15 Must-Do Fall Activities in Vermont

Every season presents an ideal opportunity for a visit to Vermont. Beyond the winter sports of skiing and snowboarding, outdoor enthusiasts can engage in hiking, biking, and fishing during the warmer months. Throughout the year, Vermont boasts a vibrant cultural landscape, featuring performing arts, museums, and galleries.

As a pioneer of the locavore movement, Vermont is recognized as a prominent culinary destination. Farmers and chefs in the Green Mountain State take pride in producing a range of specialty foods, including meat, cheese, ice cream, chocolates, wine, and spirits, crafting farm-to-table meals that rival the best across the United States.

You could dedicate an entire week to enjoying scenic drives around the state, absorbing stunning views of bridges, lakes, and state parks. Should you explore all the towns and cities in Vermont, you might find yourself welcomed into the 251 Club, an organization that celebrates all of Vermont’s 251 municipalities.

Here are the most noteworthy activities to experience in Vermont this fall, which may inspire your upcoming adventure.

1. Visit Shelburne Farms

Situated on the shores of Lake Champlain, Shelburne Farms stands out as one of the most enchanting locations in Vermont. Originally the country estate of railroad magnate William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb, this 1400-acre working farm now welcomes visitors.

Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2001, the site features a grass-based dairy of Brown Swiss cows that produce the farm’s award-winning cheddar cheese, along with an organic garden market, and engages in maple sugaring and lumber operations.

Guests are encouraged to explore the Farm Barn, which houses animals, a bakery, and a cheesemaking facility, as well as the Coach Barn, primarily used for events and gatherings. Numerous picturesque walking trails meander through the property and lead to the water’s edge.

Planning tip: Guests can stay and dine at The Inn, once the summer residence of William and Lila, now a 24-room hotel, operating from May through October.

2. Learn about Vermont’s role in the Underground Railroad

Situated in Ferrisburg, the Rokeby Museum is classified as a National Historic Landmark. Four generations of the Robinson family inhabited and worked on this 90-acre Merino sheep farm for over two centuries.

In their role as abolitionists, the Robinson family offered refuge in the 1830s to two formerly enslaved individuals seeking freedom. The museum’s exhibit titled “Free and Safe” highlights Vermont’s participation in the Underground Railroad.

The historic farmstead comprises nine outbuildings, the original family residence, and hiking paths, all situated on 90 acres of land.

Planning tip: The museum is accessible from mid-May through late October.

3. Watch out for “Whales Tails”

While driving along Interstate 89, be vigilant for “Whales Tails” located between exits 12 and 13. Shaped from 36 tons of African black granite, the sculpture formally referred to as Reverence is easily noticeable. Visitors can approach the two 13-foot-high tails via a 1.3-mile walking path in South Burlington’s Technology Park. During the holiday season, the tails are illuminated with festive lights.

But why do these outdoor sculptures portray whale tails in a land-locked state? The Champlain Valley of Vermont was once submerged underwater and part of the Champlain Sea, an extension of the ocean. Evidence of prior whale inhabitants came to light with the discovery of a fossilized beluga whale in the town of Charlotte in 1849.

4. Sample a creemee

What many refer to as soft-serve ice cream elsewhere is known as a creemee in Vermont. Slightly creamier than traditional hard ice cream, this delightful treat is available in classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla, though the favorite is maple. In fact, there exists a Maple Creemee Trail dedicated to discovering the best spots for this unique treat throughout the state.

Creemees can be enjoyed at snack shacks, roadside stands, and convenience stores; they are all commendable. However, some of the finest options are offered at Little Gordo in Burlington, the Village Creeme Stand in Bristol, and the Creemee Stand in Wilmington.

Local tip: For exceptionally creative creemees, visit Canteen Creemee Company in Waitsfield and order the Bad Larry, a towering cone of maple adorned with maple crystals and topped with maple cotton candy.

5. Roll up your sleeves at Billings Farm

Inaugurated in 1871, Billings Farm is renowned as one of the oldest registered Jersey dairy farms in the nation. Visitors can immerse themselves in authentic rural farm life at this still-operational farm. Besides Jersey cows, the farm is home to draft horses, steers, oxen, sheep, pigs, chickens, and goats.

This outdoor history museum features 200 acres to visit, encouraging guests to set aside half a day to explore the educational exhibits, the barn, and the 1890 Farm Manager’s House. The Dairy Bar is an excellent location to indulge in ice cream, cider donuts, and hot apple cider in the autumn.

6. Stroll in the middle of a lake

It is uncommon to find a location where one can walk into the middle of a lake, yet in Vermont, the Colchester Causeway allows exploration of just that. Constructed from white marble sourced from Rutland quarries, this former railroad bed has transformed into a 10-foot-wide gravel path providing some of the state’s most picturesque vistas.

The section of the Island Line Trail linking Colchester to South Hero is excellent for biking or walking. Approximately two-thirds of the way along, a 200-foot cut permits boat passage, including the Island Line Trail Bike Ferry, enabling pedestrians and cyclists to cross and continue on to South Hero.

7. Buy local produce at weekly farmers markets

Once a simple venue for purchasing local produce, farmers markets have evolved into vibrant social events. In addition to offering fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses, and baked goods, they have become community hubs for gathering, dining, and shopping.

With nearly 85 weekly farmers markets spread across Vermont, those who appreciate farm-to-table offerings can meander through open-air markets while sampling some of the finest culinary treats Vermont has to offer. It provides a valuable chance to connect with numerous farmers dedicated to cultivating local produce.

Planning tip: The Waitsfield Farmers Market, Craftsbury Farmers Market, and Burlington Farmers Market rank among the state’s largest and most frequented markets.

