Vermont

As the queen bee of fall foliage, the Green Mountain State is often the first choice for expert leaf peepers. Almost anywhere in the state provides scenes of breathtaking beauty, often with a red barn, white farmhouse, and a few cows dotting the landscape. Start in the southeastern corner of Vermont in Brattleboro and head north on Route 5, paralleling the Connecticut River.

You'll see snippets of the old Vermont — town commons and old mills — nestled next to the new: art galleries and gourmet shops. Sixty-five miles later you'll reach White River Junction, an old railroad town that's now a thriving arts community. Browse the galleries in the Tip Top Building and grab a bite at the Polka Dot café before heading back.