Romantic Getaways in Vermont

Vermont is one of those magical places that don’t lose its beauty as the seasons change. Even as the weather gets colder, instead of fading the colors of the landscape seem to get more vibrant. In the summer and spring, Vermont lives up to its name which literally means "Green Mountain." In the autumn, the countryside comes alive with orange and gold, and in the winter months, the landscape is painted white with snow. So, no matter what time of the year, Vermont has something to offer every couple looking for a romantic getaway.

Catch the colors of the Fall

Fall is that time of the year when the landscape is infused with varying colors of warmth and ripeness as though steeling itself for the advent of winter. Fall colors begin to liven up the New England landscape from  September starting with northwestern Maine after which they sweep the landscape in a southeasterly direction till Connecticut and Rhode Island are aflame with the hues of fall in late October. One of the best fall viewing states in New England is Vermont. Much of the brilliant red, orange, and gold color is from native sugar maples, which are abundant in Vermont. Leaves change color because of a particular combination of warm, sunny days and crisp, cool nights. Color changes start in mid-September in Vermont and a useful pointer to catching Vermont fall colors, is to remember that color peaks at or near Columbus Day weekend though this can vary based on temperature, rainfall and other climate factors. Vermont is packed with visitors that weekend so it may be a good idea to plan ahead if you are thinking of taking the trip at that time.



In order to catch the Fall colors in Vermont, you can head for the Green Mountains or plan an itinerary consisting of Route 9 from Brattleboro to Bennington. Alternatively nature lovers can also trek through Smuggler’s Notch State Park to take in the wonderful colors of the season. Look for roadside signs for pick-your-own orchards and farm stands, parks, and public wilderness areas. Don’t feel that you must stay in the mountains to see good color; roads around Lake Champlain and in the Champlain Islands also have spectacular views. Drive to the farm or park, get out of the car, stretch and look around. Vermont has a range of lodging options, from simple and inexpensive to luxurious though eternal favorites of vacationing couples are Mountain Resorts, Quaint Inns as well as cozy Bed-and- Breakfasts.  

Live it up at Burlington

Home to the University of Vermont, Burlington is the largest city in the state and is considered one of its hippest. The main draw in Burlington is Church Street, which is closed off to cars and offers a variety of shopping and dining places. The city’s location on the banks of Lake Champlain means that you have exquisite places to view and explore in the company of your sweetheart. Again there are several attractions in the city too. The Magic Hat Brewing Company located on Barlett Bay Road in South Burlington, offers free tours a a place for couples to enjoy one of their special brews. For a really cute trip with your sweetheart, head to the Vermont Teddy Bear Company or If chocolate is more your preference, visit Lake Champlain Chocolates in Burlington. They have a small tour and show how they make their chocolate. The smells alone are worth the trip and you get to taste free samples as well When you are done shopping, be sure to stop at Ben & Jerry's shop on Church Street and cool down with their  awesome ice creams.

Explore nature at Quechee State Park

Quechee State Park in Hartford, is home to Quechee Gorge, the "Grand Canyon of the East," which was formed by glacial activity approximately 13,000 years ago. Here you can look down at the Ottauquechee River, flowing 165 feet below viewing points along Route 4. It is a spectacular scene that is sure to bring you and your partner closer. Near the gorge on Route 4 is Quechee Gorge Village, a favorite shopping attraction for couples. Here you can re-up on batteries for your camera and visit local attractions such as Danforth Pewter, Vermont Toy & Train Museum, Vermont Spirits, The Quechee Diner, Snow Farm Gallery and more.

Take a ride on the White River Flyer

There is something about taking a train ride that brims with romance and in Vermont, you can go for the White River Flyer which offers round-trip excursions White River Junction to Thetford. While on this ride, you can enjoy views of the Connecticut River and White Mountain Foothills. At the White River Junction, you and your partner can shop, dine and visit an historic steam engine built in 1892. The Montshire Museum has 60 exhibits relevant to science, technology and nature. The White River Flyer is part of the Green Mountain Railroad, headquartered on Depot Street in Bellows Falls, which offers excursion train rides on another two routes: the Green Mountain Flyer from Bellows Falls to Chester Depot as well as the Champlain Valley Flyer from Burlington to Charlotte. Most of the rides are in spring and summer but should you happen to plan your romantic trip in winter, you can experience some special rides like Santa or Polar
Express too.

Sample historic town of Weston

For a romantic getaway where you can savor the delights of a small place, drive to the town of Weston. Here you can park near the town green and then go about exploring  the place as you walk hand in hand with each other. Tucked away in a valley deep in the spine of Vermont's Green Mountains, Weston is a charming village that still takes pride in the time-honored time-honored old ways and attractions. From the sparkling white churches to the Village Green, the warm inns and the charming shops, Weston is a delight for vacationing couples who are looking for a quaint getaway. This lovely village seems to be virtually untouched by time and it comes as no surprise to know that the entire village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Drive along the Stone Valley Scenic Byway

If your idea of romance is to go on a beautiful drive then a good idea would be to take the Vermont Route 30, spanning Manchester to Poultney through the Mettawee Valley, which is now known as the Stone Valley Scenic Byway. Traveling the byway will take you and your sweetheart through an area with a rich history in slate and marble production. You'll also be traveling through beautiful scenery with a wealth of recreational, and cultural amenities. You  can take in the vistas of alongside the free-flowing Mettawee and Poultney Rivers and then stop at any of the historical and picturesque towns that dot the valley floor.

Winter Pleasures at Stowe

The combination of magnificent Mount Mansfield and the old world charm of Stowe Village has long beckoned visitors to this mountain retreat. and if you both are crazy about winter sports, this ski resort town should be your destination since The mountains at Stowe play host to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country. With an average snowfall of 22 feet, Stowe is typically blanketed in white from mid-November through April. Stowe Mountain Resort, with 13 lifts and hundreds of kilometers of groomed and backcountry trails is perfect to get going for adventure sports lovers. Best of all, there are trails for skiers of all levels and accommodations for all lifestyles. Again skiing isn't the only winter sport a couple can enjoy either. Ice fishing, sledding, snow tubing, winter hiking, snow shoeing and sleigh riding are just a few of the fun, cold weather activities in which two people can partake when visiting Stowe. Additionally there are museums and art galleries right here in the village, and an incredible array of artists, artisans and crafts people plying their talents and selling their wares. A carriage or wagon ride in Stowe makes for an especially romantic outing. Finally there are a whole lot of lodging options here, ranging from mountain cabins to luxury resorts and quaint inns where you can put up on your romantic Stowe vacation.

A Wine Trail

Nothing says romantic honeymoon like a winery tour. The Green Mountain State, known for great skiing, awesome hiking, spectacular foliage, and romantic country inns is also the home to many wineries and in the country and one of the most romantic here is Grand View Winery in central Vermont. Producing wine from grapes, blueberries, apples, cranberries and other fruits, the Grand View Winery offers tastings to its romantic visitors as well as the opportunity to learn about the wine-making process. Located among vineyards and flower gardens, the Grand Valley Winery is sure to beckon you and your sweetheart to pack a picnic and enjoy the romantic, idyllic setting.