Plan Your Family Vacation in Vermont with this Travel Guide

Family vacations in Vermont are full of fun, thrilling adventures. How you choose to see the lush green forests, rushing waterfalls, sparkling lakes, and mountainous regions is completely up to you. During the planning of this memorable family vacation, you will discover you can plan both indoor and outdoor activities. Your entire family will find things they love to do in this part of the northeast. However, I can guarantee all your days will end with you sitting around a table at one of the many restaurants. Delicious artisanal foods and drinks are everywhere in Vermont. You won’t want to miss a taste of anything this state has to offer.

History in Vermont

The French and British both settled in the state of Vermont back in the early 18th century. Most people are not aware that this state declared its independence from the other thirteen colonies. Vermont was finally admitted to the Union many years later in 1790, when it became the 14th state.

Vermont earned the nickname, Green Mountain State, thanks to all its mountains covered with lush green trees. History is everywhere in this state. Almost everyone knows that this is where Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream was created, and that more maple syrup is made in the state than anywhere else.

However, did you know one of the first ski lifts was developed in Vermont? A farm in Woodstock created the very first ski lift back in 1934. That ski lift was powered using an old Model-T Ford engine. You also may not know that the state capital, Montpelier, is the smallest state capital out of all the state capitals.

The littlest known historical fact I could find for the state of Vermont was something I had never thought of before. Back when Social Security checks were first issued, the very first recipient was Ida May Fuller of Ludlow. She retired from her legal secretary job and received her first Social Security check on January 31, 1940.

Weather in Vermont

There are four very distinct seasons in the state of Vermont. However, winter is the longest season, and it often decides that it wants to hang on so much longer than it should. If you love the cold and the snow, the Vermont winters are definitely going to be for you! And if you don’t love the snow, then you will want to take your vacation in Vermont during one of the other shorter seasons.

Spring in Vermont

Spring in Vermont normally begins around the month of April when temperatures begin to soar into the upper 40s and low 50s. Snow is still common during the spring months, so be prepared for anything during your visit. By the time May comes around, the snow should be mostly gone, except higher up in the mountains. The sun will be out more, and you may actually feel like you can walk around without freezing.

Summer in Vermont

Everything comes to life in Vermont during the summer months, because the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and temperatures are in the 70s and 80s. It can rain quite a bit in the summer, so be prepared for a storm or two during your visit.

Fall in Vermont

Fall brings a crispness to the air in Vermont. This is when the temperatures start dropping quickly. However, you will be rewarded with the leaves changing colors under the sun that remains. This is the perfect time of the year to spend outside, exploring everything Vermont has to offer. Just make sure you are dressed for the weather anytime you walk out the door.

Winter in Vermont

Winter arrives early in Vermont. It is common for the first snowfall to occur during the month of October. However, it will only be a small amount and you have until November before this area truly gets dumped on. The mid-40s in November will quickly turn to 30s in December and the 20s in January. This is the time of the year when most of the locals stay inside unless they are out taking advantage of all the fresh snowfall.

What to Pack for a Family Vacation in Vermont

Packing for a family vacation in Vermont is easy, as long as you keep the season you are visiting in mind. The summer months are fine for bringing shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses. However, there can be some cool days and nights, especially in the mountains. Therefore, a couple pairs of pants and sweatshirts can be helpful.

Rain gear is a must throughout the year, while winter coats and boots can be a good idea for the months of October through May. Layers are also a plus during the spring and fall when the days start out cool before warming up and cooling down again.

If you plan on spending a lot of time outside, hiking boots and bug spray must go in your suitcase.

Vermonters aren’t fancy, so you can leave the evening gowns and high heels back at home.

Activities to Embrace While on Vacation in Vermont

As you are choosing activities to do with your family in Vermont, you are going to discover there are more options than what you have time for! This isn’t always a bad thing, because it allows you to choose the activities that are most important for your family.

There are quite a few hiking trails through the mountains in Vermont. Therefore, hiking must be on your list of things to do with your family. If you don’t hike too often, no worries. There are many easy trails that are not too long.

Hiking isn’t the only way to experience the great outdoors in Vermont. You can also choose to bike along some of those trails or the other bike paths in the state.

I know there aren’t too many beaches in the state of Vermont. But that shouldn’t stop you from doing some of the many watersports that are available in all the bodies of water! You will discover that Vermont has quite a few lakes and rivers. You can kayak or canoe in those rivers or lakes. There are even a few white-water courses if you have always wanted to try white water rafting.

Other family activities you can try while vacationing in Vermont include:

• Build Your Own Bear at the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
• Take a Scenic Train Ride with Green Mountain Railroad
• Go Apple Picking
• Shop the Farmer’s Markets
• Take a Cruise on Lake Champlain
• Check Out the Rodeo

Top Places to See in Vermont

It is going to be quite difficult to determine what attractions should be on your list in Vermont. After all, this is a large state, and you could find yourself interested in a few places quite a distance apart. That’s okay though because I am here to make sure your family vacation in Vermont goes off without a hitch!

Ice cream lovers will want the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory at the top of their list of places to see on a family vacation in Vermont. You must take a tour to learn how this ice cream brand was created. During the tour, you can look down at the factory floor to watch the flavors of the day being made. At the end, you can taste a sample of whatever flavors just came off the factory line. Before you leave, you must check out the flavor graveyard. That is where all the retired flavors are sent to be remembered forever.

Another must-see on your list might be the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site. This site is where his boyhood home is located. A tour of the home and the other estate buildings can help you understand this President a little more. Another presidential attraction in Vermont is Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home. This was the summer home for President Lincoln and his family. Tours of the mansion are best to see the Lincoln belongings and furniture. Your favorite spot though might be out in the gardens, where you can see gorgeous views of the Battenkill Valley.

No one will be able to resist spending a day at the Rock of Ages. This is one of the largest rock quarries in the entire world. This rock quarry is still in operation. Therefore, I recommend taking a tour of the granite plant to see how granite slabs are created.

Other amazing places to see in Vermont include:

• Robert Frost Stone House
• Tallest Filing Cabinet on Earth (just outside Burlington)
• Shelburne Museum
• VINS Nature Center and Quechee Gorge
• Cabot Creamery
• Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
• Multiple Covered Bridges – The Silk Road Bridge is one of the best

Amazing Festivals You Can’t Miss in Vermont

Burke Fall Foliage Festival

By now, you should know that fall is one of the best times to visit Vermont, because of the beautiful fall foliage. The Burke Fall Foliage Festival is always held on the last Saturday of September. This festival is a day-long event that is packed full of fun events and adventures. Your day will begin with you watching the parade. Afterwards, you can shop for arts and crafts items, participate in Cow Flop Bingo, and watch the Rubber Duck Races. You won’t want to miss the BBQ, silent auction, and live music either!

Vermont Golden Honey Festival

Vermont may be known for producing a ton of maple syrup, but they are also pretty good at making honey. Imagine walking around this festival and having the chance to purchase products related to bees. There’s honey apple pizza, beeswax lip balms, honeybee print fabrics, and beeswax soaps to get you started. The Vermont Golden Honey Festival is always held on the second Saturday during the month of September.

Vermont Dairy Festival

The Vermont Dairy Festival is a 4-day event held during the month of June. All the action begins on Thursday night and ends late in the afternoon on Sunday. Your time at this festival will include midway rides, food, live music, parades, performances, and fireworks.

Are you ready to plan your next family vacation in Vermont?

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