Fall is in the air. The leaves are changing, pumpkins decorate doorsteps, and festivals celebrate the season. Whether it is in the city, the countryside, or by the water, it is a perfect time to get away and enjoy it all.
SAIL THE HUDSON RIVER AND SEE FALL’S DAZZLING COLORS
Where: Circle Line Downtown’s Zephyr (departs from Pier 16, South Street Seaport, New York, NY); New York Water Taxi (departs from Pier 17, South Street Seaport, New York, NY).
What’s special: The journey departs from lower Manhattan, crosses the iconic New York Harbor and heads north up the Hudson River. Canyons of gleaming skyscrapers give way to the majestic cliffs of the Hudson Palisades. The landscape is ablaze with reds, oranges, and yellows. Cruise by historic mansions and quaint villages, including Lyndhurst Castle and West Point Military Academy. Travel under the George Washington, the Tappan Zee, the Rip Van Winkle, and the Bear Mountain Bridges. Enjoy the panoramic views on the open-air top decks or behind huge windows on the lower level.
The deal: Westchester Magazine readers receive $10 off Circle Line Downtown’s Zephyr Fall Foliage Tour. (The price for this five-and-a-half-hour cruise is $120 and includes continental breakfast, full lunch buffet, and complimentary wine tasting. (For football lovers, there’s NFL football on Satellite TV.) The New York Water Taxi’s four-and-a-half-hour Foliage Cruise costs $45. Westchester Magazine readers save $5. To get the discount, readers must call New York Water Taxi at (212)742-1969 x0 and use promotional code WMAG
When: Circle Line Downtown’s Zephyr, Saturday, October 23, 30, and November 6h. New York Water Taxi, Sunday, October 24, 31, and November 7.
BEANTOWN
Where: Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston, 40 Edwin Land Blvd, Cambridge, MA; (617) 806-4200
What’s special: Located on the Cambridge side of the Charles River, this upscale, high-tech hotel offers spectacular city and river views. Nearby are shops, museums, and historic sites. The hotel features both casual and elegant dining and delicious contemporary cuisine in two highly acclaimed riverfront restaurants with seasonal patios. Relax at the 24-hour Sonesta Health Club with an indoor/outdoor pool, extensive exercise facilities, sauna, and a full range of luxury spa services. The hotel is only three miles from Logan International Airport.
The deal: Book any package or rate and, as a Westchester Magazine reader, you’ll receive a welcome amenity (fruit and cheese), plus a 2pm late check-out.
When: Valid through October 2010
GOURMET GETAWAY IN PICTURESQUE CAMDEN MAINE
Where: Hartstone Inn, 41 Elm Stt, Camden, ME; (800) 788-4823
What’s special: Calling all foodies. This elegant, 1835 Mansard-style bed and breakfast is a recipient of the American Culinary Federation 2009 Achievement of Excellence Award in its fine dining category. Renowned for its picturesque setting, plush guest rooms and gourmet cuisine, Hartstone was a favorite culinary destination of Julia Child, who celebrated her 89th birthday there. Recognized as a Top 10 Romantic Inn for 2010 by American Historic Inns, Hartstone offers guest rooms that feature fluffy featherbeds, fine linens, Wi-Fi, and original artwork. Some rooms also have Jacuzzi baths, fireplaces, and lace canopy beds. The property has received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for the past seven years. Hartstone Inn is also a member of Select Registry Distinguished Inns of North America. Indulge with afternoon wine-and-cheese pairings and the five-course dinner menu, which changes nightly to feature the freshest local ingredients. Hartstone Inn is steps away from Camden’s picturesque harbor with its fleet of historic Windjammers ready to take guests on tours of lighthouses, marine wildlife, and secluded islands. Minutes away, Camden Hills State Park and the surrounding mountains offer miles of trails showcasing everything from ocean vistas to panoramic views of the unspoiled countryside. Kayak on Penobscot Bay, play a round at a world-class golf course, savor works by some of the great names of 18th- and 19th–century art history at the nearby Farnsworth Art Museum, or take a ferry to the artist colony on Monhegan Island. Located three minutes from the inn, Camden Hills State Park is a mushroom mecca. Hartstone’s guide will lead you through the woods on a two-hour search for edible (and delicious!) mushroom species.
The deal: This package includes two nights of luxurious accommodations in a traditional room, an afternoon of mushroom foraging, a lobster picnic lunch, memorable breakfasts, and a romantic five-course feast for two. The price is $550 per couple.
When: Valid through November 20, 2010
CONNETICUT ROCKS
Where: Rock Hall, 19 Rock Hall Rd Colebrook, CT; (860) 379-2230
What’s special: Designed by renowned architect Addison Mizner, “The Architect of Palm Beach,” the inn was recently approved for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. This 1912 Mediterranean Revival Estate has been fully restored to evoke its heyday. A romantic country retreat, Rock Hall Luxe Lodging features spacious, exquisitely appointed master guest rooms, rejuvenating select spa services and gracious resort-style amenities (tennis, billiards, and private screening rooms).
Area attractions include antiquing, golfing, fishing, hiking, shopping, and fine dining.
The deal: Westchester Magazine readers receive complimentary wine and cheese and a fruit platter. Midweek prices range from $300 to $425 and weekends are $325 to $450. Gourmet Mediterranean-inspired breakfast is included.
When: Valid through October 2010
