Vermont town overrun with tourists viewing fall foliage

Near the town of Woodstock, Vermont, some residents have said the changing seasons have brought in chaos from influencers and tourists inspired by viral videos of fall foliage.
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[@Smokey7447]

As someone who lives in one of these highly tourist-desirable areas of New England, please keep coming. We love you. Just be respectful of the area and the residents property, is all we ask.

[@Blondie77128]

And you should get what you ask for. Unfortunately respectful behavior doesn’t go hand in hand with influencer intentions and expectations.

[@mikeynoda]

Speak for yourself hahaha

[@1972Ray]

@@Blondie77128 The problem is that tourism in Vermont is a 3 billion a year industry. So a lot is depending on tourists.

[@mainmedic]

How entitled do you have to be to park on a private road, and ask where the bathrooms are?

[@YouCanCallMeReTro]

I'm curious what was making them think that a random residential road was some kind of visitor center. Vermont is a state with beauty everywhere and they just had to go trampling lawns

[@MHOp-hv7ym]

⁠@@YouCanCallMeReTro it’s 💯 influencers and social media. Instagram and other pretty internet photos makes it seem like this spot in particular is some destination… when you go in person, this area is literally a residential street. Albeit with farms and small properties, but residential nonetheless. It’s a small dirt road like 20 minutes outside of a small, rural town. Very much a collision of “internet driven-expectation vs reality.” It’s so sad because I don’t think people come with the intention of being destructive, but they traveled many miles thinking they were going someWHERE, and then discover there really isn’t anywhere to go.

[@ianchu8232]

How entitled you are when you are in New York City and ask to use a bathroom?

[@Smokey7447]

@@ianchu8232 no one asks that in NYC because the whole city is one big toilet

[@carriemiranda130]

It's the same assholes who moved to Florida from up north and littering our beaches!! Take ur trash off the beach along with your trashy ass. No respect to people who have lived here's for decades before all the Covid Transplant garbage moved here.

[@darakristi]

I was just in Woodstock on Monday. A guy was taking photos of a girl posing on someone’s private property. A local walked past and barked at her to get off their lawn. It was glorious to see. 😎

[@tla5591]

Narcissists aka influencers are the worst.

[@dude4173]

‘Influencers’ is another word for ‘manipulators’

[@jenniferd2094]

People need to be respectful.

[@Champagnejunglist]

Morons drive up to northern New England not realizing that northern New England’s quaint charm is part of the fact it isn’t tightly packed with stores and such like NYC which means not a ton of restaurants and bathroom facilities.

[@pauls6677]

People from the NE megalopolis have no concept on how the rest of America lives

[@1972Ray]

I agree, that's why we're swinging thru in the spring on a road trip out of Maryland.

[@FayDougall]

I'm from Canada. Ten years ago we were in Vermont in late October. Our trees were bare while Vermont was vibrant. We never, ever trespassed onto someone else property to take photos. This is rude. Vermont is so vast that there is no reason congregate like that. Do your homework before you go out and consider places like National Parks, lookouts like Equinox Mountain, or historical places like Hildene . There is lots of room to spread out and enjoy the beauty that is Vermont.

[@suzannemurray1705]

Perhaps they’ll understand how Southern Coastal towns feel when they visit during the summer. Be grateful for where you live because when everyone is gone you still are able to enjoy the beauty of your area.

[@josephlink8627]

I totally understand! My parents retired to Lower Waterford, Vermont. The autumn “Leaf Peepers” caused a disruption of their quiet lives!

[@amypetersen1668]

I live close by in Danville. We are at peak foliage right now and tourists are everywhere. Thankfully not on my lawn, but yes this is our busy season. It’s annoying to have all the tourists, but they will clear out soon. Then they will be back for ski season!

[@1972Ray]

It's a 3 billion dollar a year business, so your stuck with it.

[@thekatester2839]

Reminds me of the family guy episode with "leafers".

[@lovelight6973]

😂😂 up until last year I thought that was a joke. I remember that It was funny from Family Guy

[@justjokinntokin5474]

☑️

[@vanessal9931]

Good for them! It sounds like a very welcoming community but there is no excuse to enter someone's personal property without their invitation. Can't fathom the entitlement, but I'm glad the residents were able to find a solution!

