Montpelier, VT – The state is primed to celebrate late summer with a harvest season full of charm, festivals and Fall Deals that beckon leaf-peepers and value-seekers alike. There’s much to do – with 80 events in the VermontVacation.com Travel Planner over Labor Day weekend alone. Here’s a sampler of the month ahead:
September is Archaeology Month
Statewide
Explore history immersed in the outdoors; delve into Vermont places you’ve always wanted to visit and be surprised to learn new things about places you know well. Choose from more than 40 events and discover Vermont’s 12,000 year history through interpretive walks, illustrated lectures, and hands-on explorations. https://www.facebook.com/VermontArchaeologyMonth
Of Land And Local 2014
September 19-November 15, Multiple Locations
Of Land & Local is designed to initiate a dialogue about issues surrounding the Vermont landscape. Our shared history in land and our pride for the local lay the groundwork for this annual exhibition. Opportunities to critically engage with contemporary artwork as it reflects on and exists within the Vermont landscape will offer viewers the chance to contemplate the significance and strength, as well as the fragility of our surroundings. Locations in Burlington, Shelburne, Rutland, Woodstock and Calais http://www.oflandandlocalvt.org/
The Battle of Lake Champlain
Sept. 3, Milton
The British Army and Royal Naval forces attacked the American army and navy at Cumberland Bay in Plattsburgh on September 11, 1814. Outnumbered nearly four to one, if the Americans were defeated, the invaders could have taken Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. This largest and most decisive battle of the War of 1812 determined the future of the nation. Colonel David Fitz-Enz shares the courage and human tragedy of that day. www.vermonthumanities.org
DanceFest Vermont!
Sept. 5 – 6, Barre & Stowe
DanceFest Vermont! is a bold step forward for contemporary dance in Vermont. Ten featured choreographers will present new work, collaborating with experienced dancers, composers, costume, film and light designers. DanceFest Vermont! invites audiences to enjoy high caliber performances. The Sept. 5 performance is at the Barre Opera House and Sept. 6 is at Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center. www.sprucepeakarts.org
Benson Bear Obstacle Challenge #4
Sept. 6, Benson
Endure 3.1 -or- 6.2 miles of x-country and wooded terrain with 30+ -or 50+ obstacles and challenges on the famous obstacle challenge course. This is an obstacle-heavy course inspired, designed and built by Rob Butler. www.shalehilladventure.com
Soldiers Atop the Mount
Sept. 6, Orwell
Step back to 1777 as reenactors take over the Mount, demonstrating Revolutionary War camp life, military tactics, colonial crafts, firing artillery, cooking, making clothing. Enjoy the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence and music by the Seth Warner Mt. Independence Fife & Drum Corps. http://historicsites.vermont.gov/directory/mount_independence
Vermont Harvest Supper
Sept. 6, Canaan
The freshest foods from local farms cooked by your local hosts. Nobody leaves the Harvest Table Buffet hungry! www.TheGraceCommunityChurch.org
Traditional Craft Saturdays at Billings Farm & Museum
Sept. 6 – 27, Woodstock
Explore traditional crafts and learn more about their history, process, and use from experienced crafters. Sept. 6: Felting with Janet Cathey, Sept. 13: Blacksmithing with Craig Marcotte, Sept. 20: Pottery with Ara Cardew, Sept. 27: Coopering with David Salvetti. www.billingsfarm.org
Firehouse Breakfast
Sept. 7, Dorset
Old-Fashioned Pancake Breakfast Benefit for Community Sharing. www.dorsetvt.com
Pride Vermont
Sept. 7 – 14, Burlington
The week-long Pride Vermont celebration features a rousing High Heel Race on Church Street, a gender issues forum, an inter-faith service, Out-On-Church-Street discounts, a dance party, parade and festival. www.northerndecadence.com
