Vermont, a state celebrated for its verdant landscapes, independent spirit, and unspoiled beauty, might not boast a coastline, but it more than compensates with a wealth of freshwater adventures, family-friendly destinations, and a vibrant cultural scene that blossoms during the summer months. As the temperatures rise, Vermont transforms into a haven for those seeking respite from the heat and a taste of authentic New England charm. From tranquil lakes and bustling farmers markets to thrilling mountain coasters and captivating theatrical performances, Vermont offers an array of experiences that cater to every taste and interest. This article explores 22 Things to Do in Vermont During the Summer, providing a guide to creating unforgettable memories in the Green Mountain State.
Dive into Vermont’s Freshwater Paradise
1. Jump in a Lake
Forget the ocean – Vermont’s lakes offer a refreshing escape. Lake Champlain, the state’s largest, is dotted with over a dozen public beaches, each offering unique opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Venture beyond Champlain, and you’ll discover hidden gems like Boulder Beach in Groton State Forest, where you can combine a swim with hiking, biking, or kayaking. For a truly unforgettable experience, head to Lake Willoughby’s North Beach, often hailed as one of New England’s finest lake beaches, known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic mountain backdrop. For the adventurous, seek out one of Vermont’s 80+ old-fashioned swimming holes for an exhilarating dip in nature’s own pools.
2. Treat Your Family to a Memorable Getaway
Vermont is synonymous with family-friendly resorts that cater to all ages and interests. Smugglers’ Notch Resort, a perennial favorite, boasts eight heated pools, a mountainside water playground, freshwater swimming spots, and award-winning children’s programs. The Tyler Place Family Resort in Swanton offers an all-inclusive experience with water sports, outdoor adventures, and supervised activities for toddlers to teens. For a more rustic charm, the dog-friendly Wildflower Inn in Lyndonville, nestled on 300 acres with access to the Kingdom Trails, provides opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, and farm-to-table dining.
Immerse Yourself in Vermont’s Local Culture
3. Shop at a Farmers Market
Vermont’s farmers markets are a celebration of the state’s agricultural heritage and culinary creativity. Each week, town greens and parks transform into vibrant marketplaces where farmers and gourmet food producers showcase their fresh-harvested bounty. The Waitsfield Farmers Market on the Mad River Green is a prime example, offering live music, baked goods, handcrafted souvenirs, and a diverse selection of fruits and vegetables. By shopping at a Vermont farmers market, you’re not only supporting local growers, artisans, and entrepreneurs but also immersing yourself in the state’s unique cultural fabric. Don’t forget to pick your own strawberries – another fun summertime activity that supports Vermont farms.
4. Dine at a Farm-to-Table Restaurant
Vermont’s farm-to-table restaurants showcase the state’s commitment to local, sustainable cuisine. With a long history of supporting local food systems, Vermont chefs have embraced the locavore movement, creating innovative dishes using freshly harvested ingredients. Hen of the Wood, with locations in Waterbury and Burlington, is a culinary highlight, offering a daily-changing menu that reflects the season’s bounty. For a truly special occasion, consider booking the multi-course, chef’s tasting menu.
5. Sleep at a Farm
Experience Vermont’s rural charm firsthand with a stay at a working farm. Liberty Hill Farm & Inn in Rochester offers an immersive experience, allowing guests to participate in daily farm activities, such as milking cows and bottle-feeding calves. This unique opportunity provides a glimpse into the rhythms of farm life and a chance to connect with nature and the source of your food.
Explore Vermont’s Natural Wonders
6. Cruise Lake Champlain
Experience the grandeur of Lake Champlain aboard the "Spirit of Ethan Allen," the lake’s only cruise ship. From mid-May through mid-October, the ship offers a variety of leisurely voyages, including narrated scenic trips, lunch cruises, sunset cocktail cruises, and dinner cruises. Thursday nights feature murder mystery or scavenger hunt dinners, while Friday night dinner cruises highlight lobster. Saturdays offer a DJ and dancing under the stars.
7. Ride a Thrilling Mountain Coaster
Vermont’s ski areas transform into summer playgrounds, offering thrilling activities like mountain coasters. Head to Killington to experience the Beast Mountain Coaster, a 4,800-foot-long ride that winds through the woods. Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow features the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster, a breathtaking ride down the forested mountainside where you control the speed.
8. Take Up Fly Fishing
Vermont is renowned as the fly fishing capital of New England, offering abundant opportunities to cast for wild trout in pristine rivers and streams. The American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester houses the world’s largest collection of fishing-related artifacts, including rods that belonged to legendary figures like Winslow Homer and Ernest Hemingway. If you’re new to fly fishing, Orvis operates a fly-fishing school in Manchester, offering instructional experiences for all skill levels. Maple Country Anglers, based in Burlington, provides guided fishing trips on Vermont’s fish-rich waterways.
