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The Green Mountain State is home to some of the most lush and beautiful apple orchards around. So when fall rolls around and you’re looking to bake up a sweet apple pie, sip on some cider, or simply take a bite out of a farm-fresh apple, head over to one of Vermont’s expansive orchards. While you and your family are picking, you’ll be afforded some stunning views, too. Here are the 10 best apple picking spots in the state.

1. Green Mountain Orchards, Putney, VT

Most autumn days you can come on down to Green Mountain Orchards for some apple pie and warm, fresh cider doughnuts, and hand-pressed sweet apple cider. The cider is so fresh, you can drink it unpasteurized, or maybe you will want to peruse the store for house made jams and butter, as well as quality cheese and maple products. You-pick apples and berries are in full swing too.

2. Wellwood Orchards, Springfield, VT

Started in 1954, Wellwood Orchards is a family owned and operated farm that features wagon rides and pick-your-own apples. Find strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, pumpkins and more, or enjoy many fresh baked items from the country store. Also, don’t forget the camera because this hilltop orchard offers panoramic views.

3. Mad Tom Orchard, East Dorset, VT

Planted in 1940 by the Parsons family, restoration on the orchard began in the late 1990s and now features 100 original McIntosh and Cortland trees. Additionally, 1,200 new trees complete eight acres of production. Enjoy pick-your-own apples, cherries, and raspberries. Also, enjoy mountain views and fresh pressed cider.

4. Champlain Orchards, Shoreham, VT

Self-proclaimed as one of the oldest continuously operating orchards in Vermont, Champlain Orchards grows 100 types of apples, and peaches, cherries, nectarines, and berries. Careful to minimize their carbon footprint for maximum sustainability, they follow Eco Apple guidelines and are certified Organic by Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF). Also, the farm is electrically solar powered, which supports their mission of sustainability.

5. Shelburne Orchards, Shelburne, VT

At Shelburne Orchards, you can pick your own apples, sour cherries, peaches, and table grapes. They Paula Reds, McIntosh, Cortland, Empire, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Gala, and more will ripen at different times. Also, don’t miss cider doughnuts and the Tractor Petting Zoo!

6. Hacketts Orchard, South Hero, VT

Hacketts is a family owned and operated farm established in 1967 on 50 acres.  They feature 47 varieties of apples, fresh cider doughnuts, apple cider, vegetables, pumpkins, Vermont maple syrup, local honey, and more. Enjoy a picnic and play area, fall wagon rides, orchard tours, and u-pick. Also, don’t miss frozen cider and frozen apple crisp or community events, like the local Easter Egg Hunt in the spring.

7. Happy Valley Orchard, Middlebury, VT

Happy Valley is an orchard, a specialty grocery store, farm stand, and a bakery all in one. Come pick McIntosh, Empire, Cortland, Gala, and heirloom varieties, such as Northern Spy, Keepsake, Spitzenburg, Russet, Vermont Gold, and Rhode Island Greening. And don’t forget about the famous cider doughnuts made fresh daily, the fresh-pressed cider, or the produce from local growers.

8. Burtt’s Orchard, Cabot, VT

Burtt’s packs over 40 varieties into just 10 small acres, but if you are in the Montpelier area, this little apple plot may be worth a look. That is because Burtt’s features many varieties that other larger orchards do not, like Northern Spy, St. Edmund’s Russet, Pixie Crunch, Ashmead’s Kernel, Binet Rouge, Summer Mac, Summer Rambo, Cox’s Orange Pippin, William’s Pride, Blue Pearmain, Winter Banana, Jonagold and more.

9. Scott Farm Orchard, Dummerston, VT

The Scott Farm is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been in active cultivation since 1791. The first apple orchard on the 571-acre farm was established in 1911, which is now owned by the Landmark Trust USA. The Scott Farm now utilizes “ecologically grown” practices and boasts over 120 varieties of heirloom apples, plums, blueberries, peaches, pears, medlars, and apricots.

10. Chapin Orchard, Essex Junction, VT

Situated just 20 minutes from Burlington, Essex Junction’s Chapin Orchard is a wonderfully family-friendly location to pick your fresh apples for the season. Chapin is open seven days a week from early September through October. Available apples include Cortland, Empire, Macoun, Golden Rusett, Northern Spy, and much more!

