50 Fun Travel Ideas for the New England Fall Foliage Season

Chocorua Lake. Photo credit:
Lawrence Carbonaro

Here are 50 New England fall foliage season destinations, attractions, restaurants and hotels for your trip planning purposes. Please feel free to add your favorite fall travel things to do in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont! Together, we can build an incredible list!

1. Pick apples at Belkin Lookout Farm, Natick, Mass:http://visitingnewengland.com/applepicking.html

2. Take a scenic New England fall foliage driving route:http://visitingnewengland.com/fall-foliage-questions.html 

3. Discover some of New England's best fall foliage in Maine:http://visitingnewengland.com/maine-fall-foliage.html

4. Enjoy apple picking, apple dumplings with vanilla ice cream and a general store at Brookfield Orchards in North Brookfield, Mass.:http://visitingnewengland.com/brookfield-orchards-apples.html

5. Visit the Shaker Hill Fall Apple Festival, Sept. 24-25 in Alfred, Maine:http://visitingnewengland.com/blog-cheap-travel/?p=1554

6. Take a walk around Walden Pond in Concord, Mass.:http://visitingnewengland.com/blog-cheap-travel/?p=1204

7. Get a taste of true apple cider at Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury, Vt.:http://visitingnewengland.com/blog-cheap-travel/?p=598

8. Take in the million dollar views at low-cost Pack Monadnock Summit, Peterborough, N.H.: http://visitingnewengland.com/blog-cheap-travel/?p=174

9. See an amazing pumpkin Patch at Adams Farm in Cumberland, R.I.:http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2010/10/pumpkins-saturate-rhode-island-farm.html

10. Ride the Conway Scenic Railway in Conway, N.H., for great views of the New England fall foliage season:http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2010/10/conway-scenic-railway-offers-colorful.html

11. View some of the best New England fall foliage at the famous Kancamagus Scenic Byway in the White Mountains of New Hampshire:http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2010/10/fall-foliage-leaf-peeping-at-kancamagus.html

12. Visit the Vermont Country Store in Weston, Vt., to experience an authentic New England country store in a beautiful town:http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2009/10/scenic-vermont-fall-foliage-drive-and.html

13. Hike Mt. Sugarloaf in South Deerfield, Mass., for some splendid fall foliage views: http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2009/10/mt-sugarloaf-in-south-deerfield-mass.html

14. Enjoy a peaceful day in Wrentham, Mass., northern Rhode Island, and the northeast Connecticut area:http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2009/10/picturesque-rhode-island-fall-foliage.html

15. Dine at the scenic 1761 Old Mill in Westminster, Mass., for some excellent New England fare:http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2009/10/scenic-fall-dining-at-1761-old-mill.html

16. Stay at the Stoweflake inn in beautiful Stowe, Vt.:http://www.visitingnewengland.com/hotelinfo/136140.html

17. Find a hidden gem of a walk at the Walpole Town Forest in Walpole, Mass.:http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2009/10/another-hidden-fall-foliage-travel-gem.html

18. Enjoy the sweeping views of the Mt. Washington Valley at the Mountain View Grand Resort in Whitefield, N.H.:http://www.visitingnewengland.com/hotelinfo/93025.html

19. Discover Vermont for its rural beauty:http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2009/09/vermont-fall-travel-ideas.html

20. Take a scenic motorcycle fall foliage ride in Central Massachusetts and Northeast Connecticut:http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2009/09/scenic-motorcycle-fall-foliage-ride-in.html

21. Visit Pleasant View Orchards, a classic roadside farm stand in Smithfield, R.I.: http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2009/09/classic-new-england-roadside-farm-stand.html

22. Stay at the Bethel Inn, a charming resort in inland Bethel, Maine (the foliage is great here!) that has been serving the vacationing public since 1913:http://www.visitingnewengland.com/hotelinfo/122358.html

23. Pick some apples at the Big Apple farm in Wrentham, Mass. This is an old-fashioned working American farm in business since 1950 and a rural community travel attraction on over 200 serene acres:http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2008/10/old-fashioned-fall-fun-at-big-apple.html

24. Take in classic fall travel attractions at Franconia Notch in the White Mountains of New Hampshire:http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2008/10/return-to-franconia-state-park-in-new.html

25. Splurge on luxurious lodging at the Wheatleigh in Lenox (the Berkshire Mountains): http://www.visitingnewengland.com/hotelinfo/24124.html

