There’s something about apple-picking season that makes fall in Vermont feel official. The cooler mornings, the changing leaves, the first cider doughnut of the season, and wandering quaint orchards for fresh apples all make this fall activity a favorite for many.

Northwest Vermont is home to some wonderful orchards, many of which have been family-run for generations. Whether you’re looking for a traditional pick-your-own experience, a farm market stocked with fall favorites, or simply a reason to spend an afternoon outside, these six orchards are worth a visit.

Hackett's Orchard | South Hero, VT

A South Hero institution since 1967, Hackett's Orchard covers 50 acres of farmland and grows an impressive 50 varieties of apples. During September, visitors can pick their own apples or stop into the farm market for some of the orchard's other fall favorites.

Fresh cider doughnuts, apple cider, cider slush, and apple crisp are all available at the market. And if you’re visiting later in the season, keep an eye out for pumpkins and other sweet treats, too. Pick-your-own starts September 12th and ends in early October. Visit their website for more information. 

Allenholm Farm | South Hero, VT

On South Street in South Hero, Allenholm Farm has been part of the local landscape since 1870. The Allen family has operated the farm for seven generations, and according to the South Hero Land Trust, it is the oldest commercial apple orchard still operating in Vermont.

Pick your own apples, then stick around for some of the farm’s best-known treats, including Papa Ray’s Pies and maple creemees. The Hive Cafe is also on-site, making Allenholm an easy choice when you want to turn apple picking into a full afternoon in the Islands. Make sure to check out Allenholm’s Facebook page for updates about pick-your-own apples.

Adams Apple Orchard | Williston, VT

For a classic Vermont orchard experience, Adams Apple Orchard in Williston is a longtime favorite. It’s known for its wide selection of apple varieties and its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Visitors can pick their own apples and browse the farm market for fresh cider, cider doughnuts, baked goods, and local produce. It’s the kind of place that appeals to both longtime locals and visitors looking to spend a fall day in the Vermont countryside. Pick-your-own begins September 11th. Visit their website or Facebook page for more information. 

Chapin Orchard | Essex Junction, VT

Family-owned Chapin Orchard has been a community favorite in Essex Junction for decades. The orchard offers pick-your-own apples along with freshly pressed apple cider, cider doughnuts, and other seasonal favorites.

With its scenic setting and friendly atmosphere, Chapin is a great place to slow down and enjoy one of the best parts of fall in Vermont: a little time outside, a bag of apples in hand, and no particular reason to hurry home. Visit their website to learn more. 

Shelburne Orchards | Shelburne, VT

Set in the picturesque town of Shelburne, Shelburne Orchards is a destination for apple lovers and anyone looking to take in some beautiful Vermont scenery. 

Along with pick-your-own apples, the orchard offers pick-your-own peaches, fresh-pressed cider, cider doughnuts, and a variety of apple products. There’s also an on-site distillery producing apple brandy, giving visitors another way to enjoy the orchard’s harvest. Pick-your-own starts September 11th. Visit their website for more information.

Yates Family Orchard | Hinesburg, VT

Yates Family Orchard sits among the rolling hills of Hinesburg and offers a welcoming, family-friendly setting for a fall outing. The orchard grows a variety of apple types, all cultivated with care.

Visitors can pick their own apples and stop at the farm stand for fresh produce, local honey, and homemade preserves. If you’re looking for a quieter way to spend a fall afternoon with family or friends, Yates Family Orchard is a lovely place to take in the season. Visit their website to learn more.

 

From the Lake Champlain Islands to the hills of Chittenden County, Northwest Vermont has no shortage of ways to enjoy apple season. These orchards are part of what makes fall here so special, combining generations of farming tradition with the simple pleasures of picking apples, eating something fresh from the farm, and spending time outdoors.

So grab a basket, bring home a few more apples than you planned on, and make the most of fall in Northwest Vermont.

 

Four out of 10 (41%) people with homeowner’s insurance policies made no change to their policy in over a year, according to a survey conducted online by The Harris Poll in June of this year.

Another two out of 10 (20%) said they hadn't touched their policy since the day they bought it.

The numbers on the provider side tell a similar story:

• 56% of policyholders say their insurance provider hasn't reached out to check in on their coverage in over a year

• 21% say that kind of check-in has never happened at all

• 88% say they'd want their provider to flag it when their coverage no longer fits their life

Insurance companies aren't required to call and ask whether your coverage still fits your home, and most homeowners aren't opening that file until something forces them to. Life gets busy.

