Vermont awaits for those yearning for cozy sweaters, cider and colorful leaves. With trees glowing every shade of yellow, orange and red, travelers head to the Green Mountains. In Waterbury, there are farm stands with pumpkins, maple syrup and apple picking. Also, outdoor enthusiasts can go for a hike or even a scenic drive. Here are the top things to do in Waterbury VT this fall.
Is Vermont Worth Visiting during the Fall
Vermont is one of the Fall Color Destinations. In some ways, Vermont is more popular in the fall. With its close proximity to both Boston and New York City, city dwellers head out on color-peeping trips every weekend.
I recommend reservations well in advance for weekend getaways. Or consider visiting on a Sunday to Monday versus a Friday to Saturday.
11 Colorful Things to Do in Waterbury VT this Fall
Take a Scenic Drive.
See Some Covered Bridges.
Grab a Gourd at a Farm Stand.
Stock up at a General Store.
Go Apple Picking.
Take a Hike.
Sample Vermont Spirits.
Collect some Leaves.
Take a Cider Break at Cold Hollow Cider Mill.
DIY Ghost Tour through the B&J Graveyard.
Lift a Stein at the Biergarten
Route 100 — Green Mountain Byway
Vermont Route 100 is a scenic byway that runs north-south from Vermont’s top to bottom. This is the best route for the Best Fall Color Road Trip through Vermont.
Paralleling the Green Mountains (part of the Appalachian Mountains), roadtrippers will pass quaint towns with lots of options for dining and shopping. The drive takes travelers through the forests brimming with yellows, oranges and reds.
Best Things to Do in Waterbury Vermont
The Covered Bridges along Green Mountains Byway
To grab Route 100, start in Irasville, north of the Green Mountain National Forest. Taking Route 7 up to the middle of Vermont saves some time (especially for New Yorkers).
If traveling from Boston, drivers might want to use Interstate 89 to get to Irasville. Route 103 is another option for slower travel.
After entering the Green Mountain Byway at Irasville, head south to Warren for two destinations–Warren Covered Bridge and Warren General Store. This is one of the top things for a Vermont Fall Color Road Trip.
Warren Covered Bridge–Crosses the Mad River and is located at 19 Fuller Hill Rd. in Warren.
After visiting the Warren Covered Bridge and stopping by Warren General Store, head north on Vermont Route 100.
Waitsfield Covered Bridge–Crosses the Mad River and is located on Bridge St. in Waitsfield.
Pine Brook Covered Bridge–Crosses the Pine Brook and is located at 1283 N. Road in Waitsfield.
Woodstock Farmers’ Market
This is another location of the popular roadside stop in Woodstock. Visitors will find deli sandwiches, a range of Vermont Cheese, a coffee bar and more. This is the place to grab picnic food, too.
Located at 2802 Waterbury Stowe Road, Waterbury Center. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Monday).
Hartshorn Organic Farm
Walk through this top farm stand for seasonal vegetables, like gourds and pumpkins. It’s also an educational facility for organic farming and offers farm tours. Find seasonal flowers along with wood-fired pizzas and their own maple syrup.
Located at 54 Quarry Rd. in Waitsville. Open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the season from June to October.
Warren Store
Stop at a quaint country store with all those Vermont-made products stocked just for you.. The Warren Store also sells provisions for a picnic with its deli. Find cider, for the kids and the adults, syrup, cheese, along with gift items upstairs.
Located at 284 Main St. in Warren. Open Wednesday to Monday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Tuesday.
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Go Apple Picking at Hunger Mountain Orchard
Labor Day is the unofficial start of Apple Picking Season. There’s a family-owned orchard in Waterbury that opening for PYO. Opened in 1979, Hunger Mountain Orchard is located in Waterbury, so follow the signs along Route 100 (and check out its Facebook page for updates).
Located at 88 Thurston Lane, Waterbury Center. Open seasonally.
Waterbury Center State Park
Get out of the car and collect some colorful leaves as a souvenir. The Waterbury Center State Park is a 90-acre day-use park along the shores of the 850-acre Waterbury Reservoir.
It’s a more developed area to explore and an easy stop if you’re in Waterbury. For an accessible trail, take the Peninsula Nature Trail. This is one of the top things to do on a Vermont Fall Color Road Trip.
Located at 177 Reservoir Rd., about a quarter-mile from Waterbury. Open 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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Smuggler’s Notch Distillery
If you’re looking for a locally produced distilled spirit, then the Barrel House Tasting Room featuring Smuggler’s Notch spirits is for you. With regionally inspired flavors, find award-winning gin, rum, bourbon and vodka.
Located at 2657 Waterbury Stowe Road. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Sample one of the best cider donuts in the U.S., according to Gourmet magazine. Then see how apple cider is pressed with an original press from the 1920s. Don’t miss grabbing a sample of the apple cider for a true flavor of Vermont. They even produce a line of hard ciders now.
Find baked goods in the on-site bakery or sit down for a meal in its restaurant, serving breakfast and lunch. There’s even a honey bee observation hive. This is one of the top things for a Vermont Fall Color Road Trip.
Located at 3600 Waterbury Stove Road. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Best National Parks for Fall Color
Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream
It might be fall, but it’s still sunny, so have a scoop. A stop at Ben and Jerry’s is a must, and they’ve been scooping ice cream since 1978. Travelers can get a cone and then tour the Flavor Graveyard, a place to remember the fallen flavors of the past.
Ben and Jerry’s offers a 30-minute guided factory tour. Factory Tour is offered daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Prices start at $6 for adults and $1 for the kids.
Located at 1281 Waterbury Stowe Road. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Van Trapp Bier Hall
You made it. Now grab a craft brew and settle in at the Van Trapp Bier Hall. Located in the shadow of the Stowe Mountains, it’s one of the best places to enjoy the fall foliage.
It offers a restaurant serving lunch and dinner. The Biergarten serves beverages only and is first-come, first-served.
Located at 1333 Luce Hill Road. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are recommended for dining.
Mt. Mansfield Scenic Tollway
Take the easy way to the top of Mt. Mansfield from late May through mid-October. The 4.5-mile route zigzags through the forest to get to the top of Mt. Mansfield, with views of Lake Champlain in the distance.
Located off Route 108/Mountain Rd., north of the activity in Stowe. Open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Prices start at $37 for the vehicle and driver, plus $14 | $18 for passengers (non-peak, peak). Passenger vehicles only, so no RVs, trailers or bicycles. Pack snacks and water for the trip, especially if you plan to hike at the top.
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