Vermont Perspectives and Travel and Vacation Events in October

Photo of fall, in East Topsham, VT. (photo by Andre Jenny at Vermont Vacation.com)

The good folks at VermontVacation.com tell us that its beautiful state is featuring many interesting fall events in October, ranging from fall foliage festivals to Halloween extravaganzas. More about those events, after a brief personal perspective of fall in Vermont and a favorite Vermont village...

There's nothing quite like a Vermont autumn event with its colorful leaves, a chill in in the air, a gentle feeling radiating from its Green Mountains, and the community spirit of people convening at farms, village greens and historic buildings. Add a nice glass of apple cider, some fresh Vermont cheddar cheese and you've got the perfect New England vacation.

My personal favorite Vermont town is Weston, a charming little village nestled in a valley within the Green Mountains. The entire village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features a splendid village green with gazebo, beautiful homes, a few old inns, and some interesting local shops including the famous Vermont Country Store -- selling virtually everything except the kitchen sink within a charming, quintessential New England country store setting that seems to go on forever. You could easily spend a few hours at the Vermont Country Store. The Bryant House restaurant is a real gem for dining, featuring some truly amazing maple smoked ham, and Vermont cheddar cheese within a delightfully renovated downtown 1827 Colonial farmhouse. After experiencing the special, trip-back-in--time feeling of Weston, you may want to stay here, forever! Weston is as authentic as Vermont gets and shows little sign of becoming generic -- something some other New England tourist towns have become. Weston will have its Annual Weston Antiques Show in early October -- see lisiting below in this article!

Without further delay, here are some events, courtesy of VermontVacation.com, that will surely provide instant memories of your impending Vermont vacation, including events in eclectic Brattleboro, the classic Vermont small towns of Brandon and Weston and Woodstock, and the spectacular Mt. Mansfield setting of Stowe:

Fall Foliage Festival
Northeast Kingdom – October 1-5, 2008
Vermont villages invite visitors to celebrate rural life against a spectacular backdrop of orange, red and yellow leaves. The towns of Plainfield, Peacham, Barnet, Groton and St. Johnsbury each host the festival for a day, in that order. For more information, visit www.nekchamber.com.

Weston Antiques Show
Weston – October 3-5, 2008
Featuring renowned dealers from across the United States, with American and English furniture, accessories, Americana, folk art, silver, samplers, paintings, oriental rugs, jewelry and more. Hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission $7. Weston Playhouse, Route 100. For more information, visit www.westonantiquesshow.org.

Pumpkin & Apple Celebration
Woodstock – October 4-5, 2008
Enjoy hands-on activities, educational programs, tastings, races, apple pressing, and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Billings Farm & Museum, Route 12, Woodstock. For more information, visit www.billingsfarm.org.

Brattleboro Literary Festival
Brattleboro – October 3-5, 2008
The 7th Annual Brattleboro Literary Festival is an annual three-day celebration of the literary arts. The festival will feature readings, panel discussions and special events that showcase emerging and established authors including former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, National Book Award winner M.T. Anderson, NPR book commentator Alan Cheuse, language and lexicography icon Ilan Stavans, National Book Critics Circle Award winner Anne Fadiman and Newbery award winning author Susan Cooper. Held at various locations in downtown Brattleboro. For more information, visit www.brattleboroliteraryfestival.org.

Brandon’s Harvestfest
Brandon – October 4, 2008
Enjoying making “Harvest People” (scarecrows, stick figures, leaf people) at this fun event, which also includes hayrides, pumpkins, a church bazaar and apple pie festival. Organizers supply you with all materials, accessories and instruction on how to make your own “Harvest Person.” Your first Harvest Person creation is free of charge, after that each one costs $5 to make. 10 a.m. Central Park, Brandon. Supplies are limited. For more information, visit www.brandon.org.

Autumn on the Green
Danville – October 5, 2008
Held on the first Sunday in October, Autumn on the Green is an award-winning showcase of more than 100 artisans, crafters and cottage industries amidst the spectacular views and color of autumn. The event includes demonstrations, live music, food and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Held at the Village Green and Town Hall. For more information, visit www.autumnonthegreen.com.

