Vermont in the Fall: Essential Places to Visit While Leaf Peeping

The Green Mountain State shines in just about every season, but Vermont in the fall is special.

Autumn is when people travel from near and far to get a glimpse of the thrilling carpet of colors that blanket the mountains, forests, and fields starting in late September.

I’ve lived in Vermont for most of my life, and every fall is still a magical experience for me.

Those beautiful fall colors in Vermont sustain me through a winter that is always long and cold and often bleak and grey.

Every year in the fall, I make it my mission to drop everything and explore this beautiful state I call home.

I’d love to share some of the best places to visit in Vermont in the fall before winter opens up a whole new set of opportunities.

I’m based in Southern Vermont, which is a road-trippers paradise, but the whole state deserves some serious exploration.

This guide explores quintessential Vermont fall foliage destinations that visitors won’t want to miss, as well as some unique and beautiful spots that fly under the radar.

First, I’d like to answer a few questions about Vermont fall foliage that I receive in multitudes via email or Facebook starting as early as June. 

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Psst… Did you know that we run a Facebook group dedicated to all the best things to do in Vermont? It’s particularly active in the fall, as that’s the busiest season in Vermont for tourists. Join the group to ask questions, share photos, and immerse yourself in all things Vermont.

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When is Peak Foliage in Vermont?

October 11, at 10:59 am. I wish I could be that specific in my answer!

If you are planning your Vermont fall foliage vacation in the summer, you want to know when to book your flight or hotel room so that you don’t miss the prime leaf-peeping season.

In my opinion, it’s better to be a bit early for the fall foliage season in Vermont because you can always go up in elevation to experience more vibrant colors. If you are visiting the Green Mountains, which run north to south through the middle of Vermont, I suggest visiting in early October, especially if you are traveling to the Northeast Kingdom or Stowe.

If you are visiting Southern Vermont, the Lake Champlain Valley, or the Connecticut River Valley for Vermont fall foliage, I would suggest coming during the second week of October.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn’t follow a strict calendar, and Vermont fall foliage colors vary depending on temperatures and rainfall.

Based on averages from year to year, the second weekend in October is the sweet spot and the best time to visit Vermont in the fall, but the trend has also skewed toward late colors over the past few years.

Where are the Best Places to See Vermont Fall Foliage?

Another question that I am asked over and over again is where the best places are to experience Vermont Fall Foliage. Three-quarters of Vermont is covered by forests – vibrant maples, stately oaks, and colorful ash, birch, and larch.

There are so many beautiful back roads in Vermont, and I guess my first suggestion would be to ditch the GPS and pick up a Delorme Gazetteer for Vermont and New Hampshire. If you do want to rely on your GPS, be sure to download Google or Apple Maps over Wi-Fi before you head out adventuring.

My favorite way to experience fall in Vermont is to get lost on the elaborate network of back roads that snake through the mountains.

Some of my favorite back roads to explore are in the Cambridge/Jeffersonville/Johnson area, the Northeast Kingdom, and Bennington County.

Of course, there’s more to Vermont in the fall than colorful leaves. Do you want to hike beautiful Vermont trails? Visit tourist attractions? Enjoy fall festivals?

The best places to visit in Vermont in the fall depend a lot on what you enjoy doing.

No matter where you go in Vermont, you’ll enjoy small-town hospitality, local treats, and quirky attractions. You can drive from one end of Vermont to the other in under four hours, so if you choose a home base in the north and in the south, you should be able to cover a lot of ground!

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Read Next: A 5-Day Fall Foliage Road Trip on Scenic Route 100 in Vermont

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Before we dig into the best places to visit in Vermont in the fall, a disclaimer: Vermont is a popular fall destination. Many of the spots I suggest are not hidden gems, and because they are quite crowded during the fall, they may not be what you’re looking for.

I will also suggest a few places off the beaten path for those of you who are craving a bit more solitude.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Vermont’s Popular Tourist Towns

Two of Vermont’s most popular tourist towns, Stowe and Woodstock, are gorgeous in the fall, and I would be remiss not to include them here.

