Vermont has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember; Luckily for me I made that dream a reality this past year. I want to share the beauty that is Vermont so I made this itinerary with the top things to do and top places to visit during your next fall road trip. Make the most of your next fall foliage road trip in Vermont with the help of my travel guide!
Table of Contents
Where is Vermont?
Vermont is part of New England, a region in the Northeastern United States made up of 6 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Because these states are so close in proximity, and easily accessible with a car, New England is a great place for a road trip, especially during the fall when you can witness the gorgeous fall foliage.
Check out my 4-day New England fall road trip.
When To Go?
If you’re looking for peak foliage make sure to look into foliage trackers, which give you a general idea of when to visit, like this one. I will say this, use these as a general guide. Alex and I went to New England after “peak foliage” and there was still plenty of beauty to see. There were PLENTY of beautiful trees with gorgeous colors. Good rule of thumb.
How To Get There?
You can access the state of Vermont from any of these airports:
- Boston Logan International Airport – Massachusetts
- Burlington International Airport – Vermont
- Manchester Boston Regional Airport – New Hampshire
Depending on where you’d like to start your journey, you have many options to choose from. As I was researching flights though I noticed flights were slightly cheaper when you flew in and out of Boston. This makes sense as it’s a bigger airport, something to keep in mind. I will say the best way to get around Vermont will be by car, so renting one will be a must.
Top Things To Do in Vermont – Fall Road Trip
Stowe, Vermont
One of the top places to visit on this Vermont fall foliage road trip would have to be Stowe, Vermont! At only about forty minutes from Burlington, we start our adventures to one of my favorite, and I mean favorite places on this road trip itinerary.
As a lover of small towns I had to take advantage of this cute, picturesque, quaint of a place. Not to mention I got some major Gilmore Girls vibes and with it being the peak of fall this was perfect! And I had to start the trip off right
Besides getting to experience new places, I love, love, love supporting small, local businesses wherever I travel to. After all when you’re supporting a small business you’re supporting a dream. So make sure to stop by these shops on your Vermont fall road trip! Here are some notably worthy local places to visit Vermont in the fall:
- Shawn’s General Store – A great place to walk around and pick up a few souvenirs for loved ones back home.
- Laughing Moon Chocolates – If you’re interested in checking out the local cuisine make sure to stop by this place for some delicious goodies
- Tangerine & Olive – A cute little shop found right next to the famous Stowe overlook. Here you will find cute knick-knacks and souvenirs.
- Woodland Baking & Coffee – Did I mention I LOVE visiting local coffee shops?! Don’t miss this one
- Black Cap Coffee & Breakfast – looking to support a women-owned business while also enjoying some delicious goodies like coffee, breakfast sandwiches and pastries? Then look no further 😉
- Butler’s Pantry – before you head out of town make sure to check out the Butler’s Pantry for a hearty breakfast! Located right in the heart of Stowe.
Smugglers Notch
We kept meeting people along our road trip who kept recommending Smugglers Notch to us. It’s like a small German town north of Stowe. It’s a ski town filled with lots of outdoor activities, and small mom and pop shops to check out. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the opportunity to check it out, not enough time, but if you do have an extra day or to, make sure to check out Smugglers Notch and let me know how it goes. Might be a great place to visit when we go back to Vermont!
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Now, after checking out Stowe I recommend you make your way down to Waterbury for a delicious treat (no pun intended). However, might I recommend you make a quick pit stop on the way for some even more delicious apple cider donuts?!
This cute cider mill has all the maple souvenirs you can think of. Most importantly they have warm, delicious apple cider donuts you must check out! Make sure to grab some delicious donuts and apple cider and then enjoy them out on the patio. A MUST place to stop and visit on your next Vermont fall road trip itinerary.
Apple Core Luncheonette & Brew
If you’re looking for more than a snack then check out this place for some delicious options. They also have some tasty apple cider drinks you must try. Take it from me, I’m not fond of beer or cider, but I had to try their selection and it did not disappoint.
