Top Romantic Fall Getaways: Sonoma, Big Sur & Lake Tahoe On List

SONOMA, CA – With Caribbean resorts to old world charm in Quebec and New England's colorful scenery from which to choose, fall can be a great time to plan a romantic getaway.

And the folks at Redbook magazine just published their list of 60 international destinations, with Sonoma County, Big Sur and Lake Tahoe landing on the selected "must-visit" destinations.

"If you feel like you and your partner are in desperate need of alone time, you're probably right! And nothing's more romantic than a weekend away with your love — especially when we've picked the coziest B&B's, restaurants, and activities for you to enjoy together," the authors said. "Choose a destination, pack your bag, and reignite your relationship. We won't blame you if you never want to come home."

It's almost routine for travel sites and magazines to rave about California's picturesque beachfronts, dining adventures, quaint towns and wine country. The Redbook article is no different.

Of Sonoma County, the writers said: "Most head to the northeast when hunting down the best fall foliage views, but don't discount wine country just yet. The leaves start changing here in early- to mid-October, which just so happens to be the heart of harvest season. Stay at Timber Cove Resort, where you'll be conveniently close to the Armstrong Redwood Forests, perfect for a day of hiking. Refresh afterward at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary."

For Big Sur: "Star-crossed lovers belong at Post Ranch Inn, as you'll get a perfect view of the celestial skies overlooking the Pacific Coast. If you're feeling luxuriously adventurous (yep, it's a thing), choose to stay in their Tree Houses, built above the forest floor to give you the perfect stargazing view from the skylight above your bed. While you're there, reserve a dinner spot at Sierra Mar. And once you're nestled next to the fireplace in your room, you can keep an eye out for migrating whales (the hotel supplies binoculars) as they head south for the winter."

Lake Tahoe's praise: "Imagine sipping wine by a fireplace, relaxing in a jetted tub, and watching the sunset lakefront — now that's a romantic getaway and could be yours at Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel. Rent a pedal boat at South Tahoe Standup Paddle on El Dorado Beach. For dinner, go to The Loft Theater, a swanky restaurant theater-lounge combo with a magic show that's hilarious, not cheesy, and burlesque performances."

Also on the list are such far-flung spots as Cooperstown, New York (apple-picking, canoeing and the National Baseball Hall of Fame), the Caribbean paradise Cayman Islands ( swim with dolphins!), Natchez, Mississippi (biscuit capital of the world) and Sea Island, Georgia with its private beaches, secluded gardens and pampering spas.

But -- hey! -- why travel far when superlative destinations exist in the Golden State? See the full article with all the fall travel recommendations on the Redbook website.

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--Image via Al Francis of NapaSonomaPhotos.com/Deb Belt, Patch, contributed to this post