This Charming River Town On The New York-Canada Border Is Perfect For A Cozy Fall Getaway

When the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to blaze with color, it's the perfect time for a fall getaway. But instead of battling the crowds at the usual hotspots, why not escape somewhere quieter? Lewiston, NY seems tailor-made for autumn, with its cozy cafés, leafy historic streets, and farmlands and vineyards alive with fall harvests. Even better, it's only a short drive from Niagara Falls, where you can enjoy both a bucket-list adventure and some of the finest foliage in the country. (Don't miss our leaf-peeping travel hacks to squeeze the best out of the season!)

Lewiston sits on the Niagara River, right on the Canadian border. The charming village carries over 200 years of history within its many well-preserved 19th-century buildings in downtown. You'll likely begin your exploration on Center Street, the main thoroughfare lined with attractive brick and white clapboard buildings. Take a wander, ducking into the boutiques and welcoming cafés for a break. Make sure to find the photogenic Little Yellow House for cute photos. The area is particularly stunning during fall, as trees turn crimson and gold, and quintessential fall atmosphere descends.

Lewiston is best known as the final U.S. stop on the Underground Railroad, and is the setting for Margaret Goff Clark's novel "Freedom Crossing." Start or finish your Center Street stroll at the Freedom Crossing Monument, which sits on the Niagara River and commemorates enslaved people seeking freedom in Canada and those who helped them. A short walk will take you to the Tuscarora Heroes Monument, depicting Tuscarora Nation members guiding a family to safety. To learn more, a visit to the highly-rated Lewiston Museum is a must.

The mighty Niagara River is a focal point of many visits to Lewiston. Artpark offers spectacular views over Niagara Gorge, along with trails lined with sculptures and murals that transform your walk into an open-air gallery experience. If you'd rather enjoy the gorge scenery from water level, get on the river with a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour. The thrilling Class V rapids provide a huge adrenaline rush. And, of course, Niagara Falls awaits nearby. With both sides easily accessible, here's how to choose the American or Canadian side.

Lewiston also serves as a convenient jumping-off point for discovering the Niagara Wine Trail. The twelve wineries on the trail maintain a year-round calendar of events, with activity peaking during fall. Late September sees the Harvest Festival weekend, when you can visit ten of the wineries for wine tastings and food pairings for just $35. Bella Rose Vineyard & Winery, Lewiston's closest neighbor, has mini cheesecakes on the menu in 2025, making it a great final stop to savor dessert. Other wineries embrace fall-themed foods, with specialties like butternut squash and apple soup and maple-drizzled flatbread.

Foliage tends to peak in mid to late October in the area around Niagara Falls, so this is your prime window to experience the season's colors. Visitors who arrive earlier won't be disappointed, though. In late September, Lewiston hosts the Harvest and Hops Festival. There you can sip on craft beer, try local foods, and pick up a unique souvenir made by local artisans. Earlier in September, the Niagara Peach Festival comes to town, bringing not just peaches, but a range of other foods, live entertainment, and amusement park rides.

After a full day immersed in Lewiston's sights, you'll need a place to retreat. The Niagara Crossing Hotel and Spa features inviting rooms (some with a spa-style bath!) and rejuvenating treatments, like massages and body wraps. The Riverside Motel is another attractive option, and features classic Adirondack chairs overlooking the river.

Lewiston is located half an hour north of Buffalo, home to Niagara Falls International Airport. Served by flights from across the U.S. and Canada, the airport makes Lewiston easily accessible. Buffalo itself is an underrated destination with unique architecture, and a worthy addition to your tour of the area. Toronto also sits 1 hour and 30 minutes away across the border. So, pack your wool sweater, dose up on pumpkin spice lattes, and head to Lewiston for this season's coziest getaway.