Bragg Hill Road in the Fall

The iconic Bragg Farm in Fayston (October 2010)

The Mad River Valley feels like home to me. I lived in the Valley for more than three years, and I try to visit Waitsfield, Warren and Fayston whenever possible. Between the scenic views, covered bridges, local shops, ski areas and people in the community, the area has a way of making you feel welcome, even after you've been long gone.

One place that is always on my list, especially in the fall, is Bragg Hill Road in Fayston. Located off Route 100, Bragg Hill Road offers sweeping views of Sugarbush Resort's Mount Ellen and the Green Mountains. It's also home to Bragg Farm, an iconic, 48-acre farm recently purchased by the Vermont Land Trust.

If plan to visit Bragg Hill Road, park your car near the farm and take a walk. This is a dirt road best enjoyed on foot.

**If You Go: Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce
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The View from West Hill Road

Barn on West Hill Road (taken in October 2010).

One place I love to visit in the fall is West Hill Road in Lincoln. Every year, I return to see the bright sugar maples, sweeping mountain views and wide open fields.  Of all of the foliage drives in Vermont, this is one of my favorites. 

If you happen to be on Route 116 in Bristol or anywhere in Addison County during foliage season, I highly recommend taking a detour to enjoy this spectacular spot.

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Apple Picking for a Good Cause in Vermont

The leaves are still green, but the apples are ripe.

Even though it's still a couple of weeks before fall foliage is in full swing, apple season in the Green Mountains is underway.  From South Hero to Brattleboro, you'll find several Vermont pick-your-own orchards offering McIntosh, Empire, Gala and many other apple varieties this fall.

We're planning on going apple picking in two weeks with Phoebe as part of Dave's birthday celebration. While we're visiting our local apple orchard, we'll be picking and purchasing an extra bag for our neighbors in need through the Pick for Your Neighbor Program.

The program is a partnership initiative between the Vermont Foodbank, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture and the Vermont Tree Fruit Growers Association. Now in its fourth year, the program made nearly 10,000 apples available to Vermonters in 2011.

A couple of years ago, we spent Dave's birthday at a falconry lesson in Manchester followed by drinks at the Equinox Resort. Apple picking with Phoebe in tow won't be quite the same, but I bet it will be just as fun.

**If You Go: Pick for Your Neighbor Program
A List of Vermont Apple Orchards

Farewell, Summer

Sailboats on Lake Champlain in Burlington.

For the first time in a few years, I was able to relax this summer. My days were definitely busy, but much of my time was sweet and carefree.

Dave, Phoebe and I kicked off the season in Weston over Memorial Day Weekend, and we're wrapping it up with a low-key Labor Day Weekend in Burlington.  Overall, it's been a perfect summer in Vermont.

To sum it all up, here are my top five summer memories of 2012:

1. Taking Phoebe for her first swim in Lake Champlain with Dave and his parents.
2. Driving to the summit of Equinox Mountain in Manchester.
3. Lounging in the grass at The Inn at Weston.
4. Walking along the Stowe Recreation Path.
5. Celebrating my mom's 80th birthday at The Dorset Inn.

Have some summer memories you would like to share? What are some of your favorite moments of summer 2012?