The Vermont Civil War Songbook
Sept. 7, South Woodstock
Dressed in period costume, singer/researcher Linda Radtke shares songs from Vermont during the Civil War period, with engaging commentary and letters from Vermont soldiers. Subjects of the songs range from satire on Jefferson Davis to a soldier returning home to die to sentimental ballads. www.greenmountainperkinsacademy.org
Middlebury Arts Walk
Sept. 12, Middlebury
Stores and businesses will remain open, becoming galleries displaying the work of dozens of area artists. Art will turn up in restaurants, on the town green, and in other exciting and unlikely places. This is a regular monthly event—-visit downtown Middlebury on the second Friday of every month. www.middleburyartswalk.com
The Vermont Swing Dance Championships
Sept. 12 – 14, Bondville
Vermont Swing Dance Championships is comprised of dance lessons with world class dance instructors, competitions, and hours of social dancing! A West Coast Swing Dance vacation!? Featuring: Three days of West Coast Swing Dancing. Beginners and experienced dancers are welcome! www.vermontswingdancechampionships.com
Dance at Bennington College: 80 Years of Moving Through
September 12 – November 29, Burlington
One of the nation’s first schools for modern dance, Bennington College will exhibit historic photographs featuring seminal figures in the development of American modern and post-modern dance, such as Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, and Hanya Holm. http://www.flynncenter.org
TEDx Battenkill
September 13, Manchester
A day of invigorating talks about great ideas at the intersection of art, technology and design. From Vermont and beyond. http://tedxbattenkill.org
Antique & Classic Car Show Cruise-In
Sept. 13, Bennington
Main Street fills up with antiques and classic cars as they cruise through town. Join us for an evening of live music on the streets as you meet the drivers and enjoy all the specialty cars close-up. www.betterbennington.com
5k Goes to The Dogs
Sept. 13, Jeffersonville
Come support North Country Animal League with the 5k for dogs and humans! Event starts 9 a.m., pick up your race packet by 8:30 a.m. Stay the weekend and receive 20% off lodging. www.sterlingridgeresort.com
48th Annual Bennington Car Show & Flea Market
Sept. 13 – 14, Bennington
While many enjoy the tractors, vehicles, and swap meet, others may want to take in the Bennington Quilt Show. The shuttle will deliver and pick up family members who gravitate to the handiwork of skilled craftspeople who create outstanding selection of quilts. www.bennington.com
O2X Summit Challenge
Sept. 13 – 14, Warren
A new kind of mountain running race that finishes at the summit of 4,083-foot Mt. Ellen. Two different race courses include a Single Diamond route and a Double Diamond route. For spectators and participants, a weekend-long “BaseCamp” will blend on-site camping, scheduled nature hikes for friends and spectators, training-and-performance exhibits, and a farmer’s market-inspired gathering. www.o2x.com
Better L8 Than Never Car Show
Sept. 14, Bristol
A festive car show full of festivities! Hosted by the Snake Mountain Cruisers. Admission benefits Camp Ta-Kum-Ta. www.BetterL8ThanNever.com
Northern Decadence Food & Travel Expo
Sept. 14, Burlington
Sample Vermont’s diverse specialty foods, beer, wine and spirits at Northern New England’s premier Pride Festival. This event includes tasting samples, a silent auction and the Decadent Cupcake competition. www.northerndecadence.com
Tour de Goat
Sept. 14, Colchester
Join Vermont Farm Tours for the first Tour de Goat! 10 or 30 mile road ride (the road goat) and/or a 6 or 18mile mountain bike ride (the mountain goat). Return to the farm for tours, music, Nepali dinner and goat roast! www.vermontfarmtours.com/tourdegoat.html
Anne Frank’s Neighbors: What Did They Do?
