You don't need to go far or spend a lot of money to have an enjoyable vacation – you can go on day trips that are just as fun. These 10 local cities are packed with activities perfect for families, and the best part is that at the end of the day, you can return home and sleep in your own bed!
MAINE
Augusta
Children’s Discovery Museum
265 Water St., Augusta
(207) 622-2209
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $4 adults, $5 children
The Children’s Discovery Museum is a place for kids to participate in hands-on activities and develop knowledge of themselves, nature, and the world around them. With everything from a grocery store to a reading room and a simulated Maine campground to an engineering, construction, and transportation exhibit, there is plenty to keep children entertained and their minds growing.
Pine Tree State Arboretum
153 Hospital St., Augusta
(207) 621-0031
www.pinetreestatearboretum.org
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Admission: Free
Ready for a day out in Maine’s wilderness? At the Pine Tree State Arboretum that’s just what you’ll get. Open free to the public from dawn to dusk, there is so much wildlife to encounter and discover. There is a 6-mile trail suitable for walking, running, hiking, biking, and bird watching. Make a full day’s adventure and pack a picnic lunch for the whole family. Check the website for special events going on throughout the summer months.
Maine State Museum
230 State St., Augusta
(207) 287-2301
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $2 adults, $1 ages 6-18, free admission for children under 6, $6 family maximum
Discover the rich and vast history of the beautiful state of Maine. Check out the "Back to Nature" exhibit, which showcases the different seasons in Maine and the animals that endure them. And don’t miss "12,000 Years in Maine," a look at the ancient history of the things that were here long before today’s Mainers. There is so much to see; you’re bound to learn something new about Maine.
Old Fort Western
16 Cony St., Augusta
(207) 626-2385
www.oldfortwestern.org
Hours: 1-4 p.m.
Admission: $6 adults; $4 children 6-16; free admission for children under 6
Nestled on the Kennebec River is the 1754 house known as the Old Fort Western. There are daily tours from Memorial Day to Labor Day by appointment and walk-in visits. There are special events during the entire year, including a canoeing and kayaking excursion and a 4th of July celebration. In the spring they host Maple Syrup Day.
Deb’s Ice Cream & Mini Golf
32 Water St., Randolph
(207) 582-1835
Head over to Deb’s Ice Cream & Mini Golf for an exciting game of mini golf. And with over 30 flavors of homemade ice cream to choose from, everyone wins after 18 holes!
The Blaine House
192 State St., Augusta
(207) 287-2121
Hours: New England Garden Tours, Tuesday-Thursday, 2-4 p.m.
Not only is the Blaine House home to Maine’s Governor Baldacci’s family, the mansion is also open to the public. There are daily tours of the mansion’s grounds. Harriett Blaine Beale donated the gorgeous 1833 house to the state of Maine in 1919. Come see the rich history of former and present governors and explore the study, sun room, dining room, reception room, and, of course, its expansive gardens.
BANGOR
Maine Discovery Museum
74 Main St., Bangor
(207) 262-7200
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $7.50 per person
The Maine Discovery Museum boasts seven interactive exhibits over three floors and is the largest children’s museum north of Boston. Here you’ll find Nature Trails, complete with a 20-foot waterway; Booktown, an exhibit full of Maine children’s literary classics; and Sounds Abounds, which brings the world of music to your child with karaoke and make-your-own videos.
Blackbeard’s USA Family Fun Park
339 Odlin Road, Bangor
(207) 945-0233
http://www.blackbeardsusa.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Blackbeard’s USA is home to Bangor’s best miniature golf, go-carting, and batting cages. The mini golf course is a challenging 36-holes, where you may even see a white-tailed deer prancing by. The 10 batting cages feature slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball and baseball. And perfect for children of all ages are the Indy-style go-carts on a 1/4-mile track. If you visit their website, you can get a coupon for $1 off a round of golf.
