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.