Once a well kept secret, Southern Vermont is the next best family summer getaway for urban dwellers on the East Coast. Everywhere you go has a small town feel surrounded by picturesque nature, and when you breathe the clean Vermont air you feel healthier than ever. The Green Mountains offer an abundance of activities that families can enjoy during the summer without the usual peak ski season crowds.
Seesaw’s Lodge is a restored century-old property and an all-season destination built on the inn’s tradition of community and camaraderie. Guests can enjoy authentic Vermont cuisine and lodging, as well as incredible views in picturesque Peru, Vermont. Seesaw’s luxury suites and spacious cabins, all offering modern bathrooms, kitchen space, gas fireplaces and high-quality embroidered robes, are great for unwinding after a long day of exploring the nearby state parks, national forest, and other outdoor adventures.
On-site, guests can eat at Johnny Seesaw’s restaurant for elevated comfort meals, mingle and enjoy local draft beers at the Tavern, play old-school games in the game room, order fresh brick oven fired pizza at the Warming Hut, and use the swimming pond during the warmer months. Seesaw’s also offers private yoga lessons in The Barn and in-room massages upon request. From the great outdoors to lodging to food to culture and shopping, here is what you need to know to be “in the know.”
EAT, SHOP, PLAY, EXPLORE
General store and cafe with an outdoor patio that sources the best quality practical goods and local foods. Take-out or eat-in meals, while the store sells assorted Vermont gifts and provisions.
In the heart of Manchester, this independent and woman-owned boutique shop offers luxe contemporary clothing, accessories, shoes, and handbags from top designers including Veronica Beard, Rag & Bone, Mother Denim and more.
Shop from a large selection of books, stationary, magazines, cards, and calendars, as well as fine gifts ranging from clothing to jewelry; it’s also attached to the popular Bonnet & Main Cafe.
Bromley Mountain Adventure Park
A premiere destination with activities for the whole family: mini golf, water slides, climbing walls, trampolines, the famous alpine slide, a zipline, and ropes course for the more adventurous souls.
Visit the Lincoln family summer home built at the turn of the 20th century. This restored Georgian revival mansion with 412 acres is open for the public to visit.
An all-inclusive horse show just outside Manchester from June to August. The competition features divisions for every level of equestrian, from the Short Stirrup Classic to the $40k Grand Prix.
Restaurant residing in a historical library in the heart of Manchester, Vermont, that offers an eclectic international menu with Caribbean and European influences that changes with the seasons and what's fresh in the market that day.
This quaint market and deli in Peru, Vermont, serves up delicious homemade prepped meals and sides, soup and salads, as well as incredible specialty sandwiches, a variety of drinks, and local Vermont products.
Cycling enthusiasts will love Stratton Mountain Bike Park, featuring 10+ miles of downhill trails synonymous with Vermont mountain biking. Hop on your own bike or a rental and ride through miles of berms, rollers, rock gardens, tabletops, and more on trails for all skill levels.
At Emerald Lake State Park, you can swim, paddle board, and boat in the beautiful jewel toned Emerald Lake. The park also offers great hiking trails, fishing, picnicking, mountain biking, and nature programs.
A moderately challenging 4.5 mile out-and-back trail during the summer and fall months that leads you to a gorgeous view of a 125-foot waterfall, one of Vermont’s highest.
A perfect way to enjoy summer in Southern Vermont is to go berry picking at the Wildwood Berry Farm in East Dorset. The eight-acre property is filled with raspberries and blueberries for visitors to pick and enjoy. While there, make sure to stop in their Country Store for food and souvenirs including fresh fruit popsicles, maple syrup, honey, soaps, t-shirts, and more.
During Southern Vermont’s “mud season,” fly fishing is a famous sport to partake in. Located in Manchester is the Orvis Fly Fishing school, where you can learn the art of fly fishing with some of the best fishing instructors in the country.
Green Mountain Falconry School
A truly unique activity can be found at the Green Mountain Falconry School where visitors are introduced to “falconry,” a sport that involves handling and flying a trained hawk. At the school, you are guided by a licensed falconer and taught hawk identification, training, conditioning, hunting methods, and the sport’s rich history.
Ride horses through the serene Vermont countryside at Mountain View Ranch, which offers trail riding, lessons, and summer camps.
For all the theater-goers visiting Southern Vermont, pay a visit to Weston Theater Company, an award-winning regional theater.
If you're visiting with kids, you will want to take them to Main Street Makery, a community craft workshop open on the weekends for people of all ages, all abilities, and varying interests to gather, learn, teach, and make crafts.
Located in Dorset, this intimate theater was built from two pre-revolutionary barns and acts as a rich cultural resource, staging dramatic classics, producing great contemporary plays, and providing a platform for fresh new theatrical voices.
A glass blowing studio and gallery located in the historic Depot section of Manchester. Here you can stop in to shop the gallery or take a glass blowing class taught by an expert.
A local favorite that carries everything from old-fashioned games to maple syrup to medicine to clothing —all sourced from Vermont purveyors. Visitors of all ages will find something to love in this retro-themed general store.
One of New England’s largest galleries, located in Manchester, you can bring home a broad selection of fine art created by important regional, national, and international artists.
Stop by the kitchen store for the highest quality, hand-crafted products for cooking and entertaining.
