48 Hours in Addison County for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Fall is a truly magical time to explore all that Addison County, Vermont has to offer. The fall air is brisk and crisp, our orchards start bursting with apples, and the beautiful Green Mountains to the East bloom orange, gold, and red. The mountains turn into rolling farmland and spill into Lake Champlain, with views of the equally foliage-kissed Adirondacks to the West. 

There are countless ways to enjoy this stunning landscape, from hiking and biking, to fishing, boating, and golfing. We pulled together some of our favorite local spots to see just some of what Addison county has to offer. Read below to see where to stay, what to eat, and how to explore this beautiful landscape in 48 hours. 

Lodging

Vermont is famous for its Bed & Breakfasts, and Addison County is no exception. On the Creek B&B is the perfect homebase to kick off your daily adventures. Right outside of Middlebury, this quaint New England brick B&B has extensive grounds and a canoe for guests to use on Otter Creek. Looking to fully experience Vermont’s great outdoors? The Green Mountain Family Campground is the perfect spot to get your camping fix, in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest. 

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 

5:30pm: Sunset Hike at Sunset Ledge 

This incredible hike offers one of the best views in Vermont. Drive up the stunning Lincoln Gap Road and park at the top near signs for the historic Long Trail and Sunset Ledge. Head south on the Long Trail 0.7 miles to the Sunset Ledge outlook and enjoy the sunset over the fall foliage. And don’t forget to bring a flashlight or two to make it back to the car safely after sunset!

7pm: Dinner at the Bobcat Café and Brewery 

End your first evening in Vermont with a delicious, local beer and a yummy meal from one of the best spots in Bristol. The pub fare and comfort food is sure to satiate your desire for VT eats in a contemporary, upbeat environment. 

Saturday

8:30am: Breakfast at Middlebury Bagel & Deli

Drive or walk to beautiful downtown Middlebury and check out this local classic. Middlebury Bagel & Deli is a family-owned and -operated bagel shop and deli, serving hand-rolled bagels and donuts made fresh each morning! Sit inside and take in the relaxed vibe, or take your breakfast and coffee on the road - you’ve got a fun day ahead! 

9:00am: Pick your outdoor activity! 

Bike Ride Around Middlebury 

Starting in Downtown Middlebury, take in the crisp fall air and beautiful roads as you cruise northward to Vergennes. This 27-mile route offers some of the best cycling in the state, along the Champlain Bikeway. This route is 80% paved, but the dirt surfaces are smooth and suitable for a road bike. Looking to add a challenge to your ride? The Middlebury Gap (VT Route 125) is one of the most beautiful and difficult climbs in the state, gaining 1,854 feet over 9.7 miles, with an average gradient of 3.8%. 

Golfing 

The Champlain Valley is home to some stunning courses, and Addison County is lucky to have a few open to the public! Owned and operated by Middlebury College, the Ralph Myhre Golf Course features 18 holes, club rentals, and lessons if you’re looking to sharpen your game. This course is the home of Middlebury College Golf Teams and has a variety of challenging terrain. Looking for a lovely day course on the shores of Lake Champlain? The Golf Club at Basin Harbor is a one of the best 18 hole championship courses in the northeast, designed by world-renowned architect Geoffrey Cornis. Sound like the ideal course? Reserve your tee time here. 

Fishing 

The creeks, rivers, and lakes of Vermont are known for their pristine waters and plentiful streams of fish. Addison County is home to bass, pike, and trout to seek out. Fly fishing is very popular, and the local guides at Stream and Brook have an adventure for everyone - from beginners to seasoned anglers. Never tied a fly before? Wondering what a fly even is? Take a stab at Fly Fishing School to learn the ropes or improve your skills. Bring your own gear and want to check out the best local spots? Head out with experienced guides who will ensure you’ll have a catch-filled day under the Vermont foliage. 

Boating on Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain is the largest lake in New England and is home to a variety of activities, including boating and swimming. Exploring the lake via watercraft is an excellent way to take in the fall foliage! Canoe, kayak, and stand up paddleboard (SUP) rentals are available from the Middlebury Mountaineer. A great place to start your adventure is the Button Bay Public Boat Access which feeds out into Lake Champlain. Paddle over to Button Bay Point Natural Area for a swim and access to the Button Bay State Park. About 20 minutes north is another great spot for accessing Lake Champlain, Kingsland Bay State Park. As one of the most popular wedding spots in Vermont, this lovely bay is full of charm and calm waters. 

1:00pm Lunch

Hungry after your morning adventure? Head back into downtown Middlebury to check out Costello’s Market for some of the tastiest sandwiches around! A local favorite is the Eggplant Caponata & Mozzarella, a delicious oven-baked sub with Sicilian eggplant salad & fresh mozzarella. Explore the rest of the market, then take your lunch across the street to the Riverfront Park. This is a great spot to have a relaxed lunch while looking at the falls that pour out into the Otter Creek. 

2:30pm Pick-your-own at Happy Valley Orchard

Apple picking is a true Vermont tradition that is great for the entire family. Happy Valley is a quick drive East out of Middlebury, and their orchards offer traditional varieties like Mcintosh, Honeycrisp, and Red Delicious along with unique varieties such as Vermont Gold and Spitzenburg. Still hungry? Grab some fresh cider donuts, and apple cider pressed at the orchard to get your fill of VT apple goodies. 

6:30pm Dinner and Local Beers at Two Brothers Tavern 

Kick back and take in the local scene at Two Brothers’ Tavern. There are SO many local beers on tap to try out, along with a variety of classic pub dishes. One of our favorites is the “Famous Philly,” with extra-thinly shaved steak, sauteed onions, red and green peppers, and american cheese, all on a toasted baguette. Want a little extra kick?  Ask the kitchen for hot cherry peppers. They also have ample vegetarian options like the delicious Santa Fe Tortellini. 

Sunday  

8:30am: Fuel up at Snap’s Restaurant

Make your way from Middlebury to Bristol, taking in the beautiful foliage along VT 116. Snap’s will be on your right after you pass through downtown, nearby the New Haven River. There are plenty of comfort-food choices on the menu, but a local favorite is the Herb and Spinach Scramble with homefries and toast to accompany this tasty day-starter. 

9:30am: Pick your adventure…again! Here are two hikes we love. 

Looking for a quick hike from Snap’s with amazing views? The trailhead of Bristol Ledges is just 0.4 miles from downtown and should take about 1.5 hours even with a long stop for the view. The trail is short but steep, and the views are more than worth it! 

The second option will take up more of your morning, but has some exceptional views and fits the bill of a challenging Vermont hike. After parking at the Jerusalem Trailhead, take the Jerusalem trail 2.2 miles up to the intersection with the long trail, then north on the long trail to the summit of Stark Mountain. Continue along the ridge for more views, or head back down the Jerusalem Trail. Check out this route for more details! 

2pm: Lunch in Vergennes 

Need to refuel after a fun day in the mountains? Check out Vergennes Laundry for a yummy sandwich on fresh bread baked in-house. You can’t go wrong with any of their sandwiches, but one of our favorites is the Turkish Eggs. Topped with a delicious combo of mint, dill, sauce of an aleppo pepper, garlic butter, roses, sumac and smoked salt on wood-fired sourdough pita this is always a winner! 

3:30pm: Satisfy your sweet tooth at Olsen’s Ice Cream 

After a long, eventful weekend, you deserve a treat. Check out Olsen’s off Main Street and try their variety of unique and delicious flavors or the classic Vermont creemee.

The mountains, lakes, and hills are waiting for you to explore! Book your trip today – we would love to welcome you to Addison County this fall. 

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