond Rated, and all received consistently high ratings online from travelers. To learn more about AAA Diamond Rating, go to AAA.com/Diamonds. 

Saratoga Arms – Saratoga Springs, NY

Saratoga Arms is a luxury Northeast bed and breakfast with a private club atmosphere and close proximity to many fall foliage trails. Located at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, Saratoga Springs is an ideal place for viewing the changing colors of the leaves. The AAA Four Diamond Rated hotel’s assortment of individually decorated rooms, many with fireplaces, add to the elegance and romance of an evening away in the fall.

Breakfast: Culinary Institute of America-trained chef. Fresh fruit, yogurt, bagels, etc. Accommodates vegan and gluten-free restrictions. Also serves small plates during the day.

Special Amenities: 24-hour exercise room. In-room safes.

Things to Do: Stop by the Saratoga National Historical Park or the National Museum of Dance.

Fun Fact: Historic Saratoga is home to the oldest horseracing track in America.

Book now.

Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast – Salisbury Mills, NY

Located in the heart of the beautiful Hudson Valley, the Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast offers a front row seat to the local fall foliage display. According to the owners, “The crunchy leaves, crisp breeze and magnificent colors take on a whole new meaning for peep-lovers.” The property features three different houses to choose from, some of which were built when Thomas Jefferson was president. Caldwell House also has a rich Irish American history and offers a unique rural New York bed and breakfast experience. The Shawangunk Wine Trail, hiking trails and the Hudson River nearby provide endless options for foliage viewing.

Breakfast:  3-course breakfast with farm-fresh ingredients. Dietary restrictions honored.

Special Amenities: 19^th Century parlor and living room with marble-trimmed fireplaces. Quilted bedspreads and luxury linens.

Things to Do: Storm King Art Center is an internationally-renowned outdoor sculpture museum sitting on 500 acres of pleasant pastoral landscape, which provides another wonderful spot to gaze at the changing leaves. Horseback riding, kayaking and more are also available nearby.

Fun Fact: The Caldwell House is environmentally-friendly.

The Fern Lodge – Chestertown, NY

Nestled in the majestic Adirondack Mountains, The Fern Lodge hosts a truly secluded and intimate setting on 70-acres of forest, right alongside a sparkling, untouched lake. You won’t have to travel far to see foliage from this AAA Four Diamond Rated property; just go hiking across its endless, picturesque terrain. “The nights are cool and the days are warm – the autumn foliage is brilliant,” says Innkeeper Sharon Taylor.  “The kayaking on the lake is magnificent, the biking and hiking in the area has no equal.” Most of the available rooms are rustic-themed and perfectly charming. Aside from hiking, fall foliage can also be enjoyed from the lakeside fire pit or on the 4 p.m. boat tour of the lake.

Breakfast: Full, multi-course breakfast.

Special Amenities: Jacuzzi tubs, stone fireplaces, sauna, pool table.

Things to Do: Visit Fort Ticonderoga, go white-water rafting, or take a gondola ride up Gore Mountain.

Fun Fact: The Lodge has a 9-person theater for entertainment and mingling with other guests.

Book now.

Chateau Inn – Spring Lake, NJ  

A truly lavish inn set in the pleasant Victorian-themed town of Spring Lake. Chateau Inn is only minutes away from the white sandy shores of Spring Lake Beach. This wonderfully decorated establishment provides a unique vantage point for fall foliage viewing alongside the town lake or at nearby Divine Park.

Breakfast: Signature continental breakfast.

Special Amenities: Marble bathrooms, Jacuzzis, wood fireplaces.

Things to Do: Explore the plentiful art galleries, boutiques and antique shops in Spring Lake.

Fun Fact: In the late 19^th century, Spring Lake transformed from a rural farm and fishing town to a favorite spot for wealthy Northeast industrialists.

Lodge at Moosehead Lake – Greenville, Maine

This historic AAA Four Diamond Rated Northeast bed and breakfast has been a favorite destination for travelers for over 100 years, and offers everything one can ask for in a fall foliage vacation. Each room has a different rustic flair, and some even have different themes based on local wildlife; for instance, you can stay in the Moose, Trout or Bear Rooms and admire the special furnishings. Mt. Kineo, Mt. Katahdin and the Appalachian Trail are all nearby. If you so choose, you can simply stroll along the property to see the leaves, or take a relaxing canoe trip on Moosehead Lake.

Breakfast: Hot entrees and fresh made pastries. Accommodates dietary needs. Also serves dinner.

