Vermont is a small state located in the northeastern part of the United States. It enjoys four distinct seasons, so whatever outdoor activities your family enjoys, Vermont could be just the place for your next vacation together.If you’re looking for a trip with a slower pace, consider a week in Vermont.

In the fall, just driving through the state and enjoying the fall foliage is a pleasant experience. My child enjoyed searching for her favorite “pretty” leaves that we took home and pressed between two pieces of wax paper to make bookmarks for her grandparents. She was especially proud to have gotten them leaves “from Vermont” and just any old leaves from the backyard.

Maple Syrup

Some of the prettiest foliage you will see in the autumn in Vermont are the leaves on the maple trees. After the cold winter months, as spring is just about to emerge, the sap is about to run in maple trees. During special times of the year, usually March and April in the USA, maple trees are tapped and the sap is collected. This sap is then boiled down to make pure maple syrup. Vermont has numerous farms where you can buy freshly made syrup and maybe even see how it is made.

One place you might wish to consider is the Hathaway Farm. They are a working farm in the Green Mountain area where you they have a livestock farm and make their own maple syrup. They have lots of other activities year-round, including Vermont’s largest corn maze. Admission to the maze is $9.00 for those 12 and older and kids 4-11 and seniors are $7.00. Each Saturday night in season (late July until October 31st), they have Moonlight Madness. Kids will enjoy the maze with Glo-sticks and be able to roast some marshmallows too. The clear night sky will allow for stunning star-gazing also.

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory

Nurse, teacher, motorcycle mama  – these are just some of the hundreds of types of bears that are made lovingly by hand at the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Burlington, Vermont. Kids of all ages might enjoy a tour here. It costs just $ 2.00 for adults and kids are free. The tour lasts about 30 minutes. In addition to seeing how each bear is made, your family can also see the Bear Museum and there are daily kids’ activities – rain or shine.

Tours are offered daily from 9 am to 5 pm during the winter season (October 26 – June 30) and from 9 am to 6 pm during the summer season (July 1 – October 25).  The factory and store are open daily except for major holidays.

Tip: Check the website here for a coupon you can print out to receive a free bag with purchase at the factory store.

Winter Sports

Vermont is well-known as one of the premier places in New England for skiing and there are several fine ski resorts across the state. Whether it’s downhill or cross-country, there are numerous places to enjoy some snowy fun. Lessons and equipment rental is available at most locations and some such as the Mad River Glen and Middlebury Snow Bowl offer kids’ programs. Children are fast learners. Whether they already know how to ski or just want to get started, there are highly qualified ski and snowboard instructors at the resorts.

You might also consider trying out some snow shoeing or sledding. Vermont has some hilly terrain and most parks and forested areas have great spots for sledding. One of the best resources for a good sledding hill is simply to ask one of the local residents.

Tip: If you need a break from the fun in the snow, or just want to learn more about skiing, visit the Vermont Ski Museum in Stowe. It’s open every day but Tuesday and hours are noon to 5 pm. Suggested donation for admission for a family is just $5.00.

Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream

Chunky Monkey, Cherry Garcia, Chubby Hubby – which is your favorite? You haven’t tried any of them?! Well head up to Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory in Waterbury, Vermont for a tour and a sample. This well-known brand started off as a simple local shop that offered high-quality adventurous and unique ice cream flavors. Of course now it’s a well-known brand.

Tours are offered from either 9 am or 10 am until 6pm or later, depending on the time of year. The guided tour lasts about half an hour and costs just $3.00 for adults and kids 12 and under are free.  The tour is brief and won’t keep little tummies waiting too long for the whole reason you probably stopped here in the first place – the ice cream. All of the flavors are available, so come hungry.

In addition to the ice cream shop, there is also a gift shop where you can pick up some fun souvenirs. A “flavor graveyard” is fun for kids and adults to see the funny tombstones of retired ice cream flavors.

Tip: The plant does not produce ice cream every day, so be sure to check the web site or call if this is an important reason for your family to include this in your vacation itinerary.

Vermont Cheese

The rolling countryside is a perfect place to raise goats and cows. If you have a picky eater, you know that getting them to eat right can be a challenge. But even the pickiest of eaters, like my little girl, can find some sort of cheese that they like. Many local farms across the state of Vermont offer a chance to see cheese being made, sample assorted cheeses, visit petting zoos, and even a chance to milk a cow or goat. Visit the Vermont Farms Association web site here to learn more.

One of the more well-known brands of cheese and dairy products is Cabot Creamery. Since 1919, this company has been in business making cheese products and is owned by dairy farmers. At their Visitor Center in Cabot, Vermont, you can take a short half hour tour and see cheese actually being made. Afterward, there are plenty of cheese samples available in varieties you might not even know existed.

Admission is $2.00 for adults and children 12 and under are free. Depending on the time of year, tours are offered either from 9 am or 10 am until 4 pm or later. They are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Note: If you aren’t interested in the tour, you can still sample and buy Cabot cheeses at their Annex located close to Ben and Jerry’s in Waterbury, Vermont.

Lodging

There are numerous lodging options available across the state, from quaint bed and breakfasts and rooms located on working farms, to more traditional hotels and resorts. One you might consider for your family’s vacation is the Trapp Family Lodge. Located in Stowe, it is 2,400 acres of fun for the nature and outdoor enthusiast.

They offer a variety of activities, including painting, music, dance, baking classes, and yoga and massage. There are trails and gardens to explore and tennis courts and pools to enjoy. In March, they have maple sugaring. At other times, there are structured activities that your child can enjoy. The Lodge’s website has more information and package specials, including rates that include a tasty breakfast.

From beautiful countryside drives to farm tours and snow sports, we think that you’ll find Vermont to be a charming and relaxing family vacation destination.