Vermont, in the northeast of the United States, is a favorite destination of 'leaf peepers' who visit areas to view the changing color of autumn leaves. 

Each year from late September to early November, out-of-state travelers usually flock to enjoy Vermont's stunning fall foliage, but this year it is much quieter. 

Would-be travelers have been put off by the prospect of COVID risks and quarantines. 

And a large share of leaf peepers are older, with greater health risks. 

Fall color in Vermont usually pulls in about $280M in tourism revenue in October alone, about one-tenth of the year-round total, according to the Department of Tourism and Marketing. 

This year that is expected to be much lower, though tourism is slowly picking up. 

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