Fall 2025
By Lauren Hurwitz
Thinking of getting away this fall but want to think outside the box? Here are three places within driving distance of Westchester that you NEED to try.
Family Getaway
This past spring, Great Wolf Lodge opened their 23rd family entertainment center in North America, a short drive from Westchester. Located in Mashantucket, CT, the Great Geyser Water Park covers more than 92,000 square feet with a temperature of 84 degrees year-round and has something for kids and adults of every age.
As part of Great Wolf’s “next generation” resort experience, this site, “features a new water-coaster slide element, a regional family raft adventure called Pequot Plunge, a new multi-level ropes course with an exhilarating zipline experience, and a new virtual reality attraction where families work together to unlock magical powers from the resort’s popular interactive MagiQuest game.”
Even the smallest visitors can enjoy the safely enclosed baby/toddler area which is located right near the indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub and lazy river to make walking around super easy for the whole family.
The Legend of Luna show takes place every evening just before bedtime when families can gather in the Grand Lobby for a multi-sensory, immersive storytelling experience. The Lobby magically transforms, using projection technology and special effects to tell an enchanting fable about a young wolf who longs to find her place in the world.
Other complimentary family events and activities include Yoga Tails, a program that combines tales of the Northwoods creatures with yoga poses, themed arts and craft projects, and Great Wolf Lodge’s signature nightly dance parties.
The Great Wolf Lodge has special offerings lined up specifically for the holiday season too, with “Howl-O-Ween” in October and “Snowland” kicking off after Thanksgiving. Starting October 1, visitors can enjoy “Howl-O-Ween,” including trick-or-treating and a costume dance party every night through Halloween. There will be a host of special live shows with hundreds of trees lit up throughout the property and a daily visit from Santa starting on Thanksgiving through the first week of January.
With 13 slides powered by 150,000 gallons of water, 100 arcade systems, and six lanes of bowling, tsit-down’t be a shortage of fun at this resort where the grounds are impeccable, the staff operates the highest level of hospitality to ensure you have a happy stay, and the food is not to be missed – especially the burgers by the pool area and the salads at Fireside, the sit down restaurant. Don’t miss the premium ice cream and confectionary treats at Wood’s End Creamery on your way out…or your way in.
https://www.greatwolf.com/connecticut
Girlfriend’s Getaway
For the epitome of luxury, take a 90-minute drive to…New Jersey. Originally built in 1912, Pendry Natirar opened to the public last fall as a fully renovated, Tudor-style mansion set on 500 rolling acres of beautifully conserved land in Somerset County. The historic retreat offers an escape from the chaos of daily life with countryside suites, a world-class spa, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts and other wellness offerings.
Whether you’re looking for a guided nature hike, want to indulge in a group cooking class at their signature fine dining restaurant – Ninety Acres – or just want to sit back and relax with an afternoon tea, this is the perfect place to escape busy life and feel like you’re away in the English countryside. With the perfect balance of “we” time and “me” time, Pendry Natirar is a must visit for every tired gal looking for luxury with their best friends.
https://www.pendry.com/natirar/
Fall events: https://www.pendry.com/natirar/experiences/seasonal-happenings/
Couples Retreat
Downtown Rhinebeck is the ideal place to visit if you want to park once and roam around on foot or bicycle (which are complimentary if you stay at Mirbeau) for a day or two. The crown jewel of this Hudson Valley community is Mirbeau Inn & Spa, a boutique spa-hotel that will remind you of the chic atmosphere of old-world Paris. It’s the perfect getaway for couples looking for great food and even better spa services.
With 49-guest rooms each with a custom Mirbeau Estate Mattress, luxe Frette linens, signature robes, a fireplace, and oversized bathroom featuring walk-in showers and soaking tubs…you’re sure to enjoy a quiet and serene sleeping experience. Overnight and day guests can relax in the luxurious amenities that include a 12,000 square foot spa, saunas, steam rooms, and a resting area with loungers that are the most comfortable I’ve ever personally sat in (and fell asleep in while waiting for my massage).
There is also an outdoor bar, hot spa pool, and unique fitness classes included with your stay, and a boutique full of thoughtful and delightful spa-perfect gifts.
The on-site restaurant, Willow, surpasses NYC’s ultimate dining experiences and offers a large menu of in-season, sustainable, and locally sourced options. The halibut is a fan favorite, and the desserts are 150% “worth it.” Even brunch is an unforgettable farm-to-table experience you’ll remember for many meals to come.
This Fall, Mirbeau is offering a September Midweek overnight offer of a complimentary $150 Spa Treatment credit when you stay two-nights (Sun-Thurs), as well as their Perfect Date Night Package (available Mon-Wed) which includes two day spa passes allowing access to all spa & wellness amenities plus a 3-course dinner for two at Willow for only $200 plus beverages, tax, & gratuity.
While in Rhinebeck, be sure to pop down the street to grab an unforgettable lunch at Aba’s Falafel, sweet treats at Bread Alone Bakery and Café as well as Samuel’s Sweet Shop. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, you won’t want to miss the local farmer’s market where you’ll find some of the most beautiful wood-carved cutting boards you’ve ever seen.