We spent part three of our trip exploring Vermont, indulging in good food, and embracing the coziness of autumn. We drove from Stowe to Woodstock, taking in the orange hues that peppered the countryside. The leaves were drifting off the tree branches like snow in a soft breeze.

We also stopped by Green Mountain Orchards in Putney after an elderly couple we encountered recommended we visit. They had several varieties of apples, overflowing with so many apples that they let us wander, pick, and choose our own. The people who worked here were very friendly. I only wish we had something like this closer to home.

We had to try the apple cider donuts, freshly made that morning. We were surprised they were still hot when we arrived! I never realized apple cider donuts was common on the east coast.

And of course, we indulged in lots of fresh apple cider. We stopped by Cold Hollow Cider Mill, which sells perhaps the best apple cider I’ve ever had. Luckily, if you don’t live nearby, they also sell their apple cider and apple cider donuts online. We all bought a few souvenirs here, including their apple cider syrup for making apple cider at home.

Most of the roads were covered in leaves. We ended up staying in a very cozy home in Montpelier by chance and absolutely loved the heated bathroom floors. On most nights, we had the wood fire stove going in the fireplace while we unwound in the evenings.

I’ve also always wanted to get up for sunrise at least once wherever I travel and I’m thankful to my husband and our friend Greg who made it out together. Though our skies were cloudy, it was still a memorable sunrise, followed by a tasty breakfast in the neighborhood.

As part of our food adventure, we stopped by Vermont Shepherd, which according to the NY Times, sells some of the country’s best cheeses. We arrived, overlooking a field of sheep and this cute little store. They sell cheese on an honor system where you leave money in container based on the listed prices. They sold one of the best smoked cheeses I’ve had, enough that we decided to buy one for home.

Before the afternoon grew late, we whisked away to Woodstock for golden hour, exploring the little town fully decked in fall festivities.

We ended our trip with an epic meal with friends at the Worth Kitchen and several platters of comfort food. My husband and I loved their butternut squash. If you’re ever in the area of planning a visit, we’d also highly recommend making reservations in advance at Mangalista or Cloudland Farm, which both came highly recommended.

Here’s to the end of our New England trip for now. I hope we return someday!