Wandering Through Vermont: A Leaf Peeping & History-Loving Adventure

As a historical fiction author, I find it nearly impossible to turn off my history-seeking brain. Everywhere I go, I’m drawn to the stories and significance that linger in the bricks of old buildings and the curve of a weathered bridge. So when we planned a leaf-peeping trip to Vermont, I fully intended to unplug—no laptop in sight—but I should have known history would find me anyway.

Burlington & Milton:
We began in Burlington, soaking up the energy of Church Street and the serenity of Lake Champlain. Just a short drive away, we stayed overnight in a quaint 1860s farmhouse in Milton, where a countryside stroll offered a palette of fall colors that felt straight out of a storybook.

Scenic Drives & Covered Bridges:
From Milton, we meandered along Vermont’s scenic byways, stopping for photos of our first of many covered bridges. Their charm is undeniable—and, yes, I may be slightly obsessed. My husband, a photographer, happily accepted the challenge to capture them all.

Smugglers Notch & Stowe:
We hiked through the historic passageway of Smugglers Notch, once used during Prohibition, before making a quick stop in charming Stowe. The town’s path winds past old cemeteries and historical markers—reminders of lives lived long ago.

Waterbury & Montpelier:
We stayed for a few days in Waterbury Village Historic District, stumbling across a delightful bookstore and a beautifully preserved library gifted by Dr. Henry Janes. Out back, a “word garden” awaited—large stone words scattered in pebbled gravel where we created phrases and stories on the spot.

In Montpelier, the State Capitol was a highlight. Did you know Vermont was the first state to abolish slavery? Neither did I—until I stepped inside that impressive building. The rain paused just long enough for us to explore the library and surrounding streets lined with historic buildings. We even hiked to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the city.

Sugarbush Ski Resort & Hildene:
We wound our way to Sugarbush Ski Resort, where the slopes were quiet but the autumn colors blazed. The crown jewel of this leg of the trip was a visit to Hildene, the summer estate of Robert Todd Lincoln. Seeing Abraham Lincoln’s stovepipe hat in person? Absolutely surreal.

The home, built in 1905, was a surprising blend of classic and modern—complete with eight bathrooms, indoor plumbing, central heat, and electricity. I found myself hovering near the warm air vents, soaking in every detail of the era. The gardens, the observatory, and miles of trails made it a historian’s paradise. And yes, I visited the adorable goats twice. Can you blame me?

Woodstock & Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Park:
We relocated to Middlebury to be closer to Woodstock and the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Though the mansion tour was sold out, the porch view and our 5+ mile hike more than made up for it. The view from the top was breathtaking and well worth the climb.

Final Thoughts:
I thought I was going on a relaxing vacation, but Vermont had other plans. I left with a full heart, sore legs, and a camera roll full of research-worthy details and beautiful memories.

Thanks for joining me on this stroll through history and foliage. If you’ve ever dreamed of a destination where time slows down and the past lingers around every corner, Vermont in autumn is it.