Everywhere but the bridges of Madison County: Top picks for fall covered bridge tours

Somehow fall foliage and covered bridges go together like trick and treat in the autumn weeks. After all, what is a fall foliage B&B getaway without a ride through one of these nostalgic moments of history? This year, experience the romance of a simpler time and take in gorgeous fall foliage scenery while enjoying some of the oldest covered bridges in the country. Don't forget to bring your camera; covered bridges framed by colorful leaves offer the perfect photo op.

Many inns and B&Bs have created customized maps, directing you to scenic routes to relive history inside a covered bridge. While taking your trip through time, why not stop at some of the area antique shops and make it a real trip down memory lane?  A bonus for all of these ideas is the chance to view gorgeous foliage along the way. 
 
Pennsylvania, Vermont and New Hampshire are home to the largest concentration of covered bridges within traveling distance of Boston. Yankee Magazine  says that the drive along Route 100 in Vermont is the most scenic in New England. Here are a few great ideas for B&Bs offering fall season covered bridge tours, great leaf peeping and gorgeous scenery befitting of accolades like the “Best in New England” along the way.  
 
Brooke Mansion Victorian Inn, Birdsboro, PA: Stay in scenic Berks County, in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch community. Tour the area bridges, including Wertz Covered Bridge, the 204-foot long covered bridge said to be Pennsylvania's longest. You'll see century-old barns painted with hex signs intended to bring luck, strength, long life, and happiness. Complimentary maps are provided for both covered bridge and hex sign tours along scenic back roads. 
 
Swiss Woods Bed and Breakfast Inn, Lititz, PA: Maps and detailed directions are provided for a variety of Lancaster County driving tours. Lancaster County is home to 30 covered bridges, dating back to 1875; more covered bridges than any other in the U.S. Have the camera ready to snap shots of Amish buggies en route. 

Old Red Inn and Cottages, North Conway, NH: Drive through nearby Jackson’s kissing bridge and even steal one yourself or visit the Albany Covered Bridge, a fabulous photo opportunity. Be sure to ask for the scenic drive and covered bridge map after starting the day off right with a hearty breakfast.  

Fitch Hill Inn B&B, Hyde Park, VT: Located between Vermont's Lamoille and Franklin counties, the Fitch Hill Inn is close to the highest concentration of covered bridges in New England, including one of the last remaining covered railroad bridges in the U.S., and another, Emily's Bridge, that's said to be haunted! 

West Hill House B&B, Warren, VT: You've hit the bonanza on covered bridges when you stay in the Mad River region of Vermont. From West Hill House, take the thirty mile loop, including six covered bridges, three of which can be seen at the same time - the perfect photo op! The Waitsfield covered bridge, just six miles from the inn, is the oldest covered bridge in continuous use in the state of Vermont. Nearby is the tiniest covered bridge -- about one car length. After a day of touring, return to your fireplaced room, then luxuriate in your private whirlpool tub or steam bath. 

For more information:
Brooke Mansion: Washington Street, Birdsboro, PA, 610-582-9775
Swiss Woods Bed and Breakfast Inn:  500 Blantz Road, Lititz, PA, 800-594-8018.
Old Red Inn and Cottages, White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH 800-338-1356
Fitch Hill Inn, 258 Fitch Hill Road, Hyde Park, VT, 800-639-2903.
West Hill House, 1496 West Hill Road, Warren, 802-496-7162

Yankee interactive foliage map

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