The benefit of visiting either of these towns in the fall is that there are lots of beautiful spots to explore —hiking trails, historic sites, attractions, and vistas. Plus, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and lodging that can handle the influx of fall visitors.

The downside, of course, is that Stowe and Woodstock (and several other towns) become very crowded in the fall. There will be traffic, long wait times at restaurants, and parking issues at trailheads. You will likely share popular viewpoints with dozens of leaf peepers, and you will have to book lodging and make restaurant reservations well in advance.

There are many small towns in Vermont where you can have a wonderful fall experience—you will just be more limited in your dining, shopping, and lodging options.

The Best Places to Visit in Vermont in the Fall

The fall foliage season is the most popular time to visit Vermont. It’s a mixed blessing for travelers. On the one hand, Vermont in the fall is incredibly beautiful, and every town and village wants you to visit.

There are festivals, sidewalk sales, and special events all over the state to celebrate autumn in Vermont and to celebrate you, the traveler who is coming to spend money at local Vermont businesses.

Yes, visiting Vermont in the fall means more traffic on back roads, not to mention a harder time booking rooms and making dinner reservations.

Is it worth it? Absolutely!

I urge you to immerse yourself in Vermont’s most colorful season and try the following excursions – the best places to go and the best things to do in Vermont in the fall.

Discover Fall in Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is a small mountain town that attracts visitors year-round, and there are incredible things to do here in all four seasons.

Winter might be the busiest time in Stowe, thanks to the renowned skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort, but fall is equally appealing.

If you are visiting Vermont for a fall vacation and don’t have much time to spend, my suggestion is to make Stowe or nearby Waterbury your home base for the weekend. Stowe has enough things to do to keep you busy for a long weekend, and you’ll be treated to expansive green mountain views, fantastic food, and friendly people.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the mountain towns and villages that make this part of Vermont so special. Drive the back roads, and don’t be afraid to get a little lost.

Here are our favorite Vermont fall attractions near Stowe.

Hike or Drive up Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s Tallest Peak

Mount Mansfield gets its name because, when viewed from the east, it resembles the profile of a giant, sleeping face.

Reaching 4,394 feet at the chin, this is one of only two places in Vermont where you’ll find an arctic-alpine tundra ecosystem, complete with a plethora of tiny, rare plants that can only be found in such high, windswept climates as this — unless, of course, you want to travel to the far reaches of our continent’s northern borders.

More than 40,000 visitors flock to the top of Mount Mansfield each year, and that’s because you can drive to the top on the auto toll road from Stowe Mountain Resort. This is one of seven Vermont mountains that you can drive to the top of, and yes, the views are worth the admission price.

For a longer and more organic adventure, head to Underhill State Park and hike the Sunset Ridge Trail (5.1 miles round-trip) to the top of Mount Mansfield. This is a strenuous hike, but again, the views make it worth every drop of sweat.

Mount Mansfield is a true gem and one of the most beautiful places to hike during the Vermont fall foliage season.

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Looking for an easier hike? Here are some easy and moderate hikes in Stowe with gorgeous views!

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Take a Mini Fall Foliage Road Trip through Smuggler’s Notch and Beyond

Not only is Route 108 through Smuggler’s Notch one of the most beautiful roads in the state, but it’s also has a pretty interesting history. 

In the early 1800s, the United States Government embargoed imports from England. The British started shipping goods to Canada, and smugglers bringing contraband into the states stored the booty in the caves around the area that is now Smuggler’s Notch Pass.

The heavily wooded paths in the Notch made the perfect route for smuggling these goods during the War of 1812.

Fast forward to prohibition, and Smuggler’s Notch was again used by smugglers who brought alcohol down from Canada to sell throughout New England. The most well-used path was eventually replaced with a seasonal road.

As long as you aren’t driving a large RV, tour bus, or semi, you can drive up through the Notch. There are places to pull off and explore, plus a few trailheads.

The hike to Bingham Falls starts just across the road from Smuggler’s Notch State Park, and the trailhead to Sterling Pond is right in the Notch. Both hikes are amazing and not too difficult.

