Save this story Save Story Save this story Known for its picturesque little towns and scenic mountain views (and, equally importantly, its cheese), Vermont is worth a visit year-round—but it really comes alive in the fall, when the foliage is at its peak and the brisk chill in the air is still a novelty. From charming towns like Woodstock to lakeside cities like Burlington and outdoorsy havens like Stowe, the New England state doesn’t disappoint if you’re traveling in search of autumnal activities. And just like their surroundings, the best hotels in Vermont are full of charm.
Travelers looking for sleek accommodation with glitzy furnishings should probably go elsewhere: this is the time to lean into the rustic appeal of the region. Quaint bed and breakfasts, cozy inns, and inviting lodges are the way to go—so with this in mind, we pulled nine options from across the state. Cue the cider.
Courtesy of A Place in Mind Built in 1829 and recently restored by design firm Hendricks Churchill , the Seminary is a five-bedroom micro-hotel hidden away in the pastoral town of Old Bennington. It’s the first venture from A Place in Mind , and offers a rather unique hospitality model: While it’ll function as a traditional hotel once the brand’s second property opens (a 40-room historic inn located down the road), for now, it’s available to rent in full. This is ideal for travelers craving undisturbed, remote privacy—it feels like you’re staying at the charming country home of your most stylish friend.
I recently spent a fall weekend at the Seminary, at a time when the surrounding foliage was in peak form and the brisk air made certain features—like an antique claw-foot tub and wood-burning fireplace—especially appealing. Each guest room has its own personality, outfitted with original artwork and vintage furniture (made modern with touches like Bellino Italian bedding and chrome desk lamps). There’s a cranberry-colored room with a matching velvet seating area; a moody blue room with a gorgeous antique room divider; a cozy little mauve room with ornate wooden furniture and marbled lampshades where I made myself at home. The real highlight, though, is the communal space. It’s hard to pick a favorite between the aqua blue kitchen, complete with a raspberry-colored zellige backsplash that could inspire even the most cooking-averse to whip up pancakes, and the colorful living room where sunlight streams through oversized windows; either way, this is a spot that encourages gathering the whole friend group together for a weekend away.
Courtesy of Cady Hill Lodge This 53-room Alpine-inspired spot is lodge living at its finest. Explorers book it for its prime location directly on Cady Hill Forest, which has multiple trails for hiking and biking. Spend your rest day alternating between the hot tub, sauna, and its two pools. The design leans rustic (give or take a couple of Togo chairs), with moss green paneling, tartan upholstery, and wood beams running throughout. It’s all centered around a Great Room, a multi-use space that houses both daily breakfast and a bar—the ideal spot to unwind by the fire after a day outdoors.
Courtesy AWOL If you’ve ever wondered what a woodsy cabin would look like with a Wabi-Sabi-inspired overhaul, AWOL is the answer. The 35-room boutique hotel pulls inspiration from organic shapes and washed-out color palettes, resulting in a deeply tranquil space. If you’re visiting in the winter to take advantage of the nearby slopes, make sure to book a room that comes with ski racks—and bring a swimsuit for a dip in the cedar hot tub while you’re at it. (Your sore muscles will thank you after.) The complimentary breakfast, which is served daily in the light-filled lodge space, is another highlight. (It features an artisanal toast bar, which is frankly too intriguing to pass up.)
Courtesy Blind Tiger For a city stay that still feels tucked away, book a room at Blind Tiger. Originally a mansion built in 1881, the 14-room boutique hotel feels like staying at your eccentric friend’s country home in the best way; splashy decor and mixed prints characterize the aesthetic, and many of the pieces are handmade or one-of-a-kind. (Plus, as none of the rooms come with a TV, unplugging is heavily encouraged.) The central solarium is a great place to unwind with a book and a cup of tea in the afternoons, too.
Courtesy Bluebird Talta Lodge Another Bluebird by Lark project (this one predating the Cady Hill Lodge by two years), Tälta Lodge offers itself up as a slightly more pared-back alternative. There are 51 rooms and suites, many of which come with balconies for soaking up the great outdoors. That’s not to say it skimps on amenities: the indoor pool is heated, and the bar lobby is stocked with local beer on tap.
Courtesy Woodstock Inn & Resort Dating back to 1793, it’ll be hard to find a more historic stay in Vermont than the 142-room Woodstock Inn & Resort. The sprawling property has been updated many times—most recently in 2018—and today includes all the luxurious bells and whistles without sacrificing that old-school charm. Dine at one of the on-site restaurants for those days when it’s too cold to venture out; Richardson’s Tavern focuses on locally sourced ingredients with a contemporary twist, like a chanterelle-and-cherry tomato bucatini pasta or crispy quail served with pickled blackberries and poultry jus.
Courtesy Four Chimneys Inn The very picture of a quaint New England B&B, this place has a small number of guest rooms that put on a charm offensive: some have working fireplaces, others have mountain views, and all have a distinctly old-school inn feel. In addition to a full country breakfast served daily in the dining room, the property includes a French-Vermont fine dining restaurant to book if you’re traveling to celebrate a special occasion.
Courtesy Hermatige Inn Sitting on 112 acres of lush land that includes everything from a trout pond to apple orchards, this hotel has no shortage of activities (including pastry classes and archery lessons, if you need a break from all the hiking and biking and want to stay put for a day). In terms of accommodation, you have a similarly vast number of options. Stay in a Historic Inn room for farmhouse simplicity, a Coldbrook room for a more pampered experience, or the Carriage House for a group trip.
Courtesy Rabbit Hill Inn For a true country inn experience, stay at the Rabbit Hill. No two suites are remotely alike: in one, you’ll find a rustic cedar four-poster bed set against tartan wallpaper, while in the next room over, a California-inspired, honey-colored design scheme awaits. Start your day off with the free breakfast, pop in for afternoon tea, and end the night with marshmallow roasting at the fire pit or a martini in the British-inspired pub. When you’re not snacking, book an ATV tour of the country roads or try your hand at canoeing—the hotel can help you set up a host of activities, so you’ll never be bored.
Source: Lifestyle
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