Cole Land Transportation Museum
305 Perry Road, Bangor
(207) 990-3600
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Call for rates
Jump back to the early 1900s to see how people traveled the streets of Maine. More than 20,000 people visit the Cole Land Transportation Museum each year, one-third of them being children. The museum has a collection of over 2,000 photos of life in early Maine communities. It also features cars, fire trucks, train cars, buses, dump trucks, and bulldozers. A young child’s dream!
Allagash Wilderness Waterway
106 Hogan Road, Bangor
(207) 941-4014
www.state.me.us/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_one_name.pl?park_id=2
For a day of canoeing, swimming, kayaking, playing on the beach, or picnicking the Allagash Wilderness Waterway has it all. Over 92 miles long, the waterway includes lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams – something for every water lover.
Maine Aviation Historical Society and Air Museum
98 Maine Ave., Bangor
(207) 941-6757
Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $2 adults, $1 children
Civil, commercial, military, and recreational aviators make up the exhibits at the Maine Aviation Historical Society and Air Museum. Artifacts and memorabilia fill the museum, which is housed in a former Cold War era missile assembly and maintenance facility at the Bangor International Airport. You’ll discover some of the earliest aircraft to fly in Maine through pictures and wonderfully preserved artifacts.
Portland
Smiling Hill Farm
781 County Road, Westbrook
(207) 775-4818
Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Open year-round. Call for summer and winter hour changes
Admission: Fees vary based on activities. Call for pricing.
Attractions: Petting zoo, farm tour, pony rides, playgrounds, picnic area, ice cream shop, dairy store
Smiling Hill Farm has been in operation by the Knight family since the 1700s. It is set on 500 beautiful acres of fields and forest just north of Portland. Smiling Hill Farm is a working farm as well as animal exhibit. The Knights continue to educate children on the importance of farm animals and the roles they play in our lives. Be sure to stop by the ice cream shop on your way out to try their delicious homemade ice cream.
Casco Bay Lines Ferry
56 Commercial St., Portland
(207) 774-7871
www.cascobaylines.com
Hours: Sailing schedule can be found on website.
Fares: Vary based on destination
Casco Bay Lines runs year-round to provide ferry services, scenic cruises, and boat tours around the bay. It is your connection to Maine’s many hidden treasures: its islands. The ferry travels to Peaks, Little Diamond, Great Diamond, Diamond Cove, Long and Chebeage/Cliff Island. Peaks Island is a perennial favorite, where you can rent bikes to explore the small island and spend leisurely time on the beach. Casco Bay Lines offers car transport as well if your stay-cation requires more efficient travel around the island.
Odyssey Whale Watch
170 Commercial St., Portland
(207) 775-0727
www.odysseywhalewatch.com
Hours: Watches leave at 10 a.m. and return at 3 p.m. May-June weekends only; July-Sept. 7 trips run daily
Fares: $45 adults, $40 seniors (60+)/juniors (13-17) $40; $35 children (under 12). Coupon can be found on their website.
This is an adventure unlike any other on the coast of Maine. Odyssey maintains a nearly 100% sighting rate for watching Humpbacks, Finbacks, Minkes, North Atlantic White-Sided Dolphins, Basking sharks, Ocean Sunfish and sea turtles.
Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine
142 Free St., Portland
(207) 828-1234
Summer Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $8 per person (under 1 free); $6 per person in a group of 10 or more (must make 24-hour advance reservation)
The Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine provides hands-on and interactive fun for the whole family. Designed to stimulate the brain and all your senses the museum is a world to get lost in for a day. Children can enjoy a day in the life, going to the market (and taking money out of the ATM for groceries), working as a fisherman, a veterinarian, mail carrier, farmer, repairman, and more. They can also test gravity while rock climbing and blasting off in the space shuttle.
Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum
58 Fore St., Portland
(207) 828-0814
Hours: Train runs daily 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the hour. Museum is open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Train admission: $10 adults, $9 seniors, $6 children (3-12), free admission for children under 2 (Museum admission free with purchase of train ticket)
Museum-only admission: $2 adults, $1 seniors and children
When riding the trains of the Narrow Gauge you’ll feel like you’re right back in the late 1800s. Enjoy some of the most scenic views of Portland’s waterfront from the car of a steam-powered locomotive. The ooos and ahhhs will be heard from the conductor’s seat to the caboose as the horn toots and the steam rolls.
