The Best of Vermont During Fall Season
Fall in New England is one of the most beautiful times of the year. It’s a time for pumpkin flavored everything, warm apple cider paired with cider donuts, fall festivals and a stunning explosion of fall colors in all the leaves. One of the best places to experience fall foliage is Vermont!
Here’s my list of all the best places to visit across Vermont during the fall season:
Things to Know Before You Go:
- Check travel restrictions. Due to Covid-19, many states have certain travel restrictions depending on where you visit from and how you visit. Currently, Vermont allows quarantine-free travel for anyone coming from a county in the Northeast with less than 400 active coronavirus cases per million residents. Coming in a vehicle from NYC, I had to quarantine at home for 7 days and have a negative test in order to enter Vermont. I took a test two days prior to arriving in Vermont (came back negative), and since I was staying in a hotel, I had to complete a form stating I met the quarantine requirement. They did also ask me for proof of the negative test. For more information on travel restrictions for your state: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel
- You will need to rent a car. If you don’t already own a car, you will definitely need to rent one in order to see the most of Vermont. While it is possible to travel up to Vermont via public transportation, I rarely saw bus/train stops once inside the state, unless you’re in a more populated city.
- Plan accordingly. Foliage is best at its peak, when all the bright colors pop altogether. If you go too early, you might not see enough color. If you go too late, you may not see any leaves left on the trees. Peak foliage in Vermont ranges from late September to the first week (or two) of October. Of course, you can’t predict the exact dates. I visited from October 3-11, and the timing was perfect.
- Start up North, then drive down. Northern Vermont peaks earlier than Southern Vermont.
- Book your accommodation well in advance. Fall is a very popular time to visit in Vermont, so accommodation options are more limited the closer it gets to peak foliage. If you’re lucky, you can find a cheaper option if someone cancels, but it’s risky. I would suggest booking one to two months before your trip to get a wider range of (affordable) options.
- Bring clothing for different weather. October weather in Vermont varies. To give you an idea, temperature ranged from 35 to 70 degrees during my trip. Fortunately, for most of my trip, we enjoyed warm weather, but there were a couple of rainy days. Even on warmer days, because you’re in the mountains, the nights do get very chilly. Make sure to bring lots of warm clothing!
Where to Stay:
Some towns are more popular and visited than others, so you will find that these towns are also more expensive to stay in. I would suggest picking a location in the middle of the main places you want to see. For example, I split my trip into two parts. First, in Northern Vermont, I wanted to visit Montpelier, Stowe, Waterbury Center, and Burlington. These towns, especially Stowe, are some of the most popular towns in Vermont, which means accommodation can be pricey.
I found an affordable option in Warren through Airbnb. Warren is town just about 40 minutes south of Waterbury Center, and an hour drive from Burlington, Montpelier, and Stowe.
Similarly, I found a town in Southern Vermont within reasonable distance from all the other towns I wanted to visit. I stayed at the Upper Pass Lodge in Londonderry, which is just half an hour outside of Manchester, and one hour from Bennington and Woodstock.
Where to Visit:
No matter what town(s) you decide to visit, make sure you find yourself on Route 100 at some point during your trip. You most likely will anyway, since this route connects many towns along Vermont. Route 100 is state highway that runs from north to south in the middle of the state– one of the best scenic drives in Vermont. I didn’t get to get many photos of the route since I was driving most of the time, but I did get to stop at Echo Lake on Route 100. If you get to drive in this direction, make sure to pull over and get some great shots of the lake … such a calm, serene spot!
Brattleboro
If you’re coming into Vermont from the south, you will most likely take interstate 91, which runs along much of the Connecticut River. Just off the I-91 is the small town of Brattleboro. It’s worth the brief stop to break up your trip. Stop at the Creamery Covered Bridge, a popular tourist attraction which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bennington
Perhaps you’ve heard about Bennington in your American history class? Bennington is known for the Battle of Bennington during the Revolutionary War. Here, you will find the Bennington Battle Monument, built to commemorate the Battle of Bennington. It is the tallest structure in Vermont, and is another popular tourist attraction in the area. Here you’ll get a great view of the town and it’s also a good spot for some souvenirs.