26. Navigate a tricky corn patch at Jane and Paul's Farm in Norfolk, Mass.:http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2008/10/corny-new-england-travel-destination.html

27. Take the Road Less Taken in the New England Autumn:http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2008/09/taking-road-less-taken-in-new-england.html


28. Enjoy Stowe, Vt., on a budget with these affordable travel attractions: http://visitingnewengland.com/blog-cheap-travel/?p=1619


29. Get in the fall spirit at Parker's Maple Barn in Mason, N.H.:http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2008/09/getting-into-fall-spirit-at-parkers.html

30. New England towns perfect for staying overnight or for an extended time during the New England fall foliage season:http://www.visitingnewengland.com/fall-foliage-lodging.html

31. Stroll through Walpole N.H., a quintessential New England town:http://www.visitingnewengland.com/scenesofnewengland97.html

32. Have fun at The Big E New England States Fair:http://www.visitingnewengland.com/eastern-states-exposition-fair.html

33. Dine by fireside at the historic Salem Cross Inn in West Brookfield, Mass.:http://www.visitingnewengland.com/salemcrossinn.html

34. Hike through some beautiful forest at Hale Reservation in Westwood, Mass.: http://visitingnewengland.com/blog-photo-tour/2010/09/22/hale-reservation-westwood-mass/

35. Gaze at the innate beauty of Echo Lake in Franconia Notch, N.H.:http://visitingnewengland.com/blog-photo-tour/2010/09/17/echo-lake-at-foot-of-cannon-mountain-franconia-notch-new-hampshire/

36. Be amazed at the variety of pumpkins available at the Epiphany Church of Walpole Fall Fair in Walpole, Mass.: http://visitingnewengland.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/P1080540.jpg

37. Stay at the Mountain Top Inn and Resort in Chittenden, Vt., with its breathtaking views:http://www.visitingnewengland.com/hotelinfo/120584.html 

38. Enjoy a fall family vacation at the Red Jacket Mountain View and Indoor Water Park in North Conway, N.H. (in the White Mountains):http://www.visitingnewengland.com/hotelinfo/132021.html

39. Dine at the historic, casual Vanilla Bean Cafe in Pomfret, Conn., one of New England most beautiful small towns:http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2008/09/vanilla-bean-is-good-for-heart.html

40. Stay at the 4-star Inns at the Equinox in charming Manchester, Vt., at the base of Mount Equinox.

41. Visit Brown and Hopkins Country Store in Chepachet, R.I., one of the oldest continuously operating country stores in the United States:http://www.visitingnewengland.com/scenesofnewengland72.html

42. Dine and lodge at the historic Concord's Colonial Inn in Concord, Mass.:http://www.visitingnewengland.com/scenesofnewengland84.html

43. Eat at one of the great New England diners -- the Miss Lyndonville Diner -- in Lyndonville, Vt.:http://newenglandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2008/10/beloved-miss-lyndonville-diner.html. Located in the Northeast Kingdom you're also sure to find some spectacular foliage in this region during the peak season!

44. Visit Jackson, N.H., a truly picturesque, idyllic New England town:http://www.visitingnewengland.com/jackson-New-Hampshire.html

45. Stay a while at picture perfect Chocorua Lake in Tamworth, N.H.:http://www.visitingnewengland.com/Chocorua-Lake-NH.html

46. Enjoy a family resort vacation at Woodward's in Lincoln, N.H., near many White Mountains attractions:http://www.visitingnewengland.com/hotelinfo/126181.html

48. Stroll the Currier and Ives-like downtown in Keene, N.H.:http://www.visitingnewengland.com/scenesofnewengland98.html

49. Stop by Phantom Farms in Cumberland, R.I., for some apple picking, fall harvest events, apple cider, and a visit to the yummy bake shop:http://www.visitingnewengland.com/roadside-farm-stand-ri-apples.html

50. Stay at the Lodge of Moosehead Lake in Greenville, Maine, located in a setting of unspoiled natural beauty:http://www.visitingnewengland.com/hotelinfo/93783.html

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Jane and Paul's Farm, a Hidden Fall Travel Gem in Norfolk, Mass.

Article and photos by Eric H.

If you're looking for an out-of-the-way but worthy fall weekend farm stand destination, we're confident that you'll enjoy Jane and Paul's Farm on Fruit St. in Norfolk, Mass.