For a quick fall foliage road trip that can be completed in about an hour (without stops), take Route 108 north out of Stowe, drive through Smuggler’s Notch, turn right onto Route 15 in Jeffersonville, drive through Johnson, turn right onto Route 100 in Morrisville, and head back into the village of Stowe.

Be sure to stop in all of these adorable villages for shopping, dining, and the friendliest Vermonters!

Smuggler’s Notch is a must-visit attraction in all four seasons, but it’s especially lovely in the fall.

Explore Stowe Village

While you’re in Stowe, be sure to meander around town—it won’t take long. Quaint shops, breweries, and restaurants line the streets, all with a gorgeous mountain backdrop. Stowe is one of the most popular and beautiful towns in Vermont.

In Stowe, visit the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, walk on the Stowe Recreation Path, and hike up to Sunset Rock for — you guessed it — the sunset. Pop into Black Cap Coffee for lunch or an afternoon espresso, and treat yourself to dinner at Idletyme Brewing (great outdoor seating and fantastic onion rings).

Visit Waterbury, Vermont

Waterbury is even smaller than the town of Stowe, but there are a few awesome spots that you have to visit before leaving the area. It’s located just south of Stowe Village on Route 100.

For beautiful mountain and lake views, visit Waterbury Center State Park. You can hike along Waterbury Reservoir on a short nature trail — 1/2 mile and very easy.

Next, stop at the world-famous Ben & Jerry’s Factory for a tour. Sample some divine ice cream, and be sure to visit the Flavor Graveyard, where you can pay homage to your long-lost ice cream loves. Note that Ben & Jerry’s gets VERY crowded in the fall.

Not far from Ben & Jerry’s is another iconic spot. Cold Hollow Cider Mill is known for having some of the best cider donuts in the state, not to mention hard and soft cider, and an amazing gift shop.

Where to Stay in Stowe or Waterbury in the Fall

• Tälta Lodge Bluebird: Our new favorite place to stay in Stowe, this beautiful lodge is located on the Mountain Road with the river flowing behind the property. You can easily access the Stowe Recreation Path and Smuggler’s Notch is just up the road. Rooms come with an outdoor seating area, and there is an indoor pool and sauna.
  
  The Stuga Cottages at Tälta Lodge feature private patios, 425 square feet of living space, and a kitchenette.
  
• The Trapp Family Lodge: The Trapp Family, fictionalized in The Sound of Music, fled Austria during World War II and landed in this beautiful Vermont town. The lodge that you can visit today isn’t the original Trapp Family Lodge, but it’s still a beautiful and historic landmark with hiking and mountain biking trails and lovely accommodations. It’s a perfect jumping-off point for your Vermont vacation.

• Grey Fox Inn: This lovely inn is located within walking distance of shopping and restaurants in Stowe Village. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, and a sauna. You can access the Stowe Recreation Path from the property, and the views aren’t bad either. Book a room, suite, or condo for your fall foliage vacation.

Explore Woodstock, Vermont in the Fall

Woodstock is a quintessential New England Village on the eastern slope of the Green Mountains. This is a busy tourist area, but if you don’t mind leaf-peeping among friendly strangers, you’ll be in good company!

In Woodstock, you can explore five covered bridges, discover Vermont’s only national park, and visit a general store that’s been operating since 1886. This gem of a town makes a great home base while you explore all the best things to do in Vermont in the fall.

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Here’s a local’s guide to the best things to do in Woodstock, Vermont in the fall, as well as the neighboring village of Quechee.

Our guide includes our favorite tourist attractions, places to stay, and of course, our favorite hiking trails — because we obviously can’t talk about things to do in fall without mentioning our favorite autumn activity. 

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Where to Stay in Woodstock, Vermont

Here are our top picks for places to stay in Woodstock and Quechee.

Woodstock Inn & Resort: This posh resort is located in Woodstock Village, within walking distance of everything downtown. It’s the perfect spot for a special weekend or fall getaway.

