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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People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
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Amazing Post! about Amsterdam
There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
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2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
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This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
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Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
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Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
The Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article is one of the best I have ever read!
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Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
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helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
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I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
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Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.