Last month, Austin and I ventured up to Vermont to enjoy the foliage. This has been on our bucket-list for quite some time. And when we were asked to partake in a LikeToKnow.It takeover, we knew Vermont would be a great trip to share with our readers.
Before heading off to Vermont, we did a lot of research. After all, we wanted to make sure we were getting the most out of our trip. Hopefully these details help when you plan your next foliage trip!
FOLIAGE DATES + HELPFUL TIPS
When planning a fall trip, the first thing you need to do is research the best dates for foliage. We used this site and this map and found them to be pretty accurate. We also called several B&Bs and inquired about the foliage. Everyone we spoke with mentioned the best time to go is the first 2 weeks in October. We went October 5th-9th and technically that was during the “peak” time. We were not disappointed!
Inns and B&Bs get booked up fast during the months of October through early November. We planned our trip in June, and almost everything was already sold out. Being first timers to the area, we were actually pretty surprised. Prices also jump during peak season. I hate to say it, but some of these B&Bs double (even triple) the price just during the month of October. But all in all, it was worth it to experience fall in Vermont and we would highly recommend it to anyone.
ROADTRIP
We flew in to Boston on Thursday morning. After renting a car, we first wanted to spend a few hours in the city before making our way through Vermont. When planning this trip, we immediately worried that driving would be too long and frankly boring. After researching more, we realized that Vermont is actually quite small. As Texans, we assumed it would take 12 hours to get between states! However, the longest time we spent in the car was just shy of 4 hours and that was from Stowe (north Vermont) to the Boston airport. And it was a beautiful drive. No traffic, lots of orange and yellow trees and neat little towns along the way. Here are the places we visited while making our way through Vermont:
GRAFTON
We spent our first night in Grafton at The Grafton Inn. Grafton was about 3 hours from Boston airport, so it was a little bit of a drive. But a gorgeous one! This town was the perfect introduction to the state.
PLACES TO STAY:
The Grafton Inn (we stayed here)
PLACES TO EAT:
Dinner at the Old Tavern Restaurant (amazing steak house)
Vermont Cannoli (11 minutes from Grafton)
Smokin’ Bowls – Food Stand
THINGS TO DO:
The Vermont Country Store (5 miles from Grafton)
Lowell Lake State Park (9 miles from Grafton)
WOODSTOCK
After our time in Grafton, we ventured North to Woodstock which was about an hour away. This was probably our favorite town. There is so much to do in Woodstock and it is absolutely beautiful.
PLACES TO STAY:
The Maple Leaf Inn (15 minutes NW from Woodstock) We stayed at this B&B and loved it. We wished we could have stayed longer!
The Woodstock Inn (right in the heart of downtown Woodstock)
Kendron Valley Inn (South Woodstock)
PLACES TO EAT:
Breakfast at The Maple Leaf Inn (Since we stayed here, it only made sense to eat here! The food was divine)
The Village Butcher (amazing sandwiches)
Bentleys Restaurant (the best french onion soup we’ve ever had!)
THINGS TO DO:
Wellwood Apple Orchard (This was such neat place!)
Taftsville Covered Bridge (One of the oldest bridges in VT)
Sugarbush Farm (This is a great option for the whole family. They offer free tours of how they make the cheese and syrup and let you try as much as you like)
The Mansion and Gardens National Historic Park
STOWE
We loved our stay in Stowe. This was another favorite stop. Stowe is full of modest shops and B&B’s and less busy than Burlington. The foliage was gorgeous! Here are a few snaps from Downtown Stowe.
PLACES TO STAY:
Stowe Mountain Lodge (Highly recommend staying here! It was absolutely gorgeous. This resort has plenty of things to do. We wished we took a gondola up the mountains, but we didn’t have time.)
Smuggler’s Notch (10 minutes outside of Stowe)
PLACES TO EAT:
Trapp Family Lodge (This place is really neat. It’s home to the Trapp family, yes from the Sound of Music! They have a large brewery and great dining options. You can also stay here but they book up rather quickly)
THINGS TO DO:
Quechee Bridge (From Woodstock on the way to Stowe)
Travel along with Green Mountain Byway – providing stunning views of open meadows, farmland and forests, all with a spectacular mountain backdrop.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory (This was the highlight of the trip! Well, one of them. If you or your travel buddies are ice cream lovers like myself, be sure to stop here. Also, they tend to sell out of tickets about 2 hours before closing. I would get there around noon or 1:00)
Cold Hollow Cider Mill (a must!)
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Her:
Look 1 (Red House): Sam Edelman Leopard Loafers (fit: tts) | Drape Cardigan (fit: this runs big, I am wearing an XS) | AG Denim (fit: tts) | similar Black Shell | Tory Burch Block T Tote | BP. Hoop Earrings | Warby Parker Laurel Eyeglasses
Look 2 (Brown Jacket): Madewell Whisper Cotton Turtleneck | Leith Longline Jacket (Similar styles here, here, and here.) | ASOS Vintage Look Belt | ZoeLev Oval Signet Ring | ZoeLev Custom Rings | Senreve Mini Satchel | Celine Sunglasses | Rebecca Minkoff Studded Booties
His:
Look 1 (Fire wood): Banana Republic Water-Resistant Quilted Vest | Banana Republic Grant Slim-Fit Flannel Check Shirt
Look 2 (Rocking Chair): Similar Red + White Checkered Shirt | Similar Herringbone Blazer
Always love your pics! 🙂
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Hi Ewa,
I really appreciate that! Thank you so much for your kind comment. xx, Ashley
saving this for a future visit!! xo Bryn http://www.waketonroad.com
Hi Bryn,
I hope it comes useful for your next visit! xx, Ashley
I love all of your outfits and your photos are beautiful. This looks like the cutest place, I’d love to visit. Great tips!
Hi Tara,
Thank you so much for your comment and kind words! Have a great week. xx, Ashley
Beautiful and Fall magical photo / travel diary! I’d love to visit Vermont someday!
https://lartoffashion.com
Hi Natali,
Thank you so much for your kind comment! Definitely recommend going in peak Fall foliage! xx, Ashley
Loved reading about this trip. Can you please tell me when exactly you went to VT? I’m thinking of going first week of November and trying to see if its worth it? I know we will miss the fall foliage but thats okay.
We went mid October. The locals told us the best time is end of Oct, so if you go first of Nov I think you should be ok! xx AR