You're going to be visiting Vermont? Can you be a little more specific?

• There are a number of brewery's you can look up. Unless you're in Burlington, on Church Street, "Nightlife" usually refers to coywolves, owls and foxes. Alternately, you can find "Nightlife" at the various ski resorts, like Killington, at the right time of the year. October probably ain't it. One doesn't really come to Vermont for "Nightlife" unless one is a field biologist. I personally like that about Vermont, but I'm an introvert and recluse.
• Cider season is over and maple syrup season is about three months away, although if the weather goes on like this... Just keep your eye out for any given village's "villlage store". In the more touristy ones, you're more apt to find local cheeses, cider and syrup. If you're on Route 100, Rochester has a nice café where you can get nice drinks (not alcoholic) pastries and peruse used books. Also check out the Worthy Burger in South Royalton—a restaurant built in a stain station. The first burger I got there was raw, but if you send it back for the yokels to properly cook it, they're some of the best burgers around.
• Montpelier offers a nice assortment of local shops and small businesses. It's a nice walk from downtown to the Coop (assuming warm weather). There's also Manchester Vermont. There's a great bookstore there but many of the stores are upscale chain outlets. There are local businesses, like the bookstore, but you have to look for them. Middlebury is also great for little eateries and local shops.
• Great spots to visit: This time of year can be hit or miss. An otherwise beautiful spot can be made miserable because of the weather. Check out Quechee Gorge and Woodstock. There's a great antique mall at Quechee. If you head south on Route 100, be sure and visit Weston. The "Vermont Country Store" is there along with more local fair.
• Ignore the trolls.