It’s peak fall in Vermont, and despite several weeks left until the official start of winter, there are still plenty of ways to take advantage of the seasonit. Whether your interests lie in getting off campus and taking a drive somewhere new with friends or going on a short walk into town, there’s something for everyone during this classic New England season.
If you are looking to make some quintessential fall dishes with local ingredients, look no further than nearby the many apple orchards nearby, such as Happy Valley Orchard in Middlebury Sunrise and Windfall Orchards in Cornwall or Champlain Orchards in Shoreham.
Many orchards offer a “U-Pick” model, allowing visitors to explore the property, taste the produce and pick their favorite types of apples. Orchards also typically sell other produce grown on-site, including fruits like pears and plums, andor vegetables such as lettuce and tomatoes. As a tribute to the fall season, many orchards also sell apple-themed treats such as apple cider, apple cider donuts or even apple butter. Before heading out to pick applesapple pick, visitors should check that their chosen orchards isare open, as many orchards’whose seasons often wind down around Halloween.
Additionally, hiking offers a great way to explore Vermont beyond the town of Middlebury and see beautiful scenery from different angles. Middlebury is close to a variety of different hiking spots, including Mount Abraham, Camel’s Hump and Snake Mountain. The Middlebury Mountain Club offers weekly, student-run trips to those locations and more.
If you are interested in hikes that are walkable from campus, the Trail Around Middlebury (TAM) is extremely convenient. Operated by the Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT) and home to 18 miles of hiking trails, the TAM includes a variety of routes, ranging from less than one mile to almost five — or you could tackle the entire 18!
MALT hosts a variety of different fall activities, including an upcoming Full Moon Hike in partnership with Vermont Land Trust at Salisbury Mills Preserve on Oct. 24 at 5:30 p.m. Participants will take an approximately half-mile walk along the preserve underneath the moon, whilest learning about nocturnal creatures and experiencing the trail after the sun goes down — with headlamps of course.
For those interested in exploring the outdoors at a different pace, the Middlebury Maple Run, which attracts local residents, students, and visitors, will take place on Sunday, Oct. 18. The event offers Offering running distances of five kilometers, ten kilometers, and a half marathon (13.1 miles) providing, there are a variety of options suited for everyone. No matter which option participants register for, runners are guaranteed beautiful views of Middlebury, including parts of the TAM, the Weybridge farmlands and the Green Mountains. Top finishers will receive complimentary Vermont maple syrup.
While it may seem far away now, Halloween is fast approaching. The town will host the annual Spooktacular on Oct. 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., complete with the Main Street Trick-or-Treating parade led by the iconic Spooktacular Witch. Candy will be handed out along the parade route, which will travel up Main Street from the Middlebury Green to Canon Park, passing by Merchant’s Row and in Triangle Park. A photo booth will also be available for attendees to show off their costumes.
Fall in Middlebury will still be going strong after Halloween, with First Fridays returning in November. Presented by Experience Middlebury, businesses in town such as Vermont Cookie Love, The Vermont Book Shop and Adagio Chocolates will keep their doors open late, inviting community members to shop later than normally. Next month’s First Friday is Nov. 6 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
This past weekend, as the College hosted its Homecoming, visitors flocked to the Middlebury Snowbowl. Its artisan market featured over 40 local vendors selling items ranging from handmade accessories to locally produced maple syrup. Visitors also had the opportunity to get on the Snowbowl’s ski lift a few weeks early and take part in its Fall Foliage Rides, giving participants a spectacular view of the Green Mountains.
Nina Murphy ’29.5 and Chloe Work ‘29.5 spent their Saturday morning at the Snowbowl and remarked on the natural beauty Vermont has to offer.
“Looking at the leaves is definitely one of my favorite parts of fall here,” Work said. “I loved getting to view them from the top of the mountain and see all of the different shades!”
“I like how much time people spend outside with each other during the fall,” Murphy added. “Middlebury seems much more busy with people working and existing outdoors, and I’m so happy that we live here!”
Phoebe Adler '29.5 (she/her) is a Local Editor.
Phoebe is a Sophomore Feb intending to double major in Political Science and French. She previously served as a contributing writer, working for the Local and Arts & Culture sections. She is from New York City and spent her Febmester as an intern in the New York City Council. When she's not in the newsroom, you can listen to her as a DJ on WRMC or find her grabbing an Iced Chai from Crossroads.
