The Upper Loop

This foliage route takes you from Burlington on Route 100 through Stowe, across Smuggler’s Notch, down through Jeffersonville and back to Burlington with some stops along the way. 

8:00 am: Breakfast
Grab a coffee and a pastry to-go at Juniper.

9:00 am: On the Road with a Coffee Stop
Take I-89 South to get off at Exit 9 in Middlesex for a coffee and snack stop at Red Hen Bakery. Red Hen Bakery supplies not only the bread at Hotel Vermont, but also at many restaurants in the greater Burlington area. They make delicious breakfast sandwiches, croissants and coffee.

10:00 am: Waterbury Reservoir
Jump on to Route 100 to Waterbury Reservoir. Completed in 1938, the Waterbury Dam serves to control three rivers that converge in Waterbury. The man-made reservoir is a popular spot for boating, fishing and swimming in the summer and has easy walking trails for exploration.

11:00 am: Stowe Activities
Route 100 from Waterbury to Stowe is home to many of Vermont’s most iconic businesses. Make a sweet stop at the Ben and Jerry’s Factory where you can grab a scoop of your favorite flavor, visit the Flavor Graveyard and take a tour of the facilities.

Just down the road, you can visit the Cabot Cheese Store. Taste over fifteen different cheddars and grab some cheesy apparel for yourself.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill also calls Route 100 home. No fall tour would be complete without locally pressed cider and fresh out of the oven cider donuts.

12:30 pm: Lunch
We recommend two options for lunch. The Apple Core at Cold Hollow Cider Mill is a great place to grab a sandwich and relax. Be warned: the sandwiches are huge (and delicious!) and can most likely feed two people. With a unique flair, they offer all sandwiches on white or sweet potato wheat bread.

A second option takes a little bit of navigating but is more than worth it! Not just for beer enthusiasts (although we definitely recommend sampling some of their hoppy creations) Lost Nation Brewing in Morrisville is a local brewing company that offers lunch and dinner to those who make the trek. 

2:00 pm: Through the Notch
Continue on Route 15 through Smuggler’s Notch. Separating Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, from Spruce and Sterling Peak, the notch is open for transport spring – fall and closes access in the winter. Two ski resorts, Stowe Mountain and Smuggler’s Notch, are on either side of the notch. 

3:30 pm:  Back to Burlington
Follow Route 15 back into Burlington. If there is still more that you would like to see please inquire with the Front Desk upon your return. They can recommend some great sight seeing places along the lake.

The Lower Loop

This foliage route takes you south from Burlington and kicks off the morning with a morning of seasonal produce and a Bristol lunch favorite to fuel your day. You’ll then head through the Mad River Valley before looping back to head through Waterbury and Richmond on your way back to Burlington.

10:00 am: Hit the Road
Grab breakfast at Juniper before hitting the road! Head just over a half hour to Yates Family Orchard in southern Hinesburg for a morning of apple picking. If you have a morning sweet tooth, grab a creemee or a “Dreamee” (a Yates creation: a creemee-topped fresh donut).

Noon: Lunch at Minifactory
Head to Bristol and make a stop at Minifactory, home of V Smiley Preserves, for lunch. Open Thursday-Monday, their menu changes weekly with everything from snack to sandwiches to family style plates. We’re always wowed by their creative flavor combinations and colorful plates– we’d say they were too beautiful to eat if they didn’t always taste so good! If you’re not hungry quite yet, you’ll be able to stock up on picnic essentials in their small grocery section for bites later in the day.

1:00 pm: Mad River Chair Lift

Head to the Mad River Valley to Mad River Glen. On weekends through October, take the only single seat chair lift in the state up to the peak of the mountain for a stellar vantage point of the colors.

2:00 pm: Over the (Mad) River (Valley) and through woods to Lawson’s
Take your time driving through the Mad River Valley and soak in the colors along the way. Find your way to Lawson’s Finest Liquids Taproom in Waitsfield, where you can cozy up in the lodge or outside by the fire with a beer.

3:00 pm: Over the bridge to Waterbury
Continue north towards Waterbury, but not without some scenic stops along the way. We’d suggest pulling over at Pine Brook Covered Bridge on North Road, one of two 19th century bridge in Waitsfield, for a quintessential Vermont photo op.

4:00 pm: Waterbury
Find yourself in Waterbury Center! Stop in to visit our friend Jeremy Ayers, who hand throws the mugs in each of our guest rooms, at his pottery studio and shop. If you’re ready for an early dinner, stop into Gallus, the newest restaurant from the Hen of the Wood group, for handcrafted pasta.

5:00 pm: Through Richmond, back to Burlington
On your way back to Burlington, you’ll pass through Richmond. If you prefer stopping for a bite here, Stone’s Throw Pizza, Hatchet, or The Kitchen Table.

Make your way back to Burlington. You’ll likely be rolling back into the city around sunset – find yourself a seat on Juniper terrace by the fire and take in the view.