On November or in November? Either way, it’s stick season in Vermont, explore this cozy in-between time with vintage thrifted finds, moody decor, and the charm of late fall.
On November or In November, Vermont’s Stick Season Tells Its Own Story
November always sparks a little grammar curiosity; are we doing something on November or in November? But here in Vermont, this time of year means something a little more poetic. We call it stick season: when the leaves are gone, snow flurries tease the air, and vintage decor quietly settles in between fall and winter.
What Is Stick Season in Vermont?
Stick season is that quiet, in-between time in Vermont when the trees are bare, the skies are moody, and the snow hasn’t quite settled in. It comes after the fiery peak foliage and before the full sparkle of winter, offering a cozy, pared-back view of the landscape. While it may not be postcard pretty, there’s a rustic beauty in the stillness, and it’s the perfect time to curl up indoors with thrifted finds and vintage treasures that reflect the peaceful shift.
Why “On November” or “In November” Is So Confusing (and So Clicked!)
Here’s a little grammar twist that keeps showing up in search: Do you say on November or in November? Technically, “in November” is correct when referring to something happening during the month, like “We decorate in November.”
“On November” is typically followed by a date, like “on November 5th.” But the debate is real, and Google users are definitely curious! So while we’re cozying up to Vermont’s stick season, we’re also having a little fun with a grammar moment that’s gone unexpectedly viral.
Start Here: Your Guide to Vintage, Thrifted, and Antique Home Decorating
Looking for a welcoming place to begin? Start with my Start Here page, where I share favorite vintage decorating ideas, thrifted finds, and styling inspiration from our cozy New England homes in Vermont and Coastal Maine.
November in Vermont: When Stick Season Quietly Takes Over
Stick season in Vermont marks the subtle shift between vibrant fall foliage and the hush of early winter, what we affectionately call stick season. The trees are bare, the pumpkins are frosted, and moody skies settle in over the mountains.
It’s a time of quiet beauty, where misty mornings, first snowfalls, and fading mums capture the charm of New England’s most overlooked season. Whether it’s snow-covered leaves or that eerie golden light at dusk, stick season in Vermont is full of photogenic moments that tell a story all their own.
Porches, Pumpkins, and First Snow: Vermont’s Outdoor Charm in November
There’s something magical about this in-between season in Vermont. One day it’s warm enough for a cozy fire pit gathering with neighbors, the next, snow blankets the pumpkins and mums. These quiet outdoor moments capture the spirit of stick season, where green grass meets frost, coffee steam mingles with morning fog, and vintage fall porch decor stands tall against the chill. This photo gallery tells the story of stick season in real time, raw, beautiful, and full of that New England charm I love sharing.
How We Spend Stick Season in Vermont
Stick season may be quieter, but there’s still plenty to savor here in Vermont. From scenic drives and cozy firepit gatherings to visiting our favorite local gems like The Vermont Country Store or trying something new at a local cooking school, it’s a time for slower living and sweet traditions. Want more Vermont inspiration? Here are a few of our favorite things to do during this in-between season:
Cozy Indoors in Vermont: Vintage Winter Decor and Ski Lodge Style Begins
While the trees outside go bare and the landscape fades to neutrals, indoors is where the color comes alive. During stick season in Vermont, I love to cozy up our spaces with vibrant vintage decor, think antique McCoy pottery, cheerful quilts, colorful mums rescued from the nursery bin, and blue-and-white accents that brighten every corner. It’s all about layering textures, mixing in those rich autumn hues, and styling meaningful pieces that make the transition into winter feel warm and personal. From sheepskins to sweater pillows, this season is made for decorating slowly, intentionally, and with vintage charm.
Looking for more cozy inspiration as stick season sets in?
Explore my Vintage Ski Lodge Decor Series for rustic winter styling ideas that blend perfectly with the season.
Or start planning ahead with these Holiday Decorating Ideas filled with vintage charm and seasonal warmth.
Vintage Home Decorating Guides and Styling Inspiration
Are you curious about vintage decor but don’t know where to start? These cornerstone guides are packed with seasonal styling tips, how-tos, and inspiration to help you confidently decorate with charm and character.
