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1. Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, Manchester

The flowers are blooming in the stunning gardens at Hildene. A gorgeous setting for a picnic, as well as interesting and historical tours of the buildings and grounds!

2. Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe

Go and see why the “hills are alive with the sound of music” at this scenic spot!

3. Mount Philo State Park, Charlotte

The view of the Champlain Valley with the Adirondacks in the distance is one of the most spectacular in Vermont. The 968-foot mountaintop picnic area at the top offers stunning views, a big reward for the modest 1-mile hike.

4. Oakledge Park, Burlington

Enjoy the breathtaking sunsets and even a treehouse at this waterfront location.

5. Averill Mountain, Averill

This beginners hike is 3/4-mile and the view is definitely worth the climb. At the top it levels out on a large rock and overlooks Big Averill Lake and its neighboring mountain, Brousseau. The rock at the top is large and flat enough for a good size group to have a nice picnic.

6. Lake Willoughby Beach, Westmore

The iconic north beach is one of the most photographed places in Vermont. There are public beaches on both the north and south shores of the lake, with ample space to have a nice picnic. North beach has public bath facilities, and south beach is bathing suit optional, so choose your spot wisely!

7. Craftsbury Common, Craftsbury

With a lovely town green surrounded by white clapboard houses, picket fences, a tiny library, a faded cemetery and stirring views to the east and west, you’ll love being immersed in this quintessential town. It even has a country store down the road where you can get your picnic lunch!

8. Texas Falls Recreation Area, Hancock

An easy trail leads to one of Vermont’s prettiest cascades and best picnic spots. A must visit in Vermont.

ZR1 has returned to the throne to push the Corvette legacy to its highest point ever. It’s a supercar that’s at once luxurious and overwhelmingly capable, delivering the icon’s fastest, most powerful, most advanced performance in a production Corvette to date. Drivers, hail the new King.

From the commanding stance to the muscular lines to the extensive use of carbon fiber, ZR1 was designed with one purpose in mind: performance. Take, for example, the stunning chevron-patterned carbon-fiber halo hood and engine cover. Meticulously crafted to shed weight and house the potent engine beneath — their shapes are every bit as functional as they are stunning.

The most powerful production Corvette ever made, ZR1 wields a new hand-assembled 6.2L LT5 supercharged small block V8 engine — an engineering marvel deservingly crowned by the book-matched carbon-fiber cover. ZR1 delivers 755 horsepower and 715 lb.-ft. of torque, with over 600 lb.-ft. of torque available from 2200 rpm to redline. A top track speed of 212 mph makes the 2019 ZR1 the fastest production Corvette ever.

A new four-mode exhaust system provides a range of sound profiles: Track, Sport, Tour and Stealth. Using variable valves, this system can create either a thunderous performance or an unbelievably covert ride. So it’s up to you whether to announce your presence or fly under the radar.

Two interior configurations welcome you into a truly driver-focused oasis. 1ZR features standard Jet Black leather seating surfaces with available microfiber inserts and unique ZR1 badging. 3ZR adds the full array of Corvette interior color options, heated and vented Napa leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with carbon-fiber rim, the Performance Data Recorder, Bose^® premium audio and more. Competition Sport seats are available on both trims.

Around town, the ZR1 draws a crowd when parked, unsolicited questions from grocery store employees retrieving shopping carts, and even more thumbs-up reactions on the road. It is as over-the-top as they come, as it should be. Indeed, Corvette fans, this is as good as it gets, which means it’s the perfect farewell for the C7.

Switchback Bike for the Lake

Date: June 15th, 2019

Time: 7 am

Location: Start at Knight’s Point State Park

Website:https://www.friendsofnorthernlakechamplain.org/product/switchback-bike-for-the-lake-2019/

Event Description:

Start/Finish at Knight’s Point State Park. Rolling start for all riders and all distances between 7 and 10 am. Post ride BBQ and Switchback beer starts at 11:30 am and ends at 4:30 pm. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Northern Lake Champlain’s efforts toward clean water.

Fees/Admissions:

Individual registration: $65; Day-of registration: $75.