So, consider this our friendly annual reminder to give it a look, and we’ll share how to do exactly that. 

Because without an annual update, the odds of your insurance not actually covering what you think it does are greater than you think. 

The coverage you think you have vs. the coverage you actually have

The Hanover Insurance Group's 2025 Homeowners Coverage Awareness Report, based on a Harris Poll of homeowners age 30 and up, found a wide difference between what people believe they're covered for and what their policy includes.

Here's what that difference looks like for three common types of coverage:

• Umbrella coverage: 83% have heard of it. Only 39% have discussed it with an agent.

• Valuables coverage: 87% know it exists. Only 26% carry it.

• Cyber coverage: 46% know it's an option. Only 7% have it.

Knowing a coverage type exists isn't the same as being protected by it. The Hanover report also found that 66% of homeowners said they'd want to add umbrella coverage once someone explained what it does. 

So, we’re looking at a knowledge gap. People aren't skipping coverage on purpose; they don't know it applies to them until someone walks them through it.

What it looks like when the gap catches up with you

The Harris Poll survey found that one in three homeowners who filed a claim said their coverage fell short of what they needed. 

Within that group, 14% said none of their claim was covered.

There’s no convenient time for this kind of news, but it’s especially stressful when you’ve filed a claim after a pipe bursts or a storm tears off part of the roof, only to find out the policy you've paid into for years won't cover the repair.

The same survey found that 67% of policyholders said covering a surprise $1,000 expense would be hard for their household. 

A coverage shortfall means money you may not have, at the moment you need it most.

A five-minute check you can do this week

A policy review doesn't have to turn into a research project. Pull up your current policy and check these four things:

1. Your dwelling coverage limit, and whether it reflects what it would cost to rebuild your home today (not just what you paid for it)

2. Any named endorsements on the policy, like added coverage for jewelry, art, or water backup

3. The date your policy was last reviewed or updated

4. Any changes to your home or life since that date, a renovation, a new roof, a home office, a big purchase

If any of those raise a question you can't answer off the top of your head, that's your sign to take a closer look. A policy review is about knowing where you stand before you need to.

Five Minutes Now Beats a Bad Surprise Later

None of this means your policy is wrong. Coverage is built around the home and the life you had when you bought it, and both of those change more than most policies do.

The homeowners in that recent survey who found out their coverage fell short didn't do anything unusual. They hadn't looked at their policy in a while, just as most people haven't.

A five-minute check now costs you nothing. Finding out your coverage isn’t enough after a loss costs you money and a load of stress you don’t need. Taking the time to check your policy this month puts you ahead of the curve before anything happens.

 

Summer is in full swing, and the Northwest Vermont real estate market is showing plenty of activity. In July, the median sales price for single-family homes and condos across Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Franklin counties rose 7.2% from June to $525,300, while closed sales were up 14.3% to 271 properties month over month.

For people interested in selling, homes are still commanding nearly full asking price, with sellers receiving a median 99.9% of list price. At the same time, active inventory increased 12.1% to 725 properties, giving buyers more choices and creating more competition among listings. Median days on market rose to 12 days, up from 8 in June, suggesting buyers may have slightly more time to evaluate their options.

For buyers searching for Vermont homes for sale, the increase in active inventory offers more opportunities to consider across Northwest Vermont. Interest rates also remain an important factor when evaluating purchasing power and monthly costs, making it especially valuable to understand how current market conditions fit into your plans.

Whether you’re thinking about selling or looking to buy in Grand Isle, Chittenden, or Franklin County, the broader market is only part of the story. Contact our team to learn what the latest Northwest Vermont real estate data means for your specific property or search—and how to make a smart game plan for the months ahead.

If you haven't checked out CBIR's social media lately, you've missed some incredible views, both online and around Vermont. From one-of-a-kind properties to local places worth exploring, these three videos have been some of the biggest hits with viewers. Here's a look at what everyone has been watching.

