Let’s get one thing out of the way—yes, the foliage in Vermont during autumn is the kind of spectacle that makes you question why anyone ever bothers with the other three seasons. The hills and mountains come alive with an almost supernatural glow, blanketed in reds, oranges, and yellows that seem to burst from the trees in a slow-motion explosion of color. But if you think the magic of Vermont’s fall ends with the scenery, you’re missing the point entirely. Leaf peeping might draw you in, but it’s the rich tapestry of local flavors, culture, and history that keeps you around long after the last leaf drops.

The Foliage: Vermont’s Everlasting Autumn Allure

Let’s be honest—if you’re heading to Vermont in the fall, there’s a good chance you’re here for the leaves. And with good reason. The state’s rolling hills and towering mountains provide the perfect canvas for nature’s most dramatic color palette. From mid-September through late October, Vermont’s forests transform into a kind of living art, where the landscape itself is the artist, constantly reshaping its masterpiece with every gust of wind. It’s no wonder that leaf peepers, cameras in hand, flock here every year in search of the perfect shot.

But let’s not reduce this experience to a photo-op. The real magic happens when you stop trying to capture the view and instead, just exist in it. Maybe it’s the crisp autumn air, or the smell of woodsmoke wafting from a nearby chimney, or perhaps the distant sound of leaves crunching underfoot—whatever it is, Vermont in the fall feels less like a place you visit and more like one you inhabit, even if only for a weekend.

Beyond the Leaves: Vermont’s Hidden Autumn Gems

Of course, you’ll need more than just leaves to sustain you (unless you’re the kind of person who subsists entirely on Instagram likes). Fortunately, Vermont offers an abundance of food and drink options that feel almost tailor-made for a cozy autumn getaway. Farm-to-table dining here isn’t just a trendy phrase, it’s a way of life. Local farms provide fresh ingredients that find their way into hearty dishes served up at the state’s many restaurants and inns, and everything from artisanal cheeses to root vegetables seems to take on a richer, deeper flavor in the cool fall air.

And then there’s the drink. You can’t leave Vermont without sampling its cideries and breweries, each offering up their own unique spins on seasonal flavors. Apple cider, both hard and sweet, flows freely here, with a bite that’s just sharp enough to remind you what season you’re in. Visit a local cidery, where you’ll likely be invited to sit by a fire pit with a glass in hand, watching the leaves fall while discussing the nuances of fermentation. If cider isn’t your thing, the state’s breweries also step up their game in the fall, rolling out rich stouts, porters, and autumn ales that warm you from the inside out.

Then, of course, there’s the maple syrup. The stuff is practically sacred in Vermont, and fall is the perfect time to visit the state’s many sugarhouses to see the process behind the magic. You’ll leave with a bottle (or two) of the good stuff, convinced it’ll last the year, but let’s be real—it won’t even make it to Thanksgiving.

Woodstock: New England Charm, Apples, and Craftsmanship

If you need one more reason to visit Vermont this fall (as if the foliage, food, and drink weren’t enough), let it be Woodstock’s Annual Apples & Crafts Fair, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Woodstock itself is a quintessential New England town, all white picket fences and colonial architecture, but the fair adds a layer of homespun charm you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Imagine strolling through booths of handmade crafts—think pottery, woodworking, and textiles—while sipping hot apple cider and munching on an apple fritter that tastes like it was fried by autumn itself.

This year’s fair promises to be extra special, with local artisans pulling out all the stops to commemorate five decades of tradition. It’s the kind of event that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, in the best possible way.

Vermont’s Cozy Inns: Where Autumn Feels Like Home

No trip to Vermont is complete without finding the perfect place to rest your head, and in this case, the cozier, the better. The Woodstock Inn, for example, is a classic fall destination, offering all the creature comforts you’d expect from a New England getaway. Think roaring fireplaces, plaid blankets, and the kind of rustic-chic decor that feels effortless but is secretly engineered to make you never want to leave.

Beyond Woodstock, there are plenty of smaller inns and bed-and-breakfasts dotted across the state that offer similar vibes. Whether you’re staying in a centuries-old farmhouse or a sleek modern lodge, Vermont’s inns provide more than just a place to sleep—they offer a retreat from the world, where you can wrap yourself in the warmth of the season and let the outside world fade away.

Don’t Forget the History: Vermont’s Past is Always Present

While you’re here, make time for a little history. Local museums offer glimpses into Vermont’s storied past, from its role in the Revolutionary War to its deep agricultural roots. Even if you’re not a history buff, there’s something about learning the story behind these towns—how they grew up alongside the very mountains that now draw leaf peepers from all over—that adds a layer of richness to the whole experience. It’s not just about where you’re standing, but who stood there before you.

Final Thoughts: Vermont’s Autumn—More Than Just a Season, It’s a State of Mind

In the end, Vermont in the fall isn’t just a trip, it’s a mindset. It’s the slowing down of time, the deep breaths of crisp air, the simple joys of warm food and drink shared with good company. Sure, the leaves are the headline act, but it’s everything else—those smaller, quieter moments—that make the experience truly unforgettable.

So, if you’re thinking about leaf peeping this year, remember: Vermont’s magic goes far beyond its foliage. It’s waiting for you in the cideries, sugarhouses, and cozy inns, in the handmade crafts of Woodstock and the warmth of an autumn ale by the fire. Fall in Vermont isn’t just something you see—it’s something you feel.