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Essex Blog

Stories from our Blog

The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa

07/19/2021

5 Reasons to Travel to Vermont This Summer Written by: Megan duBois

We’re willing to guess that you’ve been to Vermont in the height of fall foliage and during the cozy winter time months, but there’s so much more to the state than skiing and maple syrup. Summer is also a great time to visit Vermont. Around the state travelers will find a plethora of activities on the water, dozens of craft breweries sprinkled in small towns and villages, hundreds of award winning restaurants, and even a fun road trip route. 

If you’re planning a trip this summer and are still trying to figure out where to go, why not Vermont (with a stay at The Essex, of course)? We’ve rounded up our top five reasons to visit Vermont this summer, and let’s just say we might be planning a staycation for ourselves now too. 

1. Outdoor activities are endless

Across the state there are more than 80 old-fashioned swimming holes, dozens of lake-front beaches, and little hideaways to slip into the water on warm afternoons. The most well-known lake is Lake Champlain, but don’t disregard it’s smaller cousins around the state that may be less crowded on weekends due to being a “locals only” secret. 

If water isn’t your thing then consider a hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Vermont. With Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides you’ll find yourself floating over the foothills of the Green Mountains, the waters of Lake Champlain, and see the Adirondacks. Because every flight is different, this is one activity you can do over and over again. 

2. Craft beer is everywhere

Whoever said that Asheville was the capital of craft beer in the Eastern US had obviously never been to Vermont. The state has almost 50 different craft breweries, which is impressive since the state is quite small. Each summer the state holds the Vermont Brewers Festival on Lake Champlain. Breweries from Vermont and all over the country come to showcase their latest creations along with fan-favorites. The adults-only event often brings in more than 10,000 people and showcases local restaurants and food trucks. Even though the event is on hold for 2021, we look forward to its return in 2022. 

3. Culinary adventures await the eager palette

Vermont is home to some of the most notable food brands of all time, including our favorite, Ben and Jerry’s. You can pop over to the scoop shop to get a bowl or cone of your favorite flavors, and starting in October you can take a 30 minute tour of the factory where the famous ice cream is made. 

If you’re looking for something a little more on the savory side consider taking a day or two to explore the Vermont Cheese Trail, where you can visit and taste fresh cheese from cheese makers around the state. Along the trail you’ll find familiar spots like Cabot, and some artisan cheese spots like Sage Farm Goat Dairy, which specializes in all things goat cheese.

4. Set up your tee time

Did you know there are over 75 golf courses in Vermont? There are plenty of opportunities to get to the tee box and attempt a hole-in-one here. Resort destinations around the state have the most golf courses, but you can pick up a round almost anywhere in the state. Some courses even date back to the 1920s, so you are literally playing in history.

5. Road trip on Route 100

One of the best parts about traveling is exploring the area, and sometimes that means going on a road trip. One of the most iconic routes through the state is Route 100, along the edge of the Green Mountains. The route stretches for 146 miles and goes right through the middle of the state with fun stops along the way. Throughout the drive you’ll encounter historical sites, beautiful hotels, restaurants dishing out scrumptious menus, and art museums and galleries. 

Feeling inspired to hit the road? The Essex Resort offers a variety of overnight packages and summer experiences. Check them out here.

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