CALLING ALL LEAF PEEPERS!
With autumn in full swing, now is the perfect time to visit New England for sweeping views of fall foliage. While each corner of New England is beautiful this time of year, thousands of travelers take an annual trip to Vermont and New Hampshire to experience the most amazing bursts of color.
At first glance it may not seem that there is much to do in Vermont aside from skiing in the winter; however, one city may surprise you. Situated on the eastern edge of Lake Champlain, Burlington is a vibrant college town with a hipster-esque vibe and lots of character. Whether you’re a nature-lover, adventure-seeker, foodie or shopaholic, there is something for everyone to appreciate in Burlington. Not to mention, the town is also located in one of the best areas to leaf peep. Another New England gem that’s consistently ranked one of the world’s top places to see fall foliage is the Kancamagus Highway. This scenic autumn drive along New Hampshire Route 112 is an absolute must do in your lifetime.
Below is my mini travel guide for a quick trip through Vermont and New Hampshire, focusing on the two most entertaining and colorful fall foliage sites. To make a weekend trip out of the destinations, spend the first day meandering through Vermont, the second hanging out in Burlington, and the last making your way down the Kancamagus in New Hampshire.
PART 1: STOPS TO HIT IN VERMONT
- Vermont Spirits Distilling Co. • Unique small batch distillery where you can sample maple-distilled spirits.
- Lawson’s Finest Taproom • Great vibes, great beer, great pretzel…what more can I say? Though I’m not a beer drinker myself, I still loved the Peach Sour and cider options.
- Cold Hollow Cider Mill • Working cider mill that offers real Vermont maple syrup, hot cider doughnuts, and flights of home-fermented hard cider.
- Hill Farmstead Brewery • While this brewery is located slightly off the beaten path, Hill Farmstead has been ranked the best brewery in the world for four consecutive years.
PART 2: BURLINGTON, VT • DAY ITINERARY
- Brunch: Sit down at The Skinny Pancake on the Waterfront (order the Chai Latte & Noah’s Ark), OR grab a quick bite at Café Saint Paul (Southender + Avocado ⇢ this is the best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had!).
- Cruise around Lake Champlain on the Spirit of the Ethan Allen • As the only cruise ship and floating restaurant on Lake Champlain, this is a fun way to see Burlington from afar and take in those tantalizing views of the Green Mountains and Adirondacks (while also enjoying a glass of wine and some charcuterie, might I add). The cruise is about an hour and a half, but only runs from May to October.
- Explore the waterfront and go shopping downtown ⇢ Some of my favorite stores include Common Deer, Home & Garden Vermont, and Golden Hour Gift Co. on Church St. Trust me, you’ll find some really unique items at these shops.
- Dinner: Farmhouse Tap & Grill for a relaxed meal with a world-class selection of brews (Market Salad & Cast Iron Seared Salmon), OR Leunig’s Bistro for a slightly more upscale meal with romantic ambiance and amazing service (Oyster Trio & Coconut Rum Glazed Scallops).
- Stroll along Church St. and grab a post-dinner drink at Sweetwaters.
PART 3: THE KANCAMAGUS SCENIC HIGHWAY
- If you’re looking for the best area to see New England fall foliage, the Kancamagus Highway is the drive to take. While it’s a two-hour drive west from Burlington, it’s a great route to take back to the East Coast.
- A 35-mile stretch of road that spans from Lincoln to Conway, NH, the Kancamagus offers its visitors breathtaking views of the White Mountain National Forest and all the fall foliage that comes with it. Make sure to stop at all the scenic overlooks for picture-perfect views of the Osceola Range, Sugar Hill, Mt. Tremont, and the Pemigewasset Wilderness.
- If you’re an outdoorsy person and looking to do more than just pass through, there is also a plethora of campgrounds, hiking trails and walking paths to explore along the road.
Let’s Connect