It's been an unusual summer of alternating hot and cool temperatures and lots of rain. What effect that will have on the fall foliage is not yet determined. We have seen a few hints of color along the roadsides and anticipate the season is rapidly on its way. Now that Labor Day has come and gone, we will be updating you once a week with reports from across the state from our Leaf Squad and other generous reporters.

If you can't wait to see nature's magnificent display, head to our Autumn Photo Gallery for a glimpse into years past. And, remember – it’s never too early to plan a fall vacation. Fall is also Festival season in Vermont so there's lots to do while soaking in the beauty around you.

CENTRAL VERMONT

After one of the most beautiful foliage seasons I can remember, we are looking forward to all that Vermont promises us in the coming months. We welcome the holiday season on Dec 3 and 4 as part or the Inndulgence Tour, a two day self guided food tour for only $10! Then comes winter and all the fun that comes with it. From skiing at Okemo and Killington to snowshoeing at Viking Nordic Center to enjoying our 'Book Lovers' lodging special and reading by the fireplace, there is surely a winter activity you'll love.

It's a bit early for changing colors in Southern Vermont, but it's not too early for SWEET autumn festivals! Okemo Valley is the home to Vermont's only Honey Festival on Saturday September 9, 2017, from 10am-4pm. Located at Golden Stage Inn in Proctorsville, the Vermont Golden Honey Festival is home to over 25 vendors offering their food, arts, crafts, and wares, including plenty of local, raw honey. Each vendor is encouraged to have at least one product that showcases the honeybee or its byproducts. As such, you'll find honey gin, honey chicken wings, honey apple pizza, bee inspired pottery, fabric crafts, and paintings. And while you're in the area, you can BUZZ on over to Okemo Mountain Resort and enjoy the scenic chair lift ride catching glimpses of the season's first turning leaves.

-- Julie Wood, Golden Stage Inn Bed & Breakfast, Proctorsville, VT

Fall colors in the Killington area of central Vermont have started developing. Early "Signal Trees" which lead the change each year are starting to show some sharp colors.With ample moisture all summer, and mild temperatures, the leaf canopy in the forests around Killington grew very dense this summer. Historically when this happens, colors in the forest should be very pronounced due to the sheer volume of leaves changing colors.

At the Birch Ridge Inn at Killington, trees behind the inn have started their annual change in color. Daily fall foliage pictures of the same scene at the inn are posted. The picture is from the inn on Saturday September 2 showing the color change taking place in the forest behind the inn. In addition, fall galleries from the last 10 years are also contained on the site to allow visitors to compare this year's progression of color changes to prior years.

-- Bill Vines, Innkeeper, Birch Ridge Inn, Killington, VT

SOUTHERN VERMONT

Well, things are moving along at a breakneck speed here in Grafton! Where did summer Go???!

We are getting a good dose of rain right now…which is great for the upcoming Foliage! Swimming in our spring fed pond is still being enjoyed by our guests, along with biking, hiking, disc golf and lawn games. Weddings are keeping us busy…they have all been blessed with wonderful weather. My guess is, we are going to have a beautiful foliage…so stay tuned!

-- Steven Griffiths, Assistant Innkeeper, The Grafton Inn,  Grafton, VT

Here is a view of some colors starting to change at Stratton.

-- Erin Morley, Stratton Mountain Resort, Stratton, VT

We've begun to see the leaves beginning to color here at the top of the mountain in Woodford. The change during just the last week has made it very clear that summer is nearly over and fall is on the way. We love the cool days and crisp nights and can't wait until the mountains around us are in full color.

-- Linda Warner, Vermont.com, Woodford, VT

While you're enjoying the fall foliage, plan to take in one of Vermont's many Fall Festivals. You'll find events that celebrate everything from the Brattleboro Bacon Festival (9/9) to the Chester Fall Craft Festival (9/16-17) to the Peru Fair (9/23).  For comprehensive listing, refer to our Fall Festivals page.