Updated: 5/2/23
With a history of more than 135 years, Basin Harbor harkens back to the grand inns of the past while offering all the modern amenities guests expect today. Situated on the shores of Lake Champlain and overlooking the distant Adirondacks, the resort is a magnificent choice for a summer destination wedding. Destination weddings are very popular because they act as a mini-vacation for everyone. A venue such as Basin Harbor provides everything necessary to make the event a success – beautiful setting, ideal function space, a multitude of activities for guests, planning services for the bride and groom, and comfortable guest rooms for everyone.
Not sure where to start? Consult with one of Basin Harbor’s professional wedding planners. Discuss the number of guests you expect to invite and the kind of venue you picture. Your Wedding Planner will help you select from Ardelia's with breathtaking views of the harbor to the Ranger Room with poolside deck or the elegant Town Hall with high ceilings, traditional chandeliers and outdoor deck. Or plan an outdoor ceremony or reception on the Lodge Lawn high above the bay, the Homestead or Lakeside lawns, the Orchard Garden or the Wedding Arch, complete with gorgeous white marble aisle and handcrafted gazebo. The resort also offers the tented North Dock and The Escape, a cruise boat, for smaller groups such as rehearsal dinner or cocktail party. With over 700 acres, it is difficult to list all the possible outdoor venues. What that means for you – finding the place that says “fairytale wedding” is sure to be possible.
Working with Basin Harbor’s Wedding Planner makes putting the pieces together easy and stress-free. Once you have chosen a venue and decided on drinks and menu, your planner will help you weave together all the components that will make your wedding personal. You can even include your dog in your wedding plans because Basin Harbor is pet-friendly. Because Basin Harbor Resort & Boat Club is a full-service resort, the possibilities are extensive. Do you want to plan a golf tournament for Saturday afternoon for your guests? What about a boat ride on Lake Champlain? There’s swimming, canoeing, and other water sports as well as tennis, giant chess, croquet, and other outdoor fun. Basin Harbor also has on-site massage services.
For services not supplied directly by the resort, your wedding planner will offer suggestions as to local vendors, but you are welcome to provide vendors not on the list as well. The wedding planner will work with all the outside service providers to see that your wedding runs smoothly and problem free. Let your wedding planner know if there is something you’ve always dreamed about for your wedding. Want fireworks at the reception? What about a string quartet for your wedding ceremony? Your wedding planner can even give you a list of local churches if you want a traditional church wedding.
Weddings are such an important part of the Basin Harbor experience that the resort offers some truly special wedding packages. With the Completely Yours Package you are assured that yours will be the only wedding at Basin Harbor, either for the wedding day or for an entire weekend. For a totally exclusive event, choose the Ultimate Wedding Package. This entitles you to have exclusive use of the entire resort and all amenities for the entire weekend! The resort explains it this way, “Our 149 accommodations can easily sleep upwards of 275 guests, keeping everyone within walking distance of each other, and creating your own private, lakeside resort.”
Whether you choose Basin Harbor for a small wedding, an overnight mini-vacation for your guests, or one of the exclusive wedding packages, you will want to reserve your date at least a year in advance. Keep in mind, the resort is only open from mid-May to mid-October. With over a century of experience in providing personal service, you are sure to have a perfect wedding at Basin Harbor.
For more information:
Basin Harbor Weddings
Updated 5/2/23
Stratton Mountain is the largest mountain in southern Vermont and a popular winter ski destination for residents of New England and New York. But Stratton has secret we think should be shared – Stratton is a wonderful wedding destination! Check out these details and you will agree.
First, the setting. With breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, a quaint village of shops, and a multitude of indoor and outdoor activities, Stratton is ideally situated to provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding. Make it a destination wedding and you and your guests can enjoy all Stratton has to offer for the entire weekend. With plenty of lodging choices from budget to luxury and activities galore to keep everyone busy, the setting is all you could wish.
But what about the actual wedding venue? Again, there are multiple choices of venue whether you expect 200 guests or are planning a more intimate event with 50 special friends and family. For an outdoor venue, choose the Commons Lawn with magnificent mountain views and space for up to 200 guests. Or choose The Summit at the very top of the mountain with panoramic views of the area and room for 100. Indoor venues include Timber Hall with 30-foot ceilings, timber framing, and mountain views which can seat 175 guests. Or for a more intimate space, consider Luna with stone fireplace and room for 50. The Green Mountain Ballroom is the largest indoor space and can accommodate 250 guests and still have room for a dance floor.
You know from your wedding check list that there is more to planning a wedding than deciding on a venue. Stratton Mountain Resort has you covered there too. Stratton will provide a personal Wedding Planner to walk you through all the details. Your Planner will help you select your other vendors like photographer, florist, and music from local providers. Or you can use your own sources and the Wedding Planner will help coordinate. Vermont is such a popular destination wedding choice that wedding planners are very accustomed to working with clients by phone or email. In fact, after your initial site tour, the only other thing you would need to do at Stratton is the menu tasting from the on-site caterer.
Next, with the nuts and bolts taken care of, it’s time for you and your Wedding Planner to add the magic. For a very special church wedding, choose the Chapel of the Snows, a non-denominational chapel right at the resort. Does your fairytale wedding include arrival at the reception in a horse-drawn carriage or departure from the reception with fireworks overhead? Talk with your Wedding Planner about everything you’ve imagined for your perfect day. Your Stratton Wedding Planner can also make some amazing suggestions to personalize your wedding. Instead of a guest book, why not have your guests sign an item you can display in your home like a pair of skis or a map of Vermont made from local hardwoods? Even the wedding cake is being updated. What about a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream bar or even sweet treats supplied by family? Another popular idea is to offer your guests a signature cocktail – something that relates to your love of Vermont perhaps. Let your Wedding Planner help you make any or all of these dreams a reality.
Can you picture yourself at Stratton? Imagine your wedding photos set against Vermont’s magnificent fall foliage. Or the two of you arriving in a horse-drawn sleigh with snow-covered mountains in the distance. No matter what season speaks to you, Stratton can deliver. If Stratton sounds like the wedding you’ve been dreaming about, reserve a date as soon as possible. Stratton’s Wedding Planner suggests at least a year in advance as a general rule, but a year and a half is often necessary for foliage season.
For more information:
Stratton Mountain Resort
Update 5/2/23
If “setting” is high on your list in importance for your upcoming wedding, consider Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, Vermont. Set on the shores of a pristine lake surrounded by natural beauty, the Lake Morey Resort offers the perfect backdrop for your fairytale wedding. By day, you and your guests can take advantage of all the resort amenities, and by night, relax to the call of the loons under starlit skies.
If you haven’t considered a destination wedding, discovering everything Lake Morey Resort offers might convince you. Destination weddings tend to be multi-day affairs for the wedding couple and their guests. What better place for a mini-vacation than a resort that offers a multitude of activities including an 18-hole golf course? Even in winter, outdoor activities abound with ice skating, sledding, sleigh rides, and more. The resort’s wedding planners will help you organize group activities like a golf tournament or a fishing excursion for your guests.
Of course, the perfect wedding depends upon more than keeping your guests busy before the ceremony. Lake Morey Resort makes planning your wedding as stress-free as possible. You will work with one of the resort’s Wedding Coordinators to make all of the many decisions like how to handle the ceremony, what the reception will include, and whether you want to add events such as a rehearsal dinner or next-day brunch.
This process generally starts with a site visit to view the various venues and begin to imagine how your wedding will look. Some decisions will be dependent on the number of guests you expect to invite. For example, at Lake Morey Resort, the Terrace Ballroom accommodates 250 and the Morey Room, 180. But the Waterlot Room has a capacity of 100 and the Edgewater Room 60. Outdoor venues offer a little more space as a rule, but do have limits. Whatever your style, from barbeques to formal dinners, the Lake Morey Resort can accommodate you.
Generally, a second site visit is arranged for a menu tasting, but all other details can be handled by phone or email. Your coordinator will even prompt you for the information that is needed in order to help you organize all the details for your perfect day.
Your wedding is beginning to take shape. The resort will provide a menu of your choice, set up, bar and wait staff. Your coordinator can give you a list of local outside vendors for services not provided by the resort – flowers, photography, even a local church if you want a traditional church wedding. Want something really special like a sleigh ride to the reception? Your coordinator will work with you to make it happen.
If a spectacular setting, elegant function rooms, classically trained chefs, breathtaking formal gardens, and professional staff sound like your formula for the perfect fairytale wedding, the Lake Morey Resort can deliver. Keep in mind, you will want to reserve a date a year to a year and a half out. For more popular dates (June, September, October), even more time is advisable. In addition, if you anticipate a large number of guests, and therefore a large number of guest rooms, you will need to allow more time to assure availability. Download the resort’s Wedding Planner Kit or request a consultation with a wedding planner to learn more.
For more information:
Lake Morey Resort
Updated 5/2/23
If you are recently engaged and now facing the prospect of planning a wedding, you may feel overwhelmed. Take just one look at a wedding planning checklist, and you begin to realize how many decisions you will have to make. It may sound counterintuitive, but a destination wedding can actually simplify that prospect. Especially if you choose a venue with a good, on-site wedding planner to help you. Nowhere is this more true than at The Essex Resort & Spa near Burlington, Vermont.
Vermont has become a very popular spot for a destination wedding because, besides being easily accessible, it offers some of the most beautiful backdrops for your special day -- from magnificent green mountains and crystal blue skies to incomparable fall foliage or the sparkle of winter white. And no Vermont destination can offer you more than The Essex Resort & Spa.
Let’s talk first about what sets The Essex apart from other venues. The Essex is a culinary resort with world-class chefs. No rubber chicken or rainbow roast beef here. The meal you serve your guests will be delicious, memorable, and comparable to big-city, high-priced venues.
That’s a good start, but The Essex can tick all the other boxes on your check list as well. First of all, you will have a personal wedding planner working with you to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. Although you will want to meet on-site to tour the resort and do a menu tasting, everything else can be handled long distance. The resort has even successfully planned weddings for couples from out of the country. Whether you are inviting 150 guests for an entire weekend of celebration or planning a more intimate affair for 50 close friends and family, the resort offers a choice of space ideal for your reception. For a totally exclusive, intimate gathering, choose the off-site Ponds at Bolton Valley, with its vaulted ceiling and spectacular river stone fireplace. Or the sun-filled Atrium with its views over the gardens to the East Lawn with its white gazebo.
With function space selected and menu decided, the hard part is over. Now is the time your wedding planner helps you add the magic to your plans. If you want a traditional church service, your wedding planner will go over all the options. What about photographers, florists, and the other outside vendors you will need? The resort’s wedding planner will help you choose from a list of local vendors and will coordinate everything on the day of the big event for you. For something really special, what about fireworks or a carriage ride from the church? Your wedding planner has the contacts to make these dreams a reality.
Destination weddings are about more than just the wedding service and reception. One of the real benefits of a destination wedding is that it serves as a mini-vacation for your guests. The Essex offers 120 overnight accommodations and also provides a complimentary overnight room for the newlyweds on the wedding night. In addition to comfortable, modern guest rooms, The Essex Resort and Spa offers a full-service spa and fitness center. Whether guests are interested in a workout followed by a massage, a swim in the temperature-controlled pool, or salon services to get ready for the big event, The Essex spa can accommodate them. Consider how convenient the salon services, right on the premises, are for the bridal party. For the more active, guests can choose from golf, tennis, or head into nearby Burlington for all the city can offer.
If The Essex Resort & Spa sounds like the destination that will make your day the wedding of your dreams, keep in mind that prime dates book up quickly. For summer or fall, the resort recommends reserving 9-12 months in advance. From November to March, there is less demand and the resort hints that winter weddings are “a fantastic way to stretch a budget.” For a destination wedding of your dreams, you will certainly want to consider The Essex Resort & Spa.
For more information:
The Essex Resort & Spa Weddings
Updated 5/2/23
Did you just get engaged? We’re not surprised. Facebook tells us that 30% of engagements take place in November and December. Unless you plan a long engagement, the clock has now started ticking for planning the wedding. Most wedding venues expect you to reserve at least 12 months ahead. For the coveted June wedding, even more time might be required. So, the first question you need to answer is, “Where do I want to get married?”
You may want to consider the “destination wedding” which is gaining in popularity. One reason for this is that the location is neutral – not the bride’s hometown or the groom’s, not where either set of parents now live. It is simply a location that has a special meaning for the bride and groom. If you love Vermont like we do, Vermont makes a perfect wedding destination for a number of reasons. Given that destination weddings generally extend to two or more days, Vermont is the perfect mini-vacation for you and your guests with lots to do at any time of the year. In addition, Vermont offers a beautiful backdrop at every season for your special day. Picture yourself framed by snow-clad mountains in winter, magnificent foliage in fall, or against the crystal clear skies and green mountains of summer.
If that sounds like the perfect beginning of your fairytale day, your next decision is venue. Consider The Green Mountain Inn in picturesque Stowe, Vermont. The perfect mix of old world charm and modern amenities, The Green Mountain Inn will welcome you and your guests with old-fashioned, New England hospitality. The Inn perfectly accommodates indoor wedding parties from small intimate gatherings to groups up to 120. Picture yourself descending the Mansfield House staircase to make your grand entrance into the fireplaced living room to take your vows. The Inn’s indoor reception spaces are warm and inviting with hardwood floors, antique lighting, and even a fireplace in the Main Street Dining Room. (Quite a contrast from large hotel function rooms with their acoustic ceilings and generic design!) With a choice of multiple event locations, the Inn can even offer the right space for a welcome cocktail reception, rehearsal dinner, or next day brunch.
So, how do you begin to make sense of all these options? That’s where the wedding planning staff at The Green Mountain Inn step in to simplify your life. Whether you meet with them in person or talk with them over the phone, they ask all the right questions to help you plan the fairytale wedding you always imagined. Not sure what you want? They have coordinated so many weddings, they have ideas you haven’t even thought about. And if you know exactly what you want, you can bet they will follow your direction and be fussy about the details. You can confidently move on to the next item on your to-do list.
But, don’t just take our word for it. Have a look at The Green Mountain Inn’s website for photos and descriptions of everything they can offer for your wedding. Want to know more? Give them a call at 800-253-7302. They’re happy to discuss all the things that make this a very special wedding venue.
For more information:
The Green Mountain Inn
If golf is your passion and you’ve never played in Vermont, you are really missing out. With warm days and cool nights, the Vermont summer weather is perfect for golf any time during the day (unlike destinations where, if you don’t get an early start, you will regret it by the time you finish the first 9.) The courses themselves offer breath-taking scenery, an incredible variety of terrain, and exceptional value. It’s true Vermont is primarily known as a skiing destination, but many of those ski resorts include championship-quality golf courses to lure summer visitors. Check out the “Stay and Play” packages they offer for the best deals. In addition, if you are traveling with the family and not all are passionate golfers, Vermont resorts provide a large of selection of family-friendly activities on the property and nearby.
Stratton Mountain Resort
Head to southern Vermont and the resort village of Stratton. With shops, bars and restaurants plus activities for the whole family, Stratton is a premier summer destination. Lodging choices are extensive and can be selected to meet your individual needs. For the golfer, Stratton is exceptional. Here’s what Golf Magazine said just this year, “The golf is superb at this all-inclusive resort, which boasts a scenic and challenging championship 27-hole course that played host to six LPGA tournaments. The Forest, Lake and Mountain all have their own charm and danger, and are designed to be playable for any level golfer.”
“Stay and Play” packages at Stratton Mountain Resort include rates as low as $88 per person a day. Stay at a select Stratton Mountain property and enjoy a round of golf at the Stratton Mountain Golf Course.
Okemo Mountain Resort
Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, Vermont is another ski resort which transforms into an exceptional golf destination in the summer. Okemo offers eight different lodging options and two 18-hole championship golf courses, Okemo Valley and Tater Hill. Okemo Valley Golf Club was noted as one of the “best public courses in Vermont” by Golf Digest in 2016. The newly refurbished Tater Hill is a short drive away and offers magnificent mountain views in a traditional Vermont setting of birch-lined fairways, stone walls and beautiful gardens. Okemo has everything you could want for the perfect summer get-away – choice of lodging, plenty of family-friendly activities, and exceptional golf. Take advantage of Okemo’s “Stay and Play” package for special savings. Stay two nights and enjoy two days of golf (cart included) at the Okemo Valley Golf Club.
Essex Resort & Spa
For a summer vacation that is truly different, check out the Essex Resort & Spa near Burlington, VT. The Essex offers 120 guest rooms and suites which are stylishly comfortable. Additionally, the resort includes a full-service spa with an extensive menu of services and two restaurants to fulfill your culinary wishes. If this doesn’t sound like a golf resort, you’re right .. and wrong. The Essex Resort is unlike any other golf resort in Vermont. In addition to fabulous dining and unmatched spa experience, the Essex also includes a championship golf course, The Links at Lang Farm. The course weaves between wetlands, pumpkin patches and old-growth pines for one of the most challenging courses in Vermont. Host to over 600 tournaments, The Links was rated the “Best Practice Facility in Vermont” in 2013 by New England Golf Monthly. The Essex offers a special golf package that provides accommodations, a round of golf with cart plus a breakfast and lunch allowance at the resort. Or choose the “Putt and Pamper” special which gets you accommodations, one round of golf with cart, a breakfast allowance and a 50-minute massage.
Basin Harbor Club
The Basin Harbor Club grew from the oldest operating inn on Lake Champlain in Vergennes to the present contemporary lodge and the charming individual guest cottages. Located right on the lake, Basin Harbor Club is the perfect summer resort with plenty of swimming, boating, fishing, tennis, and golf. The resort’s 18-hole, Geoffrey Cornish-designed course includes rolling terrain, well-placed bunkers and beautiful contoured fairways. Sanctioned as the first Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Golf Course in Vermont, the course is dedicated to preserving natural resources and enhancing wildlife habitats. Book a special golf vacation at the Basin Harbor Club and receive accommodations, breakfast for two, and unlimited golf (with daily cart). Rates start at $300 double occupancy, Sunday through Thursday.
Lake Morey Resort
Set on the shores of 600-acre Lake Morey, the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, Vermont, provides a setting perfect for summer vacationing. In addition to the expected swimming, boating, and fishing, Lake Morey Resort offers incomparable golf on the course which has been home to the Vermont Open for over 50 years. The par 70, 6024-yard course is impeccably maintained with sweeping fairways and plush greens. For the best price on summer packages, try the “Stay 3 & the 4th is Free.” Stay any three midweek nights (Sunday through Thursday) and the 4th night is free. The package includes overnight lodging, 4-course dinner, full Vermont country breakfast, use of the resorts standard seasonal amenities, AND complimentary greens fees.
Stay in Manchester, Vermont
For a summer vacation that includes pursuits such as fine dining, arts and theater, shopping and antiquing, look no further than Manchester, Vermont. Located in southern Vermont at the foot of Mount Equinox, Manchester is the quintessential Vermont town with a modern infusion. Enjoy fly fishing in the Battenkill or shopping at the Manchester Designer Outlets. Hike or bike the nearby trails. Sample local craft brews at the many bars and restaurants. Manchester has it all – including golf. Stay at the historic Wilburton Inn and receive reduced rates for the nearby Golf Club at Equinox. This par 71 course has been named to the “Best in Vermont” list by both Golf Digest and Golfweek.
Or select the new Taconic, a Kimpton hotel, in Manchester Village. The Taconic offers boutique hotel amenities including complimentary morning coffee and tea service, nightly social hour, a yoga mat in every room, in-room spa services, 24-hour fitness center, and pet-friendly accommodations. In addition, guests are eligible to play golf at the nearby Manchester Country Club. The Club was actually founded by local innkeepers in 1967 with the purpose of providing their guests a premium golfing experience in Manchester.
So, if you have never considered Vermont for a golf get-away or a summer family vacation, what are you waiting for? The courses are open and waiting!
For more information:
Stratton Mountain Resort
Okemo Mountain Resort
Essex Resort & Spa - Links Executive Golf
Essex Resort & Spa - Putt & Pamper
Basin Harbor Club
Lake Morey Resort
Wilburton Inn
Taconic
You see them on calendars and celebrated in paintings… the covered bridges of Vermont. But what is their history, the purpose of the roof, and why do they exist even today?
Timber, as a building material, has always been the first choice in forested regions of the world. It is easy to acquire, easy to work with even simple hand tools, and when properly protected, will last for years. Covering the bridge extends its life dramatically. Left uncovered, a wooden bridge will last about 15 years. Covered and properly cared for, it will last almost forever. There are covered bridges in Switzerland that have survived since the 1500s.
The History of Covered Bridges in the United States, by Lola Bennett, tells us, “Col. Enoch Hale took a bold first step in advancing American timber-bridge building in 1785 when he erected the nation’s first long-span framed timber bridge across the Connecticut River between Walpole, New Hampshire, and Bellows Falls, Vermont.” However, truss-based engineering proved to be a better solution for long-span bridges and became the trend after Timothy Palmer’s 1805 design. As the nation grew, so did the number of covered bridges to support transportation of goods through the growing country. In New England, peak building began around 1810 and lasted for about 100 years. Eventually, the use of iron supplanted wood as a building material due to its strength and durability.
Most covered bridges are painted red for a very practical reason. The pigment used was inexpensive to produce comprised of skim milk, buttermilk or whey, slaked lime, flaxseed oil, turpentine and pulverized ochre. Protecting the wood extended the life of the exposed areas from sun, wind, and moisture.
Some might think one of the reasons bridges are roofed in New England is to protect them from the winter snow. In actual fact, when it snowed, sleighs took the place of wheeled wagons since the roads were not plowed in those days. Snow was actually shoveled onto the bridge surface to facilitate sleigh travel.
Today Vermont has over 100 covered bridges remaining, most still capable of handling motorized traffic. Check this handy map to find bridges in your area. And if you just can’t get enough, a visit to the Covered Bridge Museum (at The Bennington Center for the Arts) in Bennington offers exhibits on engineering, construction, tools and creators of covered bridges. There is even an interactive kiosk to help you plan your tour of Vermont’s bridges, five of which are nearby.
So, next trip to Vermont, why not take in some of these marvelous historic structures and shoot some memorable photos of your own. Check Vermont.com’s lodging pages to help you plan your trip.
Even if you are seeing spring flowers sending shoots up through the earth at home, it’s still winter in the mountains of Vermont. Smugglers’ Notch Resort has a full month of special, on- and off-slope activities planned to make your experience one to thrill the whole family.
Here’s what’s in store for March at Smuggs:
On March 14-29, take advantage of special lodging packages and visit Smuggs during MapleFest, a celebration of the uniquely-Vermont treat, maple sugar. Take some time off the slopes to visit local sugarhouses and learn about maple sugaring from the experts. Enjoy complimentary specialty food & beverage samplings, a children's gift, and sugar on snow. 
A selection of popular programs will be maple-themed just for you, and there will be special dining options at resort restaurants.
On March 21 & 22, the entire state of Vermont celebrates Maple Open House Weekend, and nearby Boyden Valley Winery will have special treats including sugar on snow, maple milkshakes & cupcakes, and even a maple cocktail.
March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day, and Smugglers' Notch Resort has a full day of special events planned, including the Lucky Leprechaun Challenge, scavenger hunt, family karaoke, Marko’s Magical Mystery Show, and much more.
With the ski season winding down, Smuggs has a number of special events planned to close out the year.
March 14th is the Molly Fund Benefit Rail Jam. The Molly Fund was created to support non-profit organizations that provide financial assistance to families whose children are battling cancer. At the Rail Jam, you'll enjoy fun, food, and a chance to raise funds for a worthy cause. Registration is 1-2pm in Parking Lot 1, and the Jam starts in the Zone Terrain Park at 11am.
On March 14th & 15th, the Smugglers’ Notch Ski and Snowboard Club will be hosting the annual George Tormey Challenge for 11-14 year olds. Named for George Tormey, beloved skier and coach, the George Tormey Challenge is the last competition of the year for these athletes. It is an opportunity for many of the skiers who did not medal during the year to bring home a medal in this fun team event. In addition to medals, there will also be bib draws for prizes, so every athlete gets a chance to win.
On March 28th, Skiers and Snowboarders will compete against each other during the Smuggs Friendly Freeski Challenge. Competitors are grouped by age, and there will be a lot of awesome prizes to compete for!
Also on March 28th, the Smugglers' Notch Ski & Snowboard Club invites skiers 21 & older to relive their glory days at the Smuggs' Blast from the Past event. A qualifying GS course begins at 9:30 am (two runs; best run of two) followed by a pro-style dual SL course for the top 16 men and the top 8 women. The equipment doesn't have to be "old," just the racers. Hamburger/hot dog barbecue and beverages included in the entry fee of $35.
Additional March events at Smugglers' Notch include:
So, don’t hang your skis up quite yet. There’s still a lot happening here in the mountains. Plan a trip to Smugglers’ Notch today!
Mother Nature has blessed Vermont with lots of snow and picture-perfect winter scenery this year. With February just around the corner, there is no better time to plan a getaway to Smugglers’ Notch Resort. In addition to all the skiing and boarding you could want, Smuggs offers so many activities that every member of your family can have a special adventure. Think tubing, snowshoeing, zip lines, FunZone, bonfires, and so much more.
Each month the resort also plans a number of special events. How about a Super Bowl watch party on February 2? Settle in to your seats in front of a gigantic television screen and enjoy a half-time Super Sunday Snack Buffet with all your favorite munchies! Doors open at 6:00 pm in the lower level of the Meeting House. Game time 6:30 pm.
With Presidents’ Day and Valentine’s Day falling on the same weekend this year, Smugglers’ Notch Resort has pulled together events to please romantic couples as well as families vacationing over the school break. Take advantage of the resort’s Valentine’s Day Special on February 14. Purchase one adult, full-day, 3-Mountain ticket, and receive one full-day ticket (of equal or lesser value) FREE! Plus, receive a fabulous Lake Champlain Chocolate for you and your valentine to share. (Tickets must be used on Feb. 14.)
Other events over the President’s Day week include:
• Smugglers’ Notch Distillery Tastings (Feb. 13, 14, 15) – stop by the Village Pizzeria for tastings of these award-winning spirits. (Also Feb. 20-22 & 27-29) 21+ only
• Family Fun Race (Feb. 15, 16) – Who’s the fastest in your family? Find out on the timed race course. (Also Feb. 1, 2, 8, 9, 22, 23, 29)
• Never Summer Demo Tour (Feb. 16) – Come check out some of the most durable, high performance boards on the planet. 11 am – 2 pm (Parking Lot 1)
• Boyden Valley Winery Sampling (Feb. 16) – Sample Glogg, a mulled spice wine served warm in a mug. Perfect for chilly Vermont nights! 11am – 2pm, 21+ only. (Green Peppers Deck at the Madonna/Sterling Base Lodge)
• Dueling Pianos (Feb. 17) – Each show is different because it's all request and you or your friends might even get called up on stage for a bit of good humored fun and some unforgettable YouTube moments. Dueling piano shows are request oriented, interactive sing-a-long shows wherein two piano players sit across from each other and trade songs. 9-11 pm, 21+ only (Lower Level of the Meeting House)
• Vermont Specialty Food Tasting (Feb. 18) – Stroll through the Village Courtyard and sample delicious food products made from local ingredients. Purchase your favorites to take the taste of Vermont home with you. 11 am – 4 pm
• Smugglers’ Notch X Weston Demo (Feb. 22-23) – Catch the trusty Weston crew at the base of Madonna & Sterling Mountains for the extra special 2 DAY chance to demo their award winning lineup of snowboards, splitboards, and skis! 9 am – 3 pm (Madonna / Sterling Mountain Base Lodge)
Other events scheduled for February include:
• Headliners Comedy Club (Feb 10 & 24) – See two of Boston and New York's funniest comics live! Each show hosted by either Rob Steen or Jody Sloane. 9 - 11 pm, 21+ only (Bootleggers’ Lounge)
• Extreme Challenge (Feb 29 – Mar 1) – The Smugglers' Notch Ski and Snowboard Club hosts this exciting event - an opportunity for junior and adult freeskiers and riders to show their big mountain skiing on the most difficult terrain the East has to offer. Spectators will be treated to a birds eye view from Madonna I lift or watch from a roped off area easily accessed from midstation. 9 am – 4pm (Madonna Mountain Lift Line)
For more details or to make reservations at the resort, visit the Smugglers’ Notch website. February is the perfect time to head to Vermont. Don’t miss out on all the fun planned at Smugglers’ Notch!
As we head into 2020, Stratton invites you to the mountain, where there is plenty of snow, superb skiing & riding, and a full schedule of special events to make your visit memorable.
January 4th, the first Saturday of the month, is demo day for Elan. If you’re considering new skis, why not come talk to the manufacturer’s rep and see what Elan has to offer. Even if you aren’t in the market for new equipment, it never hurts to look, right?
If you or a member of your family is just learning to ski, head to Stratton on January 10th for their Learn to Ski and Ride Day. Adults, and kids 13+ can take a beginner’s lesson for only $79.
Stratton is taking advantage of the long MLK weekend (January 17-20) to plan a lot of special events for a fun-filled time for all. From Snow Cat Rides, to Mid-Mountain for dinner, to Doggie & Me Hikes, there is something for everyone. Grizzly’s and Green Door Pub will be delivering the tunes while the Nordic Center will be hosting sunrise snowshoe tours. The highlight of the weekend is a fabulous fireworks display on Saturday night.
Enjoy a truly unique dining experience on January 24th as the Stratton Mountain culinary team presents the Palm Bay International Wine Pairing Dinner, utilizing farm fresh ingredients expertly paired with award-winning wines. Not only will you experience a memorable meal, you’ll learn the secrets to choosing ingredients & beverages that pair well together. Tickets are $64.20 (includes tax & gratuity). Quantities are limited, so book early. 21+ only event.
For something completely different, head to Grizzly’s on January 24th for live music from The Ghost of Paul Revere (9:30 – 11:00). The band has been growing in popularity since they formed in Maine, in 2011. Griffin Sherry, guitarist/singer, describes the band’s music - "We grew up listening to Radiohead, and The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd. Everyone assumed we were a bluegrass band because we were playing these traditional instruments, but we weren’t writing traditional music. We were just writing songs with the instruments we had." Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of.
This year, Stratton is partnering with Rossignol to host the “We Rise with Stratton Women Camp.” Here’s a chance to supercharge your skiing and riding skills in a supportive, fun environment with other like-minded women. The dates for this event are January 31 – February 2. Led by Rossignol Ambassador Claire Challen & Stratton’s top instructors, this is an opportunity to learn & challenge yourself, try new gear, and connect with other women in an inviting & empowering environment. Cost is $420 including tax.
For more information on any of these programs or for reservations, visit Stratton’s website. And, if you can’t get away in January, stay tuned - there will be lots happening in February, too!
Smugglers’ Notch Resort is proud to call itself “America’s Family Resort” not just because it offers some of the best skiing & riding in Vermont, but because it offers so much more. Add snow-tubing, snowshoeing, Snow Cat rides, zip-lines, and Kid’s Fun Zone (to name just a few resort activities), and you have the makings of a perfect family getaway. But that’s not all. Smugglers’ Notch has a full calendar of events to add something extra to every visit. Here’s what's in store for January 2020:
Take advantage of the long MLK weekend. Enjoy all the usual activities available at Smuggs, culminating in a Saturday night (January 18) bonfire, torchlight parade, and spectacular fireworks display!
Ready for a new adventure? Plan your visit for the weekend of January 24-26 and take part in the Annual Smugglers’ Notch Pass Ice Climbing Event. Kickoff party and Drytool Competition friday night at Petra Cliffs in Burlington, VT (doors open at 6pm, $5 entry). Saturday & Sunday are filled with clinics at the Barn at Smuggs, tailored for the true novice all the way to the experienced alpinist. Demos from the best brands will be present so if you’re looking for that next piece of kit, come demo it first before dropping the big bucks! (21+ only.)
Saturday, January 25th, also offers a special event in Jeffersonville, presented by the Cambridge Area Rotary. Enjoy fun for the whole family with WinterFest activities, including Pie for Breakfast, FREE Snowshoe or Cross Country rentals at Smuggs, Mini Snowmobiles, Community Center Games, Library Story Hour, Lasagna Dinner, Scout Events, Bonfire, Skating, Hot Air Balloon Glow, and FIREWORKS!
Head to Bootleggers’ Lounge on January 27th at 9:00 pm for the Headliners Comedy Club. See two of Boston & New York's funniest comics live! Each show hosted by either Rob Steen or Jody Sloane. $15 cover charge includes one draft beer or house wine (21+ only).
Additional events offered on a regular basis in January include:
Don’t let the winter pass you by without planning a fun-filled getaway to Smugglers’ Notch Resort. There’s so much to do, you might have to come back to experience it all!
On a recent Saturday night we wanted a spot for a congratulatory dinner for my daughter who had just landed a wonderful job. A golfing buddy of my husband’s recommended Peter Havens in Brattleboro, so we thought we’d give it a try.
As many times as we had driven down Elliott Street, we had paid little notice to the restaurant possibly due to the large number of restaurants in town. Perhaps if we’d been locals we would have known all along what a wonderful find was hidden behind the door. (After all, Peter Havens has been a fixture on Elliott Street for over 20 years.)
The restaurant itself is small and intimate with only ten tables plus bar seating. (Luckily we’d called for reservations! Had we not, we probably would not have been able to get a table as the place remained busy the entire time we were there.) Décor is simple, lighting subdued and restful. Service was typically Vermont – knowledgeable and very friendly.
We began with cocktails from the rather exceptional cocktail menu. Each unique drink was described by listing ingredients. Selection was difficult as they all sounded so interesting. I opted for the French 77 which included gin, fresh lemon, St. Germain and Prosecco. It was served extremely cold in a tall flute with a curl of lemon rind. My daughter chose the El Borracho made from tequila, mango, pomegranate, agave and lime. It arrived all pink and icy in a cocktail glass. My husband selected from the interesting choice of beers.
Just as we had trouble choosing which cocktail to order, the menu created even greater problems. Everything sounding wonderful. We ended up ordering two appetizers to share: the softshell crab and smoked trout. We were impressed to find that the restaurant smokes their own trout. Both dishes were so good we somewhat regretted not ordering a third appetizer.
For my entrée there was no doubt. I ordered the pan roasted duck breast. I always order duck if it is an option. This duck was served with “French green lentils, haricots vert and sauce bigarade.” It was delicious and right at the top of the list of best duck I’ve ever eaten.
My daughter will always order gnocchi if it is on the menu. And it was (“house made potato gnocchi, cherry tomatoes, local ramps and shaved parmesan”), so she ordered it. And enjoyed every bite. My husband was enticed by the “brie stuffed roasted chicken, fingerling potatoes, fresh arugula, enoki mushrooms, and honey butter.” Also a big hit.
What do you do when you’ve had a wonderful meal and eaten every bite? Why, order dessert, of course. Even though it was pushing the limits, we ordered the warm apple tart, the vanilla bean crème brulee, and the coconut-maple panna cotta and shared among ourselves.
While walking back to our car, we agreed that Peter Havens would be added to our list of favorite dining establishments. In fact, we are looking for an excuse to visit again soon. After all, there are still plenty of menu items remaining to be tried.
For more information:
Would you be surprised to learn that Vermont played a significant role in the African American history of this country? I dare say most people would find that surprising. That’s one of the reasons Curtiss Reed, Jr. helped develop and promote the Vermont African American Heritage Trail. Director of Brattleboro’s Vermont Partnership for Fairness and Diversity, Reed felt that understanding the role of African Americans in Vermont’s past would create a bridge to greater diversity in the future. A joint venture between his organization and the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, the Vermont African American Heritage Trail lays out a self-guided tour from one end of the state to the other, pinpointing sites significant to African American history.
The Trail not only explores sites which tell the story of the lives of African Americans who lived, studied, and worked in Vermont, but also of fellow Vermonters with whom their lives were intertwined by issues of equality and freedom. Take for example, Rokeby Museum in Ferrisburgh, VT, home to the abolitionist Robinson family and preeminent Underground Railroad site. There you will be introduced to Simon and Jesse, two fugitives from slavery who sheltered at the farm in the 1830s. The exhibit “Free and Safe: The Underground Railroad in Vermont” traces their story from slavery to freedom. Also in Ferrisburgh, visit the spot where Frederick Douglass, one of the great orators and black leaders of the 19th century, delivered an impassioned abolitionist speech in July 1843.
