There’s no doubt that Vermont is beautiful in the fall. But, what are the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall? Vermont is known for its hospitality, outdoorsy activities, foliage, and quaint towns, so let’s get into the best places to stay that Vermont has to offer.
In this post, I’ll lay our the best places to stay depending on what type of trip you’re looking to take. All of these towns are great for viewing fall foliage, there are no bad towns for that in Vermont in the fall. There are no bad spots in Vermont for that!
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About Visiting Vermont in the Fall
Vermont is famous for its quaint B&Bs with top-quality service. Many of the places below are historical homes and buildings that have operated as inns and B&Bs since the 1800s! There’s a little something for everyone depending on the type of experience you want to have. On this list, I’ll recommend everything from modern hotels to the best historic places to stay.
Between mid-September and mid-October are the most colorful times to visit Vermont in Fall, with foliage starting to change colors as early as the start of September in northern areas and higher elevations.
Over the next two or three weeks, color moves into downtowns and valleys and from north to south, with color hanging on the trees as late as the end of October in some areas. I visited in mid-October and some areas were fully colorful while others were barren already.
To experience Vermont’s fall foliage at its peak, plan on visiting towards the beginning of October and building in plenty of time to travel around the state to take in the foliage as it shifts. Peak foliage can vary depending on weather conditions.
PS I love New England in the fall. It’s what made me move to the East Coast and ultimately find a life I love where I get to spend fall on the East Coast every year in DC! So you can trust, when I talk about New England, I’m putting my heart and soul into it. There’s something special about New England in the fall.
Hotel Pricing Guide
$ – less than 160
$$ – 160 – 260
$$$ – 260+
* These are average prices, and specific dates will vary
Best for Historic Small Town Feel: Woodstock
Woodstock, Vermont was chartered in 1761, 15 years before the United States of America signed the Declaration of Independence. The homes and buildings have a lot of historic charm.
Places to Stay in Woodstock:
Historic Woodstock Inn and Resort $$$. Established by Laurance and Mary Rockefeller, this Inn features classic craftsmanship accents and artisanal amenities that reflect the authentic Vermont style.
This is a historic inn located right in the center of town. The rooms are decorated beautifully and the grounds are gorgeous. It’s pricey for a reason with famous service, a great breakfast that’s included, and historic charm.
The Birch Grove $$. If you are looking for something more affordable, this is a beautiful B&B in a quiet location a ten-minute drive from the village. The rooms are cozy, large, and comfortable with a great view of the rolling hills around Woodstock.
Things to do in Woodstock:
- Quechee Gorge
- Sugar Bush Farm
- Billings Farm and Museum
- Antiquing and vintage shopping
Best for History Buffs: Montpelier
Montpelier is the capital city of Vermont. The 1859 Vermont State House is a gold-domed Greek Revival building with decorative and fine art collections. While larger than some of the other towns on this list, it still has a pretty small and historic downtown area.
Places to Stay in Montpelier:
The Inn at Montpelier $$ 19-room boutique hotel located steps from beautiful downtown Montpelier. Explore all Vermont has to offer from a superbly convenient location!
Capitol Plaza Hotel Montpelier Tapestry Collection $$$ Want something right downtown? Consider this spot for your stay instead. Walkable to things downtown and historic feel with all the modern amenities a Hilton has to offer.
Things to Do in Montpelier:
- Capitol building
- Vermont History Museum
- Hubbard Park
- The Lost Nation Theater
- Bragg Farm Sugar House and Gift Shop
Best for the Outdoorsy: Stowe
Stowe is a town in northern Vermont. It’s overlooked by Mount Mansfield, known for its trails and ski slopes. If you’re looking for lots of great hikes and scenic drives (listed out below), Stowe is a great spot to visit!
Places to Stay in Stowe:
Green Mountain Inn $$ The Green Mountain Inn has welcomed guests since 1833. Situated in the heart of Stowe, the Inn provides an ideal location to enjoy countless recreational activities year-round.
Stowe also has several different great homes and farms you can stay at if you want something a little quieter and calm outside town!
Things to Do in Stowe:
- Gondola at Mt. Mansfield (or Auto Toll Road)
- Cold Hollow Cider
- Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream
- Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm
- Smugglers Notch State Park
- Lots of good hiking & trails
Best for Lake or City Lovers: Burlington
Burlington is a city in northwestern Vermont, on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, south of the Canadian border. The lakefront side of Burlington gives this town a different feel than others on this list. There are great hikes and unique views of the foliage on and around the lake. Burlington also has a lot more hotel options than other towns on the list due to the size of the city.
Where to Stay in Burlington:
Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain $$ This hotel has downtown rooms one block from Waterfront Park, where you can board a cruise and explore the idyllic waters of Lake Champlain. It’s surrounded by restaurants, with Church Street Marketplace a five-minute walk away. They also have rental bikes perfect for exploring the Burlington Bike Path.
Willard Street Inn $$ Located in the picturesque Hill District of Burlington, this is a family-owned and operated bed and breakfast that offers 14 guest rooms. This is a mansion with beautiful gardens and grounds perfect for relaxing and enjoying all Burlington has to offer.
Because this is a larger city, Burlington has the most affordable options that are below $160 a night on average. You can find a full list here.
Things to Do in Burlington:
- Church Street Marketplace
- Ethan Allen Homestead Museum
- Shelburne Museum
- Lake activities like kayaking, boating, etc.
- Hiking & biking trails
No matter which town you choose, you’ll get to experience one of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall.
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