Special Amenities: Private deck, lakeside view, antique décor. Pet-friendly.

Things to Do: Ask the Innkeepers about a Moose Safari Tour.

Fun Fact: The Lodge offers pet massages and homemade organic pet treats.

Book now.

Inn at Clamber Hill – Petersham, MA

This delightful New England bed and breakfast is located on a quiet estate surrounded by woods and sits right alongside the Harvard Forest. “People that have grown up in New England sometimes fail to realize just how spectacular our fall foliage is,” said owner Deni Ellis. “This area is a travel destination for fall foliage and we get travelers from all over the world with lots of Europeans.” The Quabbin Reservoir is nearby and the surrounding forests are great for hiking, biking, and bird watching. The Inn also hosts a romantic restaurant and a premium bar.

Breakfast: Fresh baked goods, pear almond pancakes and more. Caters to dietary restrictions.

Special Amenities: Each room has a different special theme, with related décor and styling. The Equestrian and Nautical Room are two examples.

Things to Do: The Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens is a great spot for nature lovers and families.

Fun Fact: The owners often hold popular wine tastings and whiskey tastings.

Manor House – Norfolk, CT

The romantic Manor House is a prime midpoint for exploring both the Berkshires in Massachusetts and Litchfield County in Connecticut. The Victorian Tudor mansion is also a short drive to Haystack Mountain State Park.

Breakfast: Accommodates dietary restrictions.

Special Amenities: Antique bed, fireplace and private balcony in some rooms.

Things to Do: See at concert at Infinity Music Hall or check out local fine dining, all within walking distance of the House.

Jacob Hill Inn – Seekonk, MA / RI 

Located on the border of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Jacob Hill Inn is a fantastic place to start your fall foliage adventures. This charming establishment stands out among bed and breakfasts in the Greater Providence area and is at once upscale and traditional. “In the fall guests don’t have to leave our property to see foliage,” said Innkeeper Eleonora Rezek. “We are overlooking about 50 acres of every fall color.”

Breakfast: Fruit, yogurt, granola, juice and hot entrées.

Special Amenities: Antique décor, billiard room, tennis court, Jacuzzis and fireplace.

Things to Do: Take a quick drive to Providence and see the renowned WaterFire exhibit on the river.

Fun Fact: Jacob Hill Inn is the only bed and breakfast hotel in the Providence area to have an in-ground swimming pool, tennis courts and a 50-acre property.

Franconia Inn – Franconia, NH

Set in the secluded woods of New Hampshire, the Franconia Inn is a popular choice for a fall foliage vacation. The graceful décor and pleasant colonial architecture of the Inn makes this the perfect resting spot for your travels. The property itself is home to 107 acres of breathtaking beauty, which means you don’t even necessarily have to drive anywhere to get your fill of foliage. As for activities – fishing, horseback riding, tennis, you name it, it’s all here.

Breakfast: Full country breakfast. Eggs, waffles, bacon, etc.

Special Amenities: Game room, movie room, Jacuzzi and balcony in some rooms.

Things to Do: Hop on the Mount Washington Cog Railway nearby, a mountain-climbing train with stunning views.

Book now.

The Bartlett Inn – Bartlett, NH

The Bartlett Inn is a cozy New England bed and breakfast centrally located near White Mountain National Forest and Mount Washington, one of the prime fall foliage viewing spots in New Hampshire. The Innkeepers provide detailed routes for scenic drives in the area to see waterfalls and mountains in full display. You’ll see an abundance of colored leaves just looking out of your window as well. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, so don’t be surprised if you see some cute critters near the Inn or on a trail.

Breakfast: Fresh fruit, omelets, sausage and more. Dietary restrictions honored.

Special Amenities: Kitchenette, fireplace, whirlpool tub. Pets welcome. Family-friendly.

Things to Do: For a family adventure, drop by the Storyland Amusement Park in Glen.

Fun Fact: Summer guests can pick their own blueberries for breakfast from the wild bushes in the yard.

Book now.

Other great bed and breakfasts in the Northeast

Clarendon Square (Boston, MA) – A boutique Boston bed and breakfast close to Boston’s South End with plentiful foliage.

Devonfield Country Inn (Lee, MA) – The Berkshires are always a good choice for viewing the leaves.

Inn at Harbor Hill Marina (Niantic, CT) – A quaint maritime village combined with wonderful fall foliage is a good reason to pick this New England bed and breakfast.

Stagecoach House Inn (Richmond, RI) – A cozy and charming spot surrounded by woodlands.

What’s your favorite fall getaway? Tell us in the comments.