109-Acre Off-Grid Estate in Vermont

With an incredible 1.8 million views, this one-of-a-kind property quickly became CBIR's most-watched reel of 2026. Set on 109 acres, the off-grid estate features two ponds, sweeping mountain views, a main house, and a separate guest cottage. It's not every day a property like this comes on the market, and viewers couldn't get enough of the stunning scenery and peaceful setting.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Coldwell Banker Islands Realty (@cbislandsrealty)

 

Exploring Vermont: Island Line Trail

One of Vermont's most iconic outdoor destinations earned nearly 1 million views on CBIR's social media. The video opens with breathtaking aerial footage of the Island Line Trail stretching across Lake Champlain before following the route past the bike ferry, sailboats, and beautiful lake and mountain views. Whether you've biked it dozens of times or it's still on your bucket list, it's easy to see why this trail is a favorite.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Coldwell Banker Islands Realty (@cbislandsrealty)

 

Charming Lakefront Cottage in Vermont

Some homes are simply too charming not to share, and this cozy lakefront cottage proved it with more than 1,600 shares across social media. Inside, the home features a warm rustic interior with vaulted ceilings and a beautiful stone fireplace, while outside, peaceful lake views complete the picture. It's the kind of Vermont getaway people love to send to friends and family.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Coldwell Banker Islands Realty (@cbislandsrealty)

 

Whether you're looking for beautiful homes, hidden gems around Vermont, or local places to explore, CBIR shares new videos every week. If you're not already following along, we'd love to have you join us.

 

 

Nothing says Vermont summer quite like a morning spent filling a bucket with fresh berries. From the Champlain Islands to the foothills of the Green Mountains, local farms are bursting with blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and more during peak season.

Whether you're planning a family outing, looking for the freshest fruit, or simply want an excuse to spend a few hours outdoors, these Northwest Vermont farms are well worth the trip.

Island Blueberries | Grand Isle, VT

Tucked away in the Champlain Islands, Island Blueberries is a summertime favorite for locals and visitors alike. The farm grows four varieties of flavorful, pesticide-free blueberries, giving pickers plenty to choose from throughout the season. It's a peaceful stop where you can enjoy beautiful island scenery while gathering fresh berries straight from the bush.

Before you go: Check their Facebook page for current picking conditions, hours, and weather updates.

Isham Family Farm | Williston, VT

With roots dating back to 1871, Isham Family Farm blends Vermont history with a memorable summer outing. Pick your own blueberries and raspberries, then stick around to explore the hiking trails, browse local maple products and seasonal produce, or catch one of the farm's many events. And if you're visiting during berry season, don't leave without trying one of their blueberry milkshakes.

Before you go: Visit their Facebook page for daily updates and their website for hours, events, and more information.

Adam's Berry Farm | Charlotte, VT

Just a short drive from Burlington, Adam's Berry Farm is known for its organic blueberries, colorful pick-your-own flowers, and charming farmstand. After filling your basket, browse handmade jams, local berries, and fresh-cut bouquets to take a little piece of summer home with you.

Before you go: Visit their Facebook page for seasonal updates and their website for current picking information.

Sam Mazza's Farm | Colchester, VT

A longtime local favorite, Sam Mazza's Farm pairs berry picking with one of the area's best farm markets. Along with pick-your-own blueberries, you'll find fresh produce, baked goods, local products, and a calendar full of seasonal events. 

Before you go: Visit their website for hours, berry availability, and upcoming events.

Willow Hill Farm | Milton, VT

If you're hoping to pick more than just blueberries, Willow Hill Farm is the place to go. Depending on the season, visitors can gather organic strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and currants. It's an easy addition to any Vermont summer bucket list, especially for berry lovers who enjoy a little variety.

Before you go: Visit their website for current picking conditions and seasonal updates.

Owl's Head Blueberry Farm | Richmond, VT

Nestled in the foothills of Richmond, Owl's Head Blueberry Farm is home to more than 3,000 blueberry bushes. One of its most unique traditions is the popular “Music While You Pick” series on Tuesdays and Thursdays, where live music turns an afternoon of berry picking into a relaxing summer event. Bring a picnic blanket and make an evening of it.

Before you go: Check their Facebook page for live updates and visit their website for more information about the farm and concert schedule.

Covered Bridge Blueberry Farm | Underhill, VT

Covered Bridge Blueberry Farm offers both pre-picked and pick-your-own blueberries, making it easy to stop whether you're looking for a quick visit or a leisurely afternoon. Throughout the season, the farm also hosts events featuring live music, yoga, food trucks, crafts, and other family-friendly activities that make every visit a little different.

Before you go: Visit their website for hours, upcoming events, and the latest picking information.

Make the Most of Berry Season

Berry picking is one of the best ways to enjoy a Vermont summer. Whether you're exploring the Champlain Islands, spending the day with family, or discovering a new favorite farm, each of these local spots offers a chance to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and support the hardworking farms that help make our region so special.

Living and working in Northwest Vermont means we're always looking for ways to enjoy everything this area has to offer. We hope this guide helps you make the most of berry season and discover a few new favorite places along the way.