Oct. 20 week +?

[Suz]

Driving from Florida to VT. Should arrive Oct. 21 Looking for great scenic areas, foliage and lodging that is not the usual, that has something special to offer, also who accept small pets. I have never been to VT before. Any suggestions? I am so looking forward to seeing the mountains! <p>[This message has been edited by Suz (edited 09-29-2002).]

[pwt54]

Foliage should be best in southern Vermont. Rooms might be hard to find in that area so you may want to look in north-central Vermont. You may want to try the Stowe and Sugarbush ski areas as they have a good selection of lodging many are pet friendly. The state of Vermont is cut in half by the mountains so you can find mountains anywhere. In fact you can drive to the tops of Mt. Mansfield, Mt Equinox,Mt Ascutney, and Burke Mountain. Log on to; <A HREF="http://www.stowe-village.com" TARGET=_blank>www.stowe-village.com</A> or <A HREF="http://www.bedandbreakfasts-vermont.com" TARGET=_blank>www.bedandbreakfasts-vermont.com</A> and see what you can find.<p>[This message has been edited by pbpub (edited 09-30-2002).]

[Suz]

Thank you for your information. I just received from the tourist center a book with info. about accomodations. Luckily for me they divide the State which will be very helpful. I am looking forward to reviewing the book and visiting Vermont. What a change it will be from Florida. I am planning on bringing long johns and layering my clothes. Where are you in Vermont? How is the foliage there now?

[FloridaDan]

I'll be having my wedding in Stowe on the 19th. I hope you have a great trip.

[FloridaDan]

Also, recommend a site:<BR> <A HREF="http://foliagenetwork.com" TARGET=_blank>http://foliagenetwork.com</A> <P>There is historical maps from past years to see how things progressed in the past. There is an Oct 20 map from last year that shows foliage progression.

[Aleksh]

When looking at historical data bear in mind that this year the first frost was significantly later than usual and will cause the foliage seasont to be a week to ten days later than normal. Trees tat turn in our valley by now are still green.<P>------------------<BR>Aleks & Michiko Hunter<BR>Old Town Farm Inn <BR>665 Vt. Rte 10<BR>Chester, Vt. 05143<BR> <A HREF="http://www.otfi.com" TARGET=_blank>http://www.otfi.com</A> <BR>1-888-232-1089<BR>"Its not our Green Mountain state, its our Greem Mountain State of Mind" SM

[pwt54]

I live in Johnson about 20 miles north of Stowe,Vt.. Long johns may not be needed but bring them any way.

[FloridaDan]

Aleksh -- I LOVE your prediction. Can I hold you to that?? <P>pwt54 -- Cold snaps look to be unpredictable from looking at weather history in the area. I'm thinking lows in the mid 30's and highs in the mide 50's. This about right for Oct 19th around Stowe?

[Suz]

I hope the leaves don't fall by the time I get up there. It says the winds will be up to 50 mph in the Northern part of Vermont today. I won't be up there for another 17 days or so. I wish it were sooner. I have been checking the foliage report and it now says it is almost on normal schedule. I was hoping it would stay delayed for a while. Time will tell.

[pwt54]

I've seen snow at on October 20. I've seen snow in June also. Can't get more unpredictable than that. Wind damage looks minimal.<BR>

[Suz]

I am now getting information on taking the train up. Two reasons, won't be tired from such a long drive to VT and will get there a little earlier. Any suggestions on which area to take train to? The southern, northern or central? I see they have stations at Burlington, Essex Juntion and Killington. and probably more but I did not get to see them. Any suggestion maybe about train to Conn. or NY and then just drive into VT?<BR>I was looking at a site and it said NH is having winds up to 80 mph. wow. I guess that hurricane Lili is blowing up by there big time. I didn't think it was still a hurricane. I would not like that, especially being on top of a mt. that would be scary stuff......

[Aleksh]

Hi Suz, <P>One of the best things about travelling to Vermont is theere is no "the usual". Admittedly some villages are much nicer than others, noteably Grafton, newfane, and Chester in this area. Ther is a wide Varieto of terrain and scenery. If foliage is your quarry then The southern end of the state from US 4 south would be best at that time <P>Further north the leaves are beautiful, but mostly on the ground by then. Two important things: Arrange lodging in advance, and make reservations for dinner. otherwise you may find yourself waiting. There are several good regional guides on the net such as vacationinvermont.com to give you some ideas for activities while you are in this area.<P>Most important is to have fun<P>------------------<BR>Aleks & Michiko Hunter<BR>Old Town Farm Inn <BR>665 Vt. Rte 10<BR>Chester, Vt. 05143<BR> <A HREF="http://www.otfi.com" TARGET=_blank>http://www.otfi.com</A> <BR>1-888-232-1089<BR>"Its not our Green Mountain state, its our Green Mountain State of Mind" SM

[Suz]

I have not had good luck working with Amtrak so far. I have reached the same person two days in a row who doesn't seem to like her job much. Anyway, I went on line to get further info. and it doesn't seem like the stations in Vt. have any security. That doesn't seem very comfortable for us, especially since we don't know where we are and we will be arriving at night. I think we are back to driving. Any info. about the train stations.

[Suz]

I had a magnificent time in Vermont and through the NE. I drove 2,000 miles starting in Rutland. I did go south to Manchester and then north from there. The foliage was beautiful. Past peak in some areas and peak in others. I am so so glad I went on this trip. It even snowed for me in Killington on October 23, fluffy fat flakes. There was not a place I went that I did not like. I enjoyed everything. The scenic roads, which is all I drove, the country stores with there bakeries in them, freshly made everything. The people very friendly. The restaurants with there fireplaces, so cozy and relaxing. The mountains and the lakes and rivers. All I can say is wow. I did make it to Ben & Jerry, no line, got in and out and had some good ice cream. Cabot cheese, good stuff to eat also. It snowed in Killington and Newport VT for me. Went to Trapp's Lodge and the Chapel, what a view. Smugglers Notch, wow. Strange feeling driving up there with those bolders, I did not know what to expect. It was awesome. I must say, one of the most beautiful trips I have ever been on. I did also travel to Montreal, back to VT to NH, Maine, down the eastern coastline to NH again, Mass, RI and Conn. where I took the train home. <BR>Thank you everyone who gave me input for my trip.