Best Classic Attractions in Vermont | 2013 Editors’ Choice Awards

There’s a lot to see in do in the Green Mountain State, but some activities really stand the test of time. Read our picks for the best classic attractions in Vermont. BEST “CABINET OF CURIOSITIES” FAIRBANKS MUSEUM & PLANETARIUM, St. Johnsbury Victorian cabinets in the Grand Hall display hundreds of stuffed animals, from mice to an 1898 moose, plus reptiles, fish, insects, and birds galore. Don’t miss the19th-century cultural exotica on the balcony, and check out the weather station, home of VPR’s Eye on the Sky. The local night sky is on view in the planetarium. 1302 Main St. 802-748-2372; fairbanksmuseum.orgBEST PRESIDENTIAL CHEESE CALVIN COOLIDGE STATE HISTORIC SITE, Plymouth Notch The visitors’ center exhibit uses Coolidge’s own words, objects from his life, and interactive media to relate the story of how this farm boy became our 30th president. His white-clapboard village is frozen in the 1920s, and the cheese factory his father built now produces exceptional granular curd cheddar. 3780 Route 100A. 802-672-3773; historicsites.vermont.gov/Coolidge; plymouthartisancheese.comBEST SCIENCE CENTER MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, Norwich This major science center demystifies natural phenomena, from fireflies to fog, and offers movies and images from the Hubble space telescope. Outside, explore the museum’s 110 acres, including Science Park, Woodland Garden, and several miles of nature trails. Outdoor exhibits include the Wind Wall, Musical Fence, Water Rill, and Mist Fountain. 1 Montshire Road. 802-649-2200; montshire.orgBEST HISTORIC REPLICATION HILDENE, Manchester American history shines in the splendid story of Robert Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s first son, who built Hildene in 1905, 41 years after vacationing in Manchester as a boy. Tours span the estate buildings and grounds, the latter available for picnicking and walking. 1005 Hildene Road. 800-578-1788, 802-362-1788; hildene.orgBEST HANDS-ON FARM PROGRAMS SHELBURNE FARMS, Shelburne A National Historic Landmark located on a 1,400-acre working farm with inn and restaurant, Shelburne Farms has become a leader in the local-foods movement with farm-based education programs for both children and adults. The children’s farmyard attraction is one-of-a-kind. Farm meats, cheeses, and maple syrup are all available for purchase. 1611 Harbor Road. 802-985-8686; shelburnefarms.org