Portland Seadogs Baseball at Hadlock Field
271 Park Ave., Portland
(207) 874-9300
www.portlandseadogs.com
Admission: $4-$9 based on seating and age. See website for ticket pricing details.
The Portland Seadogs has been Maine’s professional baseball team since 1994, and in 2003 they became the Double-A affiliates of the Boston Red Sox. During games fans can interact with Slugger, the Seadogs’ official mascot, and Trash Monster, the eco-friendly, mobile trashcan. The concession stand boasts its famous Seadog Ice Cream Sandwich and tasty French fries. Bring the kids and your baseball mitts to catch a game (and maybe a ball) this summer.
Yarmouth Clam Festival
162 Main St., Yarmouth
(207) 846-3984
www.clamfestival.com
Dates: July 17, 18, 19; hours TBA
Admission: Free; rides and activities have individual ticket prices
Celebrate the 44th year of the Yarmouth Clam Festival with its official opening at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 17. The event includes carnival rides and games, live music, parades, and, of course, fresh steamed clams! Proceeds from the rides, activities, souvenirs, and food go to support local non-profits, schools, and churches.
Portland Museum of Art
7 Congress Square, Portland
(207) 775-6148
www.portlandmuseum.org
Hours: Monday-Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: $10 adults, $8 seniors and students, $4 ages 6-17, free admission for children under 6; free admission Fridays 5-9 p.m.
Explore the world of art at the largest and oldest art museum in Maine. The museum has more than 17,000 pieces of art that span three centuries of creativity. Stretch your imagination and come in from the heat this summer to see both permanent collections and rotating exhibitions.
Beaches!
www.visitmaine.net/beaches.htm
Admission: Varies per beach
From York up the coast to Bath you can find a beach within 10 miles of the highway. There is no better way to spend the hottest days of the summer than soaking up the rays and boogie boarding on the waves. Old Orchard Beach offers more than just a place the chill out; there’s the boardwalk, pier, amusement park (Palace Playland), and endless shopping along the strip. Scarborough plays host to four of the most beautiful beaches on the coast. From quiet to bustling, you’ll find the perfect spot along the coast of Southern Maine.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
KEENE, NH
Stonewall Farm
242 Chesterfield Road, Keene
(603) 357-7278
www.stonewallfarm.org
Hours: Daily dawn to dusk
Admission: Fees vary based on programs. See website for pricing information.
Stonewall farm provides a glimpse into the world of modern farming. It offers workshops, has a learning center and gift shop, has a farm stand, and has daily milkings. The public is invited to rise early to watch the farmers start their day by milking the cows (beginning at 4:30 a.m.). Stonewall farm originated in the mid-1700s and survives today as a working farm. When you come to Stonewall not only will you see the farm animals and witness agriculture in the present, but you will experience the rich history of a farm that has been operating for over 250 years.
Horatio Colony Museum & Nature Preserve
199 Main St., Keene
(603) 352-0460
Hours: Museum tours offered Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; preserve open dawn to dusk.
Admission: Free
The Horatio Colony Museum is the old residence of Horatio Colony, a member of one of Keene’s historic families. See how the furnishings and family collections have been preserved over time to spotlight the beauty and design of a time gone by. The Nature Preserve offers 3.5 miles of trails to wander in Mother Nature. One of Keene’s true gems.
Colonial Theatre
95 Main St., Keene
(603) 352-2033
www.thecolonial.org
Admission: Check website for individual show prices
If you’re looking for a nice evening out to immerse yourself in fine art, the Colonial is the place to go. Check the website often to find out what special events are going on. The theatre also offers art education and outreach programs for young, creative minds.
Surry Mountain Lake
Route 12A, Keene
(603) 352-2447
www.nhstateparks.com/surry.html
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Admission: Swimming beach $1 for 12 years old and over ($4 maximum fee per vehicle); boat & canoe launch $2; annual pass $25; picnic shelter reservations -- large $85, small $35
Could it get any better than swimming in the lake at the foot of the mountains? Enjoy the 600-foot sandy beach and boating activities on this beautiful 265-acre lake. After a splash in the water, savor lunch in the large picnic area. There are grills for free use and horseshoe pits for a little competition.
