February 11, 2009 4:09 PM

Fall In Love With Autumn Travel

By
CBSNews
(CBS)  Though much of the world takes their annual vacation in the summer -- especially those with school-aged children -- more Americans are putting off their travels until autumn rolls around so they can take advantage of lighter crowds and lower prices.

Xander Kaplan, associate editor for Travel + Leisure magazine, dropped by The Early Show to talk about some of her favorite fall travel spots and why they're just as nice in October as they are in August.

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Quebec, Canada
Quebec City is known for its European charm, architectural beauty, cobblestone streets, numerous boutiques, art galleries, antique shops and wonderful dining. Standing high on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is a castle-like property in the heart Old Quebec.

Offering exquisite dining opportunities, superior meeting facilities and a distinctive European charm, this stately hotel stands above historic Old Québec, a United Nations World Heritage Site. A stay at the château permits you easy walking access to all of the wonderful sites and experiences that Old Québec has to offer.

The Deal: This fall and winter, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is offering its special Only One Way rate starting from only $159 per night.

White Elephant, Nantucket, Mass.
The White Elephant, located alongside Nantucket's magnificent harbor, has been considered an island landmark since the 1920s. What began as an eclectic mix of cottages has evolved into a premier Nantucket hotel that offers an unexpected blend of island charm and sophisticated amenities.

The White Elephant sits serenely on the waterfront, yet is only minutes from the unique boutiques and art galleries. The hotel consists of 53 chic, light-filled guest rooms and suites, most with working fireplaces and harbor views, and 11 garden cottages.

The Deal: Rates start at $175 per room, per night (accommodations for two); starting Sept. 30 - Oct. 28, rates start at $225 per room, per night, Sunday to Thursday, based on availability. From Oct. 29 - Nov. 29, rates start at $135 per room, per night, Sunday to Thursday, based on availability and $155 per room, per night on weekends.

Copper Beech Inn, Chester, Conn.
Mention Chester, a 16-square-mile patch abutting the Connecticut River, and you'll get a puzzled look, even from a born-and-bred Yankee. This hidden treasure has kept its low profile for more than 200 years. Behind the Victorian storefronts on Main Street, you'll find tiny boutiques selling Scandinavian toys, Italian pottery, and contemporary art. A storybook New England village, Chester is located on the left (port) bank of the Connecticut River, about 10 miles north of Long Island Sound. The town is renowned for its quaint shops, artist galleries, gracious inn, and a variety of restaurants.

The Deal: Copper Beech Inn (copperbeechinn.com) offers doubles from $195. Experience the romance of a beautiful and historic inn featuring 13 guest rooms and luxury suites restored with period antiques. The inn features a well-known AAA Four-Diamond restaurant.

Old Edwards Inn, Highlands, N.C.
Instead of heading north for the foliage this fall, why not head south of the Mason-Dixon Line, where the weather is warmer and the hospitality legendary? Fall is a feast for the senses around Highlands, N.C. The South has great foliage, and wonderful fall activities. Raleigh-Durham

Old Edwards Inn and Spa provides spot-on access for invigorating hikes and leisurely drives through the crisp Smoky Mountains, with forests of color and cascading waterfalls at every turn.

The Deal: Leaf Looker Package: Starting at $679 including tax and gratuity, includes two nights deluxe accommodations in the Inn or the Lodge,
Champagne on arrival, a gourmet country picnic lunch and picnic blanket and disposable camera. Continental breakfast each morning. Available October 1 to November 15.

Fly-Fishing Package: Starting at $769 including tax and gratuity, includes
2 nights deluxe accommodations and an eight-hour guided fly-fishing trip.

Copyright 2009 CBS. All rights reserved.
Add a Comment
by sandzmom September 29, 2007 1:11 PM EDT
Thank you both for your suggestions, however I am trying to find out what Town the magazine "quoted" in New Mexico. If someone heard it can you please let me know. Thanks!
Reply to this comment
by mrassekh September 28, 2007 4:56 PM EDT
SANDZMOM: The following was posted in the Travel Section of the full CBS News site:

For the person looking for the information on the fall travel story which ran on 9/28 for the New Mexico location, use the following link.

http://tamaya.hyatt.com/hyatt/h
otels/index.jsp

Posted by renorytting at 11:36 AM : Sep 28, 2007
Reply to this comment
by emma915 September 28, 2007 2:08 PM EDT
or, you could check with AAA for the peak-color seasons, then book yourself into Comfort Inns (or other reasonably priced, clean motels) in Pennsylvania and West Virginia and road-trip your way through the mountains to see the best of the best fall foliage in the nation. Search out the high points, get out of the car and RELAX for an hour. Don''t forget to breathe deeply. . . . Ahhhhhhh. P.S.- for the best food, eat at the truck stops.
Reply to this comment
by sandzmom September 28, 2007 12:18 PM EDT
Can someone please tell me what the name of the town
and the place to stay was in New Mexico? The Travel and Leisure person was on Fri. 9/28 am. The "fall in love with Autumn travel" lists all the towns she said except the New Mexico one. Thank you.
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