The issue of slavery was foremost in the minds of many Vermonters from very early on. Old Constitution House in Windsor, VT is the site where Vermont adopted its constitution in 1777 as the “Free and Independent State of Vermont.” (Vermont did not join the United States until 1791.) This constitution included the words, “Therefore, no male person, born in this country, or brought from over sea, ought to be holden by law, to serve any person, as a servant, slave or apprentice…” thus prohibiting the practice of slavery.
Another stop of interest is the town of Brandon, VT. The town was home to two founders of the American Anti-Slavery Society and the town was a hotbed of anti-slavery activity. A visit to the Brandon Museum, another stop on the Trail, tells the story including how native son Stephen Douglas (Lincoln’s opponent in 1860), a slave owner, came to prominence, and how his politics were rejected by this anti-slavery town. The Brandon Museum actually occupies the Stephen Douglas birthplace. A walking tour through town provides even more historical perspective into this era. See the sites of the Vermont Anti-Slavery Society’s 1837 convention, the spot where a runaway slave spoke in 1844, and the home of abolitionist organizer, Orson Murray.
The Trail also offers real insight into the lives of some of Vermont’s earliest African American citizens. Visit the Grafton History Museum in Grafton, VT to hear the story of Alec and Sally Turner. Alec was the descendant of an African chief and an English merchant’s daughter. He was born into slavery in Port Royal, Virginia, but escaped to join the 1st New Jersey Cavalry as a cook during the Civil War. After the war, he and his family lived in Maine and Boston before settling in Grafton, Vermont in 1872. Through hard work, he was able to purchase 150 acres of land where he built Journey’s End Farm. It was here he and his wife stayed and raised their 13 children.
Altogether, there are 20 sites which make up the Vermont African American Heritage Trail. They are spread throughout the state, from the Northeast Kingdom to Manchester, in southern Vermont. We encourage everyone to discover which sites are nearby for you to explore during your visit to Vermont. The Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing publishes a guide that you can request, to help plan your explorations, and Vermont.com can help you find the perfect places to stay in Vermont when you’re ready to go.
For more information:
Vermont African American Heritage Trail
Rokeby Museum
Old Constitution House
Brandon Museum
Grafton History Museum
State of Vermont Historic Sites
Vermont has a strong farming tradition that continues today. The majority of Vermont’s farms are family-owned and operated, many of which have been passed down through generations. Dairy is the top agricultural product in Vermont, but chickens, eggs, meat and hay are also significant. Vermonters have a huge respect for the land… after all, it’s the land that has supported their families since before Vermont was a state.
Life in Vermont didn’t change much over generations until the building of the interstate. With that came growth, an influx of visitors, and new challenges. Vermonters relied on their traditional common sense and New England determination to find a way to make economic and environmental interests coincide. Within the farming community, adoption of practices to preserve the land, produce high-quality products, and continue the traditions of their forbearers was a natural. It’s not unusual to find organic farms and animal products raised without antibiotics predominating the farm culture.
At the same time, a movement among chefs was taking hold to use only the freshest, natural ingredients in their cooking. The Vermont Fresh Network (VFN) was established as a non-profit in 1996 to help farmers and chefs build relationships beneficial to each. Their website claims, “The Vermont Fresh Network is dedicated to a flourishing local food system for the benefit of our environment, our communities, our health, and overall strength of the rural economy.” Through events, education programs, newsletters, and associated website, DigInVT.com (for agricultural and culinary tourism), VFN continues to expand their network to the benefit of chefs, farmers, food artisans, and diners throughout the state. These relationships have helped Vermont restaurants and chefs wholeheartedly adopt the locavore movement by purchasing directly from local farmers, cheese makers, wineries, breweries, and so on.
DigInVT.com offers a number of ways for consumers to find out more about farming traditions in Vermont. Attend an event and talk to the food producer. Visit a farm – a list of participating farms is included on the website. Make it a day trip or book a stay and help with the chores. There is also a section called “Explore a Trail” with themed adventures for visitors to pursue. For example, The Vermont Cheese Trail or the Vermont Brewery Challenge. By exploring Vermont farm traditions as a visitor the loop is closed -- from farm to chef to diner and farm tourist and back to farm.
For more information on Vermont including suggestions on where to stay and where to eat, consult Vermont.com.
For more information:
Vermont Fresh Network (VFN)
DigInVT.com
If you look at a map, you will notice a region in the southwest corner of Vermont defined by the Taconic Mountains on the west and the Green Mountains on the east. This area is known as The Shires of Vermont. If the name brings to mind an image of days past or even the magical world of Bilbo Baggins, you aren’t so far wrong. In this small segment of the state, you will find a sampling of everything that makes Vermont so special. Take a step back in time to the days before the Europeans came to settle the New World by experiencing the deep forests and roaring rivers of southwest Vermont. You feel like the only human in this land inhabited by abundant wildlife and soaring birds of prey. As you move along, an opening in the trees might allow a view of a historic village or local farm which doesn’t seem much changed since Ethan Allen was meeting with the Green Mountain Boys. A few miles further and you realize you are still living in the 21st century. Choose from multiple museums, theaters, music venues, and shopping opportunities for a modern dose of arts, culture, and entertainment.
One of the best ways to explore The Shires of Vermont is to follow the three specially designated scenic byways in the region. Start on the Molly Stark Byway which runs east and west along the southern part of the state. Also known as Vermont Route 9, this road connects the city of Brattleboro to that of Bennington, one of the shire towns (historically referred to as a county seat) of the region. Named for the wife of General John Stark who led the Colonial militia to victory at the Battle of Bennington in 1777, the Molly Start Byway offers magnificent views from the top of Hogback Mountain to recreational activities on the Harriman Reservoir in Wilmington. Take in the panoramic view from the top of the Bennington Battle Monument (Don’t worry. There’s an elevator.) or see Grandma Moses’ fascinating artwork at the Bennington Museum.
Next, head north along the Shires of Vermont Byway which begins at Vermont’s southern border in Pownal and follows Route 7 and 7A north to Manchester, the other shire town in the region. Watch for some of the area’s famous covered bridges, historic architecture, and rushing rivers and streams. If hiking or mountain biking is your passion, opportunities abound in and around Manchester. On the other hand, if history is your love, you’ll want to visit Hildene, Robert Todd Lincoln’s summer home in Manchester. Manchester is also home to many fine restaurants and a large number of outlet stores. Go ahead. Indulge yourself.
In Manchester, take Route 30 north for the Stone Valley Byway. The marble and slate quarries in the region not only helped name the valley, but provided the building materials for much of its development. As you wind through the valleys of the Green Mountains along this byway, opportunities for outdoor recreation abound. With multiple state parks from which to choose, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing and other outdoor pursuits are readily available. The towns along the byway offer some of the best historical museums in the area as well as the Hubbardton Battlefield Historic Site, where the Green Mountain Boys made a defiant and successful stand to halt the pursuing British. You will also find the Dorset Theatre, famous for its summer theater. Fall is a special time for a trip along the Stone Valley Byway with magnificent scenery of red, orange, and gold as well as abundant local selections at the many farmers' markets of the region.
For more information:
The Shires of Vermont
Now is the perfect time to plan a getaway to Vermont because fall is a very special time of year here. The days are pleasant, the nights delightfully cool, and the scenery breathtaking. You can’t go wrong choosing Holiday Inn Club Vacations Mount Ascutney Resort as your base of operations. Situated at the foot of Mt. Ascutney in Brownsville, VT, the resort is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Located just steps from the hiking trails of Mt. Ascutney State Park, your trail adventure awaits. You can also bike the backroads of Windsor County and take in the fall color, kayak local rivers or lakes, play some golf, or shop in nearby Quechee or Windsor. Whether you’re a couple, a family or a larger group, the resort offers accommodations that are a perfect fit. Choose from standard double rooms, to 1-3 bedroom villas with fully equipped kitchens.
In addition, the resort also offers a huge number of amenities on site. You’ll find indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and volleyball courts, racquetball, a fitness center, and a movie theater, to name a few. If you’ve got kids, not only can they access all these amenities, there is also an arcade and playground to keep them amused. At the end of the day, enjoy Vermont’s freshest and tastiest offerings at the resort’s own restaurant, The Maple Kitchen.
A great hotel with abundant amenities, fabulous scenery (check out Vermont.com's Fall Foliage page), and extensive outdoor activities – that might be enough for a memorable getaway, but fall in Vermont offers even more. Fall is the season for a modern take on the traditional harvest festival, and Vermont has embraced this concept wholeheartedly. Wherever you are in Vermont during September and October, you will find festivals celebrating everything from local foods to the arts to music and antiques. (For a full listing of fall festivals, go to Vermont.com’s Fall Festivals page.) Here are a few of the festivals near Mt. Ascutney Resort you may want to take in.
Plymouth Folk & Blues Festival (Plymouth – 40 minute drive) 8/31-9/1 – A lively two-day festival featuring Vermont and internationally-known musicians of folk and blues music. Kids’ activities also available.
2019 Peru Fair (Peru – 1 hour drive) 9/28 – Fun for everyone at this annual fair! Food, entertainment, plus arts & crafts vendors. Fun for the whole family!
2019 Killington Brewfest (Killington – 45 minute drive) 9/27-28 – Sample over 80 of the finest craft beers in the region while enjoying fall foliage, fabulous food, and live music. Over 21 only.
Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival (Tunbridge – 1 hour drive) 10/5-6 – For something completely different, head to the Tunbridge Fairgrounds for the Sheep & Wool Festival. In addition to handspinning and fiber crafting supplies, there will be demonstrations and workshops to educate and entertain.
Fall Foliage Art in the Park (Rutland – 1 hour drive) 10/12-13 – For art lovers, don’t’ miss the 58th Annual Art in the Park Fine Art & Craft Festival in Main Street Park.
The Harpoon Riverbend Taps and Beer Garden Octoberfest (Windsor – 15 minute drive) 10/12-13 – Eat, drink and be merry at this annual event. Enjoy a selection of Harpoon beers, live music and special menu options.
Harvest Weekend at Billings Farm (Woodstock – 30 minute drive) 10/12-13 – Take part in a traditional Vermont harvest festival with activities like a husking bee and barn dance, cider pressing and much more. A perfect choice for the whole family.
For even more fall festivals and other local events, consult Vermont.com’s Calendar of Events.
For more information:
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Mount Ascutney Resort
8/21/19
If you're thinking about a summer vacation in Vermont (and why not, with miles of magnificent hiking trails, an abundance of lakes, rivers and streams for all kinds of sport, and mountain vistas that will take your breath away), then you should be thinking about the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Mt. Ascutney Resort, located in Brownsville, VT. Whether you're a couple, a family of 3-4, or an extended family of more, the resort can offer accommodations that are the perfect fit for your party. Choose from standard double rooms, to 1-3 bedroom villas with fully equipped kitchens.
Comfortable rooms are just the beginning. The resort offers so many amenities, they can please even the pickiest guest. You'll find indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and volleyball courts, racquetball, a fitness center, and a movie theater, to name a few. If you’ve got kids, don’t worry, they can access all these amenities plus an arcade and playground. Plus, WiFi & parking are always free. And that’s just what you have on-site.
Explore Vermont’s legendary outdoors with hiking and biking trails right outside your door. Enjoy backpacking on Mt. Ascutney and Ascutney Trails, kayaking the Connecticut River in Windsor, and even hang gliding in nearby New Hampshire. If you prefer activities that are a little less physical, you can explore the unique shopping and dining options, about 30-minutes away, in the quaint nearby towns of Woodstock & Quechee (named one of the 50 most beautiful small towns by Architectural Digest).
Other popular attractions within a half hour drive include:
Consider attending some summer events, like the Quechee Balloon Festival from June 14-16, or the Point-to-Point cycling and running race held at Mt. Ascutney on August 10.
Mt. Ascutney Resort also offers a number of options to feed your crew. If you want to prepare your own meals, the villas have fully-equipped kitchens. Food can be purchased quite easily from the Brownsville Butcher & Pantry, the local general store (or get a bite to eat there if you want). No kitchen in your unit? No problem. You can still cook on the BBQ grills provided on the property. However, no visit to the resort would be complete without a meal (or 2) at The Maple Kitchen, the resort’s own restaurant, where the menu offers a “taste of Vermont” with local ingredients that embrace farm-to-table dining. From berries picked by local growers, to meats and cheeses procured from Green Mountain Smoke House, to spirits made at local distilleries, the food is farm fresh and richly flavorful.
For your summer vacation in Vermont, what more could you want? Comfortable accommodations, amenities to meet your every need, so many activities that you will have to make some difficult choices (because there's never enough time for everything), and dining options to fit your taste & budget. If you’re still not convinced, give the resort a call and they will answer all your questions – 802-484-7711. (Be sure to mention VERMONT.COM when calling!)
It’s spring and the avid angler is eager to get out on the water. With Lake Champlain on the west and the Connecticut River on the east and with hundreds of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams in between, Vermont is an angler’s paradise. With no closed season for many fish on Lake Champlain and trout and landlocked salmon opening in April, what are you waiting for?
Catch-and-Release Bass
Lake Champlain is home to some of the best large and smallmouth bass fishing anywhere. Beginning the second Saturday in April and continuing to the Friday before the second Saturday in June is catch-and-release season for bass on Lake Champlain. At this time of year, the fish are leaving the deep water and heading to shallow water close to shore for spawning. Look for areas with a hard bottom of gravel or rock where the sun’s heat warms the water. Fish rest here waiting for spawning waters to reach the mid-60s. Position your boat to cast tight to shore and be ready to catch some good-size bass. Vermont Fish and Wildlife predicts, “With two people in a boat, you can expect catches of 50-75 bass per day. Some anglers report having spring days of more than 100 bass. Fishing pre-spawn staging bass can certainly spoil you for the rest of the season.”
For lodging in the Lake Champlain region, Vermont.com can offer a multitude of options to meet your needs.
Fly Fishing
Not an experienced fisherman, but looking for a lifelong hobby? Try fly fishing. Izaak Walton, author of “The Compleat Angler” published in 1653, perhaps said it best. He called fly fishing “The Contemplative Man’s Recreation.” There is something elegant and precise about the sport that sets it apart.
One of the best places to learn is at Orvis Fly Fishing School in Manchester, Vermont. This 2-day class will teach you everything you need to know to make this sport your own. Fly fishing can be done from boat or shore, in streams or ocean.
The Battenkill, right in Manchester, offers the opportunity to test your new skills against some of the wariest trout in Vermont. The trout in the Battenkill are all wild, streambred fish unused to humans as hatchery trout can be. The best fishing in the Battenkill can be found mid-May to mid-July.
Vermont.com can offer suggestions on where to stay in or near Manchester. Choose between magnificent hotels to quaint country inns to economical campgrounds.
Great fly fishing is available throughout the state. With a special fly fishing package, why not try the historic Old Stagecoach Inn right in the heart of Waterbury Village? This three-day fly fishing adventure (with or without instruction) includes two half days and one full day of guided fly fishing, two nights lodging, and two mornings full country breakfast. The package price is $530 per person based upon two or more persons although single anglers can be accommodated. (Pricing does not include tax or gratuity.)
If you're not sure you're ready to make a total commitment to fly fishing, the Sterling Ridge Resort in Jeffersonville, Vermont offers an intriguing alternative. Stay at the resort and fish in a stocked pond right on the property with no license required. Green Mountain Troutfitters, local outfitters and guides, can provide rental equipment, instruction, or guide services -- whatever you need to "test the waters."
Lake Willoughby, in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, is a favorite destination for serious anglers. And for good reason. Shawn Dutil caught a record-setting trout (35 lb. 3.2 oz.) in the lake in 2003! Locals also say that the Willoughby River is a hot spot for trout. Stay right on the lake at the WilloughVale Inn and Cottages. Choose between comfortable guest rooms in the main inn or bring the family and opt for one of the quaint, individual cottages.
The Golden Stage Inn, located in the Okemo Valley in Proctorsville, known for it's relaxed ambiance and fabulous breakfasts, might not be the first place you think of for fishing. However, with the Black River only a few miles from the Inn, fishing opportunities abound. Fish rainbow and brown trout through June. Bass and other warm-water species are fished in summer.
Fishing Guides
If you’re not sure where to start, you may want to rely on the expertise of a guide. You benefit from their experience and local knowledge. They have only one goal. To make sure your Vermont fishing trip is the best possible adventure. Some fishing guides will help you with reservations on places to stay. If not, consult Vermont.com for lodging choices to meet any need or budget.
For a knowledgeable fishing charter captain who can maximize your Vermont fishing adventure, check out 3rd Alarm Charters. Captain Matt Trombley brings 30 years fishing know-how to the job of providing each customer the ideal experience whether it is their first time or they are old hands. Whether you want trolling or casting, have your own equipment or need to have equipment provided, are looking for fishing in lake, river or stream, Captain Matt can accommodate you. Captain Matt even suggests that a fishing charter makes for an action- and fun-filled bachelor/bachelorette party!
Vermont Fish and Wildlife
One of the best resources for everything about fishing in Vermont is the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website. Here you can find information on where to fish, what to fish, fish stocking schedules, special events, and general knowledge. You will also find regulations and everything you need to know about licenses.
For more information:
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Catch and Release
Orvis Fly Fishing School
Old Stagecoach Inn
Sterling Ridge Resort
WilloughVale Inn and Cottages
Golden Stage Inn
3rd Alarm Charters
Vermont Fish and Wildlife
This article was originally posted on 03/29/16 and updated on 03/12/19.
For most people, the thought of Vermont creates images of snow-clad mountains, magnificent fall foliage, and black & white cows lazily grazing in lush green fields. All those images have something in common – they’re a testament to the beauty of Vermont. Add to that a hospitality industry that is known for its warmth and welcome, and you have a foundation for the perfect destination wedding. Add lodging choices, from magnificent 4-season resorts to quaint historic inns, and you have all you could want for your fairytale wedding. Picture yourself arriving at your reception in a horse-drawn sleigh against a background of snowy peaks. Or maybe take your vows at the edge of a pristine lake with some of those famous cows in the distance under a pure blue sky.
If you’re worried about the details, don’t. Vermont innkeepers have a lot of experience making weddings unique and special for each of their couples. Larger resorts have wedding planners on staff to help you with every detail. In fact, Vermont is such a popular wedding destination that many venues require reservations a year to a year and a half in advance.
Want to know more? Check out these blog articles which will give you details on some of the individual venues:
Destination Weddings
The Green Mountain Inn
Lake Morey Resort
Stratton Mountain Resort
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
The Essex Resort & Spa
Basin Harbor
Kimpton Taconic Hotel
Vermont is the Perfect Choice for Destination Elopements too.
If your ideal wedding is just the two of you, or includes a few select friends or family, Vermont is a perfect destination for elopement. Many inns and hotels offer special elopement packages. For details, check out these past blogs:
Destination Elopement in Southern Vermont
Destination Elopement in Central Vermont
Destination Elopement in Northern Vermont
You may already know about the large number of craft breweries in Vermont and how these products are an extension of the farm-to-table movement in this rural state. However, did you know there is also a growing Vermont distilled spirits industry making headlines and winning awards? The number of these distilleries has grown so much that in 2011 the Distilled Spirits Council of Vermont was established to support the distillers and promote the industry locally and statewide. Many of these distilleries have tasting rooms where you can sample their unique offerings. Additionally, distilled products are often available at farmers’ markets and special events around the state. Here is just a sampling of some of the many selections unique to Vermont.
Vermont Spirits in Quechee. VT offers spirits made from local ingredients such as maple, whey, and apples. Vermont Gold Vodka is the first of its kind distilled from maple. Their No. 14 Bourbon is the perfect marriage of five year old bourbon with pure Vermont maple syrup. Open year-round for tastings, this is a distillery worth the visit.
Vermont Distillers in Marlboro, VT produces unique liqueurs using the finest local ingredients. Try their Metcalfe’s Vermont Maple Cream or Metcalfe’s Raspberry Liqueur.
Smugglers’ Notch Distillery has tasting rooms in Jeffersonville, Waterbury Center, and Burlington. They specialize in small batch spirits using only the finest locally grown raw materials and pure Vermont spring water. The latest release from the distillery is a Gluten Free Organic Vodka with $1 from each bottle sale going towards cancer research.
SILO Distillery in Windsor, VT prides itself on producing artisan spirits from locally sourced ingredients. They state, “Vermont is a place where the land supplies a bounty rich in flavor and character, and we like to believe we reflect that essence in our spirits.” Visit their tasting room to sample their vodkas, gins, and whiskeys.
Saxtons River Distillery in Brattleboro, VT combines founder Christian Stromberg’s appreciation for Vermont’s maple syrup and a family tradition of crafting fine liqueurs in producing uniquely delicious products. For example, Sapling Vermont Maple Liqueur utilizes the finest quality Vermont Grade A maple syrup and refined ultra-pure spirits to bring the taste of Vermont to life. Visit their tasting room to sample this or any of their other uniquely crafted spirits.
Apples and Vermont are almost as common an association as maple and Vermont. And, Boydon Valley Winery & Spirits in Cambridge, VT embraces the apple to produce some award-winning apple liqueurs. By combining their Vermont apple brandy, cream and maple syrup they create their amazing Vermont Ice Maple Cream Liqueur. Visit the tasting room to sample the wines and liqueurs produced on the family farm to learn more.
Intrigued? These are just a few of the almost 20 distilleries throughout the state. Visit the Distilled Spirits Council of Vermont for a listing of all members. When planning your trip to Vermont, don't forget to check Vermont.com's lodging suggestions for the ideal place to stay.
You don’t need to have any Scottish blood to find Rablogan Castle of Scotland a fascinating shopping experience. Owners Robert and Julie have brought the best of their Scottish heritage right here to Manchester for your pleasure. Philosophically, they have divided the goods into three categories. The first, “For the Inner Self” brings together delicacies from the kitchen, including Scottish salmon, cheese, the infamous haggis, and many, many more. Many of the treats such as Scottish shortbread are made by Julie personally using recipes from Scottish ancestors.
The second category is “For the Outer Self” and includes jewelry, scarves, capes, woolens and more. For those with a Scottish ancestry, there are also kilts, jackets, skirts and accessories to completely immerse yourself in the experience. You might even find a few items from Ireland. It gets cold in the Scottish Highlands, so Rablogan’s clothing is the perfect choice for cold winters anywhere including Vermont. (Hint: think holiday gifts for family and friends.)
The third and final category is “For Your Castle” with a wonderful selection of items for the home. Choose from tartan and Scottish throws, pillows, and other home décor. (Don’t overlook the opportunity to do some holiday shopping for these items too. You won’t find better quality anywhere.)
We guarantee, you won’t find a more interesting shopping destination in Vermont. And, maybe not even in the entire country. Come in daily from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm. You will find Rablogan Castle of Scotland at 4919 Main Street in Manchester.
for more information:
Rablogan Castle of Scotland
My husband and I recently attended a musical performance in Brattleboro at the Latchis Theater (George Winston, fabulous), and I was struck by what a vibrant and artistic community Brattleboro really is. Located in the Connecticut River Valley at the confluence of the Connecticut and West Rivers, Brattleboro’s early life was, similar to so many New England towns, that of a mill town surrounded by farms. Take the traditional New England perseverance and toughness and combine it with the counterculture values of the 60s and 70s (brought by a northern migration away from the east coast cities) and you have a personality in Brattleboro that is unique. This personality shows itself in many ways. Environmental consciousness, focus on the arts, preservation of the past, and a reverence for growing and preparing food.
Brattleboro is home to four art galleries, the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center (featuring Vermont artists), and a monthly Gallery Walk each first Friday. Additionally, you will find the Vermont Center for Photography with exhibits of local and world-renowned photographers, Jazz Fridays at The Lounge, performances at the New England Center for Circus Arts (yes, a circus school!), as well as theater, dance, and musical performances such as the one we attended. Annual events include a film festival, a winter carnival, and the famous Strolling of the Heifers, a parade of flower bedecked cows down Main Street. There seems to always be something happening to feed your artistic soul in Brattleboro.
Shopping in Brattleboro is unique also. You won’t find chain store names from the mall here. Instead you will discover clothing stores with unusual selections from imported pieces to outdoor wear. There seems to be a bookstore on every corner, one of which specializes in mysteries only. You will also find vintage items, furniture, and housewares from nearly every era, vinyl records, and used books. Additionally, there are jewelry stores with handmade pieces, bike shops, and so much more.
And then there is the food and drink! With 14 restaurants, 4 cafes, 3 bakeries, 3 breweries, and a fabulous farmer’s market, Brattleboro has a food culture that will please even the most ardent foodie. You will find everything from fine dining to pizza and burgers. One common trait, however, is the quality, freshness, and in many cases, local sourcing of ingredients. For example, visit The Works and the posters around the dining room let you know about many of the farms that supply the restaurant. You can dine on Main Street in historic buildings or relax in river-side establishments. Brattleboro is surely a place to eat, and eat well.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Brattleboro has that covered as well. With the West River converging with the Connecticut River right in Brattleboro, summer offers a multitude of water sports – swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Or rent a bike in town and explore the local countryside on a self-guided biking tour. Or take a hike along the West River Trail (an old railbed) - 36 miles of adventure during any season. Maybe hike to the summit of Mount Wantastiquet just across the river in New Hampshire and look down on the entire city of Brattleboro far below. And, of course, Bromley, Mount Snow and Stratton are within an hour’s drive for avid skiers. You can even check out the competition at Brattleboro's Harris Hill Ski Jump.
Next time you are heading to Vermont, stop a while in Brattleboro to explore. It’s easy to get to - just over the New Hampshire border and close to the Massachusetts. We think you will grow to love the city the way we have.
October 18, 2018
Foliage season in Vermont is close to the end for 2018. In some areas the driving rain has washed the leaves right off the trees and significantly shortened our viewing. Nevertheless, a trip across southern Vermont on Tuesday to Brattleboro showed lovely color in some areas as well as a good deal of green (yet to change) near Brattleboro. Tuesday's weather was perfect - bight sun, comfortable temps, a perfect outside day. We hope to see a few more of those before the flakes start to fly.
Here's what our Leaf Squad is reporting from around the state.
If you can't wait to see nature's magnificent display, head to our Autumn Photo Gallery for a glimpse into years past. And, remember – it’s never too early to plan a fall vacation. Fall is also Festival season in Vermont so there's lots to do while soaking in the beauty around you.
The Vermont.com Foliage Reports are provided thanks to the Vermont Department of Tourism, and by volunteer members of our Leaf Squad from around the state.
For more info on current conditions, call Vermont's Seasonal Hotline at (802)828-3239 ... and tell them Vermont.com sent you!
"Vermont is filled with breathtaking views of rolling mountains and quiet pastures. Color in the summer and spring is vibrant; the beauty of the winter is chilling. But the leaves in fall bring such a calm to the mind that they're hard to tear one's gaze away from. Visit our website and come stay with us. Our Inn has spectacular views of Mount Mansfield and access to the Stowe Recreation Path, both with stunning landscapes in any season. Photo credit Lindsay Goulet"
-- Lindsay Goulet, Grey Fox Inn & Resort, Stowe, VT
CENTRAL VERMONT
"We are still seeing a diverse amount of color among the leaves, though they are muted. Still a good amount of oranges and reds but a lot of grey is taking over as well. The forest floor is covered with crisp yellow and orange leaves."
-- Julie Wood, Golden Stage Inn Bed & Breakfast, Proctorsville, VT
"With plenty of gold, bronze and conifer green coloring the valleys, the transition to winter has begun in the mountains of the Killington region. The grass is still vibrant in the lower elevations and warm sun is accompanied by a nip in the air, providing classic seasonal contrasts to set up the perfect photo or take a driving tour. This week marked the first 'snowliage,' where autumn's leaves blend into winter's first frost on the peaks, and Killington Resort fired up its snow guns for the first time this season in preparation for the Women's World Cup in November. The many stages of autumn continue through October - one of Vermont's most treasured times to hike, bike, shop, drive back roads, and experience a festival, cider mill, or food tour. Join us! Reservations: 802.775.2290."
-- Vicky Tebbetts, Red Clover Inn, Mendon, VT
“The fall season is wrapping up in the Killington region. Cold, rainy, and windy weather the last 10 days has taken a toll on fall foliage. Some late changing trees are still displaying some yellows and greens, but for the most part we are headed into twig season. The first area wide snowfall occurred last night, blanketing the area in several inches of heavy wet snow. Plummeting temperatures froze the snow solid by daybreak. The call went out around the region to find your ice scrapers to clean windshields this morning before venturing out. With the early season snow, the Killington Resort will begin winter operations on Friday October 19th, offering lift serviced skiing and riding to seasons pass holders. Those traveling to the Killington area will observe that the peaks are now snow covered with the last vestiges of fall color at the lower elevations. It has been a great fall season at Killington. Now find your skis and snowboards and get ready for winter! "
-- Bill Vines, Birch Ridge Inn, Killington, VT
"Foliage is just past peak here in Southern Vermont, and we have fully switched to winter mode. Opening day is November 23, weather permitting."
-- Savannah Strom, Bromley Mountain, Peru, VT
"Goodbye to foliage, hello stick season. Although we still have a few trees showing color, the view across the mountain shows nothing but pines and sticks. We are now left counting the days until we start to see the mountains turn white!"
-- Linda Warner, Vermont.com, Woodford, VT
While you're enjoying the fall foliage, plan to take in one of Vermont's many Fall Festivals. For comprehensive listing, refer to our Fall Festivals page.
CURRENT CONDITIONS:
The "Current Conditions" map provides an approximate view of the current foliage color in Vermont, based on the reports we receive.
Foliage color generally starts to change in the higher, cooler areas of the Green Mountains, spreading down into the Lake Champlain Valley and Connecticut River Valley, and moving from north to south across the state. The exact timing of the color change varies from year to year, based on the weather.
October 11, 2018
It has been a wet and grey week here in southern Vermont. Not much chance to enjoy the color on the mountains. Next week look like it will be much nicer with a number of sunny days. That might be the last chance we get to enjoy fall foliage before it is past peak. Here is what our Leaf Squad is reporting this week.
If you can't wait to see nature's magnificent display, head to our Autumn Photo Gallery for a glimpse into years past. And, remember – it’s never too early to plan a fall vacation. Fall is also Festival season in Vermont so there's lots to do while soaking in the beauty around you.
The Vermont.com Foliage Reports are provided thanks to the Vermont Department of Tourism, and by volunteer members of our Leaf Squad from around the state.
For more info on current conditions, call Vermont's Seasonal Hotline at (802)828-3239 ... and tell them Vermont.com sent you!
"Foliage is still looking good in and around Burke. This weekend is the CircumBurke Challenge with hundreds of runners and bikers signed up for a 26+ mile journey through the woods of Kingdom Trails and Victory Hill. There is still time to sign and save at circumburke.org. On-site registration is also available. Photo of Lake Willoughby from Wednesday."
-- Laura Malieswski, Burke Area Chamber of Commerce, Burke, VT
"Colors have burst in Okemo Valley. While there are still some green trees promising to extend the season a bit longer, there are swaths of red, gold, and yellows out there. And when the sun adds its own dash of magic to the canvas, voila! it's stunning! As of October 10, driving along the river on Route 131 in Cavendish is a great way to catch some peak colors. Or you can drive (or hike of course) to the top of Okemo Mountain for a full panoramic view from the fire tower. However you do it, be sure to get to Vermont right away to see this amazing seasonal display. "
-- Julie Wood, Golden Stage Inn Bed & Breakfast, Proctorsville, VT
"We're falling hard for autumn… the colors in the hills and valleys have to be among the most stunning in recent years. We live here, and we can hardly look away from the vistas outside our windows! With midweek warmth bouncing to seasonal temps this weekend, peak peeping season is likely to extend well into next week. With a palette like this, the Red Clover can add some color to your life, whether it's setting a new romance ablaze or lighting a fire in a comfortable relationship. Give us a call and let us help you set up your ideal weekend to 'fall' more deeply in love while the mountains and valleys light up in red, orange and yellow around us."
-- Vicky Tebbetts, Red Clover Inn, Mendon, VT
"Clouds have lifted revealing brilliant fall colors in the Killington area."
-- Bill Vines, Birch Ridge Inn, Killington, VT
" Photo taken in Weston on October 9."
-- Renee Smith, Weston, VT
"This photo, taken on Sunday, shows the rain clouds lifted long enough for us to view the foliage across the lake. Although a bit more subdued than in past years, the color is still beautiful."
-- Linda Warner, Vermont.com, Woodford, VT
While you're enjoying the fall foliage, plan to take in one of Vermont's many Fall Festivals. For comprehensive listing, refer to our Fall Festivals page
CURRENT CONDITIONS:
The "Current Conditions" map provides an approximate view of the current foliage color in Vermont, based on the reports we receive.
Foliage color generally starts to change in the higher, cooler areas of the Green Mountains, spreading down into the Lake Champlain Valley and Connecticut River Valley, and moving from north to south across the state. The exact timing of the color change varies from year to year, based on the weather.
You’ve probably heard the old joke with the punchline that states, “You can’t get there from here.” Well, Vermont is rural, sparsely populated, and situated at the far northeast of the United States, but you CAN get here from wherever you happen to be. And, quite easily.
If coming from a long distance, most people these days prefer to fly. This option gets you where you’re going as quickly as possible preserving your time for fun. Direct service to Vermont is available from Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, New York, Philadelphia, Orlando, Washington DC and Montreal. Arrive at Burlington International Airport, less than an hour from 4 major Vermont ski resorts – Bolton Valley, Stowe, Smugglers’ Notch, and Mad River Glen. You can also opt for commuter airline flight from Boston into Rutland via Cape Air. From Rutland you are 30 minutes from Killington and Pico and within a reasonable distance of Bromley and Stratton. Keep in mind that these ski resorts also offer a variety of activities at other times of the year for 4-season entertainment.
Perhaps your focus is not skiing, but to see a bit of the countryside before arriving at your final destination. Travel by train can be both relaxing and scenic. Choose Amtrak’s Vermonter for daily service between Washington, DC and St. Albans , Vermont with many stops in between. Travel through Philadelphia, New York City, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. What better way to see the fall foliage throughout New England and especially in Vermont. In winter, you enjoy snow-covered vistas without concern for road conditions.
Another rail option is to travel via train from New York City to the Albany-Rensselaer station and catch the twice-daily Vermont Shires Connector to Manchester and Bennington. (Manchester is a perfect base for your Vermont adventure offering lodging of all types, fabulous dining and shopping, arts, recreation and most everything you come to Vermont for.) For direct access to Killington, travel north on the Ethan Allen Express from New York, through Albany to Rutland, and catch the Killington-Gramps Shuttle in Rutland direct to Killington.
Of course, arriving by car is the most common mode of travel whether driving straight from home or with a rental car from an airport hub. Although there are many backroads in Vermont, the highway system makes travel easy with interstates I-89 and I-91 providing north-south access. Well-maintained state roads provide routes to all major resorts. If coming from New York state, try one of the ferries across Lake Champlain for a unique experience.
And, for those who want to go old-school, Greyhound Bus and Megabus also connect the northeast and Canada with Vermont.
However you decide to arrive, Vermont is waiting to greet you at any time of the year. For suggestions on where to stay and what to do, don’t forget to check Vermont.com.
For more information:
Cape Air
Amtrak
Amtrak - Ethan Allen Express
Vermont Shires Connector
Greyhound
Megabus
October 4, 2018
September has gone and with October we find fall has really taken hold. Pumpkins are ripe on the vine, apples are being picked from trees, and special fall treats are evident everywhere. (Mmm, pumpkin spice latte and warm apple pastries.) The mountains of Vermont have joined the season's festivities and taken on their fall colors in earnest. The changes from just a week ago are noticeable. Look at what a beautiful show nature has provided by checking out these photos from around the state.
If you can't wait to see nature's magnificent display, head to our Autumn Photo Gallery for a glimpse into years past. And, remember – it’s never too late to plan a fall vacation. Fall is also Festival season in Vermont so there's lots to do while soaking in the beauty around you.
The Vermont.com Foliage Reports are provided thanks to the Vermont Department of Tourism, and by volunteer members of our Leaf Squad from around the state.
For more info on current conditions, call Vermont's Seasonal Hotline at (802)828-3239 ... and tell them Vermont.com sent you!
"Just about peak in Burke. This weekend is the last weekend for the Burke Mountain Bike Park, but there are a few more weeks for Kingdom Trails. Other great ways to check out the foliage are via canoe/kayak at Clyde River Recreation or a guided ATV Tour with NEK Adventures."
