48 Hours in Addison County for Fall Foodies

We would understand if you thought it was all hype, but fall in Vermont really is just as wonderful as everyone says. The fresh, crisp air, the vibrant foliage, and the autumnal magic in the air is truly undeniable. Vermont is almost as famous for its farm-to-table cuisine as it is its beautiful autumns – combine the two for a perfect weekend getaway.

We’ve pulled together a perfect 48-hour-itinerary in Addison County, Vermont for people who love good food, breathtaking scenery, and limitless amounts of New England charm. Sound like you? Pack your bags and experience it for yourself this weekend!

Friday

5:30pm: Check in to The Tillerman & stay for dinner (and the night)

A gorgeous inn and restaurant in beautiful Bristol, The Tillerman is an exceptional place to start your weekend in Addison County. Owners Kate and Jason are former Northern-Californians with a background in sustainable agriculture and hospitality, and have created an idyllic New England refuge that covers all the bases for your first night in Vermont. With a warm ambience, a lovely exterior and even more lovely rooms to stay, you’ll feel at-home in no time. Restored (“and reimagined,” quotes their website) from a 1790’s farmhouse, Kate and Jason have embraced the unique character of The Tillerman’s historical structure and it shows through in the inn and restaurant’s undeniable charm. The restaurant’s wood-fired oven and local ingredients guarantee a delicious and comforting first meal in Vermont, and the cozy rooms are perfect for dreaming of the incredible weekend to come.

Saturday

9am: Breakfast at Minifactory

With a tasty, diverse menu and a bright, open dining space, a trip to Minifactory is sure to wake you up and fuel you up for the day ahead. Enjoy a taste of Vermont with their fresh, local ingredients (including V Smiley’s famous preserves) and creative breakfast dishes. There’s something for everyone at Minifactory: if you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Jammy Waffle. If you're more into savory, their breakfast sandwich (with peach bulgarian pepper tomato jam) is a great twist on the morning staple. And because it sets for 24-hours, rendering it virtually lactose-free, their house-made yogurt is an option for lactose lovers and lactose intolerant alike.

11:30am: Pick up a treat at Daily Chocolate

Even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, we can guarantee you know someone who does – so you simply can’t leave Addison County without stopping at Daily Chocolate. With incredibly high-quality, ethically-sourced ingredients, and sustainable practices (including granting “the luckiest chickens in Addison County” access to their compost bin), this is one sweet treat you’ll never have to feel guilty about. Try their house-made chocolate turtles, wide variety of chocolate barks, or just grab a half-pound of chocolate to-go for a perfect snack on your drive home. 

1:30pm: Grab a sandwich at Noonie’s Deli 

With Vermont-famous sandwiches on home-baked bread, Noonie’s makes the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Located in Middlebury’s beautiful Historical Marble Works District, they have options for every diner. Our favorite is Purple's Pleasure, but if Thanksgiving’s your favorite day of the year, try The Gobbler, featuring local Dakin Farms’ smoked turkey. For vegetarians, The Louie uniquely combines hummus, pesto mayo, and a host of fresh veggies for a refreshing and satisfying sandwich. And if you’re looking to express your creativity, the world is your oyster with their make-your-own option.

2:00pm: Eat lunch and stroll around Middlebury Riverfront Park

With your sandwich (or salad) in tow, visit Middlebury Riverfront Park, a joint undertaking of the Town of Middlebury and the Marble Works Partnership, right nearby. Take a seat in the native stone amphitheater and admire the gorgeous waterfall views and vibrant colors of the surrounding foliage as you enjoy your Noonie’s.

3:00pm: Enjoy the Brews and Bridges of Addison County

Vermont is famous for many things, but great beers and historic covered bridges are some of Addison County’s specialties. Make sure you experience both while you’re here with this guided tour of some of the best brews and bridges this part of VT has to offer. Try out flights at Drop In Brewing Company, Otter Creek Brewing, and Hogback Mountain Brewing, Inc., as well as visits to two of Addison County’s beautiful covered bridges. If beer (and bridges) isn’t your thing, you can try out local wine, mead, and cider with Prix Fixe Tours’ Vine, Branch, & Bee tour.

7pm: Dinner & Sunset at Tourterelle Restaurant

France meets Vermont at Tourterelle Restaurant. Founded by long-time New Yorkers Bill and Christine Snell, Tourterelle has successfully brought French country cuisine to our little slice of Vermont. With a focus on quality and simplicity, this is a wonderful spot to relax and indulge after a long day. Chef Bill’s seasonal, market-driven dishes guarantee the freshest local ingredients and his twists on classical French cuisine make Tourterelle’s menu a delight to explore. 

Sunday 

10am: Brunch at 3 Squares Café 

Start your last day in Addison County with a fun, casual brunch at one of Vergennes’ most popular spots. Enjoy the crisp fall breeze on the patio and keep your hands warm with locally roasted coffee and a fresh, toasty pastry. With a distinct Vermont flavor, diverse and tasty specials, and Chef/Owner Matt Birong’s creative takes on breakfast classics, there’s something at 3 Squares to satisfy whatever you’re craving. 

Situated in the northeast corner of Addison County in Monkton, Last Resort Farm is a great stop to make if you want the authentic Vermont farm experience. Its 272 acres of beautiful Vermont land produces hay, maple syrup, small fruits, veggies, and hemp. Explore the farm’s former milkhouse, now a converted self-serve farmstand with fresh produce, syrup, honey, jams, and pickles. Snack on the fresh fruits in the car and stock up on nonperishables to take a piece of VT home with you.

1:00pm: Explore Bristol shops and local goods

Take in the beautiful and charming shops along Bristol's Main Street and find your special piece of Vermont to take home. Vermont Honeylights uses 100% beeswax to make incredible candles in all shapes and smells, including pinecones in a variety of beautiful fall colors. Breathe in the amazing smells of local flowers at Sensations and see what handcrafted gifts they have in store! Explore the grounds of a real local treat at Rocky Dale Garden. The foliage brought on by the variety of outdoor trees is truly incredible, with the variety of seasonal indoor plants for sale through the farm store. Lastly check out Robert Compton Pottery, just North up VT Route 116. Founded in 1972, this gallery and studio is home to four different kilns, and countless incredible handcrafted pieces. 

3pm: Grab a bite at Snap’s Restaurant and say goodbye to Addison County                       

Take in the cozy atmosphere and get a taste of Vermont charm at Snap’s. One of our favorites is Caleb’s Venison Burger, which has a blend of ground venison and bacon with secret seasonings topped with cheddar cheese and Switchback caramelized onions. Fear not vegetarians, any of their burgers, wraps, and sandwiches can be made with Impossible meat. This local staple is on Main Street in Bristol, and with friendly service and homestyle eats you’ll be leaving with a smile!

For a restorative and recharging weekend away, come enjoy everything out little patch of Vermont has to offer.

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