[xtypo_dropcap]B[/xtypo_dropcap]rilliant hues of red and gold, amber tree-tipped green,
Whirlwind artist’s pallet poised to paint a gusty scene.
Autumn cycling toward a wintry sleep;
With multi-colored leaves to peep.
How the colorful scene inspired me!
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Leaf Peeping!
I’d never heard of leaf peeping until last fall, too late to arrange a time to experience it. I didn’t know it was a significant event with its own Top 10 Best Places to Peep! This formidable list included various routes in New England, to include Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.
When the opportunity presented itself, I decided to experience this fall foliage feast of fanciful color for myself. Time being a very limiting factor, I chose the route that just happened to fit into my New England adventure plans, Route 7A in southern Vermont around historic Bennington and beyond.
Making Your Way up 7A
Breathtaking! Fiery! Awe-inspiring! At first “peep” it was easy to see that no words could possibly describe the beauty of fall in southern Vermont. The trees wore bright colors—many hues of green, gold, red, yellow, and orange. This fancy scene was interspersed with flowing creeks and rivulets, and rock-scapes that caught the eye or tickled the ear.
The best way to experience this beauty is as a passenger which, unfortunately, I was not. Trying to take it all in while driving interferes with the flow of traffic. Fortunately there are scenic stop-offs to make camera time or to just enjoy the scenery.
The Robert Frost Stone House Museum
In traveling from Bennington to Dorset, there is the “new highway,” Route 7, which is by far faster and more efficient. But the reason to take historic 7A was best summed up 94 years ago by the man whose home still stands in Shaftsbury, Robert Frost:
“I shall be telling this with a sighSomewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
While the divergence of Route 7 and 7A is no longer in a wood, leaf peeping on 7A and plucking apples from trees once tended by Robert Frost can certainly make all the difference on a short fall trip through southern Vermont.
Not Your Ordinary Barns
It’s hard to travel far in Vermont without sighting barns of all shapes and sizes. Consider visiting some of them—at least, the ones that offer various delights for the local as well as the transient vacationer crowd.
As you head up 7A, to satisfy your sweet tooth, visit The Chocolate Barn in Shaftsbury. Not only do they have mouth-watering chocolates and candies to suit every taste; the barn features a unique collection of antique molds and other confection paraphernalia. The specialty barn and adjoining property was recently up for sale. Fortunately, someone bought it and has sustained the chocolate and confection operation since there is truly no other place like it.
Although The Apple Barn is on the main Route 7 in South Bennington, definitely add it to your list. It offers many seasonal activities such as berry picking, a corn maze, and delectable delights to be tasted. Part of the mission of the Apple Barn is to continue to preserve and provide true Vermont culture and goods in the community. You can easily make your way there by crossing over east to Route 7 and taking it back to Bennington. And don’t forget to try their signature Vermont Cheddar Cheese Apple Pie. Oh, my!
An Arlington Surprise
The Sugar Shack in Arlington is unassuming, with its main store, a small restaurant, and a functioning sugar house. However, Mr. Rich Mears, the proprietor, let me in on the town’s Norman Rockwell history. A print of “A Scout Is Friendly” hangs behind the counter. Mr. Mears is the son of the Boy Scout in the painting.
You see, Norman Rockwell, who lived in Arlington from 1939 to 1953, used many of the local townsfolk for models in his world-famous paintings. Another local, James Martin, Sr., is featured in all the “Four Freedoms” paintings. Other models, children then, still live in the area. You might spot one of them at Chauncey’s Restaurant!
Mr. Mears rescued a collection of prints and other Norman Rockwell memorabilia and presents them to the public for a nominal fee in a small exhibit in the store. His goal is to provide historical education, and it’s well worth a visit to stop and chat with him.
Shopping in Manchester
The Designer Outlet Mall in Manchester is in on the leaf peeping scene, too. Manchester was voted the No. 1 Vermont town for fall foliage, but I reserve judgment. I think buildings obscure the beautiful autumn view! The mall features designer stores like Betsey Johnson, J. Crew, Giorgio Armani, Kenneth Cole, and Escada, just to name a few. If you want to add shopping to your peeping, this is the place to go!
A particularly nice spot to leaf peep and take pictures in Manchester is the hilltop at Hildene. Hildene features the Lincoln summer mansion, built in 1905 by Robert Todd Lincoln, the only surviving child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. The Hoyt Formal Garden is on the grounds, the perfect setting for a wedding!
Leaf Peeping by Train
Route 7A officially ends at the turn-off for Dorset. However, there are amazing leaf peeping opportunities as far north as Burlington. There is a leaf peeping train ride on the Champlain Valley Flyer, courtesy of the Vermont Railway. This Fall Foliage Dinner Train, complete with live music on board, departs from Burlington and heads to Middlebury for a unique dinner at the Fire and Ice Restaurant there (last ride is Oct. 16).
The Green Mountain Flyer has a leaf peeping train opportunity in October, too. The Rutland Limited takes riders on an all-day tour through Vermont towns and villages, from Bellows Falls to Harvest Fest in Rutland.
Moose Spotting
Aside from flora, the local fauna can be just as exciting to peruse. While not the usual charity drive, the Bennington community has been holding artistic events that tap their creative residents while promoting and supporting good causes. Last year the town held a contest for artists to embellish moose statues. Yes, moose statues. These statues, which were up for live auction last year, have been placed all about town. A moose “hunt” could be great family fun while, at the same time, letting you admire the creativity of local artists.
I was curious what 2010 had in store for the community. The kindly lady at the Chamber of Commerce desk in Bennington jokingly shared that this year was “Rest Fest.” The town did not hold its usual charity event. However, the Chamber sponsored a series of theme events that celebrated Sherlock Holmes.
Local businesses, theater groups, and others participated in the series that took the interested on a “Season of Mystery.” Even a “moose” got involved in the fun!
Where to Stay, Where to Dine
Actually, you need to decide where you want to spend most of your time during your leaf-peeping quest. There are many quaint bed and breakfasts in as many historic towns. There are also historic inns and spas and resorts. Once you choose your starting point, you have so many accommodations to choose from.
If you start in Bennington, as I did, the Alexandra Inn is a beautiful and historical place to stay. However, during the leaf-peeping season, accommodations fill up fast. It’s best to make reservations far in advance.
Further up the leaf peeping trail, try the Southside Café. This chef-owned restaurant has an interesting environment, a marvelous chef, very friendly staff, and a menu from which you can request vegan-ized dishes.
Exploring Bennington
Bennington is a historic Vermont town worthy of further exploration. There are many sites and markers within a small 10-mile radius of the town that can provide days of history-buff adventure. Stay tuned for more about Bennington, as the story continues…
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