Vermont Fall Foliage Tour in Manchester VT
Since we are on a Vermont roll I figured I would talk about which Vermont towns are a “must-see” if you are heading there. Quite honestly every part of the state that I have seen is dear to my heart, but these 5 Vermont Towns to visit stuck out specifically!
Top 5 Vermont Towns to Visit in the Fall:
1. Manchester
Nestled in the southern Green Mountains, Manchester delivers on fall foliage. From Main street to the back roads, everything is surrounded by mountains, giving you full advantage for leaf peeping! For more info on Manchester you can read: Manchester VT Fall Foliage Tour. Another reason I love Manchester is how close it is to Dorset, which is the most adorable NE town! Check out: Dorset VT: The Cutest Town in New England.
2. Woodstock
Named the “quintessential New England Village” Woodstock hands over covered bridges surrounded by fall colors, the town’s central square {the Green}; and Greek Revival, Federal Style, and Georgian homes that have been lovingly restored. A must do in Woodstock is dinner at Mangalitsa. This is, in my humble opinion, the BEST restaurant in New England. It never fails, every single time I go the food blows me away. So much so that I have come accustomed to just asking Nick, the Chef, to pick my dinner. If you want to eat here you MUST make a reservation – or trust me you won’t get in. For more on Woodstock you can read An Autumn Weekend in Woodstock Vermont.
3. Bennington
Known as part of “The Shires” Bennington is buzzing with activity! Besides the beautiful sights like the Old First Church, and the monument, this town is full of cultural activities. While planning your trip check out Vermont Begins Here for a list of all the events that will be going on while you are in town! Pro Tip – Stay at The Four Chimneys Inn – a Vermont Inn doesn’t get much better than this one!
4. Waitsfield
this picture perfect town lies in the Mad River Valley which sits between the Green Mountain Range and the Northfield mountains. Route 100 {one of my top scenic VT drives} is the main road through this darling town. For more tips check out: Finding Fall in Waitsfield VT with 1824 House.
5. Stowe
Also known as one of Vermont’s top ski towns, Stowe charms its way through any season. What I love: the farm to table restaurants, the locally owned shops, and driving through Smuggler’s Notch (major leaf peeping goals)! For a travel guide to Stowe check out: Spending Winter Days with Field Guide in Stowe VT, or for an incredible AirBnB in Stowe check out: A Top Rated Vermont AirBnB: The Farm Home.
These are the best Vermont towns to visit in the fall, although you will end up loving anywhere you visit in Vermont this Fall!If you still need help planning your perfect Vermont Fall getaway be sure to read: All You Need to Know About Vermont Fall Foliage.
I hope all of this information helps you plan your ultimate New England vacation. If you visit any of the above Vermont towns let me know what your favorite part was!
Pin these Best Vermont Towns to Visit in the Fall for Later!
Fred Newton says
Hope to visit this fall. Where is nearest major airport?
Shannon Shipman says
Well there are 5 different towns here….so you would have to pick an airport closets to whereever you want to go. I would think that flying into boston will be most affordable while giving you the most options, and then just renting a car!
Elena Gilbert says
Really amazing blog, I loved reading it, you have beautifully described it so well, It is so good to see blogs like this. Please keep on writing blogs like this in future.
Rebecca Cortez says
[email protected], send me any suggestions for our trip this October. What to wear, and where to eat and stay each night as we travel for 7 days throughout the state. Thank you.
Rebecca
Rebecca Cortez says
We’re excited for our October 2022 trip, send any suggestions. Olease
Shannon Shipman says
Rebecca, you are going to have the best time – all of the recommendations you asked for are on my site – head to the search bar and type in “vermont” or head to my “new england fall foliage” tab…:)
Lori says
Hi Shannon,
I will be in Vermont on October 1; approximately two weeks from now. I really want to ride a hot air balloon to see all the beautiful foliage. I’m not sure what area would have more color between Oct. 1-3. I’m debating between Quechee or Burlington. Could you tell me which area would have more color during this time? I made a reservation with Above Realty Balloons but I’m not sure if the leaves would be changing. We meet at the Essex Spa and Resort as a pick up point.
Thank you,
Lori
Could you please suggest
Lori Murakami says
Hi Shannon,
I can’t wait and will be in. Ermine in two weeks! I plan on riding a hot air balloon and reserved Oct.3 with Above Realty Balloons. We meet at 70 Essex and Spa hotel. Would the tress have changed color by this date?
I also found another company in Quechee. Would I have better luck with fall foliage in Quechee around Oct.3? Appreciate your suggestion as I am looking forward to viewing the fall colors.
Thank you,
Lori
Shannon Shipman says
Hi lori,
sorry for late response! there is no way of predicting when the leaves will turn, but it looks like this year is a phenomenal year for the leaves for a ride tomorrow
Lori says
Thank you so much for your reply! We are in Atowe Vermont today and the leaves have started to change. Looking forward to an amazing ride tomorrow 🤗
Sabrina says
We have never been to VT and are planning a 2 week trip this fall. We are driving up from NC and will be here from 9/27 to 10/11. Can you please suggest where we should go?