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The best fall road trip is in Vermont
Plus: A New Hampshire pumpkin festival, Snowport, and Connecticut restaurant week.
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Welcome back to Scenic Six, where I’m declaring Vermont the most scenic of all states this month. I just spent a weekend in the leaf-peeping utopia that is Stowe, and it certainly lived up to the hype. There were a few surprises, which I detail below.
Yes, Stowe is worth a fall road trip. But pack your patience.
Having just returned from the ridiculously colorful Stowe, Vermont, I would whole-heartedly recommend a leaf peeping road trip there during the fall season. However, the right mindset is essential. Expect traffic. Expect lines. Then relax and enjoy what the bucolic town has to offer. As I detailed in this story about my family’s recent trip, the line for the gondola rivaled that of Disney World’s Space Mountain. Also in the story: never, ever ignore a homemade sign pointing to a sugar house.
Speaking of foliage and crowds…
New Hampshire is grappling with out-of-control crowds at one of its popular hiking spots, the Artist’s Bluff trail in Franconia Notch. I have hiked this trail during the summer months and the sweeping views are truly breathtaking. But this month hikers are calling it “dangerous” and “risky” due to an influx of unruly people. Officials are considering charging a parking fee or timed-entry tickets to control the crowds. Do you think it’s a good solution?
Snow and foliage together, ‘a rare treat’
Is it fall or winter at Jay Peak in Jay, Vermont? It looks like both after a foot of snow fell on the ski mountain, causing one social media follower to post: “What a rare treat — snow & foliage!” Mountain officials posted pics of snowy trails cutting through colorful foliage, triggering hundreds of delighted comments by hopeful skiers and riders. By the way, Jay Peak was named the best ski resort in Vermont by Boston.com readers.
Travel tips
- Attention, pumpkin lovers: The New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival is coming to downtown Laconia and Weirs Beach Oct. 25-26. Visitors can shop the Great New England Craft and Artisan Show with more than 70 exhibitors, watch a pumpkin tower lighting, take a train ride aboard the Pumpkin Express, enjoy pumpkin activities, food trucks, live entertainment, and more. Discover more Halloween events across New Hampshire.
- We are just weeks from the return of Boston’s winter wonderland. The Seaport neighborhood’s Snowport 2024 opens for the season on Friday, Nov. 8. Visitors can shop more than 120 businesses at the Snowport Holiday Market, grab a bite from 17 different dining experiences, try iceless curling, and more. Mark your calendar for two lighting ceremonies: “Light Up Seaport” on Dec. 6 and the annual menorah lighting on Dec. 29.
- In need of transportation? The fall/winter Amtrak Downeaster schedule dropped on Oct. 15, including its holiday schedule. Seasonal service to Old Orchard Beach in Maine has ended and will resume in May. For those with tickets to a sporting event or concert at TD Garden or Fenway Park, the Night Train departs from North Station at 11:25 p.m. (regardless of the end time of the events). Here is a list of the upcoming events where folks can ride the Night Train.
Deals & steals
- Hungry for a burger? Wahlburgers is celebrating its 13th anniversary with a limited time anniversary combo: The Our Burger, fries, and a non-alcoholic shake for $13 (tax and gratuity not included). The deal is good from Oct. 25-31. Find a location near you.
- Lark Hotels is saying thank you to active duty or retired military and first responders with 10% off its best available rate. “When you’re off duty, we want you to relax, unwind, and get away from it all — you’ve certainly earned it,” wrote Lark on its website. Choose your getaway at locations in Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
- Hungry travelers in Connecticut can take advantage of Restaurant Week in select destinations. For example, diners enjoy special multi course fixed price lunch and dinner menus at participating restaurants in Watertown Oct. 18-26; Fairfield Oct. 21-Nov.3; and Avon Oct. 26-Nov. 2. Reservations are strongly recommended.
I’ll leave you with this pic of the charming roadside stand where I bought maple syrup at Sticky’s sugar house in Elmore, Vermont last week.
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