Now that summer is over and autumn is moving in, it is time to think about all those gorgeous fall colors—the reds, yellows, coppers, and browns. Vermont is the perfect place for a romantic fall getaway, where you can get outdoors and surround yourself with nature’s bounty.

While we won’t reach peak colors until around mid-October, now is the time to plan your enchanting retreat and the fantastic things to see and do. What better way to get started than with a carefully curated list of fun things to do, places to see, and food to try?

Capture Breathtaking Views

Few things are as beautiful during the fall as the gorgeous foliage, and the season’s beauty offers fantastic views while setting the ambiance for a romantic rendezvous.

The best places to capture the essence of nature and a memorable experience are outdoors. We have a few suggestions for seeing scenic views for an unforgettable weekend or extended stay.

Covered Bridges

Covered bridges are an icon across the Northeast, and Vermont has 100 of them throughout the state. But you don’t need to travel the entire state to see these bridges when there are 13 in our county and one right here in Brattleboro.

Most covered bridges are open to the public, but a few are privately owned. Autumn is a great time to visit some of our bridges and maybe even capture a few frame-worthy pictures where autumn bliss provides the perfect backdrop against a charming covered bridge.

Vermont Canoe Tour

Another great way to view nature up close — and capture some spectacular rare views of foliage, is with a short, self-guided canoe or kayak tour up the Connecticut River. The serene waters make paddling a breeze, like paddling on a lake most days.

Autumn Nature Hike

Hiking and outdoor adventures are popular in Vermont and most of the Northeast. There are plenty of trails to explore, and many offer phenomenal views of autumn splendor. Don’t worry if you’ve never hiked before. Eleven trails surround Brattleboro, one for every skill level, from Wantastoquet Mountain to Fort Dummer State Park and Round Mountain.

Explore Autumn Activities

There are many fun and romantic fall activities to explore. You could shop in our downtown area, visit the farmers market, indulge in the annual Wine and Harvest Festival in September, or even enjoy a hay ride.

Shop Local

Among the many stores that line our downtown area are hidden gems — boutiques that offer modern, vintage, and eclectic finds, such as:

Boomerang
Beadniks
Altiplano
Kitchen Sync
Harmony Collective Artist Gallery
Verdigris
Z Pots

Visit a Farmers Market or Farm

When it comes to fresh produce, flowers, and artisanal products, fresh is best. And there’s something romantic and nostalgic about strolling through a farmers market, like stepping back in time when life was simpler. While the crisp autumn air may linger, the warm aromas of baked goods and artisan products at the farmer’s market welcome you.

However, the farmers market isn’t the only place where nostalgia awaits. An autumn visit to Fair Winds Farm gives you a glimpse of history when farming was horse-powered. And an autumn hay ride around the farm offers a boost of romance to your visit.

Taste the Season and Local Flavor

During your romantic getaway, be sure to sample local flavors from the local restaurants in Brattleboro. They serve up a slice of Vermont using locally sourced ingredients made fresh with every dish. One of those places is our very own Latchis Pub, where the food is fresh, the beer is cold, and the music is lively.

And if you choose to check out a few other places, here are two more that are worth the visit, including a couple of decadent stops that’ll hit the spot for your sweet tooth:

Restaurants aside, the Autumn Wine and Harvest Festival is another great way to celebrate fall flavors. Sample goods from specialty food producers, cheese makers, Vermont vintners, and farmers. Stroll through the festival and engage with our friendly community. So come and sip, swirl, and celebrate with us.

Discover Unique Things to Do in Vermont

Besides the many outdoor adventures and local activities, there are plenty of unique things to do in Brattleboro — some you won’t find anywhere else. One fantastic example is the downtown GalleryWalk.

Yes, there are art walks in other places, but ours is unique and highlights a diverse range of local talent from artists and artisans blended with small-town charm. You’ll find everything from contemporary art to traditional crafts, live music and performances, and many interactive activities.

Our fantastic Latchis Theatre is more than just a great place to watch a movie; it’s like immersing yourself in Art Deco, blending vintage design with artistic elegance and rich colors for old-world sophistication. So, stop by and check it out. Grab a bucket of buttery popcorn and watch one of the latest shows.

Plan Your Romantic Fall Getaway

Autumn has arrived, but it never lasts long. So, if you’re looking for your next romantic fall getaway destination, consider Brattleboro, Vermont. Reserve your room at the historic Latchis Hotel for a blissful night’s rest and a premier location for all the activities during your stay.