Summer

Time to take to the water

Take to the water in a canoe or kayak, leap into a lake at Lake Champlain, which offers over a dozen public beaches. Dive into a hole in the more than 80 old-fashioned swimming holes in Vermont. Take a cruise on Lake Champlain aboard the cruise ship Spirit of Ethan Allan.

Brave the Beast

If you thought ski resorts were redundant in summer, think again. Vermont's resorts now offer all manner of thrilling high altitude rides, one of which is located in nearby Killington – the Beast of the Mountain races through 4,800 twists and turns as it hurtles from the mountain tops and down through the forests.

Visit Billings Farm Museum

Visit the chicken and cows of Billings Farm Museum, which is just a scenic stroll from the village center of nearby Woodstock. Regarded as one of the finest outdoor history museums in the country, it combines a fully-operating Jersey dairy farm with a fascinating range of educational exhibits and interactive programs for all the family.

Discover the regions' hand-made beer

Take a tour of one of the many breweries where traditional methods are used to make a wide range of signature beers. The Long Trail Brewery, which is nearby, is famed for its line-up of captivating brews.

Loony tunes

Summer is the time to experience the unforgettable call of Vermont's famous loons. Recently on the brink of becoming extint in the Green Mountain State, loon populations are now on the rebound and any of Vermonts ponds is likely to feature loons calling at sunrise or sunset.

Muse on the history of Vermont

The Green Mountain State has a rich history that dates back to 1791, when it became the 14th state in America – so it abounds in historic buildings, fascinating Revolutionary War sites and museums. Among the museums are the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium in St Johnsbury, The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, The Normal Rockwell Museum, The Montshire Museum of Science and The New England Maple Museum.

Walk the Long Trail

Vermont's “footpath in the wilderness” is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States and follows the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts-Vermont line all the way to the Canadian border. With almost 400 miles of rugged terrain, streams, ponds, and hardwood forests it's got something for everyone. Even better, you can pick it up from right outside your room at Mountain Meadows.

President Calvin Coolidge at home

Visit the former home of President Calvin Coolidge and see the “Oath of OFffice Room,” which showcases the kerosene lamp, bible, and table used in President Calvin Coolidge's inauguration.

The Green Mountain Railroad

Vermont is known for its spectacular scenery, and one of the best ways to see the views is by taking a ride on the Green Mountain Railroad. The railway has been family owned and operated since 1964, and it offers trips out of both Burlington and Chester, with a variety of exciting experiences to choose from. Listen to music aboard the Lounge 91, participate in an interactive comedy show on the Murder Mystery dinner train.

Wine and cheese tasting

Vermont is famous for its wines and cheeses and offers numerous opportunities for winery tours, wine tastings, cheese factory visits and cheese sampling. There are also plentiful farmers' markets and annual festivals including the Vermont Life Wine and Harvest Festival and the Vermont Cheesemakers' Festival.

Killington Adventure Centre

It doesn't have to be snowy to be stunning in the Killington Adventure Centre. Here you can experience the glory of a golden Vermont summer aboard the Beast Mountain Coaster, which rises 100 feet above the town on the Skyeride while offering a a 600-foot-long , 2-seater zipline ride that glides at 30 miles per hour. You might also like to sample the Skye Ropes Course, which stands 4 stories above the ground with 42 exciting obstacles to clear. Other attractions include the Skyejump Tower, Terra Tubing, and the Skyebounce, paint balling, laser tag, flyboarding and bocce.

So many sports

Other sporting activities include horse-riding, kayaking, pontoon boating, disc golf, clay bird shooting, hiking, mountain biking, golf, tennis, Segway riding, All-terrain vehicle tours, swimming climbing (indoor and out) and falconry.

Horse-back riding

This area is ideal for horse-back riding and showcases numerous riding schools and equestrian centres and events.

Gone fishing

For the fisherman, Kent Pond promises abundant largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish and trout. Nearby Colton Pond offers largemouth bass, yellow perch and brook trout. NB: we supply fishing equipment free of charge.

On two wheels

The Killington Valley area is home to some of New England's finest mountain biking terrain and road cycling tours. Bring your own bike, or rent equipment and sign up for one of the many quality touring options in the area. There is something for everyone with beginner to advanced trails, and new ones being added constantly.

Be my teddy bear

One of the world's largest teddy bear producers, the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne, makes approximately 500,000 artisan teddy bears every year. Visitors can take a guided tour of the factory to see how the bears are made by hand

Walk the Bucklin Trail

Panoramic views of the Green Mountains await on the Bucklin Trail, 7.2-mile route that goes straight up to Killington Peak from whence you can see the Adirondacks in New York and the White Mountains in New Hampshire.