Scenic Six
Plus: a pumpkin festival in New Hampshire, Snowport and a restaurant week in Connecticut.
Vermont Route 15 is a colorful way to explore the state’s northeastern realm and includes tourist favorites like Stowe (shown here.) Vermont Department of Tourism
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Welcome to Scenic Six, where this month I’m declaring Vermont the most scenic of all the states. I just spent a weekend in the utopia of Stowe, and it certainly lived up to the hype. There were a few surprises, which I detail below.
Yes, Stowe is worth a fall road trip. But be patient.
I just returned from the ridiculously colorful Stowe, Vermont, and I would wholeheartedly recommend a road trip to leaf pee there during the fall season. However, a good mindset is essential. Expect traffic. Expect lines. Then, relax and enjoy what the bucolic town has to offer. As I detailed in this story about my family’s recent trip, the line for the gondola rivaled that of Disney World’s Space Mountain. Also in the story: Never, ever ignore a homemade sign pointing to a candy bar.
Speaking of foliage and crowds…
New Hampshire is grappling with uncontrollable crowds at one of its popular hiking spots, the Artist’s Bluff Trail in Franconia Notch. I have hiked this trail during the summer months and the panoramic views are truly breathtaking. But this month, hikers are calling it “dangerous” and “risky” because of the influx of unruly people. Authorities are considering imposing parking fees or timed entry tickets to control crowds. Do you think this is a good solution?
Snow and foliage together, “a rare treat”
Is it fall or winter at Jay Peak in Jay, Vermont? It looks like both after a foot of snow fell on the ski mountain, leading one social media follower to post: “What a rare treat – snow and foliage!” » Mountain officials posted photos of snow-covered trails cutting through colorful foliage, sparking hundreds of delighted comments from hopeful skiers and riders. By the way, Jay Peak was named the best ski resort in Vermont by Boston.com readers.
Travel Tips
- Attention pumpkin lovers: The New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival will take place in downtown Laconia and Weirs Beach on October 25-26. Visitors can shop at the Great New England Craft and Artisan Show with more than 70 exhibitors, watch the lighting of a pumpkin tower, take a train ride on the Pumpkin Express, enjoy pumpkin activities, food trucks, live entertainment and much more. Check out more Halloween events in New Hampshire.
- We’re just a few weeks away from the return of Boston’s winter wonderland. Snowport 2024 in the Seaport district opens for the season on Friday, November 8. Visitors can shop at more than 120 businesses at the Snowport Holiday Market, grab a bite to eat from 17 different dining experiences, try ice-free curling and much more. Mark your calendar for two lighting ceremonies: “Light Up Seaport” on December 6 and the annual menorah lighting on December 29.
- Need transportation? The Amtrak Downeaster fall/winter schedule was discontinued on October 15, including its holiday schedule. Seasonal service to Old Orchard Beach, Maine has ended and will resume in May. For those with tickets to a sporting event or concert at TD Garden or Fenway Park, the night train departs from Gare du Nord at 11:25 p.m. (regardless of when the events end). Here is a list of upcoming events where people can ride the night train.
Offers and flights
- Want a burger? Wahlburgers is celebrating its 13th anniversary with a limited-time anniversary combo: The Our Burger, fries and a non-alcoholic shake for $13 (tax and tip not included). The deal is valid from October 25 to 31. Find a location near you.
- Lark Hotels thanks active duty or retired military and first responders with 10% off its best available rate. “When you’re off duty, we want you to relax and get away from it all – you’ve definitely earned it,” Lark wrote on his website. Choose your getaway from locations in Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
- Hungry Connecticut travelers can enjoy Restaurant Week in select destinations. For example, diners enjoy special prix fixe lunch and multi-course dinner menus at participating Watertown restaurants from October 18-26; Fairfield from October 21 to November 3; and Avon from Oct. 26 to Nov. 2. Reservations are strongly recommended.
I’ll leave you with this photo of the lovely roadside stand where I purchased maple syrup from Sticky’s sugar house in Elmore, Vermont last week.
Where have you traveled lately? Please share your photos by sending them to [email protected] and they may be featured in an upcoming Scenic Six newsletter.
Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next getaway, enjoy the journey.
—Kristi Palm
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