There's something about October that makes a group text turn into an actual trip. Maybe it's the first cool snap after a brutal summer, maybe it's the itch to get away before holiday chaos, but whatever the reason, fall is prime time for a friends' getaway.

Here are some of our favorite cozy fall escapes for a girls' trip, guys' trip, or any group of friends looking to make the most of the season before it slips away.

Wine Country Weekends

Fall in wine country isn't just about the wine - it's harvest season, which means the vineyards are golden, the crowds have thinned, and many wineries host crush events and harvest dinners you can't get any other time of year.

• Napa & Sonoma, California - Split your time between the two: Napa for polished tasting rooms and multi-course wine pairings, Sonoma for a more laid-back, farmhouse vibe. Rent a house with a big kitchen and a porch, and make at least one night a "cook together" night with ingredients from a local farmers market.
• Fredericksburg, Texas - Texas Hill Country's answer to wine country, with dozens of tasting rooms along Highway 290, German-influenced small-town charm, and peach orchards and lavender farms to break up the wine stops. A great low-key, budget-friendly option with plenty of cute guesthouses for a group. Be sure to grab a Wine Pass if visiting in October.
• Willamette Valley, Oregon - Known for pinot noir and a quieter, greener version of wine country. Great for a group that wants tastings by day and hiking trails in the afternoon.

Mountain Town Getaways

If your group leans more "cabin with a fireplace and a deck of cards" than "vineyard tour," mountain towns deliver in October with cooler air, changing leaves, and outdoor activities without summer crowds.

• Asheville, North Carolina - Picture hiking and Blue Ridge Parkway drives during the day, and a thriving food and brewery scene at night. Book a rental near downtown so everyone can walk to dinner.
• Vail, Colorado - Fall is an underrated season here. The aspens turn gold against the peaks, hiking and mountain biking trails are quiet, and the alpine village vibe makes for a scenic backdrop to long dinners and slower mornings. Rates are also a fraction of ski season.
• Stowe, Vermont - About as classic "New England fall" as it gets. Leaf peeping, apple orchards, and covered bridges by day; wood-burning fireplaces and hot toddies by night.

Coastal Retreats

Not every fall trip has to be about foliage. A coastal escape in October means warm-enough weather, fewer tourists, and a slower pace than peak summer.

• Kiawah Island, South Carolina - Miles of quiet beach, bike trails winding through maritime forest, and a slower pace. Rent a group house near the beach and split mornings between biking and the sand.
• Outer Banks, North Carolina - Rent a big beach house for a fraction of summer rates. Quiet beaches, bike rides, and long dinners on the deck.
• Newport, Rhode Island - Gilded Age mansions, the Cliff Walk with dramatic ocean views, and a compact, walkable downtown full of seafood spots and cozy bars. October brings crisp air and fewer crowds.

Tips for Planning a Smooth Friends' Getaway

A group trip runs best when a few things are settled up front:

• Pick one person as the "decider." Not a dictator, just someone who breaks ties on restaurant picks and makes the final call on the Airbnb.
• Split costs early with an app. Venmo, Splitwise, or a shared group card keeps things from getting awkward later.
• Book accommodations with common space. A house with a big kitchen or living room beats separate hotel rooms for a group that wants to hang out.
• Build in "together time" and "free time." Plan one or two group activities (a winery tour, a hike, a group dinner) and leave the rest open so people can nap, shop, or wander on their own.

October is arguably the sweet spot for a friends' getaway. Whether your crew is chasing wine, mountain air, or a quiet stretch of coastline, the hardest part will be picking just one destination (I say this from experience, LOL).

Happy planning!

Kirsten