By New England in the fall has always been at the top of my list of places to visit. So when my sister called to invite me on a cross-country road trip from Nevada to Vermont, I was quick to say yes.
Almost everything I have ever read about Vermont in the fall boasted of cool crisp clean autumn air, flannel wearing locals, New England homes with decked out porches in Halloween decor, small charming towns with red covered bridges, countryside bed and breakfast inns, and, of course, beautiful fall foliage.
Well let me just say that autumn in the Green Mountain State did not disappoint. It was all that the magazines and online travel sites promised and so much more.
And, yes, I can now confirm that it is true: nowhere, and, I mean, nowhere, compares to the burst of color in Vermont in October.
Having confirmed that for you, if you plan to visit, plan your trip at least six months in advance. Rooms do sell out!
And while something as simple as driving around to look at the fall foliage is enough to fill your days, I am sharing my list of fairly inexpensive ideas to help you experience the Vermont I fell in love with:
1: Eat pancakes with Vermont maple syrup for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
2. Visit the Sleepy Hollow Farm
(Confirm travel details prior to visiting the farm. As of 2023, the roads to the farm may be closed to tourist during peak fall foliage.)
3. Cross paths with the headless skateboarder
4. Drive through a red covered bridge
5. Visit the Vermont Country Store
6. If you’re a pet lover, visit the Dog Chapel and Stephen Huneck Gallery in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Pets welcomed!
7. And, of course, enjoy the burst of color you’ll find only in Vermont.
If you are looking for the right time to visit to experience peak fall foliage, I would recommend the first or second week of October. You can track the fall foliage though many of Vermont’s travel sites.
The weather during our trip was mild for a midwesterner like myself. But my sister, who is from the west coast, felt it was a bit chilly and was glad she brought warm clothing with her.
As for where to stay, the options are endless. We visited Woodstock, Burlington, and Stowe. Each area was beautiful, welcoming, and had tons of fun things to do. Among our random stops were a flea market in a beautiful field, Ben & Jerry’s, and a pumpkin patch and farm.
I will forever cherish the memories from this trip. My sister and I truly enjoyed every minute of our time together, enjoying all that Vermont has to offer in the fall. Whether it’s a girls trip, romantic getaway, or solo adventure, New England, especially Vermont in the Fall, is a must see.
Happy Travels!
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