-- Laura Malieswski, Burke Area Chamber of Commerce, Burke, VT
"Seeing a lot more color this week in the Jeffersonville area. Live, outdoor music this weekend at Martell's at the Red Fox. Lots of other happenings in the area - harvest markets, wine tastings, breweries and always good eats!"
-- Jessica Bonath, Sterling Ridge Resort, Jeffersonville, VT
"The colors are beginning to change in central Vermont! As you walk around, underfoot is increasingly red and orange as the leaves are continuing to drop. This week has been dark, windy, and rainy in Proctorsville, Vermont but this weekend was beautiful with full sun, illuminating and highlighting the changing colors among the trees."
-- Julie Wood, Golden Stage Inn Bed & Breakfast, Proctorsville, VT
"Wow, that happened fast! With cooler temps this week, leaves picked up the pace of their transformation in the Killington Valley. Mid-week moisture gives us misty vistas to accentuate pops of red and yellow. As we head toward the weekend the sun will be back, along with perfect autumn warmth and glowing photo ops. Stop on in for the Red Clover's Wine Dinner on Friday night, featuring vintage 2015 wines of Italy, Spain and France, and savor the flavors of fall with our one-time chef's pairing menu (reservations required.)"
-- Vicky Tebbetts, Red Clover Inn, Mendon, VT
"Fall foliage behind the Birch Ridge Inn at Killington. The inn is located one mile from Killington Mountain in its northeast shadow. The nominal altitude of the inn is 1850 feet above sea level. The trees behind the inn are a mixture of birch, maple, oak and poplar. The colors behind the inn are a very good representation of what would be found in the Killington Basin area of Killington."
-- Bill Vines, Birch Ridge Inn, Killington, VT
"While not at peak foliage quite yet, the red-yellow-orange to green balance has definitely shifted. Southern Vermont views do not disappoint today! Bromley Village, nestled slopeside, is a fabulous spot to enjoy the transition. Join us as we celebrate fall and our final weekend of Adventure Park operations. The Sun Mountain Flyer, the Aerial Adventure Park, the Alpine Slides and scenic lift rides to the summit and more are ready to go, this Saturday through Monday from 10:30am to 5pm. See you on Sunday for some extra fun, featuring a chainsaw carving demo and pumpkin decorating!"
-- Janessa Purney, Bromley Mountain, Peru, VT
"The change in color over the last week has been dramatic. Looks like we're about ¾ of the way to peak color! Unfortunately, the weather has been so gloomy, we haven't had the chance to enjoy it. However, it is supposed to be a clear weekend. Perfect for enjoying the outdoors and some of the many events in the area."
--Linda Warner, Vermont,com, Woodford, VT
"Attached some views from this morning in Londonderry. Looks like the colors have really started to explode this week! We're expecting a frost tonight, so maybe we'll see more colors this weekend."
-- Renee Smith, Londonderry, VT
While you're enjoying the fall foliage, plan to take in one of Vermont's many Fall Festivals. For comprehensive listing, refer to our Fall Festivals page.
CURRENT CONDITIONS
The "Current Conditions" map provides an approximate view of the current foliage color in Vermont, based on the reports we receive.
Foliage color generally starts to change in the higher, cooler areas of the Green Mountains, spreading down into the Lake Champlain Valley and Connecticut River Valley, and moving from north to south across the state. The exact timing of the color change varies from year to year, based on the weather.
September 27, 2018
Color is beginning to take off from north to south. Our Leaf Squad reports some significant changes from last week. See what they have to say below.
If you can't wait to see nature's magnificent display, head to our Autumn Photo Gallery for a glimpse into years past. And, remember – it’s never too early to plan a fall vacation. Fall is also Festival season in Vermont so there's lots to do while soaking in the beauty around you.
-- Vermont.com
The Vermont.com Foliage Reports are provided thanks to the Vermont Department of Tourism, and by volunteer members of our Leaf Squad from around the state.
For more info on current conditions, call Vermont's Seasonal Hotline at (802)828-3239 ... and tell them Vermont.com sent you!
"Saturday (9/29) is the Burke Fall Festival in East Burke Village. It's a full day of fun for all ages with a parade kick-off at 10am. Over 70 craft vendors will be on the green and there will be horse drawn wagon rides. The big BBQ lunch on the green starts at 11am. For the kids, there are pony rides, bounce houses, face painting and an interactive show from Reptiles on the Move."
-- Laura Malieswski, Burke Area Chamber of Commerce, Burke, VT
"This week's welcomed rainstorms and cooler temps are helping persuade Vermont's Green Mountains to show their true colors. What seemed like dramatic overnight changes illuminate patches of maples, with plenty of green yet to turn. The views around Smugglers' Notch Resort are on track for a beautiful peak period still to come!"
-- Mike Chait, Smugglers' Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, VT
"Starting to see some dramatic color appear. Come welcome fall at Sterling Ridge Resort. Enjoy a lcal concert Saturday (9/29) at Martell's at the Red Fox or take part in Saturday and Sunday's Old-Fashioned Harvest Market in Underhill with a parade on Saturday at 9am. Event also includes children's games, music, Vermont artisans, and delicious food. The Underhill Clutter Barn and town-wide yard sales may yield some treasures."
-- Jessica Bonath, Sterling Ridge Resort, Jeffersonville, VT
"We are seeing a lot more color at the UVM campus in Burlington. That and the cooler temperatures finally make it seem like fall."
-- Emet Koffman, UVM, Burlington, VT
"Temperatures are dropping in Southern Vermont. Mornings and nights are noticeably colder, and skies are increasingly darker. The smell of wood stoves is gracing the air while bits of leaves are just beginning to turn a golden yellow. We have had several rainy and windy days with more anticipated, causing some leaves to drop, creating a subtle crunch underfoot."
-- Julie Wood, Golden Stage Inn Bed & Breakfast, Proctorsville, VT
"Photos from Common Ground Center this week show a handful of trees that have made a dramatic change in color, while the rest are still green with a more distinct orange or brown hue to them."
-- Christa Finnern, Common Ground Center,
Starksboro, VT
"It's still early for color in the Killington Valley, although the pace of autumn has picked up considerably with chilly nights, made for cuddling. Right in the inn's backyard yellow leaves cluster on the surface of the pond, while the birches' papery white bark is becoming more pronounced against the blue sky. The forest path, often visited by brides, grooms, and couples in love, is also carpeted in yellow. Our favorite Pippin apple tree is beginning to take on accents of gold. It's a great time for relaxation and romance - Red Clover Inn packages and specials are available during leaf-peeping season! See our website for details. "
-- Vicky Tebbetts, Red Clover Inn, Mendon, VT
"Fall colors are slowly expressing themselves in the Killington basin. Color change has barely begun. In comparison with prior years, the color change is tracking towards a later peak color date. Comparing prior years, the normal peak color in the Killington Basin is around October 3rd as in 2014. This year, the color change is tracking similar to the last 2 years where peak color in Killington occurred between October 12th and 13th."
-- Bill Vines, Innkeeper, Birch Ridge Inn, Killington, VT
"The foliage in central Vermont is starting to pop right now with the onset of cool nights. The weather looks great for this weekend. Visit our website for great lodging specials."
-- Patty McGrath, Inn at Long Trail, Killington, VT
"Summer was so last week, it's time for fall fun! Join us Sunday, October 7, as we welcome the new season with some family friendly fall festivities including our many rides and attractions, pumpkin decorating, a wood carving demo and a hot cup of apple cider(Yumm!)."
-- Savannah Strom, Bromley Mountain, Peru, VT
"As you can see from the photo, colors are beginning to emerge up here on top the mountain in Woodford. They seem to be running a little behind some years, but the promise of a full display is something worth waiting for. Temperatures remain mild enough to get outside and enjoy whatever display nature gives us."
-- Linda Warner, Vermont.com, Woodford, VT
"The autumn air is crisp and breezy, and signs of the season are popping up all over! Pumpkins and colorful mums dot the landscape here at the Manchester View. Our in-room gas and wood-burning fireplaces are crackling away, keeping our guests warm and cozy. Coming to town are the Manchester Arts & Crafts Festival from September 28-30 and the Vermont Antique Dealers' Association Show on September 29 & 30. Stay at 'The View' and shop for unique and creative gifts for the holidays and yourself!"
-- Lori, The Manchester View, Manchester, VT
While you're enjoying the fall foliage, plan to take in one of Vermont's many Fall Festivals. For comprehensive listing, refer to our Fall Festivals page.
The "Current Conditions" map provides an approximate view of the current foliage color in Vermont, based on the reports we receive.
Foliage color generally starts to change in the higher, cooler areas of the Green Mountains, spreading down into the Lake Champlain Valley and Connecticut River Valley, and moving from north to south across the state. The exact timing of the color change varies from year to year, based on the weather.
When you think of Vermont, are your first thoughts of skiing or maybe Ben & Jerry’s? Naturally, these are important symbols of Vermont, but here are some facts about our state that you just might not know.
1. Vermont was once an independent country.
Due to land claims from Quebec, New Hampshire and New York, Vermont took the bold step and declared its independence in 1777. The Republic established a constitution, minted its own currency, and operated a postal system. However, in 1791, Vermont officially joined the United States as the 14th state.
2. Vermont is the birthplace of two U.S. presidents.
Both Chester A. Arthur (21st) and Calvin Coolidge (30th) were born in the state of Vermont. You can even visit the Calvin Coolidge Homestead in Plymouth, Vermont.
3. Vermont is a major producer of milk and maple syrup.
People jokingly declare there are more cows in Vermont than people. Even though this is untrue, Vermont still has the highest cow to person ratio in the country and dairy production is a major industry. Where else would Ben and Jerry choose to make ice cream? (And you can visit the Ben & Jerry’s headquarters in Waterbury to see ice cream being made, receive a sample and visit the Flavor Graveyard.) Vermont is also the largest producer of maple syrup in the U.S. Visit in early spring to see maple sugaring being done throughout the state. (See a list of producers here.)
4. Vermont is the #1 producer of marble in the country.
Marble in Vermont is big business with the Vermont Marble Company founded in 1880 in what is now the town of Proctor. You can visit the Vermont Marble Museum today on-site. How famous is Vermont marble? Vermont marble from Danby was used to build the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.
5. You will not find any billboards or skyscrapers in Vermont.
Vermont is proud of its natural beauty and has taken pains to make sure nothing can obscure your view. In 1968, Vermont banned commercial billboards (something only 3 other states have done.) In addition, the state also does not have any skyscrapers to mar the horizon. In fact, the tallest structure in the state is the Bennington Battle Monument at 306 feet 4.5 inches tall.
6. Vermont has many “firsts” in snow sports.
So, you knew snow sports was big. But did you know the first ski lift (a tow line) was erected in Woodstock, Vermont in 1934, powered by a Ford Model T engine? Or that Vermont resident, Jake Burton, started making snowboards in South Londonderry, Vermont, and grew to be one of the premier snowboard brands. Burton Snowboards are still a Vermont company headquartered in Burlington. The 2014-15 winter season, described by experts as an average year saw 4.7 million skier visits at the state’s 20 downhill ski areas. When you add the impact on lodging, dining, and shopping by all these visitors, you can see that skiing is big business in Vermont.
7. Craft beer is taking off in Vermont.
Vermont may not have more cows than people, but it does have the most breweries per capita than any state in the nation. The Vermont Brewers Association describes the phenomenon this way, “In Vermont, our search for the perfect pint is fueled by a passionate and inquisitive spirit. We explore further and dig deeper. All so that we can create a beer unlike anyone else.” Take a brewery tour or attend one of the many craft brew events throughout the state.
8. Vermont is at the forefront of progressive politics… and has been throughout history.
Did you know that the constitution of the Vermont Republic abolished slavery back in 1777? Vermont was the first state to grant women partial voting rights in 1880 and first to legislatively legalize gay marriage. Additionally, it is one of the “greenest” states in the country. Perhaps the strength of Vermont’s independent thinking can be attributed to citizen involvement in decision making. The Town Meeting is still a strong concept in Vermont with Town Meeting day the first Tuesday in March throughout the state.
9. Vermont’s residents are happy, healthy, and safe.
A 2017 poll from Gallup-Healthways ranks states based upon participants’ answers to questions about sense of purpose, social relationships, financial lives, community involvement and physical health. In other words, general happiness. Vermont ranked 2nd highest, just after South Dakota and just before Hawaii! The Annual Health Rankings from UnitedHealthcare for 2017 show Vermont 3rd, just after Massachusetts and Hawaii. When ranking for public safety (which measures both violent crime and property crime), U.S. News ranks Vermont number 2 after Maine.
10. Vermont wants you to move here.
Vermont hopes to entice young people to move to Vermont to bolster an aging population. Under a recent bill signed into law, workers who already have a job in another state and work remotely are eligible for up to $10,000 in moving and other expenses (such as broadband access) from the state of Vermont when they move here. How perfect is this for the avid skier in Boston who is working from his condo or the salesperson from New York who is on the road most days? For more information on this program, see our blog: 5 Reasons to Move to Vermont (and Take Advantage of the State’s $10,000 Incentive)
September 20, 2018
We are beginning to see some real color now. After a hot early September, temperatures are more appropriate to the season and nights are delightfully cool. Fall festivals are in full swing and there is so much to do. Visitors will enjoy the full Vermont experience at this time of year -- hiking or biking, fairs and festivals, shopping and sightseeing -- all with a backdrop of magnificent color. Here's what our Leaf Squad is reporting from around the state.
If you can't wait to see nature's magnificent display, head to our Autumn Photo Gallery for a glimpse into years past. And, remember – it’s never too early to plan a fall vacation. Fall is also Festival season in Vermont so there's lots to do while soaking in the beauty around you.
The Vermont.com Foliage Reports are provided thanks to the Vermont Department of Tourism, and by volunteer members of our Leaf Squad from around the state.
For more info on current conditions, call Vermont's Seasonal Hotline at (802)828-3239 ... and tell them Vermont.com sent you!
"Here are some pics from around Burke. Colors are creeping in and more so north of Burke, on the way to Lake Willoughby. come see our color for yourself at the Burke Fall Foliage Festival on September 29."
-- Laura Malieswski, Burke Area Chamber of Commerce,
Burke, VT
"Cooler nighttime temperatures at Smugglers' Notch have lead to some nice progress in this season's color spectrum. There's still lots of green that's yet to turn, but in the cooler pockets, change is certainly imminent. Next week's AppleFest from Wednesday, September 26 - Sunday, September 30 should feature a nice spread of color, tastes, and smells, setting a perfect autumn scene!"
-- Mike Chait, Smugglers' Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, VT
"Leaves are starting to change on the UVM campus in Burlington."
-- Emet Koffman, UVM,
Burlington, VT
"There still aren't very many pops of color here at Common Ground Center in Starksboro, but the greens are starting to look a little "rustier" and some of the leaves that change from green to brown (instead of yellow, orange, red) are losing their leaves. "
-- Christa Finnern, Common Ground Center, Starksboro, VT
"Fresher, cooler air makes its way into the Killington region this week and into the weekend, bringing more color by the day. Patches of orange and yellow are now visible in the higher elevations of Route 4 toward Killington, and color is scattered throughout the valleys from the inn's tucked-away location on Woodward Road, named after one of its first farm homesteaders, General Woodward and his family. The Inn, built in 1849, is seeing its 170th year of turning leaves this year on Woodward Road. Here at the Inn, leaf-peeping and farm-fresh food are in our nature!"
-- Vicky Tebbetts, Red Clover Inn, Mendon, VT
"Feast your eyes on Ma Nature's transition into Autumn as the warm colors spread through the valley. Spend the day (or a few hours) at Bromley, Vermont's Summer Adventure and enjoy the wind flying through your face as you ride, slide and zip down the mountain, or take a relaxing chairlift ride up to the summit and experience breathtaking 360-degree views of the Green Mountains."
-- Savannah Strom, Bromley Mountain, Peru, VT
"It was a beautiful sunny day at the 2018 Peru Fair, tho a little chilly when we arrived in the late afternoon. I was surprised that the trees weren't as colorful as I've seen them on this day in past years. It looks like foliage season is starting a little late this year in southern Vermont, but that's ok because we'll hopefully have longer to enjoy it!"
-- Renee Smith, Peru, VT
"As you can see, the apples are ripening on the trees and the leaves are beginning to turn. There's a crispness in the air in the mornings - a hint of cooler weather just around the corner. Fall is here is Woodford at the top of the mountain!"
-- Linda Warner, Vermont.com, Woodford, VT
While you're enjoying the fall foliage, plan to take in one of Vermont's many Fall Festivals. For comprehensive listing, refer to our Fall Festivals page.
CURRENT CONDITIONS:
The "Current Conditions" map provides an approximate view of the current foliage color in Vermont, based on the reports we receive.
Foliage color generally starts to change in the higher, cooler areas of the Green Mountains, spreading down into the Lake Champlain Valley and Connecticut River Valley, and moving from north to south across the state. The exact timing of the color change varies from year to year, based on the weather.
September 13, 2018
Although we are a week away from the official start of fall, fall is definitely in the air here in Vermont. The days are getting shorter, the nights are delightfully cool, and the leaves are beginning their annual transformation. Here's what our Leaf Squad is reporting form around the state.
If you can't wait to see nature's magnificent display, head to our Autumn Photo Gallery for a glimpse into years past. And, remember – it’s never too early to plan a fall vacation. Fall is also Festival season in Vermont so there's lots to do while soaking in the beauty around you.
The Vermont.com Foliage Reports are provided thanks to the Vermont Department of Tourism, and by volunteer members of our Leaf Squad from around the state.
For more info on current conditions, call Vermont's Seasonal Hotline at (802)828-3239 ... and tell them Vermont.com sent you!
"Photo attached with splashes of color along Long Pond Road in Westmore. Colors are starting to slowly appear amidst the bright green leaves. This Saturday is the Colors of the Kingdom Festival in St. Johnsbury with a parade, vendors, planetarium shows, a bluegrass festival and train rides. Also, this weekend, Burke Mountain and Victory Hill host the Clif Enduro East finals."
-- Laura Malieswski, Burke Area Chamber of Commerce, Burke, VT
"Found a couple of maples showing some red. Trails around the property are the perfect place to view the amazing Vermont fall colors. Upcoming fall events in the area: British Invasion in Stowe and the Northeast Street Nationals in Essex Junction."
-- Jessica Bonath, Sterling Ridge Resort, Jeffersonville, VT
"There was only a slight change in the foliage at Common Ground Center from last week. Unfortunately, the sky today is dark and gray so the colors don't show well, but there are a few more trees that are starting to change color."
-- Christa Finnern, Common Ground Center, Starksboro, VT
"Early fall is lush this week, with plenty of mid-week rain in the Killington Valley to freshen us up for a weekend of great weather to come. While higher elevations are beginning to show spots of color, the trees in the backyard of the Red Clover Inn & Restaurant are hanging on to summer, with plenty of green around our gazebo, outdoor hot tub, fire pit, and apple tree. Enjoy early fall in the Killington Valley and stop in for seasonal dining specials, including a Monday night chef's tasting menu or Thursday night live jazz."
-- Vicky Tebbetts, Red Clover Inn, Mendon, VT
"Here in Woodford, we haven't seem much progression of color from last week. From past experience I would predict we are two to three weeks from peak. Not really sure what effect the very hot summer will have on timing. Just have to wait and see. Still, hints of things to come are beginning to show. This photo shows the state of color now."
-- Linda Warner, Vermont.com, Woodford, VT
While you're enjoying the fall foliage, plan to take in one of Vermont's many Fall Festivals. For comprehensive listing, refer to our Fall Festivals page.
CURRENT CONDITIONS:
The "Current Conditions" map provides an approximate view of the current foliage color in Vermont, based on the reports we receive.
Foliage color generally starts to change in the higher, cooler areas of the Green Mountains, spreading down into the Lake Champlain Valley and Connecticut River Valley, and moving from north to south across the state. The exact timing of the color change varies from year to year, based on the weather.
September 6, 2018
The temperatures this week are more reminiscent of summer than fall, but there are hints that fall is on the way. The days are getting shorter and hints of color are beginning to show on a few trees. Here is what our Leaf Squad is reporting from around the state.
NORTHERN VERMONT:
"Bits of red are starting to show in and around Burke. Photo shows a little red above Lake Willoughby. Upcoming events include VT Hemp Fest this weekend at Burke Mountain. The Burke Fall Festival is coming up on Saturday, September 29th and offers a full day of fun for all ages including a parade, huge craft fair, music, BBQ and kids games. "
-- Laura Malieswski, Burke Area Chamber of Commerce,
Burke, VT
"Fall is in the air at Smugglers'. Leaves are just beginning to turn up high, enough to spot the slightest hues of rusty orange above the frost line. Down low, we're seeing select maples turning bright orange! Join us for FallFest 2018 this weekend to celebrate the last two days of the 2018 PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships. We'll be jamming to live music, enjoying local craft brews, and chowing down on treats from Northern Vermont's most popular food trucks!"
-- Mike Chait, Smugglers' Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, VT
CENTRAL VERMONT:
"Here at Common Ground Center in Starksboro we are starting to see the slightest change in the foliage. A handful of trees on the Hogback Mountains have turned yellow and some of the maples and ash have gone for brilliant green to a yellowy green. Here are some photos looking north (pond)and southeast (farm)."
-- Christa Finnern, Common Ground Center, Starksboro, VT
SOUTHERN VERMONT:
"Ma Nature has officially said goodbye to summer and hello to fall! As she begins to use her Autumn color palette to paint the leaves throughout the Green Mountains, don't miss the bird's eye views from Bromley's summit, or while flying high on our ½ mile long zipline."
-- Savannah Strom, Bromley Mountain, Peru, VT
"Not too much color as yet up here on the mountain in Woodford. I did see a few leaves changing which promises much more color to come. From past experience, we are about 3 weeks from peak. So, I expect to see changes taking place every day from this point forward."
-- Linda Warner, Vermont.com, Woodford, VT
Current Conditions
The "Current Conditions" map provides an approximate view of the current foliage color in Vermont, based on the reports we receive.
Foliage color generally starts to change in the higher, cooler areas of the Green Mountains, spreading down into the Lake Champlain Valley and Connecticut River Valley, and moving from north to south across the state. The exact timing of the color change varies from year to year, based on the weather.
When you think of fall in Vermont, your first thought is probably “Foliage.” Vermont’s fall foliage is a significant reason for many visitors to arrive at this time of year. The reds, oranges, and yellows stretch from horizon to horizon for a truly magnificent sight. But there are many more reasons to visit Vermont now. Here are just a few suggestions.
Fall is the season of harvest. Vermont celebrates the season with its own version of the harvest festival. Towns and villages across the state schedule festivals that include everything from music and entertainment, to festival foods, to arts and crafts, to children’s activities. Check out Vermont.com’s Fall Festivals page for more details.
The cool nights and warm days of fall are perfect for enjoying everything Vermont has to offer. Whether your wish is to hike through the woods amidst the fall color, go on a bike adventure across country backroads, take a kayak out on a quiet lake, add some early holiday shopping at the many unique shops, or visit the multitude of museums or historic sights, the moderate temperatures are a welcome change after the heat of summer. And if you wonder why your inn has no air conditioning, just open the window at night for cool, fresh air and a restful night’s sleep.
Once your busy day is through, head to a local restaurant for a meal that also celebrates the harvest. Vermont has embraced the locavore culture with finely-crafted meals supported by local products. Farm-to-table in Vermont is the rule rather than the exception. Vermont.com can offer many excellent dining choices on our dining pages. While here, be sure to sample some fresh-pressed apple cider with a still-warm apple cider donut.
Vermont has something special to offer in fall, no matter your interests or how you want to fill your days. Plan now for a trip this year, or plan now (believe it or not) for next year. Consult the Vermont.com lodging pages for a hotel, inn, or B&B that’s just right for you.
Many visitors come to Vermont for the winter snow sports. And then there is the fall foliage season with tourists arriving in droves. In the last few years, visitors have been drawn to Vermont for a very different reason…beer! That’s right, beer tourism has become big business because Vermont’s craft brews have become famous. (For example, RateBeer named Hill Farmstead Brewery of Greensboro, VT the number one brewery in the world in 2015!) The Vermont Brewers Association reports that Vermont craft beer totaled $378.2 million in overall economic impact in 2017 with $126.7 million direct to tourism. In addition, Vermont has the highest number of breweries per capita of any state.
How did this phenomena come about? A number of those in the know credit Greg Noonan as the person who began the movement in Vermont. He not only founded The Vermont Pub & Brewery in Burlington, he wrote the go-to guide, Brewing Lager Beer, in 1984. Many successful brewmasters today learned the essentials under the direction of Noonan. In addition, the locavore food movement as well as the consumers’ wish for high-end artisanal products helped boost small craft breweries popularity. Just as with the locavore cuisine, Vermont brewers experiment with local ingredients to craft unique and exceptional beers.
This extreme variety has helped establish the basis of the brew tour. Whether walking from brewery to brewery in Burlington, or travelling by car across the state, no two brews will be the same. At some breweries, you will need to wait in line in order to purchase the product since demand often outpaces supply. The beer connoisseur does not want to be compared to the wine snob, but he is just as appreciative of a fine product and just as motivated to explore endlessly. Vermont has become the Napa Valley of beer.
In addition to Vermont brewery tours (some self-guided, some available complete with designated driver), the many brewers' festivals offer an opportunity to taste samples from multiple producers. One of the largest, the Vermont Brewers Festival, is held on the waterfront of Lake Champlain in Burlington in July. October brings a number of Oktoberfest celebrations (and participation by multiple brewers) to areas throughout the state including this October in Bennington, Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, and Mount Snow in West Dover. (See our Fall Festivals page for additional information.)
Once you've figured out which breweries you'd like to visit, find the perfect place to stay by consulting Vermont.com's lodging pages. We look forward to seeing you soon!
You’ve thrown a Frisbee haven’t you? Then you have all the skills necessary to play disc golf. Instead of throwing your disc to a friend (or your dog) to catch, you throw at a target. It’s that simple.
But first, a little history. Back in the 60s, Ed Headrick was working at Wam-O Toys and invented the Frisbee. The disc was a huge hit. By the mid-70s, there were Frisbee freestyle tournaments popping up all over. Some devoted players played an early version of disc golf with drinking fountains, garbage cans, and light poles becoming the “golf holes.” Ed recognized the potential for an organized competitive game and developed the first Disc Golf Course in 1974. Initially the “holes” were simply poles cemented into the ground. In 1976, Ed designed a Disc Pole Hole with a basket and construction of chains to stop and catch the disc. (No more arguments about whether the target had been hit or not!) A version of that first Disc Pole Hole is still used.
The sport has grown over the years. The Disc Golf Association was established in 1976 by Headrick and today there are more than 4000 registered courses around the world. Here in Vermont, there are over 40 courses including at Magic Mountain and Smugglers' Notch Resort as well as a number of scheduled tournaments including the 2018 PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships at Smugglers’ Notch Resort from September 2-9, 2018.
Still not convinced? Check out some of the video on the Professional Disc Golf Association site. Pick up some pointers and head to the nearest course to try them out.
It’s only mid-August, but the focus has turned from planning beach getaways to back-to-school preparation. Here in Vermont, we are also thinking of fall. But our focus is on the arrival of magnificent fall foliage and the excitement of the many fall festivals. For visitors, the fall season in Vermont offers twice the enticement.
First, there is the fall color. From yellow and golds to reds and oranges, Vermont’s mountains and valleys become a picture-postcard display of color. Set against this backdrop of magnificent foliage are the abundant fall festivals which offer something for everyone. Here’s a quick summary of what you can expect in September.
Labor Day weekend offers up a traditional county fair with the Champlain Valley Fair (which actually begins August 24th), a craft fair (Mad River Valley Craft Fair), a brew fest (Mt. Snow Brewers Festival), and the unique Garlic & Herb Festival (Bennington). An unusual mix of events, but maybe we haven’t yet satisfied your definition of “something for everyone.” But, wait. The following weekend you can find three different festivals dedicated individually to bacon, honey, 
and hemp. Maybe we’re starting to pique your interest. The next weekend, Sept. 15-16, you can celebrate the Colors of the Kingdom with the folks in St. Johnsbury or head to Bennington for a Quiltfest. Then Sept. 22 will bring a couple of traditional small town fairs with the Peru Fair and Killington Fall Festival plus a modern take on a harvest fair with the Vermont Wine & Harvest Festival at Mt. Snow in W. Dover.
The foliage is now reaching peak in parts of the state and the festivals just keep on coming. The last weekend of the month offers up a couple of festivals in the southern part of the state for art and antique lovers with the Manchester Fall Art and Craft Festival (Manchester) and Antiques at Stratton (Stratton). Two other festivals that weekend pay homage to the traditional harvest festival by celebrating Vermont foods – the Pumpkin and Apple Celebration 
(Billings Farm in Woodstock) and the Apple and Cheese Harvest Festival (Justin Morrill State Historic Site in Strafford). Craft beer, fine food, and live music might entice you to visit the Killington Brewfest and for something completely different consider the Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival in Tunbridge. For more details on all these festivals, check out our Fall Festivals page.
All this in only the month of September. There is a lot of foliage viewing and additional festival fun on the schedule for October. Plus, there are a lot of other activities included in our Calendar of Events you may want to check out. You’ll get that rundown in the next blog. Thinking about a Vermont visit this fall? Check with Vermont.com for lodging choices and dining opportunities.
for more information:
Fall Festivals
If you think all bed and breakfasts in Vermont are like the Stratford Inn run by Bob Newhart in his show during the 80s, Vermont will surprise you. Sure, there are inns that are very similar. (Well, perhaps run a little better.) Like the Golden Stage Inn Bed & Breakfast in Proctorsville. This 8 room inn looks, on the surface, to be the usual country bed & breakfast. Small, intimate, with a comfortable mix of historic charm and modern amenities. But what is not apparent at first glance is the manner in which the owners have embraced the Vermont farm-to-table ethos with eggs from the back yard chickens, locally smoked bacon, and herbs and produce from in the kitchen garden. Many dishes are sweetened with honey from the inn’s own hives. In addition, the inn adheres to green practices such as composting food wastes, recycling, and using LED lightbulbs. What more could you ask for? Be welcomed like family, eat like kings, and find more to do in the area than you will ever have time to do.
For a B&B experience that is very different, consider the Emergo Farms Bed & Breakfast in Danville in the Northeast Kingdom. This farm house with four guest rooms is beautifully maintained with magnificent views from every window. Located on a working dairy farm which has been in the family since 1858, guests can relax, explore the 200+ acres, or get up close and personal with the farm animals including over 90 dairy cows. Or just relax on the wrap around porch, stone patio or stroll to the picnic area with panoramic views on Webster Hill. Wake up to an old-fashioned farm breakfast with delicious fresh baked goods, farm-fresh eggs and more. Your hosts are happy to share the history of their farm and offer a tour.
The Willow Pond Farm B&B in Shelburne is similar in some ways. This farm house is also on 200+ acres, but it is not a working farm. (It is next to the Bread and Butter Farm, a working farm, whose cows sometimes graze on Willow Pond's land.) There are only 2 guest rooms, each with private bath. Breakfast is delicious and wholesome including homemade granola. Guests can take advantage of the vast acreage to relax, unwind, and get closer to nature. The gardens and ponds are home to many birds and wildlife. Yet, the B&B is only a 10 minute drive to Shelburne Farms and only 15 minutes drive from downtown Burlington. You get the best of both worlds – the quiet of the country with the entertainment and dining opportunities of the city.
For something very special, try the in-town location of the South Shire Inn in Bennington. Located a short walk from the town’s main attractions, shops, and restaurants, the inn offers the romantic ambiance of the Victorian era. With 10-foot ceilings and raised plaster moldings, this magnificent home provides nine individually decorated guest rooms (as well as all the modern amenities including air conditioning, WiFi and private baths.) Enjoy a full breakfast of juice, fruit and choice of entrée before heading out to explore. Don’t miss the Bennington Museum with its collection of Grandma Moses paintings, the Bennington Monument commemorating a turning point in the Revolution, Bennington Potters where their unique pottery is made, and much more in southwestern Vermont.
The Phineas Swann Bed and Breakfast in Montgomery Center, Vermont near Jay Peak offers some of what you expect in a B&B and something totally unexpected. First, the expected – rooms and suites with everything from gas fireplaces to TV and WiFi. There are rooms in the main house, carriage house suites, and River House suites complete with efficiency kitchens. As for the unexpected – Phineas Swann is totally dog friendly! You and your furry friend are not hidden away in some dismal room, but instead have a large selection of accommodations from which to choose. Dog beds, food and water bowls, pet-sitting services, dog-walking services, special dog towels, and dog treats are all available to make your dog as comfortable as you are. There is no additional charge for one dog, although there is a $25 fee per stay for a second dog to cover cleaning costs. The Inn also offers a special Deluxe Dog Spa Package which includes accommodations in our Honeymoon suite, doggie massage, grooming, bed-sleeping permission and more. In winter you can take advantage of the Pet Perfect Ski Package which includes lodging, breakfast (with a doggie bag treat for your pet), ski passes to Jay Peak, dog-walking services and a lot of TLC for Fido while you ski.
This is just a sampling of the many B&Bs in Vermont. If you don’t see a location or description that suits you, check out our complete listing of Bed & Breakfasts on Vermont.com. You might also want to review Vermont inns and Vermont resorts for additional unique options. We guarantee you will find lodging that is exactly what you are looking for.
For more information:
Golden Stage Inn Bed & Breakfast
Emergo Farms Bed & Breakfast
Willow Pond Farm B&B
South Shire Inn
Phineas Swann Bed and Breakfast
If golf is your passion and you’ve never played in Vermont, you are really missing out. With warm days and cool nights, the Vermont summer weather is perfect for golf any time during the day (unlike destinations where, if you don’t get an early start, you will regret it by the time you finish the first 9.) The courses themselves offer breath-taking scenery, an incredible variety of terrain, and exceptional value. It’s true Vermont is primarily known as a skiing destination, but many of those ski resorts include championship-quality golf courses to lure summer visitors. Check out the “Stay and Play” packages they offer for the best deals. In addition, if you are traveling with the family and not all are passionate golfers, Vermont resorts also provide a large selection of family-friendly activities on the property and nearby.
Stratton Mountain Resort
Head to southern Vermont and the resort village of Stratton. With shops, bars and restaurants plus activities for the whole family, Stratton is a premier summer destination. Lodging choices are extensive and can be selected to meet your individual needs. For the golfer, Stratton is exceptional. Here’s what Golf Magazine said, “The golf is superb at this all-inclusive resort, which boasts a scenic and challenging championship 27-hole course that played host to six LPGA tournaments. The Forest, Lake and Mountain all have their own charm and danger, and are designed to be playable for any level golfer.”
With Stratton’s “Break 100” golf package, two people can stay for just $99 a day and include a round of golf. Some conditions apply, so check Stratton’s website for details.
Basin Harbor
Basin Harbor grew from the oldest operating inn on Lake Champlain in Vergennes to the present contemporary lodge and the charming individual guest cottages. Located right on the lake, Basin Harbor is the perfect summer resort with plenty of swimming, boating, fishing, tennis, and golf. The resort’s 18-hole, Geoffrey Cornish-designed course includes rolling terrain, well-placed bunkers and beautiful contoured fairways. Sanctioned as the first Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Golf Course in Vermont, the course is dedicated to preserving natural resources and enhancing wildlife habitats. Book a special golf vacation at Basin Harbor and receive accommodations, breakfast for two, and 18 holes of golf (with daily cart). Spring rates start at $179 double occupancy, Sunday through Thursday. Weekend rates available for select dates.
Lake Morey Resort
Set on the shores of 600-acre Lake Morey, the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, Vermont, provides a setting perfect for summer vacationing. In addition to the expected swimming, boating, and fishing, Lake Morey Resort offers incomparable golf on the course which has been home to the Vermont Open for over 50 years. The par 70, 6024-yard course is impeccably maintained with sweeping fairways and plush greens. Check the Summer Special Vacation Packages to find the best rate for your stay. Package will include overnight accommodations, dinner, breakfast, use of resort amenities, and unlimited greens fees.