Community Partners Golf Classic

Date: June 21, 2019

Time: 7 am – 5 pm

Location: Champlain Country Club, St. Albans

Website: https://www.northwesternmedicalcenter.org/event/community-partners-classic-2019/

Event Descriptions:

Presented by the United Way of NW Vermont, Northwestern Counseling & Support Services and NMC. Registration begins at 7:00 am, lunch for both flights at 11:30 am, contest, games and silent auction run all day. (Soft spikes only please)

Fees/Admissions:

To register, email golf@fgiunitedway.org, call 527-7418, or go to the link above.

Downtown St. Albans Sidewalk Sale

Date: Friday, July 12th – Sunday, July 14th

Location: Downtown St. Albans, VT

Event Description:

Shop downtown St. Albans for savings and specials!

Fees/Admission:

Open to the public.

It’s wonderful to unplug from this technology age and reconnect with nature, and in Vermont, we have many places where we can do just that. Spend your days on the water or hiking through the woods, and wind down while cooking over a campfire with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly camping spots, places perfect for groups, great views, epic hikes or boating spots, there is always a place in Vermont that will be perfect for you. Here are 8 of our favorite camping spots in the state.

1. Waterbury Center State Park, Waterbury Center

You’ll love to be surrounded by mountains at the Waterbury Center State Park, located on the Waterbury Reservoir. This is more commonly a day park, but there are a few primitive campsites accessible only by boat. The sand beach and grassy picnic areas are scenic and fun, and it’s a blast to rent a paddle board right at the beach. An added bonus to this location is that it’s located just down the road from the Ben & Jerry’s Factory.

2. Mt. Philo State Park, Charlotte

If its views you want, look no further than Vermont’s very first state park, Mt. Philo. Overlooking the Lake Champlain Valley and the Adirondack Mountains, you’ll love the vistas from the top via a steep auto toll road or hiking up the mountain trail. The top of the mountain has an open grassy area for picnics as well as an enclosed log shelter. The Mt. Philo State Park has only ten campsites so call ahead for some peaceful mountain top camping.

3. Elmore State Park, Elmore

Just check out the views from the fire tower facing north on one of the many trails in this awesome state park! Families will love the easy hikes, along with a large beach, grassy area for picnics and volleyball, boat rentals and a snack bar.

4. Osmore Pond, Groton

For peace and quiet, head to Osmore Pond, accessible through the New Discovery State Park. Located in a quiet corner, the secluded picnic areas all have their own stone fireplaces built around the 1930s. No motors are allowed here and you can rent a boat or canoe by the hour or as part of a “boat to remote” package. While this is a remote camping experience, the whole family will love the excellent hiking trails.

5. Smugglers’ Notch State Park, Stowe

Smugglers Notch is a narrow pass through Mount Mansfield with 1,000 foot cliffs on either side. Here you’ll find some of the best hikes in Vermont, the most popular being the Long Trail, which can be accessed from the Notch. Smuggler’s Notch State Park has tent, RV and lean-to camping with showers, perfect for a day hike or a camping trip just minutes from the charming village of Stowe.

6. Green River Reservoir State Park, Hyde Park

Looking to get away from it all? Check out the Green River Reservoir State Park, Vermont’s most secluded park. The 653-acre reservoir has 19 miles of shoreline, one of the longest stretches of undeveloped shorelines in the state. There are 28 campsites throughout the banks which are remote and primitive and can only be reached by paddling. All campsites have a fire ring and cooking grate and a nearby outhouse. Be sure to carry-in/carry out here – it’s a rule that everyone follows.

7. Kill Kare State Park, St. Albans

Kill Kare State Park in St. Albans is surrounded by sparkling water with views of the islands, hills and Adirondack Mountains. This former summer camp has a ferry that goes to another picturesque state park, Burton Island. Kill Kare has a large picnic shelter with grills and is a great launch site for paddlers. You’ll love strolling through the park’s many flower gardens!

8. New Discovery State Park, Groton

Set up camp here and then enjoy some of the best views in Vermont in the Groton State Forest area, which includes New Discovery State Park, Stillwater, Big Deer, Ricker Pond, Kettle Pond and Boulder Beach. Whether you drive or hike, be sure to check out Owl’s Head while you’re there as it’s easily accessible with stellar views at the top. This is one place you won’t want to forget your camera when camping in a tent, RV or a remote lean-to. There is even a horse camping area!