Waterbury, Vermont
Now, for the highlight of this trip. This location alone was the main reason I ever wanted to visit the state of Vermont. You probably think I’m crazy, but don’t discount me until you check this place out. If there’s one thing you take away from this post I hope it’s this; make sure to add Ben & Jerry’s Headquarters to your Vermont fall road trip itinerary. So why do I love this place so much? Um, well, where do I begin?! I love what the company stands for, I love ice cream and I enjoy learning about the behind scenes. Plus, you get free samples during the tour and I’m all about free food.
Ben & Jerry’s offers factory tours at their Waterbury location in Vermont. Take a look behind the curtain and learn a thing or two about how this company makes their ice cream. It is highly recommended you purchase your factory tour tickets in advance. Keep in mind tickets are released two weeks in advance so keep a lookout. However, I’m here to tell you can also buy some at the door IF they’re available. Unfortunately, you won’t know if they have any last minute openings unless you go in person. If you go, make sure to check out Ben & Jerry’s exclusive flavors on their on site ice scream shop while you wait.
The factory is only open from Tuesday to Saturday (10am to 6pm), so plan accordingly. Ticket prices range from $1 (Kid tickets) to $6 (Adult tickets). Another reason I love this activity so much is because it doesn’t break the bank and is enjoyable to the whole family. Oh and don’t forget to pay your respect to the dearly departed flavors at the Flavor Graveyard near the parking lot 😜.
Venture off to New Hampshire and explore more of New England!
Places To Visit in Vermont in the Fall
Whitcomb’s Land of Pumpkins and Corn Maze
At about 20 minutes outside of Burlington my husband and I came across a pleasant surprise, a corn maze and a small pumpkin patch. Of course, it wouldn’t be festive of us if we hadn’t stopped by a pumpkin patch and gotten a few pictures 😉 This place was called Whitcomb’s Land of Pumpkins and Corn Maze.
Woodstock, Vermont
Now at about an hour and a half down south we make our way to this small town called Woodstock. However, not without taking a rest stop break. Can you believe this beauty was found on the side of a rest stop?! Goes to show you the fall foliage in Vermont is no joke and you’ll indeed see beauty anywhere you go on your road trip.
We are close to the end, but not without stopping at yet another cute, small town in the middle of nowhere! Woodstock definitely reminds me of those towns city folks often run off to and end up finding the love of their life in a Hallmark movie. Now, I’m not saying you’re guaranteed the same fate, but rest assured there’s plenty of charm for you to witness.
- Soulfully Good Cafe – take a walk down Central Street and end up at this cozy cafe where you can indulge in a delicious latte, baked good, or a sandwich.
- Yankee Bookshop – As you’re making your way down to Soulfully Good Cafe make sure and stop by the Yankee Bookshop where you will find a variety of books and cool knick knacks to take back home.
- Mon Vert Cafe -this place is another great option to having some delicious, organic meals grown from locally sources
Middle Covered Bridge
Woodstock is very much a small town filled with lots of charm, just look at this gorgeous covered bridge! At only a little a short walk away from downtown Woodstock you will find this aesthetically pleasing bridge. Walk across, take in the views and make sure to snap a picture or two for that weekend dump 😉
Sleepy Hollow Farm
If there was a place on this road trip to perfectly capture what the fall foliage in Vermont looks like it would be Sleepy Hollow Farm. At only about 10 minutes outside of Woodstock, Vermont.
When you first look at it you think you’re looking at a green screen, because of how unreal it looks! It’s like a scene out of a movie 😍.
Map of Attractions
In conclusion…
Yes, I might love dead leaves, but the beauty they leave behind lights my soul with so much joy. Truly an indescribable feeling I only hope you get to witness one day. Meeting people from all over the world come out to New England to experience the foliage themselves reminds me of how truly blessed I am to be able to live in a place with so much beauty. I not only hope my Vermont fall road trip itinerary helps, but most importantly it inspires you to get started on your next adventure.
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