Stay in Manchester, Vermont
For a summer vacation that includes pursuits such as fine dining, arts and theater, shopping and antiquing, look no further than Manchester, Vermont. Located in southern Vermont at the foot of Mount Equinox, Manchester is the quintessential Vermont town with a modern infusion. Enjoy fly fishing in the Battenkill or shopping at the unique Manchester shops. Hike or bike the nearby trails. Sample local craft brews at the many bars and restaurants. Manchester has it all – including golf. Stay at the historic Wilburton Inn and receive reduced rates for the nearby Golf Club at Equinox. This par 71 course has been named to the “Best in Vermont” list by both Golf Digest and Golfweek. You also have the option of playing at the nearby Manchester Country Club. The Club was actually founded by local innkeepers in 1967 with the purpose of providing their guests a premium golfing experience in Manchester.
Or select the Taconic, a Kimpton hotel, in Manchester Village. The Taconic offers boutique hotel amenities including complimentary morning coffee and tea service, nightly social hour, a yoga mat in every room, in-room spa services, 24-hour fitness center, and pet-friendly accommodations. In addition, Taconic guests are also eligible to play golf at the nearby Manchester Country Club.
So, if you have never considered Vermont for a golf get-away or a summer family vacation, what are you waiting for? The season is upon us! For a full listing of golf facilities in Vermont, consult the Vermont.com Golf Guide.
For more information, contact:
Stratton Mountain Resort - golf
Basin Harbor - golf
Lake Morey Resort - golf
Wilburton Inn
Taconic Hotel
Whether you come to Vermont in summer for the beauty of the mountains or the endless outdoor activities, take some time during your visit to enjoy a Vermont staple – summer theater. You’ll find Broadway classics, contemporary plays, and works from up-and-coming playwrights. Famous TV and stage performers play opposite acclaimed local talent. The settings in small Vermont villages take you back to a simpler time and promise an enjoyable and relaxing experience.
In southern Vermont, you have a number of excellent choices beginning with the Dorset Theatre Festival in the quaint village of Dorset. This year's theater season, the 41st, brings you four main stage productions as well as a new Pipeline Series of four one-night only presentations of works in progress.
Also in southern Vermont is the Weston Playhouse in the town of Weston. The Weston offers Broadway-caliber theater at manageable prices. Offering two stages, this summer's line-up totals eight distinct performances including the classic, “Our Town.”
Oldcastle Theatre Company in Bennington is also in the southern part of the state and offers five very different works for this, their 47th season. These works encompass “history, silliness, Cole Porter, mathematical genius, comedy, George Washington, new works, Herman Melville, a Nobel Prize, mystery, a Pulitzer Prize, music, Ethan Allen, America’s greatest drama, the Civil War, Ben Franklin and the Tony Award for Best Play,” states the theater’s website.
Further north in Montpelier, you will find Lost Nation Theater. According to the theater’s website a typical season will include “one original production, a small cast, cabaret-style musical, a balanced mix of lighter and darker dramas and comedies.” This summer there are six performances including “Seussical,” the wonderful kid’s musical on August 10-12.
In the Stowe area, you might want to take in one of the Stowe Theatre Guild productions with musicals like “Gypsy” or drama like “The Bridges of Madison County.” (If you’re in Stowe to see the foliage in October, don’t miss “The Odd Couple -female version” beginning October 3.)
This is by far not a complete list of everything happening in Vermont theater this summer. There are some outstanding community theater productions as well as performances specifically for kids. You can check the Vermont.com Calendar of Events for additional performances and entertainments. And don’t forget to check Vermont.com dining options before you head to the theater.
For more information:
Dorset Theatre Festival
Weston Playhouse
Oldcastle Theatre Company
Lost Nation Theater
Stowe Theatre Guild
No vacation venue has evolved over the years quite as much as camping. Today, camping can mean traditional backcountry locations and tent living to resort-like campgrounds with all the comforts of home. Accommodations range from tents to RVs to cabins. Locations include beach, forest, close to cities, you name it. And activities… everything from golf to boating to factory tours. Here are just a few examples.
Pull your RV into The Shelburne Camping Area, a private campground just 2 miles from Lake Champlain. With full electrical, sewer, cable, and water hook-ups, your home on wheels has all the comforts of home. The property includes two swimming pools, laundry, and hot showers. Take advantage of the watersports on Lake Champlain like fishing and boating. 
Or head into Burlington (only 5 miles away) for the nightlife or a fabulous meal. Take the kids to the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, just 2 miles down the road in Shelburne.
North Beach Campground located right in Burlington is truly a hidden treasure. Managed by Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront, these nearly 45 acres of woods and beach make you feel as if you are in the country even though you are only a short bike ride from the bustling city. Pitch a tent, park an RV or trailer and enjoy shaded campsites, a sandy beach, picnic grounds, bathroom and shower facilities, free WiFi, and much more. Cook on the provided grills, or head to nearby Burlington restaurants and other Burlington attractions. This campground truly provides the best of both worlds.
For a vacation that celebrates the natural beauty of Vermont, head to the Northeast Kingdom and Lakeside Camping in Island Pond, Vermont. Get back to nature by pitching your tent with a view of the 1500 feet of sandy beach. (The campground also welcomes RVs and campers.) Listen to the loons calling to their mates and keep an eye out for a moose or two. The pond offers excellent trout fishing as well as boating and kayaking. 
Or visit nearby Kingdom Trails in East Burke for what has been voted “the best mountain bike trail network in North America.” For your convenience, the campground also offers a general store, restrooms with hot showers, laundry, boat rentals, and a fireplace and picnic table at each site. There is a video arcade and playground for the kids.
The Vermont State Parks also have some campgrounds with a varying list of amenities. One interesting option is Lake Shaftsbury State Park which has a fully furnished waterfront rental cottage that sleeps six. The park’s snack bar concession has rental canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats. Located just a short distance from Bennington, you’ll want to visit the Bennington Museum to view the amazing Grandma Moses collection. Or head to nearby Manchester for a day of shopping. If golf is your game, you can play 18 at nearby Stratton Mountain which boasts 27 holes - The Forest, The Lake, and The Mountain courses.
Campgrounds are perfect for families or couples. You choose the site, the nearby activities you want and the price. (Camping has always been known as an economical choice for vacationing.) Because of the popularity, make reservations early. We look forward to seeing you in Vermont this summer.
For more information:
The Shelburne Camping Area
Vermont Teddy Bear Company
Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront
Northeast Kingdom
Lakeside Camping
Kingdom Trails
Vermont State Parks
Bennington Museum
Stratton Mountain Golf
Imagine the chance to get away to a bed and breakfast set amidst 200 pastoral acres and surrounded by working farms. You wake up to the sound of birds in the garden, the rooster crowing at the neighboring farm, and the rustle of leaves on the trees. No traffic noises, no construction sounds or emergency vehicles. Downstairs your hosts are preparing your breakfast of homemade granola, yoghurt, fresh fruit, breads and bagels as well as freshly brewed coffee. The choice is yours – lie in bed just a little longer to savor the peace and quiet or give in to the promise of a delicious, continental breakfast.
This is what you receive when you stay at Willow Pond Farm Bed & Breakfast in Shelburne, Vermont. This, and much more. Spend some time walking through the beautiful perennial gardens, stroll to the pond for a chance to see the great blue herons, or sit for a while in the sun in this pastoral setting.
But… should you crave some excitement, you can jump in your car and be in Shelburne Village in ten minutes. Discover wonderful restaurants or visit the Shelburne Museum, a 45-acre museum and gardens. For real city fun, you’re only a short drive to downtown Burlington for shopping, dining, and so much more. So many adventures are close at hand, your choices are almost overwhelming. Hiking, biking, fishing, sailing, factory tours (including Ben & Jerry’s). The list goes on and on. And, when the day is over, you return once again to your cozy room and another peaceful night’s sleep.
The Willow Pond Farm Bed & Breakfast has two guest rooms available. The Master Suite offers a queen-sized bed and antique furnishings. A private sunroom with access to the gardens and private bath finish off the suite. The other guest room, upstairs, is furnished with a king bed and private bath just outside the door. The wonderful Continental breakfast described above is included in the nightly rate. A two-night minimum is preferred. For complete details, visit the Willow Pond Farm B&B website below.
For more information:
Willow Pond Farm B&B
There is no better time to plan a visit to Vermont than right now. Ski season is winding down, and resorts are changing their focus to spring/summer activities. Many even offer specials during this interim period between winter and summer seasons. For example, the Green Mountain Inn in Stowe is offering a special midweek (Sun. – Thurs.) price from $123 a night for two. Includes room, daily tea and cookies and breakfast daily. Take a self-guided brewery tour (the Inn provides your kit at check-in) or explore the village of Stowe with its over 70 unique shops. Outdoor enthusiasts may opt for hiking or biking the nearby trails. (Check with Vermont State Parks to determine what trails are open. Some trails may be closed if too muddy to prevent damage to the trail and surrounding vegetation.)
Another spring special is being offered by Sterling Ridge Resort in the Smugglers’ Notch area. This unique resort is made up of individual log cabins with fully-equipped kitchens and cozy woodstoves. Until May 23, you can stay midweek for as little as $155 a night for a one or two-bedroom cabin!
Or for the full “resort” experience, head to Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa in Stowe with savings of 50% off room rates as well as spa specials. This spring special only lasts until May 24, so reserve quickly.
The Essex, Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa, in Essex, Vermont in the Burlington area, promises a totally unique resort experience. Your 3-night package for two includes room, dinner credit at the resort’s on-site restaurant, breakfast daily, spa lunch credit daily, private two-hour Vermont Guided Tour, plus $250 spa credit per person and two seats in a Cook Academy class! Perfect at any time of year!
If you want to plan your getaway for a little later this spring, you can still take advantage of special deals. For the golfer, why not try Stratton Mountain Resort in southern Vermont this spring? Book combination lodging and golf starting at only $99/day for two people. This offer is good any day from golf opening day through June 14, 2018. Or midweek (Sunday through Thursday) from June 15 to golf closing day. You’ll love the challenge of Stratton’s 27 holes – the Forest, the Lake, and the Mountain courses.
If your schedule allows, grab the kids and head to the Tyler Place Family Resort in Highgate Springs in the northern Islands & Farms area of Vermont anytime from the end of May to early June for special savings. Early season rates of up to 25% off toward your week-long package include accommodations, three meals a day, child and teen programs, plus full access to all resort activities and facilities. Sail or paddle on the lake or explore nearby nature trails. You might even see local wildlife emerging after the long winter.
Can’t get away ‘til the kids are out of school? Plan your summer vacation now to assure availability. Let Vermont.com be your guide to activities and events to help you select when and where. Whatever your passion – natural beauty, outdoor pursuits, fine dining, unique shopping, and so much more – Vermont has you covered. Check the Vermont.com Calendar of Events to find summer festivals and special events of interest. (Vermont offers a multitude of unique festivals, wonderful summer theater, and “factory” tours from breweries to teddy bears.) Don’t wait. Make your plans today.
Additional conditions may apply for lodging specials. See details at Vermont.com Top Deals.
If you are looking for a getaway that offers something more than the usual hotel room or bland rental, consider Sterling Ridge Resort in Jeffersonville, Vt. Choose between 24 log cabins, the 7-bedroom Mansfield House and 4-bedroom Pond House. Whether you want a cozy love nest for the two of you or lodging for your entire wedding party, Sterling Ridge can accommodate you.
Let us paint you a picture. If work is making you crazy and the winter has been too long and dreary, you need to get away with your significant other to relax and reconnect. Sterling Ridge beckons. Travel the scenic back road to your own one-bedroom cabin in one of Vermont’s most peaceful settings. Relax on the cabin’s front porch or snuggle up next to the cabin’s wood stove. (This is not the only heating source, so your cabin will be cozy even without the wood stove.) Depending upon the weather, choose between a short 
trip to nearby Smugglers' Notch for skiing or window shopping, or wander the woods and meadows just outside your door. You might even visit one or two of the local craft breweries. Sterling Ridge is dog-friendly, so bring your best buddy along too. When it comes to meals, cook in your own fully-equipped kitchen or select among a number of local and varied restaurants. Before bed, check your email if you must (all cabins have free WiFi) and then tumble into bed for a peaceful night’s sleep. No highway noises, no noisy neighbors.
Sterling Ridge is also the perfect choice for the family who has been stuck inside with the kids for too many weekends this winter. Select one of the larger cabins with two or three bedrooms. Get outside during the day and explore nature with the kids. You might even see some local wildlife stirring after the long dark winter. If enough snow remains, the whole family might try fat biking along the snow-covered Lamoille Valley Rail Trail in Jeffersonville/Cambridge. Cook dinner in the cabin’s fully-equipped kitchen and then light up your outdoor fire pit for s’mores. Once the kids are tucked in, you can snuggle up in front of the cabin’s wood stove with a glass of wine or cup of tea before you too head to bed.
These are just a sampling of the kind of getaways you can find at Sterling Ridge Resort. If that’s not you, but you are intrigued, call the resort. The staff is always happy to help you design a getaway perfect for you.
For more information:
Sterling Ridge Resort
TripAdvisor recently posted an article on the “20 Ridiculously Romantic Getaways in New England.” We were happy to see some of our favorite places in Vermont included. And, as knowledgeable about all things Vermont, we’d like to expand upon a couple of TripAdvisor’s choices.
The article first spotlights Stowe, home to Vermont’s highest peak and magnificent fall foliage displays. Stowe combines the best of resort amenities with a historic New England village. A combination that works perfectly to provide a long list of romantic lodging options. Consider The Green Mountain Inn – located on Main Street right in the heart of historic Stowe. Made up of 8 separate buildings, the Inn offers the charm of colonial New England with all the modern amenities. Amp up the romance by arranging with the hotel for flowers, chocolates or champagne in your room. Take a winter walk through Stowe Village and finish at the Inn’s firepit for a hot drink. Ski on nearby Mt. Mansfield and relax in the outdoor heated spa upon your return. Add a once-in-a-lifetime experience to make your romantic getaway really memorable. How about a winter horse-drawn sleigh ride? Or a summer hot air balloon ride? Stowe offers enough recreational activities to satisfy any couple.
If your taste runs more towards resort luxury than classic New England, check out the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa in Stowe. Set amidst 60 idyllic acres, the resort provides upscale accommodations as well as a world-class, on-site spa. What could be more romantic than dining at the resort’s restaurant and selecting from the over 40 wines available by the glass? (The resort’s wine cellar stocks over 3000 bottles from more than 10 countries!) Or plan a couple’s spa day to truly renew and refresh. The Stoweflake offers recreation, natural beauty, and luxurious amenities so you can decide the perfect combination for you and your significant other. Stoweflake also sponsors the annual Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival each July – an event which will add some “wow” to your getaway.
Want to explore Stowe further? Check out the Stowe Area Association’s website for answers to all your questions.
Another Vermont destination selected by TripAdvisor is Manchester - home to Vermont.com. As our home base, we are perhaps a little prejudiced, but believe Manchester offers a nearly infinite number of reasons to visit at any time of the year. Top of the list might be accessibility – Manchester is an easy ride from anywhere in the Northeast. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Equinox, Manchester, like many Vermont towns, is a mix of old and new. Selected as the perfect location for a summer home by Robert Todd Lincoln (Abraham Lincoln’s son), Manchester was a popular summer resort destination for the turn-of-the-century, Gilded Age society. The town maintains some of that same flavor today with mountain vistas, rolling fields, and lush river valleys. And, as in so many Vermont vacation destinations, the past is seamlessly coupled with up-dated comfort to assure a perfect vacation experience.
Manchester offers a large selection of lodging choices from modern hotels, to quaint bed and breakfasts, to country inns. What could be more romantic than a new boutique hotel which draws its inspiration from traditional New England architecture married with clean almost Scandinavian elements? I’m referring to the Kimpton Taconic Hotel right on Main Street. Add the hotel’s exquisite restaurant, The Copper Grouse, and you have the makings of a truly romantic setting.
At the turn of the twentieth century, Manchester was a popular summer resort community for the wealthy, Gilded Age society who arrived for the fresh country air and local golf courses. Step into that past by selecting the Wilburton Inn as your lodging choice. Completed in 1902 as a 500-acre gentleman’s farm, the mansion and its gardens certainly hearken back to that earlier time. However, since being converted to a hotel, all modern amenities have been added. Guests can still relax in the mansion’s living room or library and stroll the magnificent grounds.
Maybe you want your lodging choice to be all about the view. After all, one of Vermont’s greatest assets is its scenery. Consider the 36-room Manchester View which sits high on a hill with sweeping views to the valley below. How romantic would that be during foliage season?
If convenience is your priority, you might consider the Hampton Inn, brand new and within walking distance of everything. Or The Barnstead Inn, built as a carriage house in the 1830s, which offers all modern amenities as well as secluded setting, but is walking distance to shops and restaurants.
No review of Manchester would be complete without highlighting some of the many attractions which make this an ideal vacation spot. In winter, there are three ski areas within a short drive (Bromley, Magic Mountain, and Stratton). In summer there are a number of nearby golf courses including 27 holes at Stratton. Hiking trails and bike routes abound. The Battenkill, which flows through town, is known for excellent trout fishing. And the town itself is home to a large number of local shops offering handcrafted and unique items as well as outlet shops. There is local theater nearby in summer and concerts and art galleries galore. With many local restaurants offering everything from diner food to gourmet dining, you can pick the setting you deem most romantic. But most of all, the natural beauty of Vermont offers the perfect setting for creating memories with someone special at any season of the year.
It’s nearly April and spring is on its way. This was a good winter for the skiers and boarders – lots of snow and temperatures cold enough to make even more. Now, with higher temperatures and longer days coming, skiers are taking their last runs and looking for their next adventure. Look no further. Vermont has all the adventure you could want, even in April.
For the outdoor enthusiast, getting back to nature and doing some hiking is a welcome activity. Check with the Vermont State Parks to find out the best places to hike as well as those areas that are too muddy. (Hiking on trails that are too wet and muddy can damage the trails or contribute to soil erosion.) A hike through the woods before the leaves cover the trees affords you views you wouldn’t otherwise have. In addition, you may get a glimpse of wildlife emerging after the winter cold. Once you have chosen your hike, visit Vermont.com to select your lodging.
If fishing is your sport, April is a great time to take to Vermont’s lakes, rivers, and streams. Vermont Fish and Wildlife can answer all your questions about where to fish, what to fish, and what regulations apply. There is no closed season for many fish on Lake Champlain and beginning the second Saturday in April and continuing into June is catch-and-release season for bass. Trout season begins the second Saturday of April, but some streams and rivers offer year-round trout fishing. Consult Vermont Fish & Wildlife for full list.
If you’re not really the “outdoors” type, there are also plenty of less strenuous activities in Vermont. Stay in Manchester and combine your stay with some excellent shopping opportunities. Visit the unique shops and outlets selling everything from hand-made jewelry to gourmet foods to Vermont souvenirs for the friends back home. Visit Hilldene, the Lincoln family home, or check out the art on display at the Southern Vermont Arts Center. The Manchester area has a large of number of lodging choices from traditional bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels. Experience family-friendly lodging at the new Hampton Inn in Manchester, within walking distance of shops and dining. Or treat yourself to the luxurious accommodations of the boutique Kimpton Taconic Hotel right on Main Street.
Or head to Burlington, the largest city in Vermont and home to the University of Vermont. Shop ‘til your heart’s content at the Church Street Marketplace or grab a quick bite at one of the many unique bistros and restaurants. For something different, take a Burlington Brew Tour. Vermont is home to a large number of craft breweries. You can also visit ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, the Fleming Museum of Art on the UVM campus, Lake Champlain Chocolates (where you can see how the chocolates are made), or take a Segway Tour of the city. Make your visit truly memorable and stay nearby at The Essex, Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa, a hotel that not only gives you a place to sleep, but also offers world-class cuisine and a full service spa.
For visitors from out of state, April is a very good time to come to visit. Many hotels offer rock-bottom room rates to entice visitors during this “off-season.” For example, The Grafton Inn in Grafton, Vt., is offering a spring specials for midweek throughout the month plus a special rate for the week of April 20-27. Or head to Stowe and take advantage of specials available at the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa and maybe squeeze in a little spring skiing.
Whether you gravitate to the outdoors or would rather limit your experiences to indoor activities, April in Vermont can promise to entertain and amaze. Don’t let the end of winter deter you from enjoying everything Vermont has to offer at this time of the year.
Most people think of Vermont as a state with a large number of dairy farms. That’s true. And, as a result, Vermont is also home to the highest number of cheesemakers per capita in the USA! Cheddar cheese, for which Vermont is most famous, was made as early as the 11th century in Cheddar, England. When the English came to the New World, they brought the skill of cheddar making with them. Traditionally, these cheeses were made on local farms by the farmer’s wife from their own cow’s milk. However, in 1851, the Williams family set up the first cheddar “factory” in upstate New York and cheese making began to change. Gordon Edgar, author of Cheddar, in an interview with The Splendid Table, explains, “It turned cheddar from a farm product into a factory product. It really began this road for cheddar being made in more and more efficient ways and with a lot less flavor further down the line.” Cheese making standardized and consolidated over the years. However, in the last four decades, cheese making began a comeback. A cheese making Renaissance is taking place all over, but especially in Vermont where there are still farms and fields and the desire to make a finely crafted product.
The story of beer in America is a similar one. In the 17th and 18th centuries, most beer was brewed at home. The first brewery opened in the USA in 1612 in New Amsterdam (now Manhattan), but the modern era of brewing didn’t take place until the 19th century. In 1873 there were 4,131 breweries in the country. Then came Prohibition. With the end of Prohibition in 1933, breweries once again began making beer. However, the biggest companies used production efficiencies and marketing to succeed over the smaller breweries. By 1983, the total number of breweries had shrunk to 80 run by only 51 companies. In addition, all the product was very similar. British beer writer, Michael Jackson, observed, “They are pale lager beers vaguely of the pilsner style but lighter in body, notably lacking hop character, and generally bland in palate. They do not all taste exactly the same but the differences between them are often of minor consequence.”
Whether it was the influence of California cuisine and the rise in local wineries or an outgrowth from homebrewers looking for beer with more flavor, the growth of microbreweries began to explode in the late ‘90s. Phil Markowski, brewmaster at Southampton Public House, adds, “I have no doubt that America is the best place to be a brewer because we don’t have the burden of having to carry on a long brewing tradition. We have more freedom to be creative and can gather influences from all over.” Vermont is home to over 50 craft breweries with more opening all the time. Most of these breweries don’t distribute nationwide. Some don’t even distribute statewide. So, you have to visit to try their unique products.
So, Vermont cheese and beer - handcrafted, unique, and often only available locally. For these reasons, include a visit to a cheese-making operation or a craft brewery as part of your Vermont itinerary.
For more information:
Vermont Cheese Council
10th Annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival
August 12, 2018
Shelburne, VT
For more information:
Vermont Brewers Association
Vermont Brewers Festival
March 24, 2018
Killington, VT
Take a Guided Brewery Tour:
Vermontology Guided Tours
Burlington Brew Tours
When we first visited The Copper Grouse in the Taconic Hotel in Manchester last fall, we vowed to return. And, last Friday night, we fulfilled that promise. The first thing we noticed was that the restaurant (indeed, the entire hotel) was exceptionally busy as it was the end of school vacation week. The atmosphere was festive and folks were clearly enjoying themselves. There were also many more children in attendance than we’d seen during the fall, but they were well behaved and merely added to the party mood. We had luckily called a week in advance for reservations and were seated immediately.
The night was bitter cold, but the restaurant was warm and cozy. I nevertheless found myself hoping they had a rich, warming soup to start my meal. I was thrilled to order the Cheddar Ale Soup which met all my expectations and more. Thick and rich with chunks of delicious Portuguese linguica. It was such a perfect choice for the weather that my husband followed suit.
The Copper Grouse has a fairly limited menu which is not a problem at all. Everything sounds so delicious that making a choice is the hard part. My husband was very tempted to order the Grilled Chicken Breast with truffle madeira sauce which he’d enjoyed immensely on the previous visit. I convinced him he should really try something new and he ordered the Beef Tenderloin instead. Even though not a fan of chevre, he ate every bite of the Vermont chevre potatoes as well as everything else on the plate. I then broke my own rule and ordered the same thing I’d eaten on my last visit – the Pan Seared Arctic Char. It was just too good to pass up. And, just light enough to leave room for dessert.
A co-worker who had dined at the restaurant a few nights previously had recommended the Brown Sugar Molasses Cheesecake with poached peaches. We both opted for that and it was the perfect ending to a perfect meal.
It’s worth mentioning that even though the restaurant was very busy that night, the service was perfectly paced and flawless. The perfect complement to a perfect meal. As always, when we finished we asked the question, “Was it worth coming again?” Both my husband I answered with a resounding “Yes!”
More information:
The Copper Grouse
Whether you’re planning a holiday getaway for the whole family or just the two of you, Smugglers’ Notch Resort can offer you a world of fun AND special savings too. Book your stay between December 8th and 25th and receive all the Club Smugglers’ Package amenities of your selected package and, with a stay of 4 nights or more, receive the next night FREE. Plus… during this period the resort entertains with Special Holiday Magic activities like Candy Cane Scrambles, Reindeer Games, bonfires, a Winter solstice Celebration on the 21st, Thursday fireworks and torchlight parade, and more.
Ski & Stay packages begin at $129 per adult and $99 for children 17 and under. Choose the package that includes the additional services you want, from Snow Sport University to Treasures Child Care. Not a skier? Smugglers’ Notch also offers a Winter Experience Package for the non-skier with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities starting at $109 per adult and $79 for children 17 and under.
Confused about what package suits you best or what other activities are available? Simply call one of the Vacation Planners at Smugglers’ Notch at 866-628-1770.
For More Information:
Smugglers' Notch Resort
Here we are a week away from Thanksgiving, the unofficial start of ski season in Vermont. Some of the higher elevations have had some natural snow and the temperatures have dipped low enough for snowmaking. Make your plans now. Winter is here.
Here’s a round-up of which ski areas are already open as well as opening date information for some others.
Killington, which prides itself on offering the longest season in the east, opened on November 8. Currently they report 10 trails open, 2 lifts and for a total of 5% open.
Mount Snow, located in southwestern Vermont and popular with visitors from New England and New York, is excited that they opened early this year on November 11. They currently list 11 trails and 4 lifts open for 18%.
Okemo Mountain in Ludlow and Sugarbush in Warren are also open. Okemo has posted 10 trails and 2 lifts open at 14%. Sugarbush lists 2 trails open and 1 lift.
Stowe Mountain Resort, comprised of two peaks, Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest mountain, and Spruce Peak, plans a November 17 opening. Note – passes are only sale-priced until November 19. Jay Peak is scheduled to open November 17 for pass holders and the 18th to the general public.
Smugglers’ Notch and Stratton plan on opening Thanksgiving week. Stratton on Wednesday, November 22 and Smuggs on Friday, November 24. Both resorts are offering lodging specials for the weekend.
Bromley Mountain in Peru plans on opening Thanksgiving weekend as well, weather permitting. Until December 8, operation will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only.
Magic Mountain in Londonderry plans to open Thanksgiving weekend for Tubing, and on December 16 for skiing. They are currently working on a number of improvement projects including adding lights to the tubing/terrain park. All work is scheduled to be complete prior to opening.
For up to date conditions as well as trails/lifts open, consult the Vermont.com Snow & Ski Report. For Vermont weather, see Vermont.com's weather page.
Need a place to stay? View Vermont.com's lodging choices.
The 2017 foliage season is definitely winding down. The weather is more appropriate to the season with a little frost overnight in some areas. The clear, cool fall weather is perfect for a walk along country roads or a stop for a cup of hot cider. Although the trees may have lost their leaves, they are now lying under foot as a beautiful multi-colored carpet. Vermont still has much to offer the visitor in this season before the snow flies. Take a bike ride, pick some apples or pumpkins, maybe get the family together for a hay ride, and so much more.
CENTRAL VERMONT
The view from our Adirondack chairs is still shifting away from the greens of summer as we cling to the 70° weather. A few trees are blazing through orange phases while others have already succumbed to the deep reds and browns of fall. You can still enjoy the rainbow of color driving through Vermont on a clear day, with blue skies and green grass playing up the yellows of harvested fields and variations of russet along the roads.
-- Katie Ratcliffe-Lee, Basin Harbor, Vergennes, VT
SOUTHERN VERMONT
We are having BEAUTIFUL weather, and the leaves have risen to the challenge! The shops in Grafton are happy for the visitors, and we at the Inn are enjoying wonderful evenings in the Pub and Formal Dining room. Take it all in everyone!!
-- Steven Griffiths, Assistant Innkeeper, The Grafton Inn, Grafton, VT
Although there is still some color to be viewed from "the Hill," it has gone past peak in the last week. Still, the weather is beautiful and it's perfect for a walk outdoors.
-- Sarah Warner, Marlboro College, Marlboro, VT
Here at southern Vermont's tallest peak, the brilliant fall foliage is certainly a sight to see if you have not already. We're not sure how long it will take for the leaves to all fall off, so we'd recommend a trip here for a nice hike to witness the beautiful colors before they go away. We won't be too bummed when that happens though, because that means it won't be long until we start seeing snowflakes fall from the sky!
-- Tom Vayianos, Stratton Mountain Resort, Stratton, VT
Up on top of the mountain, we are definitely past peak. However, as we drive down the mountain toward Bennington, we notice there are still plenty of colors on view at lower elevations. A trip to Brattleboro over the weekend showed foliage still not past peak in some parts of southeastern Vermont also.
-- Linda Warner, Vermont.com
The color has peaked in southern Vermont and the scenery is brilliant! Cozy up with a good book and glass of wine by your in-room fireplaces at the Manchester View. Now that the evenings are getting colder, we're starting to get reservations for Thanksgiving and the holiday season, but we still have availability throughout the rest of the month of October and beginning of November. And don't miss the local Pumpkin Patch at the Equinox Nursery; it's still full of pumpkins for Halloween decorating and pie making!
-- Robin, The Manchester View, Manchester, VT
-- Linda Warner, Vermont.com
If you are one of those people who like to do the unexpected or march to the beat of a different drummer, you might want to visit Vermont in late fall. Sure the leaves are off the trees, but although you can appreciate beauty as much as the next person, taking a tourist bus to view foliage is certainly not your thing. So bare trees are not a problem for you. The days will be cool, perhaps in the 40s or 50s, and the nights cooler. Just perfect for undertaking active pursuits during the day and snuggling up to an open fire in the evening. Not sold yet? Let us offer some suggestions.
Rent a bike and head into the countryside. The cross country and snowmobile trails are all yours at this time of year. Gain a bit of elevation and the views are amazing. (No leaves in the way to block your view.) Pack a picnic lunch before you set out or plan your route to include a stop at a nearby village for a meal and conversation with the residents. Even if the first snow has fallen, no need to put off your ride. Try a fat bike with its wide tires and deep treads to keep you in control as you pedal along.
For something totally different, how about a brewery tour? Vermont is home to a large number of craft breweries. In fact, Vermont has more breweries per capita than any other state. Many offer tours and tastings. Some even have an accompanying restaurant for a Vermont take on a pub meal. There are even group tours that will take you to 3-4 different breweries in the same day to sample some unique brews and have a meal, and you won’t have to worry about drinking and driving. You can find more information on the Vermont.com site under Breweries.
If you’re travelling with the family, Vermont has some factory tours that will please everyone, even the youngest visitors. Head to the Vermont Teddy Bear Company in Shelburne to see how these famous bears are made. You’ll even see the teddy bear hospital where they are healed before going home to their young owners. Who doesn’t like chocolate? The home of Lake Champlain Chocolates is right in Burlington. Watch the hand-made chocolates being produced and be sure to take some home for family and friends. And, of course, a trip to Vermont is not complete without a visit to Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream in Waterbury. Besides seeing the factory where the magic happens, you might want to take in the Flavor Graveyard to “pay your respects to the dearly de-pinted flavors of years past.”
If your trip is not complete without searching out and enjoying great dining experiences, Vermont competes on the highest level. The focus here is on farm-to-table freshness and utilization of local products. Many young chefs raised on the concept of buying locally and finding unique ways to showcase those products bring creativity and innovation to meal preparation. Menus are, by necessity, seasonal and daily specials often highlight unique ingredients available during that day’s shopping. Sustainability and organic farming are companion philosophies that support the farm-to-table movement.
The arts play a large part in modern Vermont culture. Living in a place so beautiful can’t help inspiring the creative mind. There are galleries and museums galore in which to browse. You’ll find everything from fine art to hand-crafted furniture to unique sculpture. Check the listings on Vermont.com. Arts & Culture.
Did you know that both Norman Rockwell and Robert Frost lived in Vermont? Or that marble from Vermont was used to create the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery? If you are a history buff or just a collector of interesting facts, you will want to explore some of the many museums in Vermont. Check Vermont.com’s Vermont Museums for listings.
If you are the sort of person who actively pursues unique experiences, Vermont can perhaps check a few things off your bucket list. How about a dog-sled ride? Even if there is no snow, the dogs are harnessed to a wheeled cart for your ride. Can’t do this in the summer because the dogs can’t handle the heat, but it’s the perfect activity during the cool fall weather. If you are an incurable romantic, maybe you’ve always pictured yourself on a horse-drawn carriage ride. This is not your country hayride, but an elegant carriage complete with lap blanket to keep you warm. Everyone loves a circus and who among us hasn’t imagined what it would be like to fly through the air on the trapeze? The New England Center for Circus Arts in Brattleboro, a not-for-profit circus school, can give you that opportunity. (NECCA is an actual school for circus performers, not a novelty activity provider.) You can also take a juggling class or, if you have the time, attend a workshop.
All that being said, one of the experiences most valued by Vermont visitors at this time of year is the peace and relaxation they find. The days are getting shorter which allow long evenings to sit by a fire at a country inn or a rental cabin. The crowds of summer are gone and the winter ski crowds yet to come. Innkeepers and shopkeepers have time to stop and chat. You wake refreshed and renewed each morning, ready to let the day lead you where it will. When it's finally time to go, you head back to your everyday life knowing you will come again next year.
Mother Nature seems to have checked the calendar and realized she was running late. We're getting reports from all over that the foliage is finally peaking. Check out the reports below. And, don't forget to check the Fall Festivals page and the Calendar of Events for some very special events while you're visiting Vermont.
NORTHERN VERMONT
Foliage is exploding in Stowe. Peak foliage around Mt. Mansfield has spread to lower elevations. Oranges, browns and yellow hues are prevalent, though leaf peepers will find bright reds around town.
-- Sharon Harper, GoStowe, Stowe, VT
-- Emet Koffman, University of Vermont,
Burlington, VT
Things got better up here in the last week and it's now peak. Pics attached from Lake Willoughby.
-- Laura Malieswski, Burke Area Chamber of Commerce, East Burke, VT
With the beautiful weather and the temperatures starting to dip down, we are seeing the golden yellows, brilliant reds and the crisp burnt oranges on the trees in and around the Jeffersonville area. (Photo by Laura Gibson)
-- Jessica Bonath, Sterling Ridge Resort, Jeffersonville, VT
CENTRAL VERMONT
The sun has come out and the colors are wonderful in Proctorsville and Cavendish. Just 15 minutes from Golden Stage Inn, the North Springfield Dam just off Route 106 has easy hiking trails that offer wonderful views of the foliage near and far.
-- Julie Wood, Golden Stage Inn Bed & Breakfast, Proctorsville, VT
The vibrant colors can be blink-and-you-miss-it if a strong breeze comes through. We have a few trees across property putting on a show, especially at the entrance by the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. More common though, are the muted reds and yellows that are spreading across the Adirondacks and turning the Green Mountains warm. Most of the apples have been shaken out of the trees, on their way to next year's cider crop or squirreled away by furry friends.
-- Katie Ratcliffe-Lee, Basin Harbor, Vergennes, VT
SOUTHERN VERMONT
A wave of stunning colors swept over Stratton this past week, leaving a vivid imprint of bright red, orange and yellow hues across the leaves surrounding us. Now is the perfect time to hike the mountain or take a relaxing drive around the area to witness this magnificent transformation. Fall is finally here at southern Vermont's highest peak, which means winter is just around the corner.
-- Tom Vayianos, Stratton Mountain Resort, Stratton, VT
It finally looks like fall here at Marlboro College. Beautiful! Especially on a perfect fall day as this.
-- Sarah Warner, Marlboro College,
Marlboro, VT
Color here in Woodford has really taken off in the last week. Up here on top of the mountain we may have hit peak over the weekend. It's still very beautiful, however. We're looking forward to some sunny days when we can get outside and enjoy.
