Fall for Columbus Day Weekend Family Travel Deals: Hershey, DC, Paradise Island and More

10/7/13 - By Allison Tibaldi

October, with Columbus Day Weekend and Halloween, is a classic time for East Coast families to get out and enjoy the changing colors. Deals are plentiful in favorite fall getaway locations like Vermont, Saratoga, Hershey PA, Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Plymouth and Boston MA and Philadelphia. Farther afield, the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and the beaches of Hawaii beckon with bargains.  If you are craving Caribbean paradise, try your luck by entering a Facebook contest to win a vacation for four to Paradise Island, Bahamas.  Here are some great deals for fall family vacations.

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Gideon Putnam Resort, Saratoga Springs, NY
The Gideon Putnam Resort is located on Saratoga Spa State Park’s beautiful grounds.  Families can Bike, jog or hike the 2,000-acre State Park’s trails or play a round of golf on the 18-hole course.  The hotel is only a few minutes walk across the park from the historic Roosevelt Baths and Spa. From now until December 30, the resort is offering a deal with their Fall Bed, Breakfast and Bath special.  The package includes overnight accommodations, breakfast for two and two mineral baths at The Roosevelt Baths & Spa. If you have never visited this venerable spa, the mineral bath is its signature treatment.  You soak in the salubrious local mineral water for 40-minutes, which is a soothing 97 degrees. The heat keeps the water nicely carbonated and bubbly, so you feel like you’re bathing in Champagne.  Kids under 16 are not allowed at the spa, so ask the hotel to book a sitter while you luxuriate.  The promo code is BBBPKG.

Lake Morey Resort, Vermont
This fall, the whole family can learn how to make apple cider from their own freshly picked apples during their two-night stay at this New England resort.  The Smash, Sip and Stay package is a great way to enjoy the foliage and autumn’s bounty. This special is available weekends through October 12. Prices start at $398 per adult, based on double occupancy. Children ages 3 to 12 are $80 and kids 13 to 17 are $130. The package includes accommodations and dinner Friday and Saturday, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning, and apple cider pressing on Saturday afternoon. There is also a “Cider Hour” on Saturday evening that includes food and non-alcoholic beverages. The complimentary evening bonfire features make-your-own s’mores.  To reserve, click here.

John Carver Inn and Spa, Plymouth, MA.
This family-friendly hotel has a Haunted Stay and Corn Maze package valid through November 2.  The price starts at $155 nightly and includes a room on a Friday or Saturday night, two tickets to a seven-acre corn maze and two tickets to the Ghosts and Legends tour that departs right from the hotel’s lobby.  The property has an indoor pool with a Pilgrim theme, complete with a life-size replica of the Mayflower.

Hershey Lodge, Hershey, PA.
Get a jump-start on Halloween with a candy-infused visit to Hershey.  The Hershey Lodge is a fun place to stay, thanks to its chocolate-themed décor and spacious grounds.  The Halloween in Hershey package includes room, breakfast with Hershey product characters, admission to Hershey Park in the Dark and more.  The package starts at $339 per night, double occupancy. Kids add an additional $55 per night, per child.

The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
This hotel is located on the scenic Eastern Shore in Cambridge, Maryland.  It is situated on 400 acres on the banks of the Choptank River. The property is offering a 40% discount on regular room rates October 6 through March 31, 2014 with the" Luxury on Sale" deal. Room rates start at $149 a night for stays Sunday through Thursday and $199 a night during the weekend. Complimentary activities include swimming, tennis, miniature golf, jogging trails, a wildlife refuge, game room, a fitness center and more. The package may be booked by calling 1-800-633-7313 or online, using the promo code “LUXRY4".

Loews Boston and Washington D.C.
These kid-friendly cities are usually lovely this time of year.  If you can stay for three nights, Loews is offering a 30% discount on the room rate for your entire stay.  For more information, go to the Loews site for this Third Night's a Charm Offer.

Keystone, Colorado
Shoulder season is a great time to score a Rocky Mountain bargain in Colorado.  Summer is over, ski season is yet to start up, and the warm days and cool nights are made for outdoor recreation.   Keystone Resort has an End of Summer Savings special with rates that start at $99 per room, per night, based on a multiple night stay, valid until October 31.  Freebies include guided hikes, scenic lift rides for kids under 12, free golf, s’mores around that campfire and lots more.

Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki
Am I the only one old enough to remember the Brady Bunch vacationing at this tropical resort back in the 70’s?  The property is offering a $129 nightly room rate on select dates this fall.  Besides the glorious beach, poolside dive-in movies, fireworks, exercise classes and cultural activities are all included.  If you feel like island hopping, head over to the sister property on the Big Island and you’ll get the same rate at the Hilton Waikoloa Village.

Paradise Island Vacation Contest
Think your family could use a Bahamas getaway?  Here’s you chance to win a Paradise Island vacation.  You need to submit a 30 second video explaining why you merit this fabulous tropical getaway.  The grand prize package includes round trip tickets for four people, airport transfers, six nights at the Comfort Suites Paradise Island in a junior suite, full access to Atlantis, delicious dinners, an unforgettable dolphin encounter and much more.  What are you waiting for?  A free Bahamas vacation opportunity awaits you and your family.  Get the video camera ready and go for it.  You have until October 31, 2013 to create a winning video submission.  For more contest information on the Picture Yourself in Paradise Facebook contest, click here.