KIMBERLY KEPHART TRAVELS

Fall in Northern Italy:

From Harvest Festivals to Mountain Hikes

Hey Reader

Have you ever pictured yourself in Northern Italy in the fall? Imagine golden leaves drifting across mountain trails, the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air, and villagers celebrating centuries-old traditions. It’s the season of cheese festivals, crisp wines, apple harvests, and the joyful Desmontegada (or Almabtrieb), when decorated cows return from the high pastures. This is when Northern Italy feels both timeless and alive — and it’s my favorite time of year to be here.

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Made In Malga

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Asiago makes for a fantastic day trip — easily reached from Verona, Vicenza, Venice, or even South Tyrol — and it’s especially vibrant in September during Made in Malga, a festival dedicated to celebrating cheese in all its forms. You can catch this festival September 5-7th and 12th-14th, 2025

If you can’t make it to the festival, you can still experience the heart of Asiago at Caseificio Pennar, home to award-winning Asiago DOP. In my latest blog post, I take you behind the scenes on a tour there, where I learned how this beloved cheese is crafted and the special marks that define its quality.

Almabtreib

By far, this is one of my favorite festivals in the Dolomites and Pre-Alps. Last year it felt like every weekend brought another celebration, with decorated cows making their way down from the mountains. What makes it even more special is that it’s also a celebration of Ladin culture. Villagers wear traditional costumes, music fills the air, and the whole community comes together in a way that feels timeless.

These festivals usually take place from mid-September through October, and they’re absolutely worth experiencing. Want to see what it’s all about? Read one of my favorite blog posts where I take you inside the Compatsch Almabtrieb on Alpe di Siusi.

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Wine Harvest

I haven’t written about this experience yet, but all across the Veneto wine producers are getting ready for the last harvest of the season. Last year I joined a grape stomping event at Anna Francesca Vineyards just south of Vicenza, and it was as entertaining as it sounds. You can even take part in one this year at Salvan Farm on September 7th.

The grapes that get stomped are usually the final pick of the season. And yes, you can drink it afterward, although producers will tell you it needs a little time to rest. Personally, I’m still undecided about sipping what I like to call “foot juice.”

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Apple Harvest

In Trentino, apple harvest season is in full swing, and the valleys come alive with festivals celebrating the fruit that defines the region. Two of the most beloved take place in Val di Non and Val di Sole, both part of Trentino’s Flavours Route. You can wander through orchards on guided walks, sample everything from apple strudel to sparkling cider, and linger over meals where local chefs create special menus inspired by the season. Families gather for markets, music, and crafts, making the atmosphere feel both festive and deeply rooted in tradition.

These festivals are a reminder of what slow travel is all about: pausing to join in the rhythm of local life, savoring seasonal flavors, and connecting with a place beyond the usual tourist stops. They also make for a perfect day trip if you’re based in Vicenza, Verona, around Lake Garda, or even South Tyrol.

​Pomaria Apple Festival

Chase Fall Colors in the Pre-Alps, Carnic Alps, and Dolomites

Autumn is the season when Northern Italy’s trails invite you to slow down and soak in the beauty. In the Pre-Alps near Verona, the Trail of the Big Trees leads you past emerald lakes surrounded by fiery larches. In Alta Badia, the Lärchenweg to Armentara meadows and Piz Sorega trails are perfect for unhurried walks where every turn reveals another burst of color. And in Cortina, the iconic Croda da Lago combines jagged peaks with a lakeside setting that feels magical in the fall.

Here’s the best part: Rifugio Croda da Lago is still accepting reservations until mid-October, so you can linger overnight and watch the landscape shift from golden sunrise to dusky twilight. It’s the kind of experience that makes you pause, breathe, and truly connect with the season.(You'll find me here mid-October as it's been on my bucket list!)

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What I’m Listening to Right Now

Lately, I’ve been diving into a couple of travel podcasts that inspire me in different ways:

• ​Type 2 Travel Podcast – Hosted by Laura Ericson of Laura Ericson Group Trips. Laura is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to celebrating solo travel and showing how to travel responsibly.
• ​Going Places with Yulia Denisyuk – One of my favorites for cultural travel. Yulia approaches every topic with curiosity and responsibility, asking the questions that really matter.

Books

• ​How to Tell a Story by The Moth – Real stories, beautifully told, and full of lessons for anyone who loves narrative.
• ​The Correspondents by Judith Mackrell – A gripping look at six pioneering women reporters who changed the way the world understood war.

These are thought-provoking, inspiring, and perfect if you’re craving a deeper connection to travel and storytelling.

Last Few Months to Join My Jordan Group Trip

If Jordan has been on your list, now’s the time. My 2026 group trip is coming together, and we only have a few months left to lock in spots. From hiking Petra’s back route to stargazing in Wadi Rum, it’s an adventure designed with solo travelers in mind — but with the comfort of a group.

👉 You can find all the details [right here].​

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I hope you’ve enjoyed this fall edition of my newsletter. As always, I’d love to hear from you — what you’ve been up to, what travels you’re dreaming about, and what you’d like me to share more of in future editions. Your thoughts and stories are what make this community so special.

Hit reply and let me know — I read every message. In the meantime, are we friends on Instagram? Follow me over there!

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Stay curious,

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Stay Curious,

Kimberly

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