-- Linda Warner, Vermont.com
Now that color has started to peak in southern Vermont, the Manchester View vista is brilliant! Our in-room gas and wood-burning fireplaces are now available for our guests' to cozy up by at night. It is still a bit warm for autumn, so walking in town is comfortable during the day, and evening dining is still available outside at some local dining establishments. Our fall decorating is in full-swing with colorful mums and other plants, as well as pumpkins and scarecrows. As the leaves put on quite a show, pumpkins are ripe for the picking at the local Pumpkin Patch!
-- Lori, The Manchester View, Manchester, VT
2017 appears to be an unusual foliage year. Color is very late in coming with different tree species responding differently. Must be related to the warm temperatures we've had this fall. In the last week, we have seen color accelerate and it's now looking quite beautiful.
The weather has been a wonderful plus for getting outside and enjoying Vermont at this time of year. The days have been perfect for hiking through the fields or in the mountains. But the nights have been cool enough to ensure a great night's sleep. In addition, every weekend brings wonderful Fall Festivals throughout the state. Whatever your passion - arts, food, craft beer, country fairs - there's a festival just right for you. Come visit and see how much Vermont has to offer during fall.
NORTHERN VERMONT
With cool weather at the beginning of the week, the leaves in Stowe are well on the way to prime foliage colors. The majority of green leaves are making their way to a golden yellow hue, and the patches of orange and red are expanding. With a few more cool days coming up, we anticipate the colors advancing nicely, leading to vibrant foliage next week.
-- Sharon Harper, GoStowe, Stowe, VT
Still a lot of green on the UVM campus!
-- Emet Koffman, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Leaves are starting to fall around the Sterling Ridge cabins! (Photo by Laura Gibson)
-- Laura Gibson, Sterling Ridge Resort, Jeffersonville, VT
CENTRAL VERMONT
Foliage season has arrived in Central Vermont! The colors on Route 100 in Weston are demanding attention now while just over the hill in Ludlow the trees still show as much green as reds and yellows. It's ALL a wonderful sight!
-- Julie Wood, Golden Stage Inn Bed & Breakfast, Proctorsville, VT
We're still mostly green and brown at the harbor, but we're starting to see flames of red and orange burst out of the tops of trees. We've harvested a few of our apple trees, and occasionally some clingers add to the crunch underfoot. Across the lake some of the trees have made quick turns to rusty reds, still battling the evergreens above the Palisades.
-- Katie Ratcliffe-Lee, Basin Harbor, Vergennes, VT
SOUTHERN VERMONT
So....It's really starting! Color is popping out all around us, and the days are beautiful and clear. There is a Fireman's Sale on Saturday here in town to benefit the Grafton Fire Department. Lots of furniture, bric-a-brac, garden tools....you name it! It's a once a year event, so it is well worth a look. Hope to see you in Grafton!
-- Steven Griffiths, Assistant Innkeeper, The Grafton Inn, Grafton, VT
We still are not seeing much color here on "the Hill" at Marlboro College. Maybe when the fall weather arrives, the color will too.
-- Sarah Warner, Marlboro College, Marlboro, VT
While we await the full blast of fall's brilliant colors to continue spreading (which will come when the fall temps do), we are appreciating the beautiful pockets of foliage scattered across the mountain and surrounding areas.
Stratton's annual Columbus Day Weekend celebration will engulf the resort with festive fall fun for the whole family October 7-9. Come partake in our popular chili cook-off, craft brewfest, hay rides, pumpkin painting and live music by the Lustre Kings, Stratton Mountain Boys and Keller Williams' Grateful Grass.
-- Tom Vayianos, Stratton Mountain Resort, Stratton, VT
We have had significant addition of color in the last week, but the color is somewhat more subdued than expected at this time of year. On the ride to Manchester today, I saw some more vibrant color along Route 7. The forecast looks wonderful for the long weekend and we're planning on taking in a couple Fall Festivals - a favorite pastime at this time of year.
-- Linda Warner, Vermont.com
Here at the Manchester View, we're seeing a little color on the mountains, and the evening chill is a sign of the season of autumn to come. Winding through the village down towards Bennington there are just enough leaves turning to make it a lovely ride. Our guests always look forward to cozying up by our in-room gas and wood-burning fireplaces. We decorate for the fall with autumn plants and scarecrows. Soon the leaves will put on quite a show, and local apples and pumpkins are ripe for the picking!
-- Robin, The Manchester View, Manchester, VT
The Maple Kitchen located at Holiday Inn Club Vacations Mount Ascutney Resort in Brownsville, Vermont, offers up local, farm-to-table dining across the entire menu. Taste the Vermont flavor infused into appetizers such as Maple Spiced Popcorn or Candied Bacon (a crowd favorite). The local theme continues with entrees such as Smoked Maple Plank Salmon and Cider Glazed Maplewood Smoked Ribs. Desserts, too, offer a taste of Vermont with choices like Fried Dough with a bourbon maple cream dipping sauce and Blueberry-Apple Crumble made with local fruit (in season) and served warm with vanilla ice cream. As a rule, berries, fruit and vegetables are purchased from local growers whenever possible, making for fresh, flavorful, garden-ripened selections. Meats and cheeses are procured from the nearby Green Mountain Smokehouse. The restaurant also offers a rotating selection of Vermont-brewed craft beers and many of the spirits are from local distillers.
With the careful selection of local ingredients, it is no wonder that The Maple Kitchen is superior to many hotel restaurants. Visitors are often surprised that instead of getting a simple meal, the restaurant provides a true dining experience. Chef Hafid Rkiki utilizes his passion for fresh ingredients and extensive culinary experience to elevate The Maple Kitchen dishes to big-city levels. Don’t be surprised if he visits your table while you are dining just to make sure you are enjoying your meal.
The Maple Kitchen at the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Mount Ascutney Resort is open to the public Thursday through Monday from 5 to 9 PM. With a minimum two-night stay, hotel guests receive a $25 resort credit for The Maple Kitchen for each night of their stay (Call 866-591-0448 and mention promo code IKREC). On Mondays, locals receive 10% off at the restaurant. If you are in the Mount Ascutney area, plan a stop at The Maple Kitchen. You won’t be disappointed.
Whew! Can’t believe the temperatures we’ve been having in Vermont. But, although it doesn’t feel much like fall, it is certainly beginning to look like fall. The mountainsides are starting to put on their multi-color show. The early reds are being joined by orange and yellow. Walk through the fields or the woods and hear the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot. And, although the days are warm, the nights are comfortably cool. The perfect weather for a visit to Vermont. Enjoy the scenery as well as the many local “Harvest Festivals” which include arts and crafts, delicious foods, and plenty of amusements for the kids. For an extensive list of Vermont Fall Festivals, click here.
NORTHERN VERMONT
There are pockets of vibrant foliage throughout the greater Stowe area. Higher elevations are prime for leaf peeping currently. As a result of recent summer-like weather, a good portion of leaves are still green, especially in the lower elevations. This will make for an extended period of time when colorful leaves are visible. We anticipate the best foliage viewing will take place over the next week or two, just in time for the Stowe Rotary Oktoberfest, Stowe Foliage Arts Festival and other fall events.
-- Sharon Harper, GoStowe, Stowe, VT
Fall color is really starting to show as we look across the fileds. Come stay with us on the farm at the Emergo Farms Bed & Breakfast and enjoy all the best Vermont has to offer at this most beautiful season.
-- Lori Webster, Emergo Farms Bed & Breakfast, Danville, VT
A bright, crisp fall morning at Sterling Ridge Resort! The color is almost here! (Photos by Laura Gibson)
-- Jessica Bonath, Sterling Ridge Resort, Jeffersonville, VT
CENTRAL VERMONT
We're recovering from the heat wave and a cool breeze is blowing through the harbor; the trees are quickly shedding the leaves and needles that succumbed to the heat. We have pops of gold coming in at the waterfront, matching the wood boats and adding a nice honey texture to the view. Still mostly green along the lake, but we expect to get more turning leaves with the cooler nights on the way.
-- Katie Ratcliffe-Lee, Basin Harbor, Vergennes, VT
SOUTHERN VERMONT
Well, things are moving along at a breakneck speed here in Grafton! Where did summer Go???!
Well, we are still working on summer here in Grafton! It's been beautiful and warm…perfect for the still burgeoning gardens .Our brides could not be more pleased. Chilly nights are on the way…so color is bound to follow. But in the meantime…ENJOY!
-- Steven Griffiths, The Grafton Inn, Grafton, VT
In and around Manchester we're all about the autumn glow. Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular. The town is bathed in pretty golds and decked to the hilt with mums and hay bales and pumpkins! This weekend (9/29-10/1) we host our famed Fall Arts & Craft Festival where you can discover handcrafted creations made by expert artists and artisans and meet the actual makers of the work. Bring the family and enjoy live entertainment and local eats, too! While you're here, save time to tour our art galleries, museums, and Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home -- all celebrating the season with special exhibits and experiences. Next weekend (10/7&8) come for Orvis Days where you can take a free casting lesson, sample craft beers, meet artists and experts, and see demos. Plus, you can bring your furry pals for pet-friendly fun, and more.
In general, Vermont fall is fabulous. Make a trip for one of these special events or plan an "anytime" adventure! Hunt for your own Great Pumpkin, sample cider donuts, leaf peep along our back roads, tour our covered bridges, go apple picking or cruise Skyline Drive to the very top of Mount Equinox to 360-degree views of five mountain ranges.
So much to do. So much beauty to behold. Hope to see you in Manchester!
-- Kate Pace, Manchester, Vermont, Manchester, VT
Still waiting for full color to sweep across the hills. Shouldn't be long now.
-- Sarah Warner, Marlboro College, Marlboro, VT
As the highest peak in southern Vermont, Stratton is a prime location for experiencing the richness of Vermont's fall foliage. The colors are starting to change with shades of red, yellow, purple and orange spreading across the mountain. Stratton's annual Columbus Day Weekend celebration will engulf the resort with festive fall fun for the whole family October 7-9. Come partake in our popular chili cook-off, craft brewfest, hay rides, pumpkin painting and live music by the Lustre Kings, Stratton Mountain Boys and Keller Williams' Grateful Grass.
-- Tom Vayianos, Stratton Mountain Resort, Stratton, VT
Colors are slowly beginning to appear. Must be all the warm weather we've been having. Supposed to be cooler going forward, so we're hoping to see the color pop up soon.
-- Linda Warner, Vermont.com
It's amazing how quickly the leaves change once the process begins. No matter where you visit in Vermont, you will see some color by now. Some of the trees look dipped in color with tops of red or orange and bottoms still green. Take a stroll through the woods and walk on a carpet of yellow, orange and red. This week, we had a return of summer weather - warm days and cool nights. Perfect for outdoor adventures during the day and sound sleeping at night. Come to Vermont for the foliage, but stay for the adventure -- hiking, biking, kayaking or even a dip in a local swimming hole. And don't forget the Fall Festivals throughout the state. There's something for everyone at this time of year.
If you can't wait to see nature's magnificent display, head to our Autumn Photo Gallery for a glimpse into years past. And, remember – it’s never too early to plan a fall vacation. Fall is also Festival season in Vermont so there's lots to do while soaking in the beauty around you.
NORTHERN VERMONT
Fall is looking up and leaves are falling down here at Sterling Ridge Resort!
Laura Gibson
Sterling Ridge Resort
Jeffersonville
The juxtaposition of summer and fall seasons is apparent in Stowe, Vermont. Cooler temperatures in the beginning of September spurred an early start to foliage, though with summerlike weather over the past few weeks, people are enjoying outdoor activities while experiencing pockets of bold color. Summer greens in the lower elevations pair nicely with patches of warm yellows, oranges and reds of early fall. Colors in the higher elevations are changing at a faster rate as the autumnal equinox approaches.
Sharon Harper
Stowe Area Association
Stowe
CENTRAL VERMONT
Most of the trees are still green with the warmth of a lingering summer, but we're starting to see red and orange gradients coming in at the edges. Cool breezes flow through the harbor, making the trees rustle and whisper, a soft soundtrack for the impending arrival of fall. The view of the Adirondacks across the lake is slowly becoming mottled with warm browns & yellows, contrasting beautifully with the blue skies.
Katie Ratcliffe-Lee
Basin Harbor
Vergennes
Okemo Mountain Resort is watching closely as the trees begin to light up with warm, fall colors. Okemo will welcome the colors of fall, which then lead into our favorite, snowy season soon after. Join us for Fall into Winter, our celebration of fall turning to winter on October 7, 2017 at 11 a.m. in the Jackson Gore Courtyard! Can you spot the top of the Quantum Four Lift at Jackson Gore in the photo?
Erin Anderson
Okemo Mountain Resort
Ludlow
The Ludlow and Proctorsville area is just turning golden yellow, but over the hill, down Route 100, Weston is boasting a much earlier advance of colors. The vibrant yellows are noticeably absent, but the burnt sienna and rusty golds are sweeping the hills while the temperatures are abnormally summery. Perfect for touring the area!
Julie Wood
Golden Stage Inn
Proctorsville
SOUTHERN VERMONT
So…as with everyone across the state, we are holding our breath in hopes of getting some chilly weather to help “snap” the trees into color. In the meantime, our weddings are still moving along swimmingly, and things in Grafton are hopping! There is a “Fairy House Festival” this weekend at the Grafton Nature Museum and it is always a joy. This popular event runs from 10 am to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday ( the 24rd & 24th) There is a Fairy House tour, face painting and crafts…..well worth the visit!
Steven Griffiths
Grafton Inn
Grafton
While Sept. 22 marks the first official day of fall, the foliage is already making a statement here at Stratton where the colors are getting brighter by the day. Stratton, the tallest mountain in southern Vermont, is the ideal vantage point for viewing fall foliage at its peak. Hike to the summit or a enjoy relaxing gondola ride to the top to take advantage of spectacular views that stretch clear across four states. Stratton's annual Columbus Day Weekend celebration will fill the resort with endless family fun from October 7-9, 2017 with the popular chili cook-off, craft brewfest, hay rides, pumpkin painting and live music by the Lustre Kings, Stratton Mountain Boys and Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass.
Tom Vayianos
Stratton Mountain Resort
Stratton
Here at the higher elevation in Woodford the leaves are changing much more quickly than they are at the bottom of the mountain in Bennington. Love the reflection in the water. Won’t be long before it’s a tapestry of color.
Linda Warner
Vermont.com
Marlboro College still showing early foliage changes. Won't be long before the view from the "Hill" is much more colorful!
Sarah Warner
Marlboro College
Marlboro, VT
While you're enjoying the fall foliage, plan to take in one of Vermont's many Fall Festivals. You'll find events that celebrate everything from the the Manchester Arts and Crafts Festival (9/29) to Stowe's Oktoberfest (9/29) to the ITVFest in Manchester (10/11-15). For comprehensive listing, refer to our Fall Festivals page.
Even if the calendar insists that Fall is still over a week away, in Vermont, it is certainly Fall. It's amazing how the leaves on the trees change from day to day. Whereas last week we saw only hints of color - perhaps a branch here or there - the change now seems to almost be taking place in front of our eyes. The cool fall days are the perfect time to take a hike through the woods, ride a bike along country roads, or take a scenic drive in your car. And while you are enjoying the magnificent color, take in everything else Vermont has to offer - quaint country inns, farm-to-table dining, country fairs and festivals, and down-home hospitality.
If you can't wait to see nature's magnificent display, head to our Autumn Photo Gallery for a glimpse into years past. And, remember – it’s never too early to plan a fall vacation. Fall is also Festival season in Vermont so there's lots to do while soaking in the beauty around you.
NORTHERN VERMONT
It's looking a lot like Fall on the UVM campus!
-- Emet Koffman,
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT
A drop of color is appearing at Sterling Ridge Resort in Jeffersonville!
-- Jessica Bonath,
Sterling Ridge Resort
Jeffersonville, VT
Last week's cold snap accelerated the color changes at the Top of Vermont.
The Montgomery/Jay Peak area is an excellent region for viewing colors, since it boasts elevations ranging from 600 to 4,000 feet above sea level. As of Thursday, Sept. 14 colors are shifting rapidly at the highest elevation with the oranges and yellows most predominant, and random red maples adding splashes of red here and there. Currently the outlook is for colors to continue to improve at high elevations for the next week, with the lower elevations starting to catch up late next week.
Montgomery has been cited in the past week by both Yankee Magazine and Boston Globe as one of the best places in the country to view fall colors. This has led to increased leaf season bookings at lodgings such as the Phineas Swann Bed & Breakfast and other inns in the area, so those wishing to reserve a room to be their base of operations should do so quickly.
Area events coinciding with fall foliage in the next weeks including the Vermont Dog Festival in Berkshire Saturday, Sept. 16.
-- Darren Drevik,
Phineas Swann Bed & Breakfast Inn
Montgomery, VT
CENTRAL VERMONT
The summer sun is still blazing down in the afternoons, but the trees around the harbor have started to turn. Muted yellows and oranges are tinging the edges of the trees and a few are already shedding leaves to decorate the pathways throughout the property. The apple trees in the orchard are heavy with fruit, and as they shift from light green to bright red they'll add bursts of color against the evergreen backgrounds. Whether you're walking a wooded trail or taking in the view of the Adirondacks from a chair on the lawn, you'll see hints of Autumn wherever you look.
-- Jen Wyman
Basin Harbor
Vergennes, VT
SOUTHERN VERMONT
Across the mountains, there's a reddish hue that tells us things are changing. In town, hardwoods here and there bring pops of orange and red to street level. It's time to get excited! Before you come, explore our website for fun fall activities, upcoming events, and general foliage info. Hope to see you in Manchester!
-- Kate Pace,
Manchester, Vermont
Manchester, VT
A hint of the color to come on the Marlboro College campus.
-- Sarah Warner
Marlboro College
Marlboro, VT
Every day we see a little more color as the end of summer nears and the beginning of fall approaches. Stratton Mountain will soon be a sea of vibrant colors. You won't want to miss Columbus Day Weekend at Stratton with scenic gondola rides, chili cook-off, brewfest, and free family fun including music by the Stratton Mountain Boys.
-- Tom Vayianos
Stratton Mountain Resort
Stratton, VT
This is the view looking across "Woodford Lake." The reds are really beginning to show up among the green leaves. It won't be long before the yellows and oranges join in. This week's warm afternoons make it perfect for enjoying the outdoors while taking in the fall foliage.
-- Linda Warner
Vermont.com
It's been an unusual summer of alternating hot and cool temperatures and lots of rain. What effect that will have on the fall foliage is not yet determined. We have seen a few hints of color along the roadsides and anticipate the season is rapidly on its way. Now that Labor Day has come and gone, we will be updating you once a week with reports from across the state from our Leaf Squad and other generous reporters.
If you can't wait to see nature's magnificent display, head to our Autumn Photo Gallery for a glimpse into years past. And, remember – it’s never too early to plan a fall vacation. Fall is also Festival season in Vermont so there's lots to do while soaking in the beauty around you.
CENTRAL VERMONT
After one of the most beautiful foliage seasons I can remember, we are looking forward to all that Vermont promises us in the coming months. We welcome the holiday season on Dec 3 and 4 as part or the Inndulgence Tour, a two day self guided food tour for only $10! Then comes winter and all the fun that comes with it. From skiing at Okemo and Killington to snowshoeing at Viking Nordic Center to enjoying our 'Book Lovers' lodging special and reading by the fireplace, there is surely a winter activity you'll love.
It's a bit early for changing colors in Southern Vermont, but it's not too early for SWEET autumn festivals! Okemo Valley is the home to Vermont's only Honey Festival on Saturday September 9, 2017, from 10am-4pm. Located at Golden Stage Inn in Proctorsville, the Vermont Golden Honey Festival is home to over 25 vendors offering their food, arts, crafts, and wares, including plenty of local, raw honey. Each vendor is encouraged to have at least one product that showcases the honeybee or its byproducts. As such, you'll find honey gin, honey chicken wings, honey apple pizza, bee inspired pottery, fabric crafts, and paintings. And while you're in the area, you can BUZZ on over to Okemo Mountain Resort and enjoy the scenic chair lift ride catching glimpses of the season's first turning leaves.
-- Julie Wood, Golden Stage Inn Bed & Breakfast, Proctorsville, VT
Fall colors in the Killington area of central Vermont have started developing. Early "Signal Trees" which lead the change each year are starting to show some sharp colors.With ample moisture all summer, and mild temperatures, the leaf canopy in the forests around Killington grew very dense this summer. Historically when this happens, colors in the forest should be very pronounced due to the sheer volume of leaves changing colors.
At the Birch Ridge Inn at Killington, trees behind the inn have started their annual change in color. Daily fall foliage pictures of the same scene at the inn are posted. The picture is from the inn on Saturday September 2 showing the color change taking place in the forest behind the inn. In addition, fall galleries from the last 10 years are also contained on the site to allow visitors to compare this year's progression of color changes to prior years.
-- Bill Vines, Innkeeper, Birch Ridge Inn, Killington, VT
SOUTHERN VERMONT
Well, things are moving along at a breakneck speed here in Grafton! Where did summer Go???!
We are getting a good dose of rain right now…which is great for the upcoming Foliage! Swimming in our spring fed pond is still being enjoyed by our guests, along with biking, hiking, disc golf and lawn games. Weddings are keeping us busy…they have all been blessed with wonderful weather. My guess is, we are going to have a beautiful foliage…so stay tuned!
-- Steven Griffiths, Assistant Innkeeper, The Grafton Inn, Grafton, VT
Here is a view of some colors starting to change at Stratton.
-- Erin Morley, Stratton Mountain Resort, Stratton, VT
We've begun to see the leaves beginning to color here at the top of the mountain in Woodford. The change during just the last week has made it very clear that summer is nearly over and fall is on the way. We love the cool days and crisp nights and can't wait until the mountains around us are in full color.
-- Linda Warner, Vermont.com, Woodford, VT
While you're enjoying the fall foliage, plan to take in one of Vermont's many Fall Festivals. You'll find events that celebrate everything from the Brattleboro Bacon Festival (9/9) to the Chester Fall Craft Festival (9/16-17) to the Peru Fair (9/23). For comprehensive listing, refer to our Fall Festivals page.
A new restaurant is making a big impression in Burlington, Vermont. The Great Northern is the inspiration of husband and wife team, Frank Pace and Marnie Long, and business partners from the nearby Zero Gravity Craft Brewery. The décor certainly evokes the name with soaring ceilings, plenty of wood, and a stone fireplace. Pace, the restaurant’s chef, carries the “Northern” theme into the dinner menu with some dishes hinting of Scandinavia (as in salmon tartare). Others, however, show Asian notes like the Scallop and Uni from the raw bar or grilled octopus. Much of the menu pays homage to good old Vermont (and New England) dishes with a modern twist. For example, Vermont Quail with cabbage slaw, honey and peanut vinaigrette or Roasted Chicken with local squash, roasted tomatoes, baby fennel, foraged mushrooms, and mustard jus. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are also available.
The restored 19th century bar, carted to Vermont from Seattle, is the backdrop to an excellent drink menu including many local draft beers, interesting cocktails (some featuring Vermont spirits), and domestic and imported wines.
The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday for breakfast through dinner and offers brunch on Sunday.
For more information:
The Great Northern
It’s not too late to plan a summer vacation in Vermont. Warm summer days and cool nights invite you to come explore. Take advantage of summer vacation specials to get even more out of your getaway. Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, Vermont, offers a great deal – arrive Thursday through Monday, stay three nights and the fourth is free. Rates start at $209.
Look at all Lake Morey Resort has to offer. Set on a 600-acre mountain lake, Lake Morey Resort provides recreation opportunities for everyone. Spend the day on the lake paddleboarding, kayaking, or canoeing. Want a little more action? Try waterskiing, wake boarding, or tubing. The premises also have tennis courts, volleyball, basketball, indoor pool and health club. For those looking for something a little less strenuous, the resort includes an impeccably maintained golf course. Or you could just sit quietly and let the magnificent scenery soothe and relax.
Although there is so much to do on site, the local area includes intriguing options. Families will enjoy the Billings Farm and Museum in Woodstock, a working dairy farm with a long history. Just across the road you will find the Billings-Marsh-Rockefeller National Historic Park dedicated to land stewardship and conservation. The park’s mansion is the boyhood home of George Perkins Marsh, one of America’s first conservationists.
Head into Woodstock village for a taste of quintessential Vermont. Stroll the tree-lined streets and visit local shops, some as old as the town itself. A “must-see” is Quechee Gorge in nearby Quechee, Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon. View the gorge 162 feet above the Ottauquechee River or hike the many trails. Visit Simon Pearce Glass, also in Quechee, to watch the creation of hand-blown glass and handmade pottery. For a treat, plan your day to lunch in the Simon Pearce restaurant.
In Vermont, many weekends throughout the year include festivals and fairs. You’ll find everything from traditional country fairs to brewfests to arts and crafts shows. Check the Vermont.com Calendar of Events for events that might interest you.
Basin Harbor lies along the shores of Lake Champlain in Vergennes, Vermont. This 131 year old grand resort hearkens back to the great resorts of times past when escape from the heat of the cities in summer was a common practice by all who could afford such a luxury. Today, rather than avoiding the heat, many of us seek a vacation to relax and unwind from the pressures of modern life. Basin Harbor is the perfect choice. In fact, Basin Harbor offers a special deal to first time visitors as an introduction to all this magnificent resort can offer. The deal – stay two nights and get the third free. Plus you receive complimentary Kid’s Camp for children under 12 during your stay.
For returning visitors, Basin Harbor hasn’t left you out. Take advantage of the unlimited golf and cart package for stays from Sunday to Thursday. This package even includes breakfast for 2 each morning before you hit the links.
In addition to golf, Lake Champlain provides a water playground for all manner of boating, water skiing and tubing, swimming and fishing. Land-based activities abound as well with tennis, croquet, badminton, and hiking. Just want to relax and recharge? Have your morning coffee on the front porch, read a book in one of the Adirondack chairs, or book a spa treatment. The daily calendar of special events will keep you and the kids as busy as you want.
With multiple on-site restaurants, dining at Basin Harbor will suit any occasion – family dinners or special events.
Although the property has so much to offer that you don’t need to leave, the local area does have some fascinating attractions. Right “next door” you will find the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Learn about the maritime history of Lake Champlain, visit replicas of historic ships, or take a shipwreck tour! For something totally different, visit the Vermont Teddy Bear Company in Shelburne and see how these famous bears are made. You’ll even see the bear hospital where ailing bears are cured. For something totally different, head to Shelburne Vineyard also in Shelburne. Try some of their award-winning wines and learn about sustainable agriculture and Vermont wine making.
Throughout the year, Vermont celebrates the bounty of the land, the creativity of its artisans, and the beauty of the landscape with festivals and fairs. Check Vermont.com’s Calendar of Events to see what is happening during the time you plan to visit. An event in the area that you might want to consider is the Annual Harvest Festival at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne on September 16.
However, you choose to spend your getaway, Basin Harbor will help you create treasured memories that might even grow into a family tradition.
It may be mid-August, but summer is still in bloom here in southern Vermont. This is the perfect time to plan a last-minute getaway. Warm days, cool nights, and classic Vermont charm are yours at the historic Grafton Inn in Grafton, Vermont. And right now until September 14, you can take advantage of a special offer that bundles the room rate of $199 with breakfast and an all-access pass to Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center. Established in 1801, the Inn pays homage to its history while providing all the modern comforts. With individually decorated rooms, award-winning dining, and a convenient village setting, the Inn offers the perfect headquarters for your Vermont getaway.
If your idea of outdoor activities is limited to golf, there are a number of nearby courses. Why not try the 27 holes available at Stratton Mountain? Choose between the Forest, the Lake or the Mountain courses.
If your idea of a vacation runs more toward museums, galleries, and general sightseeing, The Grafton Inn is ideally situated to keep you busy and well satisfied. You’ll find everything from the Brattleboro Museum with its modern art to the Grafton History Museum. You might even want to take in some fabulous summer theater at the Weston Playhouse. The Inn’s staff is happy to help you discover local sights, find your way, or suggest things to do.
Throughout the year, Vermont celebrates its beauty, its ties to the land, and its New England traditions with fairs and festivals. For an old-fashioned country fair, check out the Bondville Fair in Bondville on August 25 and be part of this 220 year tradition. Or head to Manchester for the Manchester Food & Wine Classic from August 25-27 and celebrate fine wine, gourmet cuisine and excellent entertainment. For something totally different, attend the open house at the new home of the New England Center for Circus Acts in Brattleboro. Watch a trapeze act, learn to juggle, and tour this fascinating facility.
Wherever your interests lie, the Grafton Inn is the ideal headquarters for your adventures. Even if your visit to Vermont is more about relaxing than doing, the Grafton Inn offers the tranquility and natural beauty that will renew and refresh. Plan your summer getaway today.
Summer is winding down and if you haven’t managed to get away, it’s not too late. Treat yourself to a really special experience at the Kimpton Taconic Hotel in Manchester, Vermont. This boutique hotel offers all the character of the great inns of the past with the modern amenities that make you feel truly pampered. Set in picturesque Manchester Village, the hotel offers exquisite accommodations, excellent dining at the Copper Grouse, an outdoor firepit, fitness center and pool, as well as multiple locations set aside for relaxing and enjoying the beauty of Vermont. Best of all, there are always special offers to find the best deal for your stay at the Taconic. Check them all out to see which is right for you.
The Taconic is perfectly situated to provide a convenient base for your explorations of Manchester and the surrounding area. Walk to outlet stores and unique local shops. Grab lunch at one of the many interesting restaurants. For more active pursuits, hike one of the many local trails. Along the way you will experience the beauty of Vermont’s natural setting from field to forest. Since the Taconic is dog-friendly, you may want to include your “best friend” on your hike.
Or rent a bike and take to the backroads and trails. Why not take a picnic and make a day of it? If your idea of outdoors is limited to golf, Manchester offers a selection of courses for your enjoyment. For example, nearby Stratton offers three courses, the Forest, the Lake, and the Mountains.
If this is your first time in Manchester, you will want to make time to visit Hildene, Robert Todd Lincoln’s summer home. The house, the setting, the gardens… fabulous! Or travel to nearby Bennington and see a wonderful collection of Grandma Moses paintings at the Bennington Museum. For even more art, visit the Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester.
Throughout the year, Vermont celebrates its beauty, its ties to the land, and its New England traditions with fairs and festivals. For an old-fashioned country fair, check out the Bondville Fair in Bondville on August 25 and be part of this 220 year tradition. Or head to Manchester for the Manchester Food & Wine Classic from August 25-27 and celebrate fine wine, gourmet cuisine and excellent entertainment. (The Taconic is even offering a special package to celebrate the Manchester Food & Wine Classic.) If you are a bit of a foodie, you might also want to take in the 22nd Annual Southern Vermont Garlic & Herb Festival in nearby Bennington on September 2-3.
Of course, if your whole idea of a getaway is to just relax, the Taconic is ready to accommodate you. Let the hotel arrange a spa treatment. Rock on the hotel’s front porch and watch the world go by. Or take a drive and enjoy the magnificent natural beauty Vermont offers around every turn.
Even though back-to-school thoughts are foremost in your mind, there is still quite a bit of summer left here in Vermont. If you find you really need a chance to relax before fall gets into full swing, plan your getaway now. A perfect choice for the whole family (or a group of friends) is the Commodores Inn in Stowe. Prices are reasonable, on-site and nearby activities abundant, and hospitality is first-rate.
By visiting in the summer, you may discover why an inn located in the mountains of Vermont has a nautical name. Head to the inn’s 3 ½ acre lake and you might see the Stowe Yacht Club practicing for an upcoming regatta. Regattas in Vermont? Yes, if the boats are remote-controlled replicas of 12-meter racing yachts. And, by the way, the inn’s owner is a national champion in model boat racing.
The lake is also perfect for kayaking and canoeing. All complimentary using the inn’s boats. Or try your hand at fishing. The lake is stocked and waiting for you. In addition, there is open country with trails galore for hiking and mountain biking. If you’ve been to Stowe for skiing, you might enjoy a hike to the summit of Mount Mansfield to see Stowe from a totally new viewpoint.
Families love the fact that there is both an indoor and outdoor pool to amuse the kids – rain or shine. Plus you’ll find nearby miniature golf. The adventuresome adults and kids alike will thrill to the Alpine Slide, Bungee Trampoline, Gondola Sky Ride, Climbing Wall, and Obstacle Course at Stowe Mountain Resort.
If being outdoors for you has to include some golf, you’ll find multiple choices within a reasonable distance. The Vermont landscape makes for some interesting and challenging golf holes – the source for some great golf tales once you return home.
For breakfast and dinner, the Commodores Inn Lighthouse Bar & Grill is certainly convenient and the menu comprehensive enough to please the pickiest eater. For a quick bite or refreshing libation, check out the Commodores Sports Lounge. (Send the kids to the game room with ping pong and other games while you take a much needed rest in the lounge.) Plus you have the extensive selection of dining options available throughout Stowe.
Throughout the year, Vermont offers special fairs and festivals to celebrate the season. For example, you might enjoy the Stowe Wine and Food Classic on August 27. Or perhaps the Stowe Jazz Festival on September 8 is more to your liking. For a complete list of events, check out the Vermont.com Calendar of Events.
Time is running out for a summer vacation so book your getaway today.
For more information:
The final in our series of blogs about fall in Vermont concentrates on northern Vermont including Burlington, Stowe/Smugglers’ Notch, and the Northeast Kingdom. Fall comes to northern Vermont first and foliage reaches peak as early as mid-to-late September. That’s not to say there won’t be plenty of color into October since elevation plays a role as well. Hotels and other lodging book up early, so if you plan on a visit to northern Vermont during foliage season, book early. You can visit Vermont.com's Foliage page to check status throughout the state.
Fall Festivals & Foliage
Of course, the magnificent foliage is not the only reason to visit Vermont in the fall. Against that backdrop you will find a host of outdoor activities to make your visit special. At the top of that list are the Vermont fall festivals, a modern interpretation of the harvest festival.
Nowhere in Vermont is the beauty of the fall foliage embraced with quite the enthusiasm as in the Northeast Kingdom. What better way to view the magnificent colors than with a train ride through the countryside. This is what you can do at the Colors of the Kingdom (9/16) festival in St. Johnsbury. But that’s not all. There are also exhibits, performances, craft sales, farmers’ market, live music, food and more. Another unique version of the harvest festival is Northeast Kingdom Fall Foliage Festival (10/2-8) during which each day is hosted by a different village or town. Enjoy tours, demonstrations and local meals.
Country Fairs
For a real country fair, plan on a visit to the Champlain Valley Fair in Essex Junction (8/25-9/3). In operation since 1921, the Fair is everything you can imagine and more – exhibitions of livestock and award-winning vegetables, world-class entertainers, and amusements. And food! Is there anything quite like carnival food?
The Burke Fall Foliage Festival (9/30) also pays homage to the rural character of Vermont with horse-drawn wagon rides, pony rides, farm animal petting zoo, and an interactive wildlife show. Add a parade, craft show, live music, kids’ activities, and food and drink, and you have the perfect fall afternoon.
Arts & Crafts Shows
One modern evolution of the harvest festival is the arts and crafts show. Rather than exhibiting prize winning vegetables, the artisans display their hand-made art objects. One big difference – all those wonderful crafts are available for you to buy. You’ll find everything from jewelry to clothing to wooden toys to pottery. Do your holiday shopping early. Some of the art and craft shows in the Northeast Kingdom include Mad River Craft Fair (9/2-3) in Waitsfield, Burke Fall Foliage Festival (9/30) in East Burke, Stowe Foliage Art Festival (10/6-8) in Stowe, and Essex Fall Craft & Fine Art Show (10/27-29) in Essex Junction. For a complete list of fall festivals, consult the Vermont.com Fall Festivals page.
Oktoberfest in Vermont
Borrowing from the Germans, Stowe transforms into a Bavarian village for the celebration of Oktoberfest (9/29-10/1) each fall. Enjoy traditional Bavarian foods, Oompah bands, dancing and singing, and Vermont beers. This event is fun for young and old alike. Jay Peak also celebrates Octoberfest with their Annual Bean & Brew (10/7).
Selecting a Place to Stay
When considering northern Vermont this fall, come for the foliage, stay for the festivals. Selecting a place to stay is easy because there are so many choices. Maybe you want to stay in Burlington because of its shopping and dining options. Choose lodging in the Burlington area from traditional inns or family-friendly hotels like the Comfort Inn & Suites. For a really special experience, choose a resort setting like the Essex Resort & Spa in Essex or Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Smugglers’ Notch. For an authentic Vermont country experience, consider one of the log cabins at the Sterling Ridge Resort in Jeffersonville. For hotel and inn suggestions in the Northeast Kingdom, consult Vermont.com's lodging page for the area.