Route 30 – Middlebury to Poultney

Route 30 is one of the most underrated scenic roads in Vermont –, especially in Addison and Rutland counties. Route 30 starts near the Massachusetts border in Brattleboro and extends to Middlebury. While Middlebury is always a fun destination, make time to see the tiny towns of Cornwall, Whiting, and Sudbury, all located south of the classic New England college town.

Region: Lake Champlain Valley (Addison and Rutland counties)

Getting there: From Route 7 in Middlebury, follow signs for Route 30 south.

Miles: Middlebury to Poultney is 39 miles (one way)

Places of Interest: Middlebury College, Sudbury Congregational Church and Meeting House, Half Moon State Park (open through Columbus Day Weekend), historic Castleton (on Route 4A) and the Poultney Green (on Route 140).

Routes 2 to 114 – Montpelier to Island Pond

It’s hard to go wrong when you’re driving to the Northeast Kingdom in the fall. One of my favorite fall drives is from Montpelier to the northern reaches of Vermont’s most rural region. Foliage arrives a little early in the Northeast Kingdom (the area identified as Caledonia, Essex and Orleans counties), so plan on exploring around Oct. 1 to see the brightest colors.

Region: Central and Northern Vermont (Washington/Caledonia/Essex counties)

Getting there: Take Exit 8 off Interstate 89 toward Montpelier. Head east on Route 2 to Danville to Route 5 in St. Johnsbury. Take Route 5 north to Route 114 in Lyndonville.

Miles: Montpelier to Island Pond is 69 miles (one way)

Places of Interest: The Vermont State House, Marshfield Reservoir, Joe’s Pond, St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, Burke Mountain and Island Pond.

Route 313 in West Arlington to Sandgate Road

Whenever I’m in Manchester, my childhood home, I usually end up spending time in towns along the spine of the Green Mountains – Peru, Londonderry, Weston, and Stratton. But one of the areas I’m most excited to visit again this fall is the western part of Bennington County along the Battenkill River. We used to drive this route to New York State when I was growing up, and it still looks exactly the same as it did 40 years ago.

While you’re on Route 313, head north on Sandgate Road, which takes you around the back of Equinox Mountain and offers a completely new and beautiful perspective.

Region: Southern Vermont/Bennington County

Getting there: Take Route 7A to Arlington and travel west on Route 313. Sandgate Road will be on your right as you’re heading west.

Miles: Route 313 and Sandgate Road are a total of about 14 miles (one way)

Places of interest: West Arlington Covered Bridge, the Battenkill River and the Wayside Country Store.

Route 58 through Hazen’s Notch

Not far from Jay Peak is Route 58, which climbs to the east and changes to dirt through Hazen’s Notch in Westfield. Closed in the winter to traffic, Hazen’s Notch is not only beautiful and remote, it’s also an historic route. The notch was named after Moses Hazen — commissioned by George Washington — and his American Revolutionary forces in an attempt to reach St. John.

Region: Northern Vermont (Franklin/Orleans counties)

Getting there: Take Route 118 through Montgomery to Route 58

Miles: Route 58 through Hazens Notch is 10 miles (one way)

Places of Interest: Montgomery covered bridges, Jay Peak and The Long Trail

Chelsea Mountain Road to Route 110 in Tunbridge

Chelsea Mountain Road is a meandering dirt road that takes you from East Randolph to Route 110. The mountain road is quiet and steep in places, but less rugged and not as remote as some other highland roads in Vermont.

Once you’re on Route 110, visit Tunbridge’s covered bridges – the Flint Bridge (1845), Larkin Bridge (1902), Mill Bridge (1883; replaced in 2000), Cilley Bridge (1883), and Howe Bridge (1872).

Region: Central Vermont (Orange County)

Getting there: Take Exit 4 off Interstate 89 in Randolph and follow Route 66 east to Route 14 south. Take a left on scenic Chelsea Mountain Road in East Randolph to Route 110.

