How can you resist a Vermont Teddy Bear Company Tour. The famous maker of Bear-Grams, the "creative alternative to flowers", is located in Shelburne. They offer a fun-filled tour of the bear factory along with the "Make a Friend For Life" shop where you can make your own Teddy Bear.
Vermont Vacations Idea #2:
A castle in Vermont? You bet. The Wilson Castle is actually more of an English manor on a 115 acre estate and the home of five generations of the Wilson family. Located in Proctor, it was built in 1867 and stands three stories high with 32 rooms, 13 fireplaces, and 84 stained glass windows. Its an interesting slice of Vermont history and worth a look.
Vermont Vacations Idea #3:
Visit Neighborly Farms and see how an authentic Vermont dairy farm operates. The family farm is run totally organic. All its products, including their famous cheese, is as pure and natural as the Vermont snow. Watch the cows being milked and the cheese being made and see just why they call it Friendly Farms.
Vermont Vacations Idea #4:
Randolph, Vermont is home to the only manufacturer in the world of the large music box. Take a tour of The Porter Music Box Company and the museum where you can peruse an exquisite collection of music boxes, including several from the collections of Louis Hoone and Ruth Bornand. Also on site is the extraordinary 1926 Steinway Duo-Art Aeolian reproducing piano.
Vermont Vacations Idea #5:
The Granite Center of the World, Barre, is home to The Rock of Ages Granite Quarry. People from all over the world come to take a narrated tour of this 600-foot-deep quarry and nearby manufacturing plant. Extracting, cutting, and polishing the granite is a demanding feat that requires a great deal of skill and craftsmanship.
Vacation Ideas in Vermont #6:
Who hasn't heard of Ben & Jerry's famous ice cream factory. Tour the Waterbury factory and learn how ice cream is made and how two childhood friends started with nothing and built an ice cream empire. Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory is Vermont's number top tourist attraction. Oh, and don't forget to stop in the FlavoRoom for delicious samples of the day.
Vermont Vacations Idea #7:
For something really unique, how about a visit to The Dog Chapel located on Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The chapel was built by well-known artist Stephen Huneck as a way to celebrate the spiritual bond people have with their dogs. Along with the chapel, Dog Mountain has 115 acres of trails, scenic views, dog sculptures, and trout-filled ponds. And, yes, dogs are welcome!
Vermont Vacations Idea #8:
For some winter fun try your hand at Ice Fishing. Panfish, trophy-size lake trout and northern pike are common catches. Vermont has lots of lakes where you can rent a shanty on the ice and drill down through for some winter fishing. Just be sure you have some local guidance as to where and when to do it so you stay safe.
Vermont Vacations Idea #9:
The Vermont State Craft Center, Frog Hollow, is located in Middlebury, Burlington and Manchester. The galleries feature the work of Vermont artists and craftsmen and a European-style marketplace with street musicians and entertainers, excellent restaurants and unique shops. A variety of special exhibits are featured throughout the year.
Vacation Ideas in Vermont #10:
Take a hike on The Long rail, the oldest trail in the country. Starting in Jay it goes south for some 260 miles through the Green Mountains. Much of it is pretty remote so you need to judge your hiking skills accordingly. It makes for an excellent day hike, overnight backpacking trip or you could even join the ranks of the 150 or so people each year who complete the whole thing.
Vermont Vacations Idea #11:
The town of Bennington, Vermont is just a short drive from either New York or Massachusetts. There is a lot to do and see on a vacation here. There are some great historical landmarks to visit like the Old Burying Ground which is the site of Robert Frost's grave, the Old First Church and the Park-MucCullough Historic Estate. The countryside around Bennington is typical New England and makes a nice place for a drive. You will encounter many interesting and old covered bridges in the area.
At the Bennington Museum you can see the largest collection of Grandma Moses art and memorabilia anywhere. Bennington is a very romantic vacation spot and the Vermont bed and breakfast, South Shire Inn, is perfect for a romantic getaway. You can stay at the South Shire and then head out to the nearby Green Mountain National Forest for some hiking, winter snowmobiling, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Vermont Vacations Idea #12:
Contributed by Sara Widness. Here are some reasons to visit the small town of Barnard nestled in the beautiful hills of Vermont. Barnard is:
Near epicenter of first environmental awareness -- maybe in world.
Right on Silver Lake for boating (no engines) and swimming; ice fishng skating, hockey in winter.
Near Barnard Inn -- one of best restaurants in region.
Thriving country store that hosts regularly scheduled community chats; meet and chat with the locals over coffee every morning.
Only 6 miles from Appalachian Trail.
12 miles from Woodstock, Vt's galleries, shopping, fine architecture.
Un-gentrified community -- very natural.
Visible exhaling when folks discover this tiny quiet village of 800.
Excellent accommodations at The Fan House, Inn at Chelsea Farm, Maple Leaf Inn.
Home of Twin Farms that gets $1400 a night all-inclusive for folks who can afford same.
Vacation Spots in Vermont #13:
Contributed by Sara Widness. Farming came to Pittsfield, VT in 1781. Today this scenic Green Mountain valley on Rt. 100 under 10 miles from Killington is a hiking / biking mecca and home to Riverside Farm's 300 gentlemanly acres that support elegant country weddings for up to 175. Nearby eco-friendly Amee Farm emphasizes sustainable living with organic farming while hosting corporate retreats, themed get-aways, and competitive, high-quality sporting events.
Vermont Vacations Idea #14:
Alta Day Spa, housed in a 1800s farmhouse adjacent to The Pitcher Inn in Warren Vermont, provides a relaxing spot for guests to enjoy peace and pampering after a day of adventure in the heart of the Vermont’s Mad River Valley. After spa treatments guests retreat to the Inn where wood burning fireplaces, steam showers and cozy accommodations in the likes of themed guest rooms called Ski, Trout, Mallard or School, among others, provide a respite for those in need of rest and relaxation. Dining at the Inn's acclaimed and award-winning restaurant is a highlight, as is sampling items from its extensive wine list which has garnered Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence since 1998 and the Best of Award of Excellence since 2004.
Vermont Vacations Idea #15:
Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest has lots of opportunities for outdoor vacation activities. It's quite large, covering some 100 miles up into the state from the Massachusetts border. The forest is full of old Native American trails that make excellent hiking and motor biking. Cross-country skiing is also popular on the trails. You can spend some time camping in the forest while canoeing and fishing in the many ponds and brooks. In the fall the leaves are turning colors and there is no better place for a scenic drive to watch nature glory in the changing foliage.
