Best New England Inns for the Fall

Gone are the barbeques and beaches of summer, and in are the crisp air, pumpkin spices and crunching leaves of fall. Now that autumn is on the verge of its commencement, we’re ready to drive up to New England to wander around and soak in the vibrant foliage. To take the trouble out of where to go, Oyster.com found the best locales in the region for leaf peepers to explore the lush outdoors and curl up with some apple cider.

Christopher Dodge House

As one of New England's most populated cities, Providence still has small-town charm. Though the Rhode Island capital boasts its share of fine dining and high-end boutiques, Providence is the quintessential getaway for leaf peepers.

For the best view to see the changing leaves, the Christopher Dodge House sits in a residential neighborhood on the outskirts of town, and it's still just a short walk from neighboring green spaces like Roger Williams Park. After exploring the golden outdoors, guests can head back to the B&B and relax with a cup of hot tea and cookies around the fireplace inside each room.

The Wauwinet

Boston may be one of the most iconic destinations for fall, but the smaller seaside towns in Massachusetts are the best places to see autumn at its finest. Just off the mainland of the state is the island of Nantucket -- 100 miles and a ferry ride away from Beantown. The former whaling community is lined by endless harbors and beachfront, and it has a classic fall allure with its scattered lighthouses and cobblestone streets.

On the island's secluded northern tip is The Wauwinet, a neighborhood village inn. The 32-room property offers a traditional New England experience with cozy guestrooms or private cottages, daily port wine and cheese hours, seasonal drinks in the library and nature trails surrounding the lawns.

Winvian

In picturesque western Connecticut, the small town of Morris surrounds Bantam Lake, and it has gorgeous open fields for miles. Just outside the city limits is the Winvian, a rustic and stately property with 18 cottages in the remote countryside.

The space is perfect for experiencing the outdoors with free recreational activities like badminton, croquet, mountain biking and 113 acres of sprawling land for hikes. For an added dose of Mother Nature's finest, the on-site farm-to-table restaurant has plenty of excellent seasonal eats straight from the property's garden.

Amee Farm

Vermont may be New England's ski capital, but its majestic hills and wooded areas also make it a premier fall getaway. About an hour from the capital city of Montpelier is the secluded farmlands of Pittsfield. Amee Farm is a B&B that rests on 40 acres in the small town. It has hiking and horseback-riding trails, traditional wood-accented decor and a wrap-around porch with excellent mountain views. Morris is perfect for leaf peepers ready jump into the season.

James Place Inn

The pristine, natural beauty of Maine boasts one of the best fall experiences in all of New England. Just 20 miles outside Portland, Maine's largest city, is Freeport. The Cumberland County community is one of Maine's popular fishing villages, with plenty of open outdoors to view the changing trees and possibly even a few moose.

For nearby accommodations, the seven-room James Place Inn is located off a residential stretch of road and has elegant country decor, in-room wood-burning fireplaces and delicious homemade breakfasts. Between the state's abundance of lobster and foliage each fall, this Maine town has everything for a great leaf-peeper getaway.