I’ve been visiting Vermont for over 20 years—this is the most underrated fall foliage town

10 minutes north of bustling Brattleboro, VermontAnd just off Interstate 91, is the small town of Putney. With only 394 residents, it is the definition of quaint – and it’s worth a stop for any traveler looking for natural beauty and classic Vermont charm.

Apart from its prominent, enigmatic location in the Green Mountains, Putney is perhaps best known for its schools, including the landmark college and boarding school, Putney School and Greenwood School. City Definitely sleepovers in the best possible way, and since so few people live here, the community in Putney is very close-knit. The general store, which was built in 1796 and is the oldest in Vermont, has survived several fires thanks to the efforts of Putney’s determined residents.

“Literally, the blood, sweat and tears of this town are in this building. They’re not going to let it die,” says owner Mike Cosco. Putney General Store,

Summer is a popular time to visit Putney, when the green mountains are a lush emerald green, and students have gone home for the holidays. And with a vibrant artist community of craftsmen, actors and musicians who call the area home, it truly is a pleasure to visit at any time of the year. But this small town perhaps shines brightest in the fall, when the air begins to cool, and the trees turn gold, red, and orange – it’s the season that has kept me coming back for more than 20 years.

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Putney, Vermont.

best thing to do

What says it’s better to fall apple pickingGive a Sleepy Golden Retriever on Givetobee lush green mountain garden Get a pat on the head before plucking an apple and treating yourself to an apple cider donut (a reward for all your hard work, of course). No time to choose your own? The orchard has a variety of apples to choose from in the storefront along with locally made jams.

If you’ve been to Vermont before, you may be familiar with “creamy,” which is essentially a richer version of soft serve—Hidden Springs Maple Is a local favourite. The store also sells house-made maple syrup that can be purchased at any time through an Honor System case that includes shakers of various grades of syrup and maple sugar. I love using these in baking or even sweetening my coffee.

Putney is a kind of informal artist colony and annual craft trip Should not be missed. Pottery, jewelry, clothing, cheese, and even aromatherapy can be found here, making the craft show a perfect place to do your holiday gift shopping and take care of your cheese addiction.

If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss Retreat Farm In nearby Brattleboro, just 10 minutes from Putney. I’ve brought my kids here for years, and the resident animals, including emus, always guarantee a lovely and fun time. You can also entertain the kids (and yourself) with a puppet show Sandglass Theateror a show next step art,

where to eat and drink

Located on the main road, Putney Diner Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in a cozy space decorated with warm colors, wooden beams and a fireplace. Be sure to go on a night when Moondogs Bluegrass band performing with washboards and fiddles.

If you are looking for a hot bar feature, go here Putney Food Co-opWhich opened in 1941 when fuel shortages caused by World War II made some grocery items difficult to obtain. If you want a taste of even older history, go here Putney General StoreRebuilt in 2011 after not one but two fires, it is affectionately known as the “Heart of Putney”. Owners, Mike and Kim Cosco, took over ownership in 2019, and the store features basic groceries, homemade sandwiches and prepared foods. “I tell my employees this isn’t like any other business. You’re part of people’s lives,” says Mike Cosco.

Just 15 minutes north and across the state border in Walpole, New Hampshire, is my family’s favorite spot—hungry dinerUsing local produce and meat, the eatery has, in my humble opinion, some of the best hamburgers and milkshakes you will ever have. When the weather is warm and dry enough, you can eat outside with your dog on a picnic bench.

Duchess Coffee Brattleboro is my favorite place for freshly roasted coffee, and it also has a beautifully crafted pastry case. Make sure you get one of those conchas, a Mexican brioche-like sweet dough with a crunchy topping.

where to stay

There aren’t enough places to stay in Putney, but thanks to Airbnb, at least there are some options. one of my favorite fare Honeycrisp Cottage Located 10 minutes north of the general store. Conveniently located close to all the amenities Putney has to offer, the cottage is quiet, eco-friendly, and even has a little “shop” on its shelves, stocked with local products you can purchase.

If you’re interested in staying in a bed and breakfast, there are quite a few options in the surrounding area. local places like Inn on Putney Road Give travelers the option of a charming stay just outside of bustling Brattleboro. Campfire Inn In Dummerston, Vermont, there are glamping-style rooms and new Airstream accommodations – a great choice during the warmer months, as it has a pool and mini-golf course that the kids can play on.