Stowe is the fall destination

A lifelong New Englander prefers visiting Vermont in autumn when leaves turn red, orange, and yellow rather than during ski season. Stowe, located in northern Vermont, is her favorite town for leaf-peeping and autumn vibes.

Easy access from major cities

Stowe is just three hours from Boston and six hours from New York City. It's less than an hour from Burlington International Airport, making it accessible for East Coast visitors and those traveling from farther away.

Downtown and nearby attractions

Stowe's walkable downtown sits at the bottom of Mount Mansfield with quaint shops and cozy cafés. Nearby attractions include the famous Gondola Skyride and the Percy Farm Corn Maze, where visitors can see baby cows grazing in the rows.

Mount Mansfield and dining

A red gondola ride up Mount Mansfield offers views of colorful fall foliage. At the peak, visitors can enjoy a waffle covered in chocolate syrup. The von Trapp Brewing Bierhall serves Austrian-influenced dishes and is run by a member of the von Trapp family who inspired The Sound of Music.

Nearby food destinations

Fifteen minutes away in Waterbury Center, Cold Hollow Cider Mill is a historic dairy farm where visitors watch apples being pressed and doughnuts fried. Ten minutes south in Waterbury are Ben and Jerry's and Cabot Creamery, both offering factory tours and Vermont flavors.

“Book a reservation in advance for the factory tour at Ben and Jerry's, as it can sell out fast.”

Extend your trip south

About an hour south of Waterbury is Killington, a famed ski town beautiful in fall. Visitors can take another gondola ride up Killington Peak at Killington Ski Resort and enjoy a cocktail at the top.