Fall Deals from Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vt.: Adult Sleepaway Camp + O’Christmas Tree Package

The AAA Four-Diamond Topnotch Resort, Stowe, Vermont, is offering fall deals including an an Adult Sleepaway Camp Promotion and O’ Christmas Tree Package.

With the kids back at school and (hopefully) settled into a new school year routine, it’s your turn to go to sleepaway camp and get some rest and relaxation in before the busy holiday season kicks into high gear.  Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vt. has an Adult Sleepaway Camp Promotion valid on travel Oct. 20 through Dec. 13: there are still s’mores (with a glass of wine), activities (tennis or beer/distillery tours, anyone?) and time to relax (soothing spa treatments) but the accommodations and company are upgraded from our youth. Stay one night, get one free 50 minute spa service, 22% gratuity included (offer valid per room and limited to one treatment per room night). Rates start at $212 per night. Book here.

And come December, picking out the family Christmas tree is a great way to kick off the holiday season, and Topnotch’s O’ Christmas Tree Package includes luxury overnight accommodations and a wagon ride through a tree farm to find the perfect tree (up to 9 feet tall) that you select and cut on-site. Once cut, the tree is professionally wrapped, packaged and loaded onto your car for a safe trip home.  Rates start at $179 per night and the package is available Nov. 29 through Dec. 20. Book here.

The AAA Four-Diamond Topnotch Resort is located 10 minutes from Stowe with the best views in the area of Mount Mansfield. Relax in the award-winning spa, enjoy locally-sourced dining at two restaurants with sweeping views of the Green Mountains, take a tennis or pickleball lesson at the Topnotch Tennis Center, or marvel at the stunning mountain views from the heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi while sipping hot chocolate or a specialty cocktail at the outdoor fire pits, or during a horseback or carriage ride arranged through the Equestrian Center at Topnotch. Mountain Ops Outdoor Gear located on property can arrange and outfit for any activity year-round, from skiing and boarding to mountain biking and fishing, or take the Topnotch Brewery and Distillery Tour which visits the region’s highly acclaimed breweries and distilleries. Dogs are welcome at Topnotch, with dog beds, CBD treats and special canine-friendly turndown service and spa treatments.

Call 800-451-8686 or visit www.topnotchresort.com/.

 

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The Best of CA Highway 1: Must-See Spots in Cayucos by The Sea

Check out the Historic Cass House and Historical Museum in Cayucos along the Highway 1 Discovery Route, Photo Credit Lindsey Hahn. (PRNewsFoto/California Highway 1 Discovery)

A Beachcomber’s Paradise, A Foodie’s Nirvana, And A Vacationer’s Dream Come True; With a Rich History, Cayucos Features a White Sandy Beach, a Fishing Pier, Tide Pools, Hiking, Biking and Horseback Riding Trails, Plus Enter To Win A Must See Getaway To The Coolest California Beach Town

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif.– Roam around the Coolest California Beach Town! Take the plunge into the classic beach town of Cayucos along the iconic CA Highway 1 Discovery Route in Coastal San Luis Obispo County midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Enjoy miles of pet-friendly beach, surfing, kayaking, strolling the historic pier and getting up close and personal with sea life (think adorable sea otters). With plenty of family-owned restaurants, wineries and local artisan goods, there’s so much for you to enjoy, especially on a fall, mid-week getaway to Cayucos.

Voted “the coolest small town in America” in 2009, Cayucos by the Sea is a surprising gem of a town that appears like magic out of the misty fog. Cayucos is truly an authentic California beach town with a long stretch of white sandy beach, sun more often than fog, a free public fishing pier, an historic saloon, and a quaint old-fashioned main street. Television personality Huell Howser selected Cayucos for an episode of his show, California’s Gold, and filmed most of it strolling up the center of Ocean Avenue, marveling at its un-crowded yet ultra-desirable qualities.

Win a Must-See Cayucos Getaway 
Immerse yourself in Cayucos by entering to win the Must-See Getaway Contest. It’s easy. Just fill out this form and you could be selected to win two night lodging at one of the town’s quaint hotels, wine tasting at Cayucos Cellars, dining and a private kayak tour for two.

Must-See Cayucos by the Sea – As Close To Perfection As You Can Get

Unscathed by the big developers, the population of Cayucos is about 3,000. Despite its small size, Cayucos has an eating establishment to meet everyone’s palate, from a chowder house to five-star dining. You’ll also find fabulous antique stores, surf shops with handcrafted boards, and locally owned gift stores. For children, there are three play areas designed just for them including, picnic tables, barbecues, and a paid lifeguard during the summer. There’s even a fresh water swimming pool in the summer near Hardie Park and two lighted tennis courts, located a short walk away from the pier. Grownups looking for a bit of “spice” will find that “in spades” if you’ll forgive the pun, at The Old Cayucos Tavern, a historic bar with card-playing rooms, pool tables, dancing, and some of the best live music around. Check out this video to see all there is to do in the cool seaside town or visit http://ci.highway1discoveryroute.com/files/Must_See_Caycuos__10416.pdf. For more information on the California Highway 1 Discovery Route, visit www.Highway1DiscoveryRoute.com.