Miles: Chelsea Mountain Road is 7 miles (one way)

Places of Interest: Floyd’s General Store in Randolph Center, Tunbridge covered bridges and Tunbridge Fairgrounds

Route 131 in Cavendish

Windsor County is home to some of the prettiest towns in Vermont – Woodstock, Weston, Plymouth Notch and Chester. Route 100 is also a popular route through this region. But if you’re looking for something different, try Cavendish.

Region: Southern Vermont (Windsor County)

Getting there: Take Exit 8 off Interstate 91 and travel west onto Route 131 through Weathersfield and onto Cavendish and then Ludlow.

Miles: Route 131 from Interstate 91 to Route 103 in Ludlow is 34 miles

Places of Interest: Cavendish Stone Church, Downers Covered Bridge and Okemo Mountain Resort.

Route 121 in Saxtons River to Grafton to North Windham

I have a soft spot for the tiny village of Saxtons River in the town of Rockingham. The Saxtons River Inn, a vintage 1903 inn with a distinctive square, five-story tower, is a local landmark that’s worth visiting or photographing while you’re in town.

Head west on Route 121 through Grafton – one of Vermont’s most beautiful towns – and you’ll eventually find yourself on a dirt road that leads to North Windham. This is a gorgeous Vermont drive that is not to be missed.

Region: Southern Vermont (Windham County)

Getting there: Take Exit 6 off Interstate 89 in Bellows Falls and follow signs to Route 121 in Saxtons River.

Miles: Route 121 is 27 miles from Saxtons River to North Windham (one way)

Places of Interest: Flat Iron Exchange coffee house in Bellows Falls, Saxtons River Inn, Grafton Inn, Grafton Village Cheese and Kidder Covered Bridge

Huntington Road

By the time fall arrives, I’m usually planning most of my fall trips outside of the Burlington area. But there are plenty of beautiful, rural roads to check out during the fall season. One of my favorites is Huntington Road. As you head south from Richmond, you’ll see beautiful views of Camels Hump along the way.

Region: Lake Champlain Valley (Chittenden County)

Getting there: Take Exit 11 off Interstate 89 and take Route 2 east toward Richmond. Take a right onto Bridge Street, and then another right onto Huntington Road. Huntington Road turns into Main Road a few miles south of Richmond. The road becomes Gore Road as you get closer to Route 17.

Miles: Huntington Road/Main Road/Gore Road from Richmond to just north of Route 17 is 15 miles (one way)

Places of Interest: Old Round Church, Green Mountain Audubon and Camels Hump State Park

West Shore Road in the Champlain Islands

The nice thing about the Champlain Islands is that it’s one of the last places in Vermont for the leaves to turn, so you can enjoy fall colors well into late October. West Shore Drive in South Hero and Grand Isle hugs the shoreline of Lake Champlain and offers beautiful views of both the Adirondacks and Green Mountains.

Region: Northwest Vermont (Grand Isle County)

Getting there: Take Exit 17 off Interstate 89 and travel on Route 2 west toward the

Champlain Islands. Turn left on South Street followed by a right on West Shore Drive.

Miles: West Shore Drive is 9 miles (one way)

Places of Interest: Snow Farm Winery, Hero’s Welcome General Store and St. Anne’s Shrine

Here are 9 places to enjoy some of the best Vermont biking:

Kingdom Trails in East Burke

Established in 1994, Kingdom Trails offers an extensive network of mountain biking trails around Darling Hill, East Burke village, and Burke Mountain. Interconnected trails wind through wide open fields and thick woods for all abilities. (478 Route 114, East Burke; KingdomTrails.org; 802-626-0737)

Stowe Bike Path

The scenic Stowe Bike Path meanders along the West Branch River and features bridges, swimming holes, park benches, picnic tables and scenic views of Mount Mansfield. The award-winning, 5.5-mile, paved path can be accessed off Main Street/Route 100 behind the Stowe Community Church. (Route 100, Stowe, gostowe.com/thingstodo/sports/recreation-path; 800-GO-STOWE)

