shoreham

A Taste of Fall in the Champlain Valley

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 22:48:39 GMT

Exploring Apple Orchards Near Shoreham

There is something special about apple season in the Champlain Valley. As summer begins to fade, the days grow a little cooler, the leaves start to change, and the orchards come alive with the colors and flavors of fall. Rows of apple trees stretch across the countryside, their branches filled with fruit waiting to be picked.

For guests visiting Shoreham Inn Bed & Breakfast, apple season is a wonderful time to explore the surrounding area. Whether you enjoy a peaceful drive through the countryside, picking apples with family and friends, or finding fresh local produce, the orchards around the Champlain Valley offer a lovely way to spend a fall day.

In this post, we will take a look at several orchards in Vermont and nearby New York, including Champlain Orchards, Douglas Orchard, Sunrise Orchard, Cobble Knoll Orchard, and Gunnison Orchard.

Champlain Orchards: A Local Favorite

Champlain Orchards in Shoreham, Vermont, is a natural place to begin an apple orchard adventure. Located right here in our community, the orchard is part of the agricultural landscape that makes the Champlain Valley such a special place to visit.

Apple season is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, take in the countryside, and appreciate the work that goes into growing the fruit we enjoy throughout the year. A visit to a local orchard can be as simple as taking a scenic drive or spending time exploring the orchard and its offerings.

Champlain Orchards is also a reminder of how closely connected our area is to farming and the changing seasons. The land around Shoreham has a wonderful mix of open fields, working farms, and views of the surrounding hills, making a visit to the orchard a pleasant addition to a Vermont getaway.

The farm market at the orchards is a must visit for an apple pie, hard cider, fresh picked fruit, and other local offerings. Before planning your visit, be sure to check the orchard's current offerings, seasonal hours, and apple availability. https://champlainorchards.com/

Douglas Orchard: Discovering the Countryside

A visit to an apple orchard is often about more than the apples themselves. It is about enjoying the countryside, slowing down, and taking in the sights and sounds of the season.

Douglas Orchard is another name to add to your list when exploring apple-growing destinations in the region, and is owned and operated by Champlain Orchards. As you plan your fall outings, an orchard visit can be a nice way to experience the agricultural character of the Champlain Valley and discover more of the surrounding countryside.

If you are interested in visiting Douglas Orchard, we recommend checking directly with Champlain Orchards for hours, available varieties, and activities. A little planning will help you make the most of your visit. https://www.douglasorchardsvt.com/

Sunrise Orchard: A Fall Outing to Remember

Fall in the Champlain Valley invites us to spend more time outdoors, and apple orchards are a wonderful part of that experience. The changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and promise of fresh apples make this time of year especially enjoyable.

Sunrise Orchard is another orchard to consider as you explore the area's apple-growing traditions. Whether you are looking for a destination for a fall drive or hoping to find fresh apples, it is worth learning more about what the orchard offers during the season.

The market area in the heart of the orchard offers fresh baked pies, cider, and other apple related options. As with any seasonal destination, we suggest contacting Sunrise Orchard before heading out to confirm its current hours and availability. That way, you can plan a relaxed day and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. https://sunriseorchards.com/

Cobble Knoll Orchard: Enjoying the Apple Season

There is a certain charm to spending a fall afternoon among apple trees. The pace is easy, the scenery is beautiful, and there is always something new to notice as the season changes.

Cobble Knoll Orchard is another name for apple lovers to explore when planning a visit to the region. Adding an orchard stop to your itinerary can be a wonderful way to see more of the countryside and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season.

If you are considering a visit to Cobble Knoll Orchard, check with the orchard directly for up-to-date information about its location, hours, apple varieties, and any seasonal activities. A quick check before leaving can help ensure that your plans match what is available during your stay. https://www.cobbleknollorchard.com/

Gunnison Orchard: A Visit to New York

Just across Lake Champlain, New York offers its own rich agricultural landscape and apple-growing traditions. For guests staying in Shoreham, a trip across the lake or a drive through the surrounding New York countryside can add another dimension to a Champlain Valley visit.

Gunnison Orchard in New York is another orchard to include on your list as you explore the region. Visiting orchards on both sides of Lake Champlain can be a fun way to discover the area's farms, scenery, and seasonal traditions.

