Where to Stay in Vermont in the Fall: 5 Charming Towns & Hotels

Trying to figure out where to stay in Vermont in the fall? With so many charming towns, mountain views, and scenic drives to choose from, it’s not an easy decision, but it’s definitely a fun one. Fall is the most popular time to visit Vermont, and for good reason. The foliage is unreal, the air is crisp, and everywhere you go feels straight out of a postcard.

To help you narrow it down, I’ve picked five of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall. Each one offers something a little different, whether you’re after classic foliage views, covered bridges, small-town charm, or easy access to hiking trails and scenic byways.

For each town, I’ll walk you through what it’s like in the fall, the best things to do nearby, and a few great places to stay, from cozy inns to stylish boutique hotels.

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Where to Stay in Vermont in the Fall

1. Stowe

Stowe was hands-down my favorite stop on our New England fall road trip! We visited in mid-October and timed it just right – peak fall foliage, perfect sweater weather, and mountain views that honestly didn’t look real.

The whole town feels like a fall dream, with colorful trees lining the streets, cute cafés around every corner, and scenic drives in every direction.

One of the best things about Stowe is how much there is to do, whether you’re into hiking, leaf-peeping, or just relaxing with a cider donut in hand.

The famous Smugglers’ Notch drive is just minutes away, and if you’re up for some adventure, Mount Mansfield offers some incredible trails and gondola views. Even just strolling the Stowe Recreation Path or browsing the local shops in the village is a vibe during fall.

2. Woodstock

Woodstock is one of the most picture-perfect places to visit in Vermont in the fall. The historic village is compact and easy to explore on foot, with a walkable downtown full of local shops, cozy cafés (make sure to try Mon Vert Cafe!), and classic New England charm.

The foliage here is stunning, especially in mid to late October, and it’s one of those towns where even a simple stroll around the green or along the riverbank feels scenic.

It’s also a great base for exploring nearby fall highlights. Quechee Gorge is just a short drive away and offers an easy hike with beautiful views, and Route 4 is packed with scenic stretches that are ideal for a foliage road trip.

You’ll also find some great local history at Billings Farm and Museum, and while Sleepy Hollow Farm is often mentioned as a photo stop, access via Cloudland Road is typically closed during peak season to help manage the crowds.

Woodstock tends to draw a lot of visitors in the fall, but it still manages to feel relaxed and welcoming. You won’t find big city buzz here, but that’s part of the charm – just crisp air, colorful trees, and the kind of small-town atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and stay a while.

3. Burlington

If you’re looking for a livelier base with more going on, Burlington is one of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall. It’s the state’s largest city, set right on the edge of Lake Champlain, and offers a great mix of nature and culture.

While it doesn’t have the classic small-town feel of Stowe or Woodstock, it more than makes up for it with its food scene, lake views, and local energy.

Fall in Burlington means crisp walks along the waterfront, cozy coffee shops downtown, and weekend farmers markets packed with local produce and hot cider.

You can catch the sunset over the lake, grab a drink at a local brewery, or take a short drive out of town for some incredible foliage. Mount Philo and the backroads around Shelburne and Charlotte are especially beautiful in October.

4. Manchester

If you’re wondering where to stay in Vermont in the fall for a mix of small-town charm and mountain scenery, Manchester is a great pick.

It’s nestled at the base of the Green Mountains and offers a bit of everything – pretty foliage drives, cute boutiques, good restaurants, and easy access to outdoor activities. It’s a bit more spread out than towns like Woodstock, but still very manageable, especially if you have a car.

Fall colors usually peak here in early to mid-October, and there are some beautiful scenic drives just outside of town. The drive up to Mount Equinox offers sweeping views over the valley, and the backroads toward Dorset and Arlington are filled with classic autumn color.

In town, you’ll find a mix of outlet stores and independent shops, plus a few historic spots like Hildene, the Lincoln family estate.

5. Montpelier

Montpelier might not be the first place that comes to mind when deciding where to stay in Vermont in the fall, but it’s a surprisingly great option, especially if you’re looking for a quieter, less touristy base.

As the smallest state capital in the US, Montpelier has a relaxed, local vibe with just enough to do, plus easy access to scenic drives and nearby hiking trails.

Fall is a beautiful time to visit, with foliage lighting up the surrounding hills and the gold-domed State House looking especially photogenic against a backdrop of autumn colors.

You won’t find big resorts or crowds here, but that’s part of the appeal. Downtown is compact and walkable, with bookstores, coffee shops, and farm-to-table restaurants. It also makes a convenient hub for exploring central Vermont.