Best base to use for exploring Fall Foliage in October

[Nancy]

Hello,

I'm planning my first-time-ever trip to New England. Naturally, I want to see fall foliage. I have tentative plans for October 4 - October 13. I would prefer to stay in one location and do day trips from that spot, so I found the Super 8 Motel at White River Junction, which has prices I can afford. What is your opinion about using that motel at a base for exploring Vermont?
Thank you in advance!
Nancy
negarza@sbcglobal.net

[Utah Baker]

I have fond memories of the Super 8 in Whiteriver. Our very first trip in 97' we flew into New York and drove up to Vermont in the dark, spending our very first night in Vermont at the Super 8. It is a good place to start, but being right on the border of Vermont and N.H., I would think you would get tierd of the drive back and forth. My suggestion would be to plan out your route and book reservations along your route. There are nice inexpensive Motels in Brattleboro, Burlington, Bennington, and Montepelier, which gives you plenty of opportunity to really explore. Of course that is assuming that you want to get out and see as much as you can, there are those who prefer to stay in one local and rest and relax. I am afraid I am one of those who wants to see whats over the next hill! Whatever you choose, you'll have a great time, there is lots to see close to Whiteriver, (Woodstock, Billings Farm, Queechee Gorge,Jenne Farm and many wonder shops) not to mention the Vermont countryside! Just being there! Enjoy!

[ctyanky]

Nancy: welcome to the forum! I think you will be fine with your time frame and location.

My comment is this. Over the years, I had been inn-hopping on my extended VT foliage trips in Sept/Oct. At first, I enjoyed it. I loved staying at different inns across the state and it was beneficial to be closer to my VT friends from this forum. I also liked meeting folks staying at the various inns and sharing stories and places to explore. Ultimately, it gave me a chance to find the inn of my dreams where I intend to return to now year after year.

Over the last two seasons, I narrowed my stay down to two inns, one in the NEK (Northeast Kingdom) and one in central VT in Waitsfield. Frankly, I've grown tired of packing up and wasting valuable time getting from one place to another when I would rather be driving the back roads or being with my friends and enjoying more time for our excursions.

This year I will be spending the entire 10 days in ONE inn in Waitsfield. For me personally, having a secure home base from which to travel and which is centrally located, has been the best choice.

I think you have made a good decision then, to stay in one locale. Although I have not been to the motel you mentioned, for your first time in VT foliage, you will have more time to do everything you want to accomplish. Along the way, you can stop in different inns, motels, B&B's and see if they would work for you another year. The innkeepers are quite gracious in handing out brochures or even letting you step in side to view the grounds, common rooms or perhaps, an open bedroom.

Good luck with your planning and ask away as MMVT said, as this forum is the place to be for any questions relating to a stellar trip to Vermont in autumn!

[pwt54]

You have a good location for a base. I would do northern VT early and save central and southern VT for your last days. I would do route 100 from route US 4 and north as far as you can on your first full day. Check this sight during your stay if you can for updates.

[Nancy]

Thanks to all of you for your speedy replies to my question! Looks like most of you agree with my idea of having one base from which to explore Vermont Oct. 4 - Oct. 13. Now I'm ready to made reservations. I'm planning to fly into Boston (from Los Angeles). Good idea or not? As I said, I'm planning on having my base at White River Junction. Is this the best spot to use as a base or is there something better? The purpose of this trip is to see beautiful scenery - hopefully scenery with fall foliage. Thank you again for all your help!
Nancy

[ctyanky]

Nancy: I think you are fine in WRJ. This is prime tourism/foliage season and inns, b&bs, etc. are at their highest in price. As PWT said, head north when you get there as the foliage will be peaking in the northern tiers. Gas prices are expected to continue to be high and you still have a car rental to think about. This year I rented a smaller car instead of an SUV. Take those extra bucks and travel your heart out! There are lots of exciting activities going on during foliage season and lots of country stores to visit!

Most important, read the two stickies at the top of this forum regarding great back roads to travel by Aspen and the one I posted about great maps, etc. to purchase. You will need a good map which you can order online in CA before you arrive or you can get one in VT. However, because you will see lots of updates on back roads/foliage before you arrive, if you buy a map beforehand, you can highlight the routes in preparation.

Also, use the search mechanism on the forum page to peruse all the recommended roads for travel to get some ideas as to where folks have previously found great long views, hidden gems, etc.

As time gets closer (we are now about 4 months till that awesome fall smell arrives in the air here in New England ) the forum will be hopping with ideas and suggestions.

Flying into Boston is fine. Lots of west coasters select this route. It's never too early to make lodging reservations and there is also lots of time to change your mind and find another place if you so choose!

PWT and the regulars on the forum will help you with routes. Get your map and ask away!

You will get all the answers you need HERE!!!

[Utah Baker]

Nancy: We fly from SLC, Ut and have found that flying into Boston is usually more expensive. Have you tried some of the smaller airports, like Manchester, N.H (would be closer for your Whiteriver stay), sometimes even Albany N.Y., and even Burlington Vt. airports have better fares, and car rentals can be less expensive too! Good luck in your hunt!

[Rockwall Tim]

Let me also suggest Hartford at an alternative to Boston. The airport is quite north of the city (and thereby closer to VT) and is adjacent to the interstate that heads up to VT.

We, too, will be using White River as our home base!

[Andy]

Hi Nancy: A lot about "seeing Vermont" depends on what you are trying to do, how flexible you/your group is about time, and whether you mind driving. You can really pretty much get to any part of the state from wherever you are and back in the same day -- but it might be a long day.

Last Fall, I spent 3 nights in Brattleboro. One of our days, we were all the way back up to Waitsfield for early morning sun, and went over to Bristol and back down to Brattleboro. A long day, but worth the drive.

A lot of charming "Vermont" villages, greens, etc. can be found in the Southern part of the state. That is an easy reach from WRJ.

The rest of the really good stuff, in my opinion, is in the middle part of the state up as far as Stowe (not to say there isn't good stuff further north, but it becomes more "rural" and the villages are not generally as "New England quaint").

In all, I think WRJ is a great place to stage from. Would probably do that myself if I were coming back -- perhaps for the whole week.