The Ultimate Vermont Fall Weekend Itinerary
There’s no better place to experience the magic of fall than the quintessential New England destination of Vermont. With crisp mountain air, fiery foliage, and picture-perfect small towns, the Green Mountain State sets the stage for the ultimate autumn escape.
We’ve put together the ultimate weekend itinerary to help you make the most of your trip—complete with the best places to stay, eat, and explore.
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Friday
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Saturday
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Sunday
Drive up through Vermont’s Scenic Byways
Your weekend kicks off with the journey. Take your time meandering along Vermont’s winding backroads, where every turn offers postcard-perfect views of red, orange, and golden leaves.
Lunch and Beer Tasting at Hill Farmstead Brewing
Hill Farmstead Brewing in North Greensboro is well worth a detour on your Vermont road trip. Consistently ranked among the best breweries in the world, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger for an hour or two. Inside the renovated farmhouse turned taproom, friendly bartenders are happy to help you find the perfect pour. Once you’ve made your pick, carry it outside to an Adirondack chair, where rolling farmland stretches toward the horizon—quintessential Vermont at its finest.
On most days, you’ll also find a rotating lineup of food trucks parked outside, so you can pair your beer with a laid-back, locally sourced lunch.
Check into Outbound Stowe
Just minutes from downtown Stowe and Mt. Mansfield, Outbound Stowe offers a peaceful retreat along the West Branch Little River with direct access to the town’s Recreation Path. The property combines expansive outdoor space with a range of lodging options, including classic hotel rooms and cozy A-frame suites. Guests can take advantage of yard games, the region’s largest outdoor pool, a heated hot tub, an on-site restaurant, gear rentals, and more—all designed to make the most of Vermont’s mountain setting.
Dinner at Ranch Camp
If you’re hungry—and maybe in the market for a new bike or some gear—head to Ranch Camp, part bike shop, part casual restaurant. The menu is surprisingly extensive, with plenty of options for vegetarians, gluten-free diners, and meat lovers alike, making it an easy choice for groups with different tastes. Don’t miss the homemade crunch wrap, and be sure to leave room for one of Ranch Camp’s famously decadent desserts.
Stargazing and S’mores at Outbound Stowe
Head back to the hotel and pick up a complimentary s’mores kit at Outbound Stowe’s reception. Firepits dotted around the property provide a warm and cozy spot to roast marshmallows and tell camp stories until it’s time to turn in. On a clear night, the dark Vermont skies are perfect for stargazing.
Coffee by the River
Start your morning in the most relaxing way: grab a complimentary cup of Speeder & Earl’s coffee—served fresh each day at the hotel from a beloved local family-owned roaster—and settle into one of the chairs overlooking the river to soak in some quiet time in nature.
Breakfast at Waitsfield Farmers’ Market
Take a leisurely drive along Vermont’s scenic Route 100, where white-steepled churches and classic red barns frame the brilliant foliage. Pause at the Waitsfield Farmers’ Market to enjoy fresh-baked pastries, maple lattes, and savory crepes, all set to the sound of live music.
Hike Mt. Ellen
Spend your morning hiking Mt. Ellen, one of Vermont’s tallest peaks. The trails are less crowded than those on nearby Mount Mansfield, which can become overly packed during leaf-peeping season.
After reaching Mt. Ellen’s wooded summit, continue just a few steps farther to emerge at the top of one of Sugarbush’s ski lifts, where you can relax and take in sweeping foliage views.
Lunch and Creemee at Creemee Canteen
Nothing says Vermont fall like a maple creemee (the state’s iconic, thicker, creamier take on soft serve). Stop at the James Beard-nominated Creemee Canteen on your drive back for lunch and a sweet treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the maple twist with one of the canteen’s innovative, rotating flavors, such as ginger or cinnamon.
Drink at Alchemist Brewery
Back in Stowe, toast your successful hike with a glass of sample Vermont’s most famous beer: Heady Topper. The Alchemist’s tasting room offers pours of this cult-favorite double IPA alongside other seasonal brews, along with a big backyard where you can relax and enjoy the views or play a round of cornhole or two.
Outdoor Hot Tub at Outbound Stowe
After a day on the trails, there’s nothing better than a soothing soak to ease tired muscles. Outbound’s outdoor hot tub provides a peaceful retreat to relax and recharge.
Dinner at Outbound Stowe
If you’re too tired after a busy day to go far, don’t worry—Outbound Stowe’s Eastside Bar + Bites Stowe Restaurant has you covered with craft cocktails, local beer, and comfort food served inside or on the patio.
Coffee and breakfast at Movement Coffee Roasters
Coffee doesn’t get any fresher than at Movement Coffee Roasters, a locally owned café where beans are roasted right before your eyes. The shop offers a wide selection for pourovers and specialty drinks, with pourovers starting at just $4. Friendly baristas are happy to help you find a roast you’ll love—dark roast fans should try the Honey Harvest Dark from Costa Rica.
Pair it with a breakfast sandwich on a delicious homemade biscuit, and save some room for one of the incredible pastries on offer, such as the apple cider cookie topped with a maple glaze.
Scenic Bike Ride Along the Stowe Recreation Path
Rent a bike from nearby Pinnacle Ski & Sports—where Outbound Stowe guests enjoy discounted rates—and cycle along the scenic Stowe Recreation Path. This mostly flat, off-road route winds just over 5 miles each way along the river, past cornfields, and over charming arched bridges before finishing at the town’s iconic white church.
Make a pit stop at the Stowe Farmers’ Market, held right off the path on Sundays, to pick up Vermont-made souvenirs like maple syrup or artisanal cheeses.
Lunch at Stowe Cider/Stockyard BBQ
Settle into a sunny spot on Stowe Cider’s patio and sip some of Vermont’s finest hard cider, perfectly paired with a plate of barbecue.
Find Everything Fall Flavored at Cold Hollow Cider Mill
No Vermont fall trip is complete without cider donuts. Stock up on apple cider, warm donuts, and (yes, one last creemee) at Cold Hollow Cider Mill before hitting the road.
Editor's Note: The writer of this story was hosted by Outbound Stowe.
Drive Home
Take the long way back if you can—Vermont’s backroads are at their most spectacular in September and October.
Pro Tip: The peak foliage season in Vermont typically spans from late September to mid-October, although timing varies by elevation. For the brightest colors, aim for early October in the Stowe area.
For the most up-to-date information, check Vermont’s Foliage Tracker.