There is no doubt that Vermont is one of the best places in the Country to see the fall colors.  Foliage time in Vermont is spectacular and it is easy to find yourself rediscovering drives that you take.  As innkeepers in Southern Vermont let us answer some of your questions about the fall foliage…

When is prime foliage viewing time?

The time of year that is best to see the fall colors in Vermont varies based on the summers weather.  It is a safe bet that from late September through the third week or so of October, you will be able to see some great leaf action.  Check out this interactive foliage map of Vermont for an idea of where and when you will see the best color.

Is Vermont the best state in New England to see foliage?

Vermont is the largest producer of Maple Syrup in the country.  Maple syrup comes from Maple trees, which are the most vibrant tree in the fall, with leaves changing to the most dramatic colors.  With a large number of these trees in an unspoiled mountainous terrain, Vermont is certainly one of the most dramatic places to see the fall foliage.  In addition, the historic charm of covered bridges, the preserved wilderness and the many beautiful back roads make the overall landscape ideal for the fall addition of color.

Where can we go to see the leaves?

Well of course, our beautiful Bed and Breakfast in Southern Vermont is a great place to start!  During the peak times in Brattleboro, our backyard and the Hogle Wildlife Sanctuary on the water behind us becomes a beautiful canvas of color.   Of course when Brattleboro hasn’t peaked yet, we have assembled driving directions for some amazing rides from the inn to put you in the middle of fall splendor regardless of the time that you visit.   Our turn by turn directions will take you through some beautiful back country roads, along winding brooks, past waterfalls and bring you safely back to Forty Putney Road.

Retreat Meadow, our backyard at Forty Putney Road B&B

Where should you stay when checking out the foliage?  Clearly the obvious answer is our great Southern Vermont Inn, Forty Putney Road B&B.  But you don’t have to take our word for it!  Here’s what the folks that have been here before are saying – we would love to add you to our family of guests and share the beautiful fall foliage with you this year.  Reserve your stay now!

Gallery Walk in downtown Brattleboro, Vermont is the perfect evening for the art lovers out there.  Gallery Walk is held on the first Friday of every month and includes art exhibits in over 50 locations around town.  Gallery Walk is one of the reasons that Brattleboro was named a top 10 small art town by acclaimed author John Villani in his book “The 100 Best Art Towns in America”.  No surprise as our quaint town is home to many artist and art lovers alike.

So how does Gallery Walk work?  You should start by getting a copy of the Gallery Walk booklet, if you are staying with us at Forty Putney Road B&B we will have one here waiting for you, if not they can be found at many locations downtown.  The booklet contains a map with over 50 locations including restaurants, galleries, etc that will be displaying artists work and will be open to the public the first Friday of the month.  Each of the businesses downtown showing an artist has a large bright colored number in the window.  This number corresponds to a number in the Gallery Walk book which provides descriptions of the artists and the work that they are showing.

Gallery Walk makes for a great night out and downtown is often bustling with activity on the Friday of the Walk.  Turn it into an evening.  Make a reservation at one of the great restaurants downtown for dinner and before or after you can stroll through downtown Brattleboro wandering into the various exhibiting locations.  Chances are good that even the restaurant you eat at will be showing someones work.  Some locations will be playing live music and others will have refreshments set up.  In most cases you will even have the opportunity to speak to the artist themselves.  Of course the art is exhibited all month long, but with the artists on hand and the energy of the First Friday – Gallery Walk is the ideal time to see whats new.

Gallery Walk is just one more reason we love Brattleboro.  If you plan to go, check out the Gallery Walk website for more information.  Of course, be sure to also check out our beautiful Brattleboro Inn just a short walk to downtown and all of the Gallery Walk activity.  We look forward to seeing you!

Just a short drive from our Vermont Inn, across the bridge in Northfield, New Hampshire you can find a unique entertainment experience that will take you back in time.  I’m talking about the Northfield drive-in movie theater.