Tucked away in a peaceful, rural Norfolk neighborhood, Jane and Paul's features apple picking (MacIntosh, Daybreaks and Empires, at this writing), a pumpkin patch, a farm stand with excellent produce (nice tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers a few days ago!), a good variety of plants for sale, a highly-developed corn maze (could take up to a 1/2 hour to figure out), and a small animal area with goats, rabbits and chickens. Jane and Paul's also sells delicious Ever So Humble Pie Company ready-to-bake, all-natural pies.

We highly recommend visiting this friendly family-owned and operated farm that offers what you'd expect at a farm stand -- apple picking and pumpkin picking (with wagon rides out to the fields), great produce, plants, etc.) -- but without the huge crowds of some of the more hyped, heavily-advertised local farm stands.



Editor's note: please bring cash; Jane and Paul's Farm does not accept credit cards!

Jane and Paul's Farm
33 Fruit St. Norfolk, MA 02056
Tel. (508) 528-0812

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Vermont Calendar of Events for October 2009

Press Release source: Vermont Vacation.com

VermontVacation.com just created a press release, tailor-made for Vermont travelers and natives interested in events going on in October. With fall foliage, arts and crafts festivals, town common events, parades and Halloween-related events, to name a few, we think you're sure to find an event of interest. If you have any Vermont events you'd like to have covered at The Weekly New England Travel and Vacation gazette, drop us a line, and we'll consider your idea for publication.

Here is the VermontVacation.com press release for Vermont October events:

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- October is a busy time for fall festivals, and every weekend offers a variety of fun activities ranging from pumpkin carving contests to craft fairs. For a comprehensive, searchable listing of events, visit our Vermont Travel Planner. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening in October.

Fall Foliage Festival
Northeast Kingdom– October 1-3, 2009
Vermont villages invite visitors to celebrate rural life against a spectacular backdrop of orange, red and yellow leaves. The towns of Peacham, Barnet and Groton each host the festival for a day, in that order. For more information and an event schedule, visit www.nekchamber.com.

17th Annual Hildene Fall Arts Festival
Manchester – October 2-4, 2009
The 17th Annual Hildene Fall Art & Craft Festival features 200 booths showcasing art, crafts and specialty foods at scenic Hildene’s Meadow. Enjoy fresh food and live entertainment, and a Vermont Beer, Cheese and Sausage Tent. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. River Road. For more information, visit www.craftproducers.com.

Brattleboro Literary Festival
Brattleboro – October 2-4, 2009
The 8th Annual Brattleboro Literary Festival is an annual three-day celebration of the literary arts. The festival will feature readings, panel discussions and special events that showcase emerging and established authors, including Julia Glass, David Hackett-Fischer and Elinor Lipman. Held at various locations in downtown Brattleboro. All events are free. For more information and an event schedule, visit www.brattleboroliteraryfestival.org.
Weston Antiques Show

Weston – October 2-3, 2009
This event features renowned dealers from across the United States. Items include American and English furniture, accessories, Americana, folk art, silver, samplers, paintings, oriental rugs, jewelry and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weston Playhouse, Route 100. For more information, visit www.westonantiquesshow.org.

Brandon’s Harvestfest
Brandon – October 3, 2009
Enjoy making “Harvest People” (scarecrows, stick figures, leaf people) at this fun event, which also includes hay rides, pumpkins, a church bazaar and apple pie. Organizers supply you with all materials, accessories and instruction on how to make your own “Harvest Person.” 10 a.m. Central Park. For more information, visit www.brandon.org.

Southern Vermont Home Brew Festival
Bennington – October 3, 2009
The third annual Home Brew Festival includes tastings, food, demonstrations, vendors and live music. Homebrews judged by expert panel. Hosted by the Bennington Museum and sponsored by Madison Brewing Co. Noon to 4 p.m. Old Bennington Brush Building, South Street. For more information, visit www.benningtonmuseum.org.

Dead Creek Wildlife Day
Addison – October 3, 2009
Dead Creek Wildlife Day offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and other activities such as nature walks, soap carving and atlatl. Enjoy Native American hunting artifacts and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area, Route 17 west. For more information, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

Annual Mount Zion Hike
Hubbardton – October 4, 2009
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Hubbardton Battlefield and the colors of autumn. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, and bring water. Meet at the Visitor Center. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site, Hubbardton. For more information, visit www.historicvermont.org.

