I've lived in New England my complete life. There's one town in this area I promise by visiting all fall.

When several group think concerning Vermont, they power image skiing downward picturesque slopes and unwinding their tired legs following a lengthy day on the mountain … lone to do it all complete again the next day.

As a lifelong New Englander, though, I accept that the period before the snowy period is frequently overlooked. I favor to caput up north whenever the leaves are changing from green to fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Once I'm in the Green Mountain State, my favorite town is Stowe, a dreamy hub for leaf-peeping, everything maple-flavored, and awesome autumn vibes.

Stowe is a quick trip from another parts of the Northeast

Located in northern Vermont, Stowe is the ideal escape for a romantic getaway or collection trip, particularly if you're on the East Coast.

It's fair a three-hour run from Boston and lone six hours from New York City. For those who live a bit farther away, the town is additionally small than an hr from Burlington International Airport.

I live four hours distant in Rhode Island and favor driving so I can halt at adorable pit stops throughout Vermont.

My individual favorite is the Vermont Country Store in Rockingham. This iconic current shop sells nostalgic penny candy, local cheeses from nearby farms, and — of way — the best maple syrup.

My ideal weekend includes a gondola ride, a corn maze, and a downtown stroll

Situated at the base of Mount Mansfield, Stowe has a quaint downtown, ideal for strolling the streets alongside a hot pumpkin latte in hand. There's no deficit of adorable shops and cozy cafés.

The town center is walkable, but Stowe's another attractions — specified as the celebrated Gondola Skyride and my favorite corn maze — are a quick run away.

Just a few miles from Stowe's downtown, the Percy Farm Corn Maze allows groups to get misplaced in the rows of corn. If you're lucky, you'll equal see several baby cows grazing.

I additionally firmly accept that a autumn trip isn't complete without a red gondola journey up the mountain. Sitting rear and taking in the kaleidoscope of colorful autumn foliage during gliding through the air is really dissimilar item else.

The mountain's highest provides the ideal photo op. Once you're at the top, sway by the concessions remain for a waffle covered in chocolate syrup.

My favorite eatery is the iconic von Trapp Brewing Bierhall

After exploring the top of Mount Mansfield and soaking in the views, it's period to decide what's for lunch.

The von Trapp Brewing Bierhall, additionally exterior the town center, offers norm brews and Austrian-influenced dishes — and yes, it's run by a associate of the von Trapp family who inspired "The Sound of Music."

I affection the pretzels alongside home mustard, which is additionally accessible for acquisition in their current shop. Additionally, if you've never tried German sausages, I extremely propose sharing the bratwurst, knackwurst, and bauernwurst alongside all the fixings.

It's uncomplicated to admission another quaint, nearby towns, specified as Killington and Waterbury

One of the finest parts of Stowe is its proximity to another postcard-worthy fall destinations.

Only 15 minutes distant in Waterbury Center, Cold Hollow Cider Mill is a historic dairy ranch that's been owned by the identical family for generations. Browsing the store's aisles volition depart you starving as you observe the squad media apples and fry doughnuts.

Drive another 10 minutes south, and you can indulge in Vermont flavors at Ben & Jerry's and Cabot Creamery in Waterbury. Pro tip: Book a booking ongoing for the factory tour at Ben & Jerry's, as it can market out fast.

If you're open to venturing a small farther, concerning an hr south of Waterbury is Killington, a famed ski town that's beautiful in the fall. Here, you can obtain another gondola journey up Killington Peak at Killington Ski Resort and bask a cocktail at the top.

This narrative was initially published on September 23, 2025, and most lately updated on September 21, 2026.