Foliage Art & Craft Festival
Manchester – October 3-5, 2008
The 16th Annual Hildene Fall Art & Craft Festival features 200 booths showcasing art, crafts and specialty foods at scenic Hildene’s Meadow. Enjoy fresh food and live entertainment, and this year’s new Vermont Beer, Cheese and Sausage Tent. River Road. For more information, visit www.craftproducers.com.

Dead Creek Wildlife Day
Addison – October 4, 2008
Dead Creek Wildlife Day offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and other activities such as a bird banding demonstration, nature walks, soap carving, atlatl and Native American hunting artifacts, and more. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area, Route 17 west. For more information, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

Eleventh Annual Mount Zion Hike
Hubbardton – October 5, 2008
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Hubbardton Battlefield and the colors of autumn. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, and bring water. Meet at the Visitor Center. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site, Hubbardton. For more information, visit www.historicvermont.org.

Weston Craft Show
Weston – October 10-12, 2008
The Weston Craft Show is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Enjoy imaginative displays of fine art and craftsmanship with a gourmet lunch in the beautiful Weston Playhouse surrounded by glorious fall colors – a show within a show not to be missed. Route 100. For more information, visit www.westoncraftshow.com.

Stowe Foliage Arts Festival
Stowe – October 10-12, 2008
The 26th annual event is widely known as a festive marketplace. In addition to the juried Fine Art and Craft exhibitors, the ambiance is fueled by diverse and delicious food fare, live entertainment, and an amazing array of kids’ activities. For more information, visit www.craftproducers.com.

Ludlow 24th Annual Harvest Craft Fair
Ludlow – October 11, 2008
More than 40 juried crafters provide an early start for holiday gift shopping. Enjoy a variety of folk art, homemade jams and jellies, jewelry, children’s games and pumpkin painting. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Black River High School Gymnasium, Main Street. For more information, visit www.yourplaceinvermont.com.

South Hero Applefest & Craft Show
South Hero – October 11-12, 2008
Vermont’s largest apple festival includes free entertainment, music, flea market, cider pressing contest, crafts, petting zoo and plenty of apples. South Street. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.champlainislands.com.

Annual Vermont Apple Festival & Craft Show
Springfield – October 11-12, 2008
The Vermont Apple Festival & Craft Show is a celebration of the fall harvest, with over 50 crafters, live entertainment, agriculture and activities for the whole family, and, of course, apples. Wellwood Orchards is once again the official Vermont Apple Festival Orchard. They'll have bushels of red, juicy, ripe apples plus plump pumpkins, sweet cider and other delectable items of the harvest. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Riverside Middle School, Route 11. For more information, visit www.vtapplefestival.com.

Art in the Park Fall Foliage Festival
Rutland – October 11-12, 2008
Vermont’s oldest continuing arts tradition. Celebrating its 47th year, a treasure for the exhibitor and the attendee. The setting is an outdoor park with a gazebo in the center that is used by musicians in inclement weather, and by attendees enjoying the atmosphere. There is something for everyone with free children’s activities, musical entertainment, daily door prizes and grand prize drawings, food concessions, demonstrations, and high quality arts and crafts. Main Street Park. For more information, visit www.chaffeeartcenter.org.

Oktoberfest/Annual Harvest Art & Craft Show
West Dover – October 11-12, 2008
Enjoy Mount Snow’s Annual Oktoberfest celebration, complete with authentic German music from the Oberleander Hofbrau Band, German food and beer, fun games and activities for all ages. Inside the Main Base Lodge, artisans and crafters from across New England showcase fine watercolor paintings, woodwork, fleece, photography, fudge, salsa, kids’ crafts and more. For more information, visit www.mountsnow.com.

19th Century Apple and Harvest Festival
Strafford – October 12, 2008
Press cider in an antique press, taste heirloom apple varieties, meet John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed), make a scarecrow, sample cider, play period games, tour the new Education Center and the replanted orchard. Vermont grown apples, apple treats and pumpkins from the garden, heirloom flower bulbs, and our fresh pressed cider will be on sale. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Justin Morrill State Historic Site, Strafford. For more information, visit www.historicvermont.org.

