Fall is in full swing, and we’re loving every minute of it. The changing leaves, crisp air, and cozy sweater weather have made for some beautiful days around the Islands. October is also bringing plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the season, from harvest festivals and Oktoberfest to haunted trails and Halloween fun. Here are a few local events to add to your October calendar.

CIFM Harvest Fest | Saturday, October 1

The Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market is celebrating the season with its annual Harvest Fest at Allenholm Farm in South Hero from 10 AM–3 PM. More than 52 local vendors will be there with fresh produce, baked goods, maple, honey, wine, and artisan crafts, and more. Enjoy prepared foods, live music from Bramblewood, apple picking, family activities, and a free needle-felting workshop. Learn more about Harvest Fest here.

Emmons Island Haunted Trail | Saturday, October 10

Looking for a little Halloween excitement? Head to the Emmons Island Haunted Trail at 1 Island Meadows Lane in Grand Isle from 4:30–10 PM. Tickets are $20 or 12 non-perishable food items, with all proceeds and donated food going directly to the Champlain Islands Food Shelf. Expect plenty of scares, surprises, and spooky fun. Visit their Facebook page for more info and updates. 

Harvest Festival at Snow Farm Vineyard | Sunday, October 11

Celebrate the 2026 grape harvest at Snow Farm Vineyard & Distillery from 12–4 PM. The afternoon will feature wine, spirits, live music, more than a dozen local artisans, delicious food, specialty fall cocktails, campfires, and free wagon rides. If you’re up for a little adventure, take the short hike to Fox Hill Scenic Overlook for beautiful views of the fall foliage. Learn more about the Harvest Festival.

Two Heroes Oktoberfest | Saturday, October 24

Oktoberfest is coming to South Hero! Two Heroes Brewery is hosting its first-ever Oktoberfest with special menu items, friendly competitions, and live music from German band Inseldudler. You can even pre-order a custom Two Heroes stein to take home. Get the details here.

Trunk or Treat In the Islands | October 24 & 31

Halloween is almost here! Several communities around the Islands will be hosting family-friendly Trunk or Treat events, with costumes, decorated cars, and plenty of treats.

• Grand Isle: Saturday, October 24 at The Grand Isle Fish Hatchery. Learn more. 

• South Hero: Saturday, October 31 at Folsom Elementary School. Learn more. 

• Alburgh: Saturday, October 31 hosted by the Alburgh Fire Department. Learn more.

Halloween Weekend at The North Hero House | October 30 & 31

The North Hero House is getting into the Halloween spirit with a full weekend of fun. Friday night features a family-friendly costume contest and dancing, while Saturday brings a Murder Mystery interactive dinner experience. Add in gourmet food, cocktails, costumes, and special weekend room rates, and you have a festive way to celebrate Halloween in the Islands. Check out their facebook page for updates or visit their website for reservations and event details. 

Enjoy Fall in the Islands

Whether you're looking for a family-friendly afternoon, a little Halloween excitement, or simply a reason to get outside and enjoy the foliage, there’s plenty happening around the Champlain Islands this October. Grab a sweater, invite a friend, and make the most of the season!

The January 2026 Northwest Vermont real estate market shows shifting conditions across Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Franklin counties for single-family homes and condos. Year over year, the median sales price rose 3.6% to $469,500, while closed sales remained flat and new listings increased 8%. Inventory continues to build, with active listings up 33.6% and months supply of inventory rising to 2.9 months, signaling more options for buyers. Compared to December, closed sales declined 32.7%, while new listings jumped 84.1%, reflecting typical seasonal patterns. Homes spent a median of 29 days on market, and sellers received an average of 97.8% of list price. With inventory rising and price growth moderating, both buyers and sellers should pay close attention to local trends. Contact us today to learn more about your market and how these January 2026 housing statistics may impact your real estate goals.

Winter in Vermont is a season people tend to have strong opinions about. Some embrace the snow and cold, while others spend the winter counting down the days until spring. In the Lake Champlain Islands, locals have learned that the key to getting through the quieter months is finding a rhythm that works for you—getting outside when you can, leaning into cozy traditions, and showing up for the local businesses that keep island life going year-round.

