6 Days, 6 States – Vermont

Travel New England This Summer with Our Unique Guide: If you’re still trying to make summer vacation plans, or just want to visit someplace new, we’ve got great getaway ideas for families and couples in all six New England states.

Billings Farm & Museum  Woodstock, Vt.
If a dairy farm doesn’t sound exciting at first, think again. Billings Farm has a whole host of Jersey cows, sheep, horses and oxen, with interactive programs and activities that help you get to know them. Take a tour through the barns and the calf nursery — sure to be a family favorite — and watch the afternoon milking. The on-site museum will take you through the history of dairy farming, from butter production to domestic life, in an authentically restored 19th century farmhouse.
BillingsFarm.org
(802) 457-2355

Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival  Wilmington, Whitingham and Dover, Vt. 
In late July and early August, the Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival celebrates everything to do with the delicious summer fruit. There’s a parade, a crafts fair, a classic car show, a blueberry slip ’n’ slide and lakeside dining.
VermontBlueberry.com
(802) 464-8092

Hot Air Balloon Ride  Essex Junction, Vt.
Drift over the foothills of the Green Mountains and catch glimpses of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks from a beautiful hot air balloon. A range of balloons can seat from four to 14 people and can land near a destination of your choice, including a backyard barbecue or a neighborhood close to home. Keep an eye out for moose, deer and black bears on the ground as you float across the countryside.
BalloonVermont.com
(802) 899-4007

Bomoseen State Park  Castleton, Vt. 
This state park has everything for a picture-perfect summer day. There’s a large, clean lake surrounded by the Taconic Mountains for swimming, kid-friendly fishing, a snack bar, and kayak, canoe or pedal-boat rentals. Several hiking trails head out from the park, too. Check out the campground if you want to make it a weekend-long stop.
VTStateParks.com
(802) 265-4242

Okemo Resort Adventure Zone  Ludlow, Vt.
For the adventurous family, this place has it all. A mountain coaster takes you down the mountain, through alpine forests and past Okemo’s Jackson Gore. A scenic chairlift can take you back up again. There’s also trampoline bungee jumping, disc golf, mini golf and a climbing wall.
Okemo.com
(800) 786-5366

Woodstock, Vt.
Woodstock is a picturesque village with a quaint downtown, featuring antique shopping, several dining options and beautiful B&Bs. At the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, the mansion and gardens are open to the public, as well as more than 500 acres of forest. Take a drive down the road to Quechee and visit the Simon Pearce glassblowing studio and restaurant, which overlooks a waterfall.
WoodstockVT.com
(802) 457-3555

For our complete Summer Travel Guide, pick up the July/Aug issue of Merrimack Valley Magazine on newsstands now.