End Summer on a High Note with These Labour Day Weekend Getaway Ideas

From action-packed outdoor adventures in nature to weekends of wine tasting and spa treatments.

Though we’re still basking in the glorious glow of summer, it’s that point when autumn’s arrival no longer feels like a distant notion and some end-of-season planning is in order. But before you begin your back-to-‘school’ prep, why not end summer on a high note with a Labour Day weekend getaway?

How busy your summer has been might inform your approach to planning a last hurrah, but whether that’s an action-packed outdoor adventure in nature or an easy-does-it weekend of wine tasting and spa treatments, mapping out some sort of trip to bid adieu to the carefree days of summer will serve as a memorable bookend. Ahead, six ideas to appeal to every kind of traveller.

1. Embrace the classic beach getaway

Few things feel more distinctly Americana than a sun-filled weekend by the sea. If you’re located on the east coast, book a stay at Faraway Martha’s Vineyard, a newly-opened boutique hotel housed within a 1742-era tavern. The property is situated in the picturesque seaport village of Edgartown and days can be spent strolling around town, nibbling on lobster rolls, and enjoying the colourful sunsets. If you’re out west, skip the crowded beaches of southern California and decamp up north to Little River Inn in Mendocino, a charming hotel that’s been open since the ‘50s and that enjoys views of both Redwood trees and the Pacific Ocean.

2. Indulge the senses with an art-fueled weekend

If the idea of a weekend well spent involves museum or gallery hopping, why not carve an entire trip around it for Labor Day? And though you’ll no doubt get your fill of paintings and sculptures in iconic destinations such as New York City or Chicago, consider heading for a city with a slower pace to add ease to your holiday. Santa Fe, for example, is beloved for its southwestern art scene and visitors can discover both traditional and contemporary craftsmanship at every turn. For accommodations, book a room at the breathtaking, Silk Road-inspired Inn of the Five Graces that’s located in Barrio de Analco, the oldest continuously inhabited neighbourhood in the states.

3. Slow down and recharge in the woods

If summer has felt like a whirlwind, planning another trip might feel more overwhelming than relaxing. If this resonates with you, escape to the woods for a quiet weekend that will leave you recharged, not depleted. For a rustic adventure with comfy amenities, travel to The Resort at Paws Up in Montana. Here, safari-style luxury tents are the star accommodation and are nestled among soaring trees and a rushing river. If you prefer a slightly more polished outdoor experience, nothing compares to Blackberry Farm, which sits at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains across 4200 sprawling acres.

4. Delight in a few days of scenic wine tasting

What better way to reflect on a lovely summer than with a wine tasting getaway with friends or a romantic partner? For east coasters, the Finger Lakes region is perfect for this with grape varieties like Riesling and Cabernet Franc taking centre stage. After a day of tasting at wineries like Boundary Breaks and Hermann J. Wiemer, relax at the Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa. This storybook accommodation was founded in the 18th century and now serves as a collection of five historic inns to serve as your home base. For those closer to the west coast, skip the crowds of Napa and Sonoma and head for Paso Robles in Central California. Snag a room at the newly-opened Farmhouse and book a tasting at industry favourite wineries like Booker and Tablas Creek.

5. Have an all-out foodie weekend

If you’re the kind of traveller who remembers their trips through the lens of memorable meals, take this idea a step further and plan a Labour Day weekend getaway centred around what’s on the plate. Of course, delicious cuisine is to be found all across the states, but now is the perfect time to head for Portland, Oregon. Not only is the weather much more manageable than other foodie states in September (ahem, New Orleans or Austin), it’s also a diverse epicentre of exciting cuisine that can be enjoyed in one of the most picturesque places on earth. Make the Tributary Hotel your home base and get a reservation at the property’s adjoining (and much buzzed-about) restaurant, ōkta. Also to add to your list of must-eat-at: Kann, Eem, and Le Pigeon, among many, many others.

6. Refresh your home with an antiquing excursion

What better way to greet the new season than with a few fresh finds? If you’re a self-proclaimed antique obsessee, plan a shopping-fueled weekend away to your favourite thrifty destination. One great place to start is in Palm Springs where vintage treasures are commonplace and stylish architecture, accommodation, and art are the norm. Hotels abound here and Auric House by Korakia is a favourite thanks to its adobe-style structure, Moroccan tiled pool, and fireplace lounge. From there, set out to Market Market to dive into this 40,000-square-foot haven showcasing fine vintage, repurposed, and one-of-a-kind goods ranging from apparel and homewares to furniture and art. Warning: You’ll be shipping items home.

From action-packed outdoor adventures in nature to weekends of wine tasting and spa treatments.

End Summer on a High Note with These Labour Day Weekend Getaway Ideas

From action-packed outdoor adventures in nature to weekends of wine tasting and spa treatments.

1. Embrace the classic beach getaway

2. Indulge the senses with an art-fueled weekend

3. Slow down and recharge in the woods

4. Delight in a few days of scenic wine tasting

5. Have an all-out foodie weekend

6. Refresh your home with an antiquing excursion

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From action-packed outdoor adventures in nature to weekends of wine tasting and spa treatments.

End Summer on a High Note with These Labour Day Weekend Getaway Ideas

From action-packed outdoor adventures in nature to weekends of wine tasting and spa treatments.

1. Embrace the classic beach getaway

2. Indulge the senses with an art-fueled weekend

3. Slow down and recharge in the woods

4. Delight in a few days of scenic wine tasting

5. Have an all-out foodie weekend

6. Refresh your home with an antiquing excursion

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