The leaves are turning red and we are all pulling out our cozy sweaters from storage. That’s right, it’s officially Fall! While many folks seem to favor Summer or Winter in Vermont, Fall has plenty to offer up its patrons as well. Across the state, there are a slew of annual events and activities that are only available this time of year. We’ll dive into everything you should put on your calendar to get the most out of each cool day as we wind into the Winter.
Classic Fall Activities
When it comes to activities available every Fall in Vermont, you’ll want to start with the wonderful Farmer’s Markets. Available in towns and municipalities across the state, it’s the perfect way to spend a brisk Saturday morning. Most farmer’s markets start in the Summer and come to a close around the end of October. Folks who are local, or visiting for the weekend, should all make the trip into the city for the Burlington Farmers Market. You can indulge in plenty of delicious snacks; the market offers everything from croissants and baked goods to delectable samosas. There is truly something for everyone at this city staple. In most Chittenden County and surrounding towns, you’ll find Saturday markets to check out. If you want to attend a farmer’s market well into the fall, head to the Champlain Islands. Music, food, and views, this market has everything you could want. They specifically do a Harvest Fest in October, as well as events well into December.
Additional go-to fall activities include apple or pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hayrides, and anything Halloween-themed. These are staples across New England for Fall, but in my humble opinion, Vermont has the best of the best. If apple picking is at the top of your list, there are plenty of scenic spots to choose from. My first choice for apples is Shelburne Orchards. Not only can you spend the afternoon picking delicious assortments of apples, Shelburne Orchards additionally offers cider, donuts, and even has Brandy for sale! It's the perfect way to dive into Fall. There are plenty of other sites to choose from, including Adams Apple Orchard and Farm Market in Williston, Burtt’s Apple Orchard in Cabot, and Chapin Orchard in Essex.
If this year is all about the pumpkin for you, there are several noteworthy patches to check out. In Williston, Whitcomb’s Land of Pumpkins lives up to the name. They stay open from September through the end of October, giving you ample time to check it out. Not only does Whitcomb’s offer a huge pumpkin selection, but they also have a corn maze you can get lost in all afternoon. If you don’t mind a drive, another spot offering up both pumpkins and a corn maze is Hathaway Farm in Rutland. You can also take a trip around the farm in the newly added Wagon Train! If you’re looking for a challenging afternoon across 24 acres, head over to the Great Vermont Cornmaze in Danville. This corn maze has become a staple for most Vermonters once Fall rolls around. Come prepared both physically and mentally, since this cornfield is situated on a hill, with bridges and stairs throughout the paths. There is a one stop shop in Colchester that offers all of the above as well as Harvest Festival weekends, Sam Mazza’s. They have everything: hayrides, pumpkin picking, homemade cider donuts, bakeries, greenhouses, and not one, but two corn mazes!
Events
Various events are happening across the state in the Fall of 2021. Keep your weekends free this October, as there are a great deal of exciting activities. The Fall Foliage Festival in the Northeast Kingdom kicks off this weekend and festivities are lasting all week. A noteworthy one to keep a look out for is the Autumn on the Green event in Danville this Saturday, October 3. It’s a free event that will host a plethora of crafters, local businesses, artisans, and more! If you’re a beer enthusiast, there’s no need to travel overseas for Oktoberfest, VT offers mountain top fun from Stratton to Mount Snow. Both events take place on October 9. You can spend the day enjoying food, drink, music, and jubilation. If this time of year is the season of antiquing for you, the Annual Fall Craft Show and Antique Expo in Essex should be on the top of your list. Find the unique or vintage items you didn’t even realize your home was missing! There is plenty of time to attend this expo, lasting from October 22-24.
It wouldn’t be right to talk about October without bringing up the main event: Halloween! Enjoy the spooky season the right way, with a haunted house. Nightmare Vermont in Essex Junction is sure to send a chill up your spine. This terrifying time is a volunteer-based, charity event running through late October. Showtimes go through the 22-23 and 28-30. If you're looking for a more family-friendly activity, the Tricks and Treats Magic Show in South Burlington is the answer! You can take in a show while enjoying your sweet treats, costumes are of course encouraged.
Our Amazing Fall Event!
It’s not too late to get in on the fun of our team’s fun fall event! This Sunday, October 3rd from 1-4 pm, we’ll be having a wonderful pumpkin picking event at Isham Family Farm in Williston. Enjoy 2 complimentary pumpkins, free hayrides when you grab a voucher from our booth, and yummy treats! The farmer’s market will have plenty of additional mouth-watering fall delicacies to choose from as well. RSVP by October 1 for this fun-filled day at www.polliproperties.com/events/.
Send us photos of your favorite fall pastime and we’ll feature you on our Facebook page! If all this Vermont activity seems too good to pass up, and you're in the market to move to the Green Mountain State, reach out to our amazing buyer’s agent: Jamie@polliproperties.com!