Dummerston Apple Pie Festival
Dummerston – October 12, 2008
For more than 40 years, the Dummerston Apple Pie Festival has been held on the Sunday of Columbus Day Weekend, the peak of colorful autumn foliage in Southern Vermont. A full 1,500 apple pies are made by many church members and friends. People from all over the United States travel to Dummerston to take part in the festivities. Dummerston Congregational Church, 1535 Middle Road. For more information, call 802-254-9158 or e-mail janart54@sover.net.

Haunted Forest
Williston – October 16-18, 24-25, 2008
What is the Haunted Forest like? The Haunted Forest features outdoor community theater set amidst the magic and enchantment of a dark forest. A pair of mysterious guides will lead guests through the Haunted Forest. The flickering faces of more than 1,000 jack-o’lanterns light the dark trails. Throughout their passage, visitors encounter strange and hilarious characters in a variety of Halloween-theme scenes. For details, visit www.thehauntedforest.org.

Cabot Apple Pie Festival
Cabot – October 18, 2008
This ninth annual event will feature pie judging, music, crafts, pumpkin carving, children’s activities, silent auction, food and pies for sale. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cabot School Gym, Main Street and Common Road (Route 215). For details, call 802-563-3396 or visit http://nek4u.net/cabothistory/ApplePie.html.

Annual Pumpkin Carving Festival
Manchester – October 18, 2008
Manchester created a Guinness World Record and the town is out to beat last year’s record of 214 pumpkins carved in one place at the same time. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Orvis Flagship Store, Route 7A in Manchester. Following the daytime event there will be a Harvest Dinner event at the Equinox Valley Nursery in Manchester beginning at 6 p.m. Enjoy wagon rides and an exploration of the corn maze. Music, local food and fun, family activities will be the highlights of this evening event. For details about reserving a space at the Harvest Dinner, please call 802-362-6313. For general information, visit www.manchestervermont.net.

Pumpkins in the Park
Vergennes – October 18, 2008
A fun family event featuring pumpkin contests for all ages. Awards will be given for various age groups as well as families and adults. Bring a carved and/or decorated pumpkin as well as a candle to Vergennes City Park by 6:45 p.m. The event begins at 7 p.m. Cider and donuts available. For more information, visit www.midvermont.com or call 802-388-7951.

3rd Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge
Bennington – October 25, 2008
This is Bennington’s third attempt to attain the Guinness Book of World Records title for the most jack-o-lanterns displayed in one place. Pumpkins must be carved and candled by 5:30 p.m. A parade will start at 4 p.m. in the Banknorth parking lot. Main Street will be aglow. For more information, visit www.bennington.com.

Gilfeather Turnip Festival
Wardsboro – October 25, 2008
The 6th Annual Gilfeather Turnip Festival celebrates the Gilfeather turnip, first propagated in Wardsboro in the early 1900s by John Gilfeather. The festival features live music, entertainment, Gilfeather turnip soup, turnip tastings, Gilfeather turnip cookbooks, crafts and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wardsboro Town Hall and vicinity. For more information, visit www.friendsofwardsborolibrary.org.

1st Annual Middlebury Spooktacular
Middlebury – October 25, 2008
The Middlebury Business Association is sponsoring a trick or treat costume parade down Main Street's sidewalks, followed by a pumpkin display on the town green. Prizes awarded for best pumpkins and costumes in several age categories. 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Rain date is October 26. For more information, contact Donna Donahue at ddonahue@nationalbankmiddlebury.com or 802-388-4982.

Haunted Happenings
Shelburne – October 26, 2008
Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, games and more at Shelburne Museum’s annual Halloween extravaganza. Enjoy nonstop activities at 20 buildings on the museum grounds. Haunted house and scary obstacle course, too! 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.shelburnemuseum.org.

Visit VermontVacation.com for more interesting events and attractions in Vermont.