VERMONT

Attractions

ADVENTURE PARK

KILLINGTON ADVENTURE CENTER

From a tranquil chairlift ride to a 30-mph twoseater zip-line dash 100 feet above the ground, the big ski mountain serves up a variety of outdoor diversions. The 4,800-foot Beast Mountain Coaster hurtles carts on rails through corkscrew loops; the Skye Ropes Course presents a four-story obstacle challenge; and climbers can tackle a 30-foot tower—then bungee to the ground. For the less adrenalinedriven, there are guided tours by ATV or Segway, and kids can enjoy an Old West–themed sluice mining treasure hunt. Day passes or individual ride tickets are available. 4763 Killington Road, Killington. 802-422-6201; killington.com

ART MUSEUM

FLEMING MUSEUM OF ART

Refreshed by an extensive 2016 renovation, the art and anthropology museum of the University of Vermont houses the state’s most broadranging collection of painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and cultural artifacts from civilizations ranging from antiquity to the contemporary U.S. The cache of some 20,000 objects includes African masks; an Assyrian bas-relief; works by Corot, Goya, Rodin, Homer, and Warhol; and an Egyptian mummy in its coffin. The book-filled museum shop also has a pleasant café serving snacks and desserts. 61 Colchester Ave., Burlington. 802-6560750; flemingmuseum.org

BIRD-WATCHING SPOT

DEAD CREEK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

Don’t let the name fool you: This 2,800-acre state property just east of Lake Champlain is alive with more than 200 species of birds (the fall migrations of Canada and snow geese are spectacular) in an environment of open water and cattail marsh created by a series of impoundments on a sluggish tributary of Otter Creek. A boat ramp on Route 17 is ideal for launching canoes and kayaks, and an onshore viewing area is nearby. Rte. 17 W., Addison. 802-759-2398; vtfishandwildlife.com

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE

Kids (and their parents) can walk on distant planets, examine a bee colony, hibernate with a bear, and explore more than 140 hands-on indoor and outdoor exhibits that open windows onto the worlds of nature, physical sciences, and technology. Outside, in the David Goudy Science Park, you’ll find 100 acres of trails and exhibits that focus on wind, water, and the ecology of the Connecticut River Valley. Don’t forget to pack bathing suits and towels—some of the most popular exhibits are also ones that get kids the wettest. 1 Montshire Road, Norwich. 802-649-2200; montshire.org

CRAFT GALLERY

FIDDLEHEAD AT FOUR CORNERS

While the stately marble building at Bennington’s downtown crossroads still looks like a bank, today it overflows not with cash but rather with carefully selected glassware, ceramics, jewelry, paintings, and fiber works from throughout North America. Take a break from browsing to play a few free games on a vintage pinball machine, pound out a tune on the 1936 baby grand piano, or unleash the kids’ imaginations with chalk and blackboards in the Graffiti Vault, once the bank’s walk-in safe. 338 Main St., Bennington. 802-447-1000

FARM VISIT

BILLINGS FARM AND MUSEUM

Frederick Billings’s model farm, established by the railroad magnate when he returned to his native Woodstock in 1871, still showcases champion Jersey cows, Southdown sheep, and magnificent draft horses. Visit the 1890 farm manager’s home and creamery, learn about farm work of yesteryear and today, and climb aboard for horse-drawn wagon and sleigh rides. Interactive farm programs change with the seasons. 69 Old River Road, Woodstock. 802-457-2355; billingsfarm.org

FARMERS’ MARKET

BRATTLEBORO FARMERS’ MARKET

Southern Vermont’s premier farmers’ market, located near the covered bridge on Route 9, attracts more than 50 vendors every Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., early May through late October. There’s a huge variety of locally grown foods, handicrafts, and ethnic fare from around the world, as well as live music at lunchtime. Kids love the giant sandbox at the center of the market. The market is also held on Flat Street from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays from the end of May until late September. 570 Western Ave. (Rte. 9), Brattleboro. 802254-8885; brattleborofarmersmarket.com

Flea Market

Waterbury Flea Market

Over the past half century, Waterbury’s weekly flea-for-all has grown to comprise 10 acres of antique and used furniture, household utensils, books, records, glassware, and jewelry. You’ll find everything from a vintage eggbeater to a brand-new canoe paddle to whole apple pies; meanwhile, count on low vendor fees to keep the selection both reasonable and eclectic. The market is open weekends from early May to late October, and while some vendors open up before 7 a.m., most open between 8 and 9 a.m. and pack up between 4 and 5 p.m. 2201 Bolton Road, Waterbury. waterburyfleamarket.com

General Store Warren Store

Perched on a ledge above the Mad River, this deli-bakery offers an easy stopover for a breakfast burrito or a midday meal. For lunch, grab a hefty sandwich stuffed with local smoked turkey and bacon layered between slabs of house-baked bread, or warm up with the daily soup. Browse crafts and clothing by local artisans in the boutique upstairs, then head home with a bottle of wine or fresh IPA from hometown brewery Lawson’s Finest Liquids. Staying nearby? The store also offers catering to go. 284 Main St., Warren. 802-496-3864; warrenstore.com

Historical Experience President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site

Presidential birthplaces abound, but Vermont preserves an entire presidential birth town . Tiny Plymouth Notch is where Calvin Coolidge was born, and he was visiting as vice president when word arrived of Warren G. Harding’s death in 1923. Coolidge was sworn in by his father by the light of a kerosene lamp, in a house opposite his birthplace. A visit takes in both homes, the general store once run by the elder Coolidge, and exhibits on Coolidge’s presidency. The president and his forebears rest in the village graveyard. 3780 Rte. 100A, Plymouth. 802-672-3773; historicsites.vermont.gov

MINIATURE GOLF ESSEX FAMILY FUN & ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

While there are no little windmills to navigate, these 18 holes aren’t as easy as they look, thanks to twists and turns and rolling greens you sometimes have to “read” (hole 8 can be