Vermont in the fall season doesn’t really need an introduction, and has made a name for itself as one of the best destinations in the U.S. for foliage, cozy fall activities, and gorgeous rural landscapes. I really think that experiencing the charm of Vermont in the fall is absolutely worth it at least once in your life (and definitely more if you live nearby!). This post is all about the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall, including the coziest inns and hotels, and soon, you’ll be ready to plan your own Vermont fall adventure!
My husband and I took our very first trip together to Vermont in 2006, and we even spent our honeymoon in Vermont, and have been back countless times since. I’ve been all over the state, and have scouted out the cutest towns to visit, especially in the fall season. Vermont holds a special place in my heart, and I hope it will for you, too, after reading this post. Let’s jump in!
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What Is The Best Time To Visit Vermont In The Fall?
Any time in the fall is a great time to visit Vermont, but if you’re looking to catch foliage at its peak, it’s a bit of a guessing game since there are so many factors that go into predicting foliage times. A general rule of thumb is to know what region to plan to visit, as the northern areas will start to turn earlier than the southern areas.
Another simple answer is that the first two weeks of October are usually a great and safe bet for most regions. Late September is typically a bit too early for foliage in the southern and middle parts of the state, but you may be able to catch peak foliage in the north, lovingly referred to as the Northeast Kingdom.
Once Halloween hits, most of the foliage will be found on the ground in all regions. If your primary focus is peak foliage and you want to book your trip in advance, the first half of October is the time of the year I would suggest if you’re planning to visit the mid-section of the state (which is where most people will choose to go).
That said, late October is also nice because while many of the leaves will have fallen by the end of the month, Vermont still very much has the fall vibe going – you’ll hear so many leaves crackling under your feet as you walk, experience the smell of the cool, crisp air and have a higher chance of chillier weather.
As always, it’s best to do your research based on early expert reports online. A great resource is this tool on the Vermont’s tourism website. And remember, much like other natural, seasonal experiences (like cherry blossoms, for example) things can change quickly because of shifts in weather, so it’s best to go into your trip with a positive mindset, and know you may miss foliage despite your best planning efforts.
Psst! I have an entire guide on the best times and places to see fall foliage in Vermont, if you need more info 😉
Best Places To Stay In Vermont In The Fall (2022)
Vermont is absolutely packed with charming small towns, quaint villages and even some larger, exciting cities. Depending on what you’re looking for, you have so many options when deciding on the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall. Here are my absolute favorite destinations for the Vermont fall foliage season to make it easier for you to decide.
1. Woodstock
Definitely one of my absolute favorites, and one of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall is Woodstock. You’ve probably heard this from others during your research as well, and it really lives up to its reputation.
Right in the town center, you’re already overloaded with beautiful things like charming boutiques, gorgeous houses, a covered bridge over the river and even a Town Crier board that seems like something straight out of Gilmore Girls. You’ll really feels the sense of community in Woodstock, and it’s hard to beat as a place to stay in the fall.
Best Things To Do In Woodstock, VT In The Fall
→ Meander through town to appreciate the local vibe, and visit all the shops.
→ Sample cheese and maple syrups at Sugarbush Farms.
→ Learn about farm life at the working Billings Farm & Museum.
→ Visit the town’s three covered bridges.
→ Take a foliage hike up to Mount Peg or Mount Tom.
→ Experience the Apples, Craft Fair & Food Truck Festival in October.
Best Places To Stay In Woodstock, VT In The Fall
The Woodstock Inn & Resort is one of the places to stay in Vermont in the fall, hands down. If you’re looking for a luxury experience in a beautiful and cozy inn that’s walkable to Woodstock’s town center, this will check all the boxes. The inn also has amazing amenities like an on-site spa, on-sites restaurants, complimentary bikes and shuttles to local sites, entry to Billings Farm, luxurious robes and slippers and afternoon beverages and baked goods. Regarded as “Vermont’s most beautiful address,” The Woodstock Inn is the ultimate fall foliage experience.
