New England’s beautiful display of foliage and charming towns make Vermont and New Hampshire perfect choices for a New England leaf peeping family road trip. In autumn, the friendly faces of local New Englanders break into smiles at the sight of so many visitors.
Vermont’s small size and little traveled roads make it super for a family driving trip. October brings leaf peepers to view nature’s annual display of autumn colors.
The northern part of Vermont is remote enough to never crowd. Of course, you’ll need more than colorful leaves to keep the kids entertained, so I’ve suggested stops that provide a variety of more active pursuits.
Your road trip will take you across the Northeast Kingdom, Vermont’s most rural region, known for its unspoiled beauty. The entire drive form Burlington to St. Johnsbury is only 76 miles, so you will have plenty of time to get out and enjoy the scenery.
If your quest for charm has not been satiated, head across the state line to Hanover, New Hampshire, home to Dartmouth College. Your children will enjoy seeing more of this area that is just across the state line from Hanover: Norwich, Vermont. For other fall trip ideas, please see our annual autumn travel roundup.
Our suggested 3-day New England Leaf Peeping Itinerary follows:
Burlington is a fine spot to start your New England leaf peeping trip, as it is easy to reach via Interstate 89. Additionally, its small airport is well served by budget airline Jet Blue and it is about as pleasant as an airport can be.
First One or Two Days: Burlington to St. Johnsbury, Vermont
Next Day’s Route: St. Johnsbury to Lake Willoughby
Day 3: Lake Willoughby to Hanover, New Hampshire
Burlington is an easy place to rent a car for your family New England road trip.
Day 1-2: Burlington to St. Johnsbury, Vermont – 76 miles
The picturesque city of Burlington, Vermont sits on the shores of Lake Champlain. Its waterfront has recently been developed into a playground for locals and tourists alike. You can rent boats, bike the 10-mile path that hugs the river or catch the ferry across the lake to New York State. Browse car-free Church Street Marketplace, where quirky local shops sit side-by-side with familiar favorites. If the weather is fine, you can enjoy entertainers including street musicians, mimes and assorted performers.
Stroll around the campus of the University of Vermont and have lunch at Henry’s Diner, established in 1925. It is on Bank Street, just off Church Street and is an authentic, kid-friendly diner that is the perfect place to tempt little appetites. Burlington is a great college town, so if you are touring with teens, consider spending a night in town and just soaking in the student vibes.
There’s still time to head out on Route 89 for the 30-minute drive to Waterbury, home to the Ben and Jerry’s factory where the ice cream tour is a must do for all ages.
Continue on Route 89 for 25 minutes to the state capital, Montpelier. The smallest capital city of any state, you can explore the State Capitol building on a free, 20-minute guided tour, the perfect length for kids to get a taste of government’s workings.
If You’re Spending a Second Day in North Vermont on Your Leaf Peeking Trip
After you have had a walk around the town of Monpelier, head towards St. Johnsbury on scenic Route 2. You can follow this road directly to St. Johnsbury, but you would miss the Cabot Creamery at 2878 Main Street, Cabot, VT, 05647.
Founded in 1919, Cabot Creamery is worth a stop, and it is only a few minute’s detour. To get there, catch Route 215 in Marshfield, which will take you into the center of tiny Cabot, where the visitor-friendly factory is located. You will see a variety of dairy products being made. Make tummy room to sample some world-class cheddar cheese. This is the largest cooperative in the region, owned by 1,200 farm families. The factory workers are members of the co-op, and are happy to answer questions, so it is a fascinating glimpse into the agrarian lifestyle of Vermonters.
Getting back onto Route 2, you will arrive in St. Johnsbury in 30 minutes. This active little town, fondly known as St. Jay, has a variety of lodging choices ranging from B&Bs to cottages and rental units, many of which are on the Discover St. Johnsbury website.
Day 2: St. Johnsbury to Lake Willoughby – 28 miles
St. Johnsbury is a wonderful family destination and is home to the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium. The Victorian building that houses it is a gem, set among residential Victorian homes on Main Street. Exhibits include Bug Art, a collection of mosaics created by thousands of beetles, moths and butterflies; the Exploration Station, an interactive area focusing on ecology, electricity and engineering; and the only planetarium in Vermont.
