The leaves..they are calling you!

I happened upon this post by fellow Uptake blogger Jodi Grundig, and it reminded me that October is less than two months away, which means that leaf peeping seasson is almost upon us! In about a month, it begins in the upper Northern reaches of our country, starting in Maine and working its way down the coast and inland areas. Can you believe it’s that time of year again already? If you haven’t booked your New England accommodations yet, do so very soon — the economy may be tanking, but Leaf Peepers are very dedicated and prepared folks!

Here’s a quick summary of some hotels you should look into for this year’s beautiful fall foliage season:

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe has some truly remarkable scenery — I distinctly remember driving through the hills and valleys and seeing a single white church steeple rise above all the astoundingly colorful foliage. So pretty. The Green Mountain Inn, Stowe Motel & Snowdrift and Ye Old English Inne are all highly rated, affordable hotels. If you’re looking for something a bit more posh, check out the Trapp Family Lodge – the list of amenities is impressive.

North Conway, New Hampshire

The Old Red Inn and Cottages runs about $150 per night during this peak season, but that includes a nice breakfast. The Holiday Inn Express is a guest favorite in a gorgeous White Mountains location. Purchase your own food and cook it in the kitchenette.

Woodstock, Vermont

A must-stop! No matter which of these hotels you choose, you’re sure to be happy. The Woodstock Inn is definitely quite pricey, but if you’re looking for a romantic getaway, you found it. Looking for something cheaper? The Apple Hill Inn has rooms for less than $200/night, and it’s very charming.

Photo: Kimberlykv

The Front Entrance of Stoweflake

Vermont in the summer is breathtaking.  The sky is clear, the weather is warm but crisp, and the green mountains are just beautiful.  Stoweflake, a resort and spa located right in Stowe, Vermont, is a great place to enjoy Vermont in all four seasons.

Stoweflake hosted my family for two nights in late July.  Our room, a two double-bed room, had a gas fireplace (fabulous for the winter!), a refrigerator, and a great view of the beautiful courtyard.  The rooms at Stoweflake are a bit larger than a standard hotel room – making them great for a family.

Stoweflake is a great place for a girlfriend getaway, especially because of the fabulous spa.  When I say that this is the best spa I’ve ever visited, I’m not exaggerating.  With thirty treatment rooms, a spa cafe, a fitness center, and an aqua solarium with a waterfall and Hungarian mineral pool, you will not want to leave.  I could easily have spent the day in the spa alone.  There are lots of treatments to choose from – I chose the Stoweflake Hot Oil Treatment, which was so relaxing that I actually fell asleep.  I’d love to come back with a group of friends.

Stoweflake is also great for a family getaway – with an indoor and outdoor pool, playground, and outdoor games, my kids just loved it.  There’s so much to do in the area too, including miniature golf, alpine slides, and the Ben and Jerry’s Factory in nearby Waterbury.

Stoweflake Resort and Spa offers two restaurants – Charlie B’s for more casual dining, and Winfield’s Bistro, a AAA Four-Diamond award winner. We had breakfast and dinner at Charlie B’s, and really enjoyed it.  The food is delicious, and there are some great healthy options also.

Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
1746 Mountain Road
Stowe, Vermont 05672
802.253.7355

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: Stoweflake hosted us for two nights, including breakfast, dinner, and a spa treatment.

Norma's at Topnotch Resort and Spa

While many families think of Vermont as ski country, it’s actually also a wonderful family vacation destination in the summer.  The weather is generally perfect (not too hot and not too cold) in July and August, making it a great choice for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking.  This summer, the Topnotch Resort and Spa, located in Stowe, Vermont, is offering a family-friendly adventure package – perfect for that fun family summer vacation!

The Adventure Vermont package includes the following:

• Deluxe accommodations at the Topnotch Resort and Spa
• Need more room for the kids? Add an additional/adjoining room at up to 50% off! (select additional room during online check-out or call reservations department)
• $50 Topnotch Resort credit
• Family picnic lunch
• A half-day bike rental for each person
• A family pass for the Stowe Scenic Toll Road
• A $100 credit for the family at Umiak Outfitters for your choice of activities

This package requires a two-night minimum (which you’d need in order to fit in all of those activities)!  Restrictions do apply, and there is limited availability.

The Topnotch Resort and Spa offers luxurious amenities – including complimentary WiFi, marble bathrooms, robes (even for kids), room service, spa, salon, valet service, and more!

Topnotch Resort and Spa
4000 Mountain Road
Stowe, VT 05672

Photo credit: Topnotch Resort and Spa

Fall Foliage

Ok, Leaf Peepers, check this place out! I really can’t believe that there are still rooms available at The Carriage House Bed & Breakfast in Woodstock, Vermont. Woodstock is very popular during autumn, especially at the height of the leaf changes. I stayed here when I did a three-day road trip throughout the region back when I lived in Boston, and I can tell you it’s a really cute Bed & Breakfast. It’s actually right outside of Woodstock, but a very short drive.

If you’re looking for complete privacy, this may not be your best bet because as I remember it, there’s a sort of common breakfast table where everyone goes and eats breakfast in the mornings. I liked it, though because you get to meet some new people and have some pleasant conversation before setting out for the day.

There are only eight rooms, and two of them have whirlpool tubs (I got one of those when I booked because I booked about 9 months in advance!) I remember the breakfast being very good, and they serve you homemade delicious chocolate chip cookies and tea.

The owners were very nice and friendly.

If you’re going to book here, book soon! I’m so surprised these rooms are not completely gone. It’s a very cute place.

Happy Leaf Peeping!

Photo Credit: zappowbang