FALL THINGS TO DO

Here's a list of some of our favorites. Just ask us for ideas and we'll be happy to help.

We're starting to get calls from guests looking for what to do in the Fall. Here's our list broken out by what's your interest:

ANTIQUES

Favorite haunts: In Chester, Stone House Antiques for smalls, Vermont Picker Antiques and Bargain Corner for furniture in Chester, Quechee Antique Mall for smalls and some furniture, Windham Antiques in Bellows Falls for smalls and furniture, and The Cottage by the Brook. If you're making a day of it, two more that we love but are further away are: Bowbird & Friends in Peterborough, New Hampshire and Consign & Design in West Lebanon, New Hampshire.

HISTORIC SITES

Be sure to check these off your list. Calvin Coolidge Homestead in Plymouth, Hildene in Manchester, St. Gaudens in Plainfield, NH, Billings Farm in Woodstock, VT.

HIKES

Close by is the North Springfield Preserve and The Springfield Dam, Ascutney Mountain's Weathersfield Trail, Mt. Tom and Mt. Peg in Woodstock are just a few of the many hikes in the area.

KAYAKING

If you've never done it, and you're adventurous, don't miss Great River Outfitters in Windsor. They will outfit you, drive you up to launch you down the Connecticut River and then you're on your own. Bring snacks, water bottles as you're going to get hungry. When you finish, walk up to Harpoon Brewery and grab lunch and a brew or two.

If you have your own kayaks, we can tell you where to go including Knapp Pond (just down the road) and Rescue Lake up in Ludlow.

SWIMMING HOLES

Three that we love are Buttermilk Falls in Ludlow and 20 Foot Hole off Tyson Road in Reading. If you're over in Manchester, don't miss the Dorset Quarry.

SHOPPING

Vermont is not known for it's shopping, BUT, we do have some places that you shouldn't miss. If you want high-end outlets, including ORVIS, head to Manchester. Make a day of it with a visit to Hildene and Northshire Bookstore.

You could also spend the day in Woodstock. Don't miss Vermont Flannel, one of our favorites. And if you're there for lunch, our favorite is Mon Vert Cafe. If you're into casual clothing, head over to Quechee's Fat Hat.

Alright, even closer to us are two of the best gift shopping stores in the state, DeVallia and Smokeshire Design.

Speaking of bookstores, if you're in Chester, don't miss Blair Books & More. In Woodstock, go to Yankee Bookshop.

Of course, a trip to our area of Vermont would not be complete without a visit to Simon Pearce. Go for the glass blowing in Windsor, shop their store or head to their flagship restaurant and store in Quechee. Make reservations way in advance.

If heading to Harpoon or Simon Pearce in Windsor, don't miss Blake Hill Preserves jam shop. That's what we carry and sell at the inn, but it's just a sample of what they do!

BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES

Can you tell we love Harpoon? We also love Silo Distillery right near Blake Hill Preserves, Harpoon, Simon Pearce and Great River Outfitters in Windsor. One other to try is Outer Limits in Proctorsville.

BEST VIEWS

Daredevils can book paragliding over at Morning Star in Charlestown, New Hampshire. If that's a little much for you, drive to the top of Mt. Ascutney and walk less than a mile to the look out tower. Enjoy 360 degree views! Another option is ride the chair lift at Killington to the top or hike Okemo Mountain.

BEST LEAF PEEPING BY CAR

Head up Route 100 past Killington or down Route 7 toward Bennington. Honestly, get off the main roads and explore the backroads.

FAVORITE LUNCH SPOTS

Check out Brownsville Butcher & Pantry or South Woodstock General Store. If looking for a great burger, check out Worthy Burger in South Royalton or Worthy Kitchen in Woodstock. Or pop into White Cottage Snack Shop in Woodstock. If heading west, don't miss Honey Pie Burgers.