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From Alaska to Vermont, these lesser-known destinations are the perfect places to explore in autumn.

London’s dining scene is having a golden moment.

Dozens of artworks across the country are showcasing unsung talent and providing an important insight into the Indigenous experience.

At this intimate Marylebone hotel, there’s a unique history that goes beyond its setting in a Regency townhouse, or its location overlooking one of London’s earliest cricket grounds. Of more interest to hotel junkies is the fact that, back in 1985, this was the first hotel opened by Tim and Kit Kemp, who went on to found the much-loved Firmdale Hotels group, which now has properties throughout London and New York City. Though the couple sold Dorset Square in 2002, they re-bought it in 2012, and gave it a thorough re-do to bring it back to their signature style standard.

The 38 rooms now feature modern English décor, complete with individually selected furnishings and eye-catching fabrics, as well as Wi-Fi, iPod docking stations, and granite bathrooms with walk-in showers or bathtubs. The top-tier Marylebone Room kicks it up a notch with grey wool walls and a separate sitting room. Some of the rooms run small, but luckily there are comfy public spaces in which to hang out, including a lovely ground floor library with fireplace, honor bar, and views of the square. The Potting Shed restaurant is both a guest and local favorite for its gourmet menu and all-day afternoon tea, as well as its Chef’s Table dinners and weekend Prosecco Brunch. The team here can also put together a custom picnic hamper, stocked with eats, drinks, and a blanket for enjoying in the square or nearby Regent’s Park.

A Carib chief and national hero, Joseph Chatoyer led revolts against British colonists in 1772 and again in 1795. During the latter revolt, his soldiers and their French allies were planning to attack Kingstown from Dorsetshire Hill, but British soldiers marched up from the city and attacked first, killing Chatoyer. Today, he’s memorialized in a monument on that very hill, overlooking the city he fought so hard to regain.

The George was a pleasant find on a cold and windy day in West Bay. Just a mile out of the town of Bridport this Dorset resort is a joy in summer and the perfect place to find freshly caught fish and enjoy the beauty of the Jurassic Coast. The George is a very welcoming pub which is bright and airy. There is a wide selection of beers including those locally brewed up the road at Palmers Brewery in Bridport. I’d recommend Dorset Gold for a good local beer. The food at The George is delicious and locally sourced. There is a specials board , smaller portions for those who don’t want too much- and enormous servings for those who are hungry. With historic decor showing some of the heritage of this small fishing town The George is a good place for a meal or a beer. It has accommodation which is ideal for those on vacation in this area.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is a well known charity in the UK that provides lifeguards and lifeboats around the British coastline. This saves hundreds of lives at sea each year. The RNLI Headquarters and College is in Poole, Dorset. They have overnight bed and breakfast accommodation for visitors which is one of the best bargains on the coast. The views across Poole Harbour are spectacular and the College does a good evening meal or is within easy walking distance of the town centre. Staying at the RNLI College is an opportunity to learn about this lifesaving service in the UK and to help the charity as profits are used to support the work of the lifeboats.

The village of Moreton in Dorset is a real find for anyone looking for a piece of tranquil England. This is the burial place of Lawrence of Arabia, the home of an exquisite church with unique etched windows and a wonderful woodland walk. It is a world away from the big cities and yet there is a direct train from London. Moreton Tea Rooms is now a busy and popular café and restaurant in what was once the school room. Pictures of the old village and reminders of the links with Lawrence of Arabia cover the walls. The food is sourced locally from freshly caught crab to beef from a nearby farm. Vegetables are grown within a few miles of the tea room and the seasons are reflected in the menu. This is a wonderful place to relax over lunch after a countryside walk and appreciate the flavours of the cuisine.Sunday roast lunch is my favourite and the taste is mouth watering. Afternoon (or morning) tea and cakes are a particular specialty with all manner of tempting treats. If the cake trolley looks a bit unusual, it also has a historic link to the past. This black metal trolley covered in all manner of cream cakes, fruit cakes and seasonal delights was once the bier that carried the coffin of Lawrence of Arabia to his funeral.

Followers and admirers of talented Cape Town based ceramicist, Mervyn Gers, whose unique and beautiful dinnerware graces many private homes, discerning restaurants and other properties, will be delighted at the opening in central Cape Town of a retail shop, showcasing the varied decorative and also functional items created by this modest yet innovative designer. The range incorporates those wanting quality gift items to take home with them, to those looking for complete sets for their own homes.

Sir Walter Raleigh built Sherborne Castle in 1594 alongside an older castle from the 12th century, the ruins of which still remain on the grounds. The Digby family bought the property while Raleigh was imprisoned in the Tower of London and they have lived there ever since. The castle and impressive gardens (redesigned by ‘Capability’ Brown in 1753) are open from March through October, when visitors can explore the extravagant furnishings and art collections, and also venture into the cellar to see Raleigh’s original kitchen and family artifacts.

Looking out at the Straits of Mona, in a part of Puerto Rico where the constant waves are a surfer’s dream, the Horned Dorset Primavera stands out with its classic, neo-colonial architecture. The hotel is spread over hilly terrain and features cozy corners for relaxing, such as the seaside terrace bar, as well as lush, sprawling grounds, full of bougainvillea and hibiscus that cascades down to sea. The surrounding beaches are perfect for swimming, and there are casinos and one of former president Dwight D. Eisenhower’s favorite golf courses nearby.

While the 16 suites are uniquely decorated, they all feature unfussy furnishings with just a touch of elegance (think dark, glossy wood and pure white veils enveloping four-poster beds). Built on two levels, each suite includes a master bedroom with a king-size bed, marble bathroom with walk-in shower and soaking tub, living room, kitchenette, secondary bathroom, and personal plunge pool.