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Vibrant Fall Foliage

Autumn in Vermont

Nature paints the landscape in a breathtaking tapestry of deep crimson, blaze oranges, and bright yellows every fall. As the crisp autumn air sets in, the hills and valleys come alive with the vibrant hues of changing foliage, creating a captivating visual symphony. Scenic drives reveal historic downtowns with leaves crunching under your feet on the sidewalk, while outdoor activities like hiking or apple picking offer an immersive experience amid the stunning autumn scenery. Savoring local flavors against the backdrop of this natural masterpiece rounds out the fall experience in Vermont, making it a time when every corner of the state becomes a canvas of seasonal splendor.

Immerse Yourself

The brisk snap of autumn-scented morning air, the crunch of fallen leaves on the ground under your boots and the sweet tartness of apple cider complement the vibrant array of color surrounding you: This is fall in Vermont during the “peak weeks” in September and October.  

Ways to Get Outside

Paddling, hiking, mountain biking, and exploring rail trails are immersive ways to get outside amid a symphony of fall colors. Farm visits celebrate the harvest season, and nature’s brilliant palette sets the stage for outdoor art.

More than 800 lakes and ponds and more than 7,000 miles of rivers mean Vermont’s waterways intertwine to connect the state’s historic downtowns, state parks, and conserved forest land, offering diverse territory for paddling.

Farm Visits

Visiting a Vermont farm can mean spending a few hours petting farm animals and picking produce, or it can be a more immersive experience. Start planning to visit a Vermont farm.

Outdoor Art

Vermont’s outdoor art showcases how Vermont landscapes and towns not only inspire artists, but also become part of the work and the experience of taking it in. Enjoy the fresh air as you explore public art.

Mountain Biking

Vermont is home to more than 1,400 miles of rocky, rooty, bermy, and flowy mountain biking trails maintained by 29 local chapters throughout the state.

The end of the trail is only the beginning. With hundreds of mountains, five of them with summits higher than 4,000 feet, offer boundless opportunity for hiking Vermont’s rugged terrain and taking in Green Mountain views.

Recreation Paths and Rail Trails 

Vermont’s rail trails and recreation paths are great low-impact ways to explore downtowns, scenic views, and waterfronts. Along the way, there are many opportunities to enjoy a taste of Vermont, from farmstands to farm-to-table dining, breweries to cideries, and more.

Nature’s Beauty Sets the Stage

Fall Events

Signature events bring people together to celebrate fall in Vermont. From harvest-season festivals that fuse the bounty of farm and field to country fairs that honor the Green Mountains’ agricultural heritage with local food, livestock events, and a jam-packed midway, Vermont’s fall calendar is stacked.

Vermont State Parks

As the foliage bursts into a kaleidoscope of warm hues, Vermont’s 55 state parks, open year-round, become havens for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike along colorful trails or paddle through the foliage’s reflection on wide-open lakes. Vermont state parks provide a scenic playground where every corner unveils the splendor of the season.  

Best Time to See Peak Foliage Colors

Wondering when to time your trip? Here is our best advice for seeing peak foliage colors based on factors like weather, location within the state, and forest density.

Foliage Forecaster

This map’s animation is a good approximation of how Vermont’s fall foliage typically unfolds over the course of a handful of weeks between mid-September and late October.

Scenic Drives

Byways and back roads are some of the best ways to explore the state, meandering through historic downtowns and inviting stops at general stores, farmstands, scenic vantage points, and more.

Scott Farm Orchard

Scott Farm Orchard, located in Dummerston, offers access to apple varieties that could easily have been lost to time.

Sign Up for the Fall Foliage Report

Be among the first to know where fall color is peaking in Vermont and plan your visit as conditions develop. Sign up for the weekly fall foliage report, landing in your inbox for the weeks between mid-September and mid-October.

Official Resources

FREE VACATION GUIDE

Northeast Kingdom

Visitor information centers - vermont statewide.

Vermont's welcome centers have always been more than a place to get information about lodging , dining , attractions , children's activities , outdoor fun, historic sites, and more. They are a destination unto themselves. Staffed by a tourism professionals, information centers, have pay phones, restrooms, displays of Vermont history, nature, and products, free WiFi, picnic tables, dog walking areas – even a hitching post for horses – plus coffee and hot chocolate, vending machines, soda bars, local arts and crafts, displays from local businesses and the billboards you won’t find on Vermont highways. Kids can play safe on the grounds while mom and dad enjoy some quiet time. Stop in for a break and some New England hospitality. - View Our VT State Map NOTE: VisitNewEngland.com is an internet-only publisher. We do not have printed guides or maps to distribute. We do have a handy mapping app tho - Check out the VNE VisitWidget!