Unbridled Chocolates
135 Main Street, Marlborough
(603) 876-4700
www.unbridledchocolates.com
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
If you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, Unbridled Chocolates is the place to be. From truffles and cheesecake to hot chocolate and coffees, you will find many chocolate delights. In addition to operating the store, Unbridled Chocolates offers Chocolate Tastings for groups of 2 to 200. With different packages available, you can try many combinations. You can never have too much chocolate!
Concord
Capitol Center for the Arts
44 South Main St., Concord
(603) 225-1111
www.ccanh.com
Looking for the perfect place to spend a summer evening? The Capitol Center for the Arts focuses on providing professional, educational, and inspiring performances for the community and Concord’s visitors. Check out their website to see the schedule of upcoming music, theatre, comedy, opera, dance, and symphony events. The Center for the Arts also offers a children’s summer series.
Christa McAuliffe Planetarium
2 Institute Drive, Concord
(603) 271-7831
www.starhop.com
Hours: Saturday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission:$9 adults, $6 children (3-12), $8 seniors (62+) and students
The Christa McAuliffe Planetarium boasts a collection of innovative and interactive space exhibits. Travel into the 40-foot domed theatre for workshops, educational films, and an exploration into space. Around every corner there’s something new to discover -- much like life for an astronaut!
Concord City Auditorium
39 Green St., Concord
(603) 228-2793
www.concordcityauditorium.org
Hours: Event times vary, see website for details
Admission: Ticket costs vary, see website for details
Since 1904 the Concord City Auditorium has operated as a fine arts center for all ages. The Audi, as it’s affectionately called, is an 850-seat theatre, that hosts over 100 events each season. More than 75,000 people walk through the doors of the Audi each season. Be sure to attend the American Theatre Arts for Youth’s performance ($11.75 per person) and become one of those 75,000!
Kaleidoscope Children’s Museum
8 South Main Street, Concord
(603) 229-4526
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $4.99 adults, $6.99 children 11 and under, $2.99 seniors, free admission for children under 1
Kaleidoscope Children’s Museum is a great place to go for learning and adventure. With multiple exhibits and interactive experiences, there is no limit to your child’s creativity. Take a stroll down Mini-Main Street or climb into the Jammin’ Tree House to play some cool instruments. There’s also a stage to stand in the spotlight and an art area to be a mini Picasso.
35th Annual Market Days & Summer Music Festival
Main Street, Concord
www.mainstreetconcord.com
Dates: July 16-18, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission: Most activities are free; food and shopping prices vary
For three days of fun and music, head to Concord’s annual Market Days & Summer Music Festival. There are live bands each day, plenty of shopping, food, and activities for the kids. Check the listed website and click on Events to find more details about the event as the date approaches.
Hampton
Hampton Beach State Park
Route 1A, Hampton
Admission: $15 per car; $20 per van/RV/bus
Camping: $50 for two adults and children under 18
Hampton Beach State Park offers miles of white sandy beaches. Visitors can spend the day swimming, fishing, and picnicking. There are bathrooms available for public use during the day from May 24 to Sept. 7. The campground is situated on 50 acres, open May 23 to Oct. 13. You can also take a walk down Ocean Boulevard for shopping, food, sight-seeing, and amusements. Hampton Beach offers over 80 live music performances each summer and fireworks displays each week. There’s plenty of fun to be had right on the beach.
Hampton Historical Society
Park Avenue, Hampton
(603) 929-0781
www.hamptonhistoricalsociety.org
Hours: Sunday, Wednesday, Friday 1-4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Get lost in the history of Hampton. Including the Tuck Museum and old Seacoast Fire Museum, this large park makes for a great day of exploration. There is plenty of room to roam outside and exhibits to see inside. Inside the Fire Museum are an old fire hose and fire pumper, as well as extinguishers and old fire suits. Be sure to see the School House exhibit, where you’ll even find an old dunce cap!