Truth be told, on November or in November, it hits a little differently.
Fall, my favorite season, is winding down, the RV’s winterized, the vintage road trips are on pause, and stick season settles in. Until the snow piles up and ski season kicks off, I’m indoors styling vintage vignettes and holding out for the holiday magic to begin.
In November or on November, Vermont slows down, but the vintage charm never does.
Stick season may feel quiet, but it’s a time to savor cozy interiors, thrifted treasures, and the in-between beauty that makes this fifth season so special. Whether you’re curling up with a vintage quilt or styling your own fall decor vignettes, I hope this post inspires you to embrace the slower pace with creativity and warmth.
Vintage Flower Arrangements: A Guide for Vintage Lovers
Looking for inspiration in every season? Don’t miss this full guide packed with creative floral styling ideas using antique vessels, thrifted finds, and seasonal blooms to bring vintage charm into your home all year long.
I’d love to know:
How do you decorate during this in-between season?
Do you lean into cozy vintage vignettes, colorful florals, or maybe a mix of both?
Drop a comment below, share your favorite fall styling moments, and don’t forget to join my newsletter so you’ll never miss the next New England-inspired vintage idea as we roll into the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions About On November Or In November
Grammatically, we say “in November” when referring to the month in general and “on November 5th” when referring to a specific date. Still, the phrase “on November or in November” is widely searched and often debated online.
This mix-up usually happens when someone means a specific date but phrases it as a general time. The preposition “on” is technically used for dates, while “in” is used for months. But the confusion has made on November or in November a trending search phrase.
In Vermont, stick season refers to that quiet time in November after the leaves have fallen and before the snow settles in. It’s a bare, beautiful, in-between season—perfect for cozying up indoors with vintage decor.
In American English, the correct usage is “in November” when talking about the general month. The phrase “on November” is typically considered incorrect unless it refers to a specific date (like on November 1st), but people still search for it frequently due to confusion.
In November, Vermont shifts into stick season, offering peaceful hikes, cozy fire pit evenings, and vintage decor styling indoors. It’s a great time to explore antique shops, gather inspiration for holiday decorating, and savor the calm before ski season begins.
Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~
Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or email me to join our Reader’s Showcase Series, where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds.
Pin forLater!
Please tell me details of the hanging lights on your porch!
size of bulbs
Where did you buy them
How many sets
Are they electric or.solar
Thank youl
Hi Ethel, The lights on our porch came with the house when we purchased it. They are copper patina with regular size light bulbs. There are 5 on our porch and they are electric. We did find a couple more of the same that we added to our garage at a local light shop. I wish I had a link for you, but I don’t unfortunately.
Hi Ann ! You always find the best things! I have to say that stick season in April and May is my least favorite time of year, ha! Loving what you have in store for Christmas. Your ski lodge decor is always so great, and those Mackenzie Childs plaids are so cheery! Thank you so much for sharing my outdoor harvest table!
You’re so welcome and thanks kindly Molly:)
Hi Ann,
On this cold, dark November morning your post motivated me to start planning for the upcoming holiday season! I found so many inspiring ideas to get started. My favorite is your decorated porch; the ski boots, jack jumpers and snowshoes all decked out in greens. I’m a fan of plaids and I have a vintage plaid picnic bag with accessories that I’m going to dig out. Thanks for all the wonderful decorating ideas!
Leslie
P.S. I’m glad to hear Ella is doing well!
Hi Leslie, wow it’s so good to hear this! I bet your picnic bag is amazing. Happy decorating!
Good Morning Ann,
I love your Goodwill haul. I don’t have much luck there. But I do at Restore and Savers. November to me is a conflict in emotions. It is a dreary month with stick season, clicks changing and winter on our doorstep. But it’s also joyful because of Thanksgiving. I wake up every Nov 1st with a grateful heart but sad brain. Lol. Does that make sense?? Anyways, love your post as usual. Happy Saturday. Thank you for keep on keeping on. XO
Cara
I feel the same way Cara, November always so challenging for me… I’m hit or miss with Savers too, never been to Restore though. Well, happy November, wink wink.
XO