Autumn in Vermont is a symphony of color—blazing reds, golden yellows, and fiery oranges painting the hillsides in a breathtaking display. The air turns cool, leaves crunch underfoot, and the promise of a cozy escape beckons. While the crowds flock to the usual tourist traps, our Airbnb retreat near Stratton Mountain offers a quieter, more intimate way to savor Vermont’s famous fall foliage. Here’s why it’s the perfect base for your autumn getaway.
The journey begins with a scenic drive—wind through the rolling hills near Stratton, Okemo, or Bromley, where every bend reveals a new explosion of color. Route 100, a local favorite, snakes past quaint villages and sprawling forests, the canopy overhead a kaleidoscope of autumn hues. Pull over for a picnic or just to breathe in the crisp, cider-scented air. For the more adventurous, hiking trails abound. Stratton’s summit trail rewards with panoramic views of the Green Mountains ablaze, while Okemo’s Healdville Trail offers a gentler ascent through tunnels of amber and crimson. Bromley’s Long Trail stretch tempts with its rugged charm, each step a chance to lose yourself in nature’s quiet beauty.
But the real magic happens when you return to the retreat. Tucked away from the bustling leaf-peeper hotspots, this spacious haven is built for big groups to unwind in peace. After a day of driving or hiking, sink into the hot tub on the lower deck, the steam rising as you gaze out at Stratton Mountain and the tranquil private pond, its glassy surface mirroring the fiery trees. The two-level deck is your front-row seat to autumn’s splendor—no crowded overlooks required.
Inside, the retreat wraps you in comfort. Five bedrooms—two kings, two queens, a full bed with two twins, plus two air mattresses—offer plenty of space, each dressed in 100% cotton linens that invite deep, restful sleep. The kids dig into toys and games, their laughter a soft counterpoint to the rustling leaves outside, while adults claim a workspace or kick back with a record on Bose 901 Series II speakers. Picture a scratchy Rolling Stones track filling the air as you sip hot cocoa by the window, the pond glinting in the late afternoon sun.
The stocked kitchen, with its All Clad pans and coffee station, becomes a hub for togetherness. Whip up a pot of hearty chili or bake a batch of apple crisp with fruit from the nearby Mad Tom Orchard—the dining table for eight is ready for a feast. For those who can’t sit still, the private gym (treadmill, rower, elliptical, and weights) keeps the blood pumping, though the real workout might be resisting the urge to nap in the cozy stillness.
Unlike the packed hotels and overrun trails, this retreat offers full access to the house (save one storage closet), ensuring everyone feels at home without the elbow-to-elbow chaos. An EV charger keeps your wheels ready for the next day’s adventure, but you might not want to leave. Here, there’s no rush, no clamor—just the rustle of leaves, the crackle of vinyl, and the joy of a group gathered in a space that feels like yours.
Vermont’s fall foliage is legendary, but our retreat turns it into something personal. Skip the crowds and settle into a getaway where the views are stunning, the pace is yours, and the memories linger long after the last leaf falls.