Tips for Making the Most of Stick Season in Vermont

Thanks to Vermont-born musician Noah Kahan and his hit song “Stick Season,” the term is now well-known around the world. But stick season, the quiet stretch between fall’s bright colors and winter’s snowy wonderland, has always been well-known to Vermonters.

Kahan’s song may frame stick season as the state’s weakest, but we believe there are plenty of ways to enjoy Vermont year-round. 

So, what are the best ways to enjoy this now-famous season? We asked our team, and they shared some great ideas!

Explore Local Events

From live music and theater performances to trivia nights and art shows, there’s no shortage of special events across Vermont this time of year. Manager of Health & Wellness Programs Jessica Moore is especially looking forward to local turkey trots and productions of the ballet The Nutcracker. “The kids are already practicing, and the Flynn Theater’s show kicks off the weekend after Thanksgiving,” she shares. “Vermont offers several Nutcracker performances, making it easy to start a family tradition by catching at least one.”

To stay updated on upcoming events, check out the Seven Days event page — a great resource for finding local happenings that add a bit of magic to stick season.

Get Cozy

“It’s a good time to practice hygge,” Director of Community Relations Megan Peek says. Hygge is a Danish concept that means creating a cozy atmosphere and enjoying simple pleasures with loved ones. According to Megan, “nothing beats a cozy fire (indoors or out) and a hot cider.”

Once you’re settled in with your fire crackling and cider in hand, here are some other ways to embrace hygge:

• Start a book club
• Share a meal with friends
• Work on an art project or a puzzle
• Have a themed movie night

Taking the time to savor little comforts can make this season feel extra special.

Support Local Business

Temperatures are dropping, the holidays are approaching… some might say these are perfect excuses to shop!

Stick season offers a wonderful opportunity to peruse our many local craft fairs, shares Claims Analyst Angela LaPoint. Supporting local businesses and artisans can help us feel good about how we’re spending and add a personal touch to the gifts we buy for others, or treats we keep for ourselves.  

Thrifting is another great way to embrace this transitional season. Social Media Strategist Cass Lang likes to use this time to take stock of her wardrobe, donate what she can, and support local consignment shops like Slowpoke Exchange in Barre City.

Try A New Sport

While skiing and snowboarding are quintessential Vermont activities, there are many other ways to stay active — no snow required! Disc golf, for instance, is a fun, low-impact sport where players throw discs into baskets or targets in as few throws as possible. Associate Engineer Katie Ware recommends the The Quarries Disc Golf course at Millstone Trails in Barre for a great experience.

Another unique activity is curling, where players slide granite stones across ice toward a target. Senior Analyst Hillary MacGregor mentions the Rutland Rocks Curling Club, an amateur team based in Rutland, which offers “Learn to Curl” sessions to newcomers and league memberships to those with experience.

If team sports aren’t your thing, hiking remains a popular activity in Vermont, even when all the leaves are gone. The Green Mountain Club offers fantastic trail recommendations year-round. Hiking before ski season is an excellent way to get in shape for a healthier and safer time on the slopes, says Clinical Quality Consultant Christina Filipowich.

Most importantly, Senior Enrollment Services Analyst Sara Pollander reminds us to “keep going outside to enjoy fresh air and beautiful scenery!”

Plan Outdoor Activities for Kids

Looking for easy, affordable ways to get your kids outside? Digital Engagement Manger Ashley Legacy shared a fun idea she recently picked up from a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan blog article: an outdoor scavenger hunt! You can ask your kids to search for sticks of various sizes, fallen leaves of different colors and shapes, pinecones, birds, squirrels, and spider-webs. For more inspiration, explore 5 Fall Nature Activities and Crafts for Kids from A Healthier Michigan.

Prepare for Winter

Still not sure what to do this season? Account Manager Cerridwen Moser-Bertsche shares that she uses this time to prepare for what’s to come!

Here’s a checklist to consider:

• Tune up your sporting equipment (bikes, skis, etc.) If you need new gear, Marketing Communications Strategist Theresa Barrows suggests checking for swaps, the secondhand store, or Facebook Marketplace.
• Clean and store all summer tools.
• Make sure your snowblower runs and you have snow shovels accessible.
• Insulate windows, check heating systems, and prepare wood or pellet stoves. Stock up on essentials like blankets and candles, which can be handy in case of a power outage.
• Check tire treads and swap in winter tires. Prepare a winter emergency kit for your car with blankets, an ice scraper, a flashlight, and other essentials in case of sudden storms or emergencies.
• Stock the pantry and freezer to help reduce trips to the store during winter.