Staytripper's Guide to Celebrating Summer in Vermont

Words and photos courtesy of Seven Days

Staytripper's Guide to Celebrating Summer in Vermont
By Carolyn Fox

Raise your hand if every day feels a little bit like vacay, now that the state's pandemic restrictions have been lifted. Vermonters are once again partaking in activities they avoided last July — dining out, catching live music, heading to a popular swimming hole. It's summer lovin' like we haven't experienced since 2019, and it's all the more special for that lost year.

This issue of Staytripper, Seven Days' road map to rediscovering Vermont, offers guidance for getting back out there. And by "out there," we generally mean the great outdoors. This time of year, nothing is better.

Follow our itinerary to a provocative puppet show in a Glover field or a peaceful paddleboard on Lake Champlain. Get some perspective while wandering among large-scale artworks in Enosburg Falls or learning about a pioneering Black Vermonter in Brownington. Feeling gutsy? Zip-line down a mountain in Jeffersonville. You don't have to go far to celebrate your newfound freedom.

Ride the Waves in Burlington

Families and friends gather at the Burlington Surf Club to ride the waves, go for a paddle or just enjoy the beauty of a Vermont summer.

Old Stone House

The history of Alexander Twilight, an African-American believed to be the first Black person to graduate from a U.S. college, informs current conversations about race and justice at Brownington’s Old Stone House Museum and historic district.

Cold Hollow Sculpture Park

Cold Hollow Sculpture Park is home to some of Vermont’s most jaw-dropping installation pieces, sure to inspire and provoke thought and admiration of the surrounding natural beauty.

Plate of breakfast foods from Woodstocker

A Romantic Stay at the Woodstocker

Central Vermont’s Woodstocker B&B makes for a romantic retreat for couples, and is home to a romantic story of its own. Enjoy house-made French brioche and stay in one of Vermont’s quaintest bed and breakfasts.

Four Summer Must-Dos in Vermont

Ziplining, a Waterbury treasure hunt, summer exhibitions and more all await this summer in Vermont. Here’s your to-do list this season; whichever adventures you choose, there’s always more to Vermont.

About the series

This series, a partnership between Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing and Seven Days, will run seasonally, presenting curated excursions in every corner of Vermont. The idea is to highlight the state's restaurants, retailers, attractions and outdoor adventures so Vermonters and visitors alike can plan safe, local trips and discover new corners of the state. Happy traveling, and stay safe.