Best Attractions in Vermont | 2016 Editors’ Choice Awards

Best Country Store: Vermont Country Store, Weston Looking for a flannel nightie, a manual typewriter, old-time candies … all in one store? That barely begins to describe the diversity of the inventory at this 70-year-old Vermont institution. There’s a second location in Rockingham. 657 Main St. 800-547-7849; vermontcountrystore.com Best Antiques & Collectibles: The Vermont Antique Mall, Quechee Looking for that Old Farmer’s Almanac from the ’50s? Or a Star Wars lunchbox? They’re most likely here in one of the 450 booths. Take time to visit the free Toy & Train Museum, too. Quechee Gorge Village, 5573 East Woodstock Road (U.S. Route 4). 802-281-4147; vermontantiquemall.com Best Tourist Hot Spot: Shelburne Museum, Shelburne An outstanding collection of Americana, folk art, and fine art—including Impressionist and American paintings—is housed in 38 historic buildings and on the beautifully landscaped grounds. 6000 Shelburne Road. 802-985-3346; shelburnemuseum.org Best Lake Champlain Paddle: Island Passages, North Hero After more than 18 years of paddling the waters of northern Lake Champlain, husband-and-wife team John and Berney Skutel know the very best places to explore. 802-825-1120; kayakislandpassages.com Best Beach: Sand Bar State Park, Milton Lake Champlain’s premier bathing beach offers kid-friendly shallows, picnic tables and grills, food and boat rentals, shade trees, and gorgeous views. Route 2. 802-893-2825; vtstateparks.com Best Cheese & Syrup Stop: Sugarbush Farm, Woodstock For more than 70 years this small family farm has been crafting tasty cheeses and maple syrup. Sample the wares, visit the animals, and tour a traditional low-tech sugarhouse. 591 Sugar­bush Farm Road. 802-457-1757; sugarbushfarm.com Best Local Arts: Bryan Memorial Gallery, Jeffersonville Paintings by American realists line the walls of this rambling small-town gallery at the foot of Smugglers’ Notch. Many, like founder Alden Bryan and his wife, Mary, have found inspiration in the surrounding landscape. 180 Main St. 802-644-5100; bryangallery.org Best Bookstore: Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Center The extensive selection includes everything from best-sellers to rarities, and features a whole floor devoted to children’s titles. The Spiral Press Café is perfect for a light lunch or freshly baked treat. 4869 Main St. 802-362-2200; northshire.com Best Covered Bridges: Lamoille County Aficionados can bag more than a dozen in a day. You’ll often find inviting swimming holes beneath or close by. Cambridge, Waterville, and Belvidere boast eight of these beloved landmarks, all within a few minutes’ drive. Best Thrill Ride: Beast Mountain Coaster, Killington Ski Area, Killington Killington’s nickname, “Beast of the East,” is now appropriate in summer as well as winter. The area’s newest ride plunges thrill seekers down the mountain in individually controlled carts, navigating the twists, turns, and spirals of the 4,800-foot-long Beast track. 4763 Killington Road. 802-422-3333; killington.com Best Free Concert Series: Snow Farm Vineyards, South Hero Pack a picnic and head out to the Champlain Islands for a summer Thursday evening of music. The vineyards’ award-winning wines are available to drink on site or bring home. 190 West Shore Road. 802-372-9463;snowfarm.com

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