506 On the River Inn: Featuring rooms with panoramic river and garden views, 506 On the River Inn features an indoor pool and sauna, gym and kids’ game rooms, and a restaurant.

Log Cabin Apartment in Woodstock: Walk to everything from this beautiful apartment with room for four guests. This special spot is located in a wooded setting but is just a 1/4-mile to downtown. There’s a full kitchen if you don’t want to dine out in Woodstock.

Historic Cottage on a Vineyard: A beautiful 900-square-foot cottage on Gilbert’s Hill with access to hiking trails. The space includes two bedrooms, one bathroom, a full kitchen, and a private deck overlooking the vineyard.

Visit Bennington and Manchester, Vermont in the Fall

Of course, I am biased — Bennington has been my hometown for the past 18 years, and I believe it’s one of the best places to visit in Vermont in the fall.

Bennington is a small community with a historic downtown area, beautiful scenery, and lots of opportunities for recreation.

Here are a few things you shouldn’t miss while visiting Bennington, Vermont in the fall.

Explore the Covered Bridges of Bennington County

Vermont boasts more than 100 covered bridges, the highest number per square mile in the United States. Bennington County, in the southwest corner of Vermont, is home to five, all relatively close to each other.

You’ll find three covered bridges in Bennington/North Bennington and two more in Arlington. They all feature authentic construction, but some have been rebuilt over the years. The Arlington bridges are both perched above fabulous swimming holes if you happen to be meandering on a hot summer day. 

Even if covered bridges aren’t your thing, I urge you to visit this corner of Vermont in the fall, where you’ll find rolling hills, bustling farm stands, art galleries, museums, and shopping opportunities.

The Appalachian and Long Trails share a single path through these mountains, and both Robert Frost and Norman Rockwell once called Bennington County home. You can even visit Robert Frost’s grave behind the Old First Church in Old Bennington.

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Read More: the Covered Bridges of Bennington County

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Vermont Fall Foliage Sites in Bennington County

• Woodford State Park. It’s true — we’re attracted to out-of-the-way corners, and this is one of our favorite spots for quiet hiking, kayaking, and swimming. Woodford State Park is tucked away in the mountains and sees very few visitors. A quiet lake surrounded by lush forest is the main attraction, but you’ll also find hiking trails and a quiet campground within the park. On really quiet evenings, we’ve seen moose and otters, and we hear the fishing is pretty good, too.

• Bennington Battle Monument. This is Vermont’s most popular historic site, but we’ve never encountered a full parking lot. Finished in 1891 to commemorate the Battle of Bennington (August 16, 1777), the monument towers 306 feet over the town and is the tallest building in the state. Take a quick elevator ride to the top and enjoy the panoramic views of the town, valleys, and mountains that make this place so special. Don’t forget your camera.

• Lye Brook Falls, Manchester: An easy 2.3-mile hike on a beautiful, forested trail will take you to a lovely waterfall in the Green Mountains. The trail is dog and kid-friendly, and the woods are especially spectacular during fall foliage.
  
• Mount Equinox Skyline Drive: Drive to the top of Mount Equinox on a 5.2-mile toll road ascending 3,248 feet, where you can enjoy beautiful views of Manchester and the surrounding Green Mountains.

• BATS: The Bennington Area Trail System is a network of trails on the side of Mt. Anthony in Bennington, and you won’t find better views anywhere. Trails range from a walk in the park to steep climbs up the mountain.
  
• Hildene in Manchester: The former summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, Hildene is a Georgian Revival mansion built in 1905. You can tour the home and grounds, visit the Dene Farm, or hike the woodland trails.

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Also read: The Best Easy Hikes in Southern Vermont

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Where to Stay in Bennington County, Vermont for Fall Foliage

Bennington County has two shires, Manchester in the north and Bennington in the south. It’s about a half-hour drive between the two, so you don’t necessarily want to be hopping between them constantly during your visit. There are lots of lodging choices in both towns.

