fall foilage in vermont
 

planning a trip first two wks of oct'03..ready to book,but..anybody ever stay/know of?? the manchester view in manchester,vermont? as per their site they have much to offer. however, wondering if should keep searching. also wondering if should go further up toward the lake champlaign region. want to just crash in one spot for entire week and do day drives,etc.and r&amp;r at comfy inns on other days. <BR>any suggestions? thanks

dwhit, what are your interests? I personally dislike shopping most of the time, so Manchester, with its endless outlets, doesn't appeal to me. However, the foliage can be lovely from this area; there is great hiking, and there are scenic drives to cute Vt. towns such as Weston.<BR><BR>Burlington is a vibrant university small city on Lake Champlain with lots to do - boat and train rides {good way to take in the foliage},waterfront parks, a downtown market area closed to traffic with excellent restaurants and shops, and museums.<BR><BR>Also might want to consider Woodstock and Stowe. I can't comment on Stowe as I haven't visited in years, but Woodstock and nearby Queechee may well offer you what you are looking for in quaint small-town Vt. charm.<BR><BR>Most any area you choose is likely to be very touristy this time of year, so you are wise to make reservations early!

molly: thanks for reply. have narrowed down to ludlow,dorset and woodstock. the charleston house in woodstock has availability but not sure..any thoughts? can you believe? already the town booked up but,of course you can..<BR>have posted another query titled 'can't decide'..any thoughts from you..thanks,d.

Have you given any thought about the northeast kingdom. This has the very best foliage. My husband and I go every year. Last year we awoke to a red and white landscape as it snowed overnight. It was surreal. We also like the fact that from Jay Peak, it is just over an hour's ddrive to Montreal to get a European flavor. Would totally recommend staying at one of Kathy's rentals. She now has a website at www.jaypeakskiing.com. We have stayed at both the condo at Jay peak and at a terrific chalet at Alpine Haven owned by Sarita. It was heavenly. It is old time Vermont without the commercialism of a traditional tourist destination.

Well, I'm not familiar with any of the lodging establishments - anybody? But I am very familiar with the three towns, and would give the nod to Woodstock as having the qualities you describe in your other post. Actually, Ludlow and Plymouth is a pleasant daytrip from Woodstock, passing several lakes to fish, swim {well, in Oct.,perhaps not!}, or picnic from. If you're a history buff, you can also visit the home of Calvin Coolidge in Plymouth, and the academy where he attended school, on High St. in Ludlow. In Woodstock,if you wish to escape the crowds, there is a pleasant park across a covered bridge - ask the locals - a short but steep hike to expansive views leads from here. Stop for excellent ice cream at the Creamery on the main street. Bentley's, right downtown, is pretty good for dinner. Visit the nearby Queechee Gorge - you can hike down to it. Vt. Institute of Natural Science {still in town, but due to move to Queechee} rehabilitates birds of prey and other creatures and is open to visitors - ask about programs. Lots of antique shops. Billings Farm is also nearby, and probably some apple orchards, where you may find hay rides.The town always has community events posted on a board as you arrive in and exit town, so keep your eye out.<BR><BR>Dorset is close to Manchester - wouldn't be my first choice, but if you want to base yourself near Manchester,it might be a quieter alternative. People also seem to like an inn at Mt. Equinox in this area - can't recall the exact name; I think it's rather pricy.<BR><BR>The Northeast Kingdom area the other poster describes sounds really nice if you're looking for a less-touristy destination. As I imagine you gathered by the quick bookings of rooms, the three areas you're looking at are popular and BUSY during foliage!<BR><BR>You might want to give some thought as to which areas have the best foliage when. As it often goes, living in the area, I don't take it for granted exactly - just don't pay careful attention to its schedule!<BR><BR>

How many nights should one stay in Woodstock in order to take in all that is available. I am trying to make my itinerary so I can make reservations.

Carol, that's a hard question to answer without knowing your interests, but I would think 2-3 days would give you a good overview without rushing; perhaps a day to drive around and view the foliage, stop at antique shops, etc., another day to explore Woodstock/Queechee. Of course, if you wish to do more daytrips {like to the excellent Hood Art Museum {free} in nearby Hanover, N.H., or hike or canoe, or other various sightseeing jaunts, you can easily extend this.<BR><BR>dwhit, I forgot to mention that there is a scenic train ride that leaves out of nearby {to Woodstock} White River Junction - not at all sure of their schedule. This short trip can easily be combined with a visit to Hanover. There is an excellent and interesting African restaurant in downtown White River - try their banana fritters.

I'm a big fan of the Lake Champlain Islands. There would be more to do in Woodstock, I gather but the &quot;Islands&quot; are so peaceful and beautiful.

I highly recommend this place, we go every year its romantic and elegant. its in Manchester, close to everything.<BR>The Reluctant Panther, at the foot of Mount Equinox.<BR>www.reluctantpanther.com<BR>Restaurant s I love ther are The Black Swan and the Inn at Toll Gate. <BR><BR>