[@tbbucsfan954]

Its not just Vermont. The coastal areas of New Hampshire and Maine are a parking lot; the White Mountains are almost a joke with the number of Massholes completely clogging I93, the public parking, the trails overrun with out of state hikers, the trail parking lots overflowing into the roadways. I 93 on a Friday night going north is a parking lot : And of course on Sunday it is the reverse. Try driving on Route 1 in Maine from the border to Acadia. Insane. We find local out of the way places and DO NOT POST IT ON SOCIAL MEDIA. STFA. Today we found a lovely area of marsh and mountain that was in full color. Its located somewhere in the NorthEast.

[@Nosedived]

Traffic was backed up for miles on the Kancamagus this past weekend.. people from all over the US.

[@lovelight6973]

I remember this last year. Some people actually bring changing rooms 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@FGH9G]

"Where's the bathrooms? Where are the food facilities?" Good God, idiot tourist behavior and entitlement never ceases to amaze me. Instagram obsessed "leaf peepers" (the most cringe term imaginable) are just a societal scourge.

[@dude4173]

Reminds me of the term ‘foodie’.

[@MikeCee7]

I bet you if this town wasn’t named “Woodstock”, the people would drive to another town in Vermont. (i.e. any town in Vermont would suffice to see the fall foliage) If you were to say that any random person of certain generations. (or even teenagers today) what do you think of when you think of “Woodstock”, they would think of the 1969 Woodstock festival in upstate New York. (even even though the actual 1969 “Woodstock festival”, was held ~60 miles away, in Bethel, New York)

[@NEKingdom241]

The road they are talking about is actually in Pomfret. Woodstock, VT has always been a tourist town. Old Rockefeller money.

[@lovelight6973]

So for those who are from that area or familiar with it. If I ever did want to visit. We're can you look without being disruptive?

[@MHOp-hv7ym]

@@lovelight6973 I’d say it’s more about timing. If you’re coming on a Friday-Sunday, you’re almost guaranteed a more difficult time than if you can arrange your trip Monday-Thursday. And, New England is really a big place (in its own way 🤪) enough that there is plenty of beauty to go around. I’d be sure to steer clear of anything that’s trending on social media. Towns like Stowe and Woodstock are influencer famous, but there are sooo many wonderful little towns everywhere. Thanks for asking that question!

[@lovelight6973]

@@MHOp-hv7ym oh no problem. Thanks for answering. It was always a goal of mine to go visit the East Coast during fall. Fall is and has always been since I was a little girl my favorite season. And also I want to try some of the shops and the seafood. My mom said it was incredible and very beautiful over there when she went to visit when she was younger.

[@amypetersen1668]

Come to the northeast kingdom area of VT. I live there. We are very small towns, but very beautiful. Not as touristy as Stowe/Woodstock areas. We are at peak right now and it’s gorgeous. Lots of tourists come here but not the influencer types. As long as you stay off private property and stick to public areas you will not get in anyone’s way!

[@SuzanneBlanchard]

There are many places in Vermont that are beautiful at this time of year. The specific spots they are talking about in this story have been photographed - by mostly local professional photographers - for decades. But a combination of social media and everyone in the world having a camera in their pocket 24/7 has meant these locations have been identified and publicized, and that's where the trouble begins ... Honestly there are very few places like this, and most of the state will be happy to have you! No worries ...

[@lovelight6973]

@@amypetersen1668 ok! Sounds great!

[@petiteetoile8376]

No real reason to crush into small towns. New England is big and charming enough that you can see similar sights in multiple places

[@Timotimo101]

I live one town over, in White River Junction.

[@nooronkolisvlogusa361]

I lived in Vermont for 17 years, the whole state becomes colored in late October to November.

[@amypetersen1668]

I think you mean late September/October. I live in VT and we are at peak foliage right now

[@flamesniper126]

@@amypetersen1668where’s the best area to see the foliage without trespassing in private property

[@amypetersen1668]

@@flamesniper126 well choose any number of towns to go to. And then just don’t go into an area that looks like someone’s yard. If you stay driving on the roads and stopping at only scenic overlooks or obviously public places like an apple orchard or pumpkin patch, etc you will be fine

[@nooronkolisvlogusa361]

@@amypetersen1668 this year it's early everywhere.