9. Bike the Kingdom Trails
In Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, an extensive network of multi-use trails awaits mountain bikers of all abilities. The Kingdom Trails, a non-profit organization, maintains these trails with great care, ensuring legal access to private lands in one of the state’s most scenic natural areas. Purchase a one or two-day membership and explore the diverse riding options available.
10. Give ATV Riding a Whirl
For an adventurous experience, try an ATV tour with NEK Adventures. These guided tours depart from Concord, Vermont, and take you through remote areas that you might never see otherwise. Participants must be 18 years old (16 if accompanied by a parent).
Discover Vermont’s Unique Attractions
11. Go Behind the Scenes at Ben & Jerry’s
No trip to Vermont is complete without a visit to the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury. Take a 30-minute guided tour to see how beloved ice cream flavors like Chunky Monkey are made and sample the day’s fresh creation. Learn about the company’s humble Vermont origins and visit the Flavor Graveyard, where discontinued flavors are humorously memorialized.
12. Tour the World’s Largest Granite Quarry
Explore the depths of the world’s largest deep-hole dimension granite quarry at Rock of Ages in Graniteville. A bus tour will take you to the 600-foot-deep Smith Quarry, where you’ll see machines hoisting massive blocks of stone. Back at the manufacturing facility, observe artists sculpting and carving memorials. Don’t forget to try out the outdoor granite bowling before you leave.
13. Head to the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
Step back in time at the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth Notch, where you can explore the rural village where the 30th U.S. President was born, sworn in, and spent his summers. Visit the general store and the Plymouth Cheese Factory, one of America’s oldest still-operating cheese companies, established by Coolidge’s father in 1890.
14. Follow the Vermont Cheese Trail
Indulge in Vermont’s renowned cheese scene by following the Vermont Cheese Trail. Visit the Cabot Cheese Farmers’ Store in Waterbury Center to browse a wide selection of award-winning cheeses and dairy products. Discover artisan cheeses made in small batches at destinations like Blue Ledge Farm in Salisbury, where you can visit their self-serve farmstand.
15. Support the Preservation of the Morgan Horse
Visit the UVM Morgan Horse Farm near Middlebury to learn about and admire these strong and versatile horses, the state animal of Vermont. Your admission fee helps to sustain the breed. The National Museum of the Morgan Horse is also located nearby in Shelburne.
Enjoy Vermont’s Entertainment and Events
16. Enjoy a Perfect Evening of Theater
Experience Broadway-caliber shows at the intimate Weston Playhouse in Weston. This repurposed Greek Revival church has been staging plays for over 80 years. Enjoy dinner beside a waterfall at the playhouse’s restaurant before the show, and stick around after the curtain call for additional entertainment in the downstairs cabaret.
17. See a Genuine Rodeo
Experience a touch of the Wild West at Pond Hill Ranch in Castleton, where you can witness a genuine rodeo featuring bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, and steer wrestling. The Saturday night rodeos are alcohol-free and fun for the whole family.
18. Picnic at a Music in the Meadow Concert
Pack a picnic, spread out a blanket, and enjoy the music and mountain views during one of the summer’s Music in the Meadow concerts at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Tickets are required for most shows, which are held on select Sundays in July and early August.
19. Reserve Your Tee Time
Vermont boasts over 75 scenic golf courses, offering opportunities to play nine or 18 holes amidst stunning landscapes. Enjoy mild summer temperatures while golfing at public courses like the Equinox Golf Resort & Spa’s mountainside course, designed by Walter Travis and updated by Rees Jones.
20. Attend a Waterfront Beer Festival
Sample a wide variety of craft brews from Vermont and beyond at the annual Vermont Brewers Festival, held in Burlington’s Waterfront Park in July. This epic, adults-only event attracts thousands of people and features local food.
21. Admire Antique Autos
Attend the annual Vermont Antique and Classic Car Meet in Waterbury to connect with fellow vintage automobile enthusiasts. Enjoy traditions like the flea market and Saturday’s parade and street dance.
22. Take Your Pup to Dog Mountain
Visit Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, a memorial to artist Stephen Huneck and a magical place for dogs and their owners to explore. The dog-themed chapel’s walls are covered with love notes to pets, and the lush hillsides are perfect for long walks.
22 Things to Do in Vermont During the Summer offer a diverse range of experiences that capture the essence of this unique state. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or simply a relaxing escape, Vermont has something to offer everyone. The opportunities to explore 22 Things to Do in Vermont During the Summer are endless and can create memories to last a lifetime. Plan your visit and discover the magic of 22 Things to Do in Vermont During the Summer for yourself.