Capitol Region Visitors Center

134 State Street Montpelier, VT, 05602 Phone: 802-828-5981

Williston Information Centers

Interstate 89 North and South - Between Exits 11 and 12 Williston, VT, 05495 Phone: 802-879-2350

Fair Haven Welcome Center

1356 Prospect Street - Route 4 East Fair Haven, VT, 05743 Phone: 802-265-4763

Bennington Welcome Center

100 VT Route 279 Bennington, VT, 05201 Phone: 802-447-2456

Stop here and find the best in Vermont

Bradford Information Center

Interstate 91 North and South - just north of Exit 16 Bradford, VT, 05033 Phone: 802-222-5029

Go Stowe Visitor Information Center

51 Main Street Stowe, VT, 05672 Phone: 802-253-7321

Guilford Welcome Center

Interstate 91 Northbound at mile marker 5.6 (before Exit 1) Guilford, VT, 05301 Phone: 802-258-4503

Georgia Information Centers

I-89 North and South - Between Exits 18 and 19 Georgia, VT, 05478 Phone: 802-527-4053

Killington Welcome Center

2319 US Route 4 Killington, VT, 05751 Phone: 802-773-4181

Waterford Welcome Center

I-93 Northbound at Mile Marker 1 Waterford, VT, 05819 Phone: 802-751-0472

Randolph Southbound Information Center

Interstate 89 Southbound - between Exits 5 and 4 Randolph, VT, 05060 Phone: 802-728-7074

Sharon Welcome Center

I-89 Northbound - Between Exits 1 and 2 Sharon, VT, 05065 Phone: 802-281-5216

Alburgh Welcome Center

680 North Main Street - Route 2 West Alburgh, VT, 05440 Phone: 802-796-3980

Hartford Welcome Center

Interstate 91 South at Mile Marker 68.2 Hartford, VT, 05047 Phone: 802-296-2397

Lyndonville Information Center

I-91 Southbound - Between Exits 25 and 24 Lyndonville, VT, 05851 Phone: 802-626-9669

Burlington International Airport Information Center

at Burlington International Airport - 1200 Airport Drive Burlington, VT, 05043 Phone: 802-863-1889

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Hiking Trails

The stunning landscapes of Southern Vermont are renowned, and hiking along its numerous trails stands out as one of the finest ways to savor them.

Biking in Southern Vermont

Whether you are looking for the adrenaline of downhill mountain biking, the challenge of cross country climbs, or a relaxing pedal through town we’ve got you covered.

Chamber of Commerce Membership

Membership in the Chamber of Commerce is an affordable way to harness the power of close to 300 local businesses to help yours succeed.

Where Vermonting Begins

Explore the allure of a New England escape as you journey to the serene Deerfield Valley in Southern Vermont. Experience genuine warmth and hospitality, relish the laid-back atmosphere, and delve into an array of outdoor pursuits, all framed by the majestic beauty of the Green Mountains.

Vermont Blueberry Festival

July 26th, 2024 - august 4th, 2024, independence day celebration & fireworks display, july 5th, 2024, annual chamber golf tournament at mount snow golf course, june 17th, 2024, featured businesses.

Deerfield Valley Real Estate

Farmhouse Market

Richman Business Brokers and Insurance LLC

Scenic Views in the Deerfield Valley

Biking in the Deerfield Valley

Svdv chamber of commerce.

Welcome to Vermont

Your group tour planning resource.

Vermont Tourism Network is your planning resource, and we look forward to welcoming you to Vermont. Whether updating existing itineraries or helping to create new ones, we’ve got you covered. Explore Vermont’s diverse attractions, lodging, and dining experiences and create unforgettable experiences for your groups. Let us help you discover the best of Vermont. 

Featured Destinations

Each region in Vermont offers distinct experiences. There is always a new side of Vermont for your group to discover.

Attractions

Arts and heritage, classes and guided tours, food and drink, planning tools.

Connect with local experts to customize an itinerary or find signature experiences. Local experts offer intimate knowledge of unique experiences and destinations, which will ensure that your group has a memorable experience.  

Planning Resources

Receptive services, request information.

Group Tour Manual

Vermont Tourism Network is your resource for planning group and motorcoach tours to Vermont.  The Group Tour Manual offers: 

• A map with featured group tour destinations to assist with itinerary planning and routing. 
• Trip ideas and inspiration for new or existing itineraries. 
• Featured destination listings and group tour information. 

Matador Original Series

5 Scenic Backroads to Explore in Vermont This Summer

F orget the interstate. The backroads of Vermont offer travelers 360º views, centuries-old history, and a beautiful way to slow down. In valleys flanked by Green Mountain summits, dirt lanes wind past meadows lit by fireflies on summer evenings. Two-lane roads link country stores to village centers where white-steepled churches preside.

Between your destinations, wherever they may be, you’ll find farm-to-table dining, artist galleries, Civil War history, family-run farms, mountainside hiking trails, and clear-water swimming holes. Here are some of the state’s finest backroads — and their detour-worthy stops — that invite the kind of leisurely discovery only possible in a place like Vermont.

Backroad #1: Lincoln Gap Road

Photo: Dawn Mikkelsen /Shutterstock

Go for: Mountain scenery and picture-perfect villages

Vermont’s highest drive links the Mad River and Champlain valleys by way of the 2,428-foot-high Lincoln Gap, a pass hemmed by peaks that turn jungle-lush in summer. It’s a wild ride: At one point on the eastern side of the 7.6-mile route, you’ll be driving at a 24% grade. In 2008, Bicycling magazine recognized this as the steepest paved mile in the US.

Start on the Mad River side in the village of Warren, where the old-fashioned Warren Store stocks everything from maple syrup to handmade toys. On warm afternoons, cool off in nearby Warren Falls, a stone staircase of natural pools and a beloved swimming hole.

From there, the Lincoln Gap Road winds upward as summits close in. At the top of the pass, blue-blazed trees mark an intersection with the 272-mile Long Trail, which traverses the Green Mountains along the entire length of Vermont. That’s where the pavement ends, too. Turning to dirt for 2 miles or so, the road descends before coming to an end just to the south of the tiny hamlet of Lincoln.

But don’t stop here — continue driving northwest on East River Road and then River Road toward Bristol Falls and historic Bristol’s browsable Main Street . Park the car and stroll over to Farmhouse Chocolates for some of their organic, handmade candies to celebrate the journey.

Backroad #2: Pleasant Valley Road

Photo: Felix Lipov /Shutterstock

Go for: Craft brews and big views

This scenic route between Underhill and Cambridge is just 10 miles long, but unmatched views of Mount Mansfield (the state’s highest peak) make it one of Vermont’s prettiest drives.

Start your day in Underhill, fueling up with a baked good from Poorhouse Pies , known for everything from classic Vermont apple pie to veggie-packed quiche. From here, head east on River Road, which turns into Pleasant Valley Road just after the Underhill Center Post Office. As the pavement swings north, keep an eye out for the view of Mansfield to the northeast. The best place to photograph the 4,395-foot mountain is from Valley Dream Farm in Cambridge, whose seasonal farm stand stocks vegetables and flowers fresh from adjacent fields.

From here, make a quick detour to the Cambridge Village Market to replenish your road trip supplies, then pick up Route 15 and take it east. Stop for a circa-1872 photo session at Jeffersonville’s Grist Mill Covered Bridge before continuing toward the college town of Johnson. Stretch those legs and nab a Vermont keepsake or two at Johnson Woolen Mills or the Johnson location of The Vermont Flannel Company .

End with a cheers in one of nearby Morristown’s cluster of craft breweries, choosing from Rock Art Brewery , the new Soulmate Brewing Company , or Lost Nation Brewing , whose salty-tart gose is a summertime favorite.

Backroad #3: Route 30 (Brattleboro to Manchester)

Photo: John Couture /Shutterstock

Go for: Pick-your-own orchards and historic architecture

The West River defines the meandering course of much of this 47-mile, two-lane highway between Brattleboro and Manchester , which ticks past a series of historic towns. Start in quirky, artsy Brattleboro, where you can wander rotating exhibits at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center , located in a former railroad depot. Families should also make time to stop at the kid-friendly forest playground and storybook walk at Retreat Farm .