20th Annual Seafood Festival
(603) 926-8718
www.hamptonbeachseafoodfestival.com
Dates: Sept. 11-13 -- Friday, 4-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: $5 daily adults; free admission for children under 12
There is no better way to spend a summer afternoon in Hampton than eating seafood. There will be live entertainment, fireworks, and activities for the little ones. KiddieLand includes special performances from magicians, jugglers, clowns, storytellers, and musicians. Activities throughout the day include face painting and a beachside playground. Check the website closer to the date of the festival for more performance schedules and information.
Hampton Beach Children’s Festival
(603) 926-8717
www.hamptonbeach.org/children-only.cfm
Dates: Aug. 17-21
Admission: Free for children of all ages
The Children’s Festival includes many of the same activities and performers as the Seafood Festival; however, as the name suggests, it’s just for kids! There will be a magic show with BJ Hickman on the Seashell Stage at 10 a.m. on the Aug. 17. The rest of the week includes such activities as mini-golf, sand castle building competitions, talent shows, music, and dancing. The many activities throughout the week all lead up to a costume parade for the children down Ocean Boulevard on Aug. 21.
Franconia Notch Area
Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch State Parkway, Franconia Notch
(603) 823-8800
www.nhstateparks.com/franconia.html
www.franconianotch.org
Admission: Free to the park; see website for individual site fees
When in the White Mountains you must visit Franconia Notch State Park. From the Flume Gorge at the south to Echo Lake in the north, you have 8 miles of nature’s wonder to spend a day exploring. Visit the flume, stop by the site of the Old Man of the Mountain, take a ride in the aerial tram up Cannon Mountain, swim in Echo Lake, or watch for hawks and falcons.
Clark's Trading Post
110 U.S. Route 3
Lincoln
(603) 745-8913
http://www.clarkstradingpost.com
Hours: Their hours vary. Visit the website for more information and show times
Admission: $17 for ages 6-64, $7 for ages 3-5, $15 for ages 65 and over, free admission for children under 3 (General admission includes access to all rides, shows, attractions, displays, and museums)
A visit to Clark's Trading Post is a must if you go to the Franconia Notch area. Catch the bear show, featuring live black bears; take a ride on the White Mountain Central Railroad; catch a performance of the Yandong Chinese Acrobatic Troupe; tour Merlin's Mystical Mansion; and more.
Whale’s Tale Water Park
481 Daniel Webster Highway, Lincoln
(603) 745-8810
Hours: June 26-Aug. 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: $30 per person; $22 after 3 p.m.; free admission for 3 & under and 70 & over
Whale’s Tale Water Park offers many water rides for those hot days in the mountains. Take a ride on the Banzai Pipeline or ride Willie’s Wild Waves. Relax in the whale-shaped Castaway Cove or spin down the Eye of the Storm. For those little feet you’ll find Whale Harbor, an activity pool that is 16” at its deepest. There are four waterslides, three fountains, and a see-saw just for your littlest stay-cationers.
Hobo Railroad
64 Railroad St., Lincoln
(603) 745-2135
Hours: Train leaves at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Admission: $13 adults, $10 children 2-11, free admission for under 2
Named the best train ride for children by New Hampshire Magazine, this hub for old-fashioned family fun takes you through the woods and along the river. From the train car you can see kayakers and tubers floating along the river. On select dates you can also find Mr. Phil the Family Entertainer performing magic tricks and Choo Choo the Hobo Clown making balloon creations.
VERMONT
Barre-Montpelier
Vermont State House
State Street, Montpelier
(802) 828-2228
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open year-round except state holidays.
Admission: Free
Guided Tours available on the half-hour, free of charge, July through mid-October: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. During the summer and fall tourist season, group tours must be scheduled in advance.
