As a Vermonter, I appreciate the beauty that surrounds us every day. However, most people are only interested in the time of year when Vermont’s true colors show: yellow, orange and red. Of course, I am talking about the fall. Although we students may dread this time of year for obvious reasons, many flock to our gorgeous state to take it all in. As residents of this beautiful place, I suggest we take a closer look as well.

Having grown up in Burlington, my family and I have taken many a trip during this popular leaf peeping season. Excursions from the Ben and Jerry’s factory, to the Cider Mill in Stowe allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of Burlington and get lost in the beauty of the rural landscapes of Vermont. As a student, I know that during the year it’s nice to get off campus and do something other than bio quizzes. So make plans with your friends and check out what Vermont’s most popular season has to offer.

Sit back and let me be your VTour guide.

Ben and Jerry’s Factory Waterbury

You may have already visited this historic ice cream factory. Millions of people flock their way for delicious ice cream sampling and a factory tour. But after you accomplish both of these very important things, take your ice cream and walk through the flavor “graveyard,” taking time to mourn the old flavors’ passing. Don’t forget to look around at the beautiful scenery afterward, only found in the countryside of Vermont.

Cider Mill Cold Hollow

Waterbur

If you can’t pull yourself away from Bailey/Howe for a few hours to pick your own, make a visit to one of the finest cider mills in Vermont. Here you can purchase multitudes of items such as applesauce, fudge, cider and other homemade treats. All are invited to watch their cider made the old-fashioned way. You are also invited to wine and hard cider tasting.

Sam Maza’s Corn Maze

Colchester

Every fall, Sam Mazza puts on a giant corn maze for all ages. This 2.5-mile maze allows for fun and excitement, as you try not to get lost in the cornfield. Although this seems as though it would only be appealing to young children, I have gone the past couple years and always had a great time, as I’m sure you and your friends would. Though this is the main attraction during the fall, their normal farm stand (store) is still open where they sell fresh vegetables and fruit. They also have a bakery and sell other Vermont-made goods, such as maple syrup and maple candy.

Boyers Orchard

N. Ferrisburg

Apple picking is about as fall as these activities come. Although there are many places to pick apples, I have always gone to Boyers. Boyers is a top pick for locals – they offer many kinds of apples and sell cider, cider doughnuts and any other apple goodies. You can also enjoy the free hayride, taking you from the orchard back up to the barn. This is a great time to pick some fresh fruit and see Vermont in all its glory.

Stowe Bike Path

Stowe

For the more active bunch, a day trip to Stowe for a bike ride through the small mountain town is attractive. The historic bike path is 5.3 miles long, and goes in out of the town and the countryside. Look for swimming holes, which are frequented more in the summer, but available if you choose to go on a warm fall day. A variety of restaurants and shops sell Vermont-made products. As most of us know, it is difficult to get any time in for exercise or enjoying the outdoors, but taking one day for this trip would allow you to do both at once and have a great time doing it.

Lake Champlain Apple Fest

South Hero

Finally, don’t miss Apple Fest, the celebration of the 400 years that Champlain islands have been growing apples. Featuring a craft show, flea market, farm animals, loads of apples, local bands and general VT fun, you’re sure to return full of good food and a sense of what Vermont is really

all about.