Cole Gratton

Cole has been working at Handy Toyota for 1 month on the sales floor. He has lived in Vermont for 19 years. His dream car is one of the 2019 TRD PRO’Sor a classic 1970 Dodge Charger. On the weekends and during his time off Cole can be found hanging out with his friends, or in the woods hunting like many other Vermonters. His favorite movie is Hacksaw Ridge, favorite book is Night by Elie Wiesel, and his favorite T.V. show is The Office. Cole loves fishing, hunting, and sports. He enjoys spending my time outside and with family and friends.

To contact Cole feel free to email him at cgratton@handycars.com

Steeple Market Brewfest 2018
September 15, 2018
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT
Fees/Admission:
$40 Regular Ticket $5 Designated Driver Ticket

Steeple Market is proud to present their 3rd annual Brewfest! The event will feature a wide variety of craft beer and ciders, live music and festive food. This year we will also have a cornhole tournament! Proceeds support the Fairfax Fire Department. Tickets are on sale now and include entry to the tasting session, 12 tasting tickets, and a commemorative beer glass. This year, instead of two smaller sessions we will have one large session from 2pm – 6pm. Let’s get together with friends, family, and neighbors, one more time before the season starts to change. We’re serving up good times and community reunions at this hometown event supporting the Fairfax Fire Department.

Thunder Kittens
Homegrown in Vermont. Playing good times music.

Chris & Erica
A Vermont duo.

For more information visit
https://steeplemarket.com/brewfest/

To Bid or Not to Bid – A Benefit for Bent Northrop Memorial Library
September 29, 2018
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT

Mark your calendars for the 5th annual ‘Party of the Year’ with fabulous food, craft beer, and both red & white wines. All you can eat and drink for $15.00 per person! String wizard Will Patton will provide the music. Silent and noisy auctions throughout the evening will feature local organic produce, beautiful folk art, stunning photography, plus an extensive range of experiential treats for the whole family. It’s a fundraiser for Fairfield’s public library, in the heart of town, alive and vibrant: Bent Northrop Memorial Library. This is surely an evening not to be missed! See you there!

Sponsored by the Friends of BNML.
Fees/Admission:
$15.00 per person for all you can eat and drink
Visit our website
http://www.bentnorthrop.org

The all-new Toyota Corolla Hatchback makes a bold statement for 2019! One of the biggest changes besides its appearance is the new powertrain: a new, 2.0-liter “Dynamic Force” naturally aspirated four-cylinder. Its 2.0-liter engine puts out 168 horsepower at 6,600 RPM and 151 lb-ft @ 4,800 RPM. This is a large increase in power from the previous generation and promises a more joyous driving experience and better fuel economy.

The Corolla Hatchback still receives that power via the front wheels through either a CVT or – enthusiasts rejoice – a six-speed manual transmission with rev matching regardless of which trim level you pick! There are only two trims for the hatchback: SE and XSE.

The 2019 Corolla also receives a completely new interior! The dash and door panels have been completely rethought and are better organized visually. A new High-Definition 8.0-inch display screen rises prominently from the dashboard above the digital climate controls. The new front seats feature revised cushions with, a lower hip point that is said to provide a more natural body posture, and the seats are separated by a wider console for better elbow room.

All models get a leather shift knob, an electronic parking brake, keyless ignition, and two USB ports. Apple CarPlay compatibility, Amazon Alexa, Wi-Fi, Siri Eyes Free, and voice recognition are all standard! Making the new Corolla a very high-tech hatch.

All in all the new Corolla, receives better more aggressive styling, more horsepower, more features standard, and a better-designed platform that is more rigid yet reduces the Corollas overall weight! For more information visit Handy Toyota near Burlington Vermont.

Route 100 stretches 216 scenic miles along the spine of the Green Mountains through 33 classic villages and towns, from Stamford to Pittsfield to Westfield. Some of Vermont’s most notable ski areas and attractions can be found along the route, including Mount Snow, Okemo, Sugarbush, the Vermont Country Store, and Ben & Jerry’s.

