Vermont recently declared itself home of the World’s Best Foliage. With forest covering three-quarters of the state and the highest percentage of maple trees in the country, it’s easy to see why.
“No one does foliage better than Vermont,” said Governor Peter Shumlin. Here are ten of the prettiest fall foliage villages in Vermont.
Peacham
The white spire of the Congregational Church stands out amid the blazing orange, red and yellow leaves bedecking the hills around this teeny Northeast Kingdom village – population 731 – settled in 1776.
Manchester
Nestled at the foot of Mount Equinox in the picturesque Battenkill River Valley, Manchester is a favorite for fall foliage lovers who also crave fine dining, luxe accommodations, golf and shopping galore.
Woodstock
Peak foliage colors light the hills surrounding the Green, the town’s manicured central square rimmed with historic 18th and 19th century homes and white-spired churches near the winding Ottauquechee River.
Warren
A covered bridge, waterfall and historic rural village with an old-timey general store provide the quintessential New England setting for foliage aficionados in the Mad River Valley.
Dorset
Maple-covered hillsides attract visitors to this quiet and historic community – chartered in 1761 – tucked into the tranquil landscape of southern Vermont. Marble extracted from former quarries that are now popular swimming holes adorns the all-marble church on the village green.
Newfane
Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian architecture line the streets and town common of this village in southern Vermont, where the covered Williamsville Bridge highlights the bucolic and vibrant autumn landscape north of Brattleboro.
Stowe
Flaming red, orange and yellow foliage enliven Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, towering above this historic and vibrant community known for its outdoor recreation, boutique accommodations and places to dine. Located in a fertile valley in the north-central region, Stowe is so much more than skiing and snow.
Arlington
Perched alongside the Battenkill River in the Taconic Range, close to the New York State border, this small town – complete with red covered bridge and hillsides ablaze with autumn’s colors – was once home to artist and illustrator Norman Rockwell, who captured its scenic beauty and the faces of the local community in his work.
Craftsbury Common
Breathtaking foliage abounds amid the pastoral farmlands and white picket fences of this picture-perfect town in the Northeast Kingdom, home to Sterling College.
Grafton
Art galleries, restaurants and shops enliven the restored historic buildings of this small village, tucked amid vivid and colorful foliage in the undulating hills of southern Vermont.
Source: newengland
