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For extensive travel and lodging information, please see our online Seasonal Guide.
For more about Visiting Vermont, choose topics from the drop down menu at the right.
Vermont's four distinct seasons captivate many first time visitors and transform them into regular, repeat guests to our green mountains, lakes and rivers, working farm landscapes and charming communities.
For others, a visit in the sparkling white winter, to a Vermont agricultural fair or fishing in one of the Lake Champlain Derbies, or at the height of the foliage season, may be a once in a lifetime experience, especially for those who may come from half-way around the world to experience the fabled color change. And, like the array of Vermont foliage colors in the autumn, the diversity of experiences visitors can enjoy in every season is difficult to match. Especially since they're every bit as authentic as the scarlet, gold and yellow of maple leaves. Of course, you have to be here for a while, or like so many, come back again, to fully appreciate the possibilities.
Spring
Pure Vermont Maple Syrup is our signature sweet harvest gathered and produced in the warming days as winter gives way to spring. Many sugarhouses are open to the public during the boiling season from March through April, and several welcome visitors year round. Vermont produces more pure maple syrup than any other state; pure Vermont maple syrup, candies and other maple delicacies can be found in local general stores, at weekly farmers' markets, and at restaurant tables statewide. To view more about the history of Vermont's maple industry, Click Here.
Spring may be Vermont's most under appreciated season. As ground conditions change, sure there is mud season, but not everywhere, and there are also many enjoyable spring experiences. Spring skiing combines the best of two seasons. Fishing season opens early in April to the rush of snow-melt through the mountain streams and cyclists along country roads. The daily and delicate emergence of spring foliage softens the landscape adding silver, yellow, green and red pastels in lacy designs. Soon, splashes of apple and lilac blossoms, join in and create a visual beauty that rivals that of autumn. Many inns, b&bs, farm stays and other scenic spots have lovely outdoor venues for outdoor weddings, concerts, festivals and the first crafts fairs of the season. They also know which trails are the best for spring birding as migrating birds stop for a rest or to spend the warm seasons. A signature Vermont event, the Vermont Open Studio Weekend at the end of May, opens doors to enjoy Vermont creative genius and ushers in the summer season.
Summer
Lengthening early summer days encourage the fruits and garden fresh vegetables that will soon grace the menus of restaurants statewide. Many participate in the Vermont Fresh Network, a farmer-chef partnership organization. Vermont food producers have a well-founded reputation for high-quality artisan cheeses to classic cheddars, fresh and cured meats, fresh fruit, berries and vegetables, micro-brews and local wines, and many unusual and amazing food items and recipes. Summer performing arts events include the famed Marlboro Music Festival, Vermont Mozart and Jazz Festivals, outdoor concerts by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, the nation's first and longest enduring state symphony orchestra, summer-stock theater companies in several towns, and Vermont’s wealth of fine musicians, dance companies, youth orchestras, circus performers and more in town halls, converted barns, natural outdoor arenas, restored historic opera houses and art deco movie theaters.
Recreation is equally varied. State parks and privately operated campgrounds provide everything from wilderness tent sites to complete hook-ups for RVs. Streams, ponds and lakes invite bass and trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing and boating. Winding blacktop roads are ideal for touring by car, motorcycle, or bicycle. Mountain resorts offer chair-lift assist to hiking and mountain bike trails, or extensive facilities for tennis, golf and swimming. Professional outdoor guides make recreation safely and comfortably accessible for all skill levels.
Fall
Vermont ’s foliage season needs no introduction, whether nature colors the trees pastel, earthy or in blazingly vibrant tones, it is beautiful and awe inspiring. And autumn craft and music festivals, golf courses and hiking trails, canoe trips, farm vacations and luxury spa stays are equally wonderful.
Vermont is also known globally for excellent and varied alpine and Nordic skiing, ice skating, snowshoe tours and sleigh rides, and cozy fireplaces or vibrant night spots for enjoying our wonderful winter season.
Four-season resorts and hotels, roadside motels, classic country inns, and small bed & breakfast homes are popular options for travelers, though longer-stay visitors often rent cottages, camps or vacation homes, typically for a week or longer.
Whatever your preferences or interests, Vermont's hospitality and recreation services will make a Green Mountain experience something you'll want to repeat, and possibly expand upon, often in the future!
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