🍁 Click here to check out the Woodstock Inn & Resort
506 On The River is a very short drive just outside of town center, and it sits along a picturesque river, and is beautifully decorated and very cozy. The inn has an awesome tavern on-site, and other amenities include marshmallow roasting in the evenings, an outdoor pool and sauna, a kid’s play room and game room for adults, and the option to book one of their farmhouse suites for families or larger groups. This is a great alternative to the Woodstock Inn if that one doesn’t fit into your budget.
🍁 Click here to check out the 506 On The River in Woodstock
The Jackson House Inn is a great B&B option that includes an amazing locally-sourced and seasonal breakfast with your stay. Located about a 5-minute drive from town center, the Jackson House Inn has gorgeous grounds with 3 acres of gardens to enjoy, traditionally-decorated rooms for ultra coziness and gas fireplaces in some of the suites.
🍁 Click here to check out the Jackson House Inn in Woodstock
2. Quechee
Quechee (pronounced KWEH-chee) is a little village very close to Woodstock, so technically, you could stay in Woodstock, and make a little side excursion to Quechee (or vice versa). But I wanted to give it its own mention because I think it’s really lovely, and one of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall.
Quechee is very small and there isn’t a ton to do, but you’ll definitely be able to fill up a weekend with fun activities, restaurants, and take side excursions to nearby areas – include scenic drives through the countryside. Quechee is also a fabulous destination for antique shops, and unique shopping in general.
Best Things To Do In Quechee, VT In The Fall
→ Explore the canopy walk at the VINS nature center, which is an accessible boardwalk through the tops of trees, which is such a cool experience.
→ Visit the Simon Pearce flagship store for lunch overlooking the river, and experience a glassblowing demonstration.
→ Go antiquing at the Antique Mall.
→ Explore the Quechee Gorge for awesome foliage views.
→ Sample local spirits at Vermont Spirits.
Best Places To Stay In Quechee, VT In The Fall
Since Quechee is on the smaller side, accommodation options are slim, but once place I recommend checking out is the Quechee Inn At Marshland Farm. This inn is a renovated house from the 1700s, so it’s packed with New England charm and coziness, and has a really great restaurant on-site. Each room is traditionally decorated to preserve its history, and the inn is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
🍁 Click here to check out the Quechee Inn At Marshland Farm
3. Stowe
Stowe is another one of my top places to see in New England for epic foliage, and one of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall. Stowe is also pretty small, and is a big ski town, but it’s also one of the most beautiful and places to experience foliage in the fall season. The charm around every corner is so special!
You’ll be able to see some covered bridges, have your choice of fabulous resorts and cozy inns, peruse adorable shops on Main Street, and go for scenic walks.
The landscapes around Stowe are some of the most famous in all of Vermont, and used in a lot of stock photography. The white church standing tall amongst the trees and fall foliage is rather famous, and when you see it in person, it’s hard to feel like you’re not living in a postcard.
Best Things To Do In Stowe, VT In The Fall
→ Explore the shops along Main Street.
→ Take a scenic walk along the Recreation Path in town to admire the foliage.
→ Venture over to nearby Waterbury to tour the Ben & Jerry’s Factory.
→ Hop on the Gondola Skyride to see the fall foliage from the top of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest mountain.
→ Experience the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival (usually around Columbus weekend each year).
Best Places To Stay In Stowe, VT In The Fall
The Lodge at Spruce Peak is one of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall, even though it’s well-known as a top ski destination. This resort has so many amenities that will allow you to really soak in the fall season, including being steps away from the Stowe Mountain Gondola, cozy on-site restaurants, and even a little village with shops right at the resort. Rooms are decorated in autumnal lodge colors to also enhance your foliage getaway, and some rooms have epic mountain views, which is a dream to wake up to!
🍁 Click here to check out the Lodge At Spruce Peak
The Field Guide Lodge is one of my favorite places to stay when I visit Stowe for solo getaways, and is fairly priced for the region, considering the amenities it offers. It’s a short drive or a quick 10-minute walk to town center, and the rooms are beautifully decorated in a modern but rustic design, which works really well to compliment your fall trip. There’s also a really nice public lounge space with a fireplace and a heated outdoor pool that’s usually still open in the fall, depending on weather.