And, don’t forget, fall in Vermont is even more than foliage and festivals. The weather is perfect, crisp and cool, for a hike in the mountains or a bike ride along country lanes. In addition, Smugglers’ Notch Resort offers an a host of outdoor adventures like a zip line, a skate park, Segway tours, and more -- fun for the whole family. For more ideas on fall activities, check Vermont.com.
A recently posted blog looked at the fall festivals being celebrated in Vermont’s southern region. In this blog, we will focus on the central regions of Vermont including Woodstock, Rutland, and Killington. Just as in the southern part of the state, fall is a very busy time of year and hotels book up quickly. The weather is wonderful, cool and clear, and the foliage is truly magnificent. It’s a perfect time of year for a bike ride along country lanes or a hike into the mountains. And then there are all those harvest festivals….
Here’s a sampling of what you can find in central Vermont this fall:
The Modern Harvest Festival
As the modern descendant of the traditional harvest festival, Vermont’s fall festivals retain many of the same attributes – food, entertainment, and a celebration of nature’s bounty. Where better to experience the harvest than on a farm, specifically Billings Farm in Woodstock? Join the staff at the Pumpkin & Apple Celebration (9/30-10/1) for a day of hands-on activities including pressing cider and making ice cream. Or visit October 7-8 for Harvest Weekend and see how the farm prepares for winter. Learn how to harvest root vegetables, how to preserve and store food, and join in a barn dance with live music. Halloween on the farm (10/29) means pumpkin carving, wagon rides, Halloween parade, and lots of treats and games.
For a fall festival that offers something for everyone, visit the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park in Woodstock (9/23-24). In partnership with Billings Farm, you will experience a unique taste of Vermont at the Vermont Forest Festival. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride, enjoy hands-on crafts, woodworking demonstrations, and hikes through the color-drenched forests with knowledgeable forest guides.
Other harvest festivals in the central part of the state include the Apple & Cheese Harvest Festival (9/24) at the Justin Morrill State Historic Site in Strafford and the Fall into Winter (10/7) at Okemo with music, hayrides, and lots of fun.
For something totally different, check out the Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival (9/30-10/1) in Tunbridge. This festival includes everything related to wool. Meet the animals, purchase hand-spun yarns, attend workshops, watch sheep herding demonstrations, and more.
Arts & Crafts Festivals
Plus there are a number of traditional craft shows scheduled. The Fall Craft Festival on Chester Green (9/16-17) annually celebrates fall with a show of arts and crafts, artisan demonstrations, and lots of delicious food. At Art in the Park (10/7-8) presented by the Chaffee Art Center in Rutland, delight in over 100 artisans, artists and crafters as they display their works of painting, photography, wood craft, metal work, quilts and more. Stroll through the park, enjoy the art, get a bite to eat, and make a day of it.
Oktoberfest in Vermont
Vermonters love their craft brews and love showing off their unique creations at exhibitions and brewfests. To sample from some of Vermont’s best, mark your calendar for the Killington Brewfest (9/30). Or head to Basin Harbor Resort in Vergennes for their famous Roktoberfest: Beer, Bacon & Bands (10/14). What’s not to like about that?
For a complete list of Vermont’s fall festivals, go to Vermont.com’s Fall Festivals page.
Where to Stay and More to Do
Central Vermont offers a varied selection of lodging opportunities from resort properties like Basin Harbor (Vergennes) and Lake Morey Resort (Fairlee) to elegant inns like the Red Clover Inn (Mendon) or Chalet Killington (Killington) to family-friendly hotels like the Quality Inn (Quechee) or Best Western (Rutland). There is always plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy in addition to the festivals. Enjoy the fall foliage with a hike on mountain ski trails or a bike excursion from village to village along country roads. (A stay in Quechee should definitely include a hike in the gorge to view the foliage.) Or find excitement at Killington and Okemo’s adventure parks. Looking for something a little tamer? How about a round of golf at one of the many courses in central Vermont? Lake Morey and Basin Harbor both have excellent courses. However you fill your days, central Vermont in the fall is a perfect choice for week-long vacation or a weekend getaway.
It might seem strange at the height of summer to begin thinking about fall. (I know the back-to-school ads begin way too soon!) But scheduling a fall getaway to Vermont during the very popular foliage season takes a lot of pre-planning. Rooms in hotels and inns book up very quickly, especially for the weekend dates.
The popularity of this time of year in Vermont isn’t just about the magnificent foliage and apple cider donuts! Fall festivals – the modern evolution of the traditional harvest festival – abound. These fall festivals include everything from old-fashioned country fairs to arts & crafts exhibits to craft brew expos. There is literally something for everyone. For an extensive listing of the fall festivals in Vermont, check out the Vermont.com’s Fall Festivals page.
Here’s a little sampling of what you will find in southern Vermont.
Festivals in Manchester
If you’re coming from New England or New York, southern Vermont is practically in your backyard. Why not plan a getaway to Manchester for the Manchester Arts & Crafts Festival (9/29-10/1)? Exhibits include pottery, jewelry, clothing and so much more. These are not the crafts you find at a local church fair; these are magnificent works of art created by extremely talented artisans. Or you might be more interested in Antiques at Stratton (9/29-30) held at nearby Stratton Mountain. For something totally different, consider the ITVFest in Manchester (10/11-15). ITVFest is the original public festival and creative network of the world’s best independent TV pilots and webseries. Although there will be entertainment industry folks in attendance, you will also find those who just love TV as a creative art form.
Lodging choices in Manchester include everything from the luxurious boutique hotels like the Kimpton Taconic to historic inns like the Wilburton Inn to the family-friendly, newly-opened Hampton Inn & Suites. Dining choices are extensive and outdoor activities are many and varied.
Food-Lovers Festivals in Southern Vermont
Food lovers (as well as cooks) will love the Bennington Garlic & Herb Festival (9/2-3). Taste garlic delicacies, buy garlic, and enjoy live entertainment. You won’t believe how much fun garlic can be. In the southeast corner of the state is Brattleboro, Vermont, and the Brattleboro Bacon Festival (9/9)! If you like bacon and love to eat, you need to put this festival on your schedule.
Oktoberfest in Vermont
The craft brewers of Vermont embrace the tradition of Oktoberfest and offer you a chance to sample their unique brews at a number of festivals during the fall. Choose from the Mt. Snow Brewers’ Festival in W. Dover (9/2-3), Bennington Octoberfest (10/8), Columbus Day Weekend & Harvest Fest at Stratton (10/7-9), and the Annual Mt. Snow Octoberfest at Mt. Snow in W. Dover (10/7-8). If wine is more to your taste, you might decide to take in Vermont Wine & Harvest Festival (9/23) at Mt. Snow Resort in W. Dover instead.
For accommodations in Brattleboro, opt for a traditional hotel or get outside the city and find a quaint country inn like The Grafton Inn in Grafton. There are a number of inns near the ski resorts of Stratton and Mt. Snow also. Dining choices in southern Vermont offer fine dining, brew pubs, and eclectic restaurants.
The Peru Fair - Something for Everyone
For a festival that offers a little bit of everything – traditional harvest fair, arts & crafts expo, as well as food and entertainment – visit the Peru Fair (9/23) in Peru, Vermont. The main street of the village transforms into a pedestrian mall with booths offering food and crafts of all types. Throughout the day there is music, dancing, and a parade all culminating in the famous, outdoor pig roast. A good time for all!
Vermont.com is an excellent source for other events and activities, lodging or dining choices, or shopping opportunities. Play a round or two of golf, go for a hike, rent a bike for a ride along country roads. Focus your search by region and category.
Vermont has a reputation for wonderful, old-fashioned swimming holes. With all the rivers and streams flowing down and around the mountains, it’s not surprising. One of the more famous is the Dorset Quarry. Back in the early years of the 20th century, the quarry was the source for marble used in the building of the New York Public Library, the Montreal Museum of Fine Art and Harvard Medical School, as well as many other projects. However, the use of inexpensive concrete slowed the demand for marble and the quarry was shut about 1917. A spring and nearby stream filled the excavation with water and the swimming hole was born.
During the 20s and 30s local children shared the swimming hole with adults, hot after a day spent in the fields. As time moved on, word of the quarry as one of Vermont’s great swimming holes spread. Today, with social media and the internet, its popularity has exploded. Some of its fame is undoubtedly due to the improvements the current owners have made to the property since they acquired it in 1997. Kirsten and Dick McDonough cleared out trees and brush to make access easier; plus, they created a picnic area as well as an actual parking lot. They hired an excavator to move some of the stone blocks to create a wall and they cleaned up years’ worth of trash.
Today, the quarry offers a large swimming area, about 120 by 30 yards. It is surrounded by sheer cliffs of varying heights. Only the bravest jump from the highest elevations of about 20 feet. This gives rise to a lot of cheering and screeching – testament to the good times being had by all. Additionally, there are large flat areas perfect for sunbathing or picnicking. It’s important to note that there are only porta potties and no changing rooms. It is, after all, an old-fashioned swimming hole.
While you’re in the area, make a visit to the picturesque town of Dorset, just up the road. Visit the H.N. Williams store which has been family-owned since 1840. Need we say more? If you’re looking for a bite to eat, both H.N. Williams and the Dorset Union Store can provide you sandwiches, drinks and more. A stop at the Dorset Rising bakery will be a sweet end to your meal. Plan ahead and take in a show at the Dorset Theatre or find a place to stay the night in the Dorset/Manchester area. You can check the local Dorset weather through Vermont.com as well.
When the skiing ends and the mountains turn green, Vermont becomes a summer playground with activities enough to please everyone. Take advantage of wonderful hiking trails, biking adventures for all skill levels, fishing, boating and swimming on the many lakes, rivers and ponds, and so much golf you can play a different course each day. Visit one of the many adventure parks with the kids or spend the day on a farm or a factory tour. Plus there’s shopping from outlet stores to artisan boutiques to fairs and 
craft shows. As for food … Vermont offers up some of the freshest farm-to-table cuisine in the country. Sample the local craft brews to truly enhance your meal. Visitors can also take in summer theater and multiple music festivals. And then, there is the scenery. Bright blue skies, magnificent green mountains, and quaint New England villages set among the forests and farms. Pick a place to stay that is just right for you and your budget. Choose from luxury hotels and resorts, historic inns, and family-friendly properties and campgrounds. You’ll even find pet friendly lodging. To learn more about just how much Vermont has to offer you this summer, check out the following regional blogs:
Summertime in the Burlington, Stowe Area
Summertime in Central Vermont
Summertime in Southern Vermont
If you think of Vermont as a place to visit just to ski, you’re missing half the fun. Vermont in summer is truly a vacation paradise. Warm days and cool nights are perfect for getting outdoors and enjoying what Vermont has to offer. If your interests run to activities that are a little less physical, summer in Vermont has plenty to keep you busy also. In this article, we will look at southern Vermont. This area is easily reachable from anywhere in New England and New York making it is a very popular vacation destination.
Hiking
Vermont has 4.46 million acres of forest of which the local, state, and federal government hold 19%. With all that woodland to explore, hiking trails abound. And, there’s a trail just right for everyone – long and short, easy or challenging. Check the Vermont State Parks website for information on a number of trails, complete with length and difficulty assessment. The Green Mountain Club website also offers suggestions for day hikes and provides pointers.
Biking
Another wonderful way to get outside and see the natural beauty the state has to offer is to take to the trails on a mountain bike. The non-profit organization Vermont Mountain Bike Association is a good source to find trails that will conform to your ability levels. Local bike shops often rent bikes and can share a wealth of information about local trails and conditions.
Water Sports
If you think “water sports” when you think summer, Vermont has you covered with canoeing and kayaking, swimming, and tubing. As home to many lakes and rivers, Vermont offers some excellent locations to indulge in all manner of watersports. Many of the state parks not only have ponds and lakes, but also rent canoes and kayaks for recreation. Visit the Vermont State Parks website for complete details. The same website will also let you know where swimming is permitted and what the conditions are like. When it comes to swimming, Vermont is also home to many local swimming holes in rivers and streams. Talk with the locals to get the best intel. In addition, some of those same rivers and streams are ideal locations for tubing. Just remember, you will either have to have someone downstream to pick you up or hike all the way back. For kayaking, canoeing, or tubing on the Battenkill in Manchester, check Vermont River Runners for equipment, shuttles, and all-around know-how.
Fishing
All those rivers and lakes make for some really excellent fishing. A number of the state parks will even loan you fishing gear to try your luck. For the more serious fisherman, consult Vermont Fish and Wildlife to determine where to fish and what can be caught there. (If you really live and breathe fishing, you might be interested in visiting the American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester, Vermont.)
Golf
If golf is a must-have for your vacation, Vermont can certainly accommodate. You will find a choice of courses in southern Vermont. Everything from mountain courses to valley links. Want to play every day? You might even be able to play a different course each day without driving for much more than an hour. Check the Vermont.com Golf Guide to find courses near your lodging.
Sightseeing
For those who lean toward activities that are a little less physical, southern Vermont offers some interesting history and sightseeing. Bennington, in southwestern Vermont, is home to the Bennington Museum which holds a large collection of Grandma Moses’ paintings as well as artifacts from the early days in Vermont. Bennington is also home to the Bennington Battle Monument commemorating the Battle of Bennington, a turning point in the Revolutionary War. The tallest structure in Vermont, you can ride to the top for breathtaking views of the countryside. If history fascinates you, you will want to visit Hildene in Manchester. Hildene is the summer home of Robert Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s son. This 1905 Georgian Revival mansion gives you insight into the daily life of the Lincoln family through its authentic décor and furnishings.
In addition to Robert Lincoln, southern Vermont has been home to others whose names you will recognize. Visit Arlington and see the home in which Norman Rockwell lived and worked during the middle part of his life. Or head to nearby Shaftsbury to visit the house in which Robert Frost lived from 1920 to 1929. The famous poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” may even have been written there. Nearby Dorset is the site of Bill W’s grave, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Weston, Vermont offers a glimpse into early 19th century village life. Among the town's mini museums is the Old Mill, an actual operating water-powered gristmill and the Farrar-Mansur House filled with period heirlooms in room settings.
Beautiful vistas are available almost everywhere in Vermont. For a really special view, take Skyline Drive to the top of Mount Equinox in Sunderland. At 3,848 feet above sea level, your view from the summit offers panoramic views all the way to the White Mountains of New Hampshire in the east, the Berkshires in Massachusetts to the south, and the Adirondack Mountains in New York to the west.
Art & Theater
Vermont is not all sports and scenery. Summer theater is alive and well in southern Vermont with performances at the Weston Playhouse in Weston, the Dorset Theatre Festival in Dorset, and Oldcastle Theater in Bennington. Fine arts also have a permanent home in Vermont with many talented artists living locally. See their works at galleries and outdoor art & craft shows all summer long. Check Vermont.com’s Calendar of Events to find dates of upcoming shows and events.
Dining & Breweries
There is probably no spot in the USA that embraces the farm-to-table philosophy of dining quite as enthusiastically as Vermont. Restaurant owners and chefs have direct purchasing relationships with local farmers and prepare menus based upon what is seasonally fresh. This relationship extends to meats, cheeses, and other foods from Vermont’s working farms. Dining in Vermont is often not only delicious, but completely unique. Check Vermont.com for dining suggestions in southern Vermont. The Manchester Restaurant Guide offers recommended choices specifically for the Manchester area.
Vermonters also turn their culinary creativity to the brewing of beer. The state currently has over 40 independent breweries with more popping up every day. Many offer tastings and tours. At others, a full service restaurant shares the space. Vermont.com can help you find local breweries throughout the state.
Shopping
It wouldn’t be a vacation if you didn’t do a little shopping. Whether your desire is to purchase gifts for the folks back home, a souvenir for yourself, or something special from a local artist, southern Vermont has so many choices. From outlet stores in Manchester to fine art galleries in Brattleboro to souvenir shops in Bennington or Wilmington, you’ll have a hard time saying “no.”
Special Events
All summer long, local villages and towns hold special events. This is only a partial list. Check the Vermont.com Calendar of Events often as new events are continually added:
6/22-25 Wanderlust Stratton
7/4- 8/13 Vermont Summer Festival (Horse Show) E. Dorset
7/15-8/13 Marlboro Music Festival Marlboro
8/4 Southern Vermont Arts & Crafts Bennington
8/10-13 Manchester Sidewalk Sales Manchester
8/25-27 Manchester Food & Wine Manchester
Lodging
Perhaps your visit to Vermont began with a selection of where to stay. Your choice might have included a favorite resort hotel you stayed in during ski season, a romantic B&B, or a family-friendly campsite. For a truly special getaway, consider the luxurious, boutique Kimpton Taconic Hotel in Manchester. Or, for a traditional Vermont country inn experience, try the Landgrove Inn in Landgrove, Vermont. Whatever your needs or budget, Vermont.com has all the information you will need to find lodging that is ideal for you. Sort your lodging choices by kind of accommodation as well as by region. Vermont.com can even help you identify hotels and inns that are pet-friendly.
We believe if you visit Vermont this summer you will come back again and again. We can’t wait to see you!
For information on other parts of Vermont, visit these blogs:
Summertime in the Burlington, Stowe Area
Summertime in Central Vermont
Vermont is much more than a winter ski destination. In the first blog of this series, we looked at all the activities available during the summer in northern Vermont. Now we look at central Vermont which includes the Woodstock, Killington, and Ludlow (Okemo) areas.
Hiking
With 55 state parks throughout the state, Vermont offers an abundance of outdoor activities for visitors. Hiking is certainly one of the more popular pursuits. The Vermont State Parks website will provide information for hikers, park by park. It details trail length, difficulty, estimated hiking time and kid-friendliness. In addition, the more adventurous might want to hike the ski trails on the mountains of Killington, Ascutney, or Okemo. For the less adventurous, many communities have local walks which allow you to enjoy nature and experience village life. The Trail Around Middlebury offers 16 miles of footpaths that circle the village through town and conservation lands. If you are staying in the Woodstock area, a hike up Mt. Tom with a picnic lunch is recommended.
Biking
Mountain or back-country biking is another wonderful way to see a bit of Vermont and enjoy its incomparable scenery. Rent bikes locally or bring yours from home. For a real adventure, Okemo Mountain Resort offers lift-served mountain biking with access to more than three miles of trails.
Water Sports
If summer just has to include water sports,central Vermont has all it all. Once again, the Vermont State Parks offer swimming, boating, and fishing. Many rent canoes or kayaks. Some even rent fishing equipment. Check with Vermont State Parks website for details on each park. Local rivers and streams are often home to local swimming holes which villagers are happy to share. The Ottauquechee River in the Woodstock area is known to have a few swimming holes perfect for a quick dip.
Adventure Parks
The ski resorts at Killington and Okemo transform themselves in the summer to fun adventure parks. At Killington, you might start your adventure with a ride on the Beast Mountain Coaster, a 4,800 foot long alpine coaster that twists and turns through the woods. Now that you have your blood pumping, try the Skyline zipline for an exhilarating ride or the Skyejump, a bungee-assisted fall from the ledge of a 30’ tower. Killington Adventure Park also offers Skye Bounce, Skyeride, Skye Ropes Course, Terra-Maze and more. Fun for the whole family!
Okemo also morphs into an amazing summer adventure resort. Start with a ride on the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster, where sled-like cars carry you down the mountainside. You control the speed, so go as fast or slow as you like. Try the Stump Jumper Bungee Trampoline or launch yourself onto the AMP Energy Big Air bag (the same kind of air bag used for movie stunts). Play miniature golf or try Okemo’s disc golf course. Take a scenic chair lift ride or tackle the climbing wall.
Golf
For more conventional summer activity, Okemo offers two golf courses and Killington, one. Other golf courses in the area can be found with Vermont.com's Golf Guide.
Shopping
If a vacation is just not a vacation without some shopping, central Vermont will not disappoint. Stroll through the quaint village of Woodstock and make sure not to miss Gillingham’s which has been operating in Woodstock since 1886. Choose from unique Vermont products, crafts and gifts. While in Woodstock, you should also check out Farmhouse Pottery, old-world potters who produce beautiful pieces perfect for the modern day. If you have an appreciation of old world crafts, head to nearby Quechee to visit Simon Pearce for beautiful glassware and pottery made right on site. You can even watch how it’s made or stop for a bite to eat in the restaurant.
Shops near Killington offer everything from souvenirs to sports clothing to sporting equipment. For more conventional shopping, head to the city of Rutland. You can even drive the hour or so to Manchester for everything from souvenirs to outlet stores to unique Vermont-made artworks.
Vermont Attractions
Other “not-to-be-missed” attractions in the area include Billings Farm and Museum in Woodstock. Visit with farm livestock including the award-winning Jersey cows at this fully-operational dairy farm. Tour the restored 1890 farm house and take part in hands-on activities. Just across the road lies the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park. You can tour the 19th century mansion and gardens, hike the managed forest, and visit the conservation stewardship exhibit in the Carriage Barn Visitor Center.
Special Events
Celebrate summer along with Vermont natives at special festivals and events. Here is just a partial list of things happening in Central Vermont this summer. For a more complete list, consult the Vermont.com Calendar of Events.
6/16-18, Quechee, 2017 Hot Air Balloon, Fine Art, Craft and Music Festival
6/24, Springfield, Springfield Strawberry Festival
7/1, Ludlow, Ludlow Arts and Craft Festival
7/9-15, Middlebury, 39th Annual Middlebury Summer Festival on the Green
7/14-16, Killington, Killington Wine Festival
8/4-6, Ludlow, Okemo’s Annual Hops in the Hills Beer & Wine Festival
8/8-12 New Haven, Addison County Fair and Field Days
8/12-13, Rutland, Rutland Art in the Park
8/15-19, Rutland, The Vermont State Fair
8/19, Castleton, Castleton Colonial Day
8/26-27, Ludlow, Okemo Valley Antique & Classic Truck/Car Show
Lodging
So much to do! It’s worth mentioning that Vermont also has a huge number of lodging choices throughout the state to meet all your needs. Everything from quaint country B&Bs to luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. For a really special place, consider the Basin Harbor Resort & Boat Club on the shores of Lake Champlain in Vergennes. Or perhaps The Red Clover Inn in Mendon has the old-world charm you’re looking for. For a totally kid-friendly choice, you can’t go wrong with the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Mount Ascutney Resort in Brownsville, Vermont. For many more suggestions, consult the Vermont.com hotels & lodging web pages.
We can’t wait to see you this summer!
For information on other parts of Vermont, visit these blogs:
Summertime in the Burlington, Stowe Area
Summertime in Southern Vermont
Burlington and Lake Champlain
Burlington is the largest city in the state of Vermont and, as such, offers an extensive choice of things to do. Home to the University of Vermont, the city is vibrant and youthful with an eclectic mix of traditional New England and the more exotic. Unlike many US cities, Burlington is as much about the outdoors as the indoors. Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, the city’s Waterfront Park is an ideal place to take a scenic bike ride, stroll to a picturesque picnic spot, or just sit to watch the sun set over the lake. For a unique way to acquaint yourself with the city, try a Segway tour.
Want to get out on the water? Head to Community Sailing Center and rent a canoe, kayak, or even a sailboat. Or try the newest watersport, paddleboarding. (There is a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll love exploring the bay.)
With all that waterfront, there are a number of beaches set aside for swimming. North Beach is probably the most classic swim location, frequented by UVM students as it is near campus. Or, why not jump on your bike and take the bike path toward Oakledge. Along the way you will find a sandy strip with lake access. Or for the more daring, head to Red Rocks in South Burlington and do some cliff jumping. (There are also spots where the less daring can ease into the water in a secluded, natural setting.)
If fishing is your watersport, Lake Champlain and area rivers are calling you. Head to Oakledge Park, just south of downtown Burlington and take advantage of some great fishing. This area is located near both very deep and very shallow aquatic habitats so you may encounter both warm and cold water species. Just minutes from Burlington is Salmon Hole on the Winooski River just below the Winooski One Dam. Fish from the shore for a variety of species.
Another way to get into the water and away from the city is to check out the Vermont State Parks, a large number of which are in the Burlington area. In addition to swimming, many offer canoe and kayak rentals. (Take a picnic with you and enjoy a day getting back to nature.)
Stowe Area
To truly enjoy the beauty that is Vermont, head to Stowe, home to Vermont’s highest peak, Mt. Mansfield. Although best known for its skiing, Stowe is a wonderful summer destination as well. The list of activities is extensive. Go mountain biking on the skiing trails or, for an easier outing, stay on the Stowe Recreation Path. To really enjoy the outdoors, plan a hike into the woods or up the mountain. Stowe has a number of well-marked trails for hikers of all ability levels. For a real adventure, try the Stowe Mountain Resort ZipTour. Fly down from the top of Mt. Mansfield at speeds up to 60 mph! (Don’t panic. You control the speed, so you can slow it down if you want.) Photo credit: Sharon Harper, Stow Area Association
The Stowe area offers excellent golf opportunities as well. And, there is even mini-golf for the less skilled. For a real treat, book a dogcarting tour. Dogcarting is the summer version of dogsledding available from Eden Dog Sledding. (Peace Pups Dog Sledding does not run the dogs in summer, but does invite you to a daily kennel visit.) Meet the dogs and enjoy this unique trip into the countryside.
If planning is not your thing, consider staying at Smugglers’ Notch Resort where you can keep the whole family engaged and happy right on the resort property. Choose from activities as diverse as the Arbor Trek Zip Line Canopy Tour to the newest sport of flyboarding (using a personal water craft to elevate into the air with water jet propulsion). You’ll find play areas and water parks for the kids, multiple dining options, as well as yoga and massage to help you relax and renew. There’s so much to do that you can indulge in something different each day.
Nearby Factory Tours, Breweries, and Shopping
For a break from all that activity, why not take friends and family on a factory tour? For a visit everyone will love, head to Waterbury for a visit to Ben & Jerry’s to see how they make that wonderful ice cream. Don’t forget to make a stop at the Flavor Graveyard “to pay your respects to the dearly de-pinted flavors of years past.” You might also want to visit the Vermont Teddy Bear Company in Shelburne and watch these famous bears being made. The tour will even show you the Bear Hospital where injured bears are nursed back to health. (Vermont Teddy Bears are actually guaranteed for life and the “hospital” repairs those bears returned due to “injury.”) A visit to Lake Champlain Chocolates in Burlington is a stop for all with a sweet tooth. See these fabulous chocolates being made and make sure to purchase some for later.
Vermont has more breweries per capita than any other state in the US and a good number are located in the Burlington, Waterbury, Stowe area. The oldest/longest running craft brewery in the state (and the one that started the craft brewing industry here in 1988) is The Vermont Pub & Brewery in Burlington. For the “grown-ups,” why not take a brewery tour and sample some of the local craft beers? There are also cider mills, wineries and distilleries that you can visit.
And, of course, there is always shopping, whether you are looking for gifts to take home to friends and family or searching for something special for yourself. Church Street Marketplace in Burlington is an open air mall with a truly eclectic mix of shops. You’ll find everything from clothing to gifts to fine art. (For more Burlington shopping ideas, check out Vermont.com's Burlington Shopping Guide.) Or shop the quaint village of Stowe with over 70 shops to indulge your shopping bug.
Dining
Whatever you do to fill your days, you’re going to build an appetite. Fresh, delicious food is a Vermont tradition and you will find excellent dining choices almost everywhere. Check out the Burlington Dining Guide for some delicious suggestions.
Special Events for Northern Vermont
Coordinate your visit with one of the summer festivals listed below and check out the Vermont.com Calendar of Events for even more local happenings.
6/2-11 Burlington Discover Jazz Festival Burlington
6/23-25 Vermont Quilt Festival Essex Junction
6/23-25 B3 Fest: Bikes, Brews, and Beats Stowe
6/24-25 Vermont Renaissance Faire Stowe
6/29-7/1 Frendly Gathering Music Festival Warren
7/8 Antiques and Uniques Festival Craftsbury
7/14-15 The Waterbury Arts Waterbury
7/16 Vermont Cheesemakers Festival Shelburne
8/12 Jay Summer Fest Jay
8/16-20 Orleans County Fair Barton
8/23-27 Caledonia County Fair Lyndonville
8/25-9/3 Champlain Valley Fair Essex Junction
Lodging
So, what are you waiting for? Book a getaway to northern Vermont for this summer. Lodging choices include hotels, resort properties, traditional Vermont inns, and family-friendly campsites. Whatever your budget or your needs, you’ll find a solution. Many hotels and resorts offer very special amenities as well. For example, enjoy fabulous dining in a luxurious setting at the Essex Resort & Spa in Essex, Vermont, just outside Burlington. Not only will you find wonderful meals at this culinary resort, you can even book relaxing spa treatments to pamper yourself. Bringing the whole family? You might check out the Comfort Inn and Suites in Burlington. Convenient to downtown, the hotel offers extras like complimentary buffet breakfast, in-room Nintendo game system, and seasonal outdoor pool. For a more traditional approach, The Green Mountain Inn in Stowe is everything you imagine a Vermont inn should be with the perfect blend of modern amenities and classic touches. The Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa in Stowe offers luxurious accommodations as well as a world-class spa for a truly relaxing getaway. Another alternative might be the Sterling Ridge Resort log cabins located on a back road in Jeffersonville with views of Mt. Mansfield. These cabins are a perfect choice for the family and offer all the modern amenities. Don't forget to consider a family-friendly campsite like the Shelburne Camping Area. For many more selections, check the Hotels & Lodging section on Vermont.com or the Stowe city page for more Stowe area accommodations.
For information on other parts of Vermont, visit these blogs:
Summertime in Central Vermont
Summertime in Southern Vermont
Third in the series of blogs on destination elopement in Vermont is a look at mid Vermont, the Burlington area, and all the way to the Canadian border.
A discussion of elopement venues would be incomplete without including The Essex Resort & Spa in Essex, Vermont. Situated near Burlington, the Resort lies in a tranquil setting with spectacular views and magnificent landscaped grounds. The Essex is billed as a culinary resort with world-class chefs and a menu inspired by the best local ingredients. Additionally, there is a full-service spa on the property. The perfect place to pamper yourselves on your special day. Although the resort does not offer a special elopement package, the wedding planners on staff are happy to discuss your plans and will strive to make your day memorable. (Photo credit - Hannah Weddings.)
If you are looking for something much more intimate in Burlington, check out Lang House conveniently located only 3 miles from the airport and easily accessed by road. This Queen Anne Victorian offers only 11 guest rooms, so you and any guests you invite to join you will be treated as VIPs by staff. Take advantage of the special Elopement Package and receive a two-night stay in the guestroom of your choice, bottle of wine, artisanal cheese plate and Lake Champlain Truffles on arrival, ceremony flowers for two and in-room flower arrangement, Justice of the Peace for your ceremony, sparkling beverage and wedding cake for two, two Lang House robes, breakfast in bed one morning, and late checkout (12:30 pm) the day after your ceremony. All this for $1750. You may choose to exchange your vows inside the romantic Victorian home or, weather permitting, take advantage of the lovely private gardens. Talk with the staff beforehand and they will work to make all your dreams come true.
Another option for an intimate wedding is to head to the West Hill House B&B in Warren, Vermont. Tucked into the Mad River Valley and close to skiing, the inn offers comfort and tranquility for your special day. With only 9 guest rooms, you are assured that your wedding will be the only event taking place that day. The B&B offers two packages from which to choose. The first – Just Us – A Wedding for Two – is based upon a midweek date and no guests. This option provides a Justice of the Peace to perform the ceremony, a wedding cake and bottle of Champagne or sparkling cider, two keepsake champagne flutes, photography of the ceremony, seasonal flowers for the two of you (or a table arrangement), and two weekday night’s lodging in either the Garden Room or Highland Room. This option is priced at $1,049 plus tax. If you want a weekend date or want to include up to 16 guests, you can upgrade to the Diamond Elopement package. With this package you receive everything in the Just Us package plus upgraded lodging to two weekday or weekend nights in the Paris suite, Wildflower Room or Mountain Room, and up to 16 guests for an extra $20 each (does not include room charge). This option is priced at $1249. Of course, the staff is happy to discuss any other wishes you have to make this day everything you’ve dreamed of.
The Inn at the Round Barn Farm in Waitsfield and near Mad River Valley skiing, has a great deal of experience in hosting weddings, large and small. They even have a wedding officiant on staff! Whether you choose a summer wedding surrounded by colorful gardens or want the winter snow as the backdrop to your special day, the Inn is lovely place to take your vows. Although the Inn does not offer a specific package for elopement, the Romance Package offers a room with a king size bed, a bottle of sparkling rose and local artisanal chocolates, plus a three-course dinner at The Pitcher Inn and chef-prepared organic breakfast for $475. For anything else you want to make your wedding complete, the staff is happy to help.
Basin Harbor in Vergennes right on Lake Champlain is a magnificent location for a summer wedding. (The resort is not open in the winter.) For a private romantic getaway, stay in one of the 74 private cottages on the property. The resort is also pet-friendly so feel free to include your best friend in your wedding plans. Choose from lakeside settings to magnificent gardens to charming indoor spaces to take your vows. Celebrate afterwards at one of the on-site dining venues. Whether you limit your elopement to just the two of you or invite a few selected guests, Basin Harbor wedding planners will help you coordinate all the details.
Located near Stowe, The Governor’s House in Hyde Park combines old-world charm with modern luxury. With gracious elegance, the inn is a perfect choice for a stress-free elopement. In fact, the inn’s elopement package “will make eloping so very simple, so simple we call it Elope to Vermont – it’s a piece of cake!” The package includes two-night stay in the English Room, the Blue Room or the Pink Room. (Each has a queen-size bed and working gas fireplace.) Also included is full breakfast each morning, a private candlelit dinner for two, a bottle of champagne, a small bouquet, a justice of the peace to perform the ceremony, and a wedding cake. In addition, for couples from outside Vermont, the inn staff will assist with obtaining the marriage license. The Elope to Vermont package is only $735 with a surcharge applied for some holiday weekends, Christmas, or fall foliage season. Your plans for your wedding day probably include more than this basic list of services. That’s OK. The Inn is happy to help you complete your plans by adding special experiences such as a sleigh ride or a hot air balloon ride or even a mountain top picnic. In addition, the inn has arranged a special package with a local photographer shoot before, during, and after your ceremony. (You can even opt for video photography of your wedding.) If you decide to share your elopement with a few friends and family, the inn will even offer them a 10% discount on regular room rates. You can even include them in your private dinner. For a totally different wedding ceremony, how about taking your vows in a hot-air balloon as you float over the Vermont hillsides? You get all the services of the elopement package plus the balloon ride for $1275.
Located right in Stowe Village, The Green Mountain Inn offers all the warmth and friendly hospitality for which Vermont inns are famous. Summer or winter, the Inn is an excellent choice for your elopement. Choose from the elegant outdoor garden or cozy interior rooms for your ceremony. The Country Inn Elopement Package provides the following: two night’s discounted lodging, one hour ceremony with a Justice of the Peace, a bottle of champagne and small wedding cake, breakfast in the Main Street Dining Room, a departure gift as well as souvenir champagne glasses from the Inn. Invite up to four guests and still take advantage of the package pricing. Room rates are dependent on season. To personalize your wedding with special touches, talk with the Inn staff for assistance.
Just outside the village of Stowe you will find the Stone Hill Inn. Set on nine acres of natural beauty, the inn offers all the luxury you could want – king beds, luxury baths with Jacuzzi, and fireplaces in every room. The Inn’s setting is perfect for your wedding. Exchange your vows in summer by a garden path or next to a sparkling waterfall. In winter, have your ceremony in the Great Room in front of the fireplace or with a backdrop of falling snow viewed through a forty-windowed room. If this sounds like the perfect setting for your special day, consider the cost-saving elopement packages the Inn offers. The basic package – Simple Elegance – includes two-night’s stay in the room of your choice, ceremony with Justice of the Peace, bouquet and boutonniere, candlelit, silk rose petal turn-down for the wedding night, and two Stone Hill Inn wine glasses priced at $1275. The Roses and Memories Elopement Package includes all of that plus an additional night’s accommodation (3 nights), one dozen red roses and chocolate truffles on your arrival, a personalized wedding cake and decorated table for “cutting the cake”, and a celebration dinner at Michael’s on the Hill. All this for $1965. Then there is the Unforgettable Vermont Elopement Package with all the above plus a total of five night’s accommodation (for your honeymoon), one dozen roses and a welcome basket on arrival, Boyden winery and tasting (arriving by canoe or kayak), two-hour guided tour into the mountains for a very special experience, two hour zipline tour, and a tandem relaxation massage. This amazing package is yours for $4185.