In Bennington, The Four Chimneys Inn is an iconic New England Inn that will perfectly complement your Vermont fall vacation. Each room is beautifully decorated, breakfast is beyond incredible, and you can walk to all the historic attractions in Old Bennington. 

If you want to hang your hat in Manchester, check out the sprawling Kimpton Taconic Hotel, which is dog-friendly and within walking distance of shopping, dining, and hiking trails in Manchester Village.

Explore Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom in the Fall

The Northeast Kingdom is the wildest and most remote part of Vermont. Its uninterrupted tracts of forest make it the perfect habitat for moose, Canada lynx, snowshoe hare, the endangered spruce grouse, and hundreds of songbird species.

Here, the eastern hardwood forest begins transitioning to the boreal forest, which is primarily made up of cold-hardy evergreens. Wild streams cut through the forests, and clear mountain lakes and boggy wetlands dot the landscape. 

If you truly want to get off the beaten path in Vermont this fall, this is the place to be. Sure, there are popular spots with gorgeous views, but much of the landscape is remote, with trails for hiking, lakes for paddling, and a few quirky attractions that will entice you to dig a little deeper into this beautiful corner of Vermont.

Here are a few spectacular things to do in the Northeast Kingdom in the fall:

• Lake Willoughby: Lake Willoughby was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. Two steep mountains, Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah, rise up on either side of it, giving Lake Willoughby the appearance of a Norwegian fjord. This is a popular spot to visit in the fall, and there are two hiking trails leading to vistas on Mount Hor and Pisgah.
  
• Bald Mountain Fire Tower Hike: Hike four miles round-trip to the top of Bald Mountain, where you will be treated to gorgeous Northeast Kingdom views.
  
• Hill Farmstead Brewery: Our favorite Vermont brewery is located in Greensboro Bend, VT. It offers fantastic beers, outdoor seating, and mountain views.
  
• The Museum of Everyday Life: Treat yourself to a meander around this quirky museum in Glover, Vermont. You never know what you’ll find; just be sure to turn off the light when you’re done.
  
• Bread & Puppet Museum: Vermont’s original politically active puppet theatre still hosts numerous shows in Glover each summer. In the fall, you can visit the Bread and Puppet Museum, which features a massive accumulation of puppets, masks, paintings, and graphics housed in a 150-year-old barn.

Where to Stay in the Northeast Kingdom

Highland Lodge: This beautiful inn on Caspian Lakes features a collection of guest rooms and private cabins. It is the perfect home base for exploring all of the gorgeous spots in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. The restaurant and bar are on-site, and there are lots of cool special events throughout the season.

Cabin for two in Barton, Vermont: This cozy cottage in Barton is perfect for two people and a dog, with a queen-size bed and a spacious yard with mountain views. This is also an affordable choice for fall travelers.

Get off the Beaten Path in Ludlow, Vermont

Ludlow is one of our favorite little towns in Vermont. Home to Okemo Mountain, a few lovely shops and restaurants, and lots of great hiking trails. Make Ludlow your home base to explore the nearby towns of Weston, Peru, Londonderry, Plymouth Notch, and Killington.

Here are some of our favorite things to from a home base in Ludlow, VT:

• Hike the Healdville Trail to Okemo Mountain: This is a six-mile hike (round trip) and gains about 2,000 feet of elevation, but the 360-degree views from the top of the fire tower make it well worth the effort. You can also drive almost to the top from Okemo Mountain Resort, making the hike less than a quarter-mile.
  
• Visit Buttermilk Falls: Buttermilk Falls is a series of three small waterfalls along the Branch Brook in Okemo State Forest. The falls are practically roadside but hidden from view down an easy, 0.2-mile trail. This is one of Vermont’s loveliest waterfalls!
  
• Visit President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site: Located in Plymouth Notch, just a short drive from Ludlow, this is one of the most underappreciated sites in Vermont and a must-visit in the fall. Guided tours are offered daily, and you can see where Calvin Coolidge was born, as well as where he was sworn into office on August 3, 1923, after the death of President Warren G. Harding the previous evening.
  
