re: Vermont in the fall?

Lived in Vermont in the latter-half of high school (several years back) and my parents stuck around until 2015.

I think you're better staying in Burlington and driving to places like Stowe, Middlebury, etc.

Burlington is the quintessential college town. Lines Lake Champlain with terrific views of the Adirondacks. One of the best sunsets you will see. To the east is Mt. Mansfield and Camels Hump. If in Burlington, take a stroll up Church Street. Many college towns have that "pedestrian mall" and this is it. Hen of the Wood is my favorite restaurant, though I would recommend the Waterbury (formerly home to Alchemist) location. There are many bars that line Church Street. I can't pick one that I would take over another, but Ake's Place is where I would go when coming home from college. Walk around the University of Vermont's campus. It's pretty terrific. If November, see if you can catch a Catamounts basketball game. Pretty good mid-major program.

ETA: Although fall is technically in November, it won't look like it, especially in the mountains.