A Vermont tourism board social page posted a question recently…”Where is the one place in Vermont that everyone should check out?” I responded “Everyone should NOT check out “one place” that’s the problem that’s creating over tourism!
I have a theory that some destinations are places where “Everyone goes because everyone goes” Meaning most people visit the same places, simply because everyone else goes there. Not only is that not sustainable for the region, causing places like Venice to enact laws restricting tourists and residents of Barcelona in the streets protesting tourists. It’s not even great for visitors, who face huge crowds and traffic, pay inflated prices and rarely encounter anyone local because locals either avoid the area, or can’t afford to live there anymore and workers get imported from somewhere else to serve the crowds! A recent visit to Bar Harbor Maine, our server was from Bulgaria and there just for the summer. She was lovely, but didn’t give me any extra insight into the community or local culture.
From Elmore State Park Fire Tower, on a clear day, see NH, NY and Vermont peaks!
So as we come to the “peak’ foliage season in New England, I’ll advocate that you can have an incredible experience in more than “one” popular spot and there is no need to fight the crowds to see beautiful foliage and views. If you want to visit an area in Vermont a bit off the beaten path…get out of the Notch and go Northwest!
Itinerary to Visit Northwest Vermont
Get up early and hike in Elmore State Park, climb the fire tower and see foliage for miles.
Click any image to enlarge
Explore acres of art by sculptor David Stromeyer at the Cold Hollow Sculpture park.
Cruise into St Albans and take a stroll along the lake or spend the afternoon shopping at an independent bookstore store or second hand clothing shop and enjoy dinner at a local brewery.
Independent book store, The Eloquent Page often has a “free book” cart out front, and all the latest releases inside.
Check out one of many Vermont micro breweries.
Bring your patience and good will when visiting Vermont this foliage season; many communities are still building back after two historic floods, exactly a year apart- one in 2023 and again this summer. Some roads are still under construction for repair and not all businesses are fully open or have enough help to handle the crowds. Most owner operators of small businesses are doing their best to serve you, so spread your tourist dollars around to quieter, less visited parts of the state and help the community rebuild.
I can’t promise you’ll be all alone touring in Northwest Vermont, but you’ll probably have a calmer, quieter Vermont experience!
