"Leave" It To Stowe, VT, For Brilliant Fall Foliage

Article and Photo by Eric H., at VisitingNewEngland.com

Photo: Snow on Mt. Mansfield, Stowe VT. Photo by Andre Jenny, courtesy of VermontPressRoom.com

All New England towns and cities have fall foliage, but somehow places like Stowe, VT, "leave" others in the dust with its vibrant red, orange, and gold colors, generally, from the last week of September through the first two weeks of October.

Perhaps it's the idyllic village with the tall, white church steeple tucked in the dramatic Green Mountains -- and surrounded by those brilliant fall colors. Maybe it's the winding country roads, one leading to the notch road to Jeffersonville with dramatic, twists and turns and spectacular rock outcroppings, immediately colder temperatures and flashes of great colors through the dense forest. It could be the 5.5 mile bike trail winding through the beautiful country and mountains. Then again, it could be the Trapp Family Lodge scene -- famous in the Sound of Music movie -- with the panoramic view of mountain ranges. One of those mountain ranges, Mt. Mansfield, is perfect for hiking, and in the winter, skiing. At 4,395 ft., Mt. Mansfield is the highest point in Vermont and has some snow at the peak (as seen in this fall picture above), making for some of the most stunning views in New England. The Village has no chain stores and features charming, little shops, restaurants, and fine old homes and inns. Outside of town is Mountain Rd., offering beautiful mountain views, and has a spread-out variety of more stores.

For the kids, having some cider at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, touring the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory in neighboring Waterbury add some true Vermont flavor to the perfect fall foliage day. Of course, having a great meal at the informal, landmark Shed on Mountain Rd., will please those looking for well prepared chicken, steak, seafood, burgers (Mom and Dad, try the Shed burger soaked in beer) salads and delicious desserts. It's a big place, including attractive "garden" and "greenhouse" rooms.

Lodging choices abound with some offering all-inclusive vacations like the Topnotch at Stowe with its 120-acre mountainside resort and spa featuring fine dining, tennis, the spa, a health club and pool!

For us, Stowe definitely rises above -- literally and figuratively -- many other highly-touted fall foliage travel destinations. We highly recommend this traditional, classic Vermont community in your foliage touring plans.