Millstone Hill Touring & Recreation Area in East Barre

What was once home to many working granite quarries is now a scenic biking destination featuring about 70 miles of trails along 1,500 acres. The water-filled quarries and scenic vistas make Millstone a perfect place for mountain biking in Vermont. (Admission fee required. 422 Websterville Road, East Barre, www.millstonetrails.com; 802-479-1000)

Pine Hill Park in Rutland

Enjoy 16-miles of a single track trail system for mountain biking in a 300-acre forest located within the city of Rutland. The park is stewarded by the Pine Hill Partnership, a non-profit organization run by volunteers. (Trailhead located at Giorgetti Athletic Complex, 2 Oak Street Extention, Rutland; www.rutlandrec.com/pine-hill-park; 802-775-7976)

Ascutney Trails in Brownsville

At the former Ascutney ski resort in Brownsville and nearby West Windsor Town Forest is a 30-mile network of mountain bike trails. The mountain biking trailhead is located on Ski Tow Road in Brownsville (follow the signs to Ascutney Mountain Resort), or at the West Windsor Town Forest Trailhead at the end of Coaching Lane, just west of the Village of Brownsville. (Take Exit 8 or 9 off Interstate 91 to Brownsville; http://ascutneytrails.com)

Burlington Bike Path

This 12-mile trail along Lake Champlain starts at Oakledge Park and extends up through Burlington’s New North End and across the magnificent Colchester Causeway.  Near the end of the Causeway is a bike ferry that will take you across a 200-foot gap to the gorgeous Champlain Islands. (802-864-0123; localmotion.org)

Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail runs along the former St. Johnsbury & Lake Champlain Railroad. About 33 miles of the trail is currently open for recreation between St. Johnsbury and West Danville, and between Morrisville and Jeffersonville. First constructed in 1877 by the St. Johnsbury & Lake Champlain Railroad Company, the track served both passenger trains and freight cars hauling timber, limestone, talc and asbestos from northern Vermont’s forests and quarries, according to Seven Days.  (802-229-0005; www.lvrt.org)

Blueberry Lake in East Warren

A trail network that is enjoyable for all levels, the Blueberry Lake mountain bike trails in the Green Mountain National Forest feature views of Blueberry Lake and the mountains. With trails like Tootsie Roll, Suki’s Alley, Lenord’s Loop, you can’t go wrong. (Trailheads are on the opposite side of Blueberry Lake on Plunkton Road; madriverriders.com)

A Vermont Ski Area

Ski areas aren’t just about winter recreation. In fact, several ski areas offer mountain biking trails in the summer and fall, including Smugglers’ Notch, Killington, Mount Snow, Stowe, Sugarbush, and Okemo. (Fees may apply; skivermont.com)

Lone Rock Point

Just a stone’s throw from Burlington’s beautiful waterfront is Lone Rock Point. A popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, this thrust fault is evidence of the tectonic forces that created Vermont’s Green Mountains hundreds of millions of years ago.

Paddling to Lone Rock Point during sunset in the summer months is a special treat. The spectacularly light-colored dolostone jutting over the gray shale underneath seems to become almost luminescent as the sun sinks below the horizon.
 

The Connecticut River

Carving the border between Vermont and New Hampshire, the Connecticut River offers a myriad of options for both day trips and longer sojourns. The East Ryegate-to-Hanover section of the Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail is a popular multi-day trip. This 51-mile, portage-free excursion sees the river grows ever wider and more picturesque; it also boasts a number of primitive campsites available along the way that are maintained by the Upper Valley Land Trust.
 

Green River Reservoir State Park

The Green River Reservoir is beautiful, tranquil, and boasts 28 remote campsites along its 19-mile shoreline. These campsites are accessible only by boat—some 1 to 2 miles from the boat launch site–so get ready to portage.

Located in Hyde Park, this wild and undeveloped place is perfect for early morning paddles after a night of camping. Watch the fog rise from the lake with only the sound of your paddles slipping through the water to break the calm.
 

Lake Willoughby

More reminiscent of a Norwegian fjord than a lake, Lake Willoughby sits nestled in between Mounts Pisgah and Hor, and is known for the stunning clarity and depth of its water.

