Hello foliage friends! We are now just two months away from the first day of autumn in Vermont! It's crazy how the summer is flying by with August just around the bend. I'm looking forward to saying, "I'm leaving for my Vermont foliage vacation next month!!!!"

I actually started bringing down my luggage and amassing some maps and lists of things to do as well as piling up some warm clothes. One never knows what the weather will be up there. At times, I've been in shorts and other times bundled up in leggings and a winter jacket, earmuffs and gloves (especially at the tops of the mountains after my foliage lift rides). Don't forget to bring a hat and gloves and outerwear if you plan on taking any of the foliage rides to the summits as you can't predict the weather up there with the wind and sudden temperature changes. Layering always a good idea! I remember one year I stayed at Liberty Hill Farm in Rochester, and found all my soda and water and various items frozen in the trunk of my car. A couple of years ago, it was like summer up there. So my message is: be prepared for all sorts of weather!
As summer rolls by, hopefully you have your lodging checked off your to do list, especially because weekends during Vermont's high season are prime and probably booked by now. Then you can start planning your road trips, stops at various fairs and festivals, and all the excellent farmers markets around the state! Hiking is one of my passions and the state of Vermont has the most wonderful trails ever! Don't forget the boat excursions on Lake Champlain, one of which is listed in my Vermont bucket list on another thread. If you are a horseback riding enthusiast, well you just can't go wrong in the state. There are stables everywhere and great trail rides that are offered. Seeing the fall foliage when deep in the mountains with views and vistas galore when riding the trails is the experience of a lifetime! There are ziplines offered around the state and we are hoping to try the Bromley zipline when we are in Manchester! Have you ever been in a corn maze? Try one during your foliage vacation! If you are an activity oriented person Vermont will not disappoint!
My motto is seize the day! Travel the back roads, get off the main highways and bring the camera! Get a good map (Delorme or Jimapco) and get those routes planned. Don't forget to ask away on this foliage forum for advice as our locals and "seasoned" visitors have the best information for you and are ready to help you plan your amazing trip to Vermont!