[@amypetersen1668]

@@nooronkolisvlogusa361 well I’m in the NEK and we always turn this early as we are the earliest area in New England. So every year we change through Sept and are done by most of October

[@jojopuppyfish]

This footage is from a year ago

[@sasha2401]

There's a park where some of the leaves turn purple and pink among the usual colors. I can't remember the name though. Someone help me out.

[@theartframe9596]

is this real news？ Like there are bigger issues at hand

[@H2Goods]

Yeah there are people eating the dogs, they're eating the cats!

[@SierralovesTahoe]

I would start selling my full leaf bags 🍁 or even better- charge people to get the “experience to rake my yard”!

[@cmatuse1971]

Ha! Dressing the part. I live in vermont and notice this wasn't normal attire 😊

[@MHOp-hv7ym]

I love the women in twirly dresses and heels while hiking the White and Green mountains 😂 Good luck with that, influencers!

[@scottmiller-y3b]

I live in Essex off Weed road they have been here as well clogging up weed road whats worse I could not even get of my drive way to work I. Had to call Essex police to come. And there a lot of. Flat bed tow trucks towing cars away

[@HughCorbyCruick]

Hey, I live in NYC my whole life and we have to deal with tourist volume and some bad behavior regularly as well. At least you only have to deal with it for a few months.

[@rebeccatrono3376]

Nope, it's more than a few months. Vermont is a tourist hotspot nearly year-round and our ski industry draws tons of tourists, as does the beautiful summers up here. People are just rude and no one appreciates that.

[@whuwhaaa2]

Hot take, Woodstocks not that pretty. They just did a good job marketing themselves to tourists a few years ago and now its out of control. There are way nicer places to tour in vermont, NH, Western Massachusetts, Updtare NY if you are looking for fall foliage without the crowds. I just feel a little bad because woodstock doesn't really have the infrastructure to handle enormous crowds. Its a pretty small town. Like most places in the northeast, its population is less than 6000.

[@NEKingdom241]

@@whuwhaaa2 A few years ago? Clearly you don't live near Woodstock

[@timothyhicks2791]

I agree! Tourism is needed all year for the small towns, but the level of disrespect needs to stop. I'm glad they closed the roads. The tourists need to know where they can go and not go.

[@AngryVermonter]

Tourism is needed in Vermont because the heavy hand of left-wing government makes it unfriendly to businesses. Good jobs are scarce. We cater to out of state tourists, second homeowners and transplants. Oh yeah, and welfare cases. The beauty of Vermont has become far outweighed by the ugliness of Progressivism. Vermont is gone.

[@carolneumann2860]

The restrooms are generally with gas stations, you know. Circle K Big Apple and such. Also the grocers like Shaws and Hannaford. Unless the town is full of snobs and refused to allow a gas station/ convenience store that’s the best place. People sure are idiots

[@SuzanneBlanchard]

@@carolneumann2860 we don't have Circle K or Big Apple, but you're right: in or near Woodstock, there's Jiffy Mart, Cumbies, Mac's, and Maplefields, just off the top of my head. And there are plenty of other public venues with restrooms.

[@breal7277]

Or, you can charge an entrance fee and make some money. It IS your property after all.

[@NEKingdom241]

The owner's of that property clearly don't need the money. It's a vacation home

[@AngryVermonter]

Private property rights are being watered down at an alarming rate.

[@nathankellogg2640]

I love tourists but this year around has definitely been crazy and for some reason they're super mean.

[@juniormedrano3662]

That’s the U.S for you, there’s a reason why American tourists got booed at Italy.

[@bradbradshaw-i4n]

if vermont doesn't want you come to michigan it's just as pretty.

[@diamondlee9034]

FED UP with hearing that damn word “influencer” & all the BS that goes with it. they should electrify the roads

[@JackMustang]

Nobody wants you to be on their property. Especially if it is a high risk for EMS to not be able to park on someone’s driveway during an emergency. Not sure why people do this stuff. Park on a private property road to get photos of the fall colors in Vermont.

[@raymondtitano3819]

Is Trevor Ault the quarterback from "Daria" all grown up?

