Vermont Information =================================== Discover Central Vermont - a year round playground Nestled in our beautiful mountains and valleys, America's rich heritage is preserved in this region's traditional New England communities. Traditional values create an atmosphere of quiet tranquillity, friendly hospitality, and romance.... reminiscent of an earlier time. The ever-changing backdrop of spring and summer greenery, fall colors and winter white provides magnificent backgrounds for a multitude of sights, attractions and recreational opportunities - year round. Combined with excellent accommodations... outstanding cuisine - at affordable prices... and friendly informative hosts... it's easy to understand why thousands of visitors, from all over the world, return year after year to rediscover a tradition that captures the heart and restores the spirit. Treat yourself to a vacation in Central Vermont Recreation Abounds Antiquating, Biking, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Golf, Hiking, Horse-back riding, Hunting, Tennis, Alpine and Cross country skiing are just a few ways to enjoy our region. The emerald Green Mountains... crystal clear lakes, rivers and streams... lush woodlands and fields of Central Vermont are enjoyed year round. With the advent of spring ... come the opening of fishing season. The Mad and Dog Rivers are renown for "Blue Ribbon" Fly fishing. Rivers and streams are in full flood and for the adventurous.... outstanding kayaking and canoeing. Summer witnesses... the addition of world class mountain and tour bicycling. More than six area courses offer breath-taking opportunities for an unhurried, challenging round or two of Golf. Swimming in our lakes, rivers and ponds is always invigorating. Hiking along the "Long Trail" or through our national, state and community forests and preserves is second to none. For those who desire less stressing recreation- a romantic country walk or an intimate picnic for two - are always options. Vibrant Autumn foliage... signals the end of summer, harvest time and foretells the promise of winter to come. But no hurry... this is our most spectacular season and must be savored. Fall also signals the opening of hunting season. Whether you hunt with rifle or camera - opportunities for success abound. Snow flies early in Vermont. By Thanksgiving our winter blanket of white has begun to thicken and a whole new set of activities begins. Best Known as the premier Eastern alpine skiing state. Central Vermont hosts Sowe, Sugarbush, Mad River Glen, and Bolton Valley. Cross Country skiing continues to grow and we offer some of the best and most varied experiences in New England. Central Vermont provides the best access to all Vermont Ski areas. Less well known... but every bit as much fun - for whole family -is skating, snow-shoeing, sledding (known in Vermont as sliding) snowmobiling (with trails leading all through New England and southern Canada), and Sleigh-riding. A Touch of the Past The Rewards of touring backroads and country villages through-out Vermont are easily appreciated from Central Vermont. A taste of yesterday is found in many antique shops, quaint country stores and flea markets . Covered Bridges and round barns can be found throughout the region. Unique to New England, the opportunity to view and photograph two of the four bridges in Northfield Falls at one time. There are many other examples of early engineering and craftsmanship including Brookfield's "Floating Bridge and Barre's "Granite Quarries" and "Sculpture". Return to the age of rail and experience a scenic day trip through our countryside from north to south or a forty mile excursion through the Lamoille Valley. Historic Boston and its famed North Shore, cosmopolitan Montreal, and the famed tax free outlet shopping of North Conway are an easy 2-3 hour drive from our central location. These are only a few of the many local activities and attractions you may experience in Central Vermont. 1. COLD HOLLOW CIDER MILL - An operating cider mill which hosts 200,000 guests a year. Watch the apples being pressed into cider. In addition the mill has its own specialty bakery. Although apple delicacies dominate, a variety of taste-tempters are available. On Route 100 six miles north of Waterbury. 2. BEN & JERRY'S ICE CREAM - Time Magazine termed it "the best ice cream in the world." Tours of the manufacturing plant three miles north of Waterbury on Route 100. Multi-media slide show tells the story of the company. Watch the process and sample the product. Children (of all ages) love to visit. 3. WATERBURY DAM RECREATION AREA - State operated reservoir with many free access points. Boat launches, fishing, groomed beach and picnic areas. Fed by runoff from the mountains, water is constantly flowing and crystal clear. Boat rentals nearby. 4. BRIDGE STREET MARKETPLACE - A restored block of five historic buildings (circa 1860) in Waitsfield Village. Adjacent to one of the area's finest covered wooden bridges. Factory outlets and riverside restaurant. Outdoor performances of the Mad River Playhouse summer weekends. Special events. 5. ROUND BARN FARM - A short drive east of Waitsfield (through the covered bridge) on East Warren Road. Now refurbished for special events, the only remaining of four round barns once in the area. 6. DOWNHILL SKIING - Sugarbush, Sugarbush North and Mad River Glen combine in Waitsfield and Warren to provide one of the nation's most complete ski resorts. Central Vermont gives you the best skiing, cross-country or downhill, in the East. 7A. VERMONT STATE HOUSE - The Capitol is the pride of Vermont. Its gold-leaf dome (real gold) shines brightly against the wooded hillside in downtown Montpelier. The interior is adorned with marble floors, spiral staircases and finely carved wood trim. Tours of this magnificent building are available during the summer months and fall foliage. Closed Sundays. 