Green Mountain Peaks

Discover Vermont, One Story at a Time 🏔️

Local culture, season adventures, small towns,
and the honest side of life in the Green Mountains

Category: Things to Do

  • Explore Vermont’s Best Maple Creemees

    Explore Vermont’s Best Maple Creemees

    If you have spent even one summer in Vermont, you know one thing for certain: no trip is complete without a maple creemee. A creemee, for the uninitiated, is Vermont’s special take on soft-serve ice cream, and maple is the undisputed king of flavors. Whether you are visiting during peak foliage or a sunny July weekend, chasing the perfect maple creemee is practically a state sport.

    Here are ten of the best maple creemees you can find across the Green Mountain State.

    1. Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks – Montpelier Nestled just outside the state capital, Morse Farm is a must-stop. Their maple creemee is rich, perfectly balanced, and made with their own syrup. Enjoy it while walking their maple trail or exploring their charming country store.

    2. Canteen Creemee Company – Waitsfield If you like your creemee with a twist, Canteen Creemee Company is famous for creative, over-the-top presentations. Their maple creemee is a crowd favorite, often served with housemade maple sprinkles or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra decadence.

    3. Palmer Lane Maple – Jericho Palmer Lane is legendary among locals for its smooth, rich maple creemees. They use pure Vermont syrup and have perfected the consistency, creating a creamy texture that is just sweet enough without being overpowering.

    4. Bragg Farm Sugarhouse & Gift Shop – East Montpelier Family-owned for generations, Bragg Farm offers one of the most authentic maple experiences you can find. Their creemee uses real maple syrup and is served the old-fashioned way, with pure Vermont goodness.

    5. Village Creeme Stand – Plainfield This little roadside stand in Plainfield serves up one of the smoothest maple creemees around. It is simple, affordable, and perfect for a mid-drive treat while exploring the scenic backroads of Vermont.

    6. Al’s French Frys – South Burlington An iconic stop for burgers and fries, Al’s also serves a fantastic maple creemee. It is the perfect way to end a casual meal, and the nostalgic vibe of Al’s classic diner atmosphere only makes it better.

    7. Burlington Bay Market & Café – Burlington Enjoy your maple creemee with a view of Lake Champlain. Burlington Bay Market offers a creamy, flavorful creemee that is perfect to take on a sunset stroll along the waterfront.

    8. Dairy Creme – Montpelier A no-frills spot beloved by locals, Dairy Creme serves up a maple creemee that hits all the right notes: creamy, full of flavor, and generously portioned. Lines can get long, but it is worth the wait.

    9. The Village Scoop – Colchester A family-run ice cream stand that has become a summer staple in Colchester. Their maple creemees are smooth and flavorful, and they often offer maple twist options if you want to combine it with vanilla or chocolate.

    10. Kingdom Creamery of Vermont – East Hardwick Kingdom Creamery is known for its farm-to-cone philosophy. Their maple creemee uses milk from their own cows and local syrup, resulting in a fresh, rich flavor that is hard to beat.

    Tips for Finding the Best Creemee:

    • Look for Real Maple Syrup: The best creemees are made with real Vermont maple syrup, not artificial flavoring.
    • Texture Matters: A true creemee should be smooth and creamy, not icy.
    • Take Your Time: Some of the best creemee stands are little off-the-beaten-path spots. Exploring is half the fun.

    Vermont and maple creemees go hand in hand. Wherever your travels take you across the Green Mountains, be sure to stop, savor, and experience this sweet Vermont tradition firsthand.

  • 5 Best Spring Road Trips in Vermont: Route 100, Smugglers’ Notch, and the Northeast Kingdom

    Spring in Vermont is pure magic. As the snow melts and the landscape bursts into color, the Green Mountain State becomes a patchwork of rolling hills, flowering trees, and sparkling rivers. One of the best ways to experience it all? A scenic drive. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend adventure or a visitor eager to soak in Vermont’s natural beauty, these five drives capture the very best of spring.

