Hello,

I am trying to plan a weekend trip with my husband for this fall, probably in late September or early October. I know inns can be heavily booked during this time, and was hoping to get some advice.

We are most interested in Vermont (travelling from NYC), but are open to other suggestions. Our main interests are walking or biking and seeing foliage (along with every other New Yorker!). The main thing I would like to avoid is the overly cute B&B, with lots of little pillows, etc., and also the very small B&B where you don't really have a lot of privacy. Something with a little cabin or guesthouse would be ideal, and I don't think we'd want to spend more than $200 per night (perferably less, of course!).

Also, as a more basic question, is late October too late to see the leaves changing color? We could go earlier, but it would be much more convenient to go in the third week of October.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions,

JB

I would say that the 3rd week in Oct would be too late to see the best color. In northern VT, you wouldnt see any at all. Southern VT, it will be going by. Check out www.newengland.com They have a foliage section with a map of when "peak" color for each region is.
As you correctly assume, this is the busiest time in VT and lodging will be harder than normal to come by. Manchester VT is a very popular destination for New Yorkers. The Equinox is the place to stay in Manchester--beautiful hotel. Also check out Stratton mountain Ski Resort.
Hope this helps!

I would recommend the Reluctant Panther and the 1812?? House in Manchester, Vermont. Both excellent, non-cutesy, in SOuthern Vermont. Mostly New York clientele as a result. Reluctant Panther has excellent dinners included in the room price usually, which makes it an excellent value. 1812 house is moderately prettier. Both are expensive - your budget might fit into one of their cheaper rooms. Book now.

Thanks, Charles and Betsy. I look forward to investigating these inns. I'm wondering if you could tell me a little more about Manchester - what makes it such a popular destination? I don't know the state very well, and am having trouble differentiating the descriptions of the various cities.

Also, would the idea of camping at that time of year be foolish? Is there a Vermont version of Acadia?

Thanks again for your help,

JB

I think what makes the Manchester area so popular w/New Yorkers is that it is the closest major "ski resort" town to NY. In the winter, you have 3 major ski areas to choose from (Bromley/Stratton/Magic). IT's also popular in the summer for hiking, golf, shopping(lots of outlets) & dining. The Equoinox HOtel also has a Land Rover driving school and a British School of FAlconry. If you want to venture further, Woodstock and Stowe are popular destinations, and my favorite city Burlington is worth a visit. Manchester has a good website, not sure of the link though. I think it's manchesterandmountains.com Do a quick search and I'm sure it will come up. Have fun!

Wanted to register an agreement with Betsy. Manchester actually would not be my first choice of places in VT to visit generally. Nice enough, and excellent outlet shopping (only armani outlet I know of) but more crowded and less character than other Vermont Towns. We (attempting to speak for Betsy) reccommended it because a) it's accessible to New York - easiest place in VT to get to from the city, and B) its in the South so you have a better chance of seeing foliage that late in the fall. Even if the foliage is further south the length of the Berkshires are an easy drive.

In any case I would not plan on camping that late unless you are a seasoned winter camper. It can be VERY cold at night in VT at that time of year - snow is unlikely but far from impossible. In terms of one must go park like Acadia, I can't think of anything, but in general, camping in Vermont is widely available and the mountains are beautiful. Skiing, perhaps needless to say, won't be an option at that time of year.

I love Vermont.

Thanks again for the helpful information about Manchester. I guess what I really have in mind (perhaps unrealistically, and perhaps not best for Vermont) is a sort of luxurious lodge set up, maybe where we would have our own cabin. Someplace where we could go on long walks or bike rides, and then come back and have a jacuzzi. Or a fireplace. Or both. We don't need to have a restaurant on the premises, as long as there are restaurants a short drive away.

It sounds like we might be a little late for camping, although we could potentially go in late September rather than October. Does what I'm describing sound more like a ski season kind of place?

Best wishes,
JB

It's REALLY expensive, but check out the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe--owned by the Von Trapp family from "The Sound of Music". www.trappfamilylodge.com
If I think of any others, I'll let you know!

Wow - the website for the Trapp Family Lodge certainly does make the place look spectacular. I urge any of you looking for a luxury vacation to check it out immediately! It looks pretty expensive, though - has any one been to a nice lodge in Vermont in the fall?

Best,
JB

I would avoid Manchester Vt. during foliage season - it's choked with tourists visiting the 'cutesy' restaurants and outlet malls. Not the real Vermont by any stretch. I've heard wonderful things about the Trapp Family Lodge, there are many other places you might like - The Inn at Marshland Farm in Quechee is in a very beautiful setting. There's also the Lake Morey Inn on Lake Morey.