🍁 Click here to check out the Field Guide Lodge
For a more cozy, romantic getaway, or the option to be in the heart of town center, the Green Mountain Inn is one of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall. This place feels like the ultimate, cozy New England inn, and they also have an outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi that’s open year-round. Quite a few of the rooms also come with jacuzzis and a fireplace, and their grounds have fire pits for cozy fall evenings.
🍁 Click here to check out the Green Mountain Inn
Important Note About Visiting Stowe In The Fall: It’s absolutely worth the effort to visit Stowe in the fall, but it’s good to know that traffic getting in and out of town can get rather congested. You’ll want to plan for some extra time, especially if you’re arriving on a weekend. The traffic slow-downs largely stem from folks going in and out of Cold Hollow Cider Mill on Waterbury-Stowe Road, outside of town. To avoid traffic, it’s best to arrive early in the morning if you can. Once you arrive, you’ll want to anticipate crowds, especially downtown.
4. Burlington
Burlington is one of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall if you’re looking for more of a city atmosphere that still feels very, well … Vermont. It’s an awesome destination that perfectly combines nature, art, shopping, and fall foliage with a lively college town feel (since it’s home to the University of Vermont).
Between walking along the lakefront path of Lake Champlain and spotting a cute little lighthouse, to strolling through the arts district, there’s a lot to do in Burlington that also offers opportunities to really experience the fall season at its best.
Best Things To Do In Burlington, VT In The Fall
→ Walk along Lake Champlain to admire the foliage.
→ Ride a bike or walk out onto the Colchester Causeway, which is one of the most unique and exciting bike paths that, quite literally, goes out over Lake Champlain.
→ Stroll through the Burlington Farmer’s Market for fall treats on Saturdays.
→ Sample some chocolates at Lake Champlain Chocolates.
→ Taste some locally-made fall beers at the breweries.
Best Places To Stay In Burlington, VT In The Fall
The Lang House is a great little B&B that will feel so welcoming and homey. The location is also amazing because it’s walkable to both the lakefront park and Church Street Marketplace for shops and dining. A wonderful breakfast is also included with each stay, and they also sell beer and wine on-site for a pre-dinner drink.
🍁 Click here to check out the Lang House in Burlington
If you’d like to wake up to views of Lake Champlain each morning, one of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall is the Hilton at Lake Champlain (just be sure to specifically book a lake view room!). Rooms will be pretty standard since it’s a chain hotel, but the hotel is very clean comfortable and modern, and the views of the lake can’t be beat.
🍁 Click here to check out the Hilton At Lake Champlain In Burlington
For an affordable option on your fall foliage vacation, the Hollywood-themed Starlight Inn is a great choice. It’s no secret that Vermont in the fall season can be pricey, but for a simple, clean and comfortable room that’s only a 15-minute drive to Burlington’s lakefront and city center, and very affordable, this is definitely one to consider.
🍁 Click here to check out the Starlight Inn in Burlington
5. Shelburne
Shelburne is very close to Burlington, making it an easy excursion if you’re looking to experience city life with a little bit of small town charm mixed in. But I wanted to mention Shelburne separately because it can easily stand alone as one of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall for a cozy getaway. As an alternative, you could stay in Shelburne, and take a trip to Burlington for a day. They’re only about 20 minutes from one another.
Shelburne is another smaller town, but has a lot to offer including some cute shops and restaurants, an amazing farmstead to explore (more on that below), rural scenery, apple orchards, and plenty of foliage to go around.
Best Things To Do In Shelburne, VT In The Fall
→ Tour Shelburne Farms for amazing foliage.
→ Go beer tasting at Fiddlehead Brewing Company.
→ Explore the Shelburne Museum.
→ Go apple picking and munch on cider donuts at Shelburne Orchards.
→ See what you can find at charming Shelburne Country Store.
