Category: Excursions

First Person by Catherine Crawley Vermont summer meadows are good for lots of things—picnics, puppetry, birdwatching, tick finding, and in some cases, sculpture. You’ll find plenty of the latter at SculptureFest 2020. On a dozen acres in and around a barn, artist… Read More

We’re at the tipping point. The ground has warmed since the solstice; the days are as hot as they get. Cicadas sing. And when you notice the sun sets earlier you hear the call. "Get out. Now. Grab what's left of summer while it's here." Get out on the road with the windows down. Get out on the lawn and picnic or dance, listen, or watch. Whatever your groove is, and whichever #VTArts251 towns you still need to score, look to a festival as a solution. These events abound in Vermont in August and September. Read More

In the Green Mountain State, sweet signs of spring include maple forests awakening and a plethora of outdoor art awaiting visitors. With more than 3,000 sugarmakers in residence, Vermont is the top maple syrup producer in the United States, generating over one million gallons annually. This year, pair your visits to the state’s famed maple sugarhouses with outdoor arts exploration. From Maple Open House Weekend, March 23 and 24, to the Vermont Maple Festival, April 26 to 28, the opportunities for exploring Vermont arts and savoring the season are as ample as maple is sweet. Read More

The long days of summer allow a slower pace. There’s time for summit hikes, lake paddles, and games of Frisbee or catch. But don’t let your body have all the fun. Vermont has a wealth of museums that provide a dose of culture and things that make you go “hmm.” Many simply could not exist anywhere else; they represent the ingenuity or aspirations of a single person or group. These stops tell about the communities in which they reside, often with roots to local people, industries, arts, or town histories. Plus, they’re easy on the wallet (five bucks or less). Whether you check out the one closest to home or make it a road trip, get out and explore. Read More

A frosted glass in your hand. The earthy smell of brewer’s yeast. The smooth and bitter taste of a complex beer. Look around, and listen. Is that jazz? An abstract painting? A beer and arts tour is a thrill for all five senses. What better place than Vermont to undertake the experience? You’ll find arts of every kind and an abundance of beer styles to suit every palate. With your pleasure in mind, the Council consulted the Vermont Brewer’s Association’s website to plan a few perfect pairings. So, it's time to check the Vermont Arts Calendar, open your Brewery Passport Challenge app, and give a call to your favorite designated driver. This is a tour you don’t want to miss. Read More

Picture a perfect day for shredding the slopes: fresh white powder, bluebird sky, après drinks near a roaring fire. When these images flood our screens, it’s enough to make anyone long for a ski bum lifestyle. And Vermonters know these dreamy days aren’t just for shredding. After the sun has gone down or your legs have grown tired, the arts will be waiting. What better place to start than in Stowe? Stowe Mountain Resort has been a Vermont skiing staple for decades and garnered recent attention when it was purchased by Colorado-based Vail Resorts. This mountain village is noteworthy for its arts scene as well. Read More