Here are a few ways Islanders embrace winter and make the most of the season.

Ice Fishing and Skating on Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain offers fishing opportunities all year long, and once the ice is safe, locals waste no time heading out. Ice fishing is a favorite winter pastime and often leads to a great meal at the end of the day. Ice skating is just as popular, whether it’s on the Inland Sea or a frozen backroad swamp. It’s a classic way to enjoy fresh air and stay active during the colder months.

Winter Hikes in the Islands

The Lake Champlain Islands are home to several scenic trails that are just as beautiful in winter. With crampons or snowshoes, locals head out to enjoy quiet walks through snow-covered woods. Winter hiking offers a slower pace, peaceful views, and a kind of magic you only find after a fresh snowfall.

Live Music and Midweek Fun

When the days are shorter, locals turn to live music, trivia nights, and community events to stay connected. Supporting local restaurants and breweries is especially important during winter, when business slows but the lights stay on. Here are some winter happenings to check out:

• Tuesday Open Mic at Two Heroes Brewery

• Wednesday Trivia at The Sandbar Restaurant

• Thursday Night Live Music at The North Hero House

• Thursday Trivia and Friday Karaoke at McKee’s Island Pub

• Friday Night Wine Down at Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery

Grabbing dinner, a drink, or seeing live music is one of the best ways to support island businesses during the off-season and recharge your social battery.

Cozy Weekends at Home

Of course, winter wouldn’t be complete without a little strategic hibernation. For many Islanders, Friday nights are made for Pan’s Pizza and a movie, no plans required. On the weekends, after a brisk day outside, it’s all about settling in with a home-cooked meal, a good book, a football game, or a crackling fire. Winter gives us permission to slow down, stay cozy, and enjoy the simple comforts of being home.

Winter in the Lake Champlain Islands may be quieter than summer, but it’s filled with simple pleasures, strong community ties, and plenty of ways to stay busy. Whether you’re skating on the ice, catching live music, or supporting a favorite local spot, winter is just another reason Islanders love where they live.

This November, our community came together in a big way. Thanks to your generosity, we delivered over 330lbs of non-perishable food and personal items to The Champlain Islands Food Shelf to support families and individuals across Grand Isle County.

From pantry staples to essential household items, your donations will help keep shelves stocked as we move into the winter season. We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated or helped spread the word. Your support shows the strength of our Island community and the care we have for our neighbors.

To learn more about The Champlain Islands Food Shelf and their distribution schedule, visit www.champlainislandsfoodshelf.org.

Looking for a unique adventure in Vermont? Visit the iconic Island Line Trail! This 14-mile trek takes you from Burlington, Vermont up to the beautiful Lake Champlain Islands located in the Northwest region of Vermont. Run, bike, or even rollerskate on the path while enjoying captivating views of the Adirondack and Green Mountains.

Historically, the trail was not meant for recreational use. It was built in 1899 by the Rutland-Canadian Railroad for coastal market connections from New England to the Great Lakes. Eventually, in the 1980s, the railroad was converted for recreational use. 

The historic path attracts around 150,000 visitors per year! There are three major entry points for folks to begin their trek. Enter from Oakledge Park in Burlington, Airport Park in Colchester, or Allen Point Access in South Hero. 

Shortly after passing Airport Park you will reach Causeway Park in Colchester. This portion is four miles long with a ten foot wide compact stone path that runs across Lake Champlain. There is a 200 foot gap near the end of the causeway, locally known as “the cut”.

The local motion bike ferry takes passengers across this gap and connects you to Allen Point Access in South Hero. The Bike Ferry welcomes all passengers and just asks for a small donation. However, do note, the ferry operates seasonally. See the bike ferry schedule before you plan your trip. 

The Island Line Trail is a great way to explore the outdoor recreation opportunities that Vermont has to offer. Whether it’s with friends, family, or your furry friend, all will be certain to love this Vermont adventure. 

Learn more about the Lake Champlain Islands here.