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Agricultural Fairs and Farmers Markets – Visit local Farmers
Markets all over the State to enjoy authentic locally grown produce, and
specialty products. Or you may wish to take in one of the many agricultural
fairs across the State. Almost every county in the State has its’ own “Ag
Fair”.
Arts and
Culture – Across the state you will find local artists, galleries,
antique shops, playhouses, and unique artistry such as CIRCUS SMIRKUS, a youth
oriented circus troupe.
Christmas in
Vermont – Spend a unique Christmas in Lake Champlain Vermont at the
charming West Mountain Inn, Arlington. Swedish heritage is brought to the
Christmas celebrations with a “Troll Night”, dinner of fungus, followed by
“Field Beast of the Valley Dwellers”, which looks suspiciously like steak.
After dinner guests equipped with torches hunt for hidden troll dolls in the
undergrowth of the grounds. Visitors arriving before Christmas help decorate
the tree with homemade ornaments, and sit around the tree by a toasty log fire
to drink Glogg, an alcoholic Nordic punch.
Covered
Bridges – There are dozens of classic New England covered bridges across
the State of Vermont, each with its’ own unique character, such as Emily’s
Bridge in Stowe, Lake Champlain Vermont that is purported to be haunted!
Fall Foliage
– When the fall season comes, the Lake Champlain Vermont country side becomes a
sea of red, orange, and yellow and all shades in between. Lake Champlain
Vermont’s fall foliage is world renown with Mother Nature putting on a
spectacular but brief show every fall. One way to take in all the splendor is
to ride an old fashioned train coach deep into the hills and mountains. What a
grand adventure! Green Mountain Railroad takes you all over the state and during
the winter it even goes far north to visit Santa!
Go for a
Bike Ride – Try your hand at bike riding on many paths and mountain
trails such as Burlington’s Lake Champlain Bikeways, featuring over 1,100 miles
of trails that stretch all the way to New York and Canada.
Historical
Adventures – Feel the rich historical heritage of Lake Champlain Vermont
first hand by visiting unique places such as The Hyde Log Cabin. Built in 1783,
it is one of the oldest log cabins in the United States. Explore the Underwater
Historic Preserves at Lake Champlain Vermont, five underwater sites for
certified scuba divers where The Horse Ferry, The Phoenix, The Cola Barge, The
General Butler and the Diamond Island Stone Boat are identified by buoys and
guidelines. Go back in time with the Chimney Point State Historic Site, an
exhibit of Native American and French artifacts, contemporary issues and
cultural traditions.
Nature Hikes
– There are a seemingly endless number of trails and paths to walk, hike, or
backpack in Vermont. There are various guided nature tours, walks and hikes
such as Wonder Walks, which features easy, slow paced walks through country
lanes, foot paths, rail trails, and forgotten byways.
Paddle the
Northern Forest Canoe Trail – Grab your canoe or kayak and take on parts
of the 740 mile long Northern Forest Canoe Trail, the longest such trail in the
northeast. 174 miles of this trail pass through Lake Champlain Vermont and part
of Quebec on its way to New Hampshire and Maine.
Scenic
Byways – Take in Lake Champlain Vermont’s beauty by driving one of its’
many scenic byways. Vermont byways range from 30 miles in length to over 400
miles in length. Some of the most breathtaking are the Connecticut River
National Byway, Green Mountain Byway, Lake Champlain Byway, Mad River Byway,
Molly Stark Byway, and Stone Valley Byway.
Some Serious
Exercise – Experience the Sugarbush Adventure Games, a two-day Triathlon
fun fest in Vermont’s Mad River Valley that tests your athletic versatility
with running, whitewater boating, cycling, and cross-country skiing. Children
can also participate with the Valley Kids’ Triathlon featuring pond kayaking,
running and cycling! If that kind of strenuous exercise appeals to you, you may
also want to take in the Lake Champlain Vermont City Marathon & Relay that
takes place every spring in Burlington; or you can run the Green Mountain
Marathon that takes place every Fall on Grand Isle in Lake Champlain near
Burlington.
Lake
Champlain Vermont Home Grown – You cannot leave the State without seeing
iconic state treasures such as Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream factory tour, and one
of the several maple sugar farms. Other favorites include Cabot Cooperative
Creamery, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Morse and Bragg Farms who produce quality
maple sugar products, Vermont Butter & Cheese Company, and Grand View
Winery.
Winter Fun
– Ski or snowboard the breathtaking vistas at places like the 50 alpine trails
of Pico Mountain in Killington or the 140 trails of Killington Resort, or go
snowshoeing at the Green Mountain Club’s Snowshoe Festival where the whole
family can enjoy walking trails, indoor and outdoor kids’ activities,
educational workshops, nature walks, a raffle, hot chocolate, and more.
Experience the latest rage in skiing – snowkiting – harnessed to a kite zooming
over the ground. Get free demos, clinics and speed contests at Stormboarding
Kitestorm, Sand Bar State Park, Milton VT. And don’t forget the fabulous cross
country skiing! In addition to numerous ski touring centers, Vermont is home to
the Catamount Trail, the longest back-country Nordic ski trail in the United
States.