AGP Executive Report

Resort News: Basin Harbor Resort ranked 14th among New England resorts in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Its 140th season ends today, Oct. 18. Lakeside Getaway: Camp Plymouth State Park offers cottage and group-camping reservations into October, with Echo Lake and wooded grounds for a peaceful escape. Conservation: Volunteers are restoring habitat along the Batten Kill, adding native trees and fallen wood that create shelter for trout and other wildlife. Fall Travel: Much of Vermont has passed peak foliage, and Smugglers’ Notch Road is closed to leaf-peepers this weekend; check conditions before setting out. Tourism Outlook: Vermont’s tourism sector is declining amid U.S.-Canada trade tensions, a concern for a state that draws visitors from across the border.

Resort News: Basin Harbor Resort earned a spot among Condé Nast Traveler readers’ top New England resorts, ranking 14th; the Lake Champlain property closes for the season Oct. 18 after 140 years of hospitality. Getting Around: Smugglers’ Notch Road is closed this weekend, and the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge will close weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting Monday for repairs. Fall Outdoors: Much of Vermont has passed peak foliage, while cold weather is bringing the first high-elevation snow and prompting ski resorts to prepare for winter. A popular Brousseau Mountain trail in Norton is now permanently conserved for public access. Tourism and Flights: Vermont’s tourism sector is facing a downturn amid the U.S.-Canada trade dispute, while Breeze Airways is adding routes from Burlington, including a new direct flight to Myrtle Beach and four destinations in 2027.

Resort Spotlight: Basin Harbor Resort was named one of New England’s top 20 resorts by Condé Nast Traveler readers, placing 14th as the Lake Champlain property wraps its 140th season on Oct. 18. Fall Travel: Smugglers’ Notch Road is closed this weekend as colder weather brings the season’s first mountain snow; Vermont campgrounds are also closing for winter. After a stormy week, much of the state has passed peak foliage. Road Watch: Repairs will close the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge to traffic on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting Monday; it remains open on weekends. Trails: Norton’s Brousseau Mountain Trail gained lasting protection for public access and wildlife, preserving a popular short hike with views from its summit. Coming Up: Fort Ticonderoga marks the 250th anniversary of a Revolutionary War defense with cannon, boats, horses and musket demonstrations Oct. 24–25.

Fall Travel: New England’s foliage is having an “elite” year, but much of Vermont has passed peak color after a stormy, cold week. Route 108 through Smugglers’ Notch is closed this weekend from 6 p.m. Friday; officials will reassess Monday, so check road updates before heading out. Tourism Outlook: Vermont businesses are feeling a decline in Canadian visitors amid the U.S.-Canada trade dispute, just as leaf season brings traditionally busy cross-border travel. Air Access: Breeze Airways is adding nonstop service from Burlington to Myrtle Beach, expanding options for Vermont travelers. Lodging: Basin Harbor Resort earned a spot among Condé Nast Traveler readers’ top New England resorts, ranking 14th; the Lake Champlain property wraps its 140th season on Oct. 18. History on the Lake: Fort Ticonderoga marks the 250th anniversary of a Revolutionary War defense with cannon, gunboat, horse and musket demonstrations Oct. 24–25.

Canadian Tourism: Vermont’s tourism sector is feeling the effects of the U.S.-Canada trade war, as some Canadians who traditionally visit for fall color stay home. The state is working to bring those visitors back. Foliage Update: Much of Vermont is past peak color after a stormy week, but lower elevations may still offer bright leaves. Cold weather is expected this weekend, so dress warmly for drives and hikes. Visitor Courtesy: Pomfret residents say leaf-peeper traffic and visitors entering private property have become a problem. Follow local road rules, park safely and admire the scenery without trespassing. Resort News: Basin Harbor Resort on Lake Champlain was named one of New England’s top resorts by Condé Nast Traveler readers, placing 14th among 20. It closes for the season on Oct. 18 after its 140th year. Coming Up: Fort Ticonderoga will mark the 250th anniversary of a pivotal 1776 defense with cannon, gunboat, horse and musket demonstrations on Oct. 24–25.

