50 Perfect Fall Weekends
Alabama
Orange Beach
Summer makes a slow exit along Alabama's southern coast. In Orange Beach, the average September high is 85.4 degrees–four degrees warmer than the Gulf water. What tops that? A beachfront, three-bedroom condo that sleeps six and goes for as little as $875 per week. vrbo.com.
Alaska
Fairbanks
The early fall months hit the sweet spot for Chena Hot Springs Resort. The on-site, 106-degree spring-fed lake stays open daily until midnight and is the perfect perch for taking in the Northern Lights–particularly spectacular in September. chenahotsprings.com, from $189, includes access to springs.
Arizona
Tucson
This desert town in the Santa Catalina foothills abounds with world-class (and bank-account-draining) spas. The 30-room Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort is every bit as relaxing as the rest, while being a fraction of the cost of, say, nearby Miraval. haciendadelsol.com, rooms from $129, massages from $100.
Arkansas
Hot Springs
At Hot Springs National Park, pampering is the primary attraction. Quapaw Baths & Spa, the newest addition to historic Bathhouse Row, has four communal mineral baths, as well as private rooms for made-to-order aromatherapy soaks scented with honeysuckle or eucalyptus. quapawbaths.com, pool access $18.
California
Santa Cruz
In September, the fog clears and the Pacific is at its warmest–just right for a stand-up paddleboarding lesson. The staff at the beachfront, retro-themed Dream Inn can connect you with a local instructor as well as rental gear. Dreaminnsantacruz.com, rooms from $199, 30-minute lessons from $30.
EXCLUSIVE DEAL!
Beaver Creek, Colorado, from $606
At the Osprey at Beaver Creek, an outdoorsy day might mean going for a hike in the Rockies, just steps away. Or it could mean relaxing in a hot tub with those same pine-topped peaks as the backdrop. You pick. This three-night package includes two 50-minute, in-room massages; a free bathrobe; and a hydration backpack. Mention Girlfriend Getaways. WHY IT'S A DEAL: The perks alone are worth $590. WHEN: Through Oct. 2. INFO: ospreyatbeavercreek.rockresorts.com.
For all exclusive deals, prices are per room based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted.
Connecticut
Branford
The Thimble Islands archipelago in Long Island Sound isn't as well-known as its New York counterparts–but that just means fewer tourists blocking the view during Thimble Island Cruise tours (thimbleislandcruise.com, $10). On shore, the waterfront hammocks at the five-room Linden Point House afford guests a stationary view of the petite, pink-granite islands (lindenpointhouse.com, from $200).
Delaware
Rehoboth Beach
Delaware is one of only a few states with year-round tax-free shopping, which makes its 130-plus-store Tanger Outlets center a true penny-pincher's paradise (tangeroutlet.com). The shockingly cheap–and downright stylish–Canalside Inn sits less than a mile from the boardwalk (canalside-inn-rehoboth.com, from $55).
EXCLUSIVE DEAL!
Miami, Florida, from $314
A three-night stay at the boutique Hotel Urbano downtown puts you within a quick drive to nightspots, arts districts, and beaches–and comes with two cocktails and 20-percent-off coupons for the Mary Brickell Village mall. Mention GG. WHY IT'S A DEAL: You save 33 percent on the standard room rate (and pay no hotel taxes). WHEN: Sept. 1–Nov. 30. INFO: hotelurbano.com.
Georgia
Palmetto
At Serenbe, a 1,000-acre sanctuary 35 minutes from Atlanta, guests get a wholly satisfying taste of sustainable living–starting with one of the Farmhouse restaurant's Southern meals, made with produce from the on-site organic farm. serenbeinn.com, rooms from $160, entrées from $18.

Fall 2011 Girlfriend Getaways