Detour from Route 30 to Dummerston to fill up on fruit at Scott Farm Orchard , known for cultivating more than 130 varieties of heirloom apples. Author Rudyard Kipling used to live on this property, and his exquisite 1892 home — known as Naulakha — is now a National Historic Landmark. (And, believe it or not, a vacation rental.)

Continue to tiny Newfane to see a compact town square flanked by rather grandiose Greek Revival architecture. Break for a lunch of casual tavern food at the Four Columns Inn , where backyard flower beds lead to a forest-edged stream. Then sit back and enjoy the riverside drive to Manchester, which has served as a chic country getaway since before the Civil War. You’ll find that legacy on display at Hildene , the former hillside estate of Robert Todd Lincoln (son of the 16th President), as well as the American Museum of Fly Fishing .

Backroad #4: Kelley Stand Road

Photo: Jonathan A. Mauer /Shutterstock

Go for: Art, literature, and outdoor activities

Delving through the heart of Green Mountain National Forest, Kelley Stand Road offers access to abundant outdoor adventure on the way from East Arlington to the mountain town of Stratton. It also provides a dose of Vermont culture if you begin at the nearby Bennington Museum , where the Bennington Modernism Gallery showcases midcentury creatives like Paul Feeley and Helen Frankenthaler. Just up the road in Shaftsbury is the Robert Frost Stone House Museum , a picturesque homestead where the poet lived and wrote amid the apple trees.

Trade pavement for dirt when you follow Kelley Stand Road out of East Arlington, with the chance to hike, swim, or canoe at Grout Pond Recreation Area. Once you arrive in Stratton, hop on the Stratton Gondola to the summit of southern Vermont’s highest peak for expansive forest views. Or just raise a glass to the hills — the convivial Fire Tower Restaurant & Tavern is named for the iconic wooden structure sitting on top of the ski mountain.

Note: If you’re visiting later in the year, Kelley Stand Road makes for a rewarding foliage drive (the autumn views from the Stratton Gondola in particular are outstanding). In winter, the road isn’t maintained for vehicle traffic — however, you could still take in the scenery by snowmobile, snowshoe, or cross-country ski, if you’re so inclined!

Backroad #5: Mack Mountain Road

Photo: Snehit Photo /Shutterstock

Go for: Maple syrup, mazes, and a shrine to beloved dogs

Lovely Mack Mountain Road provides the perfect excuse to make the journey up to Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom , where small towns are gathering spots for a largely rural population. Start with lunch at the community-owned Peacham Café , rubbing shoulders with local farmers and creatives. From here, the tree-lined Mack Mountain Road leads northwest towards Route 2 and Goodrich’s Maple Farm — make a pitstop at the gift shop for syrup made from the forest around you.

Head east on 2 to Joe’s Pond and the century-old Hastings Store . At the counter, join in on the tradition and place $1 bets on the exact date and time the pond ice will break up in the next year’s spring thaw for a chance to win some cash. Note: Come harvest season, nearby farm fields transform into the Great Vermont Corn Maze, the largest in New England.

A final stop in St. Johnsbury takes in a surprising trove of artwork. The 1871 town library, called the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum , is home to magnificent 18th- and 19th-century paintings, including towering canvases from the Hudson River School movement. Quirkier pieces abound at nearby Dog Chapel at Dog Mountain , artist Stephen Huneck’s touching shrine to visitors’ dearly departed canine friends.

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Vermont Tourism Research Center

Tourism in vermont, agritourism.

• Agritourism Gatherings
• Agritourism Research
• Agritourism Survey Results
• Northern Forest Research
• Recreation and Trail Use

Related Resources

Find research and events to strengthen Vermont's tourism industry, profiles of visitors to Vermont, and the latest economic impact data.

Photo: VT Dept. of Tourism & Marketing

VTRC offers resources for farmers and agricultural service providers, agritourism "how-to" guides, economic benefit studies, and links to agritourism associations.

Mountain biking, snowmobiling, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing. Learn about research and events to promote recreation and manage trail use.

VTRC provides research and resources to support recreation and community development in the Northern Forest of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York.

The Vermont Tourism Research Center (VTRC) is the only research center in the state focusing on tourism and recreation. Whether you are starting a new business, considering expanding, researching the latest trends, or simply interested in learning more about tourism and recreation, we can help.

