Best Attractions in Vermont | 2013 Editors’ Choice Awards

Looking for fun in the Green Mountain State? You won’t have to look far! Read our picks for the best attractions in Vermont.

BEST INDOOR WATERPARK JAY PEAK WATERPARK, Jay The Pump House is glass-walled, with a retractable glass roof, and always 86 degrees. The choice of watery ways to cool off include “La Chute”–a 65-foot-high slide with a twisty 45mph descent–and “Big River,” a deceptively lazy run until you hit the waves. 830 Jay Peak Road. 802-988-2611; jaypeakresort.comBEST MOUNTAIN VISTAS MOUNT ASCUTNEY, Windsor A “parkway” snakes up from the entrance of Mount Ascutney State Park to within a mile of the 3,144-foot summit. Climb the fire tower for a spectacular 360-degree panorama from this mountain that stands alone by the Connecticut River. 1826 Back Mountain Road (Route 44A). 802-674-2060; vtstateparks.comBEST DOWNHILL RIDE TIMBER RIPPER MOUNTAIN COASTER, Ludlow At Okemo Mountain Resort, drivers control the speed of sled-like cars as they whizz down 3,100 feet of track on a scenic trip through alpine forest, bringing them up close to Okemo’s Jackson Gore. 77 Okemo Ridge Road. 802-228-4041; okemo.comBEST MUSIC HALL CHANDLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Randolph This restored 1907 music hall offers concerts and live shows in a 575-seat theater with great acoustics. Films are screened, and “intimate” performances are in the Upper Gallery. Labor Day Sunday is the annual New World Festival, celebrating Celtic and French Canadian heritage. 71-73 Main St. 802-728-6464; chandler-arts.orgBEST BAKERS’ HAVEN KING ARTHUR FLOUR BAKER’S STORE & BAKERY/CAFE, Norwich The home of America’s oldest family-owned flour company (since 1790) has morphed into a “campus” with a vast store stocked with baking ingredients, cookbooks, and kitchenware. The Baking Education Center offers classes (beginner to expert), and a cafe serves the flakiest of croissants, pastries, and pizzas. 135 Route 5 South. 800-827-6836, 802-649-3361; kingarthurflour.comBEST ARCHITECTURAL REVIVAL PARAMOUNT THEATRE, Rutland Débuting in 1914, the Paramount was restored in 2000 after 35 years of ruin. Detailed craftsmanship, balanced acoustics, and direct-sight viewing make all 838 seats worthy of a ticket for varied live performances or a regular film series. 30 Center St. 802-775-0903; paramountvt.orgBEST MOUNTAIN SWIMMING POOL SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH WATERPARK, Cambridge The eight pools and four waterslides along the mountain slopes of Smugglers’ Notch Resort are a family favorite. Rum Runners’ Hideaway is a six-acre reservoir tucked higher up on Morse Mountain; it includes a 25-foot-diameter water trampoline, plus swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and picnicking options. 4323 Route 108 South. 802-644-8851; smuggs.comBEST DOWNTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET CAPITAL CITY FARMERS MARKET, Montpelier It’s more like a street fair with a permanent Saturday residence May through October. The selections of plants, veggies, meats, wines, crafts, honey, cheeses, and live music spilling onto State Street blend wholesomely with a rotating lineup of yard sales. 60 State St. 802-223-2958; montpelierfarmersmarket.com