Experience Fall in Vermont: A Perfect Autumn Itinerary from The Inn at Ormsby Hill
There’s something undeniably magical about fall in Vermont. Crisp mountain air, blazing foliage, and the scent of cider and woodsmoke in the breeze—it’s the season when the Green Mountains come alive in hues of gold, amber, and crimson. Nestled in the heart of it all, The Inn at Ormsby Hill in Manchester provides the perfect home base for exploring quintessential Vermont.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, leaf-peeping, or savoring locally made chocolate, here’s your ideal autumn itinerary:
🍁 Chase Vermont’s Waterfalls
Start your journey with breathtaking views at:
- Moss Glen Falls, Granville – A stunning cascade right off Route 100, surrounded by brilliant foliage.
- Texas Falls, Hancock – Located off VT-125, this accessible series of falls is especially photogenic in late September and early October.
🧺 Savor Local Flavor
- Mach’s Market, Pawlet – Grab a Vermont sandwich, maple cider, and admire local artisan goods.
- The Vermont Country Store, Weston – A charming general store experience with nostalgic treasures, flannel pajamas, and classic Vermont treats.
- Chocolate Barn, Shaftsbury – A sweet stop for house-made ice cream and hand-dipped chocolate.
- Village Peddler & Chocolatorium, East Arlington – A chocolate lover’s dream paired with quaint shopping.
🚗 Take a Scenic Drive
From winding country roads to postcard-perfect hillsides:
- Cruise Route 100 north from Manchester to Warren for the ultimate foliage drive.
- Meander along Route 30 for views of farmhouses, church spires, and covered bridges.
- Stop and photograph covered bridges like:
- Chiselville Bridge, Sunderland
- West Arlington Bridge, near the Norman Rockwell House
- Silk Road, Paper Mill, and Burt Henry Bridges, Bennington
These “kissing bridges” once offered horse-and-buggy couples a moment of privacy—and today they’re picture-perfect fall backdrops.
🥾 Hike Into the Season
- Lye Brook Falls Trail – A moderate hike to one of Vermont’s tallest waterfalls. Stunning in peak foliage.
- Equinox Preserve Pond Loop – Easy to moderate trails with serene views of the pond and surrounding mountain ridges ablaze in color.
📚 Step Into Vermont History
- Bennington Monument – Towering tribute to the Revolutionary War battle. Climb for panoramic views.
- Bennington Battlefield – Explore the grounds and learn about Vermont’s vital role in early American history.
- Northshire Bookstore, Manchester – Cozy up with a book from one of New England’s best independent bookstores.
🛍️ Shop, Stroll, and Savor
- Manchester Designer Outlets – From J.Crew to Theory, shop premium brands amid a quaint New England townscape.
- Local Farms & Apple Orchards – Pick apples, sip cider, and snack on cider donuts at family-run orchards around Manchester and Dorset.
🌿 Forest Bathing & Fall Serenity
Unplug with:
- A slow wander under the canopy of the Equinox Preserve.
- Meditation and “forest bathing” along mossy trails or beneath golden sugar maples.
- Admiring historic farm machinery displayed in villages and roadside barns—a nod to Vermont’s agricultural roots.
🥣 A Breakfast Legacy
Did you know The Inn at Ormsby Hill was once featured on a Kellogg’s cereal box? Selected for its charm and history, it was part of the “Country Inn Specialties” line alongside Greyfield Inn in Georgia and Green Gables Inn in California.
🍂 Stay Where History Meets Hospitality
After your fall explorations, return to the warmth of The Inn at Ormsby Hill—where history lives on in every room and leaf peeping begins at your window. Built by Edward Isham, law partner to Robert Todd Lincoln, this home once hosted dignitaries, cavalry regiments, and the family of Abraham Lincoln himself.
Book your mid-week fall getaway today and enjoy special rates for stays from Sunday to Thursday.