Starting at the Massachusetts border, Route 100 travels north-south and ends just below Newport. Route 100, which earliest origins date back to the 1700s, follows rivers and the contours of the Vermont landscape, making it one of the most beautiful and popular roads in the Green Mountain State.

Cask and Kiln Kitchen in Wilmington

Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington at the junction of Routes 100 and 9, the Cask and Kiln Kitchen offers a delicious seasonal menu, creative cocktails, and a sophisticated yet cozy vibe. The restaurant, located in a building that dates back to the 1930s, includes finer dining on the first floor with a casual lounge upstairs. (4 North Main Street/Route 100, Wilmington; 802-464-CASK (2275); caskandkiln.com)

Sticky Fingers Bakery in West Dover

Since first opening in May 2010, Sticky Fingers Bakery has made a name for itself as a local bakery. Serving homemade pastries, ice cream, desserts, cookies, breads, and celebration cakes, Sticky Fingers is worth the trip.  (210 VT-100, West Dover; 802-464-9463; stickyfingersvermontbakery.com)

Mount Snow in West Dover

As one of the very first ski areas on the East Coast, Mount Snow offers skiing, mountain biking, golf, hiking trails, and children’s summer camps.  With a summit elevation of 3,600 feet, Mount Snow offers 87 trails and a variety of terrain for beginner, intermediate and expert skiers and snowboarders. In the summer and fall, it’s an incredible place to explore the outdoors with scenic views and a dynamic mountain biking trail system. (West Dover; 800-245-SNOW; mountsnow.com)

Honeypie in Rawsonville

The couple behind the James-Beard nominated SoLo Farm and Table opened Honeypie in an old gas station in Rawsonville, just across the street from Meulemans’ Craft Drafts. Owned by Wesley and Chloe Genovart, Honeypie offers a tasty selection of burgers, lobster rolls, chicken sandwiches, house-made sausage sandwiches, fries, beer, wine, soft drinks, and milkshakes. (8811 Route 30, Rawsonville; 802-548-4999; eatathoneypie.com)

Vermont Country Store

Owned and operated by the Orton family since 1946, the Vermont Country Store started as a small mail-order business before becoming one of Vermont’s top visitor destinations.  The store is known for selling practical, offbeat, and hard-to-find items, such as Dr. Scholl’s sandals and children’s Fisher-Price record players. The Vermont Country Store also carries jewelry, classic kitchenware, soap, cheese, candy and much more. (657 Main Street/Route 100, Weston; 802-824-3184; vermontcountrystore.com)

Okemo Mountain Resort

Okemo is a family-owned ski area that is home to 121 trails and five mountain areas that include Jackson Gore Peak, Solitude Peak, South Face, Glades Peak and South Ride. The year-round Adventure Zone is sure to please all ages, and mountain biking and golf make this southern Vermont resort the perfect outdoor playground.  (77 Okemo Ridge Road, Ludlow; 800-78-OKEMO; okemo.com)

Green Mountain Sugar House in Ludlow

This family-owned maple sugaring business got its start more than 50 years ago, when David and Marjorie Harlow opened a sugarhouse near the shore of Lake Pauline. In 1985, the couple sold the business to their daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Doug Rose. They continue the tradition of tapping trees, boiling sap, and packing syrup into jugs and glass bottles. They also make their own maple candy, maple cream, and maple nut brittle. Don’t forget to order a maple creemee while you’re there. (820 Route 100, Ludlow; 800-643-9338; gmsh.com)

Original Country Store in Pittsfield

The Original General Store is one of the best country stores in Vermont. The store sells wine, coffee, smoothies, snacks, beer, as well as burgers, BLTs, and pancakes.  In the back of the store is The Backroom, a tiny restaurant that seats 20 people in a communal dining setting from November to June. (3963 Route 100, Pittsfield, VT; www.vermontsoriginalstore.com)

Moss Glen Falls in Granville

A tour of Route 100 must include Moss Glen Falls, a magnificent 30-foot waterfall. The falls are located on the western edge of Route 100 in the Granville Gulf Reservation, a six-mile, winding stretch of untouched wilderness between Rochester and Warren. (Route 100, Granville)

