Vermont Foodie Fall Foliage Drive

The changing of the seasons brings many things: cooler temperatures, colorful foliage and, for the hungry traveler, new dishes and restaurants. Options abound for leaf peepers in New England, but a relaxed Vermont drive from Arlington to Burlington provides foodies with ample opportunities for delicious detours. Pick up Route 7 in Bennington and allow 3 days to wind your way from south to north, an unhurried pace that gives you the chance to linger in the state's largest city. This route starts by plunging straight into the Green Mountain National Forest, then carries you through quintessential New England towns and villages -- B&Bs, antiques shops, white church steeples and all -- all the way to the shores of mighty Lake Champlain. Pack a camera for the scenery, and don't forget to bring your appetite.

When to Go: Peak color is hard to pin down from year to year, but aim for the first half of October to see the foliage at its most vibrant.

Driving Tip: Watch your speed as you tour through the Green Mountain State. Cyclists share the road with vehicles by day, and animal crossings are common at dusk.

Start: Bennington, Vermont End: Burlington, Vermont
Distance: 130 miles
Length of Trip: 3 days