Sept. 15, Williston
Although Anne Frank’s Diary is the most widely read nonfiction book in the world after the Bible, little attention has been paid to her neighbors—the people who lived alongside the Jewish population as persecution intensified. Mary Fillmore examines the choices they faced and the decisions they made. www.williston.lib.vt.us
A Sense of Place: Vermont’s Farm Legacy
Sept. 15, Monkton
The character of a place is shaped by its cultural heritage and folklife. Lecturer Gregory Sharrow discusses how in Vermont the cultural legacy of farming has strongly influenced Vermonters’ identities, and it is these distinctive traditions, which have persisted even with the decline in farm numbers, that help make the state unique. www.vermonthumanities.org
Vermont Backroad Foliage Tours
Sept. 15 – Nov. 1, Rutland
Regardless of when you plan your Vermont fall foliage vacation, we’ll take you where the fall colors are at their grandest. You’ll also learn the history and culture of Vermont as has been witnessed over a half a century by native Vermonter and guide Kelly Socia. www.vtbackroadtours.com/Foliage.html
St. Albans Raid 150th Anniversary Events
Sept. 18 – 21, St. Albans
Head to St. Albans for four days of events commemorating the 150th anniversary of the northern-most land action of the Civil War. There are elaborate re-enactments, walking tours, quilt show, antique guns exhibit, Civil War era music and bluegrass music, and a costume ball featuring food, music, and dances from the era with a best-period-costume contest. www.vermontcivilwar150.com
The 39 Steps
Sept. 18 – Oct. 19, Montpelier
A Hitchcock masterpiece + a juicy spy novel + Monty Python + romance + old- timey stage-craft x a ridiculously talented cast of 4 = The 39 Steps. A fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theater! Nonstop laughs, with over 150 zany characters. “Theater at its Finest.” – NY Times. www.lostnationtheater.org/
British Invasion Block Party
Sept. 19, Stowe
The kick-off for the British Invasion Car Show (September 19-21, 2014) is a don’t-miss event for visitors and locals. Come dance to the music of Joey Leone’s Chop Shop and mingle among some beautiful British cars along Main Street, while enjoying local food and brews. www.stowevibrancy.com
Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s Made in Vermont Music Festival
Sept. 19 – 29, Multiple locations
The VSO’s “Made in Vermont Music Festival” includes a concerto by Dittersdorf for an under sung pair of solo instruments–viola and double bass—and Holst’s popular St. Paul’s Suite. Beth Wiemann, a Burlington native, will join us to introduce the world premiere she has written for the VSO, “Before the Snow.” http://www.vso.org/eventcatview.php?id=1
Wine and Harvest Festival
Sept. 19 – 21, Wilmington
The Wine and Harvest Festival takes place in the Historic Downtown Wilmington and at Mount Snow Resort. Friday night is host to a Wilmington Soup and Wine Stroll with live music, cheese and wine pairing, and of course great soups to try. The main event is held at Mount Snow. Sample wines as you enjoy live music and a variety of craft and food vendors. www.thevermontfestival.com
43rd Annual Women’s Barbershop Show
Sept. 20, Barre
The internationally ranked local women’s a cappella barbershop chorus performs to the theme- “Dream On!” Take an entertaining and funny musical journey in the director’s head as she plans an annual show. www.barretonesvt.com
19th Annual Northeastern Open Atlatl Championship
Sept. 20, Addison
Archaeology Month Event: Participate or watch this colorful championship. The sport of atlatl throwing is based on the ancient hunting technique of using the atlatl or spear thrower. Demonstrations and workshops on flint knapping, woodland pottery, and other crafts and skills. http://historicsites.vermont.gov/directory/chimney_point
Plymouth Cheese & Harvest Festival
Sept. 20, Plymouth
Enjoy guided tours and sampling at the cheese factory, wagon rides, historic farm & craft demonstrations, barbecue and more! Laura Trieschmann, from the State’s Division of Historic Preservation, will present “Vermonters in the Civil War: Plymouth educators leading the USCT.” http://historicsites.vermont.gov/directory/coolidge
The Heroism of Modern Life
Sept. 20 – Nov. 30, Bennington
Max Ginsberg and Garin Baker have invited a small group of select artists to participate in this important exhibition. The goal of the show is to showcase artists whose work interprets the beauty and heroism that is found in contemporary, everyday life. www.thebennington.org
Natural History Hike
Sept. 21, Ferrisburgh
We’ll salute the nature-loving Robinson family with a guided hike. Formerly home to sheep and dairy cattle, Rokeby’s landscape reveals much of its historic past. Join us for a look at what’s growing here now – and why. www.rokeby.org
The Alt/John Doyle, Nuala Kennedy & Eamon O’Leary
Sept. 21, Middlebury
In its twentieth season, After Dark Music Series, presents Irish musicians, The Alt, with John Doyle, along with Nuala Kennedy and Eamon O’Leary. www.afterdarkmusicseries.com
St. Albans Raid Half Marathon
Sept. 21, St. Albans
A volley of period gunfire starts this race that follows part of the route escaped Confederate soldiers took in October 1864 after robbing St. Albans banks. The 13.1 mile half marathon trail is scenic, mostly gravel, and gently rolling. Open to runners and 2-person relay teams. www.stalbansraid.com
Musical Comedy THE MUSIC MAN
Sept. 25 – Oct. 5, Hyde Park
This critically acclaimed Broadway classic is an all-American institution, thanks to characters like Harold Hill and Marion the librarian, and tunes such as ‘You Got Trouble,’ ’76 Trombones,’ and ‘Till There Was You!’ www.LCPlayers.com
Comedy of Errors
Sept. 25 – Oct. 19, Montpelier
Two sets of twins, separated at birth, are reunited. But only after a Rube Goldberg of mistaken identities, witty dialogue, puns & plot-twists. “Rowdy Fun.” – The Guardian www.lostnationtheater.org
Independent Television and Video Fest
September 26-28, Dover
Vermont’s largest industry-facing showcase of independent work from writers and directions across Vermont, New England, the U.S. and around the world.