Travel Weather: A sharp cold front will bring gusty winds, raw rain and mountain snow to Vermont Friday and Saturday. The Northeast Kingdom could see 1–2 inches at higher elevations, while valleys are expected to stay mostly rainy. Foliage Crowds: Pomfret is again struggling with leaf-peeper traffic around Sleepy Hollow Farm. Visitors stopping on narrow roads for photos create safety hazards, and past road restrictions have had limited success. Plan ahead and follow local rules. Outdoor Access: Vermont is replacing the aging stairs and adding railings at the Elmore and Spruce Mountain fire towers. Helicopters will carry materials to the remote summits this fall; the upgrades are meant to make the popular viewpoints safer to climb. Air Service: Breeze Airways is launching a direct flight from Burlington to Myrtle Beach, adding a new nonstop option for Vermont travelers.

Weather Alert: A sharp cold front is headed for Vermont Friday into Saturday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and snow at higher elevations. Travelers should prepare for rough conditions, especially in the mountains and Northeast Kingdom. Weekend Events: Brattleboro’s free Literary Festival returns Friday and Saturday, drawing authors and visitors downtown. Winter Outlook: A new northern New England project will improve snowpack monitoring, with better data useful to ski areas and other outdoor businesses. Fall Getaways: Foliage has brought visitors to Vermont, but popular attractions are seeing traffic and parking pressure. Air Access: Breeze Airways has launched a direct flight from Burlington to Myrtle Beach. Food and Arts: Hardwick’s restaurants, coffee shops and food-focused attractions continue to make the Northeast Kingdom town a destination.

Fall Color: Vermont’s hills are glowing in satellite views, with foliage nearing its peak across the Northeast. But leaf-peeping trips may bring delays: recent reports describe heavy visitor traffic at foliage spots, while record rain soaked parts of northern Vermont on Tuesday. Getting Here: Breeze Airways is adding routes from Burlington, including a new direct connection to Myrtle Beach, expanding flight options for Vermont travelers. Season Shift: Mountain resorts are preparing for winter as foliage crowds remain on the roads.

Weather & Roads: Record rain soaked northern Vermont Tuesday, with more than 2 inches reported in Fairfax and daily rainfall records set in Montpelier. A six-state police crackdown is also targeting dangerous driving as fall tourism and changing road conditions bring extra risks. Foliage Crowds: Peak color drew heavy traffic and parking shortages to Stowe over the holiday weekend; some visitors struggled to find lodging, while workers faced difficult commutes. New Flights: Breeze Airways plans nonstop Burlington service to Myrtle Beach and Fort Lauderdale starting next spring, with fares from $79 one way. Fall Spotlight: Burlington ranked third in a global fall foliage destination list, behind Quebec City and Kyoto.

Fall Foliage: Peak colors are drawing heavy crowds to Vermont, with Stowe seeing busy occupancy and visitors reporting traffic, long lines, scarce parking and hard-to-find lodging. Road Travel: State police are stepping up patrols through Oct. 15 to target speeding, distracted and impaired driving. Paving near the Vermont–New Hampshire border will also bring I-89 lane closures and delays Wednesday through Friday; plan extra time. Winter Preview: Stowe and Sugarbush are testing snowmaking equipment as resorts prepare for ski season, even as foliage traffic remains high. Lake Champlain Getaway: Milton offers paddling, fishing and woodland walks, with Lake Champlain access, Sand Bar State Park and Arrowhead Mountain Lake close to town.

Foliage Rush: Peak color and the holiday weekend are drawing heavier-than-usual crowds to Vermont, with Stowe lodging busy and visitors reporting long lines, traffic and scarce hotel rooms. Winter Prep: As leaf season continues, Stowe and Sugarbush are testing snowmaking systems and getting equipment ready; resorts say they’re optimistic for ski season despite uncertainty about winter weather. Scenic Stops: Milton offers Lake Champlain access, parks and local shops, while Montgomery’s covered-bridge tour pairs well with Green Mountain hikes and a visit to Jay Peak. On the Road: A regional traffic-safety operation runs Oct. 13–15, targeting speeding, distracted and impaired driving. Rain is forecast Tuesday, followed by a much colder weekend, so check conditions before setting out. Charging Up: Londonderry’s West River Coffee Barn has added a public dual-port EV charger, giving travelers headed to the mountains or foliage routes a place to recharge while they stop for coffee.

