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Summer may not be officially over but as temperatures around the country start to drop, that cool Autumn breeze is just around the corner. Now is the time to plan that fabulous fall Great Girl Trip getaway! With the crisp weather comes the beautiful fall foliage. Why not take a tour this fall and see not just the leaves but the other hidden gems beneath their branches. The only question is... east coast... or west coast?
East Coast Fall Foliage Tour:
Ok... obviously Vermont, with their stunning fall foliage, is the place to start. Not only will you find some of the most beautiful countryside around, but you can tour cheese farms, cider mills, ice cream factories and maple syrup sugarhouses.
Day one. Start your trip off right by visiting Vermont's world famous dairy artisans. The first stop is at Taylor Farm in Londonderry. They specialize in award winning Gouda cheeses. Next... drive over to the Peaked Mountain's Farm and try their delicious sheep's milk cheese. Then, sadly... the last cheese stop... Grafton Village Cheese Company. Here you will find a true (delicious) Vermont Cheddar cheese.
Day two. Head up to The Cold Hollow Cider Mill. This is one of the best Apple Ciders in the area. The Mill is open to public viewing and still makes cider the good ole fashion way, with a rack and cloth press that was built back in the 1920s.
They are open year round and have a fabulous store where you can purchase plenty of fun goodies to bring home. Next head up the road to the Ben and Jerry's Factory for a tour. It is a great little tour and you can grab a scoop of Chubby Hubby (for all of you with husbands) in honor of those loved ones at home.
The last stop... Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm. Enjoy one of the delicious local favorites at this maple syrup haven.
West Coast Fall Foliage Tour:
Most people never think of the Napa Valley area when they think of changing leaves, but all 40,000+ acres of grape leaves turn beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow. Head to Napa at the end of October/early November and you will see lots of changing leaves. What you won't see... lots of people... and that is the way we like it.
Take advantage of the quiet pace and check out the local cheese farms, wineries and olive oil shops.
Day one. Vermont is not the only place to find delicious local cheeses. Head north out of San Francisco on highway 1. Not only is the scenery gorgeous on this "famous" road but here you will find Cowgirl Creamery. This Point Reyes hand crafted creamery produces a small production of delicious soft aged and fresh cheeses.
Stop number two is Joe Matos in Santa Rosa. This Portuguese family lives on the farm and makes a single semi-hard cheese that is reminiscent of their homeland. The final stop is just off Sonoma square at the Vella Cheese Company. They make a variety of wonderful cheeses and are happy to give you a taste... my favorite is the Asiago!
Day two. You are in Napa so... wine it is! There are so many fabulous wineries that it is impossible to see them all in one day. Grab a limo and check out Stags Leap, Robert Sinskey, Frog's Leap and Domaine Chandon, just a few of our favorites.
Not only is Napa famous for it's wine but they produce some of the best olive oils in the country. St. Helena Olive Oil Company not only makes olive oil but they have some wonderful lavender products as well.
Pull those sweaters down from the attic and dust off those boots! Which ever coast you choose, you are sure to have a Great Trip!