• Toast to fall at Long Trail Brewing: This quaint riverside pub and restaurant is the perfect lunch spot, and the view is pretty great, too! In addition to their popular Long Trail Ale, they make a variety of delicious seasonal craft beers that you won’t find in local stores.
  
• Ride the Scenic Gondola to the Top of Killington Peak: At 4,241 feet, Killington is one of the highest peaks in Vermont. The gondola ride is a quarter mile long, with 360-degree views, a small snack bar, and restrooms at the top. In the fall, the Killington gondola is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. Round-trip tickets are $30 for adults and $24 for kids.

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Read More: A Spectacular Fall Foliage Weekend in Ludlow VT

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Where to Stay in Ludlow, Vermont for Fall Foliage

If you’re traveling alone or with a small family, I highly recommend Main and Mountain as your home base. This small hotel is beautifully decorated, and you can choose from different room configurations depending on your needs.

Main and Mountain has a great little bar onsite, and it’s within walking distance of downtown shopping and restaurants. We paid under $200 a night for a room during the fall foliage season, which is pretty hard to beat.

If you’re looking for more room to spread out, this beautiful Ludlow village home is dog-friendly, and it sleeps up to eight people in three bedrooms. It’s also got a great yard and a fire pit for relaxing after a long day of leaf-peeping.

Visit the Lake Champlain Islands in the Fall

Fall is a fabulous time to visit the Lake Champlain Islands!

The population of these northern Vermont islands doubles in the summertime, thanks in part to vacationing New Englanders and a smaller number of tourists from farther afield, who come for the boating and fishing, the beachy atmosphere, and the quiet way of life. 

About the time the kids go back to school, most of the vacationers to the Islands sigh a wistful sigh and return to their lives away from the alluring pull of Lake Champlain. Fall is the season that dreams are made of, provided you aren’t looking for nightlife that involves more than gazing at the stars.

Here are some things you won’t want to miss while visiting Vermont’s Lake Champlain Islands in the fall:

• Alburgh Dunes State Park, Alburgh: This 625-acre day-use park includes one of the largest sandy beaches on Lake Champlain, as well as unique sand dunes that are more common along ocean shorelines. The park is officially open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but you can still visit in the off-season.
  
• St. Anne’s Shrine, Isle La Motte: St. Anne’s Shrine is a peaceful, spiritual, and historical attraction that has been developed and maintained for the past 100 years by the Society of Saint Edmund in Vermont’s scenic Champlain Islands. You don’t have to be Catholic to enjoy this special place. 
  
• Chazy Fossil Reef, Isle La Motte: Lake Champlain was once part of a tropical sea, and the fossilized plants and animals at the Chazy Reef are approximately 480 million years old. The Chazy Reef is just part of a 1,000-mile ridge from the ancient Iapetus Ocean that extends from Newfoundland to Tennessee.
  
• Snow Farm Vineyard in South Hero: This is the oldest commercial winery in Vermont and the perfect spot to enjoy a tasting with gorgeous views. Be sure to hike to the top of Fox Hill, the highest point on the Islands.

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Read More: Spend 3 Magical Days in the Lake Champlain Islands

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Lake Champlain Islands Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals are also great if you’re traveling with a family or a group because there’s usually more room to spread out. The following vacation rentals are available on VRBO:

3-bedroom lakefront home on Isle La Motte – This year-round home is perfect for up to six people, with no cleaning fee. It includes four kayaks and 100 feet of private lakeshore facing west for fabulous sunsets!

Dog-friendly house on the lake in Alburgh – This home is less than a mile from Alburgh Dunes State Park, and it features a fireplace, a large deck, and a beach. It’s perfect for up to four people. 

Romantic cottage for two right on the lake in South Hero – Looking for a special place right on the lake for a couple’s weekend? This beautiful little cottage is on the tip of Kibble Point surrounded by 200 acres of meadows and 320 feet of private lakeshore.

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Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Vermont Explored and Back Road Ramblers, an American road trip blog. She is also the co-author of the 3rd edition of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont, released in May 2023, and the author of 100+ Wonderful Ways to Experience Vermont.