The museum’s lower level is home to a real weather station. Look for Eyes on the Skies, a regional weather broadcast being prepared. It is small enough so that it is not overwhelming to kids, yet there is plenty to stimulate their scientific curiosity.
If your family is game for another factory tour, Maple Grove Maple Factory is located on Route 2. The Maple Grove Museum re-creates the maple sugar process, starting from gathering the sap all the way to the boil down stage. Here, maple syrup is converted into candy to provide free samples.
Dining Well, Sleeping Soundly, Collecting Leaves in Vermont
This part of the state is full of diners, part of the charm of a New England leaf peeping adventure. The Miss Lyndonville Diner, 10 minutes’ north of town on Interstate 5 in Lyndonville, is one of the finest. The diner has a bargain-priced kid’s menu and features real maple syrup and homemade baked goods. The town is famous for its covered bridges, so be on the lookout.
Continue 10 miles north on Route 91 to tiny Barton. In Barton, connect to scenic Route 16 to Lake Willoughby, about a 15-minute drive. Ancient glaciers carved this remote 600-foot deep lake, considered one of the state’s prettiest lakes. Lake Willoughby, secluded and largely undiscovered, is a gem. The perfect place to have a refreshing (some would say bracing) dip in summer is great for a hike in cooler months.
You can spend a peaceful afternoon surrounded by natural beauty in any season in this remote corner of Vermont. Make plans ahead of time if you want to spend the night. B&Bs and rental units are limited.
Day 3: Lake Willoughby to Hanover, New Hampshire – 84 miles
Backtrack to Route 91 South, the lifeline of any New England leaf peeping road trip. This route will take you to Norwich, Vermont, where the Montshire Museum of Science is located. Look for the interactive, hands-on exhibits for kids of all ages. Learning activities plus beautiful nature trails located on this 110-acre site make this a must-see for families.
Cross over the Connecticut River into New Hampshire to visit Hanover. This elegant college town is home to Dartmouth College and is a great family destination. A quintessential New England leaf peeker’s dream, Hanover has a village green, church steeples and friendly faces. The student vibe makes it a fun place to spend an afternoon enjoying its charms. The town is full of cute cafes and shops. The college houses the Hood Museum of Art, whose collection is rich in contemporary works, including paintings by Picasso. The collection is small enough to appeal to kids who may not like art, as its manageable size will not overwhelm them.
Spending the Night for Moonlit New England Leaf Peeping
Settle for the night in this idyllic town, the classic Hanover Inn has been welcoming guests since 1780. New England style and temperament, a white-clapboard facade, Persian rugs and big fireplaces impart that crusty Ivy League feel. At 93 rooms, you may even find some vacancies.
On the country roads surrounding Hanover are several of the small chain motels. Their quality is similar to whatyou might find around any college campus. Remember New England leaf peeping is all about stops and starts and exploring the trails. You may find that an affordable choice from Booking.com is just as cozy as a charming B&B.
Whatever season you choose to visit, this part of New England offers a range of recreational activities. From skiing and skating on a frozen pond in winter to hiking and biking in summer, there’s fun for all ages. Take a moment to soak in the natural beauty of the land while engaging in an outdoor activity.
The Green Mountain state and its neighbor, the Granite State of New Hampshire, are sure to enchant you.
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Dr. Artinian, thank you so much for posting that memory. How exciting it must have been, to share the skies with Apollo 11. I agree that today it seems like a remarkable achievement but of course we have not worked together, so hard for so long, on other projects that really need to be addressed. Education is one place to start!
The Lunar Landings
As I was landing in the northern desert of Saudi Arabia in a DC3 plane on July 20, 1969, the Americans were landing on the moon. That evening, the staff of Badana Base Hospital, that belonged to the Trans Arabian Pipeline Company (Tapline), were listening to the news, (Television was not available in the desert). They welcomed me as the new Internist at the hospital.
Soon I learned that the Saudis found it hard to believe that human beings could defile the moon by landing on it, which could have initiated the moon landing conspiracy theories, that persist today.
Now, 50 years later, the lunar landings were, and remain, the greatest achievement of humanity since the birth of intelligence on earth!
Boghos L. Artinian MD
Great information while traveling with children. Children safety first.
I want to do a car trip with my infant child and wife. But, I was afraid how can I travel with my infant child. After reading your blog I got some courage. Thanks for sharing such information. Thanks a lot.