 

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AccuWeather Fall Foliage Forecast: Exceptional Year for Northeast

The Berkshires, Massachusetts. Accuweather is predicting an exceptional fall foliage this season © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Start planning your fall getaway! AccuWeather experts say the summer season has set the stage for potentially exceptional fall colors in the Northeast, though the weather through mid-October will ultimately determine how stellar of a display will emerge, reports Jillian MacMath, Staff Writer for AccuWeather.com.

The Northeastern states have had a good to excellent growing season without any major disturbances, according to Dr. Michael Day, University of Maine research professor of Physiological Ecology.

“In addition, adequate precipitation and lack of wind disturbances has resulted in trees with an exceptional amount of foliage still attached,” he said.

Slight drought stress in the late summer helped to signal a seasonal change but did not force an early leaf drop.

The upcoming weather will play a critical role.

A cold snap in the next four to six weeks would bring out the vibrant fall colors, resulting in what Day considers an ‘exceptional’ year for fall foliage in the Northeast.

Cool, dry weather into September and October is typically ideal for producing the bright colors favored by tourists and locals alike.

The next month is forecast to deliver just what the doctor ordered with dry periods and some chilly weather in the northern areas of New York state and northern New England for the second half of September, according to AccuWeather.com Expert Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok.

Meanwhile, those in the Midwest and Southeast may be shortchanged. An abundance of wet and warm weather may hinder the display for the Midwest, southern Appalachians and Southeast.

According to the 2014 AccuWeather.com Fall Forecast, wet weather will be focused from the Ohio Valley to the Gulf coast in October.

Though the early emergence of color can already be seen in many locations throughout the East, the peak of colors will hold off for a while, according to Dr. Marc Abrams, professor of Forest Ecology and Physiology at Penn State University.

Those planning trips to see the foliage in late September should head north, but trips to the Southeast should be put off until late October, Abrams said.

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Escape to New York’s Adirondacks for Ideal Fall Getaway

Less than an hour’s drive north of Albany and four hours north of New York City, The Adirondack Park offers unparalleled outdoor recreation and family-friendly festivals amid colorful fall foliage, ideal for an autumn weekend getaway.

The Adirondack Region is larger than most national parks, with six-million-acres of public and private lands unaffected by the U.S. Government shutdown. Located just a short drive from major metro areas in the northeast, the Adirondacks are a great alternative for travelers looking to have a wilderness park experience, but finding the gates closed at federally funded parks.

This weekend, fall foliage colors are nearing their peak vibrancy, and with warmer temperatures expected to continue through mid-October, now is the perfect time to hike, paddle and drive around the Adirondack’s mountains, lakes and rivers.

The Adirondack Region’s exciting fall festival line-up continues through the end of October.

The Adirondack Park offers some of the best wilderness vantage points in the country – from as-far-as-the-eye-can-see panoramas, to intimate ponds secluded in a reflective halo of golden leaves. Explore the East Coast’s largest wilderness park with special fall lodging deals offer a variety of opportunities, including:

Apple Picking Package in the Lake George Region – Package includes overnight accommodations at the elegant Georgian Lakeside Resort, sparkling cider upon arrival, dinner for two at Giovannas on the Lake, ½ peck of apples at pick-your-own Saratoga Apples and breakfast each morning of your stay. Rates start at $390 per couple and include all gratuities and taxes.

Adirondack Adventure Package in Lake Placid Region – Package includes one night’s accommodation at the family-friendly Ledge Rock at Whiteface in Wilmington, and a day pass to High Falls Gorge, featuring cliff walkways above the thundering Ausable River. Rates start at $122 per couple and do not include taxes. Enjoy easy access to Whiteface Mountain’s Oktoberfest and other fall foliage events, as well as scenic fall gondola rides.

Golfing Package on the Adirondack Coast – Package includes mid-week and weekend accommodations at the historic Bluff Point Golf Resort on the coast of Lake Champlain, two rounds of golf per person, access to a private sand beach and canoe and kayak rentals. Rates start at $84 per person mid-week, based on double occupancy.

Find more information about fall in the Adirondacks at: visitadirondacks.com/what-to-do/fall-foliage.

About the Adirondacks:
The Adirondack Region is a six-million-acre park offering limitless recreation amid 2,000 miles of hiking trails and 3,000 lakes and ponds. Part of the largest temperate forest in the world, the Adirondacks are also home to 103 towns and villages. Connect with the Adirondacks on Facebook.com/visitadirondacks or Twitter.com/visitadks. Search Adirondack events, attractions and Adirondack vacation packages at VisitAdirondacks.com.