http://itvfest.com
Burke Fall Foliage Festival
Sept. 27, East Burke
The days’ events include: Parade, Rubber Duck Race, Kids Area with a Jump House, face painting and Craft Show. The VT Institute of Natural Science will be doing a live raptor show. Chickweed featuring Linda Warnaar will perform. Beer & Wine tent will feature live music with Tritium Well. www.burkevermont.com
Stowe Foliage Artisan Market
Sept. 27, Stowe
This popular artisan market will feature more than local artists and artisans on Park Street. There will also be live music and local food on the Village Green. www.stowevibrancy.com
White Water Release
Sept. 27, Jamaica
The controlled water releases produce ideal rafting, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities on the West River in southern Vermont. www.vtstateparks.com/htm/jamaica.htm
Bristol Harvest Festival
Sept. 27, Bristol
More than 70 crafts vendors, great bandstand music by the Bristol Harvest Festival Band, LC Jazz and more local talent, children’s venue with games, pony rides, face painting, Apple Pie Contest, Pie Eating Contest. Chicken Wing Contest, Biggest Zucchini Contest, Tug O War, 5K Race and more! www.BristolHarvestFest.com
Smithsonian Day at Participating Museums
Sept. 27, Windsor
It’s Smithsonian Day at museums around the country! Download the Museum Day Admission Card from the Smithsonian’s website or find it in the Smithsonian Magazine, and visit us, as well as other participating museums—all offering free admission with the Smithsonian Pass. Special “Behind the Scenes” museum tour offered at $10. www.americanprecision.org/2012-01-18-16-22-51/upcoming-events
Traditional Chicken Pie Supper
Sept. 27, Waitsfield
Guests can look forward to steaming chicken and gravy topped with handmade rolled biscuits, heaping bowls of winter squash and mashed potatoes, creamy cole slaw, and homemade pies served with generous wedges of cheddar cheese. www.waitsfieldchurch.org
11th Annual VT Fine Furniture, Woodworking & Forest Festival
Sept. 27 – 28, Woodstock
Find great gifts like jewelry, utensils, & cutting boards, as well as the finest furniture in the world. Watch live woodworking demos, enjoy local food, and listen to music. Award winning entries from the VT Woodworking Design Competition will be on display. Explore the forest at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. www.vermontwood.com
Vermont Fall Foliage Sampler Tours
Sept. 27 – Oct. 27, Manchester
Head off the beaten path to view the spectacular fall foliage in the Shires of Vermont. You will see color up-close and in mountain-valley vistas. Tours are led by local guides and given in a comfortable 8 passenger vehicle. This tour was awarded Editors’ Choice for Yankee Travel Magazine. www.backroaddiscovery.com
Vermont – Inn to Inn group bicycle tour
Sept. 29 – Oct. 5, Burlington
Prepare to be inspired by the Green Mountain State’s beauty and tranquility as you ride through Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom with its colorful mountain vistas and stunning views of sprawling Lake Champlain. From fiery red hardwood canopies to expanses of golden yellow, you can’t beat the breathtaking views of Vermont in the autumn. What better way to go leaf peeping than by bicycle? www.adventurecycling.org/guided-tours
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