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Return to Local Secrets, Big Finds homeView 2007 Local Secrets, Big Finds
Recreation Path
Stowe
802.253.7350
Completed in 1989, the Stowe Recreation Path is tangible evidence of the strong sense of community and civic pride found in Vermont. This award-winning path spans 5.3 miles of paved trail, which runs behind the church on Main Street, "along a beautiful river, fields of cows, and horse farms." In fact, the trail crosses the West Branch River 11 times over wooden bridges! Bikers, joggers, and Rollerbladers flock to this scenic trail. Read more.
Star Hill Dairy
South Woodstock
802.457.4540
Star Hill Dairy might do for water buffalo what Ben & Jerry's did for cows. It's a "working creamery that produces buffalo mozzarella and yogurt." Currently it's the only water buffalo farm of its kind in Vermont, and it specializes in making buffalo mozzarella like the kind found only in Italy. Milk from water buffalo is "much richer than cow's or goat's milk," with more fat, more protein, more calcium, and less cholesterol. The farm is located in "a gorgeous setting, and the unusual livestock make this slightly out-of-the-way trip well worth the drive." Read more.
Vermont Symphony Orchestra Summer Series
Various locations in VT
800.VSO.9293
The Swimming Quarry
Dorset
802.867.0331
The first marble quarry opened in 1785, and marble operations peaked sometime after the Civil War (mainly due to the creation of monuments, including the Jefferson Memorial). Today, many quarries in Dorset are abandoned, such as the Norcross-West Marble Quarry (more familiarly called "the Swimming Quarry"), which "is not only beautiful, but so much fun!" Perfect for "cliff diving and swimming--the water is very clean and very refreshing."
The Hidden Country Restaurant
Northeast Kingdom
802.744.6149
A trip up to the Northeast Kingdom in "mid-September through early October during the peak fall foliage season in Vermont is truly breathtaking in its beauty and color." The Hidden Country Restaurant is "quaint," and features "truly home-cooked meals and the best maple pie." Located in a log cabin, the property is "beautiful, and is designed with an old-fashioned village motif!" One more thing: The Hidden Country Restaurant is open seasonally, so please call for precise operating hours.
Appalachian Gap and Long Trail Intersection
Washington County
802.229.5711
The Appalachian Gap ("App Gap") intersects the Long Trail at a point where there is a "beautiful view overlooking a pond and the valley to the west." Hikers trekking up the Long Trail can find this site when they cross Route 17. If you prefer to drive, take the "lovely, winding road that brings you to the overlook, which is breathtaking at any time of year." If you continue east "past App Gap, you eventually come to Route 100--turn left to go to Waitsfield, which has some pleasant, small, artsy stores, or turn right to Warren, which is similarly charming."
Warren Store
Warren
802.496.3864
Johnson Winter Carnival
Johnson
802.635.2611
The cakewalk at the Johnson Winter Festival is something to remember--"when else can you win a chance at a beautiful homemade cake for only a quarter?" The festival, which takes place every February, is "an event for all ages and interests," and is generously hosted by the small town of Johnson. Activities include: "readings at the bookstore, a tug-of-war at the skating rink, refreshments by the fire auxiliary, games in the gym for toddlers, and a snow sculpture competition." Read more.
Lake Champlain Bluegrass Festival
Alburg
802.482.8110
The fiddle and banjo contest is the "focal point" of the Bluegrass Festival held on Lake Champlain every August. The contest is usually held on a Saturday morning, and at night, "well-known musicians like Ricky Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder provide entertainment." Another outstanding event is the craft show. Year after year, the Bluegrass Festival is consistently rated by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce as one of the best annual events. Read more.
Quality Bake Shop
Essex Junction
802.878.3798
Essex Junction's Quality Bake Shop is a "quaint little bakery that produces the most remarkable and unique sour cream donuts to be found anywhere." Visitors are repeatedly wowed by these sweets--they note, "the unmistakable and delicious sour cream taste renders this an incomparable treat." Donut connoisseurs who have "tried donuts around the world" claim that no other donuts are as memorable as these!"
Before you make plans to experience these local secrets for yourself, we suggest that you contact them to confirm dates, times, and locations. We are not responsible for the information submitted to us, and disclaim any liability for the information. Additionally, the addresses for or links to third party Web sites are provided for your convenience only. These Web sites, their owners, and operators are not affiliated or associated in any way with Travelocity, and we assume no responsibility for the content of such sites, or for any of your transactions or experiences with the owners and operators of such sites.