[@brianreardon7700]

These damn leaf peepers back up traffic from Hartford ct to Springfield ma on the weekends.. going to Vermont.. all New Yorkers !grrrrrr

[@NEKingdom241]

hahaha! We are full of flatlander's from CT and MA every weekend!

[@jkgannon1049]

This rudeness isn't new here in New England. In October 1986, during my wedding, a group of tourons barged into Old Narragansett Church, a very small 18th century house of worship. As in these vacant people came bodily into the church, made loud comments, began snapping pictures. Had to be asked to leave. Did they not see the priest dressed in his ceremonial robes? A traditionally attired bride? The tiny church filled with appropriately dressed witnesses & guests? I wouldn't have minded had they remained quiet & outside but to overrun a solemn occasion? Most visitors are lovely but there is an amazing percentage that are thoughtless & inconsiderate. *and don't get me started on tourists asking about petting moose. Yes, petting moose *major eyeball roll*

[@TheScottyDoList]

The “selfies”

[@NEKingdom241]

This is last year's news! They started closing the road last year.

[@Leonard_Wilson]

The NIMBYs who are complaining fail to realize that tourism boosts the local economy.

[@NEKingdom241]

🤣

[@AngryVermonter]

Yeah, those service industry workers are really cleaning up in Vermont.

[@marcmaza2821]

Social media photography 😢 I ran into two couples I met on vacation they told me about this!

[@peterbedford2610]

I lived in a heavily touristed are for years... Its mostly a weekend hassle

[@delrayguy399]

If the leaves on the tree are yellow, it’s OK to pee on it at that point.

[@ShadeIsLikely]

Tourists are overrunning Vermont to see the fall foliage. Well, too bad. That’s about all Vermont is good for, if you want to know the truth of the matter.

[@debbieannsmith8962]

Going to Vermont is definitely not on my list of places to travel to. I'd much rather visit San Diego

[@NEKingdom241]

🤣

[@scottmiller-y3b]

Good stay away we don’t need you

[@californiaheartbreak5111]

Influencers, get a real job. Ruining it for the rest of us respectful folk.

[@JimKnight-x8y]

Literally all of New England has great foliage this is so foolish…

[@H2Goods]

As well as many other states in the US. I don't get it.

[@ajvintage9579]

Totally off topic, but how cute is Trevor?😉

[@nayabjut]

👍

[@georgecuster527]

Can we find Trevor a decent coat and shirt . It’s like News from Matt Sweaty .

[@robinhood5529]

Looks like a hallmark plot line.

[@bsr6823]

Of course we need tourists here but be respectful for ffs!!!

[@valdr2286]

Its always the dam influencers. Every dam time

[@austinballard6815]

Could be much worse: at least they're not NY/CT transplants. Yet.

[@NEKingdom241]

ohhh....we've got plenty of those! Especially in towns like Woodstock

[@AngryVermonter]

I don't think it's possible for us to gain any more NY/CT/NJ transplants. They've already bought up all the available homes and Vermont makes it damn near impossible to build more despite a huge need for it. Wouldn't want real Vermonters to have access to affordable housing now, would we?

[@AudiLife1013]

There’s none of that here:)

[@alexblake92]

it's peak this week

[@JohnKExp]

Screw your Instagram egocentric posts.

[@JosephFerreira-vw5yd]

I REALLY despise the whole concept of “influencers.” Social media parasites dredging for clicks for their ad sponsor. Money-grubbing bottom feeders enriching themselves at the expense of the local communities they promote.

[@karlbailey1066]

I’m somebody who lives here in these towns and has lived here his whole life we want you to go home we don’t want you here. We’re sick and tired of you guys clogging up our roads and causing problems.

[@Blondie77128]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@AngryVermonter]

When I was a kid, a lot of Vermonters hated out of staters. I thought that was kind of messed up. Then we got a lot friendlier for some reason and look where we are now. The haters were right. This state is gone. So to the tourists and transplants, be aware: you are unliked and unwelcome.

[@PaulSkuta]

Call someplace paradise and kiss it goodbye.

[@Goouttouchgrass]

Why is this news holy fug

[@DaveyJones1971]

Set up a Lemonade Stand Ha

[@mobius001]

“Just leave your cash at the border”

[@PalmBeachDog]

This is why places want to ban cruise ships. The entitled tourists and their we were here selfies.

