One of the lucky aspects of living in the Upper Valley is being able to enjoy the fall colors on your own street and in your backyard. However, if you want to journey out for an autumn adventure, here are several suggestions.

Featured Scene: Quechee Gorge

You can’t go wrong with a visit to Quechee State Park and its famous gorge, known as “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon.” In an area where woolen mills once lined the Ottauquechee River, you can take in the amazing views from the state’s deepest gorge. The scenery was formed by glacial activity around 13,000 years ago. Visit the Quechee Gorge Visitors Center (5966 Woodstock Road) for information about the park’s campgrounds and hiking trails. 

Also within walking distance are Quechee Gorge Village (great shopping) and the Public House Restaurant (fabulous food). 

For additional information, visit the Vermont State Parks website (https://vtstateparks.com/quechee.html).

But wait there is more...

King Arthur Flour Baking Classes:

If cooking is your passion, then get ready for the upcoming holiday season with classes at the King Arthur Flour Baking School (135 US-5 in Norwich). Some of the classes being offered in September feature scones, breads, autumn tarts, pies, pretzels, Danish, and crackers. 

Go to the school’s website for details. (www.kingarthurflour.com/baking-school/calendar/?mo=092017&cat=3,8,10,11&loc=1)

VINS Vermont Institute of Natural Science will host a celebration of falconry, also known as the Sport of Kings, on Saturday, September 23. Events throughout the day will explore the history, language, and traditions of this 3,000-year-old way of hunting with a raptor. You can try out archery, learn how to track animals, and watch raptor flight demonstrations. Plus, you’re invited to wear Renaissance-style costumes. All the fun is included with the purchase of a general admission ticket to the Nature Center. 

A full schedule of events can be found at the VINS website, www.vinsweb.org.

This fall, sound art takes over Dartmouth College through seven commissions by internationally renowned artists. This is the first exhibition of sound art presented by the Hood Museum of Art. A diverse set of new, site-specific works located on the Dartmouth campus offers you a glimpse into the highly varied and imaginative world of sound art. Resonant Spaces runs through December 10, 2017, with opening events that feature a walking tour of the installations with the artists on Friday, September 22, and a symposium the following day, including artist presentations and a roundtable discussion. Sound artists featured in the exhibition include Terry Adkins, Bill Fontana, Christine Sun Kim, Jacob Kirkegaard, Alvin Lucier, Laura Maes, Jess Rowland, and Julianne Swartz. 

Learn more at http://hoodmuseum.dartmouth.edu.

Round out September with this annual festival in Tunbridge on September 30 and October 1. You can see demonstrations of sheep herding and shearing, check out different fiber-producing animals (sheep, goats, alpacas, lamas, and rabbits), and learn how to raise these animals yourself. There are also fiber arts classes and the Festival’s annual fleece show and sale. 

For a list of all the activities, go to http://vtsheepandwoolfest.com