Ah, fall road trips. The air is crisp, the coffee is strong, and your playlist is somehow 87% Fleetwood Mac. If you’ve been daydreaming about colorful leaves, cozy cafés, and little weekend adventures, this is the first post in a series recapping a mini New England road trip I took last year. Think of it as inspiration (and maybe a tiny nudge) for planning your own fall getaway: forests to hike, quirky stops to explore, and cozy evenings in small cities that make you feel like you’ve escaped for longer than a weekend.

This first post covers the road trip from Albany into southern New Hampshire through the first night in Providence.

The Mini Getaway Guide participates in affiliate marketing programs. This means that when you click on certain links and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products, services, and experiences that I personally use or genuinely believe will add value to your travel planning. Your support helps keep this blog running and allows me to continue sharing honest, practical travel tips.

Madame Sherri Forest

First stop: Madame Sherri Forest. Here, the ruins of a once-fancy castle peek through the trees, giving off “mysterious forest adventure” vibes. But the real fun was the Ann Stokes Loop trail. Twisty paths, scrambling over rocks, and breathtaking fall leaf views that made me feel simultaneously heroic, clumsy, and very alive. At several points I was basically saying to myself, “Yep, this is exactly why people do this hiking thing.”

Chesterfield Gorge

Next, I hit Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area. Two hikes in one day? Both my inner voice and legs had a lot of opinions: “Didn’t we already go on a hike?” But the gorge delivered rushing water, towering rocks, and a trail that made every step feel like a mini adventure.

Coffee in Keene, NH

By the time I reached Keene, caffeine was essential. I grabbed a latte at Brewbakers Café and soaked in the warm, cozy vibes before hitting the road again. Small breaks like this are lifesavers on multi-stop adventures, and the coffee definitely made the next leg of the drive much more enjoyable.

Dinner in Providence

Evening rolled around, and I treated myself to a lobster roll at Dune Brothers in Providence. It was buttery, messy, and exactly the kind of reward you need after a day outdoors. I may or may not have temporarily forgotten that I had a hotel room waiting just a few blocks away, because, honestly, the lobster roll deserved my full attention.

Aloft Hotel Providence

At the end of the day, I checked into the Aloft Providence Downtown. After a day of driving, hikes, and several coffee boosts, I luxuriated in a shower that made me question why my own bathroom at home doesn’t come with ambient lighting and specialized soaps. And, finally, I collapsed on a bed that felt like a hug from the universe.

Final Thoughts

A mini getaway isn’t about a perfect agenda or packed schedule. It’s about enjoying the moments as they come and savoring the little victories along the way. Hiking through forests, scrambling over rocks, and ending the day with a cozy dinner and a comfy bed? That’s what makes a short road trip memorable. If you’re planning a Providence weekend trip or New Hampshire fall hikes, the takeaway is simple: pack your sneakers, pack some snacks, and give yourself permission to enjoy the journey.

Follow along for Part 2, where Providence shows off some hidden gems and more highlights from the trip.