Best Places To Stay In Shelburne, VT In The Fall
One of the best things to do in Shelburne, VT is explore and tour Shelburne Farms. This place is really amazing, especially during fall foliage season. You can even stay overnight at their gorgeous inn on the farm grounds, and enjoy a spectacular farm-to-table meal at their restaurant.
On the farm grounds, you’ll find over 10 miles of walking trails, and it’s one of my all-time favorite things to do in Vermont to explore these trails. You’ll experience serene walks through the woods, climb to amazing view points, and cross open fields with sheep grazing around you. It’s really a wonderful experience that’s often not at all crowded. I usually feel like I have the place to myself.
As you pass through buildings on your walk around the grounds, you’ll see a cheese-tasting area, and also a bakery, where I always stop and buy a croissant to enjoy on my walk. They sometimes also have a food truck set-up. I can’t recommend this whole experience enough, especially in the fall season.
🍁 Click here to check out Shelburne Farms
If staying on a farm isn’t your thing, another great option is the Heart of the Village Inn. As the same suggests, you’ll be right in the heart of Shelburne’s town center, and they’re also known for serving up am awesome made-to-order breakfast, which is included in the room rate. Each room is individually decorated, many featuring autumnal colors to enhance your fall getaway, and it’s also worth noting that this is an adults-only property.
🍁 Click here to check out the Heart of the Village Inn in Shelburne
6. Bennington
Bennington is a great little town in Southern, VT that’s especially perfect for those driving in from The Berkshires in Massachusetts, as it’s just over the state border. You’ll find lots of opportunities to catch fall foliage in Bennington, as well as a cute little Main Street with shops and restaurants, an awesome country store for baked goods, antique shops, historic sites, and amazing nature walks and hiking.
Best Things To Do In Bennington, VT In The Fall
→ Shop at the Apple Barn for amazing baked goods, including apple cider donuts, fresh apples, pumpkins and lots of locally-made and specialty goods.
→ Visit the Bennington Battle Monument, which offers amazing fall foliage views from the top.
→ Check out the scenic nature trails in the area, including the Bennington Area Trails System, and the Mile Around Woods trail.
→ Stroll along Main Street to visit the shops.
→ Visit the local apple orchards to go apple picking.
→ Visit the town’s covered bridges, including Henry Covered Bridge, Silk Road Covered Bridge, and Paper Mill Village Covered Bridge.
→ Take a trip to nearby Manchester (which is next on my list!).
Best Places To Stay In Bennington, VT In The Fall
The Four Chimneys Inn is the best place to stay in Bennington, and it’s gorgeous property that really encapsulates New England charm and coziness. They advertise themselves as a mix between a charming inn and a boutique hotel, offering the best of both worlds. Located a short 5-minute drive from town center, each room is beautifully decorated, many with jetted tub and gas fireplace options. A full country breakfast is also included in your stay, and the grounds are beautifully landscaped.
🍁 Click here to check out the Four Chimneys Inn in Bennington
7. Manchester
Manchester is only about a 30-minute drive from Bennington, so you can combine these into one trip, but both deserve their own mentions. Manchester is one of my favorite places to experience fall foliage, and it’s also a great destination for shopping, dining, and local sightseeing.
One of the nice things about Manchester is that it’s divided into two sections: Manchester Center, which is home to some outlet shopping and other boutiques, and the historic side of Main Street, which is packed with Vermont charm. Both areas are so fun to explore, and the town is also very walkable, making the perfect place for leaf-peeing.
Best Things To Do In Manchester, VT In The Fall
→ Explore the shops in town, including the most adorable little bookstore, Northshire.
→ Visit Hildene, the Lincoln family home, to see the amazing gardens, nature paths and admire the foliage views of the surrounding mountains.
→ Hike to Lye Brook Falls.
→ Experience the Mount Snow Oktoberfest in nearby Dover (usually around Indigenous People’s weekend in October).
→ Drive the Mount Equinox Skyline road to the top of the mountain for epic foliage and mountain vista views.
→ Grab dinner at The Silver Fork, which is inside an old library and serves up absolutely amazing food.
