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This is a selected list of some of the top events in the area, all of them within an hour's drive from our inn and most of them much less than that. More often than not there will be many other activities but this will give you an idea of a few things to do while you are here. If you have a particular interest and want to know if there is anything like that here, just let us know and we'll research it for you. For the latest event news, updates, and more details, see our blog at Vermont Travel Notes
The events listed below are more or less in chronological order but note that some are one day events and others last all summer and into the fall so the order is not perfect.
Shelburne Farms, all summer and fall: Shelburne VT
One of the barns at Shelburne Farms
Shelburne Farms Calendar of Events
Great variety of music, educational, family events, campfires, etc., all held in a magnificent facility.One of the top places to visit in Vermont.
ECHO at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington lake front, year around, www.echovermont.org
Aquarium and science center with 60 species of fish, a hundred hands-on exhibits, theater, summer raptor exhibit "Hunters of the Sky" with hawks, eagles, owls, osprey.
Open Craft Studio Weekend, Memorial Day weekend: www.vermontcrafts.com/links/open.html
The Open Studio Weekend is a statewide event held during Memorial Day weekend, during which about 200 Vermont craftspeople and artists open their studios to the public for the sale and demonstration of their work. If you like fine art and high quality crafts, you will enjoy this event a great deal. It's an unusual opportunity to see some studios that are not normally open.
Shelburne Museum
One of the most amazing places to visit in all the United States. Vermont is greatly fortunate to have such a gem. Add a day to your Vermont travel plans and spend it here. Not just an art museum but a huge facility with homes, barns, gardens, Lake Champlain ship, carriage collection, authentic old general store, pioneer village, antique carousel, small gauge train, much more. Takes at least two days to cover completely. You will be impressed.
2011 Special Exhibits:
In Fashion: High Style, 1690-2011
Jun 18 - Oct 30
A major exhibit of clothing styles and how they have evolved over several centuries.
http://shelburnemuseum.org/exhibitions/in-fashion/
A Passion for Quilts: Joan Lintault Collects
May 15 - Oct 30
The personal collection of one of the country's leading quilters.
http://shelburnemuseum.org/exhibitions/a-passion-for-quilts-joan-lintault-collects/
Something Old, Something New: Continuity and Change in American Fine Furnishings from 1700 – 1820
May 15 - Oct 30
A chronological view of the regional differences between a variety of 17th century, William and Mary, Queen Anne, Chippendale, and Federal style storage units, tables, and chairs.
http://shelburnemuseum.org/exhibitions/something-old-something-new-continuity-and-change-in-american-fine-furnishings-from-1700-%E2%80%93-1820/
Lock, Stock and Barrel: The Terry Tyler Collection of Vermont Firearms
May 15 - Oct 30
On public view for the first time, a rare collection of 106 Vermont firearms made from 1790 through 1900.
http://shelburnemuseum.org/exhibitions/lock-stock-and-barrel-the-terry-tyler-collection-of-vermont-firearms/
Paperwork in 3D May 15 - Oct 30
Features the work of 23 contemporary artists who have transformed flat sheets of paper into dazzling three-dimensional art.
http://shelburnemuseum.org/exhibitions/paperwork-in-3d/
Behind the Lens, Under the Big Top: The Circus Photography of Elliot Fenander
May 15 - Oct 30
A new, major addition to the museum's collection of circus ephemera which dates from as early as the late 18th century through the middle of the 20th century.
http://shelburnemuseum.org/exhibitions/behind-the-lens-under-the-big-top-the-circus-photography-of-elliot-fenander/
Vermont Vintage Vehicle Show, late June each year
Vermont Vintage Automobile Show
Formerly the Shelburne Vintage Vechicle Show, it has moved to the town of St Albans
and is now called the Vermont Vintage Vehicle Show. From 9am to 4pm. There is a downloadable brochure at the Vermont Automobile Enthusiasts web link above.
