This November, Coldwell Banker Islands Realty is collecting non-perishable food and personal items for The Champlain Islands Food Shelf to help families and individuals in need across Grand Isle County. 

Popular items to donate:

• Hearty soups, stews, chili, & tuna
• Canned & boxed meals
• Low-sugar cereals
• Peanut butter & jelly
• Condiments: mayo, ketchup, mustard
• Cake & cookie mixes
• Personal items: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, dish soap, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, diapers

 

Drop-off location & hours:
📍Coldwell Banker Islands Realty
38 Community Lane, South Hero, VT (between the library & health center)
🕘 Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM

Thank you for helping make a difference this season!

 

About The Champlain Islands Food Shelf

The Champlain Islands Food Shelf is located in the basement of St. Joseph's Church at 185 US-2 in Grand Isle. Food distribution is on Wednesdays from 2 pm - 5:30 pm. Learn more about CIFS.

 

 

The Northwest Vermont housing market continued to shift in September 2025, with growing inventory and a decline in prices suggesting a more balanced environment for buyers and sellers. The median sales price for single-family homes in Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Franklin counties settled at $500,000, down 11.5% from August, while active inventory climbed to 420 homes, a 4% monthly increase. Homes are still selling quickly, with a median of 11 days on market, and sellers are receiving an average of 99.1% of their list price. With 232 new listings entering the market, buyers have more opportunities to find the right home, and sellers should stay informed as conditions evolve. Contact us today to learn how these market trends impact your home’s value or your next purchase in Northwest Vermont.

As autumn paints northwest Vermont in vibrant hues, there’s no better way to enjoy the season than on the trails. From gentle lakeside walks to challenging mountain summits, the Burlington area offers hikes for every skill level. Whether you’re a local or visiting, these trails showcase Vermont’s natural beauty, crisp fall air, and the active lifestyle that defines the region.

 

1. Mount Philo State Park – Charlotte, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~ 30 minutes (18 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Description: A 1.9-mile round-trip hike with panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. This short but rewarding trail is great for families and beginner hikers looking for a quick nature escape.

2. Red Rocks Park – South Burlington, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~ 10 minutes (3 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Description: A short, scenic walk along Lake Champlain, offering a mix of forested trails and dramatic cliffs with water views. Perfect for a peaceful stroll that is nearby to the city of Burlington.

3. Camel’s Hump – Huntington, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~ 45 minutes (24 miles)
Difficulty: Challenging
Description: One of Vermont’s highest peaks, with various trail options. The Burrows and Monroe Trails are popular 6 to 7 mile round-trip hikes that offer stunning 360-degree views. Ideal for experienced hikers seeking a full day of adventure.

4. Mt. Mansfield via Sunset Ridge Trail – Underhill, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~50 minutes (25 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Description: A 6.5-mile round-trip hike to Vermont's highest peak. Sunset Ridge offers open ridgeline views and a challenging yet rewarding ascent. Perfect for those looking to experience breathtaking alpine vistas.

5. Niquette Bay State Park – Colchester, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~25 minutes (12 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Description: A network of trails through peaceful woods leading to Lake Champlain's shores. The longest trail is around 3.5 miles, making it great for a relaxing, scenic hike with beautiful water views.

6. Stowe Pinnacle Trail – Stowe, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~50 minutes (36 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: A 3.7-mile round-trip trail offering panoramic views of the valley and Mt. Mansfield. The fall foliage is especially beautiful, making this a popular hike during the season.

7. Sterling Pond Trail – Smugglers’ Notch, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~50 minutes (38 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: A 2.5-mile round-trip hike to a serene mountain pond. The trail is steep at first but levels off, offering a rewarding view at the top. Great for those looking for a moderate hike with a peaceful water feature.

8. Pelot’s Point Natural Area – North Hero, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~50 minutes (40 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Description: A 2.6-mile loop through pastures, woods, and along old railroad tracks. With opportunities to see wildlife and views of Lake Champlain, this is a peaceful, nature-immersed hike perfect for families and bird watchers.

9. Eagle Mountain – Milton, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~35 minutes (20 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Description: A 2.1-mile round-trip hike with meadows, woods, and scenic views of Lake Champlain from the summit. This moderate trail is perfect for a quick, peaceful escape into nature with rewarding lake views.

10. Libby’s Look Trail – Bolton, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~35 minutes (25 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: A 1.5-mile round-trip hike with stunning overlooks of Camel’s Hump and Bolton Valley. Though short, it’s a hidden gem for those looking for a quieter trail with fantastic fall foliage views.

11. Snake Mountain – Addison, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~50 minutes (35 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Description: A 4-mile round-trip hike with expansive views of the Champlain Valley and Adirondack Mountains. This is an easy-to-moderate trail, making it a great option for a leisurely fall outing.

 

Fall in Vermont is a must-see, and these trails are the perfect way to experience it. From serene lakeside strolls to stunning mountain vistas, each hike offers a unique glimpse of the state’s natural beauty. Lace up your boots, soak in the foliage, and embrace the best of autumn in Northwest Vermont.

October in the Lake Champlain Islands is a season of celebration. From harvest festivals filled with local food and artisan goods to family-friendly activities and even a spooky haunted trail, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to sip wine at a vineyard, cheer on marathon runners, or explore a festive market, the Islands offer plenty of ways to embrace the beauty and community spirit of fall in Vermont.

Kraemer & Kin’s Kintoberfest 

Kraemer & Kin kicks off the month with Kintoberfest on Saturday, October 4th, from 12–5 PM at Donaldson Park in Grand Isle. This festive celebration will feature craft beer from local breweries, wood-fired pizza, live music, and an artisan market. With games like cornhole, face painting, and plenty of family-friendly activities, Kintoberfest truly offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Learn More

Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market’s Harvest Fest

The Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market hosts its annual Harvest Fest on Saturday, October 11th, from 10 AM–3 PM at its new location, Allenholm Farm in South Hero. This annual celebration features 50+ local vendors with fresh produce, baked goods, maple, honey, wine, and artisan crafts. Visitors can also enjoy prepared foods, live music from Bramblewood, apple picking, and family activities like games and a free needle-felting workshop.

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Emmons Island Haunted Trail  

Get ready for spooky fun at the Emmons Island Haunted Trail on Saturday, October 11th, from 5–10 PM at 1 Island Meadows Lane in Grand Isle. Tickets are $20 or 12 perishable items. The trail promises plenty of scares and surprises, perfect for anyone embracing the Halloween spirit in the Islands!

Learn More

Harvest Festival at Snow Farm Vineyard

Head to South Hero for Snow Farm Vineyard’s Annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 12th, from 12–4 PM. Celebrate the grape harvest with live music, wagon rides, grape stomping, wine tastings, food trucks, and more. With free admission and activities for all ages, it’s a fun-filled fall day for the whole family!

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Champlain Islands Marathon

Cheer on runners at the Champlain Islands Marathon on Saturday, October 19th. This annual fall event takes participants along scenic loops on West Shore Road, passing farms, orchards, cottages, and Lake Champlain. Runners can choose the full marathon with two loops or the half with one, making it a perfect way to enjoy Vermont’s autumn scenery.

Learn More

October is the perfect time to experience the Lake Champlain Islands. From local flavors and live music to festive markets and haunted fun, these events capture the best of autumn in Vermont. Mark your calendar and enjoy all that fall in the Islands has to offer!