Happy Fourth of July to all our readers, near and far! As you may have guessed, Vermont is a bit delayed in its seasons compared to where our guests call home. Being as far north as the Upper Valley, we eagerly await the signs of spring that may have already made their debut in Boston, for instance. This delayed gratification of warm spring days and blossoming blooms, however, simply makes the arrival of summer that much sweeter! Memorial Day is certainly a sign of warm days to come, but Fourth of July is the sure-fire mark that summer has arrived. What better way to kick off the season of ice cream, hikes, pond swims, and picnics? We’ve rounded up our absolute favorite summer activities to enjoy in the area this season.
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream
We’re lucky enough to call White Cottage Snack Bar our neighbor. While their Giffords ice cream selection is impressive, we love this place most for their view! There is truly nothing like grabbing some fries or a cone and sitting along the Ottauquechee River in the evening. Feel free to dip your toes in the water on those few sweltering days of Vermont summer!
Cheers Along the River
Many consider Long Trail a staple in these parts. We especially like visiting Bridgewater in the summer months, when the brewery’s outdoor beer garden is open! Overgrown hops surround the covered deck as the Ottauquechee River flows beside you. Enjoy a freshly made brew and a selection from Long Trail’s new food menu – we can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon!
Eat, Drink, Be Merry
Thursday evenings here are revved up a notch in the summertime. Enter the Feast & Field Market, complete with live music, local vendors, and farm fresh eats to satisfy your belly. This market is made possible by a collective led by Fable Farm. The best part? You can taste Fable Farm Fermentory’s delicious libations at the market too. BYO picnic blanket or utilize the market’s picnic tables while you watch the sunset and feast!
Life’s a Picnic
Bring along your picnic basket and blanket – Vermont is the ideal place for outdoor snacking! One of our highly recommended picnic spots is along Silver Lake, across from the Barnard General Store in Barnard VT. Stop into BGS to grab some eats (made-to-order sandwiches and baked goods are available on site) and wander across the street to enjoy the view! Another favorite spot of ours includes the yard behind the Woodstock History Center. Walk through the alley between The Prince & the Pauper and the History Center to find the most beautiful view of Woodstock’s covered bridge. Picnic tables are available to enjoy your eats. We suggest grabbing a little something from nearby FH Gillingham & Sons or The Village Butcher.
A Dip in the Swimming Hole
A Vermont summer is incomplete without splashing around a local swimming hole. We particularly like the area below the Quechee Covered Bridge. If you’ve ever been to Simon Pearce in the summer, you’ve most likely seen swimmers below the falls, hopping from rock to rock. To us, this epitomizes summer in Vermont!
Float Down the River
Located amongst the lively shops in Artisans Park, Great River Outfitters offers up kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and tubing throughout the summer months! Enjoy bucolic scenery surrounding the Connecticut River and spot undisturbed wildlife along the way.
Stroll Through the Green
Wednesday nights in the summer mean Market on the Green in Woodstock VT! This is the perfect opportunity to stroll through our town green, listen to live music, as well as peruse fresh and local goods from local vendors. Producers such as Plymouth Cheese and Free Verse Farm are regulars at the market. We also love Vermatzah‘s delicious bread, stuffed with seasonal ingredients. This is a mid-week treat we love to frequent!
Summer is here according to the calendar and the weather, so it’s time to take in the variety of activities around Woodstock. Enjoy any you choose!
