Vermont Fall Foliage: Woodstock & Stowe Itinerary
Vermont fall foliage is an absolute bucket list trip you must take in the USA during autumn. There’s something about Vermont in the fall that just hits different, the crisp air, the smell of apple cider donuts everywhere, and mountains that look like they’ve been dipped in red and gold paint. This Vermont fall foliage itinerary takes you through two of the state’s most charming towns: Stowe and Woodstock, both looking straight out of a hallmark movie! Here’s exactly how I’d spend a few days soaking in peak foliage season.
Table of Contents
At a Glance
- Best time to visit: This differs every year but typically Late September to mid-October with peak foliage hitting the first two weeks of October. I would look at this live foliage map as you get closer to your trip.
- Getting there: Fly into Burlington (BTV), about 45 minutes from Stowe is the quickest option. However, flying into Boston has more frequent flights and is about a 3-4 hour drive.
- Where to stay: A mix of Stowe and Woodstock, roughly 1 hour apart
- Best for: Couples, foliage chasers, cozy fall getaways (Think hallmark movie!)
When to See Peak Foliage
Vermont’s foliage season is short and sweet, which is exactly why it’s so popular. Peak color typically arrives in early-to-mid October, but it shifts slightly every year depending on temperature and rainfall. Northern Vermont (like Stowe) tends to peak about a week before southern areas. I’d recommend checking the Vermont foliage tracker online in the weeks leading up to your trip so you can time it as close to peak as possible.
Where to Stay
Stowe
- The Lodge at Spruce Peak, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel: This hotel is an absolute MUST if you’re coming for foliage. Get a room with mountain-facing views so you’re surrounded by the most breathtaking sea of orange and red leaves right from your window. We loved our stay here and worth every penny!
- Green Mountain Inn: A historic Stowe landmark right in the heart of the village, this inn has been welcoming leaf peepers since the 1830s. Its walkable location means you can explore the shops and restaurants of downtown Stowe without needing a car for the evening.
- von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort: Yes, that Von Trapp family! This Austrian-style resort was founded by the family that inspired The Sound of Music and sits on 2,500 acres of mountain scenery. It’s one of the most unique and scenic places to stay in Stowe, especially for foliage season with its own private hiking trails.
Woodstock
- Woodstock Inn: There aren’t too many places to stay in Woodstock proper. But with Woodstock Inn you truly don’t have to look any further. The most quintessential Vermont fall foliage inn you can imagine. From the front lawn covered in pumpkins, the New England style rooms and decor, dinner at Richards Tavern. Everything was perfect, highly recommend staying here.
- The Village Inn of Woodstock: A boutique inn right in the heart of downtown, walking distance to the Green, Middle Bridge and all the shops and restaurants — ideal if you want to park once and explore everything on foot.
Day 1: Stowe
Assuming you have 1 full day in Stowe, you can fit this all into 1 day. We fly in on a Thursday evening and were up bright and early on Friday to hit all of these amazing spots. If you’re here over 2 days definitely break this out into multiple days. Stowe is stunning especially during the Vermont fall foliage, you are going to leave with unforgettable memories.
Morning (9am-12pm)
- Explore Stowe: I would start your morning off by exploring the town of Stowe. Put your name down at Butlers Pantry for breakfast (it’s usually a 1-2 hour wait) and while you wait for your table walk around the cutest town of Stowe. Walking up and down Main Street during the morning before the crowds get there is so peaceful.
- Drive through Smugglers Notch: This is definitely something you want to get done earlier in the day. The drive through the Vermont mountains and foliage leaves is absolutely unreal. However, be prepared for LOADS of traffic. It’s a very narrow windy road so be cautious but enjoy the slow ride haha
Afternoon (12pm-4pm)
- Wine Tasting at Boyden Valley Winery: This was a super cute family winery. Great for an afternoon stop where you can do a wine tasting with a beautiful property.