[@lovelight6973]

I think the town should ban them in the residential areas.

[@cathysteele2663]

Wish I was there!

[@mariap.5368]

Come to Canada- it’s more beautiful and we are welcoming

[@mentalwrd]

You are all the tourists.

[@aivah07]

TikTok!

[@lilblackfish2009]

they think there photos are so original

[@pianoredux7516]

The big joke here is that Vermont foliage color in the 2020s is nowhere near the level of vibrancy it was 30, 40 years ago. Global warming and climate change have destroyed the release of the once upon a time startlingly brilliant hues that I well remember from my Vermont visits decades ago, and still have photographs of.

[@NEKingdom241]

You have no clue

[@pianoredux7516]

@@NEKingdom241 Climate change deniers TRULY have no clue.

[@NEKingdom241]

@@pianoredux7516 Your visits? I've lived in VT for 62 years. foliage season always varies due to ran, or lack of it, as well as frost for a couple of examples. It's different every year especially in different parts of the state.

[@jesusworksbro4Life]

Jesus loves you and is with you God is for you

[@carolynlindstrom7232]

People that live in sanctuary cities, or live on the southern border have to deal with this every day of the year. Isn’t Burlington, VT a sanctuary city? Maybe they can walk around there.

[@carolynlindstrom7232]

Great comeback🙄You have no idea who I’m voting for. How many migrants have you taken in? These Vermont people are pissed having people walk on their lawn, as I would be too. But these Vermont people were able to raise their own money to block 2 streets. My point is, this is nothing compared to what the people that live in sanctuary cities, and living near the southern border, go through every single day. One big difference is the leaf peepers leave, the migrants stay, and we have to pay for their Food, Medical, Housing, and an iPhone for all of them. Chill out Vermont, it’s not that bad 😇

[@Balanceiskey-nd6el]

My opinion: Cringy ass influencers with 0 respect for private property. Get a real job, and stop promoting social media which is clearly something that people should not be on, given how peoples' social skills suck nowadays.

[@TM-qc5oz]

Yeah you need those bus loads of people so that you can rip them off with over priced shitty airbnbs and family run restaurants that have no idea what good food is. Enough of your hypocrisy.

[@jbar_85]

I can’t stand tourists. Even when I’m one. I try my best to not be “one of those”. Always ruin the calm nature with crowds, obesity, and ignorance.

[@ajabernard6559]

People will complain about anything. Just 4 years ago our worlds changed and we were stuck in the house. I’m glad people are getting outside and enjoying nature. Jesus Christ

[@AngryVermonter]

We were stuck in the house because the government forced that nonsense on us. I'm not going to be grateful that I'm "allowed" to get out and about again. People have a right to be annoying tourists, And us locals have a right to hate them.

[@WyattBuckland-hc6vi]

No No …. we love it says the glorified mall security however we are going to close the roads to the people that come to enjoy it !!

[@sasha28957]

Fall foliage as a tourist attraction? That’s the lamest thing I’ve ever heard. These “tourists” need to get a life

[@white_genocide2050]

You sound like your fun at parties 😂

[@chanceriordan]

You probably live in the desert.

[@sasha28957]

@@chanceriordan Yep, and I know what real tourist attractions look like. They are something you can’t find anywhere else. The leaves change color in the city where I live too, as they do in most places around the world. I don’t see what the big deal is. Even if the colors were more vibrant.

[@glennwilson6249]

First world problem??

[@ianchu8232]

For those people who can drive to Vermont, you can find similar views nearby. Wait two weeks and foliage will come to you. Vermont is way overrated. Jenne Farm is a couple of broken down houses with chipping red paint. The guy said no when I asked for some water for my dog, because it was a long, steep climb up to the decrepit place. A huge disappointment. Let them have their privacy. Oh wait, they do have a sign that says maple syrup for sale. I don't know how much they sell to their neighbors. Those people forgot, people are admiring your place. There is nothing narcissistic about people admiring you. You closing the roads is way more narcissistic. Way more.

[@jonu8864]

Thats so unfortunate he wouldn't attend to all of your dogs needs. Its almost like your dog isnt his problem.

