Nestled in the northwest corner of Vermont, The Lake Champlain Islands is a picturesque and charming destination that comes to life in the fall. From scenic outdoor adventures to indulging in local cuisines, these five experiences will elevate your autumn visit to The Islands.  

1. Leaf Peeping

Fall foliage in Vermont is famous for its vibrant colors. Take a scenic drive or bike ride along the picturesque Lake Champlain Byway route, which runs through the Lake Champlain Islands. We recommend venturing off the beaten path onto the tranquil east or west shore roads along the lake, where the terrain remains gentle, and traffic is light. Bring your camera to capture the stunning lake and mountain landscapes. The 14-mile scenic Island Line Trail, that starts in Burlington, Vermont and ends in South Hero, Vermont is another great ride. 

2. Pick Your Own Apples

Fall is apple-picking season in Vermont, and the Champlain Islands have several orchards where you can enjoy this quintessential autumn activity. Family-owned and operated farms have produced apples for many generations. Sample freshly picked apples, cider, and apple-based treats while enjoying the crisp fall air. Some popular orchards in the area include Allenholm Farm, Hackett's Orchard, and Hall’s Orchard in Isle La Motte, Vermont.

3. Explore Nature Trails and Beaches

As autumn paints the Vermont landscape with vibrant foliage, it's the perfect season for outdoor adventures. The Islands offer a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting an array of local trails, serene beaches, and Vermont State Parks. Discover some of our favorite nature trails in The Champlain Islands. 

4. Explore Local Farms and Farmers' Markets

Fall marks the harvest season, and in Grand Isle County, you'll find a bounty of farms to visit. Many farms offer engaging tours and activities, providing insights into Vermont's rich agricultural legacy. You can find these farms at the Champlain Islands Farmers Market. This market features fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and artisanal crafts. Don't miss the Harvest Festival, which kicks off in early October, featuring open houses at businesses and farms, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.

5. Go on a Wine and Brewery tour

The Champlain Islands are a hub for local craft wineries and breweries that welcome visitors throughout autumn. Notably, Two Heroes Brewery has unveiled a new brewhouse restaurant in South Hero, Vermont. Additionally, you can savor the craft creations at Kramer and Kin Brewery, situated at Alburgh Golf Links in Alburgh, Vermont. And for wine enthusiasts, Snow Farm Vineyard, Ellison Estate Winery, and Isle La Motte Vineyard offer a delightful experience. These attractions promise to enhance your fall excursion to the Champlain Islands in Vermont, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the region's natural beauty and authentic local character.

In the Champlain Islands during fall, nature's colors come to life, and the local community's warmth shines through. Whether exploring the landscape, savoring local food and drink, or simply enjoying the scenery, these five activities capture the season's essence. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to experience the beauty and charm of the Champlain Islands autumn. 

Visiting wineries in the Lake Champlain Islands of Vermont promises a delightful and unique experience. The wineries offer a chance to explore the region's scenic beauty while indulging in exquisite wines crafted with local expertise. From picturesque vineyards overlooking the lake to charming tasting rooms, these wineries provide a perfect blend of natural splendor, warm hospitality, and the opportunity to sample exceptional wines made from locally grown grapes.

Snow Farm Vineyard 

Experience Snow Farm Vineyard, located on the picturesque shores of Lake Champlain in South Hero, Vermont. Indulge in exquisite wines, enjoy a delightful picnic amidst the vineyard, and wander the historic farm. Immerse yourself in a truly unique vineyard and winery experience, surrounded by expansive landscapes that capture the essence of the Islands. Don't miss their lively outdoor concert series, every Thursday evening throughout the summer months.  Learn More

Ellison Estate Vineyard

Ellison Estate Vineyard is a regenerative farm with a tasting room on the beautiful East Shore of Grand Isle, Vermont, which is open from 12-5 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Their tasting room is a vibrant gathering place that aims to craft captivating, native Vermont wines while nurturing a strong sense of community. Their grapes are grown in Grand Isle, Vermont, then processed at their winery basement in Stowe, Vermont. Learn More

Isle La Motte Vineyard

Discover a charming vineyard Isle La Motte, Vermont, spanning nearly two acres. The vineyard is located on Shrine Road, and their daily schedule runs Thursday through Sunday, 1 pm - 6:00 p.m. and includes Monday and holidays. They specialize in Marquette grapes for rich red wines and LaCrescent for exquisite whites and also incorporate additional varieties like Frontenac, Frontenac Blanc, and Louise Swenson for added depth. Learn More

 

Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable getaway, a visit to the wineries in the Lake Champlain Islands is sure to leave you with a lasting appreciation for Vermont's wine culture and stunning surroundings.

Looking for more things to do in Vermont’s Lake Champlain Islands? Check out six things to do this summer.

 

From winter festivals to local live music events, February 2023 is packed with activities to be enjoyed by all! Keep reading to learn about the local events coming up in Vermont's Lake Champlain Island towns. 

Winter Carnival @ Kraemer and Kin 

The local Champlain Islands Brewery, Kraemer and Kin, turns three years old! They will have their first annual winter carnival to celebrate the anniversary on February 11th and 12th at the Alburgh Golf Links. During the day, many outdoor activities will be happening, such as pick-up hockey, sledding, and snowshoe tours. 

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Friday Night Wine Down @ Snow Farm Vineyard 

Wine Down Fridays at Snow Farm is a can’t miss activity this winter. This winter concert series features free live music inside Snow Farm Vineyard's tasting room from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Bittersweet Bakery will be serving dinner at 5:30 pm. There is also a Pebble Art Workshop on February 12th from 2 pm to 4 pm. Check out the entire February event lineup below. 

See Snow Farm Calendar 

Great Ice Winter Festival

The return of Great Ice is back the weekend of February 17th at City Bay in North Hero, Vermont. There is a fantastic lineup of events happening throughout the weekend for all to enjoy. The festival includes fireworks, a Christmas tree bonfire, local vendors, and much more! The Champlain Islands Business Expo will also be held at the North Hero Community Hall on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 10:30 am. to 3 pm. Coldwell Banker Islands Realty will be there; make sure to stop by and say hello! Please note some activities are weather dependent, follow their Facebook page for updates.

Learn more

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