WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Fall Foliage: Stowe

Stowe, Vermont - October 5, 2011

Once again we begin our day with drizzle and low clouds clinging to the mountaintops; still pretty in its own way, but not what we we're looking for. We're searching for the reds, oranges and yellows of fall.

This year, the leaves seem largely unwilling to waste their annual show on such dismal weather. There hasn't been much progression in the fall foliage since last week.

Photographer Bob Davis and I got off Interstate 89 in Waterbury and headed for Lamoille County, where we ran into other foliage seekers.

"We usually like to hike and bike, which we did this trip, even though the weather wasn't that great, but we were able to get out there. And we enjoyed downtown Stowe and some of the restaurants," said Larry Audette, a visitor from Massachusetts.

Most out-of-state visitors head for the famous landmarks; Ben and Jerry's, some cider at Cold Hollow and a stop for Cabot Cheese. Business has been better than expected so far.

"Well, we had a really busy weekend, the busiest so far this year and I think this weekend will probably beat that. It may not be as busy as Columbus Day last year, but we're expecting to make some money," said Paul Cavaliere of Cabot Cheese.

Regardless of the weather or the state of the fall color, these are stops worth making. Cider donuts aren't just for tourists, and they're even better with peanut butter on them!

Eventually, most fall visitors wind up in Stowe. It's a pretty town, but if they just went a little bit farther! Follow Route 100, Route 12 or any side, dirt road that you see. In the day and age of the GPS you can be fearless about exploring unknown areas, knowing you can always find your way back.

Yes, there is a lot of green out here still; we haven't had the cold snaps that bring out some of the richest colors. But there are some spots of bright color on Elmore Mountain and along the shores of Lake Elmore. And as the sun finally breaks through, it lights up some more.

With a cold wind blowing from the north this afternoon and widespread frost in the forecast for tonight, the best of this foliage season is yet to come.

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