Fall Getaways: Montgomery’s covered bridges make a scenic weekend route: five historic bridges stand in town and a sixth is just over the line in Enosburg. Add Green Mountain hikes, river swimming or a trip to Jay Peak. Crowds and Events: Foliage attractions saw long lines over the holiday weekend, and Woodstock filled with visitors. Sugarbush’s annual Oktoberfest offers another reason to head for the mountains. New Places to Stay: Winooski’s first hotel is among this fall’s notable new openings, with maple-inspired design. Travel Conditions: Soaking rain is forecast, followed by a chilly weekend and possible mountain snow showers. Check road updates before setting out, and hikers should stick together: a family was safely reunited after a 12-year-old became separated on Camel’s Hump.

Road Conditions: I-89 southbound paving between Montpelier and Waterbury is expected to bring weekday lane closures and delays from Tuesday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the speed limit is 55 mph. Foliage Crowds: The long weekend drew heavy traffic to leaf-peeping stops. Mad River Glen reported lines over an hour for its single-chair lift and its busiest foliage season since COVID. Hiking Safety: A 12-year-old visitor became separated from family while descending Camel’s Hump, but rescue teams brought everyone down safely. Fall Fun: Sugarbush’s Oktoberfest packed in yodeling, stein races, live music and scenic lift rides as the resort looks ahead to winter.

Fall Foliage Rush: Holiday-weekend crowds packed Vermont’s leaf-peeping spots, with Mad River Glen reporting its busiest fall season since COVID and waits of more than an hour for the single chair. A wetter year has helped deliver vivid color, though the best views are already winding down. Mountain Safety: A 12-year-old visitor separated from family on Camel’s Hump, prompting a multi-team search; everyone made it down safely. Backcountry rescuers also urge hikers to carry layers and lights, watch for slippery leaves and call for help before darkness sets in. Autumn at the Resorts: Sugarbush’s Oktoberfest drew crowds for live music, stein races and scenic lift rides, as the resort gears up for ski season. Road Update: I-89 paving near Bethel, Brookfield, Montpelier and Waterbury means lane closures, lower speed limits and possible delays; check conditions before setting out.

Fall Crowds: Foliage visitors packed Mad River Glen over the holiday weekend, with waits of more than an hour for the single-chair lift; staff say it’s the area’s busiest season since COVID. Woodstock businesses also reported a surge in visitors and strong sales. Resort Events: Sugarbush’s Oktoberfest drew crowds for stein races, live music and scenic lift rides, with a Community Day following as the resort gears up for winter. Trail Safety: Backcountry rescuers are urging fall hikers to pack warm layers and lights, watch for slippery leaf-covered trails and call for help early as conditions change quickly. Vermont Treats: A new creemee passport maps 189 stops statewide, giving visitors a sweet way to explore local shops and farms; proceeds support Vermont organizations. Road Conditions: I-89 paving near Bethel-Brookfield and Montpelier-Waterbury is bringing lane closures and delays, so drivers should allow extra time.

Fall Hiking: After two ankle-injury rescues on Mt. Hunger, Waterbury Backcountry Rescue urges hikers to pack warm layers and lights, watch for slippery leaves and call 911 early if they’re lost or hurt. Creemee Trail: Vermont’s new passport maps 189 creemee stops statewide, turning a beloved local treat into a sweet road-trip itinerary; proceeds support Vermont organizations. Winooski Stay: The Sugar House Hotel plans to open Oct. 21 with a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Winooski River nature preserve, maple creemees for guests and an all-electric design. Foliage Season: A wetter year has brought vivid autumn color, with scenic views drawing visitors across the state. Ski Season: Stowe’s Lodge at Spruce Peak was recognized among the top U.S. resorts in New England, adding to Vermont’s appeal as winter approaches.