Located farther north in the Northeast Kingdom, the Phineas Swann Bed & Breakfast in Montgomery Center, Vermont, is still easily accessible from all points in New England as well as from Montreal. Named one of New England’s Top 5 Romantic Inns, the Phineas Swann staff will help you plan an intimate wedding to fulfill your dreams. Start with the inn’s Vermont Elopement Package which includes a beautiful ceremony on the inn’s grounds, officiant, bouquet/boutonniere, filing fees for the marriage certificate, champagne and a wedding cake for two. All this is just $495 not including the room charge. Want something more? Consult with the inn staff and they will work hard to make any of your wishes come true.
Lying right on the Canadian border in Richford, Vermont, Grey Gables Mansion is a Queen Anne Victorian with period details such as gleaming hardwood floors, stained glass, ornate wood work and romantic old-world feel. As such, the inn is the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding. Exchange your vows outdoors in the gazebo or indoors in the charming library. Take advantage of the Wedding Union Elopement Package for 2 and receive 2 night’s accommodations, full breakfast each morning, wedding ceremony, wedding cake, champagne and chocolates, photos of your special day (24 exposures), and dinner at a romantic restaurant. All this for $575. Even if your intimate wedding grows to include up to 40 guests, the Grey Gables Mansion can accommodate you.
It’s clear. Vermont has many, many hotels, inns, and B&Bs just perfect for elopements and small weddings. Combine with Vermont’s warm hospitality and magnificent scenery and you will have to agree – Vermont is an excellent choice for your very special destination elopement.
For destinations in other parts of Vermont, check out the following:
Destination Elopements (Part 1)
Destination Elopements (Part 2)
Destination Weddings in Vermont
For more information:
The Essex Resort & Spa
Lang House
West Hill House B&B
Inn at the Round Barn Farm
Basin Harbor
The Governor's House in Hyde Park
The Green Mountain Inn
Stone Hill Inn
Phineas Swann Bed & Breakfast
Grey Gables Mansion
We have been discussing destination elopements to Vermont with a look at some of the very special venues available. Previously we looked at southern Vermont. Now let’s consider inns and B&Bs in central Vermont. Central Vermont is home to a number of inns which are easily accessible from all points in New England and New York and make ideal choices for a destination elopement.
Inn Victoria is exactly what you might imagine – an elegant old Victorian on the green in Chester, Vermont. Although steeped in old-world charm, the Inn offers all the modern amenities. Plus, the Inn offers an elopement package that makes planning the day simple and easy. Here’s what you get with the KISS (Keep It Simple & Special) Elopement Package: a two-night stay in the deluxe room of your choice, arrangements with local Justice of the Peace or minister (you pay the cost), assistance with license application, flowers and chocolates in your guestroom, music for the ceremony, ceremony in the Victorian parlor adorned with fresh flowers, wedding cake with sparkling beverage toast, dinner for two at the Inn or nearby restaurant, breakfast each morning, and afternoon tea. All this for only $800 November to June and $1000 from July to October. Want to include a few select friends? Book all 8 rooms in the Inn and the Inn’s Wedding Coordinator will help you plan the perfect small wedding.
The Red Clover Inn & Restaurant in Mendon, Vermont is easily reached from nearby Rutland. The staff at the Red Clover pride themselves on being wedding specialists and will help you plan the perfect day whether it is just the two of you or you include a few family of friends. Stunningly located atop a private hilltop within sight of magnificent Mount Killington, the Inn can offer a backdrop of colorful flowers and lush green grass for your ceremony. Or choose a more intimate indoor setting. The Inn’s restaurant offers some of the best cuisine in Vermont and promises a wedding night dinner you will not soon forget. Because each wedding is as individual as the wedding couple, the Inn asks that you contact them to plan your fairytale elopement.
The Castle Hill Resort & Spa in Ludlow, Vermont near Okemo, is a destination choice with a difference. If you want to add some winter skiing to your elopement, this is the place. Or maybe you want to combine your stay with a full spa experience. Castle Hill can accommodate you. Choose the Castle Hill Resort and all this awaits you. Add the special elopement package and you receive two nights stay, gourmet dinner for two, two 50 minute massages, ceremony with Justice of the Peace, photography of your wedding, a small wedding cake, bouquet for the bride and boutonniere for the groom, bottle of champagne and fresh strawberries for your room, and continental breakfast each morning. With the special elopement package, you receive all this for $1999 Sunday through Thursday or $2499 on Friday through Saturday. (Taxes and gratuities not included.)
Also located in the Okemo area is the Inn at Weathersfield in Perkinsville, Vermont. The Inn describes itself as “a European-style inn with 12 guest rooms and a true farm-to-table restaurant with a dining room and ‘tavern,’ full bar, award-winning wine list and working wine cellar.” As such, it is an ideal venue for elopements and small weddings. So much so that they offer a special elopement/wedding package that includes two nights deluxe king spa guest room, full hot breakfast each morning, nightly tasting menu or three course dinner for two in the dining room, two course dinner for two in the tavern (or outside, weather permitting), assistance in ordering marriage license, a bottle of house wine (your choice) and salted caramels, choice of personal flowers (bouquet/boutonniere), and ceremony performed by a local officiant. The base price for this package is $1200 with upcharge for foliage season and holidays. In addition, if you would like to include special guests, they receive 15% discount on regular room rates. Other options include photographer, cake, massages, breakfast-in-bed, and hair stylist. The Inn staff is happy to work with you to make your wedding exactly what you always imagined.
Looking for a wedding experience that can provide something truly special? Consider the Crisanver House in Shrewsbury, Vermont. Set amidst 120 acres of magnificent natural beauty and breathtaking mountain views, this wonderful B&B offers the perfect backdrop for your outdoor ceremony. Or, in winter, take your vows indoors in front of a crackling fire. The Inn staff is happy to customize your wedding experience with unforgettable extras such as a horse-drawn carriage ride or a romantic candlelight dinner for two. Take advantage of the special Elopement Package for all the following: one night’s stay (weeknight only) in one of the deluxe cottages, a local Justice of the Peace to perform the ceremony, wedding bouquet and boutonniere, one hour of professional photographer services, a wedding cake, a bottle of champagne or Prosecco, and a special gift from Crisanver House. All this for only $1200 (with no additional guests.)
Elopement venues in central Vermont would not be complete without mentioning the Three Stallion Inn in Randolph. A picture-perfect Vermont B&B, the Inn is set overlooking the verdant expanse of the Montague golf course with the Green Mountains rising in the distance. The wrap-around porch draws you in and comfortable décor makes you feel at home and welcome. No matter the season, you will find the Inn enchanting. Work with the Inn staff to plan the perfect wedding for the two of you, or expand your event to include select guests. The staff is happy to help you plan one special day or the whole weekend.
For destinations in other parts of Vermont, check out the following:
Destination Elopements (Part 1)
Destination Elopements (Part 3)
Destination Weddings in Vermont
For more information:
Inn Victoria
The Red Clover Inn & Restaurant
Castle Hill Resort & Spa
Inn at Weathersfield
Crisanver House
Three Stallion Inn
So, you have decided to forestall a large wedding in favor of elopement. Maybe it is the cost of a traditional wedding that fueled your decision. Or, perhaps you and your mate come from different religions or backgrounds which made planning a problem-free event difficult. Some couples choose elopement because they want to focus on their marriage instead of all the details related to a large celebration. Whatever the reason, you may want to consider a “destination elopement” – a hybrid of a traditional wedding and the old-fashioned elopement.
Like a destination wedding, the location of the marriage is away from home, usually somewhere that is meaningful for the couple. But, unlike an old-fashioned elopement, the couple often invites a few close friends and family to join them for the ceremony. Often destinations can provide an event planner so all details like venue, flowers, even an after-ceremony meal are coordinated without stress. Many destinations also offer special “elopement packages” which provide all arrangements at a fixed price including overnight accommodations for the wedding couple.
Vermont is a popular choice for destination elopements, and many of the quaint inns and larger resorts offer special elopement packages. Vermont is also easy to get to, offers magnificent scenery as a backdrop for the wedding photos, and provides a multitude of activities to engage guests and couple alike.
Southern Vermont is easily accessible by car from New England, New York, and parts of Canada. With the Green Mountains anchoring the area, the many valleys are home to small villages, picturesque rivers and streams, and romantic hotels and inns ideal for a destination elopement.
Located in the southeast corner of Vermont, the Grafton Inn is located in the quaint village of Grafton, Vermont. This historic Vermont inn offers a traditional Vermont welcome with hand-hewn beams and antique furnishings. Book the Inn’s special Elopement Package for a very special wedding day. The package includes two night’s lodging in a suite, an arrival gift of a bottle of champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and Grafton Village Cheese, a full country breakfast each morning, a three-course candlelit dinner for two with wine on your wedding night, a local Justice of the Peace to perform your ceremony, and bouquet and boutonniere for the bride and groom. All this at a fixed price of $1800. (Holidays and peak season, add $200.) Discuss any other special requests with Inn staff for a wedding day you will remember forever.
Also in southern Vermont, the Cooper Hill Inn in East Dover welcomes couples for elopements or small weddings. Each event is uniquely planned to provide a memorable experience for the lucky couple. Imagine getting married at the “top of the world” with views of over 100 miles into New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The Inn can arrange to cater your event themselves from an eclectic menu, and help you with any other arrangements you want to make. Choose an outdoor ceremony in a summer meadow or, in winter, take your vows indoors next to a roaring fireplace. Each wedding is planned and priced depending upon your wishes. The Inn’s owners state, “We work very closely with the wedding couple and do everything we can to give them the wedding they want rather than any packaged idea of what a wedding should be like.”
A little further north, the Inn at Manchester, in Manchester, Vermont, needs only four business day’s notice to make your elopement truly special. You choose the room or suite you’d like and the Inn staff handle everything else including Justice of the Peace, marriage license, bridal bouquet of six white roses, white rose boutonniere for the groom, wedding cake, champagne, photography of your special day presented on CD, and dinner for two at the nearby Ye Old Tavern*. Just add $750 to the cost of your room, and all this is yours with no stress, no fuss. What could be simpler?
* Dinner does not include alcoholic beverages, tax, or gratuity. Package price does not include Vermont state taxes.
For an elopement that will make you feel like a Hollywood star, consider the Kimpton Taconic Hotel in Manchester Village. This boutique hotel harkens back to the grand inns of yesteryear, yet offers all the modern amenities of a luxury resort. On-staff event planners can help you make the necessary arrangements for your wedding day, whether it is just for the two of you or includes a few select guests. Choose from accommodations in magnificently decorated rooms to lodging in a private cottage on the grounds. Enjoy a wedding dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, The Copper Grouse, or choose from an extensive selection of restaurants in the town of Manchester. The hotel does not offer cookie-cutter wedding packages, but instead helps you plan a wedding that is perfect just for you.
For a traditional Vermont inn located in a traditional Vermont village, you can’t go wrong with the Inn at Weston, in Weston, Vermont. For your elopement, the Inn at Weston is even more perfect. (The Inn is even pet-friendly in the event you want your furry friend to be a part of your wedding experience.) Select the Inn’s Elopement Package and receive all this: two nights in a Carriage House room, religious or secular ceremony, your selection of music, bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere, wedding cake, breakfast each morning (even breakfast in bed if you want!), photography of your wedding, a bottle of champagne to celebrate, and dinner for both of you both nights. All this for $1,500. Are you sharing your special day with a few important friends or family members? The Inn is happy to work with you on planning your small wedding also.
For destinations in other parts of Vermont, check out the following:
Destination Elopements (Part 2)
Destination Elopements (Part 3)
Destination Weddings in Vermont
For more information:
Grafton Inn
Cooper Hill Inn
Inn at Manchester
Kimpton Taconic Hotel
Inn at Weston
The southwestern corner of Vermont, known as The Shires of Vermont, is defined by the Taconic Mountains on the west and the Green Mountains on the east. This region has the distinction of having two shire towns, or county seats, in Bennington and Manchester.
The Shires of Vermont region offers a sampling of everything that makes Vermont special — picturesque small towns with village greens, whitewashed steeples, quaint bed & breakfasts, cows at pasture alongside wonderful old hay barns, a multitude of farms providing fresh produce to local restaurants, and charming covered bridges.
Visit Manchester and choose from historic inns to modern boutique hotels to family-friendly motels. Refresh and relax at Ye Old Tavern, built more than 200 years ago. A favorite haunt of the Green Mountain Boys, you’ll see history in every floorboard and fireplace. Explore history further at Hildene (the Lincoln Family home), shop Manchester Designer Outlets or unique Vermont shops. For the outdoor enthusiast, enjoy hiking or biking on local trails or skiing at nearby Stratton or Bromley. Or try your luck at fly fishing the Battenkill, one of the premier trout fishing rivers in the northeast. Don’t know how to fly-fish? Visit the Orvis flagship store in Manchester and sign up for a lesson. A visit to the nearby American Museum of Fly Fishing may inspire you. For the golfer, choose from a number of different courses offering variety in terrain and challenge. Make your visit really special by planning around a exceptional event. For example, the ITVFest, the Independent Television and Film Festival, takes place October 11-15, 2017. Or consider a visit August 25-27, 2017 to participate in the Manchester Food and Wine Classic 2017.
To the north of Manchester, lies the town of Dorset. In 1785 the first marble quarry was established in Dorset and the town grew. Dorset marble was shipped throughout the northeast and used for many notable buildings including the New York Public Library. As early as the 1870s Dorset became a summer destination for nature lovers (the trout-rich Battenkill actually starts in Dorset and flows south to Manchester) giving rise to the quaint bed & breakfasts that still occupy the town today. Summer visitors since 1929 have flocked to the Dorset Theatre Festival for professionally produced summer theater, and East Dorset also hosts the Vermont Summer Festival, a month-long horse show. East Dorset is also the birthplace of Bill Wilson, co-founder of AA, and his former home is now a charming country hotel.
Head south out of Manchester and you come to the town of Arlington tucked in the valley between the Taconic Mountains and the Green Mountains along the Battenkill. The capital of the Vermont Republic (before Vermont became a state), Arlington was home to a number of the Green Mountain Boys. A more contemporary notable is Norman Rockwell, painter and illustrator, who moved to the town in 1939 with his family. As a reflection of his life in Arlington, the subject of his work began to focus on small-town life.
Next, head to Bennington, the other shire town in the region, and take in the panoramic view from the top of the Bennington Battle Monument, the tallest man-made structure in Vermont. Visit the Bennington Museum to see Grandma Moses’ fascinating artwork. Home to both Bennington College and Southern Vermont College, Bennington exudes small-town charm with its quaint shops, restaurants, and lodging choices. Visit Robert Frost’s grave in the Old Bennington Cemetery which dates back to the Revolutionary War. For a visit to Frost’s home, now the Robert Frost Stone House Museum, you must travel to Shaftsbury, the next town north of Bennington. Bennington is also the home of Bennington Potters, beautiful handmade pottery since 1948. Visit the pottery works to see it made and browse the neighboring store to view the vast selection of colors and styles. Bennington is host to a number of art festivals throughout the year, but is best known for the Garlic and Herb Festival each fall.
Travel through the Shires on the three specially designated scenic byways in the region. You can head north along the Shires of Vermont Byway which begins at Vermont’s southern border and follows Route 7 and 7A to Manchester. Along the way, stop off at the Lake Shaftsbury State Park for a day of water sports (boat rentals are available), hiking, or picnicking. Head out of Manchester along Route 30, the Stone Valley Byway, to explore a countryside perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor pursuits. Visit the Emerald Lake State Park in East Dorset for swimming, fishing, or camping. Or travel the Molly Stark Byway between Brattleboro and Bennington along Vermont Route 9 near the 
southern border of the state. Here you find the Woodford State Park, the highest elevation park in the state, with rental boats, camping sites, and hiking trails available.
The Shires of Vermont are easily accessible from New York and New England, making the area a popular, year-round tourist destination.
The Shires of Vermont. “So Vermont. So near.”
Events in The Shires of Vermont include:
Manchester Food and Wine Classic 2017
Vermont Summer Festival
Dorset Theater Festival
ITVFest
Peru Fair
Garlic & Herb Festival
For more information:
Lodging
Dining
Calendar of Events
If you got engaged over the holidays (or think you might get engaged at Valentine’s Day), you are ready to begin planning your wedding. The first step is usually, “Where will the wedding take place?” If you haven’t considered it, you might contemplate a destination wedding. Destination weddings have become very popular in recent years. The Knot website reports that there are 350,000 destination weddings each year with 77% taking place in the continental United States. Although those numbers might seem high, when you consider some of the reasons destination weddings are chosen, they start to make a lot of sense. First of all, because most venues chosen for destination weddings have an on-site wedding planner, pulling all the details together is virtually stress-free. In addition, by choosing a destination that is meaningful to you as a couple, you simplify the answer to “where.” You don’t have to choose the bride’s family’s hometown, or even the place you are currently living. 
For a second marriage, a destination wedding makes so much sense. The time away becomes a mini-vacation and a chance for melded families to spend time together. But maybe the most important reason for many brides and grooms is that a destination wedding can actually cost less than a local wedding! This is true for a couple of reasons. Many venues and service providers in large metropolitan areas are very expensive. Destination weddings away from these populous areas tend to cost less. Additionally, the guest list for a destination wedding tends to be quite a bit smaller than a local wedding. Even if you opt to help your guests with their expenses to attend your destination wedding, your overall cost can still be less. (Many couples use rewards points to cover some of their guests’ costs.)
Vermont offers a large selection of wedding venues at the state’s many resorts with wedding planners on-site. These resorts offer 4-season desirability and plenty of activities for guests to make your wedding special for them too. It’s no wonder Vermont is extremely popular for destination weddings. So much so, that most venues must be reserved a year to a year and a half in advance.
Depending upon just how you imagine your fairytale wedding, these suggestions might just fit the bill.
If it’s important to you to serve your guests a wedding dinner that is steps above the usual banquet fare, consider The Essex Resort & Spa in Essex, Vermont. Known as a culinary resort, The Essex will offer a menu prepared by world-class chefs. In addition, the on-site full-service spa is ideal for de-stressing before the ceremony. With a complete range of beauty services, bride and bridesmaids can have hair, skin, and nails looking their best.
The Kimpton Taconic Hotel in Manchester Village offers a uniquely Vermont venue. Completed in 2015 and providing all the amenities of the 21st century, the hotel harkens back to Vermont’s grand inns of the late 19th century with its wide front porch and village setting. Whether you select indoors in the Trillium ballroom or outdoors amidst the magnificently landscaped grounds, the Taconic will bring beauty and elegance to your wedding day.
If “setting” has the highest priority on your list, check out the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, Vermont. Surrounded by natural beauty and set along the shores of a pristine lake, Lake Morey Resort is the perfect backdrop for your special day. The resort also offers a host of activities on-site for your guests, winter or summer.
Choose The Green Mountain Inn for a wedding of unparalleled sophistication and old-world charm. Located in the historic village of Stowe, the inn itself is the perfect mix of traditional décor and modern amenities. If you can picture yourself making your grand entrance by descending the Mansfield House staircase to enter the fireplaced living room, this is the venue for you.
Located just outside Stowe Village on 60 magnificent acres, lies the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa. For a venue that offers wedding packages that cover all the details and suit every preference and budget, Stoweflake is a great choice. The on-site spa is also a plus for all pre-wedding beauty services. Want to add something truly unique to your wedding experience? At Stoweflake, the platinum wedding package also includes a two-hour, hot air balloon ride before, after, or on the day of your wedding, plus a complimentary overnight stay with champagne on your first anniversary.
If skiing is your passion, you might feel most at home at Stratton Mountain Resort. A four-season resort, Stratton’s wedding planners will help you plan a magical day any time of the year. Imagine your photos framed by magnificent snow-clad mountains. Or a wedding at The Summit with glorious fall foliage spread out below. Stratton also has a huge selection of lodging choices to fit any size group or budget.
Basin Harbor, open mid-May to mid-October, offers Lake Champlain as a backdrop to your fairytale wedding. With a large number of indoor and outdoor venues, Basin Harbor can certainly accommodate the wedding of your dreams. For a wedding that is very, very special, choose the Completely Yours package to assure yours will be the only wedding at Basin Harbor that day or even that weekend. For a totally exclusive event, choose the Ultimate Wedding Package. This entitles you to have exclusive use of the entire resort for you and your guests for the whole weekend!
All these resorts have wedding/event planners on staff to help you make all decisions in the least stressful way. They also coordinate everything on the day of the wedding, so you can fully enjoy this important day. So, when it comes to answering that initial question of “where,” consider Vermont resorts for your fairytale wedding. Now all you have to do is find the perfect dress!
For more information:
The Essex Resort & Spa
Kimpton Taconic Hotel
Lake Morey Resort
The Green Mountain Inn
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
Stratton Mountain Resort
Basin Harbor
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Mount Ascutney Resort
If you’re planning a family vacation this winter, you will want to check out the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Mount Ascutney Resort in Brownsville, Vermont. This resort offers everything an active family needs. Choose from spacious guestrooms to suites with kitchens to comfortable villas. On-site amenities include complimentary movies in the Alpine Theatre, fitness center, indoor pool, laundry facilities, kid-friendly arcade, and daily scheduled activities. Dine at the resort’s restaurant, The Maple Kitchen, for a culinary celebration of the flavors of Vermont. Warm up by a cozy fireplace after a day spent outdoors.
Nearby, you and the family can enjoy everything there is to love about winter in Vermont. Why not try the totally free skiing at Mount Ascutney? Developed and managed by Mt. Ascutney Outdoors, a non-profit organization, the former ski resort was brought back to life in 2015. Currently accessed by a rope tow, there are three trails available for downhill skiing and snowboarding. The rope tow also provides access to the mountain’s backcountry ski trails.
For those looking for a little more adventure, Okemo and Killington are easily reached in less than an hour. Not a skier? Try the tubing or sledding at Arrowhead Recreation Area in nearby Claremont, NH. For an adventure of a different kind, try snowmobiling. You can book a tour at Killington. They even offer kid-size snowmobiles. The hotel staff can also help you arrange winter activities like sleigh rides, snowshoeing, or fat biking. The resort is also close to area shopping, museums, attractions, and plenty of other fun ways to fill your time. The picturesque towns of Woodstock and Quechee are about a half hour drive away.
The Holiday Inn Club Vacations Mount Ascutney Resort is easy to get to from locations in New England and New York. Driving time from Boston is less than 3 hours and from Springfield, MA, it is only 2 hours. Albany, NY, is approximately a 2.5 hour drive and New York City is about 5 hours driving. If flying into Manchester, NH, add a drive of less than 2 hours. Bradley Airport in Hartford, CT, is also only a 2 hour drive to the resort. Even Montreal is a fairly easy 3.5 hour drive.
For the perfect place to stay and the perfect location to play, you can’t beat the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Mount Ascutney Resort in Brownsville, Vermont.
For more information:
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Mount Ascutney Resort
You’re engaged, very much in love, and dreaming of the perfect wedding. But where do you start? You want the day to be as special for your guests as it will be for you. Some couples opt for a destination wedding. This option gives them the choice of truly unique locations from mountains to beaches to all manner of beautiful natural settings. Vermont has become a very popular choice for destination weddings because it offers everything the bride and groom could want: a magnificent backdrop to the special day, an abundance of resort venues for the event, easy accessibility especially from the Northeast, and four-season desirability. For a venue that ticks all the boxes, consider the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa in Stowe, Vermont.
Located on 60 acres just outside the picture-perfect village of Stowe, Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa offers wedding packages that cover all the details and suit every preference and budget. Couples work with a Stoweflake Wedding Coordinator to put all the pieces together for their magical day. With a large guest list (up to 400!), the Pinnacle Ballroom, with its spectacular mountain views and 12-foot ceilings, can accommodate you and your guests. For smaller groups, your Stoweflake coordinator can divide a larger room to suit or suggest a smaller function room. Outdoor tented events in the courtyard are also a beautiful day or night option in season.
Stoweflake’s wedding packages really do simplify your planning by including everything from your reception space to flowers to a choice of menus to a complimentary room for the wedding night (followed by breakfast the next day). The platinum wedding package also includes a two-hour, hot air balloon ride before, after, or on the day of your wedding, plus an overnight stay with champagne on your first anniversary. (If the weather is not suitable for your balloon ride on the wedding weekend, the resort suggests you carry it over until your complimentary anniversary visit.)
Should you want a traditional church wedding or something very special like arrival at the reception in a horse-drawn sleigh, your Wedding Coordinator will help you make the local arrangements. In fact, your coordinator will assist in working with any outside vendors you’ve chosen to make your day perfect. Many of your details can be worked out via phone and email, but the resort does suggest a site visit to do a tasting and another perhaps a month out to review all the details.
Because Stoweflake has a full-service spa, they can offer your bridal party a full range of spa services from manicures and pedicures to hair and make-up to massages and mimosas. In addition, as a four-season resort, you and your guests can take advantage of resort activities from golf to biking to winter fun like skiing and even dog sledding.
If Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa sounds like just the spot for your destination wedding, call them soon to reserve a date. For June weddings they generally need at least 18 months and for a date in the fall (the Vermont fall foliage makes a magnificent backdrop to your wedding photos), they recommend two full years. Contact a wedding specialist now at 802-760-1047 to learn more. Check out the wedding photo gallery on Stoweflake’s website and picture yourself there!
For more information:
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa Weddings
Are you engaged (or planning on getting engaged soon) and planning a wedding in the next year? Facebook data indicates that 30% of engagements happen in November and December. Additionally, they note that the average engagement time is 14 months. That means a lot of wedding planning is going on right now!
One of the first questions the engaged couple needs to answer is “Where will the wedding take place?” Destination weddings have become very popular in recent years. One of the greatest benefits to a destination wedding is that the location is neutral – not his or her hometown, not where either set of parents now live, not even where school friends now reside. In addition, most destination weddings extend the celebration with family and friends from the usual one day or evening to multiple days. (Many couples agree that the wedding reception was over too quickly, and they wish they’d had more time to spend with their guests.)
If a destination wedding is your choice, Vermont and the Kimpton Taconic Hotel in Manchester Village are excellent choices. (Located a reasonable driving distance from anywhere in the Northeast, southern Vermont sees thousands of visitors every year.)
Let’s imagine how the perfect Taconic wedding might look. Taconic was completed in 2015 and, while offering all the modern amenities of the 21st century, it harkens back to Vermont’s grand inns of the late 19th century. With its inviting front porch and beautifully landscaped grounds, Taconic offers a backdrop for your wedding that has a fairy tale quality. The fairy tale continues in the magnificent Trillium ballroom which leads to an outdoor terrace and the expansive event lawn…and all of this in a setting that shows off the natural beauty of Vermont, from majestic mountains to crystal clear skies.
Taconic’s event planning professionals make your wedding decisions easy, starting with the room reservations. Choose your accommodation in a private cottage away from the Main House for a truly enchanted setting. As a relatively small hotel of 86 rooms, your wedding party could take over the entire hotel for a very exclusive event. Additional rooms are also available within steps of Kimpton Taconic, at The Reluctant Panther and Inn at Manchester, if needed.
Trust your reception to the hotel’s catering staff. Not only do they bring all the experience you could demand, you will discover true Vermont farm-to-table cuisine , unique and apart from typical “banquet” food. Plan your rehearsal dinner at The Copper Grouse, the hotel’s restaurant, and meet by the outdoor fire-pit for drinks after dinner. Join your guests for coffee or tea on the expansive front porch prior to a next day brunch. The hotel also has an arrangement with The Reluctant Panther, a nearby restaurant, for optional dining events.
Destination weddings are not only the kickoff for your honeymoon, but are generally a mini-vacation for your guests. Manchester, Vermont offers something special at every season. Choose your backdrop from the magnificent Autumn foliage to the snow-covered mountains to verdant Spring fields and Summer flowers. The beauty of Vermont is world renowned. Each season brings a wonderful list of activities for you and your guests. Choose winter skiing or a sleigh ride. Summer offers mountaintop picnics and fly fishing on the nearby Battenkill River. In the Fall, take a scenic drive to view world-famous foliage or spend an afternoon shopping local boutiques and designer outlets in Manchester.
Planning for your big day can be exciting and sometimes stressful. If a destination wedding in Vermont is an option you’re considering, you owe it to yourself to contact the event planning staff at the Taconic. Right now (and until April 1, 2017), the Taconic is offering a special promotion to help make your wedding even more personal. Based upon food and beverage minimums, the hotel will give you additional "perks" to make your day perfect. These special touches include options such as an upgrade to a suite for your wedding night, a 15% discount on a brunch or rehearsal dinner, or hand-passed custom cocktails or champagne. In all, there are 14 options to choose from. Reserve your date now and the hotel also invites you to visit with one free night to meet with wedding planners and discuss all the details for your magical wedding.
For more information:
TACONIC, a Kimpton Hotel
For over 20 years, Gringo Jack’s Southwestern Bar & Grill has been delighting locals and visitors alike with the bold, authentic flavors of Mexico and the Southwest. Located in Manchester, Vermont, Gringo Jack’s has maintained its popularity over the years because the ingredients are fresh, the food is made from scratch, and the flavors are just plain delicious. Add to that an extraordinary atmosphere and friendly service and you have a recipe for long-term success. Throw in half price margaritas and sangria on Thursdays and you have a runaway hit.
If you are visiting the Manchester area this fall to take in the foliage, some of the local fall festivals, or even just the Manchester Designer Outlets, make a point to stop at Gringo Jack’s - open for lunch and dinner every day. If you like the food (and who wouldn’t?), you can purchase Gringo Jack’s chips, salsa, and BBQ sauces to take home.
For things to do in the Manchester area, check out the Vermont.com Fall Festivals page. You’ll find traditional fairs, harvest festivals, art festivals, Octoberfest celebrations, and more. For even more suggestions of things to do in the area, see the Vermont.com Calendar of Events.
More information:
Gringo Jack’s Southwestern Bar & Grill
Fall Festivals
If fall finds you in southern Vermont and you need a chance to relax and refuel, check out the Raven’s Den Steakhouse and Taproom in Manchester, Vermont. The restaurant is the culmination of years of award-winning cooking for Chef/Owner Edward St. Onge. He and his team not only prepare the inn’s famous Black Angus steaks, but also offer seafood, poultry, and smoked pork ribs as well as gluten-free and vegetarian meals. In addition, the restaurant offers a Wine Spectator Award wine list, extensive craft beer selections, and savory craft cocktails. You can choose to eat in the newly-remodeled dining room, the more casual, fireplaced den, or, weather permitting, on the outdoor patio with a view to the beautiful Green Mountains. The Raven’s Den is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
For things to do in the Manchester area, check out the Vermont.com Fall Festivals page. You’ll find traditional fairs, harvest festivals, art festivals, Octoberfest celebrations, and more. For even more suggestions of things to do, see the Vermont.com Calendar of Events.
More information:
Raven’s Den Steakhouse and Taproom
Fall Festivals
Visitors agree. Vermont in the fall is a “must see.” The mountains have turned from summer green to fall’s magnificent red, orange, and gold. The air is fresh and cool and fall festivals entice from all over the state. For true Vermont hospitality and warm, country charm, the Barnstead Inn is the perfect lodging choice to experience Vermont in the fall. Located just two blocks from Manchester Center, the Barnstead Inn offers a quiet retreat from the bustle of the village. Feel a part of Vermont history in the 1830s carriage house which comprises the inn. The remaining rugged beams are a clear reminder of the past. However, nothing else about the inn is old-fashioned. Rooms each have private bath, air conditioning, cable, thermostat, courtesy coffee, wireless Internet access and cozy beds to welcome you back at the end of each busy day.
And days in Manchester can be as busy as you like. Take a hike along well-marked, local trails and enjoy the spender of fall foliage. Shop in Manchester’s Designer Outlets or the many other uniquely Vermont shops. The area also offers exceptional dining options to suit all tastes and pocketbooks. Not quite sure where to start? Inn staff is ready to help you with your plans.
During the fall, you have even more activities to choose from with local festivals such as the Bennington Quiltfest, Peru Fair, Manchester Fall Art & Craft Festival, Mt. Snow Oktoberfest, and so much more. For a full list of fall festivals, check Vermont.com’s Fall Festivals page or go to the Calendar of Events.
More information:
Barnstead Inn
Fall Festivals
Head to the Northeast Kingdom to experience the true majesty of Vermont in the fall. This unspoiled area of mountains, lakes, streams and forests lets you feel closer to nature and “away from it all.” The Lakefront Inn & Motel in Island Pond, Vermont, puts you right in the midst of this beauty. Located directly on the shores of Island Pond’s pristine lake, the Inn is also within walking distance of the local village shops and restaurants. The Inn offers a choice of accommodation from a large guest suite with fireplace and full kitchen to efficiencies with kitchenettes to motel lodging to accommodate up to 4 adults per room. All rooms include all the modern conveniences of a comfortable seating area, private bath, local telephone, cable TV, and WiFi.
Take advantage of the lake by renting a kayak or boat nearby. If you have your own boat, bring it along as the Inn has its own private dock for guests to use. You’ll marvel at the magnificent scenery as the mountains take on their fall colors of red, orange and gold. Want to get even closer to nature? Take a walk along the nearby Bluff Mountain Hiking Trail.
In addition, fall in Vermont means fall festivals, the modern-day version of the old harvest festival. In the Northeast Kingdom, you can choose from a number of festivals throughout September and October. September 10-11 brings the Fall Foliage Craft Show in Lyndon Center and, on September 17, St. Johnsbury hosts Colors of the Kingdom. The Burke Fall Foliage Festival is scheduled for September 24 in East Burke and the Old Stone House, Cheese & Apple Tasting takes place in Brownington on September 25. During the week of September 26 to October 2, the Northeast Kingdom Fall Foliage Festival will be celebrated in various towns throughout the region, each on a different day. October brings Autumn on the Green in Danville on the 2nd and the 5th Annual Burketoberfest in East Burke on the 9th.
For more information on these events, check out Vermont.com’s Fall Festivals page or check the Calendar of Events.
More information:
Lakefront Inn & Motel
Fall Festivals
Publick houses have traditionally offered hospitality, food, and drink to travelers and locals alike. The Burke Publick House is that and more. Located in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom in East Burke, Vermont, the Burke Publick House bills itself as “a mountain gastropub.” Inspired by his passion for craft beer, owner Curt Cuccia had a vision for a great gastropub in his community. (Cuccia is also the owner of Covered Bridge Craft Brewery.) From this vision, the Burke Publick House was born. Chef Kyle Phillips, also a native of the Northeast Kingdom, is as at home on a snowboard as he is in the kitchen. His food is honest, utilizes local ingredients whenever possible, and is hearty enough to stand up to the many beer and craft cocktail selections available.
The Burke Publick House is the perfect stop to rest and refuel when visiting the Northeast Kingdom this fall. Whether you are hiking, biking, just enjoying the fall foliage, or taking in some of the local fall festivals in the area, drop by the Burke Publick House for old-fashioned hospitality plus excellent food and drink. Open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner, Saturday and Sunday for lunch, and the bar is open late on Friday and Saturday.
For more information on fall festivals in the Northeast Kingdom, check the Vermont.com Fall Festivals page or the Calendar of Events.
More information:
Burke Publick House
Fall Festivals
If you look at a map, you will notice a region in the southwest corner of Vermont defined by the Taconic Mountains on the west and the Green Mountains on the east. This area is known as The Shires of Vermont. If the name brings to mind an image of days past or even the magical world of Bilbo Baggins, you aren’t so far wrong. In this small segment of the state, you will find a sampling of everything that makes Vermont so special. Take a step back in time to the days before the Europeans came to settle the New World by experiencing the deep forests and roaring rivers of southwest Vermont. You feel like the only human in this land inhabited by abundant wildlife and soaring birds of prey. As you move along, an opening in the trees might allow a view of an historic village or local farm which doesn’t seem much changed since Ethan Allen was meeting with the Green Mountain Boys. A few miles further and you realize you are still living in the 21st century. Choose from multiple museums, theaters, music venues, and shopping opportunities for a modern dose of arts, culture, and entertainment.
