Best Places For A Fall Getaway Near Baltimore

Baltimore County may have its own autumn charm, but it does not have the farmlands with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, apple festivals and all of the country delight that lies just outside its borders. For those who are willing to step outside the beltway to take part in some timeless fall activities, here are some great places to stay in order to truly immerse yourself in the autumn experience.

Natural Bridge Hotel
15 Appledore Lane
Natural Bridge, VA 24578
(540) 291-2121www.naturalbridgeva.com

Skyline Drive is an absolutely breathtaking stretch of highway that runs 105 miles through the Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a whole national park at your disposal, there are plenty of activities and trails to take advantage of while admiring the firework display of fall colors bursting across the valley expanse. The Natural Bridge Hotel and Conference Center is the place to station yourself when enjoying this spectacle of nature. Located on the Natural Bridge, a National Historical Landmark, the hotel sits right in the middle of the action, so to speak. Its 150 rooms directly overlook the mountain valley. In addition to the rooms, it also has cottages that may be rented. The whole place has a very historic air, and offers full meal services.

Homewood Suites Columbia
8320 Benson Drive
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 872-9200
www.homewoodsuites.hilton.com

Ellicott City in Howard County is an historical district that has seen precious little change in its quaint and romantic feel over the last 200 years or so. Strolling through the historic district of Ellicott City with the trees bursting with fall foliage has a warm and nostalgic feeling that is hard to beat. Additionally, during the fall, Ellicott City holds a rollicking Fall Festival on the last Saturday in September. However, Ellicott City is not the only draw of this area in autumn. Visit Clark's Elioak Farm and enjoy its one-of-a-kind Enchanted Forest Pine Tree Maze. Check out Howard County's Farm City Celebration, rail trail's fall foliage romantic hike or bike and more. Stay at the beautiful Homewood Suites during your visit and enjoy the suites with full kitchens, free internet and free breakfasts.

Hilton Garden Inn
7226 Corporate Court
Frederick, MD 21703
(240) 566-1500
www.hiltongardeninn.com

Frederick County, Md. is a nice contrast to the bustling county of Baltimore. Full of rolling hills and forests, the entire county breaks out with color during autumn. Fredrick is a county full of farms that burst into activity during the fall. Visit Summers Farm and participate in its Maryland pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay rides and fall activities. Or check out Catoctin Mountain Orchard, Mayne's Tree Farm, Gaver Tree Farm & Pumpkin Patch or Jumbo's Pumpkin Patch. During your stay in Frederick, grab a bed at the Hilton Garden Inn, a beautiful but affordable hotel that offers free high-speed internet, 24/7 convenience mart, pools and whirlpools, a restaurant and fitness facilities.

Related:  Free Fall Activities For Families In Baltimore

Vandiver Inn
301 South Union Ave.
Havre de Grace, MD 21078
(410) 939-5200
www.vandiverinn.com

Harford County is unquestionably a county rich with farms, historic districts and forest trails. Head up to Harford County during the fall and enjoy the delicious variety of apple-based dishes, crafts and produce of the Darlington Apple Festival. Harford County has an overabundance of farms with fall hayrides, produce, pumpkin patches and corn mazes during this time of year but possibly the best of them is Brad's Produce which has the unique Maize-o-Vision secret decoders that help you navigate the pathways through the puzzle. While staying in Harford County, drop by the peerless Mount Felix Vineyard & Winery. A vacation all by itself, Mount Felix Vineyard offers beautiful views of the vineyard and the Chesapeake Bay while guests sip the wine and taste the cheese. A cozy place to stay in Harford County that is close to all of the fall events is the Vandiver Inn. A bed and breakfast converted from a Victorian Mansion built in 1886, Vandiver has quaint rooms with fireplaces and pampering amenities.

Joel Furches is a freelance writer and researcher for The Examiner and Logos Software, and also manages his own catalog of writing on Hub Pages. Joel is on the board of directors for Ratio Christi. He has a bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Education.