If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a woodsy cabin surrounded by crisp air, winding backroads, and maple-scented charm — southern Vermont is your place. Here’s how our quick weekend adventure unfolded, complete with cozy Airbnb vibes, scenic drives, and some of the best vegan food we’ve ever had.
🚗 Day 1 – The Journey North & Our Mountain Hideaway
We hit the road around 2:15 PM, cruising up the Taconic State Parkway with our favorite road-trip playlist. Traffic slowed us a bit (as it usually does near Poughkeepsie), but by 6:30 PM, we rolled into southern Vermont just as golden light fell across the hills.
Our first stop: Blue Mango in the charming college town of Williamstown, MA. I ordered the Cashew Nut Stir-Fry (extra spicy 🔥), while Jesse went for the Broccoli with Black Bean Sauce — sweet, bold, and perfectly cooked. Sitting outdoors in this beautiful little town, we found ourselves reminiscing about our adventures through Asia — the scents, the flavors, the late-night street markets.
💡 Tip: Williamstown makes an ideal dinner stop en route to Vermont. Grab a meal, stretch your legs, and take a short walk through the historic downtown — it’s postcard-perfect at sunset.
After dinner, we swung by Stop & Shop for road snacks and cabin supplies before tackling the drive to our Airbnb in Stamford, Vermont. The road twisted upward into the mountains — unpaved, steep, and beautifully remote. When we finally arrived, the cabin was a dream: warm wooden walls, cozy lighting, and that unmistakable smell of pine that tells you you’re far from city life.
We spent the evening curled up with tea and a horror flick — “Brahms: The Boy II” — which felt both perfectly fitting and slightly unwise while staying in a cabin surrounded by forest.
🎬 Tip: Download movies before you go — cell service in rural Vermont can be spotty. Horror films + remote cabins = unbeatable fall vibes.
🍂 Day 2 – Exploring Bennington, Manchester & Brattleboro
The mountain air woke us early — fresh, cool, and energizing. After a relaxed breakfast, we hit the road for a day of southern Vermont exploration.
Our first stop was Lake Shaftsbury State Park, hoping to catch peak foliage. Locals kindly broke the news: we were about two weeks too late. Still, the peaceful lake and the quiet rustling of leaves made for a perfect start to the day.
Next, we wandered through Manchester, a quintessential Vermont town filled with outlet shops, galleries, and a charming downtown that feels straight out of a holiday movie. From there, we headed to Bennington, where colonial-era architecture and small-town charm set the tone for our afternoon stroll. Additionally, we did a corn maze that was loads of fun!
But the highlight of the day — hands down — was dinner in Brattleboro at VEGAN AS AF. Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you; this place is next-level.
We ordered the Pra Ram Tofu, Kimchi Fried Rice, and their award-winning chili, which had an unexpected yet addictive sweet BBQ flavor. Every bite was bursting with flavor, and we agreed we’d drive all the way back just to eat here again.
🌱 Tip: VEGAN AS AF is a must-visit — even for non-vegans. Try the chili; it’s one of the best we’ve ever had.
That night, we returned to our cabin, lit a few candles, and watched “No One Will Save You,” an alien thriller that kept us wide-eyed until the credits rolled. After a long day on the road, we turned in early, lulled to sleep by mountain silence.
🌧️ Day 3 – The Calm Before the Nor’easter
We woke early, packed up, and hit the road by 9:30AM, aiming to beat the Nor’easter forecasted for New Jersey. Thankfully, the storm held off long enough for us to make it home safely — coffee in hand, playlists rolling, and Vermont’s misty peaks fading in the rearview mirror.
🗺️ Trip Takeaways
Our quick Vermont escape was a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cozy cabin living. Even though the peak foliage had passed, the peaceful roads, friendly locals, and crisp mountain air made it unforgettable.
Travel Tips
🍁 Visit late September to early October for the most vibrant foliage. 🏡 Stay in Stamford or Manchester for easy access to both seclusion and small-town charm. 🌿 VEGAN AS AF in Brattleboro is a destination on its own — trust us. 🛻 Rent or bring an SUV — unpaved mountain roads can get tricky after rain. 📸 Bring a camera and hit Lake Shaftsbury at sunrise for peaceful reflections.
✨ Final Thought:
Vermont’s magic isn’t just in its fall colors — it’s in the feeling of slowing down, breathing in mountain air, and realizing that sometimes the best moments happen off the main road, surrounded by silence and stars.