    1. Route 100: Vermont’s Green Mountain Byway

    If there’s a “must-drive” road in Vermont, it’s Route 100. Stretching from the Massachusetts border all the way to Canada, Route 100 winds through the heart of the Green Mountains, passing charming towns like Weston, Ludlow, and Stowe along the way.

    Springtime Highlights:

    • Watch waterfalls roar to life with snowmelt, especially Moss Glen Falls near Granville.
    • Stop for a maple creemee at a roadside stand (spring is prime sugaring season!).
    • Enjoy uncrowded trails and emerging wildflowers at state parks along the route.

    Tip: The section between Killington and Waterbury is especially stunning and packed with cozy towns for lunch stops.

    2. The Lake Champlain Byway: Water Views and Open Skies

    For those who love open water and big-sky views, the Lake Champlain Byway is unbeatable. This route hugs Vermont’s western edge, following Route 2 and Route 7 along the Lake Champlain shoreline.

    Springtime Highlights:

    • Watch the Champlain Islands awaken from winter – apple blossoms, farms, and peaceful country roads await.
    • Take a slight detour to South Hero’s Hackett’s Orchard for early-season blooms and farm visits.
    • Spot migrating birds at places like Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area – spring is prime birdwatching season.

    Tip: South Hero, Grand Isle, and North Hero are easy to explore by car in a single relaxed afternoon.

    3. The Molly Stark Byway: A Journey Through Vermont’s History

    Named after the wife of a Revolutionary War general, the Molly Stark Byway along Route 9 offers a beautiful blend of history and scenery. Running east to west across southern Vermont, it connects Brattleboro to Bennington.

    Springtime Highlights:

    • Drive through the lush, emerging greenery of the Green Mountain National Forest.
    • Stop in historic Bennington to see the Bennington Battle Monument and charming covered bridges.
    • Explore Brattleboro’s art galleries, bookstores, and farm-to-table restaurants blooming back to life after the winter lull.

    Tip: Bring a jacket – southern Vermont’s spring weather can still be brisk, especially at higher elevations!

    4. Route 108 through Smugglers’ Notch: Dramatic Mountain Pass

    If you’re craving a little adventure, the drive through Smugglers’ Notch near Stowe is unforgettable. Route 108 narrows dramatically as it winds through massive boulders and steep cliffs. (Note: It’s typically closed for part of early spring, so check road conditions first!)

    Springtime Highlights:

    • Watch as lingering snow patches give way to trickling waterfalls and bright green moss along the cliffsides.
    • Hike short trails near the notch if conditions allow – spring mud can be tricky but rewarding.
    • Visit the town of Stowe for coffee, spring skiing, or simply wandering charming Main Street.

    Tip: If 108 is still closed early spring, you can enjoy scenic detours via Jeffersonville and Cambridge on Route 15.

    5. The Northeast Kingdom Loop: Untamed and Beautiful

    For those willing to venture farther off the beaten path, Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom delivers raw, untouched beauty. Take Routes 5, 114, and 105 through towns like Burke, Island Pond, and Derby.

    Springtime Highlights:

    • See Vermont’s wilderness shake off winter – open pastures, hidden lakes, and endless forests.
    • Visit Lake Willoughby, often called the “Lucerne of America,” where towering cliffs flank crystal-clear waters.
    • Wander through sleepy towns that feel unchanged by time.

    Tip: The Kingdom can be cooler and muddier than southern Vermont in spring – plan for a few unpaved roads and possible detours!

    Final Thoughts

    Spring in Vermont is a fleeting, breathtaking moment. As the landscape awakens from winter’s grip, these scenic drives offer a front-row seat to one of nature’s best shows. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring tiny villages, or simply rolling down your windows to breathe in the fresh, maple-scented air, these routes remind you why Vermont truly earns its nickname: the Green Mountain State.