Autumn on the Green
Danville – October 4, 2009
Held on the first Sunday in October, Autumn on the Green is an award-winning showcase of more than 100 artisans, crafters and cottage industries amidst the spectacular views and color of autumn. The event includes demonstrations, live music, food and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Held at the Village Green and Town Hall. For more information, visit www.autumnonthegreen.com.

Stowe Foliage Arts Festival
Stowe – October 9-11, 2009
This annual event is widely known as a festive marketplace. In addition to the juried Fine Art and Craft exhibitors, the ambiance is fueled by diverse and delicious food fare, live entertainment, and an amazing array of kids’ activities. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.craftproducers.com.

Oktoberfest/Annual Harvest Art & Craft Show
West Dover – October 10-11, 2009
Enjoy Mount Snow’s annual Oktoberfest celebration, complete with authentic German music, German food and beer, fun games and activities for all ages. Inside the Main Base Lodge, artisans and crafters from across New England showcase fine watercolor paintings, woodwork, fleece, photography, fudge, salsa, kids’ crafts and more at the Annual Harvest Art & Craft Show. For more information, visit www.mountsnow.com.

Ludlow Annual Harvest Craft Fair
Ludlow – October 10, 2009
More than 40 juried crafters provide an early start for holiday gift shopping. Enjoy a variety of folk art, homemade jams and jellies, jewelry, children’s games and pumpkin painting. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Black River High School Gymnasium, Main Street. For more information, visit www.okemovalleyvt.org.

Annual Harvest Weekend
Woodstock – October 10-11, 2009
The Annual Harvest Weekend is a two-day event featuring a husking bee and barn dance each day plus a variety of 19th century harvest activities and programs for the entire family. Named a Top Ten 2009 Fall Event by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Billings Farm & Museum, Route 12, Woodstock. For more information, visit www.billingsfarm.org.

South Hero Applefest & Craft Show
South Hero – October 10-11, 2009
Vermont’s largest apple festival includes free entertainment, music, flea market, cider pressing contest, crafts, petting zoo and plenty of apples. South Street. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.celebratechamplain.org.

Art in the Park Fall Foliage Festival
Rutland – October 10-11, 2009
Vermont’s oldest continuing arts tradition offers something for everyone with free children’s activities, musical entertainment, daily door prizes and grand prize drawings, food concessions, demonstrations, and high quality arts and crafts. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 Sunday. Main Street Park. For more information, visit www.chaffeeartcenter.org.
Annual Vermont Apple Festival & Craft Show

Springfield – October 10-11, 2009
The Vermont Apple Festival & Craft Show is a celebration of the fall harvest, with more than 50 crafters, live entertainment, agriculture and activities for the whole family, and, of course, apples. Wellwood Orchards is once again the official Vermont Apple Festival Orchard. They'll have bushels of red, juicy, ripe apples plus plump pumpkins, sweet cider and other delectable items of the harvest. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Riverside Middle School, Route 11. For more information, visit www.vtapplefestival.com.

Annual Tractor Parade
Charlotte – October 11, 2009
Enjoy antique and modern tractors make their way down Spear Street in East Charlotte. The event includes children’s games, hay rides, farmers’ market, food and more. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., parade starts at 1 p.m. For more information, visit http://tractorparade.com.
Dummerston Apple Pie Festival

Dummerston – October 11, 2009
For more than 40 years, the Dummerston Apple Pie Festival has been held on the Sunday of Columbus Day Weekend, the peak of colorful autumn foliage in southern Vermont. About 1,500 apple pies are made by many church members and friends, and people from all over the United States travel to Dummerston to take part in the festivities. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.dummerston.com.

Giant Pumpkin Regatta and Festival
Burlington – October 11, 2009
The annual Giant Pumpkin Regatta and Festival features local business leaders, students, and others racing in giant hollowed-out gourds on Lake Champlain in a competition of size and speed. The event includes food vendors, activities and entertainment on the Burlington Waterfront. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For details, visit www.vermont.org/pumpkin.

Pumpkin Carving Festival
Manchester – October 17, 2009
Enjoy an afternoon of fun celebrating the fall harvest and pumpkin season. The event includes a corn maize, wagon rides, cider, donuts and a pumpkin carving competition. Noon to 8 p.m. Equinox Valley Nursery, Route 7A. For more information, visit www.manchestervermont.net.

