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While everyone is turning back the clock 10 years on social media for some odd reason, we at Travel Off Path are still focused on where to go in the here and now.

Plus, nobody wants to see my man bun…

With a little help from fellow experts at Travel + Leisure, we honed in on the perfect lakeside escape to treat yourself.

But hey, if you need to look in the rear-view mirror a decade ago to remind yourself you deserve it, you do you, boo.

Most travelers visit Atlanta, Savannah, or the charming cluster of islands a stone’s throw from the Florida state line, but what goes overlooked is one lake town boasting a ritzy resort, upscale golf community, and ample vacation rentals if you prefer more space than a traditional hotel room.

Not only is the lake beautiful, surrounded by lush greenery and aquatic thrills post-winter, but the town that calls this glistening body of water home is a delight to explore too.

Welcome To Greensboro: Georgia’s Secret Hideaway

Looking to escape the noise? Greensboro, Georgia is just the place!

Boasting a delightful town center brimming with historic storefronts and locally owned shops, you don’t have to worry about Savannah’s crowds and can simply kick back and unwind without cheesy tour buses or uppity Karens (yeah, Savannah can be like that).

There’s arguably no town in Georgia more easygoing. We’re talking locals waving from their front porch with a pitcher of sweet tea at the ready in this unhurried town.

Dating back to 1786, the history is almost tangible as it’s been through quite a tumultuous timeline, touching on the Civil War, the Great Depression, and other hardships.

Nowadays, it’s simply an enjoyable escape from the city grind, especially since it’s only roughly 80 miles southeast of Atlanta.

And if your savings account looks about like mine, then splurging on a 5-star lakeside resort may not be in the cards.

Don’t let that stop you from visiting — Greensboro has a handful of name-brand chains that won’t break the bank, nor will the Goodwin Manor (when it reopens).

Lake Oconee Is Your Next Waterfront Getaway

It’s a common consensus that downtown is the heart of any place.

Not that downtown should be skipped, but we’re lockstep with Travel + Leisure on this one with the belief that Lake Oconee is the heart of Greensboro.

A true four-season getaway, though swimming is off the table right now, Lake Oconee is a blast to visit no matter what the weather report reads.

Right now, it’s a great spot to make friends with a boat owner and go on a fishing trip or simply enjoy a lakeside stroll, but come spring, it takes on a whole new identity with floral blooms and sunny days ahead.

You’ll see more kayaks and paddle-boarders out and about, and swimmers too, as waters become warmer until the end of September, when the lake becomes more of a photo op for leaf-peepers the following months.

There are multiple outlets to rent whichever equipment tickles your fancy, but if there’s one activity not to be missed, it’s a sunset cruise.

Ritz Carlton: Lake Oconee’s Premiere Centerpiece

If you thought Ritz Carlton stuck to the household names to build their posh properties, think again!

It’s true, Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is one of their most low-key luxury resorts given the location.

Here are 5 things we love about this Ritz and believe you will too:

• Exclusive lakeside beach for kayaking, paddle-boarding, and boat rentals without leaving the property
• Multiple pools including an adults-only pool (seasonally) and a large family pool complex
• A world-class spa with private treatment rooms, a co-ed relaxation lounge, sauna and steam rooms
• A standout lineup of on-site restaurants from the resort’s signature steakhouse to relaxed lakeside patios
• Access to Reynolds Lake Oconee’s golf courses, with transit and tee times coordinated through the concierge

The only thing to scoff at is the price. Yes, there’s often a comma in nightly rates.

That said, don’t forget what we said about vacation rentals. Check out Airbnb for much more wallet-friendly pricing.

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Last Updated 21 seconds ago

Fall tends to give new life to a handful of states that are normally skipped over. Take New Hampshire, for example.

What’s normally just a pass-through state turns into a real-life kaleidoscope of fall colors, luring in millions of tourists each year.

But seeing nature transform before our very eyes isn’t limited to the East Coast’s hidden gems; you can enjoy visiting other overlooked states across the country as well.

Idaho isn’t just a foodie destination whipping up every potato concoction imaginable; it’s a gorgous state through and through.

The state’s capital of Boise may be the new trendy spot of the Pacific Northwest, but it’s the ritzy lakeside town of Coeur D’alene that makes for the ultimate fall getaway.

Northern Idaho’s Ritzy Hideaway

Coeur D’alene attracts all types of travelers, including the rich and famous. Far from being comparable to the bright lights of Hollywood, this is the perfect place to escape the noise, so you may see some familiar faces attempting to blend in with us “normies”.

Celebs such as The Kardashians, Justin Bieber, and Mark Wahlberg have been spotted vacationing here while it’s said that Oscar winners, Matthew McConaughey, and George Clooney, own homes here.

Coeur D’alene is delightful in fall no matter how big or small your paycheck, but be warned it is a ritzy destination.

People tend to splurge on the ample selection of premiere resorts and vacation rentals found here.

Resorts sell out like hotcakes here, so making plans ahead of time is highly recommended.

While there are some truly lavish cabins to book through Airbnb and local agencies, TripAdvisor has these 3 resorts listed as Coeur D’alene’s top stays:

1. The Coeur d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort
2. Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel
3. One Lakeside Resort

Although, my top pick isn’t a resort at all – The Blackwell is a historic boutique hotel set in an eye-popping circa-1900 home oozing Savannah vibes and much more affordable in the low $100s.

