Unique Fall Activities in Vermont
Let’s get away from the basics.
From Nightmare Vermont’s Facebook page.
Autumn is a great time to get outside before the snow falls, especially considering that the snow could have a coating on the ground by the end of October. Everyone loves carving pumpkins and leaf peeping, but there are so many interesting fall-themed activities to do in Vermont as well.
Nightmare Vermont is typically based as an interactive haunted house, where you walk through a building and try not to cry before you get to the end. It is an all-volunteer, charity event that first began in 2004. It takes place at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex, but due to Covid-19, there is a twist. This year, ticket buyers will be able to experience Nightmare Vermont through a livestream at home, where there will be live interactions and some members will even be pulled into special rooms. Nightmare Vermont takes place October 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, and 31. If you want a spooky night full of fun from the safety of your own home, this is a great option.
There have been several disappearances on Glastenbury Mountain, causing many to believe that it’s haunted. Between 1945 and 1950, at least four people disappeared while hiking the mountain. If things like this don’t scare you, this hike in Southern Vermont is still beautiful and worth a visit, if you dare.
The Haunted Mill is a haunted house based in Winooski. This mill operated in the early 1900s and many even lost their lives inside the mill. The website even says: “However, many remnants of the long shuttered mill – and the thousands of souls who painstakingly labored there – still remain.” The Haunted Mill is so scary that they recommend you are over the age of 13 to go in. Plus, they provide warnings against people with asthma, heart conditions, mental/physical problems, or respiratory/medical problems from attending. This haunted house raises money for the Winooski food shelf. Sadly, the Haunted Mill is not open this year due to Covid-19, but keep it in mind for future years!
If being spooked is your thing, Emily’s bridge may be interesting to you. This bridge in Stowe was named after Emily, a girl who went to the bridge to meet her lover to elope in the 1800s. When he never came, she committed suicide by jumping from the bridge. Many say that Emily’s ghost is an angry one, so beware if you decide to visit her.
So, being scared isn’t your thing. The top of Mount Mansfield is a beautiful place to see the foliage from a different angle. There are trails to hike and the gondola is available to take a slow, easy ride up the mountain.
If you’re a person who doesn’t like fall or being scared, maybe this is the activity for you. The 2020 Holiday Extravaganza is taking place at the St. Albans Bay Park, where there will be food and craft vendors, visits with Santa and his reindeer, a tree lighting, and fireworks. This event is free and takes place on November 27th, 2020, the day after Thanksgiving. Get your Christmas spirit on early with this fun event!