If Gunnison Orchard is part of your plans, be sure to confirm its exact location, operating hours, and current offerings before setting out. Depending on your route and the season, it may be a good opportunity to enjoy a scenic day exploring beyond Vermont. https://www.facebook.com/gunnison.orchards/

Why Apple Season Is Worth a Visit

Apple orchards are a wonderful part of life in the Champlain Valley. They connect visitors to the land, the farmers, and the changing seasons. A day spent exploring orchards can be peaceful, enjoyable, and full of small discoveries.

Depending on the orchard and the time of year, visitors may find different apple varieties, fresh produce, baked goods, or other seasonal offerings. Some orchards may offer picking opportunities or additional activities, while others may focus on their farm markets and produce. It is always best to check ahead so you know what to expect.

For those staying at Shoreham Inn Bed & Breakfast, apple season is also a chance to enjoy the beauty of rural Vermont. After a day of exploring, you can return to the inn, settle in, and look forward to a homemade breakfast the next morning before heading out for another adventure.

Planning Your Orchard Adventure

If you are thinking about visiting apple orchards during your stay, here are a few simple tips:

Check seasonal hours: Orchard schedules and activities can change throughout the harvest season.
Confirm what is available: Not every orchard offers the same apples, farm products, or activities.
Plan your route: Consider the time needed to travel between Shoreham and your orchard destinations, especially if you are visiting New York.
Dress for the weather: Fall days can be cool, and comfortable shoes are helpful when spending time outdoors.
Enjoy the scenery: Leave room in your day to appreciate the farms, fields, and changing leaves along the way.

Make the Most of Your Champlain Valley Getaway

Apple season is one of the many reasons to visit the Champlain Valley. The combination of beautiful countryside, local farms, historic places, and welcoming communities makes the region a wonderful destination in the fall.

At Shoreham Inn Bed & Breakfast, we enjoy sharing the area with our guests and helping them discover the places that make this part of Vermont special. Whether your plans include visiting Champlain Orchards, exploring orchards in New York, or simply taking a scenic drive through the countryside, we hope your time here gives you a chance to relax and enjoy the season.

We look forward to welcoming you to Shoreham and helping you make the most of your visit to the Champlain Valley.

Explore the History of the Champlain Valley

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 14:11:34 GMT

Four Fascinating Sites Near Shoreham, Vermont

Explore the History of the Champlain Valley: Four Fascinating Sites Near Shoreham, Vermont

One of the things we enjoy most about living in Shoreham is being surrounded by so much history. Many guests come to the Shoreham Inn Bed & Breakfast looking for a quiet getaway in the Champlain Valley, only to discover that some of the region’s most important historic sites are just a short drive away.

Whether you are planning a return visit or simply enjoy learning about Vermont’s past, these four destinations offer a wonderful opportunity to step back in time and explore the stories that helped shape our region.

Fort Ticonderoga

Located across Lake Champlain in Ticonderoga, New York, Fort Ticonderoga is one of the most well-known historic sites in the area. Originally built by the French in the 1750s, the fort played a significant role during both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.

Today, visitors can explore the restored fort, view exhibits, and learn about military life in the 18th century. The site also offers beautiful views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains, making it a memorable destination for history lovers and photographers alike.

From Shoreham, the seasonal Fort Ticonderoga ferry provides a convenient and scenic route to Ticonderoga. The ride is cash only and the most up to date information can be found on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028195436534 .

Crown Point Historic Site

Just north of Fort Ticonderoga is Crown Point, another important location in the history of the Champlain Valley. Visitors can see the impressive ruins of a large British fort built in the mid-1700s, along with interpretive exhibits that explain the area’s military significance.

The site offers a unique opportunity to walk among the remains of one of the largest British fortifications ever constructed in North America. The grounds are also a pleasant place to enjoy views of Lake Champlain while learning about the region’s colonial history.

Mount Independence

Back on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain, Mount Independence in Orwell is one of the best-preserved Revolutionary War archaeological sites in the United States.

Established by American forces in 1776, the site served as a defensive position opposite Fort Ticonderoga. Today, visitors can explore miles of trails that pass historic foundations, earthworks, and interpretive markers. The museum and exhibits help bring the story of the soldiers who served here to life.

Mount Independence combines history with outdoor exploration, making it a rewarding stop for visitors who enjoy both.