Best Places To Stay In Manchester, VT In The Fall
Hill Farm Inn is one of my all-time favorite places to stay in Vermont, and while it’s not right in Manchester, it’s only a short drive away in Sunderland. This idyllic farmstead property is home to an insanely cozy inn with a gorgeous wrap-around porch, mountain views, and a renovated barn that hosts the inn’s dining space. I can’t recommend this property enough!
🍁 Click here to check out the Hill Farm Inn in Sunderland
Another of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall right in Manchester is the Kimpton Taconic Hotel. I absolutely love the design of the rooms, which is very modern farmhouse meets traditional New England. And one of the best things about Kimpton hotels is that they’re all pet-friendly, with no additional pet fees or breed restrictions, making this a great option for those wanting to bring their dog with them. Located just about a mile from town center, this hotel also has a great on-site restaurant that focuses on locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients (oh, and really amazing cocktails!).
🍁 Click here to check out the Kimpton Taconic in Manchester
8. Waitsfield
Another one of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall is Waitsfield, which can be found in the Mad River Valley area. Waitsfield is known for being a stop ski destination in Vermont, but it’s also specacular during fall foliage season, and has lots of great, cozy places to stay, too!
Waitsfield is a bit more rural, but still offers lots to do – much of which is enjoying the natural beauty of the picturesque Vermont fall landscapes around the area. Besides that, you’ll find covered bridges, some really great restaurants, farms to tour, and lots of time to relax and enjoying the atmosphere.
Best Things To Do In Waitsfield, VT In The Fall
→ Ride the Single Chair Lift at Mad River Glen for spectacular foliage views.
→ Drive the scenic Appalachian Gap road, which offers incredible foliage views in the fall.
→ Taste locally-made beer and cider at Lawson’s Finest Liquids.
→ Stroll along the trails at Mad River Path.
→ Visit Hartshorn Organic Farm for a farm tour, watch maple syrup get made in-season, and sample their homemade bread. This place is really special, and I recommend you visit!
→ Explore Waitsfield’s covered bridges.
→ Go for a walk through Wu Ledges Forest.
→ Grab some pizza at the very cozy American Flatbread.
Best Places To Stay In Waitsfield, VT In The Fall
Featherbed Inn is a truly wonderful New England B&B if you’re looking for a bit of a splurge on your foliage getaway. Each stay includes a farm-to-table breakfast, miles of walking trails to explore right on the grounds where you can admire the foliage without straying far, a hot tub for guests to enjoy, and s’mores in the evenings.
As the name suggests, each room is equipped with a featherbed topper on the mattress for a glorious night of sleep, and the rooms evoke New England coziness. The location is also excellent and close to the local restaurants.
🍁 Click here to check out the Featherbed Inn in Waitsfield
The Whitehorse Lodge is one of the best places in Vermont to stay in the fall for solo travelers and those on a budget. For solo travelers, this hotel offers inexpensive twin rooms, and for those on a budget, there are queen and king rooms available at a very fair rate. Rooms are decorated with a very cozy feel, and the hotel itself also feels special with a grand stone fireplace and leather sofas in the common area.
🍁 Click here to check out Whitehorse Lodge
Mad River Lodge is another awesome budget-friendly option with rooms decorated in a modern rustic design. For the price and the unique and fun decor, this is a really excellent option for the area.
🍁 Click here to check out the Mad River Lodge
9. The Northeast Kingdom
One of the best regions to experience fall foliage in Vermont is the Northeast Kingdom, and if you need to plan your trip for the end of September or early October, this is the best area of the state to visit for fall foliage around that time.
Home to some charming towns, incredible scenery, and lots of outdoor adventure, the Northeast Kingdom impresses with stunning fall foliage, mountains vistas, and scenic drives. While it has fewer actual attractions, that’s what makes it special and worth visiting.
Best Things To Do In The Northeast Kingdom, VT In The Fall
→ Take a ride on the Jay Peak Tramway for incredible mountain and foliage views (on a clear day, you may be able to see Canada!).
→ Drive around to visit the covered bridges, especially in the Montgomery area.