Cabot Apple Pie Festival
Cabot – October 17, 2009
This annual event will feature pie judging, music, crafts, pumpkin carving, children’s activities, silent auction, food and pies for sale. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cabot School Gym, Main Street and Common Road (Route 215). For details, visit http://nek4u.net/cabothistory/ApplePie.html.

19th Century Apple and Harvest Festival
Strafford – October 18, 2009
Press cider in an antique press, taste heirloom apple varieties, meet John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed), make a scarecrow, sample cider, play period games, and more. Enjoy Vermont grown apples, apple treats and pumpkins from the garden, heirloom flower bulbs, and fresh pressed cider. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Justin Morrill State Historic Site. For more information, visit www.historicvermont.org.

Gilfeather Turnip Festival
Wardsboro – October 24, 2009
The Annual Gilfeather Turnip Festival celebrates the Gilfeather turnip, first propagated in Wardsboro in the early 1900s by John Gilfeather. The festival features live music, entertainment, Gilfeather turnip soup, turnip tastings, Gilfeather turnip cookbooks, crafts and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wardsboro Town Hall and vicinity. For more information, visit www.friendsofwardsborolibrary.org.

Haunted Forest
Williston – October 22-24, 29-31, 2009
The Haunted Forest features outdoor community theater set amidst the magic and enchantment of a dark forest. A pair of mysterious guides will lead guests through the Haunted Forest, and the flickering faces of more than 1,000 jack-o’lanterns light the dark trails. Visitors encounter strange and hilarious characters in a variety of Halloween-theme scenes. For details and an event schedule, visit www.thehauntedforest.org.

Haunted Happenings
Shelburne – October 25, 2009
Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, games and more at Shelburne Museum’s annual Halloween extravaganza. Enjoy nonstop activities at 20 buildings on the museum grounds. Haunted house and scary obstacle course, too. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.shelburnemuseum.org.

To find more great events happening in Vermont, search the Vermont Travel Planner at VermontVacation.com

Editor's note: To find Vermont lodging, compare rates, check availability and book a room at discount rates, please check out the VisitingNewEngland.com Vermont Hotels guide. If interested in reading a comprehensive, well-written book on Vermont travel, we recommend Vermont: An Explorer's Guide (Explorer's Guides)written by Diane E. Foulds

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Readers' Favorite New England Scenic Fall Destinations

Article and 2008 late October photo of Cumberland Reservoir, Cumberland, R.I., by Eric H.

Recently, we have received some wonderful feedback on readers' favorite New England fall destinations. We must say that we agree with the choices, as stated below, as each area resonates with traditionally wonderful fall foliage. Readers, we appreciate your feedback, and encourage you to further add to this list with your own comments!

Here is the latest fall foliage destinations feedback:

From our Facebook New England Vacations Fan Page:
Debbie says, "Crawford Notch is gorgeous. I love going through Franconia Notch, too." Debbie adds that the "Kanc'"(Kancamagus Highway) is another favorite, as is Bear Notch Road (near the Kancamagus) and... "everywhere in northern NH!"

Marc says, "Route 100 in Vermont (also, the Thirteen Mile Woods section of Route 16 in NH)."

Kristie adds, "Quechee & Woodstock VT area, too!"

Our NewEnglandInfo Twitter followers have additional valuable feedback on prime New England fall foliage destinations:

Gil Simmons, morning Morning Meteorologist for WTNH 8 ABC , New Haven, Conn. (Twitter name: gilsimmons) recommends, "Rte. 169 in Eastern Connecticut.....Rte. 44 form Rhode Island to the NW hills of Connecticut, as well!"

Carol Casey (Twitter name: CarolCasey) says, "Ditto to what @gilsimmons said, as well as RT 214 in SE CT."

Erica Bates (Twitter name: erica_bates) states that "Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park (ANP, Maine) is gorgeous! All of ANP gorgeous!"

I'd like to add a New England area that doesn't get a lot of press: the Wrentham, Mass./Cumberland, R.I. pocket. Pleasantly rural (for Cumberland, that means on opposite side of town from the densely-populated Valley Falls area), fall foliage really starts to pick up around mid-to-late October, further enhanced scenically by area lakes and ponds, as well as local farm stands like The Big Apple and Phantom Farms.

