Team TJC’s Favorite Fall Getaways

Photo by Caleb Jones on Unsplash

Well, summer 2021—that's a wrap. And what a season it was!

This past season was a particularly exciting one. Summer marked the first time in over a year that we were able to resume some semblance of normal life.

We traveled (safely), enjoyed sunny, al fresco meals at our favorite local haunts, and visited friends and family while basking in the summer sun. Above all, our team was thrilled to be out in the world again, doing the work we love with our amazing community.

While summer may be ending, we're embracing a new season to share and celebrate great food, drink, and new memories made. Trading shorts for sweaters, here's a little preview of the places the TJC team is most excited to check out this upcoming fall:

Alison:

While traveling is by far my greatest love (and being in Europe during fall’s ‘shoulder season’ is incredible), nothing really beats a Fall 'staycation'. I’m lucky enough to call both NYC and wine country home, and I truly believe there’s no better time to explore than when the weather becomes crisp and the days just a bit shorter. 

It's the time of year when New York’s leaves begin changing and wine country’s harvest enters full swing--this year, I'm looking forward to revisiting some favorite cool-weather stops on both coasts.

In New York City:

My list of favorite NYC restaurants could go on forever. To name a few that I'm particularly eager to re-visit this fall, I love dinner at the bar at Gramercy Tavern for quintessentially New York vibes, Lucali or Ops for great pizza, Buvette for a cozy dinner out with friends, anything that the former Uncle Boon’s team does, Russ and Daughters for lox everything, Wu’s Wonton King for Chinese with a BYO, or La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturel for evening drinks. 

For activities, what isn't there to do in the greatest city in the world?

Outside of my favorite city activities (wandering the streets and people watching, or as the French say, flaneur), fall is a great time to take in a show, see a special exhibit at MOMA, The Whitney or BAM. Or, just get lost in Central Park and imagine that you’re in another era as you look up at the ceiling of Grand Central Station.

In Sonoma:

MacArthur Place Hotel is a local favorite staycation destination. There's no shortage of great food in wine country, either—Valley Bar and Bottle is our number one go-to spot (and owned by great friends!).

I'm also a huge fan of El Molino, which has arguably the best Mexican food in the Bay Area.

Of course, hitting up wineries is generally top on everyone’s list when planning a trip to Sonoma (we recommend getting a game in at the new Abbot’s Passage or seeing a concert + sharing a bottle at Gundlach Bundschu), there’s also many more great activities that the area has to offer. 

Hit the trails in the morning on the Montini Reserve to get great views of Sonoma, or visit Jack London state park for a dose of history and nature. Make sure you don’t miss the local farmers’ markets as well, happening Tuesday nights and Friday mornings.

Amelia:

With the turning of the seasons, Savannah is one of my absolute favorite places to visit. From the Spanish moss and antebellum architecture, to the James Beard award-winning chefs and restaurants, Savannah is truly a city full of hidden gems. 

The summer in Savannah is hot + humid, but once September rolls around the days are just below 80 degrees and nights are cooler.

It’ll still be warm enough for a beach day, so head to Tybee Island and stop at Fort Pulaski on the way for a hands-on history lesson. 

For places to stay, The Present is a wonderful off-the-beaten path destination. Mansion on Forsyth Park is a great base out of the historic district whereas The Drayton Hotel is a classic & beautiful waterfront lodging option.

Savannah has no shortage of unique activities best enjoyed in fall. The Ghost Coast, a local distillery with funky flavors including ginger whiskey and fernet, is a great stop, and Bonaventure Cemetery, the 103-acre southern gothic cemetery, is a cool place to check out ahead of spooky season.

For food, this city has so much to offer like Foxy Loxy, a local favorite for breakfast tacos and espresso tonic or Husk, where the menu changes frequently + seasonally but the profiteroles are often on the appetizer menu and are a must-have.

Additionally, while we’ve waxed poetic about the Western Catskills recently (and for good reason, @callicoonhills!) I also enjoy visiting my family in the Hudson Valley in the fall. While I grew up in Brooklyn, NY, my parents now live just outside Kingston, NY, and the fall colors are dreamy there in mid-October. 

Must-dos include walking around the historic Stockade district and stopping into Rough Draft, a bookshop, cafe + bar (my dream combination), Esther for every wine or spirit need, and Kingston Bread for treats like red velvet croissants, bagel + lox sandwiches, and the best black and white cookie you will ever have. 

I’d be remiss if I didn’t include the quintessential East Coast fall activity: apple-picking. Love Twin Star Orchards and highly recommend getting a pizza + cider when you’re done. 

Kim:

While Summer in Palm Springs can get north of 110+ degrees, fall is my favorite time to visit this charming, design-forward desert oasis. Cool evenings and sunny days make the perfect combination to take in the most of what this fabulous locale has to offer.

Palm Springs is known more for their great cocktail vibe but @deadoralivebarandshop has the best wine selection in town. Dine at Mr. Lyons for the great food and old-school Palm Springs vibe.

Jonathan Adler helped to redesign the iconic @parkerpalmsprings, which is one of my favorite hotels in the area—it exudes mid-century modern cool and classic Hollywood glam.

Anytime I visit Palm Springs, I love stopping into the beautiful art and design shops the area is known for. @soukimodern @fineartofdesign @teressafoglia are just a few favorites I can't resist!

This fall, I'm also looking forward to spending some time in Santa Barbara—lucky me, my husband grew up there and we get to visit often.

A few favorite spots we're excited to return to: cruising the Funk Zone + taste at @whitcraftwinery. For food, we love @bibijisb @losagavesrestaurant @coldspringtavern @brophys_sb. 

And, no trip to Santa Barbara would be complete without time at the beach. Frenalds, East Beach, Santa Claus Lane in Carpinteria are just a few of our favorites.

Devinne:

I'm a Northeast gal through and through, and when the weather starts to turn chilly at night there's no place better to visit than the Maine coast.

I grew up vacationing and camping in Maine through all the seasons, and I must say that fall is undoubtedly my favorite. Chilly nights, sunny and cool days, plus the most gorgeous and vibrant scenery as the leaves begin to turn—there's truly nothing like it!

Must stop places: Portland, ME and Acadia National Park/Mount Desert Island

In Portland, a must-stop is Allagash Brewery—maker of my all-time favorite beer, Allagash White. For food, TIPO is great for pizza, pasta, and wine (done by the same great team behind Central Provisions) and Duckfat is a perennial favorite.

While just walking around downtown and checking out the great shops is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, be sure to save a little time to check out some of the great sights on Cape Elizabeth. The Portland Head Light is on your way, always a nice spot to stop for pictures.

If you're willing and able to take the extra 3 hour drive north, there's no better time of year to visit Acadia National Park.

All the beauty with a fraction of the crowds that summer brings!

Most campgrounds close following Indigenous Peoples' Day on Oct 11, however B&Bs and a few off-the-beaten-path camping spots make for a great spot to stay late October into early November.

Choco-latte is a favorite cafe stop for a pastry and warm drink, while Fogtown is the place to stop for a beer after a day spent hiking around MDI.