48 Hours in Addison County for Charm Seekers

Addison County is the perfect weekend-getaway destination for all things fall: foliage, charming inns, and yummy eats. Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit Vermont - and for good reason. The foliage is really all it’s cracked up to be; there are few things more stunning than Vermont’s golden mountains and rolling farmland reflecting off Lake Champlain. Sound like the perfect escape? Check out our 48-hour guide and fall in love with Addison County, Vermont. 

Friday

6:00pm Check-in to Button Bay B&B, the Whitford House or Basin Harbor 

These lovely spots sit in the beautiful Champlain Valley, overlooking New York state and the Adirondack Mountains. Bed & breakfasts are a Vermont staple, and connecting with other guests and innkeepers is a unique way to feel like a local, even far from home. The Button Bay B&B is a great example of this. With an extensive property and lake access, guests have plenty of space to relax and enjoy the peace & quiet of lake life. This B&B only has two rooms and fills up fast, so book soon! Further South, in Addison, the Whitford House has a variety of experiences for guests. From the Main House which offers cozy homey living, to the Twin View Barn - a Nouveau Glamping setup with a full kitchen, typically for larger groups. Recognized by the Historic Hotels of America, Basin Harbor is a luxury resort that has been in Vergennes for generations. All of these options will make for an amazing stay! 

7:00pm: Choose a charming dinner experience at Basin Harbor 

Basin Harbor is a haven for relaxation and luxury dining, and offers three exceptional restaurants to choose from. The Red Mill occupies a renovated sawmill and has a warm, unique ambience with antique farm equipment, rough-hewn beams and Basin Harbor decor. The laid-back vibe makes for an ideal place to enjoy fresh, local food and brews. Ardelia’s is a luxury dining experience offering dishes like Shetland organic salmon and roasted tenderloin with truffles and a rich cocoa nib vinaigrette. Megumi is a unique addition to Basin Harbor, with a selection of sushi for dine-in or to-go. Want some heat? The Firecracker Roll is sure to meet your needs with spicy tuna and sriracha sauce, crab stick, cucumber, avocado, and scallion. 

Saturday

9:30am: Breakfast at Snap’s Restaurant 

Step off Main Street and start your day with the small-town charm and welcoming feel at Snap’s. This local favorite serves comfort food with a twist, and is beloved by many - for good reason! Stick with the breakfast classics like pancakes and eggs, or try specials like the Atkins Eggs, with Sautéed spinach, portobello mushrooms strips & sausage topped with poached eggs & hollandaise sauce. Soak up the relaxed environment before your big day of exploring Addison County! 

10:30am: Scenic foliage drive up App Gap 

Cruise up Vermont’s highest four-season road and take in the incredible foliage! Vermont route 17 is loved by locals and visitors alike for its scenery, historic long trail access, and beautiful twisting turns. Take your time to walk around, taking in views to the West over the Appalachian Mountains, and to the East over Vermont’s Green Mountains. 

12:30pm: Riverside lunch at Mister Up’s in Middlebury 

A classic local spot, Mister Up’s has the perfect outdoor porch to lounge on while looking over Otter Creek. The 100% solar-powered restaurant serves yummy classic pub fare and delicious sandwiches like the Warm Peanut Thai Wrap. 

2:00pm: Support local craftspeople and businesses around Addison County to bring home a piece of Vermont 

Explore a variety of jewelry, gifts, and unique decor all handcrafted in Middlebury. We recommend starting with a  stroll through the beautiful world of Danforth Pewter; from jewelry to home goods, they have something for every shopper. Art on Main, Verde Mountain, and Vermont Tree Goods are also must-stops if you’re looking to take home a piece of VT. Just next door is Stone Block Antiques, who buy and sell everything from art and jewelry to fine china and clocks. This place has an incredible collection and is a must-see in downtown Vergennes. 

OR

2:00pm: In town for any of these fall events? Be sure to check them out! 

One of the best times to be in Addison County is during the Bristol Harvest Festival on September 24th from 10am to 4pm. The town green bustles with over sixty crafters and vendors, and Vermonters from near and far come to experience the live music, great food, and fun of this autumnal celebration.

Are you a car enthusiast or just love seeing beautiful, unique, and pristine cars? Stop by the Middlebury Car Show & Fall Festival on October 16th from 10am to 4pm to experience great music, vendors, awards, food, and more! 

6:00pm: Indulge at Hogback Mountain & Brewery 

Another local spot to get a taste of life as a Vermonter, this laid-back taproom and kitchen is sure to satisfy. Be sure to keep an eye out on their Instagram for weekend specials and new brews from their family-owned operation. Want to hear some local music in the beer garden? Make sure to check out their events to see if you can catch a show! 

7:30pm Catch a show at a local theater

The Middlebury Acting Company performs at the Town Hall Theater right downtown, and features shows throughout the year. If you’re around on October 16th, check out “Admissions” by John Harmon, a “no-holds barred look at privilege, power, and the perils of hypocrisy.” 

Located right downtown, the Vergennes Opera House has a variety of great shows throughout the fall. Visiting the weekend of November 16th? Get ready to hear the smooth, funky vibes of New Rhythm & Blues Quartet (NRBQ), who Entertainment Weekly calls “One of the world’s greatest bands … an American treasure”. 

Sunday

10:00am: Sunday brunch in Middlebury 

Looking for small-batch, artisan baked goods made fresh everyday? Otter Creek Bakery has a full line of gourmet foods and coffee ready to enjoy in their outdoor seating space. Once named the "Best Pastry Shop and Artisan Bread" from the American Institute of Food and Wine, Vermont Chapter, this bakery is a must-try in Middlebury. 

12:00pm: Get inspired by the Shoreham Sculpture Park

Make your way towards Lake Champlain on VT route 74 and escape into picturesque, rural, rolling farmland. Also known as the Lemon Fair Sculpture Park, this beautiful property is owned and maintained by a local couple and is home to over 50 outdoor sculptures. Interested in taking one of these home for yourself? Reach out to the individual artist or contact Elaine and check for availability.   

2:00pm: Pick-your-own apples at Sunrise Orchards

Apple picking is a quintessential fall activity great for people of all ages and interests. All season long Sunrise Orchards has a variety of apples, including McIntosh, Paula Red, Gala and many others! Check out exactly what’s ripe for picking here. The orchard also has fall-themed events throughout the season, from music to a sculpture hunt. 

5:00pm: Say farewell to Addison County with a dinner at Rosie’s in Middlebury 

Rosie’s is a Middlebury classic with homestyle food and decor sure to make you feel right at home! The original slogan “Good food, plenty of it, and it doesn't take all day to get it” still rings true, and this place has kept its spirit and charm since its founding in 1978. Serving traditional pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, fish platters, and yummy appetizers, Rosie’s is sure to leave you full and happy for the drive home.

Sound like the perfect fall weekend? Be sure to book your place soon, fall is the most popular time to visit Addison County!

This page was created with support from the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, Tourism & Economic Recovery Grants.