[@ianchu8232]

@@jonu8864 Sure. I didn't say anything. I will never be in Vermont again. My job has nothing to do with Vermont.

[@chanceriordan]

Another stupid entitled New Yorker who thinks the world revolves around them. Stay in NYC where you belong.

[@NEKingdom241]

Why was it a long, steep climb? The road goes right by the house. Did you have to go around the road closed sign on foot? People trespassing and trampling all around the farm is why the road is closed. Back when Jr was alive you would have gotten quite another reception.

[@ianchu8232]

@@NEKingdom241 Do you have any clue what's going on? Do you know the starting point of the road closure? Have you been there?

[@ianchu8232]

Don't visit. It'll be a huge disappointment. The people don't want tourists. They don't like us, and they don't want our money. Instead of investing in parking lots and restrooms, they told their local government to close the roads to most of the popular spots. They want their "privacy". I say, let them have their privacy. We can spend our money elsewhere.

[@Blondie77128]

That’s right, take your arrogant, entitled attitude along with your money and go elsewhere. They don’t NEED your money. That’s what your narcissistic ego fails to comprehend. They don’t need your money and don’t want the trouble and disruption you bring.

[@ianchu8232]

@@Blondie77128 That's what the narcissist locals don't understand. They come to population centers when they need healthcare, transportation, banking, and other things. Should people in the cities close roads when these people come? New York and Boston already have too much traffic, any time of the year. There's nothing narcissistic about going out to the country and admiring the views. There is a lot of narcissism in closing the roads when others want to just take a look.

[@ianchu8232]

For those people who can drive to Vermont, you can find similar views nearby. Wait two weeks and foliage will come to you. Vermont is way overrated. Jenne Farm is a couple of broken down houses with chipping red paint. The guy said no when I asked for some water for my dog, because it was a long, steep climb up to the decrepit place. A huge disappointment. Let them have their privacy. Oh wait, they do have a sign that says maple syrup for sale. I don't know how much they sell to their neighbors.

[@luthen4464]

They closed 2 narrow windy roads with people’s houses on them to stop randos parking on the road and taking pictures of their house, while standing in their yard. Why on earth would anyone who lives in those houses want to build a parking lot for strangers to invade their property? The actual town nearby that has public parking is not closed, the public museums aren’t closed either. Just the area where private citizens live.

[@ianchu8232]

@@luthen4464 They closed way more than two roads. The natural views belong to everyone, not just locals. Monopolizing the views is selfish. Again, New Yorkers didn't close their roads when Vermont locals came.

[@purplesky4763]

They should be happy and greatful that people love vermont in the fall. It helps the economy

[@mikechase2876]

Try having people show up on your back porch in the evening and get pissed at you when you ask them to leave...

[@brianchaplin9085BEC.]

Unfortunately there's always nuts in the crowd 😕

[@FrigginCatsBruh]

Tourists don't get to commit felonies and get away with it lmao

[@carolynlindstrom7232]

@@mikechase2876Is this the leaf peepers in VT, or the migrants in sanctuary cities?

[@richardross9468]

😂😂. What a stupid comment.

[@jorney74]

They should come up with a way to accommodate tourist, parking for example, because tourism fosters economic health… Tourists should also be ushered of local social etiquette to preserve the ambience that’s rustic and laidback… Some tourists get overwhelmed…

[@Blondie77128]

What? Really out of touch comment 🙄 So just because you want someone’s beautiful, peaceful, rural area to be a tourist destination they should accommodate? How freaking narcissistic

[@PalmBeachDog]

Staying home is an option. Especially with AI you can just fake the selfies.

[@NEKingdom241]

Accommodate tourists so they can trample private property? Really? This is why most of VT hates tourists.

[@user-ux8hg8bk3e]

Worry about the migrants/ Illegal Aliens, not the tourists!

[@H2Goods]

Literal 60,000+ known murderers mixed in with millions of Illegals

[@danthecraftman]

tik tok queers lmao

[@muhammadawaisbhatti8991]

I was in New Hampshire few days ago and it was so beautiful. God please keep these trashy influencers away from civilization

[@CoffeeAndHockey]

God influencers are absolutely the worse. Get a life