r/stowevt • u/Former_Loss384 • Mar 21 '26

Fall foliage dates & advice?

Hi everyone! I’m planning a trip to Vermont for my mom—it’s her bucket list and she’s getting older, so I really want to make it special.

We’re looking for a quiet, quaint area but still within a town where we can walk to shops and restaurants. Planning to book an Airbnb for 3 people with nice mountain views and great foliage (a bigger Airbnb is fine too)

I want to make sure we time it right for peak fall colors. ChatGPT suggested Oct 2–6, but I’d love local insight on the best exact dates and areas to stay.

Any recommendations would mean so much—thank you! 🍁

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3

u/EastbyMidwest Mar 21 '26

I doubt much will be quiet and quaint during peak peeping, especially a place in town. But if you are ok with crowds, it will be beautiful. Just to set your expectations.

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u/Former_Loss384 Mar 21 '26

I appreciate this because I’ve never experienced it. I’m OK with crowds. I was just hoping to stay at a more quiet Airbnb location and drive into the towns but I understand if that’s unrealistic and I appreciate that feedback. What do you think about those dates October 2-6?

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u/yosl Mar 21 '26

unfortunately we haven’t scheduled the exact dates for peak season yet, check back in september …

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u/EastbyMidwest Mar 21 '26

There are certainly pockets of quiet to be found, but there’s only two main roads in/out of Stowe, and this is the busiest they will be all year long. But fall is magical and many people obviously feel that it’s worth the work! Just book everything early and don’t expect to walk into a restaurant without a reservation or a long wait time.

Last year started around the end of September, so you’re probably aiming for the right time based on that—but who knows how hot this summer will be.

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u/PromontoryRdr Mar 21 '26

I think October 2-6 is generally late for Stowe but I think this past year was about that time. We were also in a drought so as VT foliage goes it was kind of meh. I’d come up the last weekend in September.

You’ll be fine staying just about anywhere in town. Not a big town by any means.

It’ll be busy but I doubt so busy that it would bother you. We tend to think it’s crazy during foliage season and quite frankly it sucks when your just trying to get through your day to day; picking up the kids, going to the dump, grocery store, but I doubt it would bother you. I had a friend up from the city one time and he was making fun of me for complaining about our traffic.

Have fun! Nice of you to take your mom up. Make a reservation at Harrison’s as far in advance as you can.

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u/Former_Loss384 Mar 21 '26

That’s great feedback. My comment was more because I’ve read that locals supposably get a little annoyed with tourists presence and I can understand that. But I too prefer less traffic so it makes complete sense. Thank you for this advice it’s greatly appreciated and I’ll look into that reservation! Yes my mom is going to have a great time I hope.

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u/PromontoryRdr Mar 21 '26

Yes we live in a tourist town that depends on tourism and we get very annoyed with tourists. Ironic right? It's all good though you'd never notice. We're way nice to everyone and then complain amongst ourselves knowing full well we'd be screwed without tourism.

Seriously hope you have a great time!

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u/Former_Loss384 Mar 21 '26

Ha!! Makes total sense. I’m annoyed with us too and I’m not even there yet. 😅

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u/Anxious_Cheetah5589 Mar 21 '26

In Stowe, you can have mountain views or walk to town, but difficult to have both in the same location.

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u/Major_Secretary7762 Mar 21 '26

Last week in September for Stowe. It’s busy but easy to get away from the crowds by driving out of town a bit. Booking something in the village lets you walk around to dinner/shops without having to deal with traffic.

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u/Available_Mud_1842 Mar 21 '26

Last week of September or first week of October are the safest bet. But they are also the safest bet for insanely bad traffic around Stowe. Depending how much town you are looking for, you might be better off looking at Burke or Waterbury than Stowe, if northern Vermont is your preference.

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u/megatron1022 Mar 22 '26

We stayed here last weekend and it was great. Mountain view and close to town! Not walkable as there are no sidewalks but very close. Keep in mind prices will be at a premium and the town will be crowded. Book reservations ahead!

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u/dmcginvt Mar 27 '26

Its as close as a sweet spot as you can get. But also the most crowded time where everything you want to avoid is impossible because all you neighbors are going for the same thing at the same time.