A fall getaway is something everyone deserves, especially since summer is over and stores have been stocking Christmas decorations for over a month. So before the hectic holiday season begins, head out to enjoy some of the peace and beauty fall brings to the country with these fabulous fall getaway tips.

Madison, Wisconsin

Madison may be better known as a student city, but the capital of Wisconsin is surrounded by a surprising amount of fun things to do that don’t involve its university. The Madison Homewood Suites is about an hour from the Cave of the Mounds – one of the highest rated tourist destinations in the state. During the colder months, the caves are almost always a pleasant 50 degrees.

Thirty minutes from the caves is the House on the Rock, a real hidden gem in the middle of the rolling hills of central Wisconsin. The House on the Rock is something you need to see to believe. What looks like a modest visitor’s center from the entrance is actually a massive self-guided tour past impressive collections of art, antiques and more. Their indoor whale can only be described as “insane.” And once you think you’ve seen all you can handle for the day, you’ll come face to face with the largest indoor carousel in the world.

Drive past the House on the Rock, and you’ll pass through Spring Green – home to Taliesin, the summer home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. During the fall season, tours are limited to the weekend, so check times before you make the drive.

Madison Homewood Suites:

479 Commerce Drive
Madison, Wisconsin 53719
Tel: 1-608-271-0600

(Photo from Flickr/Fitzgene)

Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C. is a perfect fall destination thanks to its great mix of indoor and outdoor activities and a fantastic public transit system. The Washington D.C. Homewood Suites location is minutes away from the McPherson Square Metro station. Once checked in, your day will depend entirely on the weather. With sun, take the Metro to the National Arboretum. If the weather isn’t cooperating, all is not lost, because D.C. has plenty of covered sights and scenes.

A 12-minute bus ride takes you to the Smithsonian Museum complex, home to the National Air and Space museum, the National Museum of Natural History or one of 12 other world famous museums. Once here, you are within walking distance of the Washington Monument, the National Mall and the Capitol Building.

Washington D.C. Homewood Suites

1475 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20005
Tel: 1-202-265-8000

(Photo from Flickr/kevindooley)

New York, New York

Ferris Bueller isn’t the only one entitled to “recall Central Park in Fall.” Just like Washington D.C, New York City is a fantastic place to visit this season. This is the time of year when the bulk of the tourists are gone, parks are showing their fall foliage and, if you arrive on time, Christmas decorations are beginning to be unboxed.

Even if you are horrible in skates, a trip to the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink is a fantastic way to enjoy the city, without spending a fortune. This year, the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony is on November 30, so if you are in town, you’ll be in for a real treat.

Of course, November is also when you can experience the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Just be sure to arrive on time if you’d like a decent spot. Experienced visitors will be lining up before sunrise just to snag a place to view the parade.

If you are in the mood for some Holiday (window) shopping you’ll be happy to know that most major department stores unveil their 2010 windows in the middle of November.

The closest Homewood Suites is located in New Jersey – but don’t let this scare you away, because it is located on the western banks of the Hudson, overlooking Manhattan – a view you won’t find in any downtown New York hotels. The hotel offers a free shuttle to the NY Waterway Ferry terminal.

Edgewater, NJ Homewood Suites

10 The Promenade
Edgewater, New Jersey 07020
Tel: 1-201-941-4700

(Photo from Flickr/joiseyshowaa)

Napa Valley, California

If your idea of a fall trip does not involve dressing in warm clothes, then a fall getaway to Napa Valley could be exactly what you need for a relaxing trip. The Napa Valley Homewood Suites is located in Fairfield, about 40 miles from San Francisco and Sacramento. Once in Fairfield, you’ll be a mere 25 minutes from Napa Valley, which most likely won’t need much of an introduction.

In Fairfield, there are some surprises as well, such as the Jelly Belly Candy Company and visitor’s center, countless wineries and a Budweiser brewery tour.

Unlike many parts of the country, not everything here shuts down for the season, including the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom theme park.

Fairfield / Napa Valley area Homewood Suites

4755 Business Center Drive
Fairfield, California 94534
Tel: 1-707-863-0300

(Photo from Flickr/Arnaud H)