Vermont History Expo
Vermont History Expo
Held at the "famous" Tunbridge VT World's Fair Grounds. In Vermont's 251 towns and cities, local history is kept alive by a mighty band of organized volunteers - the membership of Vermont's 150 local historical societies. Once a year, their collective efforts are showcased at this statewide exposition. This is rated a Top 10 summer event by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
Music in the Meadow, June - Sept Stowe Arts
Presented by Stowe Performing Arts at the Trapp Family Lodge Concert Meadow. Picnics two hours before the concert. United States Air Force Band Sunday July1; Vermont Symphony Orchestra Sunday July 8; Terrance Simien zydeco Sunday July 15; The Dirty Dozen Brass Band Sunday Sept 2.
Waitsfield Farmers' Market, May - Oct
Vermont farmers markets, farm stands, pick your own
One of our favorite things to do. Held every Saturday, mid-May to mid-Oct, 9:00 - 1:00. Lots of fresh produce, flowers, crafts, great entertainment, horse-drawn wagon ride, people watching. Very relaxing and enjoyable way to start the day. It's a good place to meet and chat with some Vermont locals. The link above has a list of farmers markets and farm stands throughout the state.
Vermont
Quilt Festival,
late June, Champlain Exposition Center and St. Michael's College, Essex Junction VT, www.vqf.org
Exhibits, workshops, lectures, appraisals, merchants mall, kids programs. One of the largest quilt shows in the northeast. More than 400 quilts in two buildings: antique quilt section, works by the festival teachers, and special exhibits. Leading the way is a judged show with some 180 quilts entered in the annual contest. From the youngest beginner to the most practiced expert, contestants provide something for every taste, from the most traditional to the avant-garde. Also, there are daily gallery talks about some of the principal exhibits. The curators or other knowledgeable Festival staff will offer informal 30 to 45 minutes talks once or twice each day and answer questions about the quilts.
Lake
Champlain Maritime Museum, May - October, Vergennes VT: www.lcmm.org
Featured Exhibit:
1609-2009: Navigating the Champlain Valley
Late May through mid-October
History of Lake Champlain.
Champlain Longboats Launch Day May, 2009
"LCMM’s on-water season officially begins with the launching of a 25-foot pilot gig. This beautiful watercraft is built at the LCMM Boat Shop from January to May by students and staff from the Diversified Occupations Program of the Patricia Hannaford Career Center. Student boat builders speak about their experiences and then lead an on-water “parade” of student-built pilot gigs."
Kids Pirate Festival June 6-7, 2009
"Come in costume and swashbuckle your way back to the era of discovery and exploration – enjoy exciting, pirate-themed activities and live performances with guest artists. Participatory music, dramatic play, and make-and-take crafts for the whole family."
Native American Encampment June 13-14, 2009
"Dressed in clothing faithful to 1609, members of El-nu and Missisquoi Abenaki and other visiting artisans and scholars welcome visitors demonstrate Native American songs, traditional life skills, diplomacy, and weapons."
Gala Raffle Fundraiser June 27, 2009
Small Watercraft Festival August 8-9, 2009
A chance to see a wide variety of small boats, talk to the builders, and even try some of the boats on the water. The very popular Kids Duct Tape Regatta will be on Saturday; Really, Really Small Boat Regatta and three-mile Lake Champlain Challenge Race rowing or paddling competition will be on Sunday.
Archaeology Weekend September 26-27, 2009
"Nautical archaeologists present On-Water field trips, special demonstrations in the Conservation Lab, lectures and films."
Storytelling Festival October 17-18, 2009
"Gather on board a wooden ship, beside a crackling fire, or in the museum’s intimate theater to hear storytellers, historians and musicians share the lake’s history and legends in song and story. Field trips and on-water excursions, and a chance to record your own tales of lake adventure."
