As autumn sweeps across New England, the region transforms into a living tapestry of scarlet, gold, and amber. For generations, travelers have flocked to the area to witness this annual spectacle, and nowhere does the season feel more enchanting than at the century-old Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Built in 1902 and steeped in history, the grand hotel is once again drawing accolades, recently being named one of the best resorts in New England. But as the leaves reach their peak, the influx of leaf-peeping tourists is stirring up mixed emotions across the region, especially among local residents in quieter corners like rural Vermont.
Perched beneath the looming Presidential Range, the Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience woven into the very fabric of New England’s autumn. According to Parade magazine, the hotel’s distinctive red roof and sprawling porches offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, which, come fall, "burst into tartans of scarlet, amber and gold." The sense of timelessness is palpable as guests stroll beneath elegant arches and wide verandas, soaking in vistas that have dazzled presidents, poets, and innovators like Thomas Edison. The resort’s enduring charm is rooted not only in its storied past but in the way it embraces the magic of the season.
Opened by Joseph Stickney at the turn of the 20th century, the Omni Mount Washington was one of New England’s last grand hotels. Its historical significance is hard to overstate. In 1944, it played host to the famous Bretton Woods Conference, a pivotal event in world economic history. Even today, echoes of the past linger in the hotel’s original woodwork, wraparound verandas, and a hidden speakeasy called The Cave—a Prohibition-era bar tucked away on the lower level. For those with a taste for the mysterious, Room 314 is said to be haunted by Carolyn Stickney, the hotel’s former matron. Some guests claim to have felt her presence in the halls, and the site has even drawn investigators from "Ghost Hunters."
Yet, history is only part of the allure. The resort’s accommodations blend heritage charm with modern comfort. Whether guests opt for a tower suite with a private stairway or a newly renovated deluxe room in the Presidential Wing, they’re treated to plush beds, vintage-style lighting, marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, and—most importantly—balcony views of the Presidential Range. These rooms provide front-row seats to New England’s legendary fall foliage, making them a coveted escape for those eager to immerse themselves in autumn’s glory.
For those seeking relaxation, the resort’s award-winning spa channels the peacefulness of its mountain setting. Treatments are inspired by local nature and history, and guests can book hydrotherapy sessions or unwind in the relaxation lounge, which boasts panoramic mountain vistas. As Parade describes, "the outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the mountain peaks" offers the ultimate in relaxation and solitude. There are also wooded pathways and babbling brooks to explore, adding to the property’s sense of tranquility and natural beauty.
Adventure seekers aren’t left out, either. The hotel offers a canopy zip line tour, giving guests a bird’s-eye view of the reds, golds, and greens that blanket the landscape. Horseback riding, golf, hiking, and mountain biking are all available on-site, and in winter, the resort transforms into a ski-in, ski-out destination. But fall has its own unique draw: at night, far from city lights, the Omni Mount Washington is a designated "dark sky" location, where thousands of stars spill across the heavens. On full-moon nights, guests can ascend to the mountaintop for a candlelit, three-course dinner at Rosebrook Lodge, 3,000 feet above ground. During October’s Hunter’s Moon, diners enjoyed smoked salmon appetizers and beef filet with wine pairings, all while watching the moon rise over the peaks—a moment described as "magical" by those lucky enough to attend.
Beyond these headline experiences, the resort offers a host of can’t-miss moments. Guests can sip cocktails in The Cave speakeasy, embark on haunted history tours for a taste of the hotel’s spookier side, or ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway during peak foliage for unbeatable views. Underground boutiques tempt shoppers with locally made fudge, while the Conservatory invites visitors to warm up by the fire with a good book and a mug of mulled wine.
But as the region’s popularity grows, not everyone is thrilled about the influx of visitors. According to Dow Jones & Company, rural Vermonters like Laura Seymour are feeling the strain. Seymour, who lives in Huntington, Vermont, described how the crowds of leaf-peeping tourists have become so overwhelming that she and her husband decided to escape to the French countryside for the first two weeks of October—right when Vermont’s colors typically peak. "This crowding from visiting leaf-peepers in Huntington, Vt., has gotten so irksome," Seymour explained, highlighting a sentiment shared by many locals who find their quiet routines disrupted by the seasonal surge.
The phenomenon isn’t new, but it’s becoming more pronounced as social media and travel guides shine an ever-brighter spotlight on New England’s fall spectacle. The peak foliage period—often early to mid-October—has turned rural roads into traffic jams and transformed tranquil towns into bustling hubs. For some residents, the economic benefits brought by tourism are offset by frustration and a longing for the peace that once defined their communities.
Still, for many travelers, the chance to experience autumn in New England is worth the journey. The Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa, with its blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty, stands as a testament to why the region remains such a coveted destination. Whether sipping cocktails in a hidden speakeasy, gazing at the stars from a mountaintop, or simply soaking in the colors from a balcony, guests find themselves swept up in a tradition that spans generations.
Yet, the story of New England’s fall is more than just a travel brochure come to life. It’s a tale of balance—between welcoming visitors and preserving the serenity that makes the region so special. As the leaves continue to turn and the crowds continue to grow, both travelers and locals are left to navigate the joys and challenges of autumn in one of America’s most beloved landscapes. For now, the mountains glow, the stars shine, and the age-old dance between nature, history, and humanity plays on.