Vermont Vacation Planning

• Vermont Vacation and Travel Resources

UVM Collaborators

• UVM Extension
• Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
• Center for Rural Studies

Tourism is an important driver of Vermont's economy. VTRC offers research and outreach to help businesses, communities, and others make informed decisions about tourism development.

VTRC provides resources and research for farmers and agricultural service providers. Find agritourism "how-to" guides, economic benefit studies and listings of state and region-wide agritourism associations.

Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor recreation in Vermont contributes to the economy, influences local communities, and impacts the natural environment. Learn more from research findings, reports, and fact sheets to help communities and businesses make informed decisions about tourism development.

• A Proven Track Record
• Hospitality
• Member Login

The Vermont visitor economy has a $3 billion annual economic impact and employs 11.5% of the Vermont workforce. You’re invited to join tourism and hospitality industry leaders at the State House to engage with legislators and raise awareness of the collective contributions of these industries to the Vermont economy.

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Vermont State House, 115 State St, Montpelier, VT 05633

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

8:00 – 9:00 Coffee with Governor Scott

• Location: Governor’s Ceremonial Office, Vermont State House (2nd floor)

9:00 – 11:00 Joint Hearing on the Visitor Economy

• Location: Pavilion Building Auditorium – Room 267 (109 State St.) 
• Amy Spear, Vice President of Tourism, Vermont Chamber of Commerce
• Heather Pelham, Commissioner, Department of Tourism and Marketing
• Andy Stenger, Director of Facilities and Resort Services, Jay Peak Resort
• Jon Milne, Owner, Neshobe Golf Club
• Susanna Gellert, Executive Director, Weston Theater Company – Invited
• Tino Rutanhira, Co-Executive Director, Vermont Professionals of Color – Invited
• Matt Wilson, Co-Founder, Zero Gravity – Invited
• Stefano Coppola, Owner, Pearl St. Pizza/Morse Block Deli
• Cara Tobin, Chef/Owner, Honey Road and Grey Jay
• Hans van Wees, General Manager, Hotel Vermont
• Molly Mahar, President, Ski Vermont
• [NOTE: It is about a 3-5 minute walk from the State House to the Pavilion. We recommend arriving early to allow time for parking or the walk from the State House.]

11:00 – 1:00 Lunch with Legislators

• Location: Cafeteria, Vermont State House (2nd floor)
• See resources below on how to schedule time with your legislator. 

12:40 – 1:00 Press Conference 

• Location: Cedar Creek Room, Vermont State House

1:00 – House Resolution Reading 

• Location: House Chamber, Vermont State House
• Please sit in the second-floor balcony

4:00 – 6:00 Specialty Food & Beverage Legislative Tasting

• Location: State House Cafeteria
• The Vermont Specialty Food Association tasting is one of the most highly anticipated event for legislators each year and a chance for producers to highlight the importance of grants and funding for their industry. Learn more . 

Additional details coming soon.

State House Floor Maps

ADVOCACY PLATFORM

In 2024, we are committed to advocating for a stronger Vermont visitor economy through strategic initiatives to bolster business success and contribute to the vitality and resiliency of our state. By focusing on key pillars of opportunity, we can work together to help foster a thriving visitor economy in Vermont.

A robust visitor economy requires a skilled workforce. We will focus on initiatives that meet the demand for workforce recruitment and retention through training and educational opportunities.

To ensure a resilient visitor economy, we will advocate for recovery programs to address unmet economic injury needs caused by natural disasters. We will also support proactive mitigation strategies to reduce downtown and revenue loss in the aftermath of future disasters.

To meet the need for 80,000 new units of housing by 2035, it will require a coordinated approach that addresses all facets of the issue while supporting efforts that are already underway. We will advocate for Act 250 modernization, updated land use regulations, and investment in middle-income housing solutions.

Have a question about participating in Tourism Economy Day at the State House? Before you arrive, check out the answers to this list of frequently asked questions:

Events are taking place throughout the day and you are welcome to attend any, or all, of them. We especially encourage you to attend the hearing and the reception with legislators to ensure the full force of the industry is represented.

Tourism Economy Day at the State House is packed with options for partners to participate.