Tim and I took a trip over there with some friends this past Saturday night for their double feature of WALL-E and Iron Man.  Opened in 1948 and one of the oldest Drive Ins in New England, the Northfield Drive in plays movies Friday – Sunday nights.  Always 2 and occasionally 3 or more movies are played in a row on remarkably preserved equipment and screens from 60 years ago.

Having grown up just minutes from the first drive-in movie theater in America, established 75 years ago in Camden, New Jersey; this trip to Northfield brought back wonderful memories of my childhood.  I was 6 years old the last time I saw a movie at the drive-in, it was Superman.  My sister and I would wear our feety PJs and fall asleep in the back of the big orange Volkswagen Bus my parents used to have.  I am sure it made for a great date night for them.

Now 25 years later Tim and I were able to have our own old school date night at the drive-in.  We packed up the car with blankets, pillows, our camping chairs, and bug spray.  We curled up in the back of the Rav4, turned on the radio to the designated station and had a blast watching WALL-E and Iron Man (OK so I admit, I slept through Iron Man – but it was 10:30 and that’s past my bedtime).

One of the highlights of the Northfield Drive-In is their awesome retro snack bar.  From corn dogs to ice cream, it was like walking back in time.  I will say, one pleasant surprise was that the prices were very reasonable.  Tim had a couple of corn dogs, I had some chicken fingers and with two drinks we paid under $20! Fun and affordable.

Another excellent retro touch were the original intros and snack bar commercials, which I am guessing are from the 50’s or 60’s.  Completely cool and corny at the same time.

Overall, this was probably one of the most original dates Tim and I have ever been on, we are certain to be back.

The Northfield Drive In is located in (you guessed it) Northfield New Hampshire.  It is about 15 minutes from our lovely Vermont Inn and runs movies starting at around 8:30 all summer long.  The full schedule and details can be found on their website.

Wouldn’t you love to start your vacation a bit early? Wouldn’t you like to avoid the hassle, stress and expense of driving or flying somewhere? Well if Vermont is on your list of places to visit (and I hope it is), and you live on the east coast, why not try the Vermonter from Amtrak?

There are many benefits to taking the Vermonter.  The first is your vacation begins the moment you get on the train.  No traffic, no chaotic terminals and transfers and if you take off your shoes on this trip, it will be on your own terms…  Just park your car, climb on board and let the relaxing begin.

Sit back and read a book, put on you headphones and listen to some music or bring your laptop and catch up on your movie watching or that TV series you missed last year.  The chairs are large and comfortable, they recline and they even have a foot rest.   The coach seating on the Vermonter beats most airlines first class. There is a snack car which serves beer and wine at very reasonable prices as well as sandwiches, even hamburgers and pizza.  One very important tip however, is that while the snack car is a great place to grab a drink, I really can’t recommend the food.  The only decent thing I have found on the menu is the cheese plate (prepackaged cheese and crackers).  Your best bet is to pack a lunch or pick up some sandwiches before you get on the train.

By taking the Vermonter you can avoid all of the stress associated with driving.  No traffic, searching for restrooms, arguments about directions, or wrong turns.  Best of all, you will arrive at your destination already relaxed rather than spending your whole first day recovering from your drive.  If you book early, your tickets may even cost less than the gas it would take to fill your tank (A ticket from Philadelphia to Brattleboro will run you about $55).  This is a savings for you and the environment, and we all love a win – win.

If you are worried about how you will get around while you are here in Brattleboro, relax.  The train station is downtown and only about 8 blocks away from our beautiful Vermont Inn.  We are happy to swing down and pick our guests up at the train.  And of course, if you decide that you have to leave our amazing town, we will even drop you back off.

Brattleboro is a very pedestrian friendly town and our location will put you in the heart of so many things to do in walking distance.  You can walk to and enjoy everything from hiking, bike rentals, canoe and kayak rentals, shopping and dining.  If you are not much for walking than give Brattleboro Taxi a call, they are sure to get you where you want to go.  So when you are making your vacation plans or your plans to see the Fall Foliage, take a look at the Vermonter and arrive at Forty Putney Road Bed and Breakfast without all of the stress of travel.