Back to school season is nearly behind us, so it’s time to start celebrating fall. Luckily for us, fall in Vermont means there’s plenty to do everyday! This weekend, kick off the season with a quintessential fall {family} activity – apple picking! All of our local orchards are harvesting delicious bounties now and with the promise of sun this weekend, it’s a great time to get out and pick your own. Our favorite local spot is Happy Valley Orchard in Middlebury (open daily 9:00-6:00. 217 Quarry Road, Middlebury 802-388-2411). But we just had a great experience at Douglas Orchards & Cider Mill (open daily 8:00-5:00. Rt. 74 W., Shoreham 802-897-5043) and are planning to visit Champlain Orchards this weekend during the Shoreham Apple Fest (open daily 9:00-6:00. 3597 Rt. 74 W., Shoreham 802-897-2777).
Speaking of Shoreham, it’s the place to be Sunday! With all the events taking place there on Sunday, it’s easy to make it a family day out. Start with the Farmall Hill antique farming equipment demonstrations on Doolittle Rd. in the morning, then grab your bikes for Le Tour de Farms at midday (don’t miss the new 2-mile (roundtrip) “Tricycle Route” for families) and finally, round out your day with Applefest back on the Shoreham Green through the afternoon! You’ll find all things apple related at this annual event including apple taste testing, cider pressing, hayrides, children’s activities, and more! Don’t miss the contest that will determine the “Best Apple Pie” in the county, yum!
Our favorite part of this weekend, all the delicious local foods we’ll be sampling!
If you’re head north this weekend, visit the Small Farms Food Festival Shelburne Orchards on Sunday. This traditional fall celebration at the orchard is jam-packed with local farms and food producers. Expect to find a variety of local Vermont musicians, hayrides, a tractor petting zoo, a hay bale maze, face painting, rope making and other crafts for kids. Free if you’re under 6.5 or over 65. Otherwise, it’s $5 per person. The orchard has also requested guests bring a donation of non-perishable food for their local Food Shelves, love that idea!
What are your favorite fall spots in Vermont? Email us suggestions; we’re putting together a fall activity guide and would love to include your favorite family adventures.