• Attend the Joint Hearing – Support industry leaders who will be testifying before the House Commerce and Community Development Committee and Senate Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs Committee.
• Attend House and/or Senate Floor Sessions – Gallery seating is available in the chamber of the House of Representatives and Senate. 
• Visit Your Legislators – Partners are encouraged to connect and schedule meetings with your local legislators throughout the day. Please see “How do I schedule time with my legislators?” below for more information.

There is on-street metered parking within the Capitol District. Paid parking is also available throughout downtown Montpelier, just a few blocks away.

Parking spaces near the State House tend to fill up early in the day. Free parking is offered in a nearby lot at the Vermont Department of Labor ( 5 Green Mountain Drive ). Service between Department of Labor Park and Ride and the Capitol District is available via  MyRide by GMT  (GMT strongly recommends pre booking your ride via the MyRide by GMT app (The  MyRide by GMT  app is available for download at the  Apple Store  and  Google Play Store ) or by calling 802-540-2468). For more information visit  Green Mountain Transit .

• Find the legislative districts you are located in  here , if needed.
• Contact your legislators’ offices by email or phone to let them know that you will be attending Tourism Economy Day on April 11, 2024 and would like to meet with them during lunch or the reception.
• Having trouble finding their contact information? Contact the Sergeant at Arms’ office at 802-828-2228 or [email protected].

If you have any questions about the event, please email Amy Spear, Vice President of Tourism, at [email protected] . 

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP

751 Granger Road Berlin, Vermont 05641

(802) 223-3443 [email protected]

• THINGS TO DO
• Outdoor Recreation
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• Art & Culture
• Trip Ideas & Itineraries

• PLACES TO VISIT
• Vermont Regions
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• VERMONT SEASONS

• PLAN YOUR VISIT
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Plan Your Visit

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Northeast kingdom chamber of commerce.

Vermont's most beautiful and undisturbed region

78 Matty House Circle Lyndon Center, VT

Leunig's Bistro

The panache of Paris in the center of downtown Burlington

115 Church St. Burlington, VT

Smith Maple Crest Farm

Experience the difference. Enjoy the authentic. Relax in comfort.

2450 Lincoln Hill Rd. Shrewsbury, VT

Sarducci's Restaurant

3 Main St. Montpelier, VT

Snowflake Chocolates

A visit must for chocolate enthusiasts

81A VT Rte. 15 Jericho, VT

Vermont Stage

Vermont's home for professional contemporary theater.

241 N. Winooski Ave. Burlington, VT

Mountain Top Resort

Enjoy the secluded and idyllic Vermont vacation destination.

195 Mountain Top Rd. Chittenden, VT

Birds of Vermont Museum

Where natural history meets art.

900 Sherman Hollow Rd. Huntington, VT

VINS Nature Center - Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Experience nature like never before.

149 Natures Way Quechee, VT

Align Inn Vermont

Become the best form of yourself.

5817 Woodstock Rd. Quechee, VT

Also Nearby

Mom reunited with kids after husband arrested in Turks and Caicos for ammunition

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (Gray News) - An Oklahoma mom had an emotional reunion with her two kids Tuesday, but one family member was missing.

Valerie Watson has spent more than a week out of the country. She and her husband Ryan were held in Turks and Caicos after bullets were inadvertently left in their luggage after a hunting trip.

It’s a serious offense on those islands, with a minimum prison sentence of 12 years. Officials released Valerie Watson on Monday but locked up her husband.

“We know that God’s still working, and he’s working through us,” Valerie Watson said.

“I’ve been thinking about this moment for a while,” she said of being reunited with her kids. “I didn’t know when it was going to happen. I was prepared to also be arrested yesterday.”

The Watsons have some help in their fight. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt sent a letter to government officials in Turks and Caicos on April 16. He calls Watson “an avid outdoorsman,” arguing the ammunition was “an inadvertent oversight, not an intentional attempt to break the law. "

The office of Sen. Markwayne Mullin said they’ve been in touch with the family and are doing everything they can to help.

Valerie Watson said she’s been anticipating embracing her children.

“I don’t even have words to describe it. Just getting to hold them again, it just filled my momma heart. It made me so happy. It just gives me a lot of comfort to know that I get to be here with them now. But my wife heart is still breaking because Ryan’s not with me,” she said.

Valerie Watson said that there’s still work to be done to get her family back together.

“Routine has never sounded better, but I know our life is different. And our goal is to get Ryan home because we can’t be a family without Dad,” she said.

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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