October 20, 2020
LGBTQ Leaf Peeping: 5 Destinations to Take in Fall
Merryn Johns READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Grab your weekender bag and get out of town. The leaves are turning, and there's a small window of time to take in Mother Nature's annual fashion makeover. These five LGBTQ-friendly destinations offer comforting accommodations, each nestled against a unique backdrop of vibrant autumn foliage.
Ludlow, Vermont
The Green Mountain State is picture postcard-perfect in pumpkin season, especially when you stay in a renovated barn. Former Broadway dancer Tesha Buss has steadily been revitalizing central Vermont with properties such as this, as well as her historic general store-turned-retreat center Good Commons in nearby Plymouth.
Always LGBTQ-welcoming, this solar-powered hideaway is two miles from the 150-year-old village of Ludlow, and a short drive to Buttermilk Falls and Okemo State Forest. But you may never want to leave your private 100 acres of trails and meadows, or the hot tub and fire pit, perfect for cocktails and stargazing.
The 1,800-square-foot, two-bedroom wood-paneled loft has king beds, kitchen, dining for six, claw foot tub, TV, and internet. Pets are welcome and, for extended stays, Stock the House can arrange grocery delivery, personal chefs, equipment rentals, party planning, and more.
Adams, Massachusetts
Lesbian owned and operated Topia Inn, located in the picturesque valley town of Adams, is an eco-luxe property with colorful, culturally-themed rooms, organic beds and linens, and bathroom amenities. Breakfast is included and made from local and organic produce.
The prime fall foliage of Mount Greylock is just minutes away, and Adams has plenty to explore as a cultural center and birthplace of women's suffrage and anti-slavery activist Susan B. Anthony. The inn's owners are cultural luminaries: Nana Simopoulos is a world music composer and Caryn Heilman is a performing arts director.
Stop by Jaeschke's Orchard to pick up a bag of heirloom apples or other goodies from this third-generation farm.
Saugatuck, Michigan
After your scenic drive along Southwest Michigan's scenic Blue Star Memorial Highway, bed down in old-world Midwestern ambiance at the Belvedere Inn & Restaurant.
The inn is 10 minutes from the pretty lakeshore town of Saugatuck, where proprietor couple Shaun Glynn and Pete Ta relocated from Chicago to operate the regal 1913 mansion. The 10 guest rooms are lovingly decorated with antiques, and have private bathrooms (some with whirlpool tubs) and fireplaces. The grand library is worth tarrying in after a breakfast prepared by Shaun, the resident chef.
Vibrant fall foliage can be found on the property's five-acre grounds, which would make the perfect backdrop for a same-sex wedding.
Source: River House Inn Bed & Breakfast
Snow Hill, Maryland
For something different, take in the fall foliage from the perspective of a kayak along the beautiful Pocomoke River, then relax at River House Inn Bed & Breakfast.
This spacious riverfront National Registered Victorian home offers a choice of eight heritage-style guest rooms or cabins. Antiquing, golfing, shopping, and dining are close at hand, and beaches and nature preserves are just minutes away.
Innkeepers Dwayne and Rick left careers in boats and marinas to become proud owners and perfect hosts at the inn, which they purchased 10 years ago. It's an ideal escape on the water, and if you don't feel like driving everywhere, you can also walk and bike around town.
Windham, New York
Located in the heart of the Catskills, Eastwind Hotel & Bar offers sweeping views of Windham Mountain, ablaze with autumn fire before ski season.
The Scandinavian-style lodge has simple, stylish suites or cabins between 200 and 600 square feet, minimally decorated and featuring Frette linens and Faribault wool blankets to keep you cozy. Everything has been meticulously selected, from Turkish rugs to accent pieces. Guests enjoy complimentary access to the sauna. Most suites have spectacular views of the mountain or forest line so you can leaf peep without moving a muscle.
Eastwind is the vision of a group of friends who pooled resources and skills to create a fun and Zen-like oasis away from busy careers in the hospitality, fashion, and food and beverage industries. They succeeded!
Merryn Johns is a writer and editor based in New York City. She is also a public speaker on ethical travel and a consultant on marketing to the LGBT community.