→ Take a foliage hike at Hazen’s Notch.
→ Explore Burke Mountain, including the drive on the scenic toll road (usually open until mid October). Click here to confirm schedule dates before making a special trip!
→ Drive around Lake Willoughby in Westmore, which is surrounded by impressive foliage in the fall season.
→ Visit New England’s largest corn maze in Danville – the Great Vermont Corn Maze! Typically open until mid October, so be sure to click here for dates and info.
→ Grab some wood-fired pizzas at Fired On The Mountain (served Fridays and Saturdays only as of 2024).
Best Places To Stay In The Northeast Kingdom, VT In The Fall
The Phineus Swan Inn is a really cool place to stay in Vermont in the fall, and is also another dog-friendly option that only charges a one-time $25 fee per stay for your dog. This inn also has an on-site spa and includes a wonderful breakfast with each stay. Rooms are decorated with New England charm, and you’re only about 15 minutes away from Jay Peak Resort to take the tramway.
🍁 Click here to check out the Phineus Swann Inn in Montgomery
The INN is another one of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall season. This place also includes a full country breakfast in the room rate, and also has an on-site restaurant that focuses on locally-sourced ingredients, seasonal flavors and specialty drinks/cocktails. Each room is uniquely decorated using fun wallpapers and autumnal colors to enhance your fall stay.
🍁 Click here to check out The INN in Montgomery
10. Dover & Wilmington Area
Both Dover and Wilmington are next on my list of top places to stay in Vermont in the fall season, and since these two towns are only about 15 minutes from each other, I wanted to group them together. Both of these towns are also home to some wonderfully cozy places to stay, too.
Wilmington is a charming town in Vermont, and offers lots to do, including a quaint Main Street for shopping and dining, local parks with scenic trails, and an epic overlook that’s easy for everyone to experience – and fall is the best time to experience it.
Dover is a bit more spread out than Wilmington, but is home to Mount Snow, which will offer incredible fall foliage views this time of the year. You’ll also find some quaint shops, and great dining options nearby.
Best Things To Do In Dover & Wilmington, VT In The Fall
→ Visit the Hogback Mountain Country Store & 100-Mile Overlook in nearby Marlboro, which is especially gorgeous in the fall. On a clear day, you can see for 100 miles, hence where it got its name 😉
→ Explore Wilmington’s charming Main Street, which has some great shops and places to eat.
→ Explore the trails at Molly Stark State Park.
→ Take a scenic chairlift ride to the top of Mount Snow for foliage views.
→ Take a scenic drive over to quaint Newfane, which always has some lovely foliage.
→ Enjoy seasonal menus at all the incredible farm-to-dining options in this area, including the Sawmill Bar & Table, the 1846 Inn & Tavern, and The Hermitage Inn (which, spoiler alert, is one of the best places to stay!).
Best Places To Stay In Dover & Wilmington, VT In The Fall
The Hermitage Inn is my favorite place to stay in this region, and let me just paint a picture for you – you have to go over a charming covered bridge to enter the property, which is just a great start to a fall getaway in Vermont, right? The inn is newly renovated, and is set on an idyllic portion of land surrounded by the mountains. The on-site dining is absolutely fantastic (they even have an award-winning wine cellar!), and they also have an on-site spa, private wine tastings, and serene farmhouse grounds to enjoy.
🍁 Click here to check out The Hermitage Inn
The Deerhill Inn is another wonderfully cozy place to stay in Vermont in the fall. Perched up on a hill, it overlooks the valley and mountains, offering great views without having the leave the property. Rooms are decorated in a traditional New England inn style, and feel like a second home. The included breakfast with your stay is cooked to order, and the best way to start your day.
🍁 Click here to check out the Deerhill Inn
11. Middlebury
Middlebury is one of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall if you’re looking for a destination that’s a perfect mix between a city like Burlington, and a smaller town. Since Middlebury is home to Middlebury College, it has a great college town feel, but also lots of charm, and is a great place to see fall foliage.
In Middlebury, you’ll find cozy inns, wonderful restaurants, covered bridges, classic Vermont landscapes, and a great local brewery and distillery scene.
