Well, I've read everything I could get my hands on and have decided to leaf-peep in Vermont. My husband and I will have 3-4 days next October (I like to plan ahead!) and I can't decide between The Pitcher Inn in Warren or The Woodstock Inn in Woodstock. We like to hike, take scenic drives, light shopping and antiquing in picturesque

oops--hit post too soon.

We like to hike, take scenic drives, shopping and antiquing in picturesque villages. Would one or the other of these towns be a better home base? Does one or the other town have better restaurants perhaps? Thank you.

Warren is a teeny-tiny almost nonexistent town but lovely and close to Waitsfield, a real town but small. Best sandwich shop across the street - the Warren Store, with seating outside above the river. The Pitcher Inn is excellent. Woodstock is a real town but almost too "cute" IMO, but it is a town with all the amenities, shops, restaurants, etc. Don't know about price but would think that Pitcher Inn is more expensive but has "theme" rooms so may be worth it depending on what you are looking for. Both places will have hiking or gondola leaf peeping rides at the close ski areas. Warren is on rt 100, a beautiful rd that goes up to Stowe and also south thru picturesque towns. Woodstock is close to 100 too but farther south. Go to Trip Advisor.com for reviews on both properties and decide what you need. If you're going over Columbus Day weekend, you may be too late for reservations.

Would suggest neither of those towns. Woodstock is too touristy and lacks many decent restaurants.
Warren is a bit too far from anything really interesting.
Would suggest something near Ludlow. Would give you easy access to Grafton, Weston, Chester, all of which would fill your interests.

We retired to our home here on several acres, high on ridge with unobstructed views to the west, some miles west of Rutland. We adore being here -- especially in the fall, when we get to enjoy the foliage right from our deck or out the windows.

Wherever you choose to go for autumn, reserve early. They book fast. I know nothing about Warren, sorry, but I wouldn't necessarily condemn Woodstock. Yes, in season (when the skiiers "swarm") it can be very touristy, of course, and the same in summer, but you might try dinner at the Woodstock Inn (reasonable) or lunch at Bentley's.

Approximately across the street from Bentley's is Gillingham's, a huge general store that has virtually everything -- especially if you're into unusual spices, mustards, rices, etc. We go into Woodstock occasionally just to go to Gillingham's.
By the way, no visit to Vermont would be complete without a visit to the Vermont Country Store, either in Rockingham (close to I-91 exit 6) or in Weston (the original store). Both put out samples of all kinds of delicious cheeses, spreads and other goodies, too.

Just some ideas.

Enjoy!

Vermonter

It's not too early to make reservations! Although we haven't stayed in either town, I would vote for Warren's location. I like the Main Street Grill in Montpelier run by the Culinary Institute. You have some great restaurants in Burlington and Middlebury area. Simon Pierce in Quechee is fantastic plus the restaurant is in a fascinating building that also houses a pottery and glass blowing studios. Definitely second the motion to visit Vermont Country Store. Only check the hours, I think the one in Weston is closed on Sundays. From Warren, a day trip to Stowe is easy. I agree, Woodstock is almost too nice and too crowded but definitely visit Gillinghams. If you like to bake, visit King Arthur Flour in Norwich, too. BUT if you are visiting after Oct 15, the foliage might be better in southern VT. It's hard telling after last year's unusual fall. Given the right conditions, color can become spectacular on a given day after a cold night but color also varies with elevation which makes leisurely exploration fun. We also like the great views along Lake Champlain (rt 7) because of all the farmland. Don't forget, you can also make a loop thru NH's White Mountains.

Woodstock and Warren are two totally different towns. Choose Woodstock if you want more of a town to walk around in, with several botique type shops, some nice places to eat, and a very charming downtown. Just outside of Woodstock it gets quite scenic, especially driving up to Pomfret or out to South Woodstock. Billings Farm Museum is also just outside of town, a great place to spend an afternoon. Warren is a tiny town in the heart of ski and dairy farm country. This is a fabulous area for bicycling or driving around. No much in the way of shopping or walking aroung town. Realize that these towns are only 30 minutes apart, so you could easily see much of central Vermont from either town.

We have a vacation home in Quechee, VT, which is next to Woodstock. We spend alot of time in Woodstock. There are restaurants there..Bentleys, Prince and the Pauper..but the best restaurant I think is Simon Pearce, in Quechee! Reservations are a must, especially at that time of year. They also have a wonderful lunch. The restaurant is situated right over the water fall.
There is a nice hike right in Woodstock and others near by. It is busy all over Vt in the Fall, so I'd reserve soon (if you haven't already). You could stay outside of Woodstock, like Quechee or other surrounding towns. There are many beautiful Inns in Vt. The Woodstock Inn is VERY large and crowded. There are also some beautiful B&B's in Woodstock, which I think would be quieter and romantic.
Hanover is also a nice visit (where Dartmouth) is and close by.
Have fun!