Vermont Historical Society Museum
109 State Street, Pavilion Building
Montpelier
(802) 828-2291
Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed state and federal holidays
Admission: $12 families; $5 adults; $3 students, children, and seniors; free admission for children under 6
Located in the Pavilion Building near the State Capitol in Montpelier, the Vermont Historical Society Museum is a tremendous asset and a "must-see" for anyone interested in Vermont's heritage and way of life. The museum's permanent exhibit, Freedom and Unity: One Ideal, Many Stories, represents Vermont's history from 1600 to the present. Visitors walk through time and experience a full sized Abenaki wigwam, a re-creation of the Catamount Tavern where Ethan Allen's Green Mountain Boys gathered, a railroad station complete with a working telegraph, and a WWII living room furnished with period music and magazines.
Hubbard Park
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Park entrances: Hubbard Park Drive, Parkway Avenue, and Corse Street
Located behind the State House, this park has 185 acres and roughly 7 miles of hiking and skiing trails, numerous picnic areas, a soccer and baseball field, a small pond, a sledding hill, and a 54-foot observation tower. The observation tower offers spectacular views of the city from the highest point in the city.
North Branch Nature Center
713 Elm St.
(802) 229-6206
Hours: The center is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The trails are open every day
Admission: Fees vary for the programs offered, but the center and trails are free to visit.
The North Branch Nature Center is a locally run non-profit organization that has a nature center located on a 14-acre preserve on the east bank of the North Branch River.
Vermont Mountaineers Baseball
Elm Street, Montpelier
http://www.thevermontmountaineers.com
July schedule: July 1, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 28, 29, 31 (Games start at 6:30 p.m.)
Admission: $10 family ticket pack; $4 adults; $3 seniors, students or military personnel (purchase tickets online)
This Montpelier-based collegiate baseball program and the Mountaineer organization have grown into one of the most popular summer events in central Vermont. A 42-game schedule affords fans 21 home games, featuring some of the best and most exciting collegiate baseball in the country. Players come from all over the country, including Georgia, Florida, New York, Virginia, Vermont, and Texas.
Outdoor Summer Concert Series
City Hall Park
Barre
Dates: July 12, 19, and 26; Aug. 2, 9, 16, and 23 (Concerts start at 7 p.m.)
Admission: Free
Bring a picnic supper and a blanket or chairs and listen to local acts such as Lucky Star, Cold Country Bluegrass, and Resnick & Morrissey
Rock of Ages Granite Quarry
558 Graniteville Road, Graniteville
(877) 225-7626
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Self-guided tours are free
Take a tour of the Rock of Ages Granite Quarry to learn how the stone is mined and turned into sculptures. View the nearly 600-foot quarry, watch the quarries cut the granite, view sculptures made from the stone, and try your hand at sandblasting, creating your own sandblast stone design.
Hope Cemetery
Merchant Street, Barre
Situated in the "Granite Capital of the World," Hope cemetery presents a rich and distinguished history of memorial art in stone, one of the oldest expressions of American culture. Notable monuments include the following:
ORLANDI: Colonande monument with Greek Corinthian columns with hand-carved acanthus at top.
ROSSO: Hand-carved bas-relief sailing ship symbolizing salvation.
BIANCHI: Celtic cross symbolizing Christianity. Interlaced pattern of carving symbolizing immortality.
PALMISANO: Hand-carved Pieta from the original Michelangelo.
Green Mount Cemetery
250 State St., Montpelier
Green Mount Cemetery proudly exhibits many terraced lots, 2.5 miles of curved roads, and many pleasant shade trees and ornamental shrubs. There are several sculptured works, which are memorials to the talents of the area's artisans both past and present, including the following; John Hubbard (Black Agnes), Margaret Pitkin (Little Margaret), Fred Stevens (Ned the Dog), Frederic Dieter, and William Stowell (hand-carved stairs)
Burlington
The Lake Champlain Bikeway
Bike or walk The Champlain Bikeway from Burlington to Charlotte and back. If you're up for a daylong adventure, you can catch the ferry in Burlington, cross to New York, bike to Essex, N.Y., take another ferry to Charlotte, Vt., and bike back to Burlington. A less-challenging adventure is the Circle the City loop, 10.5 miles of paved and unpaved trail, some of which passes through the Ethan Allen Park where you can stop for a picnic lunch.