- Gondola Sky Ride: This is one of the best ways to see the Vermont fall foliage by riding the Gondola at Spruce Peak. Be prepared for the parking situation to be a little hectic (it took us almost an hour to get out of the parking lot). Pro tip: If you are staying at the Lodge at Spruce peak, leave the car at the hotel and take the free gondola over to the Sky Ride. This will avoid the crazy parking situation.
Evening (5pm onwards)
- Visit the Von Trapp Family Lodge: This is an absolute must when visiting Vermont (in general not just for the fall foliage). The property is huge and so much to do and see. My favorite was visiting the cows and having a beer at the bierhall. Perfect place to wind down the evening and even watch the sunset.
- Dinner at Doc Ponds: After a long day of leaf peeping and driving, having dinner at Doc Ponds was a nice casual dinner to wind down for the evening. They had an amazing curry soup, highly recommend.
Day 2: Woodstock
You will wake up in Stowe on day 2 and make your way to Woodstock Vermont but we have some stops along the way!
Morning (9am to 12PM)
- Cold Hollow Cider Mill: You probably have seen this place all over social media but it’s true… they have amazing apple cider and donuts! A quick little stop here is perfect when heading out of Stowe and to Woodstock.
- Sugar Bush farm: This is the cutest little farm on the way to Woodstock. It is still family run and we had the best time doing the maple syrup and cheese tasting. We ended up ordering some for home and it is completely worth it! The Cayenne and jalapeño cheese… I still dream about to this day.
Afternoon (12PM-5pm)
- Explore Woodstock: Truly the best thing in Woodstock is to walk around an explore. It’s quite a small town so can we done within the day. I found the best thing to do was walk into the shops, down the streets, stop at Woodstock Inn and take in all the Vermont fall foliage and fall decor.
- Covered Bridges: The covered bridge cannot be missed. So unique to Vermont and worth walking over.
- Woodstock Inn: If you’re not staying here, I would recommend getting a drink at Richards tavern inside and just hanging out. It is truly a stunning resort in the heart of Woodstock.
Evening (5pm onwards)
- Dinner at Richards Tavern: We had our dinner inside the hotel (Woodstock Inn), and it was absolutely delicious. Pumpkin soup… yes please!
Where to Eat
- Butlers Pantry (Stowe): Will the wait be long, yes. Is it worth it? Yes! You have to get the biscuit with the jam, divine!
- Black Cap coffee (Stowe): Another place you want to get there early. They make their own syrups for the coffee, the maple of course was delicious. The breakfast sandwich with avocado also very good.
- Richards Tavern (Woodstock): Amazing dinner at Woodstock Inn. Cozy setting for this fall trip, get the pumpkin soup!
- Oakes & Evelyn (Woodstock): Definitely will need to stop in here the next we find ourselves in Woodstock. Beautiful farm to table restaurant with cozy fireplace. Perfect for this Vermont fall foliage trip.
- Dreamscape Coffee (Woodstock): The cutest coffee shop that fits the aesthetic of Woodstock. Coffee is amazing and pastries outstanding.
What to Pack
The weather in Vermont during this time of year was absolutely perfect. I will say in the afternoons it was quite warm so layers would be perfect for this trip.
Getting Around
A car is essential for this trip — Stowe and Woodstock are about an hour away from each other and you will definitely need the car for driving through Smugglers Notch! The best foliage views require some driving so rent a car from Burlington airport (or wherever you fly into) for the most flexibility.
Final Thoughts
This was one of the best domestic trips I have taken. Vermont fall foliage lived up to the hype, I absolutely cannot wait to be back to explore more of Vermont and New England in general. Two days isn’t nearly enough to fall in love with Vermont in the fall, but it’s the perfect introduction to two of the state’s most charming towns.
Stowe gives you those postcard mountain views and cozy village energy, while Woodstock feels like stepping straight into a Hallmark movie with its covered bridges and historic charm. Whether you’re chasing peak foliage or just an excuse to eat your body weight in apple cider donuts, maple syrup and cheese this Vermont fall foliage itinerary has you covered.
If you’re planning more East Coast trips, check out my Philly guide where I break out how to spend an incredible weekend in another iconic east coast city!