For more information on scenic fall foliage destinations, we recommend reading our "Best New England Fall Foliage Travel Destinations, Vacations and Scenic Drives" article at VisitingNewEngland.com. For a great photo tour of the New England fall foliage, we recommend reading The Colors of Fall: A Celebration of New England's Foliage Season

We look forward to reading your comments here on your favorite scenic New England fall destinations!

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Maine Fall Foliage Traditionally Ranks Amongst New England's Best

Article by Eric H. Photo left: A mix of evergreens and hardwood trees creates a colorful display on Songo Pond along Route 5 south of Bethel. Credit: Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce

Maine boasts 7 million acres of forest and more land covered by trees than any other state in the country, so it's no surprise that fall foliage has traditionally held a popular presence amongst locals and travelers.

Granted, Maine has a lot of pine trees, but the reality is that you'll find foliage colors in the myriad other tree species that's every bit as good as the prime-time New England fall foliage players, New Hampshire and Vermont. You just have to know where to go, and when. Additionally, Maine shines colorfully, not only with its inland fall colors, but also at the coast. Any part of the state is capable of turning out vibrant yellow, orange, red and purple hues -- great news for those who prefer the Maine coast. Depending upon location, you can expect the best Maine fall foliage from the last week of September (now!) to the third week of October.

For the latest updates on Maine fall foliage colors, we recommend you check in often at MaineFoliage.com, a state-run site that prides itself on being up-to-date and detailed in its information. For added perspective, we feature a VIsitingNewEngland.com article centering on our take on Maine coastal and inland fall foliage. If you like New Hampshire and Vermont fall foliage, we have no doubt that you'll enjoy Maine's, too!

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Country Store, Vermont-Style!

Article and photo (of Bailey's and Burke country store) by Eric H.

Everyone loves a good New England country store with the exception of those who don't love a good New England country store.

Not exactly a statement of Mark Twain-caliber there (more like Yogi Berra, perhaps), but the reality is that many country stores remain quite popular in an otherwise modern, "superstore" retail generation. Most people we know especially love going to country stores in Vermont, with the fall being the most popular time to visit these "trip-back-in-time" destinations -- given the accompanying fall foliage colors, community events, a little apple cider and that unmistakable great-smelling autumn mountain air. Yes, some people would rather go to the shopping mall for convenience and love of the modern retail trend of the week, but we believe most New Englanders embrace a country store as part of a New England way of life. It is just part of our traditional fabric.

In Vermont, the Vermont Country Store in Weston, Vt., stands out, arguably, as the most popular country store in the state (and probably New england) with its rustic, rural presence and "everything but the kitchen sink" variety of merchandise. The Vermont Country Store is best known as the "Purveyors of the Practical & Hard to Find" with thousands of items that you'd thought you'd never see again -- that could mean anything from a manual typewriter to Lifebuoy soap! It's a great experience, one that could take up the better part of a morning or afternoon.

Country store life in Vermont does not end at the Vermont Country Store, however. We particularly like Bailey's and Burke in the high and lonesome Northeast Kingdom town of East Burke. Another quintessential country store, Bailey's and Burke carries a lower profile but with no less the charm and character of the best Vermont country stores with two stories of delightful "nooks and crannies." Built in 1897, the look and feel of an old country store resonates at Bailey's and Burke with each step on the creaky, narrow hardwood floorboard. Downstairs, you'll find fresh baked breads and pastries, Vermont specialty foods, homemade pizza, deli sandwiches, homemade fudge, more than 40 varieties of bulk candies, and a very unique wine cellar. Upstairs, you'll come across casual clothing, Vermont crafts, baskets, country linens, kitchen treasures, pottery and Christmas inspirations. Lending authenticity to the store is the work of many Vermont artisan's handcrafts for sale.

Of course, all of Bailey's and Burke indoor country store glory would be no good if it was located in a crummy-looking town. East Burke, on the other hand, is scenic, quaint,small-town in nature, and with beautiful views nearly right outside its doorstep with Burke Mountain and other Northeast Kingdom vistas (along with nearby beautiful Lake Willoughby). Why, you'll feel like you're in Vermont! Once again, not exactly a Mark Twain-caliber statement of wisdom, but you get the picture, and it's a beautiful one -- Vermont/New England country store-style!

Bailey's & Burke
466 Route 114
East Burke, VT 05832
Tel. (802) 626-9250

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