7B. VERMONT HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Adjacent to the Capitol complex in Montpelier, the building was formerly a hotel. Authentically reconstructed, it provides a spacious gallery featuring exhibits on various topics on Vermont history, using artifacts from the Society's extensive collection. Tues. through Fri. 9-4:30, Sat. 9-4, Sun. 12-4. Closed Mondays. 7C. HUBBARD PARK & TOWER - Wooded park of 180 acres with walk-in off Terrace Street, just blocks from the Capitol. Haven for picnics and nature walks. Fifty-foot stone observation tower, city's highest point, provides spectacular view of surrounding countryside. 8. WOOD ART GALLERY - On the Vermont College campus in Montpelier, the gallery maintains a continuous display of the paintings of Thomas Waterman Wood. Exhibitions displaying the work of regional contemporary artists and craftsmen. 9. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH - Off Route 12 north of Montpelier. Ideal for a family picnic at the beach. Bring a boat or canoe and enjoy the wildlife, especially beaver and heron. Volleyball and softball fields, picnic tables, grills, nature trail and group shelter available. 10. MORSE FARM & SUGAR HOUSE - See how maple sugaring works from trees to finished products. Maple trail to walk. Free sugar house tours and syrup tasting. Maple, crafts and mail order shop. Daily 9 D 5 year-round. Summer 8-6. County Road, Montpelier. 11. BRAGG FARM SUGAR HOUSE - For a free tour of an old-fashioned sugar house or a walk through the woods where nearly 2,000 buckets collect sap. On Route 14 north in East Montpelier. Gift shop offers a selection of local handicrafts, specialty foods and cheeses. Mail order available. Open daily, year-round. 12. DANFORTH'S SUGAR HOUSE - Maple craft and souvenir shop with large sugaring equipment display. Maple videos and free samples of syrup which has been made by the family for four generations. Route 2 north in East Montpelier. Open year-round. 13. COVERED WOODEN BRIDGES - Although the region is rich in these relics of an earlier day, they are most prominent in Northfield Falls. Nestled in this community of a hundred people are four such bridges, two of which can be seen from one vantage point. This is the only location in New England where this occurs. On Route 12, two miles from Northfield. 14. NORWICH MILITARY MUSEUM On the campus of Norwich University, the nation's oldest private military college. Exhibits interpreting the history of the institution and achievements of alumni. Located on Route 12 in Northfield about 10 minutes south of Montpelier. Call 485-2000 for summer hours. 15. KNAPP AIRPORT - About four miles from Exit 7 of Interstate 89. A local airport with terminal just a few feet from the runway. 16. ROCK OF AGES QUARRY - The world's largest granite quarry, located southeast of Barre. Sheer cliffs descend 475 feet to quarry floor below. Tourist center describes the process which transforms this gray stone into beautiful monuments and sculpture which endures for centuries. Shuttle tours Mon. D Fri. 17. CRAFTSMAN CENTER - A mile from the quarry. Observation platform allows visitors to see granite cut, carved and polished. Open Mon.- Fri. until 3:30 pm. 18. HOPE CEMETERY - A veritable outdoor museum of fine granite carvings in Barre. Local cemeteries are the final resting place for family and friends of the world's most skilled granite artisans. 19. BARRE OPERA HOUSE - Dormant for 40 years this elegant structure has been restored to again host the performing arts in downtown Barre. 20. GRANITE SCULPTURE - Three separate carvings are located in downtown Barre. "Youth Triumphant" in the center of town was dedicated on Armistice Day, 1924. The "Burns Monument," to poet Robert Burns, has stood nearby since 1899. The Italian-American monument in Dente Park was dedicated Nov. 9, 1985. 21. SMOKE HOUSE - Roland & Son Custom Smokehouse Meats invites you to view the smoking area and packaging equipment. Route 14, South Barre. Ham, bacon, sausage and cheese cured on premises. 22. SPIDER WEB FARM - Harvesting real spider webs in Williamstown. The owner, who has appeared on national television with Charles Kuralt and others, lifts the delicate webs onto a wood surface and preserves it for posterity. Watch him work and take home one of nature's most artistic creations. 23. LIMEHURST WATER SLIDE - Ride down the 250 foot slide at Limehurst Lake, which is privately owned. Swimming, beach, picnic areas and campground in Williamstown. Boat rentals and trailer hookups. 24. FLOATING BRIDGE - Spanning the narrows of Sunset Lake in Brookfield is a floating bridge buoyed by pontoons. Vehicular crossings require courage but are perfectly safe. Swimming from the bridge is customary while fishermen are also frequent visitors. 25. CABOT CREAMERY - Located in the village of Cabot, the dairy cooperative produces a wide range of cheddar cheeses of exceptional quality as well as other dairy products. Visitors may tour the plant and watch the production process. Visitors center has a variety of Vermont foods and crafts. For additional information contact: The Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce @ 802/229-5711 or E-mail, Allen Kelly @ whwq89a@prodigy.com