Sugarbush Resort

With 111 trails spread across two mountains—Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen—Sugarbush has something for skiers and riders of all ages and levels. Trails on Castle Rock are known for being among the most natural and challenging expert terrain around. In the summer and fall, enjoy hiking, a zipline, downhill biking, scenic lift rides, and more. (102 Forrest Drive, Warren; 800-537-8427; sugarbush.com)

Ben & Jerry’s in Waterbury

Vermont’s most popular tourist attraction is also one of the tastiest places to visit. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, who started scooping their famous Vermont ice cream 40 years ago, are the guys behind Cherry Garcia, Heath Bar Crunch, and Chunky Monkey.  Every year, thousands of visitors flock to the Route 100 factory for 30-minute tours, free samples, and a gift shop. (1281 Waterbury-Stowe Road/Route 100, Waterbury; 866-258-6877; benandjerrys.com)

Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury Center  

Cold Hollow Cider Mill is one of New England’s largest producers of fresh apple cider—last year they used 7.5 million pounds of apples. Cold Hollow draws busloads of visitors who watch cider being made on a vintage 1920 press, then sample the goods. While Cold Hollow has always been a place to pick up a variety of specialty foods like apple jelly, butters, and sauces, you can now add hard cider to the mix. Their relatively new hard cider, Barn Dance, is sold exclusively at Cold Hollow in the Apple Core Luncheonette & Brew. (3600 Waterbury-Stowe Road/Route 100, Waterbury Center; 800-3-APPLES; coldhollow.com)

Although New England is better known for its charming small towns and scenic vistas (famously one of the best places to see fall’s foliage), it’s also home to some of the best beaches. Here, our favorite sandy swaths along New England’s coastline and its surrounding islands.

Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts
Cape Cod has some of the most postcard-perfect beaches in the region, but we love this one because it’s ideal for families. The sand is super soft (great for little feet), the waves are shallow enough for young swimmers and boogie-board enthusiasts, and the local seals are always a highlight.

Mohegan Bluffs Beach, Rhode Island
Little Block Island, off the southern coast of Rhode Island, offers an impressive 17 miles of beaches, none more spectacular than this quiet spot on the island’s southwest reaches. Situated 150 feet below its namesake bluffs (and accessible by a 140-step staircase), the beach has spectacular views—on a clear day, you can see all the way to Montauk on neighboring Long Island.

East Beach, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
On those summer days when Martha’s Vineyard gets a bit too crowded, hop on The Chappy Ferry for a two-minute ride from Edgartown to Chappaquiddick island. Head east to the end of Dike Bridge Road, and plant yourself on secluded East Beach (also known as Leland Beach), where locals fishing from the shore and seabirds far outnumber tourists.

Goose Rocks Beach, Maine
Located in tony Kennebunkport (where the Bush family summers), this quiet beach spans three miles, so you won’t need to compete for space when throwing down your beach blanket. At low tide, keep an eye out for the barrier reef that protects the beach surfaces, also known as Goose Rocks.

Siasconset Beach, Nantucket, Massachusetts
If you’re looking for a respite from the clambakes and crowds on Nantucket’s main beaches, bike over to this secluded spot. Located on the island’s more eastern tip, Siasconset Beach is a little more untrammeled and a lot less congested.

Mansion Beach, Rhode Island
Another Block Island favorite is this small northern beach, famous among body surfers and their admirers. Expect some pretty intense waves when storms are brewing in the Atlantic. On calmer days, it’s idyllic for ambles and sunbathing.

Did you know that the Toyota Sequoia received a mild refresh for the 2018 model year? It wasn’t a widely announced fact, as it was outshined by the introduction of the first-ever 2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport, but it did happen! We thought we’d dive into what the refresh entailed by going over what’s new in the 2018 Toyota Sequoia.

Standard Lights

For starters, every 2018 Sequoia model received a host of new, standard LED lighting. These new standard LED lights include the headlamps, daytime running lights and fog lights.

Other Features

In addition to the lights, each trim level – SR5, Limited, Platinum, and TRD Sport – also received its own, unique grille design. The lower front bumper was also redesigned. On the interior, the instrument panel was upgraded to a new design as well. Finally, the Sequoia received automatic emergency braking and the Toyota Safety Sense P package.

