There’s no better place to lean into the cosy fall season than in Vermont. Enjoy the crisp air as you admire the fiery displays of foliage blanketing the landscape while tucking into apple cider donuts or a maple creemee. Or go on a scenic drive through rolling countryside and marvel at the extravagant roadside pumpkin displays.
This 3-day Vermont itinerary is packed with some of the state’s most charming towns, scenic drives, fall festivals and events, culinary treats and of course lots of foliage.
We did this trip in early October which was perfect timing for peak fall foliage. If you have more time to explore this region check out our longer New England fall road trip itinerary through Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts or our 3-day New Hampshire fall itinerary.
You may also be interested in our other New England and Vermont guides:
Itinerary summary
- Day 1: Arrive in Vermont, explore Peacham and visit a maple syrup farm
- Day 2: Explore Stowe and the surrounding area including Mount Mansfield, Smuggler’s Notch and a cider mill
- Day 3: Explore Waitsfield, drive Route 100 and visit Woodstock
How to get to Vermont
Fly:
- If you are flying into Vermont, the best option for this itinerary is to take a round trip flight to Burlington International Airport. From the airport you can rent a car, which you’ll need to make the most out of this route.
Drive:
- If you are driving into Vermont from northern New Hampshire, this itinerary will be perfect.
- If you are arriving into Vermont from New York, Massachusetts or southern New Hampshire, you may want to consider doing this itinerary in reverse order.
Where to stay in Vermont
We recommend basing yourself in the small town of Waitsfield. This laidback town offers a variety of accommodation options including AirBnbs, hotels, inns and farm stays at more budget friendly options compared to popular towns like Stowe and Woodstock. Additionally, Waitsfield is fairly centrally located to explore the other areas in this itinerary, making it a good base for the 3 days.
We stayed at the Yellow Farmhouse Inn which we would highly recommend. It is located just outside of town on a farm and features cosy yet spacious rooms and an excellent home cooked breakfast.
Day 1: Peacham and Montpelier
Morning: Peacham
Arrive in Vermont in the morning at your chosen point and drive to the quaint small town of Peacham, located in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Peacham is one of the most picturesque and photographed small towns in New England. Rolling green hills, red barns, and a white-steepled church surrounded by fall foliage create a storybook setting.
While Peacham is more of a village than a town with no big attractions, we chose Peacham for this itinerary for exactly that point. It is New England simplicity at its finest. Peacham is surrounded by rolling farmland and fall foliage and it is the perfect place to decompress after a long journey and take in the laidback charm of Vermont.
Take a leisurely stroll through the town and soak up the community-driven atmosphere that Vermont is known for. Stop by the local cafe for a warm drink and a homemade treat and chat with the locals. Then browse the gift shop next door, where you can pick up a bottle of Vermont’s famous maple syrup. Step inside the old schoolhouse where you can learn about the town’s rich history. Then head up the hill and take a short walk through the quiet backroads and into the field behind the Peacham Fire Department for a beautiful view over the village.
The village also hosts the Northeast Kingdom Fall Foliage Festival for a day of community events, local crafts and seasonal festivities. Check Peacham’s events for the updated schedule.
Afternoon: Maple Syrup Farm
In the afternoon, leave Peacham and make your way west along Route 2 stopping at Bragg Farm Sugar House & Gift Shop. This family-run maple syrup farm has been producing pure Vermont maple syrup for eight generations and they offer free guided tours of their sugarhouse where you can learn about the maple syrup making process and check out their collection of antique sugaring tools. The farm also offers free maple syrup tastings so you can try various grades and choose your favourite.
Additionally, Bragg Farm has an excellent gift shop with a wide selection of crafts, gifts and speciality foods so you can pick up souvenirs to take home or snacks to eat on the go as you travel through Vermont.
Finally, pick up a Maple Creemee (a beloved Vermont soft-serve ice cream) from their in-house ice cream parlour and enjoy this sweet treat in the farm’s beautiful surroundings.
Evening: Montpelier and Waitsfield
Heading further west, stop in Montpelier, Vermont’s capital city and take some time to check out the State House and have dinner. There are a few restaurants in town for all budgets and tastes. We recommend Oakes & Evelyn which specialises in New England ingredients and local culture.
Once you’ve had dinner, continue on to the town of Waitsfield where we recommend basing yourself for the next 2 or 3 nights (depending on when you plan to leave Vermont). Waitsfield is a small, laidback and community-driven town which is located in the beautiful Mad River Valley close to the Green Mountains. It offers a peaceful and low-key alternative to Vermont’s more tourist heavy fall destinations and it is also fairly centrally located for exploring the other places listed in this 3-day itinerary.
The town sits along Route 100, one of the most scenic drives in New England during foliage season and features charming historic buildings converted into restaurants, galleries and shops, plus its very own covered bridge. We’ve saved exploring Waitsfield and Route 100 for day 3 of this itinerary.
In terms of accommodation, the town offers a range of options, from quaint inns and rustic cabins to homely farm stays. As noted above, we stayed at the Yellow Farmhouse Inn which we would highly recommend. It is located just outside of town on a farm and features cosy yet spacious rooms and an excellent home cooked breakfast.
