MONTPELIER, Vt., 2012-10-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — The month of November is a time when Vermont’s downtowns and mountain villages become unassuming hosts to theatre, indoor craft bazaars and community “chicken pie” suppers. It’s also a time to explore the wilderness; peaceful day-hikes are ideal before those first few snowfalls’ accumulation add up. Here’s a sampler of the 140 events on VermontVacation.com in the coming month:
Vermont Dance and Drum Festival
Nov. 1-4
Four days and nights of West African dance and music with international artists in Burlington. www.jehkulu.org
Paula Poundstone Performance
Nov. 2
Derby Line, Vt.
Emmy-winning comedienne Paula Poundstone is famous for her razor-sharp wit and spontaneity, drawing from her own complex life: three kids, 13 cats, motherhood, demanding job, crazy travel schedule, her frustration at getting older. www.CatamountArts.org
Brattleboro Film Festival
Nov. 2-4
Trade pre-election jitters for worlds of drama, enchantment, and discovery at the first annual Brattleboro Film Festival at the historic Latchis Theater with an eclectic mix of films reflecting the unique character of Brattleboro. www.brattleborofilmfestival.org
Rory Jackson Art Exhibit
Nov. 2-Nov. 25
Stowe, Vt.
Rory Jackson is the People’s Choice winner from 2011’s Taste of Stowe Event. His historically representational and vibrant land and seascape paintings are informed by Ghana and Vermont, two places he’s called home. www.helenday.com
November Wagon Ride Weekends
Nov. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18
Woodstock, Vt.
Horse-drawn wagon rides along with visit to the dairy farm and farmhouse with programs and activities. www.billingsfarm.org
Berlin Pond Waterfowl Walk
Nov. 4
Fall migration is not over yet! Look for lingering loons, waterfowl and more on Berlin Pond. We may find American Coot, scoters or some other surprise at this birding hotspot. www.northbranchnaturecenter.org
Gastronomy: Novels about Food and Culture
Nov. 5, Nov. 26
Montpelier
One of the most tantalizing ways to learn about a culture is through its food. These mouth-watering novels highlight how what we eat is closely aligned with who we are. The Nov. 3 novel is Crescent (Persian- and Arab-American) by Diana Abu-Jaber and the discussion will be with scholar Sherry Olsen. The next discussion on Nov. 26 reviews The Last Chinese Chef (Chinese) by Nicole Mones, led by scholar Rachael Cohen. Books available on loan in advance. A Vermont Humanities Council Program. www.kellogghubbard.org
Magic Carpet Luncheon: Nepal with Cappy Nunlist
Nov. 5
Norwich, Vt.
Join Montshire’s Magic Carpet volunteers for an extraordinary travelogue and a regionally inspired meal. Programs begin at 11 a.m., lunch is at noon. Pre-registration is required. http://montshire.org/programs/adults/magic-carpet
Revolutionary War Tour
Nov. 7- Nov. 30
Manchester Center, Vt.
Your guide will be Dick Smith, author of bestseller book, The Revolutionary War in Bennington County. You will see, via an 8-passenger tour vehicle, more than 25 points of interest including over 15 sites on the National Register involving Ethan Allen, the Green Mtn. Boys & the Battle of Bennington. You will also see two of the area’s covered bridges. A free Revolutionary War site map is available. www.backroaddiscovery.com
Vermonters, the Civil War, and the Road to Emancipation
Nov. 7
Essex Junction, Vt.
National Park superintendent emeritus and writer Rolf Diamant discusses how profoundly the Civil War transformed Vermont and why public memory of the war still matters. A First Wednesdays series and Vermont Humanities Council event. 802.878.6955.
Light & Space, New Exhibition at the Great Hall Opens
Nov. 9
Springfield, Vt.
The Great Hall’s latest exhibition will showcase the beautiful light and space that characterizes the transformed historic factory building. Entitled “Light & Space” the artists exhibiting include the following: Sabra Field, Karen Madden, Pat Musick, Dan O’Donnell. http://www.facebook.com/GreatHallSpringfield
Tim O’Brien at Chandler Music Hall
Nov. 9
Randolph, Vt.
The uncanny intersection of traditional and contemporary elements in Tim O’Brien’s songwriting, his tireless dedication to a vast and still-expanding array of instruments, and his ongoing commitment to place himself in as many unique and challenging musical scenarios as possible have made him a key figure in today’s thriving roots music scene – and well beyond it. www.chandler-arts.org
Craft Vermont presented by the Vermont Hand Crafters
Nov. 16-18
Burlington, Vt.
The Vermont Hand Crafters Holiday Fine Craft and Art Show features artists showcasing a broad spectrum of one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces. Special Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center room rates available for show attendees. www.vermonthandcrafters.com
Putney Craft Tour
Nov. 23 -25
For personal connections with the makers, visit any of the 28 artisans in their studios during the 34th Putney Craft Tour. Blacksmiths, glass blowers, potters, jewelers, weavers, woodworkers – even artisan cheesemakers –invite visitors to come in, discover, ask questions, sip hot cider and find that one-of-a-kind gift. www.putneycrafts.com
Scrooge at Chandler Music Hall
Nov. 24
Randolph, Vt.
Share holiday cheer with the Cratchits and be enchanted by the Spirits of Christmas in this special performance for children and families by the No Strings Marionette Company. www.chandler-arts.org
Trot It Off 5k & Tots’ Trot
Nov. 24
Ludlow, Vt.
This community-oriented race is perfect for the avid runner or the recreational walker hoping to burn off the calories from that extra slice of Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. The Tots Trot, a kids’ fun race for children 12 and younger takes place just before the 5k. www.okemo.com
Vermont International Festival
Nov. 30 – Dec. 2
Essex Junction, Vt.
One of Vermont’s top winter events. Cultural celebration with food, dance, crafts and music from around the world. www.vermontinternationalfestival.com
More events across Vermont are listed in the Travel Planner of www.VermontVacation.com; please note event organizers can post events to this listing as well. If your publication prefers more advance notice of events or has specific requests, please email jen.butson@state.Vt.us.
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