Fall is affectionately known as shoulder season for most destinations.
It’s the ideal mix of cooling temps, fewer crowds, and hotel/flight rates dip from prime summer season pricing. However, that doesn’t mean there’s less to do. Each destination still offers a variety of thrilling experiences and luxe hotels to serve as launchpads to explore the areas. So, round up the boys and book it to one of these luxe escapes for fall.
DOMESTIC
Memphis, TN – Pack your blue suede shoes, it’s time to hit up the Home of the Blues. Check out where Elvis was discovered, dig into ribs at Rendezvous BBQ, catch live music at B.B. Kings on Beale Street and call the swanky Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis home. The hotel boasts suites overlooking the river, and a vivacious rooftop bar for craft cocktails and mingling. Autumn is jam-packed with diverse festivals and live sports with the Memphis Grizzlies and Memphis Tigers playing nearby.
Florida Keys – At Playa Largo Resort & Spa, just an hour’s drive from Miami, indulge in a host of experiences, from renting a private cabana at the waterfront pool, to kayaking, paddle boarding, or snorkeling. Then, continue the road trip to Key West. Southernmost Beach Resort features live poolside music, cocktail tastings, and a premier location for bar hopping down Duval Street, multiple pools, a newly renovated, adults-only Guesthouse, a private beach and more.
North Georgia – Bourbon. Mountains. Need we say more? Barnsley Resort in Northwest Georgia is the ideal setting for a boys’ fall trip. The resort-meets-playground offers a Jim Fazo golf course, Beretta Shooting Grounds for sporting clays and seasonal quail hunting, horseback riding, catch-and-release fishing, three on-site restaurants and multi-bedroom cottages with a shareable living area.
Russian River Valley in West Sonoma- Autumn marks harvest time in Sonoma Valley, providing a bounty of amazing wine, culinary experiences, and colorful landscape. For an off-grid trip, visitors can stay in an airstream or luxury tent among the towering redwoods at AutoCamp Russian River or opt for an “elevated” bed and breakfast like Mine + Farm Inn, which cultivates and harvests its own cannabis on-site. From November 4-5, the Inn, alongside Cannescape, will host a cannabis-centric retreat, including infused and autumn-inspired culinary experiences from Chopped 420 Champion, Solomon Johnson.
Dublin, Ohio – This historic and quirky city has all the fixings for a small-town fall getaway, including a hiking trail leading to a waterfall and a historic street lined with boutique shops and dining. AC Hotel Columbus Dublin is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the Irish-inspired destination with its stylish rooftop restaurant and bar, VASO. The rooftop’s iconic and cozy igloo dining returns on November 1, just in time for the colder weather.
Kauai, Hawaii – The Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort is centrally located; the resort’s neighbors are Opaekaa Falls and Wailua River State Park, which includes the spectacular Wailua Falls. For those seeking an exhilarating hiking trail, the Sleeping Giant trailhead offers a breathtaking lookout point from the mountain peak. Or, lounge in the resort’s zero-edge infinity pool all day, too.
INTERNATIONAL
Iceland – Fall marks the start of the most eventful time in the land of Fire and Ice: Northern Lights season. Hotel Rangá is the best place to stay given its prime countryside location. In the fall, the mild weather permits easy access for exploring a myriad of natural wonders, whether visitors are looking to snowmobile atop a glacier, traverse an ice cave, or hike to a hot spring in the highlands. Post-adventure, relax in a continent-themed suite, nosh on seasonal Nordic fare or soak in the hotel’s outdoor geothermal hot tubs.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico- Guy groups can escape the cold this fall in Puerto Vallarta, a beach town with golf courses, a culinary and bar scene and festive Dia de los Muertos celebrations. Home base can be Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, which offers tequila tastings and the area’s largest infinity pool. Or if the squad wants a more relaxing, wellness stay, Westin Puerto Vallarta boasts a world-class spa and fitness center and on-property dining with health-conscious options.
Lucca, Italy – Lucca, an under-the-radar, yet coveted Italian city, and stay at the brand-new Grand Universe La Residenza which offers multi-bedroom units that are fit for a king. And with the property’s Majordomo – The Butler of La Residenza – you’ll be living in the laps of luxury. Located in the heart of Lucca, La Residenza makes for the perfect home base to explore the historic city, bike along the top of the city’s historic walls, and grab lunch and a cold one in the piazza.
Aruba – Get the adrenaline pumping with Utility Terrain Vehicles tour on the island’s desert side, dive into the Caribbean Sea with a snorkel cruise and bar hop in the lively downtown district. Then, bask in the sun at the Aruba Marriott Resort with an adults-only pool, 24-hour casino, and 10 on-site dining options. A bit of friendly competition is also encouraged, as this year the resort added a pickleball court and pickle-themed cocktails at its lobby bar.
Cancun, Mexico – The JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is an ideal destination for a fall boys’ trip. Grab a private beachfront cabana with a beer bucket, or snorkel with Cancun’s whale sharks. In the evenings, guys can head to the JW Lobby Bar for its 150 margaritas menu. And with 10 international restaurants on property, guests can have their choice of Mexican, Thai, Japanese, and beyond.
