“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
I had heard so much about New England fall colors, we decided to go on our next road trip to Vermont, Green Mountain State. After a lot of research and closely following forecasts, we picked the first weekend of October to visit. Luckily the onset of colors was delayed this year due to an extended summer. Though it wasn’t the peak phase, the location where we stayed definitely had GORGEOUS colors. Coming from a tropical country I had never seen something like that before in my life!
Day #1 Friday
Since this was just a short weekend trip, we left Jersey City after work on Friday. We stopped at this wonderful Mediterranean restaurant for dinner at Fishkill, NY. Aladdin Cafe served us delicious and authentic Jordanian & Turkish food with a wide variety of hot teas. Perfect for a rainy evening!
Since it was raining really hard, we reached our destination quite late. I found this amazing place on FlipKey (by TripAdvisor) called ‘Hobbit Hollow Inn’ in Whitingham, right on VT 100. It is an interesting experience to stay at a cottage in the middle of 10 acres of property, with an easy to miss entrance.
It was a nice house with 3 levels, well kept and when we woke up in the morning we knew we were at the right place to spot the colors.
Day #2 Saturday
We started off the day with brunch at Cup N Saucer restaurant at Wilmington, which was right across a small hill with beautiful colors. That must be just another day for the locals, but we were thrilled. It was a good start!
We drove onwards to Green Mountains, with breathtaking views of colorful trees and mountains all around us. The bright, vivid reds and yellows on a green backdrop was just awe inspiring.
Day #3 Sunday
On the last day, we decided to check out the property we were staying at. There was a big barn, a small creek and paths covered with colorful leaves. We also stumbled upon a little cabin built for a comfortable camping experience. Our next stop was Wilmington, a small classic Vermont town with bustling restaurants and antique shops.
After a filling, delicious brunch at Cask & Kiln Kitchen and souvenir shopping at the quaint antique stores, the two things we definitely wanted to try before leaving were: artisan cheeses & a local brewery. Vermont sure didn’t disappoint! We stuffed ourselves with a wide variety of cheeses & flavorful beers at Honora Winery‘s Jacksonville tasting room, and also packed a few award winning Honora wines for friends and family.
The last stop of the day was Whitingham Lake. Following Google Maps diligently we ended up at a dead-end even before we reached the lake. The area was deserted with not a sign of life. While we were lost wondering what to do, an old man with a cute Jack Russell Terrier appeared suddenly out of nowhere and directed us on a path that would take us to the lake. Though hesitant we followed his instructions and started walking through the jungle, hearing nothing but occasional distant sounds of logging. It was a thrilling but a scary hike! Finally after a mile or so, we arrived at our destination. You have to see it to believe it, it was surely worth the risk.
I don’t think I have ever been in a place as quiet as this one in my entire life. I could hear my heartbeat! No sign of a bird, nor an insect or not even the sound of water. It was an amazing, alien experience we all will surely cherish for a long time.
We walked back on the same off the beaten path, this time enjoying the unspoiled beauty and silence around us except for the rustling sounds of the colorful leaves beneath our feet. It was a brilliant finish to the colorful road trip, we couldn’t have asked for anything better.
Thank you so much! :)
Oh my god ! beautiful pictures
Excellent itinerary !