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CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS, NEW YORK
The Corning Museum of Glass – the world’s largest collection of glass – is showing “Journey to the Moon: How Glass Got Us There” and actual glassy pieces of moon meteorites to touch and see. For scavenger buffs, visitors to the museum can test their super-sleuthing skills and see if they can find the glass-tronaut hidden amongst the galleries.
Awesome Article!
Thanks for sharing..
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON TO TEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH IN SPACE OVEN
In a partnership with Zero G Kitchen which is supplying a prototype space oven, and NanoRacks, a commercial space station company, Hilton’s DoubleTree brand is aiding efforts to bring freshly cooked food to the International Space Station. Some time in late 2019, their cookie dough hopes to be the source of the first fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie in space. Here’s more info about this and a cool student competition sponsored by Scholastic.
ok, thanks for the reply!
Thanks for sharing this! you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people.
Indeed, a good list. Everyday. At home or on the road.
hi Heather,
Thanks for your comment. We checked on those images and you’re right, that one with the pirate ship in the pool is not from the Bahia Resort. We removed it and checked the others, and the Bahia still has their famous Moorish style pool and pretty beachfront. Hope you have a great trip there.
Thank you Lisa d. So glad that Laura’s review of both Fairmont resorts helped you to make a choice, especially since you can’t really go wrong in Bermuda.
thank you I have been deciding between the two properties and your post was very helpful in my decision.
One of the pictures with a slide doesn’t look like the pool I remember seeing at the bahia. Did they add a new pool?
Dubai is an amazing destination for tourists from across the world. The city tour, desert safari and dhow cruise are among the most famous things to do in Dubai.
Thank you for sharing a really useful and informative article. The way you have detailed and described is really helpful. Hope to see more amazing articles like this. Keep it up to the good work!
Spring Break in Dubai is more exciting with Adventure Plus Desert Safari Dubai tours in Dubai
Great suggestions! The only action item Id say “Oh Hayyllll Nawww” to would be horse-drawn carriage rides. Check out the internet and youll see whats going on with those poor horses. But your other ideas for educational and just-plain fun – really excited to try them out with the family! Thank again.
Hello Omar and Katie,
The Scholasrship Submission form is working again, please revisit the page: https://myfamilytravels.com/Teen_travel_writing to apply for the 2019 Teen Travel Writing Scholarship.
Thanks and good luck!
I would love to participate but I keep getting page not found
Hello Omar, thank you for your note. We have noted this error and our web development team is working to fix it right away. We will let you know when it’s working again. Good luck!
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I am very interested in participating in this scholarship opportunity. However, every time I click on the essay submission form, it takes me to a ‘Page not found’ link and says that there is an error with the link. Is there another link that I could possibly submit my essay and photos?
I had a travel blog in the past. But I was going through a rough phase so I shut it down. This article has inspired me to start once again.
SCHLITTERBAHN OPENS INFINITY RACERS, A MAJOR SPACE-THEMED WATERSLIDE
June 7, Colonel Terry Virts, a U.S. Air Force test/fighter pilot and NASA veteran of two spaceflights, will dedicate the newest, only one of its kind, 8-story-tall waterslide at Schlitterbahn Galveston. Infinity Racers is a pair of space-themed, racing head-first mat slides that race through enclosed colorful tubes as long as three space stations.
Nice Post. Thanks for Sharing with us……
Right?? It’s like a dream. I really didn’t believe them at all when I heard that, but looked it up, and sure enough, it’s really that sunny! I can’t wait to head back to the area.
I’m not sure as the rates tend to vary depending on the season. It’s probably best to contact them directly – (727) 363-5100. If you’re curious about their overall rates, I would ask if the rate changes depending on the season, and when their high and low season is. Hope that helps!
I remember visiting KSC during my school days with my friends where we got to learn a lot of interesting things related to space and comsos.
My husband and I are actually scheduled to stay at the Sirata Resort, in just a few days. I was wondering, if you happened to know the cost for the Private Cabana Rentals, you mentioned in your article?? Thank You!!
great useful info you have shared , being a traveler i need it most and it’s really helpful for the first time travelers. thanks for sharing.
I think curious teens would love this road trip. If you schedule enough time for Santa Cruz — which has a great amusement park and places to take surf lessons, that could be a 2-3 day stay for you. Going south, the Hearst Castle with all its tales of intrigue and the story of William Randolph Hearst’s life… it’s pretty fun as house tours go.
The scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful, too, if you think your son would enjoy that. At many points, he can look out and see surfers! Towns like San Luis Obispo (now hip enough that locals call it SLO) have become destinations for wine and craft beers, so there are lots of cafes with young people that are fun, even if you’re not drinking.
The whole California coast is special, so ask your son to do some research and pick out spots that interest him, then incorporate them into your itinerary. That way, he’ll have a vested interest in making sure the trip is fun.
Do you think a 13 yr old would like this trip?
MALDIVES AND THE MOON FOR OUR PACIFIC FRIENDS
This just in from the Maldives:
Anantara Kihavah Villas in the Maldives has the largest telescope and observatory in the Indian Ocean so it’s slated as one of the best places in the southern hemisphere to observe and study the stars, planets and the moon. And it’s the moon that is taking centre stage for festivities on July 20th as Anantara Kihavah commemorates the 50th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon. To celebrate, Anantara guests are invited to join Shameem, the islands’ resident Star Guru for a ‘Star Gazing’ breakfast. Lay back to gaze at the stars that glitter overhead, and be regaled by Shameem’s knowledge as he takes you on an intergalactic journey before taking a look through the powerful telescope at the craters on the moon that still amaze people 50 years after the first landing.
For guests who like a later start to the day the SKY Bartenders at Kihavah have created a complimentary cocktail for all guests to mark the occasion – The ‘Buzz’ Aldrin ……
Dubai is an awesome place to spend a great time with the loved one or alone be experiencing the local attractions. Thanks for the details, i have missed the dinner night which i will surely book this time and experience it. Keep posting!
I would definitely go for JURASSIC DINOSAUR DIG. Thanks for suggestions
So many good suggestions! It will be hard to choose but surely through these we will have the most beautiful memories in this summer vacation!
361 days of sunshine a year? Wow! It looks like it’s a perfect destination for families! I’ll be more interested in this place!
Glad that you have a great time and a better idea of Vietnam. If you came back, consider visiting Ninh Binh
We are a family who likes to travel and volunteer where possible. We give gifts of time and service. We find that finding small grass roots organisations when on the ground or at your destination creates the best win-win for all concerned. For example we taught English in a small village in Indonesia – https://sabretoothedchickenstour.wordpress.com/2016/01/09/it-takes-a-village/
In the end it is not the actual work you do as a volunteer that is of the greatest impact but the stereotypes you breakdown and the connections made 🙂
Camping holidays in France are extremely popular and you’ll find some fantastic family friendly campsites with a whole host of activities including some brilliant swimming pools.
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE SUMMER MOON FESTIVAL
We’ve just heard that the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission with a summer filled with flight and space-themed exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, installations and a new film. The celebration kicks off on May 17 with Apollo 11: First Steps Edition, a film with never-before-seen footage and audio recordings of the historic mission. Other highlights include NYSCI’s summer exhibition, Above and Beyond – The Ultimate Flight Exhibition, and Apollo, A Party!, an evening event celebrating the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Check out their schedule for tons of workshops and special family events and go in to see a real Saturn V rocket like the one that took Apollo to the moon.
Man on the Moon in Zurich
The art exhibition “Fly Me to the Moon: The Moon Landing 50 Years On” will be featured at Kunsthaus Zurich in Switzerland, from May 4-June 30. The art show examines how the moon landing, and seeing images of the Earth from far away, changed man’s perception of his place in his environment and the universe. Look for moon works by artists John Russell, Rene Burri, Rene Magritte, Andy Warhol and many more.
Moon Walk Celebration in Ohio!
In southeast Ohio’s Hocking Hills region, the John Glenn Astronomy Park (JGAP) is celebrating its first birthday, while marking the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing. The observatory has 12 telescopes that offer dark sky views due to a lack of light pollution, allowing visitors to discover a distinct view of the moons, planets, stars and galaxies at each visit. The #Apollo50 events begin at 4 p.m. EDT July 20, 2019 and end at 1 a.m. July 21, 2019.
Nice post. I am traveler and I like adventure trips. Its really amazing. I wish to go there one by one. Thanks for sharing about these parks.
Thank you for useful information. It is very detailed.
Traveling with kids is fun but also very tired as we have to take care of them and don’t have much time for ourselves. Sometime I prefer traveling alone.