We call this the “stick season” here in Vermont. Peak foliage has passed (the leaf peepers have left) but peak powder is still on the way (with the skiers and riders right on its heels), making this month one of the quietest all year. Know what that means? November is an excellent time to visit. You’ll enjoy less expensive lodging rates, fewer crowds, and, depending on your outlook, even better scenic views now that some of the fall leaves have, well, fallen.

And, let’s be honest: Thanksgiving is stressful, whether you’re hosting or visiting. A little pre-holiday pampering is good for the soul. So before you find yourself planning, shopping, cleaning, cooking, and picking up after everyone else, unwind for two whole days, and let someone else host, clean, and cook for you.

Take one deep, cleansing breath, and book one of these stress-free Vermont weekends, just a few hours away from Boston, before the chaos commences.

Rest: Stay at the picturesque Inn on Putney Road. This charming B&B boasts everything you might need for a weekend in, from a large complimentary DVD library (snacks and popcorn will already be in your room!) to an indoor hot tub with a fireplace.

Relax: Visit the Jasmine Day Spa (note: it’s closed on Sundays) for a foot massage or any one of their women’s or men’s treatments. Or take a refreshing vinyasa class at Bhava Yoga Center.

Enjoy: Clink beers at Hermit Thrush Brewery or in the Bier Garten before a dinner at Whetstone Station offering elevated pub fare.

Treat Yourself: Bring a little bit of Vermont back for your holiday table. Choose from the cheese and wine selection at the Brattleboro Specialty Cheese & Wine Shop or pick up some Back Roads Granola for your lighter breakfast post-Turkey-day.

Rest and Relax: Choose The Inn at Ormsby Hill for a romantic B&B experience. Your room will include a jacuzzi tub and a fireplace, with wine glasses and a corkscrew at the ready. You can order an in-room hour-long massage for one or for two.

Enjoy: Drinks and a wine tasting at Honora Winery and Vineyard paired with Vermont artisan cheeses. Then head to Raven’s Den Steakhouse and Taproom for more wine, craft beers and of course, steak.

Treat Yourself: Bring home delicious fudge (and other sweets) from Mother Myrick’s Confectionery. Or stop in at Manchester Woodcraft to scoop up a cutting or serving board for your holiday parties.

Rest: Get comfortable at the relaxing Jackson House Inn where all the one-room suites include a gas fireplace and the multi-course breakfast menu is locally sourced.

Relax: Book yourself a slot at the Spa at Woodstock Inn, offering restorative skin treatments and a whole host of massage options.

Enjoy: Visit the tasting room at the Vermont Spirits Distilling Co. Then head to the eclectic The Prince & The Pauper where the menu is globally inspired.

Treat Yourself: Pick up cheese and maple syrup from Sugarbush Cheese & Maple Farm or a pretty souvenir at Danforth Pewter. For your furry friends back home, be sure to stop at Vermont Animal Cookies.

Rest: Make yourself at home in the historic Inn at Montpelier, a short walk from downtown. Snack on tea and homemade cookies while enjoying a good book from the Inn’s comfortable living room.

Relax: Drop in for an invigorating Vinyasa or Ashtanga yoga class at Grateful Yoga in the heart of downtown.

Enjoy: Try an afternoon of wine tasting at Fresh Tracks Farm Vineyard & Winery, where visitors can choose from an assortment of board games. Then toast with another drink from Beau, a prohibition era bar plus delicatessen before dinner at Kismet.

Treat Yourself: Pick up Vermont maple syrup from Bragg Farm. For countless local foodie provisions and more wine from Fresh Tracks plus North Branch Winery, visit The Hunger Mountain Co-op.

Rest: Stay at the Swift House Inn. Most rooms boast their own jetted tub plus a wood or gas fireplace and an extra sitting area.

Relax: Book yourself a warm stone massage or other spa treatment at the Waterfalls Day Spa, open Saturdays by appointment (note: the spa is closed Sundays).

Enjoy: Savor beer tastings at Otter Creek Brewing, cider tastings at Woodchuck Cider, and then Stonecutter Spirits tasting (mix up that order however you like and grab your favorites to bring home). Fill up on wood-fired pizza at American Flatbread after.

Treat Yourself: Find the perfect cheeses for your holiday cheese board at Champlain Valley Creamery, and the Vermont Soap Company has lovely natural soaps for you and your holiday guests (note: they are closed Sundays).

Rest: Check-in to a spacious suite at The Mount Philo Inn, where you’ll be wowed by panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.

Relax: Take a heated vinyasa flow class at Yoga Roots in nearby Shelburne, offered on both Saturdays and Sundays. Or book a 30 minute to an hour long massage with Vitality Therapeutic Massage in neighboring Hinesburg.

Enjoy: Wind down at a wine tasting at the Charlotte Village Winery. Lincoln Peak Winery and Shelburne Vineyard are also nearby. Then visit The Starry Night Cafe for locally sourced, organic and seasonal dishes.

Treat Yourself: Bring home wines from those local vineyards. Then visit Dakin Farm for a host of Vermont goodies, from maple syrup to smoked hams, turkeys and cheddar cheese. And stop by The Vermont Flannel Company to pick out a cozy flannel for yourself.

Rest: Sleep in in any of the quaint rooms at The Old Stagecoach Inn, a historic B&B with a full (and complimentary!) country breakfast and a roaring fireplace.

Relax: Visit nearby Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa and book one of their spa day packages (for men and women) spanning everything from manicures, pedicures and facials to massages and ayurvedic treatments.

Enjoy: Cheers with pre-dinner drinks at the cozy Cork Wine Bar & Market. Then head over to Hen of the Wood for a dinner you won’t forget.

Treats: Pick up Heady Topper and natural Vermont wines from Cork. And visit the Vermont Liberty Tea Company for teas. Or the Ziemke Glass Blowing Studio to bring home something pretty for your holiday table.