8. Sing in the hills at the Trapp Family Lodge

The hills of Stowe resonate with melodies of the past. Over 70 years ago, Georg and Maria von Trapp discovered Vermont and made it their residence. Currently, the Trapp Family Lodge serves as an Austrian-style hotel adorned with family photographs and memorabilia. Commence your visit with a 90-minute historical tour to uncover the actual narrative of the von Trapp family, which notably diverges from the portrayal in The Sound of Music.

Throughout the years, the resort has expanded to include a beer hall, a brewery, and a coffeehouse featuring freshly baked Austrian pastries. The property also offers miles of trails suitable for mountain biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Planning tip: In autumn, the lodge celebrates Oktoberfest, and during winter, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the picturesque pastures.

9. Stop by a Vermont general store

Numerous historic general stores continue to thrive in Vermont. Located in town centers, they serve as convenient places to procure provisions while also fostering community connections. The esteemed Warren Store ranks among the most notable, housed in a structure dating back to 1839, with shelves stocked full of local products and Vermont specialty foods.

This store provides a wonderful space to browse for souvenirs, offering maple syrup, hot sauce, cheeses, jams, jellies, craft beer, home goods, and fashion accessories.

Planning tip: Savor sandwiches from the deli while enjoying the view from the deck overlooking the Mad River.

10. Explore ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Positioned just steps from Burlington’s waterfront, ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is dedicated to promoting understanding of Lake Champlain’s ecosystem, its animal inhabitants, and plant life.

This science museum resembles an aquarium, allowing exploration of a life-sized recreation of a famous shipwreck, learning about numerous other wrecks in Lake Champlain and contemplating whether the Legend of Champ is myth or reality.

Visitors can experience over 100 interactive exhibits, in addition to observing 70 different fish, reptile, and amphibian species, including snapping turtles, black rattlesnakes, and pumpkinseed fish.

11. Drink up Vermont’s craft beer scene

While Vermont is not credited as the birthplace of craft beer, it has been producing high-quality home-brewed pints for an extended period. When Vermont Pub and Brewery commenced operations in Burlington in 1988, it ignited a brewing movement within the state.

The number of brewpubs, microbreweries, and craft brewers has expanded to over 60, equating to approximately 11.5 breweries per resident, showcasing an abundance of beer in a relatively small state.

The challenge lies in sampling them all during your visit. While establishments like Magic Hat and Heady Topper are synonymous with Vermont craft beer, many smaller breweries merit your attention. A wonderful way to navigate this experience is by embarking on a craft brew tour, enabling you to leave the driving to an expert.

12. Discover Vermont’s islands

Although Vermont is recognized for its mountainous landscape, it also hosts an archipelago of islands within Lake Champlain that merit exploration. Due to their primarily flat terrain, these islands are ideal for cycling. They are home to multiple state parks, such as Grand Isle and Knight Point, making Lake Champlain a superb location for camping with waterfront scenery.

To access the islands, cross over from the mainland via Route 2 and pause in South Hero at Allenholm Farm, Vermont’s oldest commercial orchard, featuring a petting paddock, maple creemees, and a farm store. Following your visit, consider dropping by Snow Farm Vineyard and reserving dinner at Blue Paddle Bistro.

Proceeding further north, visit Hero’s Welcome, a historic general store known for delicious sandwiches and picnic spots overlooking the lake. This locale also offers ice skating opportunities during winter months. Consider accommodations at North Hero House or arrange a boat tour around the islands.

Planning tip: Prior to crossing into Canada, set aside time for a visit to Alburgh Dunes State Park, one of Vermont’s most significant beaches.

13. Hit the slopes at Vermont’s Ski and Snowboard Museum

Recognized for producing numerous Olympic-level skiers and snowboarders, Vermont hosts a museum dedicated to the history of these sports. The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum located in Stowe boasts a collection exceeding 8000 items, including countless pairs of skis, snowboards, bindings, and machinery used in ski operations such as snowmaking and racing.

The exhibits convey the rich history of skiing and snowboarding, featuring legends of the sports, slopeside fashion trends over the years, and the evolution of these pastimes.

14. Sample some maple syrup

Something quintessentially “made in Vermont” is maple syrup. With over 1500 sugarhouses operating in the state, Vermont produces approximately 2 million gallons of syrup annually. If you intend to visit Vermont during the spring season, ensure you experience a visit to a sugarmaker.

Most sugarhouses open their doors to the public in March and early April, coinciding with the warming temperatures and sap flow. They are happy to educate visitors on the syrup-making process, discuss the various grades, and provide tastings.

Additionally, many sugarhouses offer “Sugar on Snow,” a delightful treat made by drizzling hot syrup over packed snow, creating a taffy-like consistency often enjoyed with a donut and dill pickle.

15. Tour the Lincoln family’s summer home

A visit to Hildene, the summer residence of Abraham Lincoln’s only son who reached adulthood, is highly recommended. This property in Manchester offers extensive exploration opportunities. Robert Todd Lincoln, the Pullman Company president, and his wife, Mary, constructed their family estate around the turn of the century.

The estate remained within the Lincoln family until 1975, when Abraham Lincoln’s great-granddaughter, Peggy Lincoln Beckwith, passed away.

Today, the property features an 8000-square-foot family mansion along with 14 historic buildings. Guided tours are available for the mansion, carriage barn, a 1903 Pullman car, goat dairy, and a cheese-making facility for chevre.

Planning tip: If you have a fondness for peonies, visit during late spring or early summer when thousands of these aromatic flowers bloom in the formal garden.

This article was initially published on Sep 13, 2021, with updates completed on Sep 27, 2023.