When and where to find the best of Fall in the NEK

The fall colors, the cozy sweaters, the apple cider, the apple cider donuts!

There are so many reasons to love fall, and fall-foliage festivals are where they all come together. Lucky for us, the Northeast Kingdom is the heart of Vermont's fall-foliage festival scene.

Whether you're flying into Vermont by way of Burlington or road-tripping in, you'll want to make time for a scenic drive into Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. Use this guide to plan your visit.

Local tips

Make the Most of your Fall Foliage adventures by abiding these tips from locals.

Annual Fall Foliage Festival

Sept. 26 - Oct. 3 | throughout the NEK

Dive deep into the NEK through this week-long, region-wide, coordinated festival. View the calendar below or read on for a day-by-day of all the activities!

Saturday, Sept. 26 | Cabot

Start your NEK Fall Foliage exploration at the Cabot Historical Society between 10 a.m. - noon to learn about the day's events which include self-guided tours, trail hikes, open houses at area businesses and the Cabot Cheese and Culture Festival.

The Festival begins at noon on the Town Common and features tastings, education, and celebration with Vermont cheesemakers, producers of cultured and fermented foods, food trucks, and brewers.

Top off the day with the annual turkey dinner-- with all the trimmings-- at the Cabot Church from 5 - 6:30 p.m. take-out only, with outdoor dining on the Town Common.

Sunday, Sept. 27 | Marshfield

Marshfield Harvest Festival 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Free family-friendly activities including cider pressing, face painting, arts & crafts, field games, petting zoo, 4H demonstrations, chicken races, music, and the VT Steam & Gas Engine Association exhibit.

Bake sale, horse & wagon rides, craft sale, flea market, and food vendors.

At the Old Schoolhouse Common, 122 School Street, Marshfield, VT 05658

Info: jaquithpubliclibrary@gmail.com, (802) 426-3581, or their website (linked below) for the band lineup and other updates.

Monday, Sept. 28 | Walden

Come to the Walden Church in Noyesville Village at 9 a.m, to register for the day. Enjoy exhibits at the church from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Luncheon is offered during self-led open visits from noon to 2:30 p.m. Visit Walden residents who  make a living or supplement their incomes by working or crafting in their homes, fields, or studios as well as scenery viewing opportunities marked with bright orange open visit signs. Family-style Barbecued Beef Supper starts at 5:30 p.m. Take-out available.

Info: Judy Clifford, (802) 563-2777 evenings, message (802) 793-5011, or visit their website (linked below) for detailed information.

Thursday, Oct. 1 | Peacham

Celebrate with Peacham, starting with breakfast at the Peacham Cafe!

Stroll up Church Street and visit the Blacksmith Shop, Historical House, Corner Cemetery, War Memorial, Snow Roller Museum, and an iconic view of Peacham Village.

Enjoy lunch at Peacham Elementary School or Peacham Cafe.

Shop locally at Peacham Corner Guild and Fall Foliage Market, browse the library book sale, explore Peacham Observatory, and visit historic East Peacham Schoolhouse. Take a guided hike to Peacham Bog, tour the historic Meetinghouse, enjoy a concert with Dana Robinson, and savor a Vermont Maple Glazed Ham Supper. End your day with a movie, Spitfire Grill.

For cost, time, and other details visit their website (linked below) or contact Melissa Hough, (802) 592-3195, mdhough@gmail.com

Friday, Oct. 2 | Barnet

Welcome to Barnet! We have several places for you to visit this year. Historic Ben's Mill at 2236 West Barnet Road will be open for tours (as they prepare for Saturday's annual Rubber Ducky Race Fundraiser); a quilt show at the Meeting House at 100 Church Street in Barnet Village; the European Coffee Hour at 279 West Barnet Road (the Church in West Barnet); and more.

Please check our website (linked bel0w) for more information.

Saturday, Oct. 3 | Groton

Enjoy a full day of family-fun! Start with the Lumberjack Breakfast (7:00 - 9:30 a.m.), explore library activities (9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.), tour the Peter Paul House (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.), enter the Great Pumpkin Weigh-in (10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.), enjoy lunch at the First Baptist Church, and don't miss the Downtown Parade at 1:30 p.m.

End the day with the Groton Community Club's World Famous Chicken Pie Supper with seatings at 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m. (take-out available). Advance tickets are required. Visit our website (below) for tickets and additional event information.

More Events

Friday, Sept. 25 | Hardwick

Harvest Festival, 140 Granite Street, Hardwick, VT

Saturday, Sept. 26 | Burke

Burke Fall Festival. Parking at 98 VT Route 114, East Burke VT 05832

Saturday, Sept 26 | Newport

Downtown Newport Fall Festival

Sunday, Oct. 4th | Danville

Autumn on the Green