Week in Vermont

[Alta_AR]

Hi,<BR>We're a retired couple planning a first trip to New England the week of Oct. 9 - 16. I had at first thought VT., NH, Maine, then limited it to VT. and NH but now, after extensive reading, think maybe would be better to confine visit just to Vermont. Avid gardeners - would like to see some gardens. Otherwise, main interest is the foliage. However, we want to avoid crowds. Would the Mad River Valley and Sugarbush be very crowded? Also, what about the Lake Champlain islands?

[pwt54]

The time you came talking about is the peak folige time in central and northern Vermont. It will be crowded and rooms very hard to find. The Champlain Islands will not be as crowded as foliage will not be as good there. Southern Vermont would be another possiblity because their foliage season comes later. Nice country down there and you can reach peak foliage in less than 2 hours. At that time of year our gardens are pretty well gone by, except for pumpkins. Do not discount New Hampshire. That area between Route US2 and Route 112 is real nice. And if you are heading back to your lodging and see a local chicken pie/ baked bean supper at a local church/club, stop in and have some. You won't find food like that at any restaurant. I repeat the warning that rooms are hard to find in foliage season. I work for the "welcome center" program for the state of Vermont and there are times I can't find rooms anywhere for travelers during foliage season. I recommend checking the southern area of Vt. below Rutland and making a reservation before September. I like the Arlington Area. If you are staying in one place, a condo might be the way to go. Check with the Killington Ski area and Okemo Ski area. That would put you closer the best foliage areas and the best areas in New Hampshire. Okemo might be quieter. Have a great time.

[Alta_AR]

Thank you very much for all the info. I'll look into the Okemo area. I will re-think going to New Hampshire. Have already been warned about the problem finding rooms - will make reservation in next few weeks. Thanks.

[Kingatic]

We are from SC, but have a nice piece of heaven in Bridgewater Corners, its between Killington and Woodstock. Close by is Quechee, very beautiful, the time you are gonna be up there is the Woodstock Craft Fair, great event to visit. Last year was my first time seeing the foliage, I wont miss it again, my 2nd anniversy, is Oct.13, My wife and I are spending a week. Okemo isnt far from these areas I talked about, book now if you can find a place. Good luck. Monte Kirby