Between late October through early December is what we call Stick Season, a favorite time of year for many.  While the leaves of autumn have spun downward and the colors of the season have faded to more muted tones, a quiet landscape emerges.

In Stick Season, the leafy forest that Vermont is so famous for is replaced by distant views that are magically exposed after the leaves have fallen.

Stick Season carries with it an energy and a perspective unlike any other season in Vermont, offering some of the best  exploring, biking, hiking, running, and walking of the year.

We suggest walking back roads such as the 5.9 mile loop off Route 100 in Waitsfield past the Inn at the Round Barn Farm on East Warren Road, or the 2.2 mile route around Wallingford, both of which are detailed in the book Vermont Walks: Villages and Countryside, which maps  these and 41 other  walks throughout Vermont villages. 

Your innkeeper is also the perfect resource for other local routes of varying length near you.

Museums, breweries, and local theaters also offer lots to experience this time of year. Seasonal events like the November Wagon Ride Weekend in Woodstock, the Hoots and Howls family festival in Quechee, The 14th Annual West African Dance and Drum Festival in Burlington, the Plein Aire Painters of America exhibit in Bennington, and corn mazes in Wilmington, Danville, Essex, and Colchester, will ensure you are never without great plans.

Stick Season is one of Vermont’s hidden treasures and one we have held quietly close to our hearts. This year, we cordially invite you to discover the gift of this incredible season.

Begin planning your escape now with our online Travel Planner.