Fall Colors Road Trip: Boston to Vermont, White Mountains, and Portland

Day 1: Explore Vermont

Burlington, Vermont on October 5, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Daily Planet

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Daily Planet, known for its seasonal pancakes and locally sourced ingredients.
Located conveniently in downtown Burlington.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Stowe Mountain Resort

Drive to Stowe Mountain Resort to soak in the breathtaking views and vibrant fall foliage.
About a 40-minute drive from Burlington.
USD 10 for parking, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Shed Restaurant & Brewery

Enjoy some craft beers and hearty sandwiches for lunch at this local favorite.
Head back into Stowe for lunch, about 15 minutes from the resort.
USD 20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Jay Peak Resort

Explore Jay Peak for a scenic aerial tram ride and panoramic views of colorful Vermont hills.
A 50-minute drive from Stowe.
USD 20 for tram ride, 3 hours

4:30PM

Scenic Drive through Smugglers' Notch

Take a picturesque scenic drive through Smugglers’ Notch to admire the foliage from your car.
Follow VT-108 South from Jay Peak.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hen of the Wood

Dine at Hen of the Wood, where you can savor a menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
Return to Burlington for dinner, approximately a 30-minute drive.
USD 40, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Evening Stroll by Lake Champlain

Finish your day with a peaceful walk along the shores of Lake Champlain, enjoying the sunset reflections.
Just a five-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Discover White Mountains

Lincoln, New Hampshire on October 6, 2024

7:30AM

Breakfast at Penny Cluse Cafe

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at Penny Cluse Cafe, famous for its French toast and farmer's omelet.
Close to the hotel in Burlington.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to White Mountains

Hit the road towards the White Mountains, filled with stunning vistas and the vibrant colors of fall.
Approximately a 2-hour drive to Lincoln.
Gas: USD 15, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kancamagus Highway Scenic Drive

Enjoy a memorable drive along the Kancamagus Highway, recognized for its breathtaking autumn landscapes.
Begin route at Lincoln.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Clarks Trading Post

Stop for a quick bite at Clark's Trading Post offering casual dining and delightful views.
Located along Kancamagus Highway.
USD 15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hike at Franconia Notch State Park

Select a trail that suits your preference and absorb the fall foliage displayed by nature.
Just a 20-minute drive from Clark’s Trading Post.
USD 5 for parking, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Common Man

Savor a hearty dinner featuring locally brewed beers and comfort food at The Common Man.
Return to the Lincoln area for a 15-minute drive.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening at Loon Mountain

Consider an evening gondola ride at Loon Mountain for stunning backdrop views of the sunset.
Only 10 minutes from dinner.
USD 25 for gondola, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Portland Adventures

Portland, Maine on October 7, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Bagel Mansion

Start your morning with freshly baked bagels and local coffee at The Bagel Mansion.
A 30-minute drive towards Portland.
USD 10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Portland Head Light

Explore the iconic Portland Head Light and take fantastic photographs against the dramatic backdrop.
Drive 20 minutes from breakfast.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Walk around Fort Williams Park

Stroll through Fort Williams Park, taking time to enjoy the gardens and coastal views.
Nestled adjacent to Portland Head Light.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Eventide Oyster Co.

Delight in fresh seafood and renowned lobster rolls at Eventide Oyster Co., a local gem in Portland.
Head back to downtown Portland, approximately a 15-minute drive.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Old Port District

Spend the afternoon wandering the charming streets of the Old Port District, lined with shops and galleries.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Casco Bay Ferries

Embark on a scenic ferry ride around Casco Bay, filled with stunning views of the Maine coast.
Portland waterfront, just a 10-minute walk.
USD 20, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Fore Street

Savor a memorable dinner featuring farm-to-table dishes sourced from local markets at Fore Street.
Head back to downtown Portland, about 15 minutes by car.
USD 50, 2 hours

7:30PM

Evening at Portland's Waterfront

Relax by the waterfront and enjoy the sunset over the harbor with great company.
Walking distance from dinner.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Return to Boston

Boston, Massachusetts on October 8, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at tj's Deli

Kickstart your day with some delicious breakfast sandwiches at the local favorite, tj's Deli.
Close to your hotel in Portland.
USD 10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Depart for Boston

Head back to Boston along I-95, soaking in any last glimpses of the fall colors.
2-hour drive back to Boston.
Gas: USD 15, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Boston Common

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Boston Common, surrounded by vibrant fall colors.
Arrive at Boston, just a quick drive from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Quincy Market

Enjoy an array of food options at Quincy Market where you can sample New England cuisine.
Drive 10 minutes from Boston Common.
USD 25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Freedom Trail

Walk the historic Freedom Trail that leads you through Boston's rich historical sites.
Starting point is near Quincy Market.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Mamma Maria

Wrap up your trip with a delightful dinner at Mamma Maria, serving traditional Italian dishes.
Just a short drive or walk from the end of the Freedom Trail.
USD 50, 2 hours

7:30PM

Evening Stroll on the Charles River Esplanade

Cap off your trip with an evening stroll along the serene Charles River, reflecting on your beautiful journey.
Nearby, about 10 minutes from dinner.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability