Those looking for a fall getaway idea may want to check out the Vermont Life Wine and Harvest Festival in the Mount Snow area of Vermont, which takes place from September 26 - September 28 in the towns of Dover, Wilmington and Whitingham.  The Mount Snow Valley is located at the southern tip of the Green Mountains along Southern Vermont’s major east-west Route 9; 4 hours from New York City, 2 hours from Boston, MA and 1 ½ hours from Hartford, CT.

The Vermont Life Wine and Harvest Festival is a showcase for Vermont wines and foods, and includes a Bluegrass BBQ, farmer’s breakfast and a series of wine pairing dinners at some of the Mount Snow Valley’s finest restaurants.

There's also a two-day festival on Sept. 27 and Sept. 28 at the intersection of Routes 9 and 100 in Wilmington which include:

• A wine-tasting tent featuring 10 Vermont wineries
• Sampling of Vermont cheese and specialty foods
• A panel of Vermont Life food writers
• Entertainment by local Vermont musicians
• Restaurant food tent featuring local Vermont specialties
• Cider press demonstration
• Weaving demonstration
• Rock climbing wall
• Book signings with Vermont authors
• Presentations by the Vermont Cheese Council and Vermont Grape and Wine Council

Tickets and more information are available from the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce either online at www.thevermontfestival.com or by calling 802-464-8092.