Expert: David Beckett - 8/13/2011

Question
My wife and I are planning to see the fall foliage. Is it best the weekend before or after Columbus weekend? What are some nice drives in the area? I have not been in Burlington since my sister went to college there at Trinity- closed now. That was in the sixties.   We are coming in from Chicago. I am originally from Queens,NY. Thank you. John

Answer
John - Please forgive me, but I'll have to leave it to others to tell you WHEN the foliage is. Fortunately there are dozens of interactive VT foliage websites and resources.

I CAN suggest a drive, however: You mentioned The Hilton in Burlington, so start there and take I89 to Waterbury. Drive the secondary road toward Stowe Village, making absolutely certain to stop at Cold Hollow Cider in Waterbury Center for every conceivable VT food product, including a Cider pressing demonstration (you'll never feel the same about "apple juice" again) and Cider Doughnuts. Proceed to Stowe. First, enjoy the village itself and perhaps walk the very beautiful Stowe Rec. Path. Then go up The Mountain Road. Once there you can (literally) drive to the top of MT Mansfield, VT's highest peak. You can walk around the ski resort, which is gorgeous. When you're ready - drive over the mountain (Rt 108) and enjoy "the notch". You'll come down in the town of Jeffersonville, (Smuggler's Notch Ski resort is right there) and can drive back through Essex and Essex Junction.

If you drive like a tourist (as I try to) you can make this trip - an hour for a commuter - last from breakfast until suppertime with all the apropriate stops and perhaps the aide of a camera or a good phone. There are a dozen other worthwile stops along this journey, too.

Enjoy!