Hubbardton Battlefield

Located about 30 minutes south of Shoreham, Hubbardton Battlefield marks the site of the only Revolutionary War battle fought entirely within Vermont.

The battle took place on July 7, 1777, as American troops retreated from Fort Ticonderoga. Visitors can walk the battlefield grounds, learn about the events of the engagement, and gain a deeper understanding of Vermont’s role during the Revolution.

The peaceful setting today stands in contrast to the dramatic events that unfolded there more than two centuries ago.

Planning Your Historical Adventure

One of the advantages of staying in the Champlain Valley is how easily these sites can be explored during a single visit. Each location offers a different perspective on the military, political, and cultural history of the region, helping visitors better understand the people and events that shaped both Vermont and the nation.

Whether you have visited these sites before or have always meant to explore them, they are well worth adding to your next trip to Shoreham. We are fortunate to have so many remarkable pieces of history right here in our corner of the Champlain Valley, and we always enjoy sharing them with guests.

We hope to see you back in Shoreham soon for another opportunity to discover the stories, landscapes, and history that make this region so special. Head on over to our booking page and book your room today.

In Search of Vermont’s Best Creemee

Sun, 24 May 2026 12:13:02 GMT

Creemee Or Soft Serve

Vermonters love their creemees. For those not from Vermont, a creemee is a version of soft serve ice cream that starts with a mix that has a higher milk fat content than regular soft serve. This milk fat provides a more velvety, creamier, consistency, hence the name creemee. From the base mix, flavors can be added to make an array of options to tantalize the palate. The most quintessential Vermont creemee flavor is Maple, of course. Although, other flavors such as chocolate, blackberry, candy cane, apple pie and many more exist.

So how do you order your creemee? Size differs from place to place so be sure to see what others are getting and choose larger or smaller depending on how much you can eat. Most places offer a swirl with vanilla and another flavor. Others may “stack” one flavor on top of another flavor or you can be traditional with one flavor only. You can also have them dipped, sprinkled, or covered with cookie crumbs depending on the location.

Here in Adison County, we have several places where a creemee can be purchased. Trade Wind Farms (Shoreham), Halfway Diner (Shoreham), Goodies Snack Bar (West Addison), Shiretown Marketplace (Middlebury), Vermont Cookie Love (Middlebury), Vermont Maple Market (Middlebury), Village Creemee Stand (Bristol), and many others.

You can also get your very own Official Vermont Creemee Passport and sample creemees around the state. The Creemee Passport offers 157 stops in 2026, with special perks at some locations. The website ( https://creemeepassport.com/ ) also has a creemee locator to help you find the closest creemee stand to your location.

So, whether you get a small twist or a large maple creemee, be sure and try this local confection as it can be worth every bit of calories and fat. Once you try a creemee, you will taste the difference!

Trial by Fire (and Snow)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 01:10:56 GMT

Learning to Run a Historic Vermont Inn

A little over two years ago, we drove to Vermont in a snowstorm with no snow tires on our car, a moving truck, and feeling like a deer in headlights. We took on a new adventure as innkeepers at the Shoreham Inn in Shoreham, Vermont.

Not having any prior work history in hospitality, we’ve been on the ultimate immersion learning program. Although there are boot camps for aspiring innkeepers, there is nothing like jumping into the fire with both feet! With no manual on how to run the inn we purchased, it has been a constant process of trial and error.

The Learning Curve

Our mission was twofold: learn the area after moving from Cincinnati, Ohio, and master the basics of innkeeping, all while maintaining a beautiful, yet demanding, 225-year-old property.

What has truly helped us along the way? Getting involved with the Shoreham Historical Society, attending local events (like Maple Fest and Apple Fest), and just driving the back roads looking for new paths back to the inn. The neighborhood has been incredibly welcoming, and we've met so many great people on this journey. We also loved trying many of the local restaurants, which has been invaluable for making solid recommendations to our guests.

Finding Our Balance

Being innkeepers has required us to learn important life lessons: how to set limits, how to take time for ourselves, how to be open to learning new things, and, most importantly, how to step outside our comfort zones.

This blog is our way of sharing that journey with you! We’ll be using this space to provide information about our adventures, local sites to see, places to explore (i.e., covered bridges), where to get a good creemee, and much more. Be sure to check back periodically as we are just beginning!

Best,

Kevin and Scott