11 Best Places to Stay in Vermont in the Fall for 2023 (+ Hotel Recommendations!)

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Vermont is a great place to visit in the fall. With its stunning foliage, cozy cabins, and picturesque farms, it’s no wonder why so many people flock there for an autumn getaway.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape or a family-friendly trip, you’re bound to love one of these best places to stay in Vermont in the fall. We rounded up the best of the best just for you, from beautiful Bennington to picturesque Stowe.

Here are some of the best places to stay during your time in the Green Mountain State during fall!

Table of Contents

Best Places to Stay in Vermont in the Fall

Stowe

Aerial view of a town surrounded by fall foliage. — Editorial credit: Felix Lipov / Shutterstock.com

Obviously, this list would not be complete without including the charming town of Stowe, Vermont. There are so many fun things to do in this town, especially in fall. For instance, be sure to stop by Emily’s Bridge, a covered bridge where you might even have a supernatural encounter.

Don’t miss out on driving Notch Road, which leads to Smuggler’s Notch; though the road closes in winter, it’s usually still open during the fall months and allows you to get an incredible vantage point of the fall foliage in the area.

Head to nearby Mount Mansfield and take the gondola up to the top. As the tallest mountain in Vermont, it’s easy to see why this is an unmissable attraction. The bright red gondolas will allow you to see Vermont’s foliage from a unique perspective.

Best Stowe hotels in Fall:

The Trapp Family Lodge is one of Stowe’s most well-known accommodations run by the same family The Sound of Music was actually based on.
One of the top-booked places to stay in Stowe is Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, with comfortable townhouse rentals, an on-site world-class spa, and a pub.
Book a few nights at the Brass Lantern Inn to stay in an old 1810 farmhouse that’s been converted into a standout in featuring charming rooms and well-placed decor.

Bennington

Situated in the southern part of the state on the New York and Massachusetts border, Bennington is an often-overlooked small town that packs a lot of charm. Spend some time exploring the quaint downtown area stopping at local bookstores, cafes, and restaurants to get to know the locals.

After, be sure not to miss out on the Burt Henry Covered Bridge, one of many covered bridges in VT. This bright red bridge is a great spot to see some fall colors in this area of the state. Plus, there’s a parking area nearby so you can snap a photo.

Don’t forget to make your way up to the Bennington Battle Day Monument. From the parking area up here, you can see all of the town from a great vantage point, allowing you to capture the fall here in all its beauty.

Best Bennington hotels in the fall:

Stay right on Bennington’s historic Main Street at The Autumn Inn, a small family-owned motel that packs some charm at an affordable price.
Or, consider spending a few nights at The Harwood Hill, an air-conditioned accommodation with superb rooms near the Bennington Battle Day Monument.
For a luxe stay, look no further than Four Chimneys Inn, an exceptional mansion with 11 acres in Old Bennington.

Woodstock

Woodstock is home to some of the best fall activities in Vermont, like the nearby Peru Fair (for a classic fair) or even the Harvest Festival where you can learn about how to press cider.

This small town is also home to a covered bridge of its own where you can snap some beautiful fall foliage pics in a quintessential Vermont setting. Stop by the Middle Bridge (aka the Union Street Bridge) right in Woodstock Village. It has lattice work and is a beautiful wood; it’s not as bold as the other bright red-covered bridges throughout the state. Plus, you can actually walk through this one because there’s a pedestrian walkway.

Best Woodstock hotels in fall:

Easily one of the town’s most popular hotels is Woodstock Inn & Resort, a luxury accommodation with tastefully decorated rooms oozing Vermont elegance.
For a scenic stay, look no further than 506 on the River Inn, with beautifully furnished rooms and an on-site restaurant, the popular 506 Bistro & Bar.
If you want something budget-friendly, book a few nights at the Sleep Woodstock Motel, featuring comfy beds, and an old-school meets modern hotel vibe.

Manchester

Just north of Bennington is the picturesque town of Manchester, another great place to stay in Vermont if you’re visiting during fall foliage season. Don’t miss out on the Equinox Skyline Drive, which will take you to the very top of Mt Equinox – this is one of the best fall foliage spots.

For an event, look no further than the Fall Arts and Crafts Festival where you can connect with locals and purchase cute, handcrafted goods which will make the perfect souvenir (or early Christmas gift). Don’t forget to do some shopping at the many outlets here, or stop by Zoey’s for one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever eat.

Best Manchester hotels in fall:

Reluctant Panther Inn is perfect for a romantic getaway, with luxury comfort through marble baths and polished antique furniture.
For a luxury stay, book a few nights at Barnstead Inn, where you can experience quintessential Vermont farmhouse appeal mixed with elevated elegance.
To save some money, stay at Olympia Lodge, a nonfussy accommodation that’s family-run and features amenities like an on-site pool and restaurant.

Waterbury

Waterbury is a great place to stay in the fall if you’re visiting Vermont. This town is home to the famed Ben & Jerry’s Factory but is also the location of one of the best cideries in the state: Cold Hollow Cider Mill. You have to try their apple cider donuts and cold-pressed apple cider. If you like something alcoholic, test out their hard cider, too.

Visit some of the local distilleries while you’re there, too. Don’t forget to stop in the old historic district, a classic Vermont village area that’s breathtaking in fall.

