8 Best Places to Stay in Vermont This Fall

Windham Hill Inn (West Townshend)

At this rustic yet refined retreat, you can get outdoors, dine well, disconnect from the pressures of the world, sleep blissfully, and enjoy spectacular vistas when autumn arrives in southeastern Vermont. The Relais & Châteaux property, located on 160 acres of picture-perfect land with views of the surrounding mountains, is a place where you can truly embrace the season's beauty and its culinary bounty.

Rabbit Hill Inn (Lower Waterford)

If you're looking for a cozy hideaway for your fall foliage vacation in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, book a stay at the romantic and relaxing Rabbit Hill Inn.

This 19-room bed and breakfast inn caters to grown-ups with its luxury accommodations in a variety of décor styles, ranging from traditional to more modern. All rooms have private baths, some with whirlpool or hydromassage tubs for two and others with extra-large spa showers. Most rooms and suites feature personal fireplaces for an extra romantic touch. 

The dining room serves breakfast and dinner, and after a day of kayaking, hiking, or brewery-hopping, you'll love returning here for an evening of cocktails, good food, and simple pleasures like puzzles and board games.

Wilburton Inn (Manchester)

Originally a private mansion home, the historic Wilburton Inn and its various guest houses are situated amid a picture-perfect 30-acre estate that you'll love exploring in the fall. You'll encounter more than vibrant leaves as you stroll the estate. Dr. Albert Levis, who purchased the property in 1987 and continues to run it with his family, shares his eclectic sculpture collection on the inn's grounds.

The hilltop has 27 individually decorated and spacious guest rooms, including some in the mansion. Rates include a full country breakfast and housekeeping. Some rooms are even dog-friendly in case you're traveling with a four-legged companion. Villas and vacation rental homes nearby are ideal for large groups.

The Wildflower Inn (Lyndonville)

The charming yet kid-friendly Wildflower Inn in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont offers a spectacular setting for foliage seekers and easy access to the Kingdom Trails network, which is a paradise for mountain bikers.

The inn's village-like setting features classic buildings that house rooms and suites for couples or families, all surrounded by 300 acres of pristine natural beauty. You can even stay in the School House Cottage, which was an actual one-room schoolhouse back in the day.

Create fall memories on a horse-drawn wagon ride, a hike in the woods, or a scenic drive to the top of Burke Mountain. There are even fall foliage mid-week packages with special deals and planned excursions to see the most vibrant leave colors around Vermont, New Hampshire, and even Québec—so be sure to pack your passport.

Quality Inn at Quechee Gorge

Quechee Gorge, one of Vermont's best attractions, is a favorite destination for photographers in the fall, and this nearby Quality Inn with an indoor heated pool and free full breakfast is a good choice for families. If you want the familiar comforts of a national chain hotel, then the Quality Inn in Quechee is the choice for you. For nature lovers, there is easy access to the hiking trails of Quechee State Park, which explodes with fall colors beginning in late September. Another highlight for families visiting the area is the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), which is located right in Quechee and is a hit attraction for visitors of all ages.

The Mountain Top Inn & Resort (Chittenden)

If you've ever dreamed of horseback riding along paths lined with brilliant foliage, then book a stay at the Mountain Top Inn near Killington in Chittenden, Vermont. Guided trail rides are offered at the property's own Equestrian Center, even for beginners.

The resort is set high atop a central Vermont mountain on 700 private acres of woods and meadows next to a large lake. There are rooms in the main lodge, luxury cabins, and guesthouses. After a day of awing at the autumn colors, relax in the heated outdoor swimming pool adjacent to the spa and barn or go kayaking on the lake.

The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa (Manchester Village)

This historic and elegant resort with a challenging, mountain-view golf course offers a wonderful base from which to explore fall foliage in Vermont. Located in the Green Mountains and founded in 1769, the Equinox, now a Marriott Luxury Collection property, has fine accommodations, on-site dining at five venues from a steakhouse to the historic Marsh Tavern, and a full-service spa. Relax in the resort's 75-foot heated indoor pool while you enjoy the views of fall's changing kaleidoscope outdoors.

Sugar Lodge at Sugarbush (Warren)

Ski area lodgings make great choices for fall foliage travelers, and the Sugar Lodge is no exception. After a day of leaf-peeping, you'll love retiring to a spot beside the stone fireplace in the great room at this comfortable lodge, which offers hotel-style amenities but retains the cozy ambiance of a traditional Vermont country inn. Unwind in the evening while enjoying a drink from the Sugar Lodge bar, including locally crafted microbrew beers, all while enjoying the jaw-dropping scenery around you.

Sugar Lodge is located less than a half-mile from Sugarbush Ski Resort, where fall activities include hiking, mountain biking, golf, and scenic lift rides.