Lake Champlain's North Beach
Institute Road, Burlington
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $5 per car
Spend the day at North Beach swimming, picnicking, and playing on the playground. Or make it a stop on your bicycling trip on the Burlington Bike Path. North Beach include a grassy picnic area with grills and picnic tables, a full-service snack bar open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., rest rooms, and foot showers, as well as the new picnic shelter that accommodates groups of up to 70-80. Lifeguards are on duty June 24-Aug. 22.
Lake Champlain Ferries
King Street, Burlington
(802) 864-9804
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $9.30 adult, $7.90 senior, $4.15 ages 6-12
Take a ferry from Burlington to Port Kent, N.Y. and explore the shops, restaurants, and parks in that city. You can also bring your car for an additional fee.
Champlain Valley Flyer
Burlington Union Station
College Street, Burlington
(800) 707-3530
Call for their summer schedule and rates
The Champlain Valley Flyer is optimal for those who'd rather ride to Charlotte and back rather than pedal -- and for the train lovers in your family. Ride down and enjoy a picnic lunch or visit Pelkey's Berry Farm and Winery.
Ethan Allen Park
North Avenue, Burlington
Hours: 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Ethan Allen Park is an historic site, with views of the Green Mountains, Adirondacks, and Lake Champlain from Ethan Allen Tower. It's a natural area with picnic facilities that overlook areas and hiking trails. Ethan Allen Park also connects to the Burlington Bike Path and has a playground.
Ethan Allen Homestead Museum
Burlington
(802) 865 4556
Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
Cost: $7, free admission for children under 6
The Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, the historic home of Vermont's founder Ethan Allen and his wife, Fanny, provides a peek into 18th century life. Located a short drive from downtown Burlington, it provides hands-on exhibits, riverside picnic areas, and walking paths.
ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
One College St., Burlington
(802) 864-1848
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $9.50 adults, $8 seniors and students (with ID), $7 children 3-17, free admission for children under 3
At the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center visitors will learn about 70 species and participate in more than 100 interactive exhibits that explore the ecology, culture, and history of the Lake Champlain Basin. Permanent exhibits include Beluga Whale Dig, Frogworld, and River's End.
Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
6655 Shelburne Road, Shelburne
(802) 985-1319
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $2 adults, free admission for children under 12
Teddy bear lovers will take great pleasure in visiting the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne. Take an informational and entertaining tour of the factory and learn how they make their bears, then stop by the Bear Museum and Bear Shop. If you get hungry, you can get a snack at the Hungry Bear Café.
Shelburne Farms
1611 Harbor Road, Shelburne
(802) 985-8442
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $8 adults; $6 seniors, $5 children 3-17, free admission for children under 3
Shelburne Farms is a 1,400-acre working farm, national historic site, and non-profit environmental education center located on the shores of Lake Champlain. Visit the children's farmyard, learn how cheese is made, walk its many trails, go on a horse-drawn wagon ride, or attend a concert.
Vermont Lake Monsters Minor League Baseball
Centennial Field
East Avenue, Burlington
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t462
Schedule: Visit the website for schedule and to purchase tickets
Cost: $8 reserved seats, $7 adult general admission, $5 child (12 and under) general admission
The Vermont Lake Monsters, the minor league team for the Washington Nationals, take to the field several times during the summer. Have a fun ballpark experience without having to spend major league prices.
Rutland/Killington
Gifford Woods State Park
Killington
(802) 775-5354
Admission: Day activity fees -- $3 adults, $2 children aged 4-13, free admission for children under 3
With its location at the base of Killington and Pico peaks and close proximity to the Appalachian and Long trails, this park is a favorite of hikers. Take a hike among its 285 acres and have a picnic lunch.
Bomoseen State Park
Fairhaven
(802) 265-4242
Admission: Day activity fees -- $3 adults, $2 children aged 4-13, free admission for children under 3
Located about 12 miles west of Rutland, Bomoseen State Park is home of the largest lake entirely in Vermont's borders. It has a beach for swimming and a picnic area. An open pavilion-type picnic shelter can be reserved for large gatherings. A snack bar concession and boat rentals (canoe, kayak, row, and pedal) are available at the beach. You can also hike the several trails available, boat, and fish.
