Autumn in Vermont

Autumn in Vermont is the time of year when I have to pinch myself to believe I actually get to live in such a beautiful place. It never grows old. My jaw still drops every fall when the colors arrive. Here in the Northeast Kingdom, where fall comes early and maple trees dominate the landscape, uncontrollable gasps on ordinary commutes are common. I never question why tourists flood this area every autumn—it’s remarkable, even for those of us lucky enough to call it home.

After two years of what felt like nonstop rain, this summer brought the opposite: a stretch of extreme drought in parts of Vermont. I worried it would dull the colors, that the stress on the trees would leave us with muted tones and early leaf fall. But Mother Nature, while moody and sometimes downright rude, can also be a spectacular show-off—and that’s exactly who she’s being this year.

Of course, fall in Vermont isn’t just about the colors. Last weekend, I spent a warm autumn day with friends pressing apples for cider. Wild apples gathered from every corner of our area were washed, crushed, and pressed into delicious juice. Everyone brought something to share—cheese, sausage, crackers—and contributed to hearty fall meals like chili, fish, and mini quiches. It was a joyful day, full of good work and even better company.

At one point, I looked around and realized that nearly everyone there knew each other because of Harry’s Hardware—coming together over food, drinks, and music. I met the host while tending bar; he met my friends through other connections; his family had gathered at The Den; and others in the group had met there at different times. That’s when it hit me how vital these community spaces—these Third Places—really are. They’re not just places to gather and chat. They’re where relationships are built, connections are made across towns and counties (and sometimes states), and where we learn from each other. They’re where laughter runs so deep it makes you cry.

Moments like that day remind me why I love this place—not just for the beauty of the hills in October, but for the people who fill them with laughter, music, and kindness. Autumn in Vermont never fails to put on a show, but the real magic is in the people who share it. The cider press, the stories, the gathering around the table—that’s the heartbeat of this place. The colors may fade, but the connections we make here deepen with every season.