Vermont Brewers Festival, mid July, Waterfront Park, Burlington: www.vermontbrewers.com
Rated as one of Vermont's Top 10 Events and Featured as one of ten Great Beer Festivals by USA Today. The Vermont Brewers Festival is the longest running outdoor brewers festival in the East, and it's no wonder since Vermont is home to more breweries per capita than any other state. Brewers participating in this event do so by invitation only, based on brewery capacity, distinctiveness, and product quality. Enjoy a wide range of offerings, including traditional lagers, ales, and unique products such as fruit beers, barleywines, and Belgian-style white beers. You'll also enjoy gourmet foods, demonstrations, and top quality entertainment. A lot of fun in a beautiful location overlooking the lake. Great sunsets there too.
Stowe Taste of Stowe Arts Festival, late July
Now in its fourth year and getting better every year.
Vermont Mozart Festival, July - August
The largest of many musical events throughout the state. Held at various venues, many of them in beautiful outdoor settings. Always gets good reviews from our guests.
Vermont Festival of the Arts, August 1- 31
Painting, sculpture, photography, crafts, printmaking, woodcarving, glassblowing, poetry, flower arranging, chamber music, chorale, concerts, dance, culinary workshops, cheesemaking workshops, theatrical performances, Art in the Garden Tour, street fairs, film festivals, historic barn tours, farmer's markets, and, believe it or not, much more.
Stowe Antique and Classic Car Show, mid August
Stowe VT Antique and Classic Car Show
Over
800 antique cars, trucks, military vehicles, and fire engines on display.
Antique car auction, parade, fashion contest, Car Corral, antique car
related Flea Market, food. One of the top car shows in the eastern USA.
British Invasion, September
North America's largest all British classic and sports car show plus British cultural activities, shops, crafts, Auto Jumble, car corral. Jaguar and Morgan are the featured marques this year.
Moretown Quilt Show, late September
Some 50 quilts will be displayed in the Moretown United Methodist Church. An antique appraiser will be available in the parsonage across the street from the church. You may have up to 5 items appraised at $5 per item. Sandwiches and Beverages will be available. Old fashion chicken barbeque dinner one night.
Mad River Valley Craft Fair, late August
For more than 30 years, the Mad River Valley Craft Fair has been held in the Valley. About 100 good quality artists and artisans display their paintings, pottery, handmade clothing, carvings, jewelry, basketry, weavings, furniture. Live entertainment and food that is far better than you find at most events.
Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival, early September
www.vermontsheep.org/festival.html
See a large part of rural Vermont life. Sheep, llamas, alpacas, angora goats, rabbits. Shearing demonstrations, dog herding, llama obstacle course, spinning, knitting, rug hooking. More than 60 vendors. Workshops and classes.
Stowe Oktoberfest, late September www.stoweoktoberfest.com
A Stowe Rotary event for the entire family. Grand parade, oompah bands, continuous singing and dancing, authentic German food and desserts, Vermont micro-brewed beer, children's tent with puppet theatre, pumpkin painting. Huge silent auction. Raffle prizes.
Champlain Valley Antiques Festival, October1 and 2, 2011
http://cvexpo.org/antiques.aspx
Stowe Foliage Art and Craft show, October
190 juried artisans, music, shopping, great food in the beautiful village of Stowe. Wide variety of crafts from jewelry to wood products, from dry flower arrangements to homemade fudge, surrounded by beautiful fall foliage.
Stowe Winter Carnival, late January each year www.stowecarnival.com
Professional ice carvers create elegant and masterful sculptures throughout the village in the 7th Annual NICA sanctioned Ice Carving Competition. Refresh your spirit and sense of humor by experiencing the return of an Olympic moch-Hollywood Squares where quasi movie stars , politicians and famous athletes answer questions in a hilarious game show setting. Watch or participate in zany events such as International Snow Golf Calcutta and Tournament, SnowVolleyball Tournament, Stowe Super G Ski Race, Snowshoe Races, Kids Carnival, and the long-standing, ever popular Village Night Celebration Block party on Main St.
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