Plan Your Trip to Vermont: Best of Vermont Tourism
Explore Vermont
Essential Vermont
Things to do
Food & drink
Browse collections
Browse collections
Bring the children
Follow the powder
If you're feeling fancy-ish
Prime-time for fall colours
Cosy vibes
Born and brewed in Vermont
For a glass (or two)
Head to the water
Trails worth the trek
Best cities to visit in Vermont
Vermont travel advice
Best Towns for Fall Foliage
According to forum posts, some of the best towns in Vermont for viewing fall foliage include Stowe, known for its gondola rides amidst vibrant foliage, and Manchester, which offers hiking opportunities on Mount Equinox with stunning views of the changing colors. Burlington also provides picturesque bike paths and ferry rides on Lake Champlain, allowing visitors to experience the foliage from different perspectives.
Scenic Drives
Travelers have highlighted several scenic routes for experiencing Vermont's fall colors. Route 7 from Manchester to Burlington, Route 100 from Stowe to Fayston, and the country roads leading from Burlington through Smugglers Notch to Stowe are particularly recommended. These routes pass through colorful landscapes, offering numerous photo opportunities.
Optimal Timing
For timing, travelers suggest that early to mid-October is ideal for catching peak foliage colors in Vermont. This period typically offers the most vibrant display of golden oranges and red hues, especially around areas like Sugar Maples in Burlington.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Popular Towns
According to forum posts, popular towns to visit in Vermont include Manchester, Woodstock, Stowe, and Burlington. These towns offer a mix of urban and rural experiences, with Woodstock and Stowe being noted for their picturesque settings and tourist-friendly amenities.
Historical Sites
Some travelers have mentioned specific historical sites worth visiting. Manchester features the Hildene, the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, which includes a neo-Classical mansion and a Pullman train car. Woodstock is near the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Historical Park and the Calvin Coolidge homestead in Plymouth Notch. These sites offer insights into American history and beautiful natural surroundings.
Outdoor Activities
For outdoor enthusiasts, Vermont offers numerous hiking opportunities. The Amity Pond Natural Area in Pomfret and the Faulkner Trail in Woodstock are recommended for their scenic beauty. Additionally, Mount Independence in Orwell combines hiking with historical significance, providing views of the Adirondacks.
Natural Beauty
Travelers have called out Vermont's rural and largely untouched landscapes as a key attraction, suggesting that simply driving through the state can be a delightful experience. Towns like Waitsfield and Warren in the Mad River Valley, as well as Chester and Grafton, are praised for their natural beauty and charming atmosphere.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Scenic Routes
According to forum posts, many travelers recommend Route 100 as a scenic route, particularly lauded for its beautiful views during fall foliage. For a trip from Burlington to Manchester, VT, Route 7 south to Middlebury and then Route 30 to Manchester is suggested for its scenic quality and less traffic.
Ferry and Country Roads
Some travelers said that for a trip from eastern Long Island to Vermont, taking the Orient Point ferry to New London and then traveling north on I-91 to I-89 is an effective route. For those seeking less-traveled roads, Route 30 was preferred over Route 22A due to less heavy vehicle traffic, providing a quieter and more scenic drive.
Alternative Scenic Suggestions
For travelers concerned about mountainous roads, it's noted that Vermont roads like Route 89 are scenic and manageable without the fear of steep, mountainous driving. This reassures those who prefer scenic routes without challenging driving conditions.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Driving Routes
According to forum posts, for travelers looking to visit Woodstock, Vermont, driving is a common option. From Burlington airport, popular scenic routes include taking Route 89 to Route 100, and then onto Route 4 or 107 to 12. This avoids mountainous driving, which is a concern for some travelers.
Traveling from Boston
Some travelers have suggested taking a scenic drive from Boston to Woodstock. Options include driving north into the White Mountains region of New Hampshire before heading west to Woodstock, or heading west from Boston through Southern Vermont for more small-town experiences and countryside views.
Accommodation and Attractions
For those planning to stay in Woodstock, the town offers a range of attractions such as historical places and outdoor activities. The nearby areas also provide ample hiking opportunities, picturesque small towns, and local eateries, enhancing the travel experience for visitors.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Public Transport
According to forum posts, travelers can use public transportation systems in Burlington, such as buses that have been free due to the pandemic but may reintroduce fares. The Greyhound bus service is mentioned, which connects Burlington with Montreal and potentially other cities. However, details on exact routes and schedules were not specified in the posts.
Car Rentals
For many users, renting a car seems to be a popular option for traveling between Burlington and surrounding areas. Car rental facilities are available at the Burlington airport, providing a convenient pickup point for those arriving by air. This allows for easy travel to nearby cities and scenic routes in Vermont.
Train Travel
Some travelers discussed train travel, specifically the Ethan Allen Express and the Vermonter routes via Amtrak. These trains connect Burlington to other major cities, offering scenic routes along the way. However, specific details about journey durations or costs were not provided in the posts.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Scenic Routes to Stowe
According to forum posts, several scenic driving routes to Stowe are popular among travelers. For those coming from the Boston area, the recommended path is I-93 to Concord, NH, followed by I-89, which offers scenic rural views in both New Hampshire and Vermont. An alternative mentioned is taking Route 100 from the exit off I-89, which passes through charming villages and offers a slower, more scenic drive.
Additional Scenic Details
Travelers have also suggested Route 108 through Smugglers Notch as a particularly beautiful drive, though it is noted for having sharp turns and potential traffic delays if trucks get stuck. This route is recommended for its stunning views, especially during weekdays when traffic is lighter.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Travel Preferences
According to forum posts, the choice between Vermont and New Hampshire often depends on specific travel preferences. Vermont is praised for its picturesque towns and a variety of historical sites, making it ideal for those interested in quaint villages and cultural experiences. On the other hand, New Hampshire offers rugged, more alpine landscapes, which might appeal to those seeking outdoor activities like hiking and exploring natural attractions.
Activities and Accessibility
Travelers have called out Vermont's central areas, such as Stowe and Woodstock, for offering both outdoor activities and a good selection of restaurants. New Hampshire’s White Mountains are recommended for families and those looking for challenging hikes and beautiful drives, such as along the Kancamagus Highway.
Accommodation and Travel Tips
Posts suggest that Vermont provides a wide range of lodging options, from bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels, particularly in areas like Woodstock and Burlington. New Hampshire offers various accommodations with good access to natural landscapes, and towns like Jackson and Lincoln are highlighted for their proximity to outdoor adventures.
Overall, both states offer unique experiences, and the best choice may depend on whether one prefers cultural villages or dramatic landscapes.
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