hotel vermont activities
A PERFECT FALL DAY IN VERMONT
Follow one of our favorite fall drives, local approved, to find the best of autumn in the Green Mountain State.
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.
Apples and a Dreamee at Yates Family Orchard
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 featuring their fresh cider donuts, a generous swirl of creemee (we suggest cider or maple), and all the fixings you’d like.
You have your pick of U-pick, too! We also love Stine Orchard and Monkton Ridge Orchard in the area.
pick your ownApples and a Dreamee at Yates Family Orchard
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 featuring their fresh cider donuts, a generous swirl of creemee (we suggest cider or maple), and all the fixings you’d like.
You have your pick of U-pick, too! We also love Stine Orchard and Monkton Ridge Orchard in the area.
pick your ownLunch 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 snacks to sandwiches to family-style dishes. 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 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.
grab a biteFALL AT BARTLETT FALLS
A well-known summer favorite for taking a dip that shouldn’t be forgotten as October nears, Bartlett (Bristol) Falls is a spectacle during autumn months too. Just a few minutes drive from the town center, park along the road and linger along the river as the water flows between rows of colorful trees. It’s a great spot for a picnic if you grabbed anything to-go at Minifactory.
FALL AT BARTLETT FALLS
A well-known summer favorite for taking a dip that shouldn’t be forgotten as October nears, Bartlett (Bristol) Falls is a spectacle during autumn months too. Just a few minutes drive from the town center, park along the road and linger along the river as the water flows between rows of colorful trees. It’s a great spot for a picnic if you grabbed anything to-go at Minifactory.
Up Mad River Glen
Next, you’ll head to Mad River Glen. But as you roll down Route 17, keep a light foot on the gas. You’ll want to drive slow, take in the views, and keep an eye out for chances to pull over for a photo along your drive.
Once you arrive, find yourself at the base of the resort and, 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.
ride hereOver the (Mad) River (Valley) and through woods to Lawson's
Continue your slow roll as you drive 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 and a soft pretzel.
sip hereOver the (Mad) River (Valley) and through woods to Lawson's
Continue your slow roll as you drive 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 and a soft pretzel.
sip hereFind 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 dinner, find plenty of options as you pass through town. Stop into Gallus, the newest restaurant from the Hen of the Wood group, for handcrafted pasta. Find a seat at the bar at Salt & Rind for oysters and charcuterie. For a more casual stop, Blackback Pub has drinks and bites for any palate.
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.
Juniper Bar & RestaurantThrough 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.
Juniper Bar & Restaurant