Bennington is also home to the Park-McCullough House. You know I love to explore historic mansions, so I was excited when I found out about Park-McCullough. It’s one of the most significant Victorian mansions in New England. The mansion holds tours of the grounds, and most of the items inside are authentic and original. This mansion is on the smaller side compared to other mansions I’ve been to, but if you’re into history, you will definitely enjoy this hidden gem in Bennington (a former U.S. President even enjoyed a lavish meal here!)
Burlington
If you’re looking to see the more urban side of Vermont, make a stop in Burlington. The vibe here in the downtown area was unlike what I had seen the rest of my time in Vermont. Right on the shore of Lake Champlain, Burlington is a college town, and is the state’s most populous and cosmopolitan city. Here, you’ll want to make sure to check out the Church St Marketplace for some shopping, then take a walk down to the waterfront for a relaxing day overlooking the lake and New York. If you’re in town on a Saturday, also make sure to check out the Burlington Farmers’ Market.
Manchester
One of Vermont’s more visited towns, Manchester is a great place to visit during any season. Most people come to Manchester and the surrounding towns during the winter, as it is fairly close to the winter sports area of Stratton Mountain Resort. Autumn is a good time to visit as well, as this charming little town has many great places to see some beautiful foliage. Tourists love shopping at Manchester Center’s many factory outlet shops, but there’s lots more to do beyond that. Check out the Equinox Valley Nursery for some pumpkin picking, corn mazes and yummy baked goods.
Also a must is Hildene, the Lincoln family home. Former home of Abraham Lincoln’s son, Hildene is a beautiful estate with an incredible view of the mountains. Inside, you’ll see how the home was maintained well after Robert Lincoln’s death, as well as information on his father. Just outside is a beautiful garden, and tours are also available specifically for the garden. A little distance away is an old pullman train to check out too! Even if you’re not into history, the property is HUGE, and connects to lots of different walking trails. There are also two farms which produce different kinds of cheeses and maple syrup, a Vermont staple.
If you want epic views, I highly recommend Mount Equinox! There are two options. You can obviously do the hike if you’re up for the challenge, but if you’re not, do the Skyline Drive. You can drive to the summit for $20 (plus $5 for every additional passenger), and it takes maybe 20 minutes to get to the top (I didn’t time it, but I remember the drive was much shorter than I expected). There are a few parking areas on the way up for you to enjoy the views from different angles.
Montpelier
Montpelier is the capital of Vermont, and the smallest state capital in the entire country. There wasn’t much for me to do in the town, so I wouldn’t recommend an entire day here — a few hours should be enough (visit Montpelier on your way to Stowe, since it’s only a half hour away). You can visit the Vermont History Museum or wander around the downtown area an visit some of the small shops and cafes.
Stowe
I’d say Stowe is perhaps the most visited town in Vermont for fall foliage. Out of all the towns I visited, this was the most crowded. Stowe is another popular destination for winter sports, but fall is just as magical. I’ll let the photos do the story-telling:
Not pictured here is Mount Mansfield. Mount Mansfield can be accessed by driving up the toll road (just like Mt. Equinox in Manchester). We didn’t have time to visit as it was getting late and there was already a line of cars waiting to go up. Another popular way to make it up is by cable car, or gondola. In between the toll road entrance and Smuggler’s Notch, you will see a parking area to the side of Mountain Rd, where you can also get the view below. It’s a wide open space, so if you have a drone, this is a great spot to put it to use and capture some foliage!
For some souvenir hopping — check out the Shaw’s General Store and Stowe Mercantile! Stowe Mercantile is also connected to Cafe on Main a small cafe with delicious food! Definitely recommend for a lunch stop. Make sure to try the “Vermonter,” a white hot chocolate with maple syrup and pair it with their pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. You’ll thank me later!