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Top Fall Getaways in the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County in NYS

Thompson House, Windham, NY has a fall golf getaway © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Great Northern Catskills of Greene County offer a colorful, and family-friendly destination for leaf peeping located just two hours north of New York City. Save with seasonal packages, participate in the Adventure Passport Contest and experience autumn in the Adventure Capital of the Catskills!

In celebration of fall, the Great Northern Catskills offer special lodging deals, a number of seasonal festivals and ongoing family-friendly entertainment creating an unforgettable mountain getaway. Check out these top fall package deals and find additional savings online at www.greatnortherncatskills.com.

Save, Stay & Play Fall Golf Getaway at the Thompson House in Windham. Package includes accommodations, breakfast and lunch, 18 holes of golf at the Windham Country Club or Christman’s Pleasant Valley Golf Course with cart. Rates start at $101 per person, per day. Available through mid-October. Guests can also join in the revelry during Oktoberfest I at Hunter Mountain. Slated for October 5-6, the weekend will include authentic Bavarian entertainment, cuisine and family-friendly activities.

Adventurous Rejuvenation Package at the Kaatskill Mountain Club in Hunter. Package includes overnight accommodations in a suite, two 25-minute massages each day, dinner at Van Winkles Restaurant, easy access to hiking and geocaching at Hunter Mountain and late check-out. Rates start at $134 per person, per night. Package available through October 31, Wednesday-Friday only.

Columbus Day Guinness Oktoberfest at Gavin’s Irish Country Inn in Cornwallville. Package includes entry to Gavin’s 6^th Annual Guinness Oktoberfest Weekend, three nights’ accommodations, six meals, a pint of Guinness at check-in, and live Irish musical entertainment all weekend. Rates start at $349 per person based on double occupancy. Available October 11-14. For additional fun, check out Hunter Mountain’s Oktoberfest II festivities, from October 12-13.

While visiting Greene County, look for Adventure Passport Contest locations, snap a photo and enter to win incredible prizes worth up to $3,400! Simply take four photos at participating Greene County Adventure Passport Contest attractions, log onto contest.GreatNorthernCatskills.com and upload the photos for a chance to win prizes, including an all-inclusive vacation, a brand new mountain bike, golf passes, gift certificates to Greene County businesses and more.

Greene County is located in the Great Northern Catskill Mountains and the verdant Hudson River Valley.  The region is home to five of the 10 highest Catskill Peaks and the Catskill State Park and is known as the nation’s first wilderness. Renowned as the home of Thomas Cole’s Hudson River School and the inspiration for Washington Irving’s literary legend, Rip Van Winkle, the Catskills are a haven for outdoor recreation and artistic inspiration.

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HISTORIC CRANWELL RESORT IN BERKSHIRES TURNS BACK CLOCK WITH SPECIAL FALL RATES

Historic Cranwell Resort in Lenox, MA amid the Berkshires is rolling back the clock to offer a second night's stay for $18.94, the year the Gilded Age mansion was built © 2010/Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The historic Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club in the Berkshires, in Western Massachusetts is turning back the clock with a “Fall Back in Time” special that celebrates its past and offers a second night stay for just $18.94 (the year the resorts’ historic Gilded Age Mansion was built).

Cranwell is as rich in history as it is with hospitality. Over the years, it has played host to the likes of Harriet Beecher Stowe, Oliver Wendell Holmes, the Vanderbilts, and President William McKinley. The centerpiece of Cranwell’s 380-acre estate is a Tudor-style Mansion, commissioned by W. J. Sloane and constructed back in the Cottage Era in 1894.

To celebrate its heritage, Cranwell is offering the “Fall Back in Time” special where guests can get a second night for only $18.94 when they book one night at the published non-discounted rate. The offer is valid for two consecutive nights, October 1 – December 21, 2010, excluding weekends in October and holidays. For information and reservations, call 800-272-6935, visit http://www.cranwell.com, or book online and use Promotion Code FBIT.

Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Club is an all-season resort in the heart of the scenic Berkshires in Western Massachusetts, known for its abundant cultural venues including the famed Tanglewood Music Center and the Norman Rockwell Museum. In addition to a graceful, historic Gilded Age Mansion, this award winning resort features 114 distinctive guest rooms, an 18-hole Championship golf course set on 380 hilltop acres and one of the largest resort Spas in the Northeast. With three restaurants and spacious banquet rooms, Cranwell also hosts numerous year-round conferences, weddings and social events.

Cranwell Resort is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ and Historic Hotels of America. The resort is listed in Zagat’s “Top U.S. Hotels, Resorts & Spas” and some of their many awards include the SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Award for one of “Best Spa Resorts for Golf”, the Wine Spectator Magazine Award of Excellence.

Cranwell is located just two and one-half hours from New York City and Boston in the historic New England village of Lenox, Massachusetts.

See: BERKSHIRE’S CULTURE & CRANWELL RESORT’S LUXURY ARE UNBEATABLE COMBO