One of the best ways to explore The Shires of Vermont is to follow the three specially designated scenic byways in the region. Start on the Molly Stark Byway which runs east and west along the southern part of the state. Also known as Vermont Route 9, this road connects the city of Brattleboro to that of Bennington, one of the shire towns (historically referred to as a county seat) of the region. Named for the wife of General John Stark who led the Colonial militia to victory at the Battle of Bennington in 1777, the Molly Start Byway offers magnificent views from the top of Hogback Mountain to recreational activities on the Harriman Reservoir in Wilmington. Take in the panoramic view from the top of the Bennington Battle Monument (Don’t worry. There’s an elevator.) or see fascinating artwork of Grandma Moses at the Bennington Museum.
Next, head north along the Shires of Vermont Byway which begins at Vermont’s southern border in Pownal and follows Route 7 and 7A north to Manchester, the other shire town in the region. Watch for some of the area’s famous covered bridges, historic architecture, and rushing rivers and streams. If hiking or mountain biking are your passion, opportunities abound in and around Manchester. On the other hand, if history is your love, you’ll want to visit Hildene, Robert Todd Lincoln’s historic summer home in Manchester. Manchester is also home to many fine restaurants and a large number of outlet stores. Go ahead. Indulge yourself.
Starting in Manchester, take Route 30 north for the Stone Valley Byway. The marble and slate quarries in the region not only helped name the valley, but provided the building materials for much of its development. As you wind through the valleys of the Green Mountains along this byway, opportunities for outdoor recreation abound. With multiple state parks from which to choose, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing and other outdoor pursuits are readily available. The towns along the byway offer some of the best historical museums in the area as well as the Hubbardton Battlefield Historic Site, where the Green Mountain Boys made a defiant and successful stand to halt the pursuing British. You will also find the Dorset Theater, famous for its summer theater. Fall is a special time for a trip along the Stone Valley Byway with magnificent scenery of red, orange, and gold as well as abundant local selections at the many farmers markets of the region.
The Shires of Vermont offer all this within a few hours’ drive of the major cities in the northeast. So near and so Vermont. If you would like to visit, allow Vermont.com to help fill in your itinerary. You will find information on everything from lodging selections and dining suggestions to details on local attractions. In addition, the Vermont.com Calendar of Events will let you know what’s happening in the area during your visit.
For more information:
The Shires of Vermont
Photos: The Shires of Vermont © Lee Krohn, 2008 (with exception of Hildene photo)
Head to 210 Depot Street in Manchester, Vermont, for an extraordinary Vermont experience. Above All … Vermont is modeled on the general store of the past with wide plank flooring and abundantly stocked shelves and cases. John Moran, the store’s proprietor, explains, “Above All Vermont is all about the nostalgia, whimsy and the quality that showcases many of the small, cottage based businesses in Vermont and New England. This is one fun store to shop and browse.” Within this 3,000 square feet of space, you will find everything from an old 
fashioned candy counter to specialty foods to hand-made soaps and lotions. The store also has you covered for souvenirs with Vermont apparel and maple products. Kids will love browsing the classic toys – toys parents and grandparents remember from their own childhoods. Above All Vermont even offers gifts for Fido.
So, whether you want to pick up gifts for the folks back home or want souvenirs to remember your time in Vermont, a visit to Above All Vermont is just the place to look. We guarantee, this shopping stop will be the most fun you’ve had all day. Visit during Manchester Sidewalk Sale days, August 4-7, and find lots of special offers all over town.
Click here for more information about Above All ... Vermont
Discover more great places to shop in the Manchester/Bennington area (aka: "The Shires"), with our guide to Shopping in Southern Vermont.
Shop the world’s best brands like Ann Taylor, Kate Spade and Eileen Fisher at the Manchester Designer Outlets in Manchester, Vermont. Yankee Magazine’s Reader’s Choice and Editor’s Choice for outlet shopping in New England, you save 30-70% off retail – every day! Whether you’re looking for something special as a gift or just want a little retail therapy for yourself, the Manchester Designer Outlets are exactly what you need.
Shopping the Manchester Designer Outlets is like a walk through a New England village, offering more than 40 outlet shops. With plenty of local restaurants and cafes along the way, you can stop to relax and refuel.
To make your shopping trip even more amazing, shop the Manchester Designer Outlets during the annual Manchester Sidewalk Sale from August 4-7 for extra savings over the everyday outlet pricing. For a complete list of shops, check the Manchester Designer Outlets website.
Discover more great places to shop in the Manchester/Bennington area (aka: "The Shires"), with our guide to Shopping in Southern Vermont.
Northshire Bookstore at 4869 Main Street, Manchester, Vermont, is not your average bookstore. Independent and family-owned, Northshire Bookstore encourages browsing and discovery. So, wander and enjoy. Check out the large children’s area (a third of the store is dedicated to children). Getting children to read is not only a goal, but a passion for the dedicated staff. Need a recommendation for yourself, a child, or a friend? The staff is always happy and ready to help.
Beyond books, the store offers stationery, magazines, cards, calendars, Vermont foods, and numerous gift items from clothing to jewelry. For souvenirs to special gifts for the folks back home, Northshire Bookstore makes it easy and fun to take care of your gift list.
From special author events, book clubs, and public issue forums, there’s always something happening at the Northshire Bookstore. Come, visit the Spiral Press Café for a coffee and something to nibble, and spend some time exploring the store’s over 10,000 square feet. Visit August 4-7 and take advantage of the Manchester Sidewalk Sale for special savings.
Click here for more information about Northshire Bookstore.
Discover more great places to shop in the Manchester/Bennington area (aka: "The Shires"), with our guide to Shopping in Southern Vermont.
With the first day of spring already behind us, Vermonters are actually feeling like the calendar and the weather are almost in sync this year. It's been a snowy, cold winter, but spring is now foremost in our thoughts. And spring, for many, means planning and preparing the summer garden. Even though the last frost may still be hanging over us, it’s not too soon to start planning and planting. With many garden centers not open for a few weeks, there are still things you can do now to get a jump on the season.
Begin with a plan.
Decide what you want to grow in your garden. All vegetables or a combination of vegetables and flowers. Once you know what you want to plant, you can work out a plan for what gets started as seeds indoors, what seeds get planted directly in outdoor soil, and which plants are best purchased as seedlings from garden centers. You are now ready to create a calendar with dates for when to start your seeds indoors and when it is safe to plant outdoors.
All your calculations will depend upon the estimated date of the last frost in your area. If this isn’t a date you know, there are online calculators which will help you figure it out. Once you have the date of the last frost, you can work backward to when you start seeds indoors or when you put seeds into the ground. Suzanne DeJohn, a respected gardening columnist, suggests first categorizing your plants in the following way:
Short season, cool weather plants – these are seeds that are sown directly into the garden because they germinate well in cool soil and grow quickly making them ready to harvest in early summer.
Examples: spinach, lettuce, radishes, beets, peas, sweet peas, bachelor’s buttons, larkspur
Short season, warm weather plants – these seeds do best when sown directly into the garden, but like warm weather. Wait until after the last frost and until soil has warmed and is dried out from spring rains.
Examples: beans, corn, sunflowers
Long season, cool weather plants – set in garden as transplants a few weeks before the last spring frost. This gives them time to mature before the heat of summer.
Examples: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, pansies, snapdragons
Long season, warm weather plants – set in garden as transplants you either start from seeds or purchase from a garden center. These plants need a long frost-free growing season.
Examples: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, petunias, ageratum, impatiens
Some plants can be either be started indoors or sown directly outdoors. These include marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, squash and pumpkins.
Calculate the Date to Plant Your Seeds
Seed packets may provide information on how long it will take seeds to germinate or when to plant based upon frost date. If you don’t have this information, you can generally add about 6 weeks before you want to be able to transplant outside.
Suzanne DeJohn gives the following example, “You should start broccoli seeds indoors about six weeks before transplanting. And you can transplant them into the garden two weeks before the last frost date. Starting from my last frost date of May 30, I count back two weeks to May 16 and make a note there: ‘transplant broccoli.’ Now I count back six weeks and mark my broccoli seed-starting date.”
Tips for a Successful Garden
Make sure your soil is ready to accept your seedlings or seeds. First, check that soil is not too wet. Take a handful of soil and squeeze it. If it clumps together, the soil is still too wet to plant.
Next, to assure the best possible garden, have your soil tested. (The UVM Agricultural Testing Lab can do this for you for a nominal charge. Instructions and form can be found on the web. Or contact the UMV Extension office near you. Some garden centers also do testing.) The test results will tell you what minerals are present in your soil and the percentage of organic matter. You will also receive fertilizer recommendations and, if your pH is low, how much lime is needed. Once you’ve corrected the composition of your soil, you’re ready to plant.
Before transplanting indoor-grown seedlings outdoors, you must acclimate them to the outdoors. This is called hardening off. Begin by placing seedlings outdoors for an hour in partial shade. Over the space of a week, give them more and more time outdoors and in more and more sun. Once they have reached all day in full sun, they are ready for transplanting.
If you want to try to get an early start on the growing season, go ahead and give it a try. Set out only a portion of your seedlings to be safe. If you do have seedlings in the ground and a late frost is predicted, you can cover the plants overnight to protect them. Almost anything will work. For small seedlings, a liberal covering of mulch should do the job. For entire gardens, use old blankets, towels, or tarps. Plastic sheeting can work, but because it has no insulation properties of its own, anywhere the plastic touches the plants, the plant will freeze. Use stakes to hold the cover off the plants and make sure the cover is tight to the ground all the way around. (Some suggest holding the covering down with rocks.) Another solution if you don’t have too many seedlings to protect is to use plastic milk bottles with the bottoms cut away. Again, because they are plastic, make sure they do not touch the plant to prevent the transfer of cold. Because coverings keep out the sun, remove them as soon as the temperature warms and the sun comes out. It is also recommended to water plants thoroughly before a freeze.
Visit your garden daily, pull weeds, water when dry and, with a garden about the size of a parking space, you should be able to grow enough produce to feed your family all summer.
In 1996, a small group of community-minded individuals joined together to find a way to support the Stratton Mountain community and help the children and families in need within that community. The result was The Stratton Foundation. Now in its 20th year, The Stratton Foundation has grown from a small group of concerned citizens to a successful foundation which has distributed nearly $1.5M into local Vermont communities. Success depends heavily on the generosity of the foundation’s partners which include the Stratton Mountain Resort.
During this 20th year, The Stratton Foundation has hosted some significant fund-raising events. During the 4th Annual 24 Hours of Stratton, in partnership with Stratton Mountain Resort, 195 athletes, skiing round the clock, helped to raise $119,000 slated to help southern Vermont children and families living in poverty. (The next “24 Hours of Stratton” is already scheduled for January 7-8, 2017.)
Another $18,000 was raised during the 5th Annual Taste of Vermont. During this event local restaurants and chefs offered tastings of favorite recipes to 400 paying guests.
“Snowlight in Vermont” is an ongoing fundraiser. For a donation of $500, a holiday tree will be lit in the Stratton Resort Village from November 2016 through February 2017 in your honor or in memory of someone special. A private donor cocktail reception will be held before the lighting ceremony.
Additional initiatives include the “Pass It On Clothing Drive,” the collection and distribution of lightly worn winter clothing for adults and children in need. The “Boots 4 Vermont Kids” program supplies winter boots, warm socks, and a small gift to a Vermont child who otherwise would not have them. All it takes is a $75 donation. Socks are given generously by Smartwool. Add another $25 to sponsor a holiday meal for a needy family.
The Stratton Foundation website expresses their commitment best, “We share in the mission to make a difference. It is a love of community and a passion to make things better. It embraces the now; it gives hope, and provides momentum to secure the future. Meeting the basic human needs of hunger, warmth, and well-being provides an opportunity for children to grow up healthy, focus on their education, and set on a path to success and economic independence.”
If you think Vermont is only about skiing, you haven’t experienced Vermont in the Spring or Summer. Check out these Top Deals for some very good reasons to visit Vermont now.
Stratton Mountain Golf Club offers 27 holes of incredible golf. Designed by Geoffrey Cornish, the club offers the Forest, the Lake, and the Mountain nines. Host to six LPGA tour events, Stratton Mountain Golf Club is one very good reason to visit Vermont now. Memberships begin as low as $149 for the Young Adult Membership (32 and under). Purchase your membership before May 13, 2016 and be eligible for a two-for-one golf school session.
Head to Stowe, Vermont and The Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa for the perfect spring get-away. Between now and May 19th, you receive 50% off your accommodations in luxury level guestrooms or higher, starting from $129/night. Get outdoors and enjoy the mountain air. You can bike miles of mountain trails or, for something less challenging, try the 5.3 mile paved Stowe Village Recreation Path. Or head out and hike some of the 60 acres and 5 kilometers of trails right on the Stoweflake property. Looking for a more relaxing time? Take advantage of specials at Stoweflake’s world-class spa. Choose from over 120 signature healing and anti-aging remedies for the mind, body and soul.
Celebrate Father’s Day between June 17 and 26 at Smugglers’ Notch and Dad (or Grandad) receive special treatment. Stay five nights or more on the SimplySmuggs, FamilyFest or Adventure Connection Vacation Package, and Dad receives a free $100 Sport Shop gift certificate, a free Country-style Breakfast on Sunday ( or breakfast for the whole family hosted by Mogul Mouse, Billy Bob Bear and the Friendly Pirate on Friday), and a free arrival gift from Cabot Creamery.
For an experience unlike any other, visit the new Taconic in Manchester, Vermont. This magnificent, boutique hotel combines modern conveniences with the old-fashioned hospitality for which Vermont inns are famous. Visit this spring and receive a special $100 food and beverage credit to the hotel’s onsite restaurant, The Copper Grouse. For all the spring specials at the Taconic, visit the hotel’s website.
Imagine booking your vacation and receiving money to spend while you are there! That’s exactly what Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Ascutney Mountain Resort in Brownsville, Vermont, is offering. Book a two-night minimum stay in one of the spacious villas and receive a $25 a night credit per night booked. Enjoy farm-to-table dining at The Maple Kitchen or browse the MarketPlace for a memento of your trip. Book now since this offer is only valid through the end of May.
Discover the benefits of membership at The Hermitage Club in West Dover, Vermont. This 1,000 acre resort is home to four seasons of mountain activities. In winter, ski to your heart’s content on the club’s private mountain. Once you’ve hung up your skis, Hermitage offers a spectacular 18-hole golf course, nearby boating and fishing, and scheduled events throughout the year for members only.
Stay at the Comfort Inn & Suites near Burke Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and take advantage of the hotel’s Kingdom Trails Mountain Biking Package. The package includes overnight accommodations for two guests, complimentary hot breakfast buffet, two day passes to Kingdom Trails, and use of all hotel amenities including arcade, indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, and fitness center. Kingdom Trails is an extensive, multi-use trail system in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. It was recognized by Bike Magazine as the Best Mountain Bike Trail in North America.
Visit the historic Green Mountain Inn in Stowe, Vermont, for a stay that blends modern comforts with the traditional Vermont inn ambiance. Stay between now and May 12, 2016 and pay as little as $94 a night per room. Your rate includes lodging, full country breakfast, a VIP card for 10% off dining and massage, and afternoon tea and cookies. Enjoy the inn’s amenities including health club, game room, and fire pit, or stroll through historic Stowe Village.
Stay at the magnificent Wilburton Inn in Manchester, Vermont, and save this spring. Make Mother’s Day weekend really special with a two-night stay beginning at only $375/night. In addition to your room, this special package includes a free spa bathrobe, a box of Pierre’s Chocolates, an outdoor family yoga class and a mimosa for Mom. All this plus a musical Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch for two. (Kids under 4 are free and kids 5-10 are half price.) Call today for reservations.
Take advantage of special spring rates to stay at the historic Grafton Inn in the quintessential Vermont village of Grafton, Vermont. Choose from main tavern, cottages, and five guest homes. Midweek special rate of $149 per night (tax and gratuities not included) include breakfast, trail access for hiking or biking at Grafton Ponds, plus complimentary bikes for guest use. (Price is based upon one or two guests per room; add $45/night for each additional adult or child over 12 years.) This rate is only available Sunday to Thursday, May 1 – June 30, 2016. (Memorial Day excluded.) Reserve now to have your choice of accommodations.
If you live or work in or near Manchester, Vermont, The Perfect Wife restaurant has an offer just for you. Make a reservation for a Thursday or Friday night in April or May and receive 50% off the cost of your entree. You will need to be able to prove you live and/or work locally when served. This offer only applies to the restaurant; the Tavern is excluded. Call for reservations to 802-362-2817 and mention Vermont.com.
These Top Deals won’t last forever. Take advantage of these savings today. And when you make your reservations, please mention Vermont.com.
For more information about these Top Deals:
Stratton Mountain Golf Club
The Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
Smugglers' Notch Resort
Taconic
Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Ascutney Mountain Resort
The Hermitage Club
Comfort Inn & Suites near Burke Mountain
The Green Mountain Inn
The Wilburton Inn
The Grafton Inn
The Perfect Wife Restaurant
March 1, 2016 marks the date for Town Meeting in Vermont. Vermont law stipulates, “A meeting of legal voters of each town shall be held annually on the first Tuesday of March for the election of officers and the transaction of other business.” (17 V.S.A. § 2640) (Some towns have moved their town meeting to the weekend before in order to make the meeting more accessible for workers.) This Vermont tradition goes back to 1762, even before the founding of the country, when the first town meeting was held in Bennington. Since that time, very little has changed about the role town meeting plays.
Thirty days before the meeting date the “warning” is published which lists all the topics to be discussed and voted on at the meeting. During town meeting, citizens discuss and debate the issues prior to the vote. Subjects include approval of reports from town officers, election of town officials, review and approval for town budget, and consideration of projects for the good of the town. Some towns have chosen to vote by secret ballot which is more convenient for voters, but doesn’t allow for the traditional town meeting discussion or any amending of the proposals.
In the early days, Vermont town meeting dealt with subjects such as whether or not pigs should be allowed to run free or what goods or labor could be used in payment of taxes. Times have not changed so much. In 1999, Groton voters debated a $1 registration fee for cats for 45 minutes. The proposal passed. This year, the city of Barre will consider the following article:
“Should the City Council amend the Animal & Fowl ordinance to include an increased restriction of 30 feet from the property line and 60 feet from a dwelling for licenses of chicken & fowl?”
Although these issues seem small and insignificant, this is the lifeblood of the town meeting. Citizens coming together to get the things done that matter to them. Neighbors hear each other’s concerns and better understand each other’s perspective. Compromise creates solutions and divisive issues are resolved. As Thomas Jefferson said, the town meeting is “the wisest invention ever devised by the wit of man for the perfect exercise of self-government.”
This year, Town Meeting day and the Vermont presidential primary fall on the same date, March 1. The last day to register to vote is February 24. You must be a registered voter to vote in the presidential primary, but you also must be a registered voter to take part in Town Meeting. By participating in the political process, your voice is heard. You exercise your right to help decide the issues that matter to you, be they big or small.
How to Register to Vote in Vermont
Online
Go to online voter registration page and fill out the form.
You will need a copy of one of the following:
- Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Current bank statement or utility bill
- Government document showing your current residential address
Processing your registration can take up to 4 weeks and you are not considered registered until your application is approved by the Town Clerk. You will receive a notice when you are registered.
At the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
You can register to vote at the DMV when you register your car, get a driver’s license or renew your registration or license. You must be able to prove that you are at least 18 years old, a Vermont resident, and a US citizen. To do this you will need to provide documents from the following categories:
- Identity and date of birth
- Lawful status in the United States
- Social Security number
- Vermont residency and current residential address
Your application will be reviewed by your town/city clerk and you will be notified when registered.
With your town or city clerk
Complete the Vermont Application for Addition to the Checklist (Vermont Voter Registration Form)
Include a copy of an approved form of ID, or bring ID with you if taking the form in person. Approved ID must be one of the following:
- A driver's license or U.S. passport.
- A bank statement or utility bill.
- A government document.
Mail the application or deliver it in person to your town or city clerk.
For more information consult your local town clerk or the Vermont Secretary of State website.
If you have a passion for biking, you have to try fat bikes. Developed to ride in sand or snow, these bikes get their name from their extra fat tires. Suitable for all ages and abilities, the wider hubs and tires allow better flotation and more stability in the snow. You determine how challenging your fat bike experience will be by selecting from fairly flat terrain to steeper trails with twists and turns. At Killington, fat bikes can be rented right at the resort from Fat Bike Vermont. They are also happy to give you suggestions on which trails are most appropriate for your skill level. For suggestions of where to stay in the Killington area, check out Vermont.com's Killington page.
Stratton also offers fat bike rental right at the Nordic Center and riding is on Nordic Center trails. Stratton Mountain offers a large selection of lodging right on the mountain. Or consider the nearby Red Fox Inn in Bondville, Vermont, for the perfect end to a day out on the snow. Sit by a roaring fire or head to The Tavern, the Inn's traditional Irish pub.
Another Stratton lodging option might be to stay in nearby Manchester, Vermont. Manchester has much to offer as a base of operations including its own fat bike rental shop, Battenkill Bicycles. The staff can answer all your questions including suggesting local trails just right for your skill level. (Manchester is also home to great restaurants and the Manchester Designer Outlets.)
At Stowe, fat bikes are available for rental from local bike shops (AJ's Stowe Bike Rentals and Mansfield Cycles). In addition, Peace Pups Dogsledding also offers fat bike tours. Tours include four hours of riding and lunch at a local eatery. Tour operators will plan a tour perfect for your skill level. They can also handle rental and local pick-up and drop-off.
The Stowe Derby, one of the oldest ski races in the country, added fat bikes to the race in 2013. Participants travel from the top of Mt. Mansfield through 20km of challenging terrain to finish 2,600 feel below in the village of Stowe. This year the race is scheduled for February 28.
Kingdom Trails in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom offers an extensive trail system perfect for fat biking. Rentals are available locally from East Burke Sports and Village Sport Shop. The Comfort Inn & Suites in St. Johnsbury offers family-friendly accommodations less than a half hour drive from the trails. For a truly Vermont inn experience, consider the WilloughVale Inn in Westmore, Vermont, on Lake Willoughby. Choose from cozy rooms with fireplace or private cottages. The inn is a short drive from Kingdom Trails.
Whether biking is your passion or you want to experience something new, fat biking in Vermont winter is an adventure you won't soon forget.
Killington Mountain Resort
Stratton Mountain Resort
Fat Bike Vermont
The Red Fox Inn
Manchester Design Outlets
Stowe, Vermont
AJ's Stowe Bike Rentals
Mansfield Cycles
Peace Pups Dogsledding
Kingdom Trails
Northeast Kingdom
East Burke Sports
Village Sport Shop
Comfort Inn & Suites
WilloughVale Inn
The perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day (or Father’s Day!) or the gift you give yourself - visit one of Vermont’s resorts for an extraordinary spa and fitness experience. Soothe, renew, and relax mind, body and spirit with world-class spa treatments in a tranquil mountain setting.
The Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, in Stowe, Vermont, with its 30 treatment rooms and 120 signature healing and anti-aging remedies, offers a truly first-class spa experience. Enter the Bingham Hydrotherapy Waterfalls and Hungarian Mineral Soaking Pool and wash away stress and negativity. Cozy up to a crackling fire in the men’s or women’s private lounges or take advantage of the full-service salon for hair and nails.
If keeping fit is a priority, The Spa at Stoweflake offers a fully equipped fitness center, a dedicated Spinning studio, fitness classes from yoga to pilates, and a women’s only workout center.
Stratton Mountain Resort in Bondville, Vermont, gives you a multitude of options to enhance health and fitness. The Stratton Fitness Center is equipped with cardio and weight training machines, indoor saltwater pool, spin room, 2 indoor tennis courts, and fitness classes of all types. The new 1800 square foot yoga studio provides a serene setting with soft lighting and cozy fireplace. Yoga classes are offered for the first-timer or the experienced student. Additional amenities include hot tub, steam rooms, locker rooms, and 5 massage rooms.
The Essex Resort and Spa in Essex, Vermont, offers full service spa treatments focused on relaxation, rejuvenation, and beauty. Choose from traditional massage techniques for the perfect way to unwind and melt away tension. Then follow up with luxurious body treatments to nourish and restore your skin, from face to body. Or enlist our experts in selecting a facial perfectly attuned to your skin type. Additional services also include manicure, pedicure, makeup application, hair services and waxing.
The Fitness Center at The Essex offers the opportunity to pursue fitness in a state-of-the-art facility. The Fitness Center features a complete line of cardio and weight training equipment. Additionally, there is a 25-yard, temperature-controlled lap pool for exercise or just cooling down after workouts. Steam and sauna rooms plus comfortable lounges complete the amenities for a perfect spa escape.
Topnotch Spa at the Topnotch Resort, in Stowe, Vermont, approaches each patron’s spa experience as a Pathway to Wellness. Choosing from a number of services and fitness classes, each pathway aims to relax, activate, revive, or restore to achieve the intended benefit. Treatment options include body wraps and other full-body treatments (some exclusive to Topnotch), fitness services, massage, facial care and salon services.
The spa and fitness facilities include 30 quiet treatment rooms with a couples’ suite with fireplace, men’s and women’s lounges with fireplaces and juice bars, sauna and steam room, 60 foot solarium indoor pool, changing rooms with private lockers, and a full-service salon.
Combine with luxurious lodging and excellent dining options, and your Vermont stay will be as romantic, relaxing and fulfilling as you dreamed.
For more information:
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
Stratton Mountain Resort
The Essex Resort and Spa
Topnotch Resort
So, tomorrow is Ground Hog Day and the country is waiting for Punxsutawney Phil to come out of his burrow and predict the future. Here in Vermont, we don’t care. We know there will be at least 6 more weeks of winter! All that wonderful snow for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and so much more. Our mountains are buried in snow and we expect them to stay that way well into the spring. (Check out the Ski and Snow Report.)
If checking out the snow conditions is enough to get you excited about planning a ski getaway, you’ll need a place to stay. For the whole mountain experience, you can’t do better than Smugglers' Notch. Perfect for families, there are activities for all ages and interests. Ski, snowboard, snow tubing, take a snowmobile tour and more. Check for cost saving packages before you book.
Heading to southern Vermont, consider everything that Stratton has to offer. Besides skiing, you can take the kids to the Coca Cola Tube Park or take a nighttime snowshoe hike. For real adventure, try a fat bike – especially designed bikes for riding on snow. Save big with special ski and stay packages.
Another excellent option for a ski getaway is Okemo in mid-Vermont. In addition to the skiing and snowboarding options, Okemo offers cross country skiing and snowshoeing, excursions in the resort’s snowcat, and exhilarating rides on the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster. Okemo also offers special deals worth exploring.
For the ultimate Vermont vacation experience, check out The Hermitage Club in West Dover, Vermont. The Hermitage Club, a private club, offers luxury accommodations, a private ski mountain with no lift lines (and 100% snow making!), and exceptional amenities such as fine dining, spa treatments, and first-class entertainment. (A 4-season resort, members can also enjoy the Hermitage Golf Club when they can no longer ski.) The Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain even posts its own snow report!
Make your Vermont vacation truly special by sampling some of the other activities which make Vermont more than just a ski destination.
After a day on the slopes, how amazing would it feel to surrender yourself to a relaxing spa treatment followed by a candle-light dinner? If this combination idea has you ready to pack your bag, Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa in Stowe is a perfect fit for you. The resort even offers a special package that includes accommodations, lift tickets at Stowe, and 50-minute spa treatments. Add on-site dining at Charlie B's (which offers 50 different wines by the glass) and you have it all.
Only a 30-minute drive from excellent skiing is The Essex Resort & Spa in Essex, Vermont, right outside Burlington. Considered a culinary resort as well as a full-service spa, the Essex Resort can make a Vermont vacation truly something special. Plus, the Essex offers a Romantic Getaway package that includes two night’s accommodations, a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, a couples 50-minute massage, plus a $100 credit for dinner, and a credit of $16 per person per day for daily breakfast. (Sounds like the perfect Valentine’s Day gift!)
For a totally luxe experience, consider staying at Taconic in Manchester Village. This new boutique hotel is only a short distance from skiing at a number of resorts. In addition to in-room spa services and the in-house restaurant, the Copper Grouse, Taconic is only a short distance from the Manchester Designer Outlets.
Or maybe your style is a little more action-oriented. Why not try an afternoon of snowmobiling followed by dinner at a local brewpub? A stay at the Sterling Ridge Resort in Jeffersonville, Vermont, puts you close to Stowe and Smuggler’s Notch for skiing, with snowmobiling available right at the resort. Tours are arranged through Green Mountain Snowmobile Adventures. Afterward, check out the Brewster River Pub and Brewery in Jeffersonville for pub grub and craft brews of their own and other select breweries.
If you’re drawn to the nightlife of Burlington, why not ski Bolton Valley near Waterbury. Ski or snowboard, cross country ski or snowshoe during the day and head into Burlington for the evening. In Burlington, a visit to The Vermont Pub & Brewery, the state’s oldest craft brewery, will surely meet your expectations and more. Great food, even greater craft brews, all served up in a relaxed, pub-like atmosphere. A perfect end to your day.
Whatever your choice of winter fun, Vermont has you covered. Take advantage of all the winter still ahead in Vermont and plan your getaway today.
For more information:
Smugglers' Notch Resort
Stratton Mountain Resort
Okemo Mountain Resort
The Hermitage Club
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
The Essex Resort & Spa
Taconic
Sterling Ridge Resort
Bolton Valley Resort
Southern Vermont has finally received some much needed snow! Plan your Vermont winter getaway with these great Ski and Stay Packages.
If you want to ski Okemo, you’ll find some great ski packages.
Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, VT has several packages to choose from including Midweek Madness and a Weekend & Holiday Ski & Stay Package. If you are planning on coming to Vermont in the next couple of weeks, take advantage of the January midweek escape offered right now (valid for Tuesdays and Wednesdays only).
Echo Lake Inn located in Ludlow, VT has a ski & stay package which includes a 3 course dinner, breakfast and a midweek lift ticket at Okemo for only $159 person and requires a two-night minimum.
The Golden Stage Inn in Proctorsville, VT offers two options for a ski & stay package. The Frugal Yankee midweek package provides two nights lodging (Sunday through Thursday) in a standard room with breakfast, two-day ski (or snowboard) rentals for two, 10% off coupon at the Tygart Mountain Sports store, and two days of lift tickets for 2 adults (Monday – Friday). All this for $595 (including taxes). Additional midweek lodging nights may be added for $110/night (plus tax).
The Pampered Yankee midweek package provides two nights lodging (Sunday through Thursday) in a fireplaced room with breakfast, two-day ski (or snowboard rentals for two (with delivery of equipment), 10% off coupon at the Tygart Mountain Sports store, two days of lift tickets for 2 adults (Monday – Friday), and $50 gift certificate for dinner for two at your choice of area restaurant (Sunday – Thursday). All this for $725 (including taxes). Additional midweek lodging nights may be added for $120/night (plus tax).
If Stratton is your mountain of choice, choose a ski and stay package right on the mountain.
Stratton Mountain Resort has some great ski & stay packages to choose from. You can choose from their Midweek Getaway where you get two nights lodging and three days of skiing. Planning on coming up in the next couple of weeks? Be sure to check out their January Midweek Lodging Special. The longer you stay the more you save. This offer is valid until January 28, 2016 in select Stratton lodging properties.
Ski and stay any 2-4 days and save up to 25% off hotel, one or two bedroom condominiums at select Stratton Mountain Properties. 3-4 day stays are now available from Feb. 15 – 18.
If Bromley Mountain is your favorite place to ski, check out these ski and stay packages.
Grafton Inn located in Grafton, VT offers two different packages. There is the 2 + 2 Snow Lovers Package which includes two nights lodging, two day Bromley Mountain lift tickets and a full country breakfast. You can also take advantage of their Eat, Ski, Sleep & Repeat package. This package includes: two nights lodging, two day Bromley Mountain lift tickets, a full country breakfast and dinner for two in The Phelps Barn Pub. Check in early and you can enjoy a day at Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center (trail passes, rentals and two-hour tubing are included).
Manchester is just a short drive to Bromley Mountain and makes an ideal base camp. There are plenty of great places to stay in and around Manchester in addition to great shopping and dining.
Stay at the Wilburton Inn and enjoy all day discounted adult and children’s Bromley lift tickets.
The Inn at Willow Pond is offering a great Ski and Stay Package. The package includes a one-night stay for two people, a continental breakfast and two one-day lift tickets at Bromley Mountain. This offer is not valid on holiday dates.
At the Manchester View you can ski at Bromley and choose from their midweek, weekend or holiday ski packages. All rates are per person, per day double occupancy and include discounted lift tickets.
The Taconic Hotel is Manchester’s newest luxury hotel. The midweek package includes one night for two guests along with two Bromley lift tickets. Coming for the weekend? The two of you can stay for two nights and receive two weekend lift tickets.
The Hermitage Club in Dover, VT is the largest private ski club on the east coast with 1,400 acres of four season recreation for its members and their guests. No lift lines! Check out The Hermitage Club difference.
Before heading to the slopes you’ll want to check the current snow and ski report for the latest trail conditions and Vermont weather.
For more information on these Southern Vermont Stay and Ski packages or to make reservations contact:
Okemo Mountain Resort
Echo Lake Inn
Golden Stage Inn
Stratton Mountain Resort
Grafton Inn
Wilburton Inn
The Hermitage Club
The Inn at Willow Pond
Manchester View
Taconic Hotel
For other lodging options throughout the state go to Vermont.com lodging.
So, what are you waiting for? We’re getting snow! Book your Southern Vermont ski and stay package now.
Taking a ski vacation in Vermont can be tremendous fun for the whole family. But when your children are young, skiing all day might not be an option. That doesn’t mean that Vermont can’t offer plenty of activities to entertain you and your children.
Many of the winter resort properties provide a large selection of activities for children of all ages – activities such as snow tubing, ice skating, and swimming in indoor pools. In addition, many offer kid’s playrooms such as the Funzone Family Entertainment Center at Smuggler’s Notch and the Children’s Play Room at Topnotch.
When looking for activities to entertain your 
little ones, don’t forget to look at some more unusual local options. Dog sled rides and sleigh rides are offered in many locations throughout Vermont. And many local libraries hold story hours and special activities for young children. For example, the Manchester Community Library in Manchester, Vermont, has Rhyme Time for Tots on Thursdays at 10:30 and Pre-K Playgroup and Storytime on Tuesdays at 10:30.
Last but not least, for some well-earned adult time, take advantage of resort childcare centers and babysitting. Some resorts even provide special children’s programs. For example, Smuggler’s Notch offers all-day children’s programs and both Stratton and Okemo offer a Kid’s Night Out program just for the little ones.
For more ideas, check the Vermont.com Calendar of Events for activities specific to your visit.
For more information, go to the links below:
Smuggler's Notch Resort
Topnotch Resort
Stratton Mountain Resort
Okemo Mountain Resort
When you need a break from your Vermont ski vacation, why not take in some truly unique factory tours guaranteed to entertain the whole family. Start with Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream in Waterbury, Vermont. Take a 30-minute tour of the manufacturing plant and then sample new or old-favorite flavors in the Scoop Shop. For convenience, the Best Western Plus Waterbury/Stowe is less than one mile from Ben and Jerry’s.
Love chocolate? Then don’t miss the Lake Champlain Chocolates factory tour in Burlington, Vermont. Learn how chocolate is made, watch all your favorites being produced and enjoy the free samples.
For a totally different kind of factory tour, make a stop at The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne, Vermont. Watch these famous teddy bears being constructed from cutting, to sewing and stuffing. You can even visit the teddy bear hospital where bears which have been injured are cared for and cured because bears from the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory are guaranteed for life.
For lodging in the Burlington area, note that the Comfort Inn in South Burlington is about a mile and a half from Lake Champlain Chocolates and only four miles from Vermont Teddy Bear.
For an in depth look at the maple syrup industry, a visit to the Maple Grove Maple Museum in 
St. Johnsbury, Vermont is a sweet surprise. Go behind the scenes and learn how syrup is made from tapping the trees to boiling the sap. See maple syrup candies being made and sample this sweet treat. In March and April, maple producers throughout the state welcome visitors.
For a local inn that is the perfect family-friendly choice, check out the Fairbanks Inn in St. Johnsbury which is only 1.9 miles from Maple Grove.
For more information, you can visit the following websites:
Ben and Jerry’s
Lake Champlain Chocolates
Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
Maple Grove Maple Museum
Best Western Plus Waterbury/Stowe
Comfort Inn Burlington
Fairbanks Inn
