The Lake Champlain Islands have been producing apples for generations. Fall apple picking is a must-try activity when visiting or living in Vermont. These popular Grand Isle County apple orchards have been family owned for generations. Learn more about them below! 

Allenholm Farm 

Allenholm Farm is located on South Street in South Hero, Vermont. Allenholm Farm has been around since 1870; the Allen family has run the farm for seven generations. According to the South Hero Land Trust, it is the oldest commercial apple orchard still operating in Vermont. They offer pick-your-own apples, desserts such as Papa Ray’s Pies, and the best maple creemees. 

Hackett's Orchard 

Family-owned since 1967, the 50-acre farm and market offer apples, fresh cider doughnuts, apple cider, cider slush, and even apple crisp! Hackett's Orchard has a total of 47 different varieties of apples. In September, they offer pick-your-own apples. Head to South Street to get your Vermont apples, pumpkins, and sweet treats.

Hall’s Orchard

Hall’s Orchard is a family-owned apple orchard located in Isle La Motte. The property in Isle La Motte has been in the Hall family since the late 1700s and the orchard has been family owned since 1828. The farmhouse is a historic structure made with stone quarried on the island and shows the famous ancient coral reef fossils. 

Owner-operator Allen Hall grows and harvests apples and pears on Main Street in the town of Isle La Motte, Vermont. The orchard has pick your own and fresh cider in season as well as pears, maple syrup, pumpkins, and honey!

The beautiful landscape, close-knit community, history, and countless places to explore are why so many are grateful to call the Champlain Islands home.

Thinking of making a move? Learn more about Life In The Champlain Islands or to begin your property search browse available homes in the Champlain Islands.

Curb appeal plays a huge part in getting buyers through the door in the fall selling season. While the flowers are fading and the cold weather sets in, it doesn’t mean it is time to abandon your outdoor spaces! Take advantage of the fall ambiance and use these tips to attract potential buyers.

1. Pressure Wash & Paint

Pressure washing will clear any debris and dirt from the home's exterior. Consider adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door or trim for a quick transformation.

2. Refresh Your Old Hardware

Replacing the doorknob and purchasing new house numbers is an affordable yet impactful way to take your home’s exterior appeal to the next level.

3. Add Outdoor Decor

Pick up some pumpkins or mums to draw the eye to your front entrance. Remember to complement your home's style, but less is often more when decorating.  

4. Clean the Gutters

Clearing out the gutters is both visually appealing and essential for home maintenance. This task prevents water damage, rot, and a place for pests to nest, and it helps the overall lifespan of the roof and foundation. 

5. Keep it Light

As the sun drops earlier, outdoor lighting will help improve your nighttime curb appeal.  Add some warm outdoor lights, such as solar lights, near your walkway, or clean your existing lighting.  

This fall remains a great time to sell your Vermont home. These curb appeal tricks will help you to create a warm and welcoming home to get your home noticed faster. Selling a home is complicated, but our agents at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty is here to guide you through every step. 

Invest in a proven strategy when you partner with Coldwell Banker Islands Realty. Year to date, homes listed with our agency sold for 35% more* than Vermont’s average listing sales price. As a Coldwell Banker affiliated agency, we have the global brand recognition, powerful proprietary systems, and professional 360° Marketing Plan to showcase your home to its fullest potential and maximize exposure. While our reach is global, we are a locally owned and operated company that has the community network and niche market insights to get your home noticed. If you’re considering putting your home on the market, don’t leave money on the table! Call (802) 372-5777 to speak to a REALTOR® and learn how much your home could sell for in today’s market.

*$532,545 (35% Higher Avg. Sales Price for CBIR Listings compared to Vermont MLS Avg. $395,007. Data range = 1/1/2022-9/26/2022.)

Happy Fall! Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit the Lake Champlain Islands. As the leaves begin to change, local farmers gather their crops and invite members of the community to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Here is a lineup of the activities in October that you will not want to miss!

 Weekend in the Islands

Head to the Champlain Islands for a weekend celebration of community, food, and local goods. On October 8th and 9th many local businesses will be partaking in the towns of South Hero, Grand Isle, and North Hero. There will be fun events, promotions, and great local products available during this fall festival. Check out the map below to learn more! 

See map 

Farmers Market Harvest Fest 

The Champlain Islands Farmers Market will be holding its annual Harvest Festival from 10am to 3pm on October 8th at the Saint Rose of Lima Church in South Hero. Stop by to support your local farmers and makers while enjoying music and games! 

Learn more

Emmon's Island Haunted Trail

The annual Emmons Island Haunted Trail  will take place on October, 8th in Grand Isle. Tickets are sold the night of the event. The children's walk is free from 4:30pm - 6pm with a costume contest at 5pm. The main event will take place from 6:30pm to 10pm. Entry is $10 a person or bring seven non perishable goods to donate to the food drive.

Learn more

Community Harvest Fest at Snow Farm Vineyard

On Sunday, October 9th Snow Farm Vineyard is inviting the community to join them in harvesting their grapes from 9am to noon. Following the harvest, they are hosting a festival from noon to 4pm. This fun event will include live music, food trucks, and wine tastings!  

Learn more

Green Mountain Marathon

The Green Mountain Marathon and Half Marathon will be held at the Folsom School on South Street. On October 16th at 8:30am runners will take to the West Shore of South Hero and Grand Isle. 

Register here

Champlain Islands CROP Hunger Walk

The CROP Hunger Walk will take place on Sunday, October 16th, at 1pm at the Congregational Church of South Hero. A quarter of these proceeds will stay in the Champlain Islands Community and the remaining funds will be distributed to the CROP foundation and help fight hunger and poverty around the world. 

Register here

Don't miss our next issue, get Island Insights in your inbox! Subscribe today.