Cooler temperatures bring the russet, auburn, gold, and amber out on the leaves, and this is prime time to explore outside and enjoy their beauty. But are you trying to figure out where to take a fall road trip to see the colors? I have seen fantastic color in Michigan and almost saw it in New England. However, Mother Nature was a bit stingy the year I visited and delayed showing off her shades. But I can imagine when she does show off, Vermont is the place you want to be. Are you wondering where the best places to visit in Vermont in the fall are? Here is everything you need to know about planning a fabulous fall road trip through Vermont and a collection of photos to inspire you to make your future plans.
Table of Contents
Montpelier
Montpelier is the least populous state capital in the United States but has one of the most picturesque statehouses in the country. Designed in 1857, this restored Greek Revival is an impressive sight as you go past it through the Montpelier historic district. Which, by the way, has over 450 architectural gems for you to drive past and admire or, better yet, park and walk through some of the lovely neighborhoods. My only beef with the historic district is why couldn’t they put the phone lines underground.
Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
One of the oldest sugarhouses is right outside of Montpelier. When you visit Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, you will be able to learn all about the maple syrup process, try the different types of syrup, and even get a maple creemee on your way out. Come and look around the grounds and the gift store, or spend the afternoon walking along the nature trails enjoying the fall Vermont weather. The Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Morse Farm is at 1168 County Road, Montpelier, Vermont, and is one of the best places to visit in Vermont in the fall.
Woodstock
Woodstock is a charming town to visit in the fall and is only 115 miles from Boston. I spent a wonderful afternoon walking through the central square, also known as the Green, photographing the historic buildings and picking up a couple of souvenirs. There are fall displays throughout the downtown area, and the gardens in front of the homes along highway US-4 are gorgeous.
Norman Williams Public Library
The Norman Williams Public Library is a pink sandstone architectural gem built-in 1883. But, you have to look inside to see the real beauty of the building. The high vaulted ceilings and the wooden railings on the 2nd floor make this a great place to take a break, read a book, or admire the architecture. Make sure to check the open hours.
Middle Covered Bridge
This beautiful lattice truss bridge built in 1968 is easy to find right off the Green in downtown Woodstock. There is a separate lane for pedestrians, don’t cross over in the vehicle lane. Getting the photo of the bridge over the Ottauquechee River is a little more complicated as there are private homes and yards near the bridge; please be respectful.
Yankee Bookshop
One of the oldest independent bookstores in Vermont is the Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, operating since 1935. I love stopping into these little bookstores because you’ll never know what you might find there. You could find books by local authors, travel guides for the region, and even the latest best-seller if that is what you fancy. Yankee Bookshop is at 12 Central St.
Other Cool Buildings to See in Woodstock
Burlington
Burlington is a short 68 miles away from Woodstock. As a thriving college town, you can find plenty of restaurants, taverns, and activities for you to do during the day or night. On my visit a few years ago, we enjoyed a delicious meal at the Church Street Tavern. Church Street is where you can find many shopping and dining establishments, all in an outdoor pedestrian area.
Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is a large freshwater lake that borders Vermont, New York, and Canada. From Burlington, you can get beautiful lake views, especially at sunset. I took a walk down to the water to take some photographs. Waterfront Park is the perfect place to take some time for yourself, relax, or find a quiet place to think.
Some interesting facts for you: Lake Champlain is believed to have the best collection of historic shipwrecks in North America, and it is one of only a few lakes that flows in a northerly direction.
Spirit of Ethan Allen
One of my favorite things to do in Vermont in the fall was to cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen on Lake Champlain with my mother. We were on a tour with Country Heritage Tours and were able to take a sunset dinner cruise on the lake. The buffet was delicious, but the highlight of the cruise was the scenery and the fantastic sunset that evening. You are not only entertained by the views of the Adirondack Mountains and the Green Mountains, the Captain himself entertains you with historical and little-known facts and bits of Yankee humor. If you want to go on one of their cruises, check out their website.
Shelburne Museum
Shelburne Museum is a unique outdoor museum with 45 acres, 39 buildings, and 150,000 pieces of art. The entire complex was designed and created by Electra Webb. She moved over 20 historic structures to Shelburne, including a lighthouse and one colossal boat. The 18th and 19th-century buildings are filled with collections of toys from her childhood, historical pieces, and beautiful Impressionist paintings by Manet, Degas, and Monet. When we were there, it was sweltering walking between the buildings as they are spaced out. Bring water and a hat as there is little shade. To visit the Museum, you will need to get advance tickets. Get all the information you need from the Shelburne website. The Shelburne Museum is at 6000 Shelburne Road, PO Box 10. Shelburne, VT.
Summary
These three towns were terrific places to visit in Vermont. Even though I didn’t see the colorful leaves of the fall this time, Vermont is spectacularly beautiful. So much so that I want to go back and do a proper fall foliage tour through the Green Mountains of Vermont. Have you experienced a fall in Vermont? What were your best places to visit in Vermont in the Fall?
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Further Reading
If you are coming to New England for a visit, check out these posts for other travel inspiration:
- Embrace Your Inner Witch in Salem
- Walking the Boston Freedom Trail
- The Hard and Soft History of Lowell, Massachusetts
- Pickity Place – Where Little Red Riding Hood Illustrations Originated
- Canterbury Shaker Village: Simple Living with a Clear Purpose
- Most Intriguing Bookstores Around the World You Must Visit