7 things to do in Vermont over a foliage weekend

The auto toll road at Stowe allows you to drive 4 1/2 miles to the summit of Mount Mansfield. (Stowe)

From indulging in the rich, centuries-old tradition of maple sugaring to savoring the flavors of artisanal cheese, fall is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the heartwarming culture and picturesque beauty of the Green Mountain State during its most colorful season.

–Visit Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks: Vermont’s maple sugaring season may peak between Valentine’s Day and Tax Day, but fall is the perfect time to tap into one of its renowned farms to sample the product and take in the spectacular autumnal views. The state’s oldest – Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, on the outskirts of Montpelier – has been collecting sap over eight generations and 200 years. Not much has changed over time and visitors are welcome daily, year-round, to explore this living museum by touring the sugar house and its maple trail and by sampling the multitude of maple products offered up in its country store. www.morsefarm.com

–Check out the Cabot Cheese and Culture Festival: Historic Cabot Village Common is the venue for this inaugural festival on Sept. 30, aiming to bring together Vermont cheesemakers, producers of cultured and fermented foods, chefs, brewers, cider, wine, mead makers, and turophiles. Sample an array of dairy delights and even learn from the experts on cheese pairing during this day of tasting, education and celebration. Attend panel discussions on fermented food-making, farming practices and cheese making, and enjoy live music, artisan crafts, and the warm atmosphere of a small-town festival against the backdrop of Vermont’s picturesque fall foliage. www.cabotarts.org

–Take the Vermont Brewery Passport Challenge: More than one million people visit Vermont’s craft breweries each year and the Vermont Brewers Association’s new passport program can help enthusiasts create their own self-guided tours to all the “Beer Worth Finding.” Download the free app on your smartphone and access an interactive brewery map while creating your own travel plan for discovering the state’s thriving craft beer scene, one pint at a time. Enjoy crisp ales, pumpkin brews, and more while immersing yourself in the cozy charm of local breweries. Earn rewards and merchandise by using the app to collect stamps and getting the latest event news along the way. www.vermontbrewers.com/brewery-challenge

-Explore Vermont’s Cider Trail: As apple-picking season lasts until late into October, fall is the perfect time to visit one or more of the state’s dozens of orchards. The state’s apple farmers cultivate more than 150 different varieties of apples annually and during harvest time, cideries often host special events and tastings. Taste a variety of ciders, from crisp and dry to sweet and spiced, all while surrounded by the refreshing aroma of autumn. Whether you’re looking to sample the goods, buy apples by the bushel, or pick your own with the kids, seeking out a couple of farms to visit this fall is a great way to meander through quaint, rural communities at the peak of the season. vermontciderassociation.squarespace.com/vtcidertrail

-Hike on the Long Trail: There is no better way to immerse yourself into Vermont’s foliage season than by hiking the Long Trail. The first long-distance trail established in the U.S., it traverses 272 miles across the entire state, giving hikers the opportunity to explore in stretches of hours, days, weeks, or months at a time. The trail passes through six wilderness areas in the Green Mountain National Forest, offering unmatched opportunities for leaf-peeping with panoramic vistas and serene, woodland paths. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual walker, the Long Trail offers trails for all levels. www.greenmountainclub.org/the-long-trail

-Drive the Stowe Auto Road – Getting to the top of Vermont has never been easier. Open until mid-October, the auto toll road at Stowe allows you to drive 4 1/2 miles to the summit of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak at 3,850 feet. Park at the top and enjoy a picnic while taking in the vivid palette of autumn hues. www.stowe.com 

-Experience Tunbridge World’s Fair: Step into a classic autumn fairy tale at Tunbridge World’s Fair,  Sept. 14-17. With thrilling rides, games, and delectable fair foods, it’s a family-friendly slice of Americana that embodies the essence of the season. Held annually for 156 years – yes, the tradition began in 1867 – the fair showcases demonstrations of farming and agricultural traditions and culture, working antique displays, horse and ox pulling, horse racing, cattle and horse shows, junior exhibits, and floral and 4-H exhibits. Journey back in time and create new memories as you explore the pumpkin patches and agricultural displays. www.tunbridgeworldsfair.com