Best time to come

[Sowmya]

Hi, we want to come to Manchester , Vt to see the beautiful fall colors. Based on the conditions now which is a better time to visit. Weekend of September 28 to Oct 1 or weekend of Oct 12 to Oct 15? These are the only times we are free. Thank you!

[triz]

I was in that area last year October 13-14 and color was peaking in those days. But last year foliage was at least a week late as far as I can understand.

[ctyanky]

Hi Sowmya: Welcome to the forum! If I had to choose I would take the later weekend if that is the only time you have besides the earlier one. Hard to tell at this point, but you can ALWAYS travel north to find the color! I agree with triz, last year was quite late but we are facing another scenario this fall. Conditions thus far have dictated at least a normal fall with a possibility of a few days early.

Any questions, ask away. I'm in Manchester quite a bit and would love to help you plan your trip if you need some places to visit. (Unless you have been there already!)

CT

[Sowmya]

Thanks! Then we will keep our visit to the later weekend. We have not been there before so any tips that you could give on places to visit will be really helpful. Thanks for offering! Also do you know of any great stops on the way to Manchester from NYC? We are traveling with kids , so something on the way that could entertain them for a while while we stretch out would be great.

[ctyanky]

Hi Sowmya: I would have to think about some stops between NYC/Manchester as I don't know which interstates/routes you have in mind?

Anyways, glad you mentioned you have kids! One or two places came to mind first off and one is the Merck Forest and Farmland:

https://www.merckforest.org/

and Bromley Mountain Adventure Park:

https://www.bromley.com/summer/attracti ... ture-park/

They should be doing their foliage lift rides up the mountain for great views, but you need to call them for specifics.

I highly recommend stopping at the Dorset Farmer's Market just north of Manchester (route 30). It is great for all kinds of local produce and crafts and food vendors from the area! There is live music and a general store on the property.

https://www.dorsetfarmersmarket.com/

If you like hiking/nature, the Equinox Preservation Trust has lots of trails for hiking for all abilities. Equinox Pond is so beautiful in the fall and you may hit it right for color! Stop in the Equinox Resort Hotel for a map.

https://www.equinoxpreservationtrust.org/

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home is a must do and simply a beautifully landscaped estate with great tours!

https://hildene.org/

I would also take the family to the Dorset Quarry when/if you go to the Dorset Farmers Market, it is really a sight to see. It is also on route 30 north out of Manchester.

Take the kids to the Equinox Valley Nursery! It is all decorated for autumn and their scarecrow, mums and pumpkins displays are some of the best I have seen! They have a small hut there serving cider donuts and hot cider. They also have an excellent farm store with awesome made in Vermont gifts/crafts/foods! Not to be missed!

https://www.equinoxvalleynursery.com/

I bet you can pack all these into the weekend! I love Manchester and the route 7 corridor is beautiful in the fall! Take some drives while you are there if you can. I can get back to you on some local roads as well, especially in the exquisite town of Dorset!!!

Of course, if you like shopping, you have a lot to choose from all the outlets but I would concentrate on getting to know the beauty of the mountains first and foremost! I will get a list of great places to eat sometime after the weekend as I am leaving in a few days for my trip to Vermont for two weeks. Enjoy yourself!

CT

[Sowmya]

Thank you so much! That is such wonderful information! More than enough to keep us occupied for the whole time we are there! We are really looking forward to the trip. Hope you have a wonderful weekend in Vermont too!

[loafer89]

Jiminy Peak also has an adventure Park located not far from Route 7.

https://www.jiminypeak.com/Summer/Attra ... nture-Park