Day 2: Stowe
Morning: Stowe
Today will be spent exploring the beautiful town of Stowe and the surrounding area. From Waitsfield it’s a 40-minute drive to Stowe. Your first stop will be just beyond the town to the SkyRide Gondola which takes you to the summit of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. There are spectacular views stretching across Vermont, New Hampshire and even in to Canada and it is one of the best places to see fall foliage. The gondola ride costs $42 and operates daily from 10am to 4.30pm. At the top, soak in the views, hike along one of the trails, or dine at the Cliff House restaurant or The Waffle.
Alternatively, if you want to reach the top of Mount Mansfield without taking the gondola you can drive the Auto Toll Road. The cost is $37 for the automobile + driver, plus $14 for each additional passenger.
After soaking in the incredible views at the top of Mount Mansfield, drive 5-minutes north to Smugglers Notch, Vermont’s most dramatic road which passes through picturesque forests. The road is particularly beautiful during the fall when the trees turn fiery colours. Take in the scenic drive and stop at some of the numerous pull-offs.
Once you’ve had your fill of fall foliage, head into downtown Stowe. This bustling yet cosy town delivers that classically charming New England look, and again it is especially pretty in the fall when the town is wrapped in vibrant reds and golds and businesses decorate their store fronts with pumpkins, chrysanthemums and hay bales. Stroll through downtown Stowe and pop into locally owned boutiques and galleries and stop by one of the many cafes or restaurants along Maine Street for lunch. Additionally, take a 10-minute walk along Route 108, over the Giles W.Dewey Covered Bridge to the Stowe community church view point. Here you’ll get a gorgeous view of the towns’ steepled church framed by fall colours.
Afternoon: Vermont Culinary Tour
Once you’ve had a stroll through town and taken in all the sites, drive 10-minutes to one of Vermont’s most historic and picturesque landmarks: Gold Brook Covered Bridge. This charming covered bridge, surrounded by golden trees, is steeped in local folklore and is said to be haunted. It’s a pretty place to stop for a photo.
Next, hit the road for an afternoon of delicious culinary delights as you make your way south down Route 100, stopping at these must visit destinations:
- Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea: Sip on locally roasted coffee inside a beautiful red barn, or enjoy your drink by the river.
- Cold Hollow Cider Mill: This very popular spot is famous for its freshly made cider donuts and delicious apple cider. The Mill also has a fantastic gift store to pick up more souvenirs.
- Cabot Creamery: A cheese shop, where you can sample locally made award winning cheddar and pick up a few blocks to take home.
- Ben & Jerry’s Factory: Tour the factory (reservations required) or stop by the ice cream shop to try one of their famous flavours. You can also visit the ice cream cemetery where retired flavours rest in peace. This wasn’t on our must do list for things to do in Vermont, but seeing as we were having a culinary afternoon it made sense to stop.
Evening: Waitsfield
After a day sightseeing and indulgence, return to Waitsfield for a relaxing evening. If you are still keen for dinner after your culinary afternoon we recommend Scrag & Roe located in downtown Waitsfield. This restaurant serves delicious small sharing plates inspired by asian flavours.
Day 3: Waitsfield and Woodstock
Morning: Waitsfield and Route 100
First thing in the morning head into downtown Waitsfield. As mentioned, Waitsfield offers a quiet, laidback vibe and has a strong sense of community. The town is divided into two distinct areas: one features charming historic buildings converted into restaurants, galleries and shops, plus the Great Eddy Covered Bridge and the other section is more modern with more restaurants, a charming old cinema and a supermarket.
Explore the independent shops and boutiques which include artwork from local artists, as well as an adorable Christmas shop that has an incredible selection of European vintage ornaments. Next to the Christmas shop is the Great Eddy Covered Bridge, one of Vermont’s oldest covered bridges. If you are in Waitsfield on a Saturday, check out the Farmers Market which features fresh produce from Vermont farmers, artisan goods as well as live music.
Once you’ve finished exploring the town begin your drive south along Route 100 towards Woodstock. This scenic byway winds through the Green Mountain National Forest, offering views of rolling hills, mountains, waterfalls, dense forests and charming villages. You will likely want to stop a few times to take photos.
Afternoon: Woodstock
Just 90-miuntes out of Waitsfield, you’ll arrive in Woodstock. The town embodies everything you imagine a New England town to look like. The streets are lined with boutiques, galleries and cafes, and during the fall the town fully embraces the season as porches overflow with pumpkins and businesses dress up with charming harvest decorations. Spend some time browsing the shops. There are some great home interior stores where you can pick up your own fall decorations. The historic town is also known for its well preserved 19th Century Victorian mansions like the Woodstock Inn & Resort which is worth checking out. Elsewhere in town, historical landmarks like the Middle Covered Bridge and Ebenezer Fitch House are beautiful sights to visit during the fall. Grab a sandwich from the Village Butcher deli and find a bench in the village green to watch the world go by.
Evening:
That evening either stay in Woodstock for dinner and make your way back to Waitsfield for the night or make your way back to the airport to fly home or drive onto your next destination.
If you do have more time in New England, check out our 11-day New England fall road trip itinerary which includes stops in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
If you have any questions about planning this trip, feel free to drop a comment below. We’d love to help you craft the perfect itinerary.