Exterior Color Options

The other update for the 2018 model year Toyota Sequoia is its selection of exterior colors, which added three new options to choose from. These new colors are Midnight Black Metallic, Shoreline Blue Pearl, and Toasted Walnut Pearl.

TRD Sport

 The Sequoia TRD Sport supposedly tautens the big rig’s handling with standard Bilstein dampers and TRD anti-roll bars at both axles. Appearance tweaks include a TRD-specific grille and front bumper, 20-inch black wheels, smoked rear tail lights, black mirror caps, and TRD Sport badges. It is offered in white, gray, or black.

More Information

When properly equipped, the 2018 Sequoia can tow up to 7,400 pounds of payload for rear-drive models or 7,200 pounds for four-wheel-drive models. There are 18.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and it can be expanded to 66.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 120.1 cubic feet behind the front seats.

Do you want a sporty and capable truck that offers plenty of advanced technology? The 2018 Toyota Tacoma may be the truck for you! Its six models that are available create many of options for VT drivers to choose from. Whether you go with the SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, or TRD Pro, there are a plethora of features available for this bold truck.

Toyota Tacoma SR and SR5

With both of these models, you get to enjoy the high-tech safety that comes along with the standard Toyota Safety Sense™ P and Star Safety System™. There are also features to assist your travels like Hill Start Assist Control and the convenient remote keyless entry system that’s available. The interior consists of fabric-trimmed seats that also have a 4-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support for added comfort.

Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road

If you decide on the rugged 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport, you get pioneering amenities like the exciting Entune™ Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, as well as the Smart Key System with Push Button Start. Additionally, the TRD Off-Road adds Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control with the 4×4 automatic models for added stability and capability.

Toyota Tacoma Limited and TRD Pro

With the lavish Limited model, you get to utilize the Entune™ Premium JBL® Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, as well as get a unique view of the outdoors here in St. Albans, VT, with the power tilt/slide moonroof. Then there’s the TRD Pro. This commanding model has exciting additives like a TRD Pro skid plate and TRD Pro cat-back exhaust.

Which 2018 Toyota Tacoma model are you going to go with? Find out more about the truck right here at Handy Toyota today!

Affordable speed not just for the budget-conscious

The 2018 Toyota 86 is a small, lightweight two-door sports car that occupies the segment almost by itself. Thanks to its affordable price and great handling, car enthusiasts will have a hard time finding a more appealing car at the same cost.

Powertrain

The 2018 Toyota 86 boasts a 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder engine jointly developed with Subaru. It produces 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque with the six-speed automatic transmission and 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque with the six-speed manual. Notably, the torque curve is also flatter with the manual model, improving responsiveness. Because the 2.0-liter’s four cylinders are in a flat “boxer” configuration, the engine sits lower to the ground, contributing to the 86’s nimble handling. Though the manual gets more power, the automatic makes up for it with higher fuel economy and the convenience of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Design

The design of the 2018 Toyota 86 combines old-school sports car proportions with modern aerodynamic elements and style. The sculpted front end helps it achieve a drag coefficient of only 0.29 Cd and the large chin spoiler and integrated canard keep the car glued to the ground when turning into corners. Vortex generators on the sides enhance stability and give the car a sporty look, and at the rear the dual sport exhaust is trimmed in chrome for even more head-turning potential. Inside, sport seats with silver contrast stitching provide excellent support for spirited driving. The generous use of a “grandlux” trim — a suede-like material — add a touch of sophistication to the 86.

Handling

Nearly everything about the 2018 Toyota 86 is designed with optimizing handling in mind, from the double-wishbone-style multi-link rear suspension to the lightweight, rigid chassis. The rear-wheel drive configuration helps improve the car’s agility, and should you want to push yourself and the car to the limit, you can do so by holding the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) button for a second to engage the Track Mode. This forces the VSC not to kick in until it senses you have reached the very limits of the car — though this can also be disabled by engaging the “Full-Off Mode.”

For the price, few cars can compete with the 2018 Toyota 86’s dynamic handling, which it achieves with a simplicity that even expensive sports cars rarely match. All of their electronic toys and gizmos, while improving cornering speeds, tend to break the connection between car and driver. As a result, the 86 is not just a car for budget-conscious enthusiasts, but also one for sports car aficionados in general.