Waterbury Center
Just outside of Stowe, this is the perfect place to fulfill any sugar cravings. Here you’ll find the Ben & Jerry’s Factory and even though tours are currently closed until 2021, their scoop shop and gift shop are open. What better place to get ice cream than at their very own factory! Afterwards, head on over to Cold Hollow Cider Mill for more tasty sweets. From the name, you can already guess this is where they make apple cider. You can sample the cider here as you watch them make it. It’s so yummy, you’ll want to take a gallon home with you. And don’t get me started on the cider donuts, also made fresh in front of you! What is fall without some cider donuts?! Aside from these treats, you can also find tons of Vermont souvenirs and other specialty products.
Quechee
A small town just outside of Woodstock (see below), Quechee is worth a stop for sure! The most popular attraction is the Quechee Gorge, the deepest gorge in Vermont. It’s possible to hike down to the gorge (the entrance is just outside of the Quechee gift shop), but I read that the best view is from the Quechee Gorge Bridge. I didn’t hike down, but I would imagine this view from high up is better than seeing it up close:
After taking some shots of the gorge, drive further down the road to Quechee Village. You’ll find more gift shops, and if you’re into antiques, you will love the Quechee Antique Mall. Three floors of all sorts of antiques, definitely something cool to check out!
Woodstock
Saving one of the best for last — Woodstock is the most picturesque town in Vermont in my opinion, and I wish I had more time to spend here! It’s a charming little town. The historic downtown area has cute cafes and shops, including F.H. Gillingham & Sons, a specialty grocery store which has been around for over 100 years. Also worth a stop if you want some warm flannel: the Vermont Flannel Shop.
Also, popular here is the Woodstock Inn & Resort. Though it is a bit pricey at about $300 a night, this a popular photo spot and you can walk into the courtyard even if you aren’t a guest.
Also just across the street is a covered bridge that you’ll easily miss if you don’t pay attention.
The Taftsville Covered Bridge is another covered bridge to check out. It’s just off Woodstock Rd, in between Woodstock and Quechee.
If you’re looking for lunch, there are lots of cafes and restaurants here to pick from. I didn’t have much time to stay for dining, but if you want something quick, check out Mon Vert Cafe. It’s a popular spot, and with good reason. Try any of their salads or sandwiches and pair it with a yummy pumpkin pie latte!
Outside of the downtown area, Woodstock is also known for its farms: Sugarbush Farm & Billings Farm/ Museum. These are great places to get fresh Vermont products like cheese and syrup. I didn’t get to go inside, as it was pretty crowded, but we were able to stop at the popular photo spot at Sleepy Hollow Farm. As you drive down Cloudland Rd to get to Sleepy Hollow Farm, you’ll find lots of spots to pull over and get some foliage shots on the road!
Where to Eat:
I briefly mentioned some of these places above, but here are all the food places I was able to try on this trip, all of which I recommend. I also have included links for you to check out their menu, prices, and other info:
Waterbury Center:
BEN & JERRY’S FACTORY https://www.benjerry.com/about-us/factory-tours#scoopshop
COLD HOLLOW CIDER MILL https://www.coldhollow.com/
Stowe:
CAFE ON MAIN https://www.cafeonmainvt.com/
Manchester:
BOB’S DINER https://bobsdiner.business.site/
LITTLE ROOSTER CAFE https://www.facebook.com/littleroostercafe/
Woodstock:
MON VERT CAFE https://www.monvertcafe.com/
Burlington:
AMERICAN FLATBREAD https://www.toasttab.com/american-flatbread-burlington-hearth/v3#!/order
Londonderry:
NEW AMERICAN GRILL https://www.thenewamericangrill.com/
RED SLATE RESTAURANT https://www.upperpasslodge.com/dining-bar
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