Hathaway Farm Corn Maze
741 Prospect Hill Road, Rutland
(802) 775-2624
Hours; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday & Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., out of Maze by 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., out of Maze by 11 p.m. (Moonlight Madness!)
Admission (includes All Mazes, the Animal Center, weekend Hayrides & Farm Tours): $9 adults (12 and older), $7 children and seniors, free admission for children 3 and younger
Have fun working your way through this 12-acre corn maze. Follow the clues and work your way through twists and turns, over and under bridges, and across a meadow to the exit. If you need to escape, there are Early Exit points.
Music in the Mountains Concert Series
Ramshead Lodge • Killington Resort
(802) 422-1330
Dates: June 27 to Aug. 8 (Concerts begin at 7 p.m.)
Admission: $20/person all performances except Aug. 9, which is $25/person
Come listen to the faculty of the Killington Music Festival play selections from composers such as Schubert, Brahms, and Beethoven.
Seven to Sunset Concert Series
Main Street Park, Rutland
Dates: July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug. 5, 12, 19
Admission: Free
Enjoy music from local acts such as Dave Keller Blues Band, Proctor Connection, and Dirtminers
The Sound of Music
The Paramount Theater
30 Center St., Rutland
Dates: July 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and on July 19 at 2 p.m.
Admission: Visit http://www.paramountlive.org/ for details and to purchase tickets
The Brandon Town Players present the Sound of Music, a family musical inspired by The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.
Vermont Marble Museum
Off Route 3 in Proctor, Vt.
(800) 427-1396
Admission: $7 adults, $5 seniors, $4 teens, free admission for children (discount rates are available if you purchase tickets in advance)
Learn the history of marble, from the fascinating ways of quarrying it to famous places Vermont Marble is being used. Visit the art studio and gallery, and take a walk to the Sutherland Falls Quarry site.
Wilson Castle
West Proctor Road, Proctor
(802) 773-3284
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: $9.50 adults, $9 AAA members, $5.50 children 6-12), free admission for children 5 and younger
This castle, built in 1867, stands as a monument to the heritage of the past. Located on 115 acres, visitors can tour the estate's 32-room residence, cattle barns, stables, carriage house, and glass house.
Alpine Slide at Killington Resort
Junction of U.S.4 and VT 100 North, Killington
(800) 621-MTNS
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
Cost: $10 for a single slide; $42 for five slides
The Alpine Slides at Pico Mountain are a great way to enjoy the scenery and catch a refreshing breeze. Enjoy a scenic chairlift ride to the top of Little Pico, then grab a cart and take off down one of two tracks. You control the speed as Pico's Alpine slide plunges down 650 vertical feet through S-turns, banks, and straight-aways.
Gondola Rides at Killington Resort
Junction of U.S.4 and VT 100 North, Killington
(800) 621-MTNS
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
Cost: $15 adult roundtrip, $10 adult one way, $10 Jr./Sr. roundtrip, $8 Jr./Sr. one way, $39 family roundtrip, $29 family one way
Leave the fast pace of everyday life behind with a relaxing mile and a quarter ride to the top of 4,241-foot Killington Peak. The ride up the K-1 Gondola showcases views of five surrounding states and Canada. At the top you can enjoy a picnic before your ride back down. Or if you want to burn off those calories, hike back down.
Kona “Groove Approved” Mountain Bike Park at Killington Resort
Junction of U.S.4 and VT 100 North, Killington
(800) 621-MTNS
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Park access -- $15 adult, $10 junior (12 and under); 2 gondola rides & trail access -- $24 adult, $14 junior; half-day gondola rides and trail access -- $29 adult, $17 junior
Killington Resort features 45-plus miles and a 1,700-foot vertical drop spread across five mountain areas, offering everything from classic cross-country single track to challenging big-bike downhill and free-riding trails. Pedal through easier terrain, or take the gondola up the mountain and ride back down.