Best Things To Do In Middlebury, VT In The Fall
→ Visit Pulp Mill and Halpin covered bridges.
→ Go apple picking and get some cider donuts at Happy Valley Orchard.
→ Taste locally-made fall beers at Drop-In Brewing Company.
→ Taste the local spirits at Appalachian Gap Distillery.
→ Pick up some Vermont gifts at Burnham Maple Farm & Market.
Best Places To Stay In Middlebury, VT In The Fall
The Middlebury Inn is a wonderful choice that’s very fairly priced, especially during foliage season for the amenities it offers. Walkable to many of the town’s sites and attractions, this inn has an on-site tavern and spa, and rooms simply designed with traditional New England style and comforts.
🍁 Click here to check out The Middlebury Inn!
Waybury Inn is a special place to stay in Vermont because it’s the inn that featured in the Bob Newhart Show! All of the exterior shots of the “Stratford Inn” on the show were actually of the Waybury Inn, so if you’re a fan of the show, this is such a great place to stay for your fall getaway.
🍁 Click here to check out the Waybury Inn
12. Grafton
Grafton is another small town, and is definitely one of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall. Grafton is a rather small town, and while it doesn’t have a ton of attractions, that’s also. the appeal. It’s a bit more off-the-beaten path, but such an idyllic place to enjoy fall foliage in the state. In Grafton, you’ll find those picture-perfect countryside landscapes, covered bridges, a really cozy inn, great restaurants, and lots of opportunity for scenic walks at the nature trails.
Grafton also makes for an excellent home base for your fall trip if you’re looking to stay someplace more remote, but want to take day trips to the more popular towns nearby. Both Manchester and Bennington are about an hour from Grafton, making it easy to visit them as day trips.
Best Things To Do In Grafton, VT In The Fall
→ Sample local cheeses and pick up some wine and gifts at Grafton Village Cheese.
→ Visit Kidder and McWilliam covered bridges.
→ Pop into the gorgeous Mercantile for a little shopping.
→ Hit the trails or rent a canoe at the Grafton Outdoor Center.
→ Enjoy a memorable dinner inside an old barn at Phelps Barn Pub.
→ Take a short drive to the Vermont Country Store and Kissing Covered Bridge in Rockingham.
Best Places To Stay In Grafton, VT In The Fall
The best place to stay in Grafton is the Grafton Inn. This inn in centrally-located to all the town’s attractions, and is an incredibly cozy destination for a perfect fall getaway. The inn is home to Phelps Barn Pub, a unique and really cool renovated barn-turned-pub that offers a memorable dining experience. Also on-site is a really beautiful bar that serves amazing wines and cocktails, as well as a tavern for another dining option. Rooms are beautifully decorated in traditional New England style.
🍁 Click here to check out the Grafton Inn
13. Montpelier
Last on my list is Montpelier (pronounced mont-PEEL-yer), which is the capital of Vermont and a great place to stay to experience the fall foliage. The Vermont tourism board calls Montpelier “a small town with big-city” amenities, and I couldn’t agree more with that statement!
It definitely has the feeling of a small town (but not quite as much as, say, places like Woodstock or Grafton), and you’ll have lots of restaurant choices and fall activities to choose from. This is a great destination for those looking to have a more city vibe that’s still full of charm for their Vermont fall getaway.
Best Things To Do In Montpelier, VT In The Fall
→ Stroll through Hubbard Park to admire the foliage.
→ Sample locally-made syrup and pick up some gifts at the Bragg Farm Sugar House.
→ Enjoy a seasonal craft cocktail or taste locally-made award-winning Bar Hill gin at Caledonia Spirits.
→ Explore the shops downtown.
→ Go apple picking at either Peck Farm Orchards or Burtt’s Apple Orchard.
→ Enjoy an upscale farm-to-table dinner at Oakes & Evelyn.
→ Take scenic drives around the countryside to places like Peachum and East Ryegate.
