
Hotels Sold Out? There Is Still a Great Option in the Northeast Kingdom
Fall foliage season in Vermont fills up fast. If you have been searching for a place to stay during peak leaf-peeping season and finding nothing but sold-out hotels, you are not alone. The Northeast Kingdom is one of the most spectacular fall destinations in New England, and accommodations go quickly – especially on the weekends in late September and early October.
If you are looking for a Vermont fall foliage Airbnb alternative that offers the personal touch of a private stay without the uncertainty of booking through a third-party platform, Journey’s Salon & Guest House in North Troy, VT is worth a close look.
What Makes Journey’s a Great Airbnb Alternative
Journey’s Salon & Guest House at 316 N Pleasant St, North Troy, VT 05859 is an independently owned and operated guest house with three private rooms: the Bob Room, the Pixie Room, and the Beehive Room. Each room has a queen bed and a comfortable sitting area, and guests have access to shared common spaces including a kitchen, dining room, living area, and reading nook.
Unlike a typical hotel, Journey’s has the feel of staying in a thoughtfully kept private home. And unlike booking through Airbnb or a similar platform, you are dealing directly with the owner. Julie is a longtime local with deep roots in the North Troy area and a genuine love of hosting. No app, no platform fees, no mystery about what you are walking into.
Clean, friendly pets are welcome too, which is another reason leaf-peeping families and outdoor adventurers tend to choose Journey’s over a standard hotel stay.
North Troy, VT Is Peak Fall Foliage Territory
The Northeast Kingdom earns its nickname every autumn. The hills around North Troy light up in amber, gold, and deep red from late September through mid-October, and the back roads through Orleans County offer some of the most unhurried, uncrowded leaf-peeping driving in the state.
Journey’s is perfectly positioned for exploring all of it. Drive the scenic routes toward Jay Peak, hike the surrounding trails for elevated views of the canopy, or simply sit on the porch and let the season come to you. North Troy is the kind of place where fall actually feels like fall: quiet, colorful, and completely unhurried.
Pair Your Stay With a Salon Visit
One of the more unexpected perks of staying at Journey’s Salon & Guest House is the on-site salon. Julie Marckres has been cutting hair for over 40 years and specializes in a scissor-over-comb technique that delivers clean, precise results. If your trip involves a long weekend in the outdoors, there is something to be said for coming home with a fresh cut alongside fall memories.
Schedule a salon appointment alongside your room reservation and make the most of your time in North Troy.
Book Direct and Skip the Platform
When hotels in the Northeast Kingdom sell out (and during fall foliage season, they will), Journey’s Salon & Guest House is a Vermont fall foliage Airbnb alternative that is worth booking early. Reach out directly to schedule a reservation and secure your dates before the season peaks.
Journey’s Salon & Guest House is located at 316 N Pleasant St, North Troy, VT 05859. Schedule a reservation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Journey's Salon & Guest House a good Airbnb alternative for fall foliage in Vermont?
Yes. Journey’s is an independently owned guest house in North Troy, VT that offers private rooms, shared common spaces, and a welcoming, home-like atmosphere. It is a great option for travelers looking for a personal stay during Vermont fall foliage season without booking through a third-party platform.
When do hotels sell out during Vermont fall foliage season?
Peak foliage in the Northeast Kingdom typically runs from late September through mid-October. Hotels and popular lodging options in the region tend to fill up weeks in advance during this window, especially on weekends. Booking early at Journey’s Guest House helps you secure your dates.
Are pets allowed at Journey's Salon & Guest House?
Yes. Clean, friendly four-legged guests are welcome at Journey’s, which makes it a great fall foliage lodging option for travelers bringing their pets along for the trip.