    So gas up the car, grab a camera, and hit the road – Vermont is calling.

  • 10 Things to Do in Vermont During Mud Season

    10 Things to Do in Vermont During Mud Season

    Mud season in Vermont, typically spanning from late March through May, marks the transition from winter’s snow to spring’s bloom. While the thawing ground can make some trails and roads challenging, it also unveils a plethora of activities that showcase the state’s charm. Here’s how to make the most of this distinctive season

    🍁 1. Experience Maple Open House Weekend

    Celebrate Vermont’s rich maple syrup heritage during the Maple Open House Weekend. Sugarhouses across the state open their doors, offering tours, tastings, and demonstrations of the syrup-making process. It’s a sweet way to learn about this iconic Vermont tradition.

    🎿 2. Enjoy Spring Skiing

    As temperatures rise, ski resorts like Killington, Sugarbush, and Jay Peak offer spring skiing opportunities. Enjoy softer snow, fewer crowds, and festive events like pond skimming competitions. It’s a perfect blend of winter sports and springtime fun.

    🚶‍♀️ 3. Explore Mud Season-Friendly Trails

    While high-elevation trails may be off-limits, several lower-elevation paths remain accessible

    • Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail: A 26-mile trail stretching from St. Albans to Richford, ideal for walking and biking.
    • Trail Around Middlebury (TAM): A 16-mile loop offering scenic views and varied terrain.
    • Stowe Recreation Path: A 5.3-mile paved trail perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.

    Always check trail conditions before heading out to ensure safety and trail preservation.

    🌊 4. Visit Waterfalls at Their Peak

    The melting snow feeds Vermont’s waterfalls, making mud season an ideal time to witness their power

    • Moss Glen Falls in Granville or Stowe
    • Texas Falls in Hancock
    • Thundering Brook Falls in Killington

    These natural spectacles are often accessible via short walks, allowing for easy exploration.

    🛶 5. Paddle the Waters Post-Ice-Out

    As lakes and rivers thaw, paddling opportunities abound

    • Lake Champlain: Offers expansive views and diverse wildlife.
    • Connecticut River: Ideal for a serene canoe or kayak trip.
    • Lowell Lake: A tranquil spot surrounded by nature.

    Ensure water levels and conditions are safe before embarking on any paddling adventure.

    🧖‍♀️ 6. Indulge in a Spa Retreat

    Rejuvenate during mud season with a visit to one of Vermont’s renowned spas:

    • Topnotch Resort in Stowe
    • Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock
    • Mountaintop Inn & Resort in Chittenden

    These establishments offer a range of treatments to relax and revitalize.

    🎨 7. Discover Vermont’s Museums

    Delve into the state’s rich history and culture by visiting its museums:

    • Bennington Museum: Home to a vast collection of regional art and artifacts.
    • Shelburne Museum: Features diverse exhibits spanning art, design, and Americana.
    • Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in St. Johnsbury: Offers natural history displays and a full-dome planetarium.

    🐣 8. Visit Baby Farm Animals

    Spring is synonymous with new life. Many farms welcome visitors to meet baby animals

    • Shelburne Farms: An educational farm with opportunities to interact with young livestock.
    • Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock: Offers insights into Vermont’s agricultural past and present.

    🎶 9. Attend Local Music Events

    Mud season doesn’t dampen Vermont’s vibrant music scene. Check out local venues and community centers for live performances, ranging from folk to jazz. It’s a great way to connect with the local culture and enjoy indoor entertainment.

    🛍️ 10. Shop Local Artisans

    Support Vermont’s creative community by exploring local artisan shops and markets. From handcrafted pottery to unique textiles, you’ll find treasures that reflect the state’s artistic spirit.

    Embrace the Mud Season

    While mud season presents its challenges, it also offers a unique perspective on Vermont’s transition from winter to spring. By engaging in these activities, you not only enjoy the state’s offerings but also support local communities and traditions.