Best Waterbury hotels in fall:

For a quaint stay, book a few nights at Grunberg Haus Inn & Cabins. With a sun terrace, American breakfast, and cozy rooms, you can’t beat a stay here.
The Fairfield by Marriott Waterbury Stowe is a sustainable property with free bikes, a shared lounge, and comfortable guest rooms. Rooms are moderately priced here.

Burlington

For some city life in the fall, stop by Burlington, Vermont in the fall. Spend some time on the Burlington Bike Path, which follows the shoreline of Lake Champlain – you’ll see some of the top fall foliage in the city by doing this.

Another great option is to enjoy a fall foliage cruise. There are many Lake Champlain boat rentals, and you’ll be able to see the beautiful fall colors along the way. Other fun things to do include stopping by Burlington’s coffee shops, breweries, restaurants, and more.

Best Burlington hotels in fall:

Hotel Vermont is a trendy hotel right near Church Street with a great on-site restaurant and bar. It’s our top pick when it comes to where to stay in Burlington.
Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain is a great accommodation in Burlington if you’re visiting with family. This pet-friendly hotel overlooks Lake Champlain and is close to downtown.
The Essex Resort & Spa is a secluded accommodation that also serves as a top culinary spot because this luxury accommodation has on-site cooking classes!

Quechee

Quechee is incredible if you want to see fall colors in Vermont. Head to Quechee Gorge to see some of the top fall colors. We promise it’ll take your breath away (in a good way)!

This town is also home to its own covered bridge that’s even more magical in the fall. Stop by the Quechee covered bridge and walk along the pedestrian walkway to see the waterfall.

Best Quechee hotels in fall:

The Align Inn Vermont is a comfortable accommodation right across from the Quechee Gorge bridge! There are 10 acres of land here filled with walking trails, and there’s even free breakfast in the mornings.
Stay at a farm for an unforgettable stay. The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm has a full breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and rustic-styled rooms.

Chester

For a great Vermont trip, head to Chester, where you can take a fall foliage train! The train will take you throughout the mountains so you can witness Vermont’s fall foliage up close and personal. This can be fun for the whole family, too.

Chester is also filled with quaint local shops, ranging from diners (the Country Girl Diner is a must-visit) and antique shops. Plus, there are trails, libraries, and everything in between.

Best Chester hotels in fall:

Book a few nights at the Fullerton Inn & Restaurant, a restaurant right in a shopping area with an on-site restaurant. Rooms are classically New England.
What could be better than a Victorian bed and breakfast? Enjoy top-notch breakfast and comfortable guest rooms at the Inn Victoria.

Montpelier

Make the trip to Vermont’s capital city, which is beautiful in fall. This small city is home to Peck Farm Orchard where you can pick your own apples and enjoy handcrafted cider and local maple syrup, and even get lost in the on-site corn maze. It’s perfect for all ages.

Montpelier also has the Taste of Montpelier Food Festival, where you can enjoy some of Vermont’s best food. It’s usually hosted in September. What could be better than having top-notch food while surrounded by fall foliage?

Best Montpelier hotels in fall:

With rooms that can host up to seven guests at a time, the Capitol Plaza Hotel Montpelier is a lovely accommodation. It’s right near the Camel’s Hump and the VT state house, featuring top-notch amenities like a restaurant, fitness center, and garden.
Imagine staying in an old firehouse! You can do just that at the Firehouse Inn in Barre, which is right near Montpelier. It’s along the Winooski River and has an on-site firefighter museum.

Shelburne

Shelburne is a must-visit in fall, it’s located right along Lake Champlain in Chittenden County. Just driving along the roads here will get you right in the center of some of Vermont’s best fall foliage.

There are tons of fun fall activities and tourist attractions here in this historic 18th-century town. Stop by the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, enjoy a drink at the Shelburne Vineyard, or pick some apples at Shelburne Orchards. Don’t forget to stop by the popular Shelburne Farms, either.

Best Shelburne hotels in fall:

If you don’t want to stay in a hotel, book a waterfront vacation rental with impeccable lake views. This one has 5 bedrooms, an outdoor dining area, and even a swimming pool.
For unfussy rooms and a low cost, stay at the Quality Inn Shelburne. It’s located right along Lake Champlain and includes free hot breakfast.

Middlebury

Brick building with a fall tree in front of it. — Editorial credit: gary yim / Shutterstock.com

Last but certainly not least is Middlebury, VT. There are tons of fun fall activities here, which make it a must-visit! To see the beauty of fall here, be sure to walk the Trail Around Middlebury, which is open to anyone who would like to check it out. There are also some bike trails here.

Be sure to also stop by Happy Valley Orchard, where you can pick some tasty apples to make your own apple pie later. Plus, they have top-notch cider donuts and apple cider.

Best Middlebury hotels in fall:

The Middlebury Inn is right next to Middlebury College and has an on-site spa and restaurant. It’s perfect for a more than comfortable stay!
Swift House Inn is another incredible accommodation made up of three houses. Book a stay at the Carriage House for an unforgettable stay and dine on steak at Jessica’s Restaurant.

Hopefully, you enjoyed this post on the best places to stay in Vermont in fall. Happy travels!

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Krystianna Pietrzak

Krystianna is a born and raised Vermonter and lived in the state for 22 years. She is the founder of Volumes & Voyages, a blog devoted to books and travel. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, Krystianna got bit by the travel bug and has been chasing her wanderlust ever since.