Many of us who currently live in Vermont full-time came from other states. We all have our individual stories, but we were all drawn by some combination of simpler, cleaner living; access to outdoor sports; enjoying the local food, craft brews, arts, and music; or just being able to throw the windows open to get clean air and silence for a good night’s sleep. There is a peacefulness of being able to step out of suburban or city life to experience life in Vermont.
We have created a list of the 10 things we love most about Vermont, but not in any particular order of importance. It was hard to limit the list to 10, so forgive us if we omitted something important to you.
Vermont Skiing
Can anything top the draw of our Vermont ski resorts? Our local resort, Okemo, is family-friendly, with great grooming and snow-making. Whether you are a beginner or expert skier, you will enjoy your time on the slopes. Most of us got our start as children coming to Okemo to learn to ski, then making weekend and week-long trips with our families. We know people who have been coming here for so long that they retired in Ludlow, so they could be close enough to ski every day.
Golf at Fox Run
Golf in the mountains? Yes! You should try Fox Run Golf Course, rated one of the top golf courses in the Northeast. Golf lessons are available for all levels, whether you are just starting or want to tune-up your swing. Plus, they have Calcutta’s Restaurant for lunch, dinner or those 19th hole drinks. It’s lots of fun to sit on the patio, relaxing with a cold drink and looking at the beautiful scenery of the mountain and pond on the property.
Water Sports on Our Lakes
We are fortunate to live in an area with lakes as well as mountains. Take your canoe or kayak to one of our 4 lakes (Lake Pauline, Lake Rescue, Echo Lake, and Amherst Lake) that run alongside Route 100 North. We’ve seen beavers, muskrats, fish and even eagles nesting. If you don’t have a kayak or canoe, you can visit Plymouth State Park on Echo Lake. They have paddleboats and paddleboards for rent. You can also enjoy their sandy beach and take a swim.
Live Music and Plays
Every weekend in summer there are outdoor music concerts in several Okemo Valley towns. One favorite is the concert every Friday night at Okemo. Just bring a blanket or chair, a picnic cooler and spread out on the big Jackson Gore lawn. Each performer is a different Vermont favorite. Music also abounds in the winter at indoor venues around the area. Another great experience is attending a performance at Weston Playhouse. During the summer season, they offer several Broadway-quality plays in the charming town of Weston.
Biking in Vermont
Vermont has more than 1,400 miles of mountain biking trails maintained by local chapters dedicated to that sport. For something a bit tamer, there are rail trails, built on old railroad track beds, as well as, public paths. Grab your bike or rent one from several local shops. Whether you like electric bikes or regular pedal-powered bikes, there is a route for you. Something new here is fat tire biking on snowy terrain in the winter. Check with a local bike shop to learn about the latest trail updates.
Shopping the Farmer’s Market
Ludlow has a new, vibrant Farmer’s Market that draws over 40 local vendors offering fresh produce, cheese, gifts, baked goods, food truck specialties, and more. We love the local treats and just-picked produce fresh from Vermont farms. Shop the Ludlow Farmer’s Market on Depot Street each Sunday from 9am to 1pm. Across the Okemo Valley, there are additional farmer’s markets.
Local Arts and Crafts
Vermont draws artists and crafters from far and wide. Many artists set-up home studios and offer tours during the “Open Studio” days in May and October sponsored by the Vermont Craft Council. If you long to immerse yourself in a new art or just want to try a new skill, check out The Gallery at the Vault or Fletcher Farm School for class schedules. It’s a wonderful way to spend a day, weekend or week. Additionally, visit many of the art galleries across the state to acquire a new piece for your home.
Local Festivals and Fairs
The Best of Vermont Summer Festival in late August rates as one of the best in the state and is not to be missed. Other great festivals include the Chester Festival on the Green in September, the Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival in June, and Cider Days in Belmont in October. Find your favorite and plan a fun weekend.
Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
You can literally put on your cross-country skis or snowshoes and glide across almost any golf course or field. However, there are great areas dedicated to this sport. The Viking Nordic Center in Londonderry has miles of trails, rental equipment and lessons. There is also Wild Wings Ski Touring Center in Peru and the Fox Run Center in Ludlow. We love this family sport and it is abundant in Vermont.
Craft Beer and the Foodie Scene
Would you guess that Vermont has the most craft beer breweries per capita of anywhere in the country? In Ludlow, you can find many craft beers for sale at Brewfest. We also have Outer Limits Brewing in Proctorsville and Mount Holly Beer in Belmont. In August, Okemo hosts the Taps & Tastes festival, where you can sample favorite local brews and food from around the region. Small cheese companies abound, like Crowley Cheese in Mount Holly and Grafton Village Cheese in Proctorsville. The Wine & Cheese Depot in Ludlow offers an excellent selection of unique cheeses.
We know there are many other local attractions not included here, but that just means that we have an abundance of riches in Vermont. There is so much to love that we know that you can’t experience everything in just one day.
If you are planning to come to our area for a weekend, a season or lifetime, we have the experienced agents to help you with a place to stay or purchase. For short-term rentals, our experts at our Inside Edge division can assist you with your stay. If you’d rather rent a home or condo for ski season or purchase your own property, our real estate agents have decades of experience in the local area and can guide you to your dream home. Give us a call, 802-228-8811 or email us, [email protected]. We are here 7 days a week to answer your questions and assist you.
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