What to do in Vermont in Summer?

[Vicky]

We've never been in Vermont and I keep trying to get an exchange during winter week there. Now I've got an idea to go there during summer. We wouldn't drive to Smuggs, it's too far. So I need to choose between Killington, Mt. Snow and Okemo areas (I guess Stratton is impossible to get). We do like nature activities but without too much hiking. What areas and possibly resorts would be good to visit in summer given that we need to keep busy our 9 y.o.?

Any info would be greatly appreciated,
Vicky

[Dollie]

Just to get you started, I've listed a few websites that will give you some ideas:

Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation

Vermont Life Magazine

Vermont Living

Vermont Only

Vermont State - Recreation & Travel

[Werner]

Your 9 year old will never forgive you if you don't take the tour at the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory in Waterbury (south of Stowe).

[Kay H]

We own at Killington and go there in winter for DH to ski but in summer we go to Mt Snow because DH likes to take tennis lessons at Stratton. Don't know about summer activities at Mt Snow but Killington, about 1 hr away has activities for kids,but it costs, not free. Lots to see in Killington to Burlington area.

[ctreelmom]

Vicky, where in CT are you? Smuggs is "only" about 5 hours for us (Danbury area) and I can't think of a better place for a 9 year-old. Don't let the drive scare you off, it's really not that bad.

[Vicky]

Hi Ctreelmom,

We are in southern CT on the border with Westchester County. The problem is my daughter is getting car sick very easy so we have to make stops at service areas pretty often. Plus, we always hit bad traffic on our way out of CT. Once, it took us all day to get to Lake George.
That's why I think central NH and northern VT would be too painful to get to. Killington is probably the furthest we would go but it looks like there is nothing to do there in summer. I guess we should stick with Poconos

[wackymother]

We visited VT and NH years ago and the Ben & Jerry's factory was a definite highlight. We also went to the Cabot Cheese factory, which was pretty darned interesting, too.

[3kids4me]

Vicky,

I replied to you in the other forum but didn't realize there that you were from CT. You should definitely consider Smuggs or at least the Stowe/Burlington area. As I mentioned in my other post, there isn't much to do in Southern Vermont for kids. Smuggs is a six hour drive from us in lower Fairfield County (with a lot of bathroom stops!) and your nine year old will love you for it!

Sharon

[ctreelmom]

Originally Posted by Vicky

Hi Ctreelmom,

We are in southern CT on the border with Westchester County. The problem is my daughter is getting car sick very easy so we have to make stops at service areas pretty often. Plus, we always hit bad traffic on our way out of CT. Once, it took us all day to get to Lake George.
That's why I think central NH and northern VT would be too painful to get to. Killington is probably the furthest we would go but it looks like there is nothing to do there in summer. I guess we should stick with Poconos

My 10 year old has umm, let's say, decorated, the route from Danbury to Smuggs numerous times, so I know what you mean! Call them and ask for their vacation planning guide that comes with a DVD--don't mention timeshare, just act as though you're going to rent off the street. Watch the DVD before ruling it out.

[Beaglemom3]

I've owned a second home in Quechee, Vermont for 13 years now and only go in the summer months. Lots and lots to do.
There have been some terrific ideas posted here and I'd like to add a few more:

http://www.travel-vermont.com/

Quechee Hot Air Balloon festival (http://www.vtliving.com/events/quech...onfestival/)is not to be missed, nor the town itself. Have a great lunch overlooking the falls at Simon Pearce (lunch is better, dinner is tiny & overpriced) and make sure to make reservations. Tour their shop and watch the glassblowers.

Quechee is a scenic drive from Killington, Ascutney or Stowe. It's on US Route 4, just off of Rte. 89.

Also, Norwich Vermont, home of King Arthur Bakery with its retail shop and courses.

Don't forget Hanover, N.H., home of Dartmouth College. It's a wonderful town and nice to see an Ivy League school.

Best of all, IMHO, the town of Woodstock, Vermont which was voted one of the six most scenic villages in America. Lots of shops, etc.

Email me if you'd like.
Beags

[Dollie]

If you go to Woodstock, you might want to look into the Billing Farm & Museum.

I'd also second King Arthur Flour and Simon Pearce for lunch. Simon Pearce's main production shop is in Windsor, VT. It has larger glassblowing and pottery making demonstrations (it also has a larger seconds selection with reduced prices).