Must-See Activities and Attractions
There's something about Vermont that brings out the kid in everyone. These prime attractions combine educational elements with a healthy dose of fun.
Ben & Jerry's Factory
Route 100, Waterbury
866-BJ-TOURS
From its humble 1978 origins in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Ben & Jerry's has grown to become an enormous Vermont success story. The makers of such original ice-cream flavors as Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey invite you to take a tour and to taste their sweet frozen concoctions daily year-round.
Bennington Battle Monument
Monument Avenue, Bennington
802-447-0550
More than a monument to the pivotal Revolutionary War Battle of Bennington, this 306-foot obelisk made of blue-gray magnesian limestone is Vermont's tallest structure. Take the elevator to the top, and you'll enjoy panoramic views of Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont.
Cabot Creamery
Route 215, Cabot Village
800-837-4261
View the cheese-making process, and then nibble on Cabot's award-winning cheeses on a tour of Cabot Creamery, the farmer-owned company that has been a Vermont institution since 1919.
Lake Champlain
Vermont's largest lake is the place to go for scenic cruises, waterfront dining, fishing, and monster watching. You'll find relaxing recreational opportunities here — that is, unless you do spot “Champ,” the fabled prehistoric sea serpent that reputedly lives in the lake, in which case your coronary unit may get more of a workout than you bargained for.
Maple Sugaring
In the late winter and early spring, Vermont turns into a hotbed of boiling sap. Dozens of sugarhouses welcome the public to watch the syrup-making process in action. Even if you don't visit during the annual sugaring season, you'll at least want to be sure to order pancakes with pure Vermont maple syrup for breakfast.
Outlet Shopping in Manchester
Manchester rivals Kittery, Maine, when it comes to outlet shopping. If you're looking for designer duds, housewares, shoes, and other retail items at factory store prices, you'll definitely want to include a visit to Manchester on your itinerary.
Shelburne Museum
Route 7, Shelburne
802-985-3346
If you want to see a lot of Vermont in a short time, visit the Shelburne Museum, where you can explore exhibition buildings and twenty-five historic structures including a lighthouse that once stood beside Lake Champlain, a covered bridge, and a one-room schoolhouse. You'll also get a peek at the museum's 150,000-item collection of art and Americana, including tools, quilts, carriages, circus memorabilia, American paintings, and impressionist works.
Stephen Huneck's Dog Chapel
143 Parks Road, Saint Johnsbury
800-449-2580
If you've ever had a four-legged family member, then you will want to include a visit to artist Stephen Huneck's remarkable Dog Chapel on your Vermont itinerary. Your canine companions are welcome to visit, too. Huneck created this life-size work of art following a near-death experience. The marvelously detailed chapel is set atop picturesque Dog Mountain, where you can celebrate the companionship of your family pet and explore nature trails that wind through the wooded, 400-acre property.
JUST FOR PARENTS
Cliff House Restaurant (Stowe Mountain Resort, Stowe, 802 253-3500,
Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
Route 7, Shelburne
800-829-BEAR
There's a Vermont Teddy Bear for practically every occasion, and you can see where these adorable keepsakes come to life on a tour of the company's factory in Shelburne. While you're there, you can also select, stuff, and stitch up a bear all your own.
Windsor-Cornish Covered Bridge
Route 5, Windsor Village America's longest wooden covered bridge connects Windsor, Vermont, with Cornish, New Hampshire.
