Vermont: A Colourful Treat

Let’s talk about colours. People of all ages, be it the youngest or the oldest, everyone loves a bright world. What would our world be without these various colours? Ever thought of a tree that could change colour every season? It’s time you entered the colourful state of Vermont in the USA.

Moss-Glen Fall

The people, water, mountains, land, forests and the famous seasons all combine to make Vermont, a truly unique destination. Vermont’s natural heritage covers a lot of areas. The abundance of natural beauty is made even more remarkable by the way it converges: seemingly endless emerald fields lead to forests crowned by magnificent mountains. Then there’s the water. A little known fact is that Vermont is home to over 400 lakes and ponds, plus hundreds of streams. The state is also the abode of Lake Champlain, the sixth-largest body of water in the US. If you are seeking sun and sand in one place, where water can also be a part of the picturesque – Vermont is the right place. The Moss-Glen falls in the Green Mountains is one such attraction.

A colourful trail
in Green Mountain

Woods, mountains and ice-cream – Vermont has just about everything to lure a traveller. During the fall season, the state’s Green Mountains are known for some of the most colourful foliage in the world. The state makes up for the absence of ‘attractions’ with the profusion of galleries, craft shops, maple syrup farms and cheese-making shops that spring from every curve in the road. The mountains where you will find the world famous fall foliage, the sweetest maple syrup, historic yet lively downtowns and the most snow on the east coast have more to offer. The local foods produced by local farmers and sold in the farmer’s market all year round, the ultra pampering spas and resorts, endless recreational and relaxing opportunities, significant historic sites and pristine parks, the classic inns…the treasures of Vermont go on and on.

The landscape in Vermont

In Vermont, one thing is beautifully certain; the seasons will change. And with that change, so does the landscape, the weather, the water, the activities and the way of life. With every season come new opportunities to explore the world around you in Vermont.

Though you could spend hours simply admiring in the scenery, it is even more rewarding to become a part of it. It could be long walks, hike a mountain trail or stroll through a covered bridge in one of the villages. Whatever the day offers, the night is sure to deliver peaceful sleep, whether you choose to camp under the twinkling stars or under a comforter at a bed-n-breakfast. But, the best way to explore Vermont is to get in a car and hit the roads, stopping at country stores that sell different kinds of maple syrup, cheese etc.

There’s nothing like visiting Vermont in autumn, to marvel at the foliage and sample the tastes of an older and simpler time. You can stand at one place for hours staring into the foliage colours – the yellows, orange, reds, pinks and sometimes purples. The general rule of thumb for Vermont is that the colour starts getting good in mid-September, and the brilliant show is over by late October.

The geographical variety of the state means there is a wide variation in colour in different areas at the same time. At anytime you can find good colour just by driving north or south or heading up the mountains or down the valley, depending on where you are. You should know that trying to predict when the colour will be absolutely perfect is a loser’s game.

The Foliage

Frankly, it is not necessary. Instead of chasing the elusive ‘peak’ of foliage is a way that you might ruin the trip. It takes away from all other things that make a fall trip in Vermont magical: harvest festivals, farm-stands, fresh-pressed apple cider and sunny days of fresh mountain air.

To enjoy the world’s most beautiful fall foliage and to escape from the hustle and bustle of  the city, here’s a chance to plan a trip to Vermont, one of the most colourful states on the east coast of the USA.

-          Srividya Iyer