10 Ways to Experience Fall in Vermont
Vermont is a great getaway destination any time of the year, but during the fall the Green Mountain State turns into a magical escape. With the countryside blanketed in the vibrant colors of foliage, those who visit are sure to witness some of the most scenic views in New England. Complementing this natural wonder are fall-inspired festivals, events, and activities that are sure to satisfy every autumn lover’s dreams. Read on to discover more about these festivities and learn how you can make the most of your next fallcation in Vermont!
Go Apple Picking
Fall is the perfect time to visit Vermont’s orchids. With apples ripe for the picking, cider donuts fresh from the oven, and farmers’ roadside shops stocked with delicious goodies, there’s something for everyone! To help commemorate your experience, you can even hire a local photographer to take photos of your family nestled between the apple trees.
Cruise around Lake Champlain
Jump aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen in Burlington, VT, for stunning views of the foliage. With a variety of cruises offered daily, you can take in the sights of Lake Champlain while grabbing lunch, sipping campaign, or listening to live music. They also offer a sunset cruise that is sure to provide a dramatic backdrop for the foliage.
Take a Drive
One of the best ways to view the fall foliage in Vermont is to hop in your car and drive! Depending upon the time of the year, you may be able to view the leaves in various stages of transformation, as they change from green to red, orange, and yellow. Simply drive north or south to see the difference. For a more eventful drive, be sure to check out Smuggler’s Notch Road. This tight, windy road passes over the mountain from Smuggler’s Notch Resort to Stowe, VT, and provides a unique perspective from a higher elevation. Just be sure to drive slowly and carefully!
Ride a Gondola
Want to view the foliage from above? Then a gondola ride is in order. Many of the ski resorts across Vermont offer gondola rides. Just be sure to get there early, as rides fill up quickly! From the top of the mountain, you can take in spectacular views, go for a quick hike, and even grab lunch, depending upon which resort you visit.
Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Cold Hollow Cider Mill is the ultimate stop for all things apple. Teeming with freshly picked apples, cold-pressed cider, warm cider donuts, homemade fudge, maple syrup, and a plethora of Vermont-made goodies, you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir to bring back home. While you’re there, make time to take a quick walk across the parking lot to check out Cold Hollow’s Luncheonette. Offering breakfast and lunch, this restaurant serves up locally sourced meals and delicious hard cider.
Go for a Hike
There are tons of beautiful hikes all across Vermont that will take you on winding paths through the mountains. Hiking is a great way to immerse yourself in the fall foliage. Some of the more popular hikes include Sterling Pond Trail in Jeffersonville, VT, Stowe Pinnacle, and Hunger Mountain in Waterbury, VT — but really any fall hike is bound to leave you stunned with amazing views and epic photo opportunities!
Attend a Fall Festival or Fair
Autumn is a time of celebration in Vermont, so you’re bound to find a fall festival no matter which part of the state you visit! From craft fairs to food truck festivals and even Oktoberfest, there are plenty of opportunities to mingle with the locals and partake in the festivities.
Get Lost in a Corn Maze
Vermont is home to the largest corn maze in New England. Located in Danville, VT, the BIG Maze spans 24 acres and takes participants up to two hours to complete. If you come during October, you might even be lucky enough to experience Dead North: Farmland of Terror, a haunted maze complete with live actors, animatronics, and special effects.
Drink Seasonal Brews
Vermont comes in second place for having the highest number of breweries per capita in the country. As such, it shouldn’t be too difficult to get your hands on a pint of fall-inspired craft beer. Keep an eye out for pumpkin ales, Oktoberfest lagers, and maple IPAs.
Leaf Peep from a Train
If you’re looking for a unique foliage excursion, look no further than Green Mountain Railroad. With seasonal train rides offered during the fall, the rail service invites visitors to hop on board, sit back, and relax, while they wind their way up and down the mountainside, taking in the stunning colors of autumn. They even have a train ride for kids. The Pumpkin Patch Express includes storytime and a visit to a pumpkin patch, where children can pick out their very own pumpkin. Make sure to coordinate family costumes for this train ride, as all participants are encouraged to dress up in celebration of Halloween!
Bonus Tips:
While not necessarily fall-related, a trip to Vermont wouldn’t be complete without these iconic activities!
Tour the Ben & Jerry’s Factory
Vermont is home to the original Ben & Jerry’s Factory. Located in Waterbury, VT, the factory is open and offers tours to visitors who stop by. While you’re there, make sure to grab your free sample and check out the Flavor Graveyard, a creative tribute to ice cream flavors of the past.
Eat Maple Syrup
Did you know that Vermont is the maple syrup capital of the United States? This is because it produces more maple syrup than any other state in the country. You can learn more about the production of maple syrup by touring a local sugarhouse. Be sure to also check out a local maple store for goodies such as maple candy, maple butter, and even maple creemees, which is local slang for soft-serve ice cream.