Carved from the surrounding landscape by glacial activity, Willoughby is impressively deep with some spots exceeding 300 feet. And the water temperatures remain cold even into the summer. Peregrine falcons nest along the sheer cliffs surrounding the lake. You might even get lucky enough to see one catch a fish.
 

The Winooski River

As the second-longest river in Vermont, the Winooski winds its way 90 miles through the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains. A trip down the Winooski will take you through pastoral landscapes, the state’s capital, and Vermont’s largest city, all before reaching an end at Lake Champlain.

A popular section of the Winooski to paddle is the length between Bolton and Richmond. It’s also the site of Friend’s of the Winooski’s annual Onion River Race and Ramble. Paddlers venturing down this portion of the river experience some of the Winooski’s more spectacular scenery, with the Green Mountains prominent to the north and south, and the rolling farmland of Bolton and Richmond consistently in view.
 

The Missisquoi River

High in the northern reaches of Vermont, near the border of Canada, runs the Missisquoi River. A beautiful 12.5-mile loop trip on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail through the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge will prove to be a treat for paddlers of the ecological persuasion. The Great Blue Heron rookery on Shad Island is home to the largest colony of Heron in Vermont.

Spring has arrived and the fish are biting in Vermont! It’s time to get out in the fresh air and have some good old fashioned fun with friends, family or a day by yourself to enjoy the peace and quiet surrounded by some of the most gorgeous scenery in Vermont. But do you know where the best places to go to have a successful day fishing? We’ve put together some of the best family friendly fishing spots in the state, and we think you’ll agree that these places will give you some long lasting memories of simple days and good times.

1. Shelburne Bay, Shelburne

For the best chances for some great catches, head to the shoreline at the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s access area, but the absolute best fishing is from the bridge on Bay Road to the point. If you enjoy the Shelburne Bay in early spring or late fall, you may even encounter lake trout or rainbow trout. Late spring and early summer brings a number of panfish, bass, and northern pike.

2. Baker Pond, Brookfield

Owned by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, Baker Pond has plenty of places to fish from the shore. You can also take out a small boat to try for a brook trout in early spring, or enjoy the abundant amount of largemouth bass and pumpkinseed sunfish.

3. Lake Champlain, Alburg

Alberg is located in the northwest corner in Vermont and has some of the most diverse selection of fish around with over 90 different species. One of the best areas to catch some live ones is is the Korean War Veterans Fishing Access, which provides shore-bound anglers a great opportunity to catch some beauties.

4. Lake Champlain, Burton Island

Burton Island State Park is accessible by boat or ferry and provides some of the best fishing access, especially for the younger fishers who can drop their line in from one of the docs. In addition to some excellent fishing, this park provides camping, hiking and beaches. Talk about options for the best family fishing experience ever!

5. Lower Lamoille River, Milton

This area has two platforms that are accessible to everyone and the fishing is great right off the platforms. Here you’ll find yellow perch, smallmouth and largemouth bass, rock bass, brown bullhead, and northern pike. A short drive north to the Sandbar State Park is a quick option if the fish aren’t biting much here.

6. Winooski River, Colchester

Here you’ll find yellow perch, white perch, smallmouth and largemouth bass, brown bullhead, and northern pike. Mid-May is an excellent time to try your hand, or rather your rod, on the Lower Winooski River.

7. Sunset Lake, Brookfield

The floating bridge isn’t the only thing in the water over Sunset Lake. Go ahead and drop your line right off the bridge and this time of year it’s filled with trout in early spring.

8. Silver Lake, Barnard

Enjoy fishing directly from shore at Silver Lake State Park. There is so much to do here including a swimming beach, playground and camping. Boat and canoe rentals are also available.

Richard Labrecque

Maintenance Worker

April’s employee spotlight focuses on maintenance worker, Richard Labrecque! He has worked with the company for two weeks and has lived in Vermont for 45 years. His dream vehicle is a 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road! During Richard’s free time, you can find him fishing or working on his house. When asked what his favorite TV show and movie is, he says that he likes “Seinfeld” and “The Godfather.” His hobbies include sports, and as mentioned before, house repair and fishing. Richard’s goal in life is to retire, and a quick summary of him is that he comes from a big family, having five sisters.