Unique things to do in the city of Vermont, for those who've been missing out on this area's fun attractions.
Are you a fan of Norman Rockwell's work? If so, you'll want to see The Norman Rockwell Museum in Rutland, Vermont. In addition to a 2,500 item display of representations of his published work, there are also figurines, mugs, puzzles, framed prints, jewelry boxes, afghans and much more. For collectors, there's a variety of collector plates, as well as a nice selection of books. There's a great deal to see in this large barn-shaped building, but it's well worth the time it takes to go through the museum - especially for those who already have an appreciation of Rockwell's talents.
Jeffersonville is home to the Vermont Maple Outlet - a family owned and run business specializing in a wide variety of maple products. In addition to maple candy and syrup, the outlet also offers maple cream, an assortment of fudge flavors, maple sugar coated nuts and maple drops. A selection of cheese and cob-smoked meats are also available, as well as homemade crafts and clothing items. This is a shopper's paradise! Experience the delectable taste that's intrinsic to New England - maple. If you've never tried it, you'll be delightfully surprised when you take that first bite.
The Great Vermont Corn Maze - located on Patterson Farm in North Danville - is a fun way to spend the day in the great outdoors! Visitors are invited to visit the cornfield maze and try to weave their way through the twists and turn until they successfully reach the other end. For those who are a bit more daring, you might wish to try the Starlight Maze during one of the schedule weekend nights during the summer - same maze, but you're navigating it by the light of the moon and stars. October brings the Haunted Maze - a delightfully frightful Halloween maze experience. When you're finished with the maze, you can go to the Nature Center or play miniature golf.
Mountain Valley Farm, in Waitsfield, offers an enjoyable vacation experience during both the summer and winter. Specializing in horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides, the folks at Mountain Valley are prepared to cater to your vacation needs - or a particular event, such as a wedding - by providing just the right atmosphere. During the summer, guests can choose from horse-drawn wagon rides, hay rides and formal carriage rides. If your visit coincides with the winter months, you'll enjoy a scenic ride in a horse-drawn sleigh, cross-country skiing or taking part in the cider-making operation. Depending upon the season, you'll also be able to take part in the farm activities, such as collecting duck eggs.
For those of you who enjoy boating, Champlain Houseboat Charters - in Orwell, Vermont - will provide you with all the necessary tools for a delightful houseboat cruise. The river queen boats are built to comfortably hold six people, but will accommodate an additional two by providing a couple of extra sleeping pads. Don't worry about not having had prior houseboat experience - a training session covering the boat's operation will be given before your departure. Enjoy the scenery as you tour areas of Vermont, northeastern New York and Canada on the waters of beautiful Lake Champlain. This is a great way to spend a relaxing day in the fresh air!
Bellows Falls, Vermont, is home to the Green Mountain Railroad. Take a scenic tour on the Green Mountain Flyer, the Champlain Valley Flyer or one of the other touring trains - including trains that are set aside for special excursions. During your trip, you'll enjoy refreshments and conversation with the helpful staff members, whose friendly and helpful demeanor will make a great trip even more pleasurable. A variety of boarding locations are available - including Burlington, Shelburne, Norwich, White River Junction and Chester as well as the original Bellows Falls point of origin. You'll be able to view vintage cars and historical sites, as well as take in some shopping while you're there.
If you find yourself in Brattleboro, be sure to stop at Tom and Sally's Handmade Chocolates. On Monday through Saturday, guided tours are offered twice each day, for those of you who are interested in watching how these delightful confections are made. Don't forget to buy some chocolate while you're there - not only do they make great snacks, but friends and relatives will delight in these tempting chocolates as a souvenir of your travels. Among the selection, you'll find Old-Time Almond Toffee, Old-Time Raisin Bark, boxed luxury chocolates, Gourmet Medallions and Chocolate Spoons. At holiday time, there are chocolate ornaments and a collection of Christmas penny candy.
The Birds of Vermont Museum in Huntington, Vermont, delights bird lovers (and watchers) with their exhibits of over 450 carved wooden birds. Representing 258 species, these birds are depictions of local Vermont birds, as well as those that are on the Endangered or Extinct Species List across the North American continent. Surrounding the museum is a 100-acre bird sanctuary/nature preserve that affords visitors an opportunity to experience some of their wooden counterparts. For those who wish to make a day of it, picnic areas are available at the museum, as well as at the nearby pond. This would be an ideal tourist spot for those who are serious bird watchers.
Knight's Spider Web Farm in Williamstown, Vermont, is a rather unique tourist attraction. The resourceful owner - a woodworker - decided to harvest the multitude of spider webs that were gracing his farm as a result of an abundance of spiders. Once the webs are harvested (by hand), they're integrated into the wooden wares that are for sale. Available for purchase are wooden plaques - both plain and fancy varieties, which the owner, Will Knight (with the help of his spider friends), has created. According to Mr. Knight, he's developed a way to get these little workers to spin designs specifically for him to use in his work.
The Vermont Covered Bridge Museum is located in Bennington, Vermont. Inside this marvelously educational structure, you'll find pictures, facts and figures about a variety of covered bridges - and maybe a ghost story or two! Among the exhibits which are catalogued at the museum are The Kissing Bridge, Bennington Bridges, The Artful Bridge, Railroad Bridges and many, many more. Be sure to make a stop at the exhibit called, "Emily's Ghost" while you're there - an exciting diorama and informational display that will have the hair standing up on the back of your neck! This fascinating collection is a "must see" for all tourists and vacationers.
Vermont has a great deal to offer folks who want to make a day trip or spend a full-blown vacation in this great state. If you've never considered Vermont as your vacation destination, now's the time to do so. For more information, contact the Department of Tourism or your local travel agent.
