How time flies! September is almost over and the leaves are in full color here on Vermont's scenic Route 100. CC Outdoor Store is anticipating lots of new arrivals as the seasons change which we'll start featuring on our home page. We've started bringing in winter sports backpacks, headlamps for those darker days, and new hiking pole brands for getting around in the snow. Within the next week we're expecting big shipments of Sierra Designs Gnar down jackets and other great outerwear. This should be followed by snowshoes, snowshoes, and more snowshoes.

I know it's a little earlier to talk snowshoes...and you'll hear plenty about them here. So let's turn to another of our favorite topics: Chocolate! What does this have to do with anything you ask...well we feel there is nothing better in the backcountry than the boost you get from real chocolate...not the candy bars that generally pass as chocolate but the kind made with 50% or more cocoa. Whether exercising or trying to get through an afternoon at the office, chocolate is the cure. If you are lucky enough to get up to our area this fall...or any other time; our outdoor store is located only 3 miles from what we consider some of the best artisan chocolate in the world. Go ahead and check out Laughing Moon Chocolates! You'll thank us later.

September is the beginning of prime hiking season here in Vermont and it's a great time to pick up a new hiking backpack to stash the gear you'll need. We've already seen the first leaves change color and are expecting fall colors to arrive a little early this year. We're kicking the season off with a 20% Off SALE on a great selection of OSPREY BACKPACKS. Whether you're looking for a lightweight hydration pack or a planning for an expedition you need look no farther.

With cooler, drier days its a good idea to be prepared with extra layers, i.e. a warm, quick drying base layer and a mid-weight fleece or windproof outer layer. This is especially true if you're heading to a summit where temperatures are much lower than the trailhead and the wind chill factor drops the "feels like" temperature even more. While there are many perfect fall days here where you can enjoy the sun in a t-shirt on top of a mountain, a light pair of gloves and a hat can be a good idea. A lightweight, waterproof, breathable shell is also a good insurance policy as you can never quite predict what may happen while you're on the trail.

If you're in the area or planning a trip, the folks down the road at the Green Mountain Club offer excellent info on local hikes. In addition to hiking and backpacking advice, they can also provide helpful hints on what to take with you and what to look for. Of course we're more than happy to point you in the right direction, too! Our store is located on Route 100 North in Waterbury Center on the way to Mount Mansfield and Nebraska Notch; two of our favorite places to hike.