November in Vermont marks a peaceful transition — when the last of the golden leaves give way to the first flakes of snow, and the Green Mountains trade their autumn fire for winter calm. It’s a time for woodsmoke, comfort food, and quiet outdoor beauty before the ski crowds arrive.
Whether you’re sneaking away for a pre-holiday escape or looking for a long weekend surrounded by nature, West Dover and nearby Wilmington offer plenty to do in this in-between season. Here are seven ways to make the most of November in Vermont — all within minutes of Valley View Villa.
❄️ 1. Kick Off Ski Season at Mount Snow
By mid to late November, Mount Snow often starts its early-season operations, thanks to one of the most advanced snowmaking systems in New England. Even if not all trails are open yet, there’s something exciting about those first chairlift rides and wide, empty runs. Stop by Cuzzins Bar & Grill at the base for après-ski drinks and music — it’s a Mount Snow tradition.
🕓 Distance from Valley View Villa: 7 minutes
🥾 2. Take a Late-Fall Hike in Molly Stark State Park
Before winter officially sets in, November is perfect for a crisp hike at Molly Stark State Park, where the views stretch across the Deerfield Valley. The trails are quiet, the air is clean, and you might even get lucky enough to see a dusting of snow on the peaks. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa or cider and soak in the stillness of Vermont’s “secret season.”
☕ 3. Explore Wilmington’s Cozy Cafés and Shops
Downtown Wilmington is at its coziest in November — warm lights glowing from shop windows, friendly locals chatting over coffee, and shelves stocked with handmade gifts for early holiday shoppers.
Try a maple latte at The Village Roost, browse art and pottery at Bartleby’s Books, or pick up local maple syrup and cheese at Dot’s of Wilmington before grabbing lunch at Folly or Anchor Seafood House.
🕓 Distance from Valley View Villa: 12 minutes
🪵 4. Enjoy Fireside Evenings at Valley View Villa
November evenings were made for staying in. Light the indoor fireplace, play board games in the game room, or slip into the outdoor hot tub and watch steam rise into the cold night air.
If you’re up for a classic Vermont experience, gather around the outdoor fire pit with a wool blanket and roast s’mores under the stars — you might even hear owls calling from the woods around the pond.
🥧 5. Indulge in Comfort Food Season
November is comfort food month in West Dover. For hearty dinners, head to Trail 87 for pasta and steak or The Sawmill Bar & Table, which feels like a mountain lodge with elevated Vermont-inspired dishes.
Or keep it casual at Valley View Saloon, where locals swap ski stories over pints of craft beer and towering burgers.
🍴 Local Tip: Call ahead — many restaurants shorten their hours between foliage season and ski season.
🍁 6. Sample Vermont Spirits at Hogback Mountain
For a scenic and tasty detour, head up Route 9 to Hogback Mountain Overlook. You’ll find not only one of the best panoramic views in southern Vermont but also Vermont Distillers, where you can sample small-batch maple bourbon, apple liqueur, and more.
It’s a great stop for a brisk afternoon outing — and yes, their gift shop has maple syrup and Vermont-made chocolate, too.
🧘 7. Relax, Reset, and Embrace the Quiet
The magic of November in West Dover is its stillness. It’s that rare time between two bustling seasons — when you can have trails, restaurants, and even ski lifts almost to yourself. Spend the morning on Valley View Villa’s private trail, the afternoon curled up with a book by the fireplace, and the evening under a canopy of stars reflecting off the private pond.
This is Vermont at its most peaceful — and most restorative.
🌟 Pro Tip: Thanksgiving in Vermont
If you’re visiting during Thanksgiving week, reserve early for dinner at The Hermitage Inn or 1846 Inn & Tavern, both offering elegant, locally sourced holiday menus with all the cozy Vermont atmosphere you could want.
Or make use of Valley View Villa’s fully stocked kitchen and host your own family feast — with eight bedrooms and a large dining room, it’s built for memorable gatherings.
🏔️ Final Thought
November may be Vermont’s quietest month, but that’s exactly its charm. With wood smoke in the air, warm meals on the table, and the promise of ski season just around the corner, West Dover is the perfect place to slow down and reconnect before the holidays.
And when you stay at Valley View Villa, everything — from hiking trails and breweries to cozy fireside evenings — is right at your doorstep.