Endless Fall Splendor

Sure, you can lounge around the resort for the duration of your trip, but Coeur D’alene is made to be explored.

With a plethora of designated trails and scenic drives at your fingertips, you have the sights, sounds, and smells of fall in close reach.

There’s arguably no prettier place in Idaho to immerse in all that fall brings, from peeping the vibrant foliage to incredible wildlife sightings, including bald eagles.

We’re not saying you have to stop in your tracks and say the Pledge of Allegiance, but there’s certainly no better place to witness our country’s emblem, as 2024 has so far been a record year with 400+ sightings.

For the best viewing opportunities, the eagles tend to flock to Wolf Lodge Bay and Lake Coeur D’alene to feast on salmon from November – February.

But truth is you never know what goodies you’ll find exploring this lake town. That being said, visitors love taking the Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway through lush forestry to truly take in the town’s autumnal glory.

Otherwise, simply enjoying a stroll around the lake offers incredible views, especially at Tubbs Hill, a sprawling park at the edge of the lake.

Beat The Winter Crowds!

Despite feeling magical in the throws of autumn, this season is undoubtedly the best time to visit between the hordes and summer lakers and the unstoppable surge of winter skiers.

Not every place is blessed to be a real treasure each season, but that’s the case with Coeur D’alene.

This pretty town nestled in the Bitterroot Range within in the Rockies has a lot going for it. Not only is it a place to enjoy Idaho’s finest resorts and fall colors, there are many other ways to unwind as well.

One of which is Coeur D’alene is an underrated golf destination with multiple scenic courses to hit the links before the winter weather rolls around.

You can also enjoy fishing and boating around the picturesque lake by renting a kayak, or Lake Coeur D’alene Cruises provides daily cruises for about $30.

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Last Updated 2 weeks ago

They say there are two sides to every story, and in some cases, two sides to every town.

But this one is truly a unicorn!

Nestled along the California – Nevada border lies a gorgeous getaway packed with fall splendor and ritzy resorts.

No matter which side of the fence you’re on, there’s plenty to do, see, and eat.

Home to crystal clear waters, even Californians find themselves “stay-cationing” inland away from the Golden State’s renowned coastline, especially as the surrounding backdrop begins to blooms with fall colors.

It’s time to wave goodbye to the ocean, and say hello to the magical mountain town of Lake Tahoe, a rare multi-state destination whose beauty and luxury will leave you speechless this fall.

The North Side Is All The Rage This Fall

No need for another California turf war.

With Tupac gone (or living his best island life) and the Kendrick-Drake beef subsided, let’s just say there’s no need for Tahoe to spark a North vs. South battle.

If anything, Outside Magazine has stoked the campfire, so to speak, claiming Tahoe’s North side is all the rage this fall, and they’re right!

While there’s certainly more to California than pristine beaches and bustling cities, many travelers are seeking out the best spots to ‘leaf-peep’.

For the West Coast, one of the best is surely Lake Tahoe. Already boasting dreamy blue waters, the allure increases tenfold back-splashed by the vast Sierra Nevada mountain range showcasing a kaleidoscope of colors September to winter.

North Lake Tahoe spans across both Nevada and California, and I bet you can guess which side beholds the ‘nude beach’!

While you’re free to show off whatcha mama gave ya, so is Lake Tahoe, as Mother Nature gifted this region with some astounding sites to explore.

There are 12 delightful towns dotted around this side, all offering their own unique flair. Many visitors love going for scenic hikes, with over 100 trails to choose from, or enjoying the pristine water by kayak or SUP.

Outside Magazine calls fall the ‘secret season’ for Tahoe; one key reason being how festive it becomes with fun events like a pair of different Oktoberfests and the Made in Tahoe Festival.

Cozy Cabin Or Ritzy Resorts: Lake Tahoe Has You Covered

For what it’s worth, don’t sleep on the South side, figuratively speaking. But, hey, you literally can sleep in South Tahoe – and in style, too.

There’s a variety are cozy cabins, lodges, and luxurious stays to choose from wrapping around the gorgeous lake.

As you surely may have guessed, Nevada is the side of the lake where you can visit casinos, such as famous names like Hard Rock and Golden Nugget.

The California side is just as splendid but lacking the neon lights and cheesy, over-the-top decor.

Here are some of the most noteworthy luxury stays in Lake Tahoe (all 4-star accommodations or higher):

• Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
• Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino
• Bally’s Lake Tahoe
• Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
• Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
• Franciscan Lakeside Lodge
• Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino

And this is just a sample size!

Keep in mind, during the winter months, Lake Tahoe transforms into a quintessential winter wonderland where hordes of tourists visit to hit the Palisades’ slopes, many of which are marvelous ski resorts too, like Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Reaching Lake Tahoe

For some, Lake Tahoe is the ultimate road trip destination to explore the scenic, winding California back roads oozing fall splendor.

For others, we just like to hop on a plane and get there when we get there.

Either way, Tahoe is easy to reach, with ample flights to Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Offering 23 flights through 9 different carriers, the airport is located under an hour away from your next fall escape.

These two providers offer shuttles from the airport, as well as Uber:

• North Lake Tahoe Express
• South Tahoe Airporter

Travel Tip: Warm up from the breezy mountain air by visiting Lake Tahoe’s top hidden gem – Travertine Hot Springs. Free to enter, and no permits required, take a dip surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery.

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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.