2023.06.29 Vermont Year Round Fun
Thanks to Social Chair Kelly Kalas for compiling an extensive list of fun things to do when visiting Craigmeur Lodge and Vermont all year 'round. OK, here we go....
In Rutland
Friday night Rutland closes off one of the streets and has outdoor music/restaurants.
visit www.downtownrutland.com for mor einfo.
Saturday morning there is a farmers market
Check out the scrap metal train. It’s located in the parking lot of the Walmart (if you are facing the Walmart, the train is off to the right side of the building-it’s also a geocach)
Visit the salt cave in West Rutland for any of their services. www.pyramidvt.com
Check out the rodeo all summer long.
Are you into Birdwatching? http://rutlandcountyaudubon.org/westrutlandmarsh/
Head up towards Pico/Killington area (about 20-30 minutes from West Rutland).
Between Killington and Pico-hike Deer Leap and take in the views…shorter hike (maybe about 2 miles). The hike is behind the Long trail Inn (aka McGraths) https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/vermont/deer-leap-overlook-trail
Afterwards stop in McGraths for a pint. Besides that, the lobby of the inn is kind of cool. This is a stop for hikers on the Appalachian trail. Check out some of the hiker history in the room on the right of the entrance (like the map).
Heading towards Killington? Take the gondola to the top…pack a lunch and enjoy the views (or visit the lodge/Subie shack on top). https://www.killington.com/plan-your-trip/tickets-passes/scenic-gondola-tickets-passes
Every Saturday Killington hosts the Bud Light free outdoor concert series-music is from 3-5:30 (I think)-bring a lawn chair or blanket (Hey you can even bring a cooler with your own beverages and snacks). Visit the website to check out the schedule.
Downhill Mountain biking at some of the local ski mountains.
Classical music free concerts at Pico. Information can be found on the Killington events webpage.
Further away but still drivable: these are all in the same general area)- it is a bit of a drive, but you could bang out a bunch of them during the same day if interested.
Check out and explore the town of Woodstock and the surrounding area
Check out the Vermont institute of natural science: https://vinsweb.org/
Book a super cool falconry experience: https://www.woodstockinn.com/do/things-to-do/falconry (PRICEY but cool)
Visit Quechee Gorge (aka the grand canyon of Vermont)-you can hike and swim down at the bottom: https://vtstateparks.com/quechee.html
Check out quechee Mall (it’s a quirky strip mall with gift shops and stuff
Check out the Simon Pierce glass blowing exhibit and shop/restaurant inside.
Keep your eyes out for the covered bridges…you will pass the 2nd longest covered bridge in VT. I think people stop for a swim as well. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g57230-d8495057-Reviews-West_Dummerston_Covered_Bridge-Dummerston_Vermont.html
In Proctor-check out the Marble Museum- www.vermontmarblemuseum.org
Random other places to consider…
Find a local watering hole to take a dip in: Watch out (most are swim at your own risk with clothing optional) this one is pretty cool: https://newenglandwaterfalls.com/vt-clarendongorge-upperfalls.html
Explore Lake Bomoseen: (It’s on my list-but I’ve never been). Includes swimming, possible boat rental and or fishing: https://vtstateparks.com/bomoseen.html
Explore as much or as little of the Vermont Cheese trail: https://vtcheese.com/vermont-cheese-trail-map/
Another place on my list, but it ain’t for everyone. A swim at Dorset Quarry. https://dorsetquarry.com/
GET OUT & EXPLORE VERMONT !!