In Living Color: Fall Activities in Vermont

The month of October keeps me pretty busy. When I have free time, I do my best to spend it outdoors either taking photos, hiking, apple picking or going to foliage festivals.

Some October events that are definitely worth the trip include the Weston Antiques Show, Stowe Foliage Arts Festival, Manchester Pumpkin Carving Festival and the Gilfeather Turnip Festival in Wardsboro.

Apple picking is also a highlight of the fall season, and the apple crop is incredible this year. If you don't already have a favorite place to go apple picking in Vermont, try Mad Tom Orchard in East Dorset, Mendon Mountain Orchards in Mendon, or Shelburne Orchards in Shelburne.

As an alternative to driving around in your car to look at leaves, try soaking up amazing views at a higher altitude. Take the gondola at Stratton, ride the single chair at Mad River Glen, Zip-line down the mountain at Bromley and Sugarbush, play a round of golf at Jay Peak, or go mountain biking at Killington.

Good thing October has 31 days.

Scenic Roads in Vermont

Just about every road in Vermont is scenic, especially in the fall. Popular routes during foliage season include Route 100, which runs along the spine of the Green Mountains, Route 73 from Rochester to Brandon, Route 9 between Brattleboro and Bennington, and Route 22A between Fair Haven and Vergennes.

For me the best roads are unpaved routes where you can walk, bike or explore without seeing another car for miles. Here are my top picks:

Danby/Mount Tabor-Landgrove Road
Closed in the winter, the Danby Mount Tabor-Landgrove Road runs through the Green Mountain National Forest in southern Vermont. This road is one of the best kept secrets in Vermont. Take this road in the summer and fall and you'll find plenty of opportunities to picnic and hike along the way. From Weston, take the Landgrove-Weston Road and turn left on Little Michigan Road to the Danby/Mount Tabor-Landgrove Road.

Darling Hill Road
This is one of the most scenic residential roads I have ever seen (I was lucky enough to live on Darling Hill Road in the 1990s). Darling Hill Road connects Lyndonville and East Burke, two communities in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. About half-way down the road, you'll see views to the northwest of Lake Willoughby and views to the east of Burke Mountain. From Route 5, head north on Route 114 and take your first left onto Darling Hill Road.

Photography in the Fall

One of my favorite things to do in the fall is to get outdoors with my camera. On a late autumn afternoon when the sky is bright blue, you really can't go wrong. I am happy taking photos just about anywhere in Vermont, especially Warren (above), Landgrove, Underhill, South Hero and Weston.

I am not a professional photographer, and I'm always looking to improve my photos. Even if I'm really pleased with an image, I can always find something I could have done to make it better. But the best part is just being out there with my camera, exploring the landscape.

Check out this article on Yankee Magazine's website about taking photos during foliage.

Vermont Fall Festivals and Fairs

Autumn in Vermont is glorious. The air turns crisp and the landscape is bright with beautiful fall foliage. Fall festivals take place just about every weekend in September and October. Here are a few highlights:

Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival
Wilmington – Sept. 25-27, 2009
The Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Life Magazine present this culinary festival, now in its second year. Enjoy chef cooking demonstrations, wine and food tastings, live music, craft vendors, cheesemakers, art exhibits and more. Friday 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.TheVermontFestival.com.

Peru Fair
Peru – Sept. 26, 2009
Join more than 100 vendors at the 28th annual Peru Fair. The event includes the fair’s famous pig roast, as well as local artisans, farmers, crafters, live music, food, hay rides, a parade, children’s activities and more. Parking available at Bromley Mountain. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair will be held in Peru Village, located off Route 11. For details, visit www.manchestervermont.net.

Vermont Fine Furniture & Woodworking Festival
Woodstock – Sept. 26-27, 2009
Vermont’s Fine Furniture & Woodworking Festival showcases Vermont artists-in-wood and their commitment to keeping traditional skills and crafts alive. Browse the displays, make purchases, chat with woodworkers, or see them at work carving, turning, and crafting their wares. For more information, visit www.vermontwoodfestival.org.

The Old Fashioned Harvest Market
Underhill – September 26-27, 2009
The Old Fashioned Harvest Market, started in 1975, is a family community event that attracts more than 10,000 visitors each year. The event features crafts, hay rides, flea market, a silent auction, parade, cider, baked goods, jams, pizza, cotton candy and much more. Route 15. For more information, visit www.unitedchurchofunderhill.com/Activities/HarvestMarket.

Fall Foliage Festival
Northeast Kingdom– Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 2009
Seven Vermont villages invite visitors to celebrate rural life against a spectacular backdrop of orange, red and yellow leaves. Seven unique festivals take place in seven towns over seven different days. The villages of St. Johnsbury, Walden, Cabot, Plainfield, Peacham, Barnet and Groton each host the festival for a day, in that order. For more information, visit www.nekchamber.com.

Another Colorful Foliage Season on the Horizon

Vermont state foresters are predicting a strong foliage season with plenty of great color. Perhaps all of that rain we had over the summer will bring us some brightness after all. Definitely looking forward to seeing the leaves turn in a couple of weeks.