Best Places To Stay In Montpelier, VT In The Fall
The Capitol Plaza is one of the best places to stay in Vermont for an in-town stay that’s close to all the sites, shops and restaurants. It has more of a standard hotel feel to it, but the location can’t be beat. All rooms have recently been renovated, and you’ll be able to select rooms with clawfoot tubs to enhance your stay.
🍁 Click here to check out the Capitol Plaza in Montpelier
Looking for a fully-planned New England fall foliage trip?
What Is There To Do In Vermont In The Fall?
Anything you can think of that’s fall related! Apple and pumpkin picking is plentiful and amazing out in Vermont. Depending on which town you choose to stay in, I would definitely recommend finding a local orchard or pumpkin field to round-out your Vermont fall foliage trip – you’ll be hard-pressed not to find one nearby.
Many of Vermont’s towns have lots of community events in the fall season that you may enjoy (I noted some in each of the towns above). Click here to check out a fall calendar of events in Vermont.
Another thing not to miss in Vermont in the fall is seasonal, farm-to-table dining. Any town you visit, you’ll find a restaurant that’s featuring locally-sourced ingredients and highlighting delicious fall flavors, from specialty cocktails to scrumptious dinners. Be sure to indulge in a great, seasonal meal that highlights fall flavors for a true Vermont experience.
But really, the best thing to do in Vermont in the fall is to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere because that’s likely the reason for your trip to begin with. Really soak in that crisp, country air, enjoy all the charming streets covered in falling leaves, and tour the covered bridges and other gorgeous landscapes.
How Long Does Fall Foliage In Vermont Last?
Foliage season lasts from mid-September through October (again, depending on the region). Each year will be different depending on the weather and temperature patterns, but this is the generally accepted foliage season in Vermont.
As stated already, keep in mind that in mid-late September, foliage is only just beginning, and predominately in the northern part of the state. The beginning of October is when you’ll really see it start to take off, and the color will stick around through October. Once November hits, most of the trees are bare, but the leaves will still be floating on the ground (unless they’re already covered by snow!).
What Is The Weather Like In Vermont In The Fall?
Vermont weather is the fall is likely what you’re already thinking – chillier days, especially in the evenings, slightly higher chances of rain and possibly even snow. In early October, you can possibly expect warmer days and chillier evenings, and later in the month, you’ll want to anticipate colder temperatures during the day and evenings. But it can vary differently from year to year.
As with all of New England, weather is fickle, and changes frequently. You could get a huge snowstorm in October one year, and the next year, not see more than an inch all month with more warmer days than usual.
I always recommend checking the weather report a few days to a week before your planned trip, and pack accordingly based on those predictions.
🍁 Psst! I update my curated fall shopping list every season with current styles, which you can take a look at by clicking here. You’ll find direct links to my favorite things there to make prepping for your trip much easier.
More Of My Vermont Travel Guides:
- Vermont In The Fall
- Vermont In The Winter
- Vermont In The Spring
- All The Best Things To Do In Vermont
- Things To Do In Woodstock, VT
- Things To Do In Stowe, VT
- What Is Vermont Known For? I’ll Tell You!
- Vermont Covered Bridge Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Vermont Pumpkin Patches & Farm Stands To Visit In The Fall
- Christmas In Vermont: All The Most Festive Things To Do
- Best Things To Do In Waterbury, VT
- Awesome Corn Mazes In Vermont
- Must-See Places On A Vermont Route 100 Road Trip
You may also enjoy:
- Best Things To Do in Upstate New York in the Fall
- 75 New England Bucket List Things You Must See & Do
- Best Stops To Make Driving From Boston to Stowe, VT
- Most Incredible New England Resorts & Spas
- The Perfect New England Fall Road Trip
- Vermont vs. New Hampshire In The Fall
That’s A Wrap On The Best Places To Stay In Vermont In The Fall
Hopefully now that you know all the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall, you’re feeling ready to plan and book your fall foliage trip! Whether you choose a quaint and charming town like Woodstock or Stowe, a more remote village like Grafton or even more of a city like Burlington, you really can’t go wrong with Vermont in the fall.
