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The 2016 Vermont Wine and Harvest Festival is coming up this fall, and people all over the Green Mountain State are getting excited! Each year, the festival attracts winemakers from over a dozen Vermont wineries as well as several spirits distillers and arts and crafts vendors. Over the course of one weekend, guests can enjoy a wide variety of events including tastings, dinners, wine parties, live entertainment, and much more! If you’re a fan of all things vino, book your stay with GetAway Vacations and check out the annual Vermont Wine and Harvest Festival.

Explore the Vermont Wine and Harvest Festival

Wilmington Village Stroll & Soup Contest

On Friday, September 16, the festival kicks off with a preview tasting of Vermont wines and cheeses during a village stroll in the center of Wilmington. Guests can listen to outdoor entertainers, walk through the historic village, and sample soups from the Valley’s chefs. The town’s shops, galleries, and restaurants will all be featuring Vermont wines and local soups from 5 to 7 PM.

Grand Tasting at Mount Snow Resort

The next day, head to Mount Snow Resort in West Dover where you can enjoy the biggest event of the Vermont Wine and Harvest Festival – the grand tasting! Enjoy sampling dozens of Vermont’s finest wines, spirits, cheeses, and farm-fresh products, all while enjoying live music from local bands. There will also be over 70 vendors on site, including potters, jewelers, painters, and photographers. Feel free to take a break from the tents and ride the Bluebird lift for a summit view of Southern Vermont’s glorious fall foliage.

When the sun goes down, stay for a special Prix Fixe wine dinner at 6 PM and the 2016 Deerfield Valley Rotary Wine Tasting and Auction. There will also be a Wine & Harvest after party from 8 PM to midnight. Check the festival website for frequent updates and information!

Wine Tasting Tips

If you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to sampling wine, you’re in luck! We have a few wine tasting tips and tricks that will help you make the most of your day at the Wine and Harvest Festival.

Come Home to GetAway Vacations

Now that you know all about the Vermont Wine and Harvest Festival, it’s time to book your stay at one of our Killington vacation rentals! Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, our gorgeous homes feature cozy fireplaces, sprawling living areas, private hot tubs, and more that will make your fall getaway unforgettable. Enjoy hours of fun at the festival, then come back to total peace and serenity and get ready for another day of adventure tomorrow. We can’t wait to see you soon!

For more information on upcoming events, including the Vermont Cheese Festival and the 2016 Burlington Wine Festival, request a copy of our free Killington vacation guide.

Photo Credit: Thomas Jackson | Thinkstock

With the highest number of cheesemakers per capita in the United States, it’s no surprise that the Green Mountain State is also home to the Vermont Cheese Festival. Each year, visitors flock to the shores of Lake Champlain to try fine cheeses, taste local beer and wine, and meet all of the wonderful artisans who make them. From sharp VT cheddar to award-winning gorgonzola, the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival has something for everyone – and it’s all just a short drive from GetAway Vacations! Here are some of the things you’ll see at this year’s event.

Plan a Trip to the 2016 Vermont Cheese Festival

On July 17, 2016, head to the historic Shelburne Farms Coach Barn where you can enjoy tastings, cooking demos, educational workshops, and much more from 10 AM to 4 PM. You’ll mingle with over 40 award-winning cheese makers and artisan food producers and can try 200 different types of cheeses, beverages, and other delicious local foods like pickles, caramels, chocolates, and sauces. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the spectacular backdrop of the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks! 

Festival Events

The Vermont Cheese Festival will also host a variety of free events for guests to enjoy throughout the day. Be sure to check out the Cheddar Tasting, where you’ll learn how different breeds of cows produce milk to form various types of cheddar cheese, then make your way to the Cheesemaking Demo where you’ll watch cheesemakers in action in the production room. Guests who are 21 and up can also visit the Beer and Cheese Pairing, where you’ll join 3 cheesemakers and 3 brewers to discuss this iconic food and beverage duo.

Other Fun Festival Attractions

If you need a break from eating, hop on the wagon for a ride to the historic Farm Barn where you can watch the cheese making and meet the friendly animals responsible for the milk, including cows, goats, and sheep. Shelburne Farms is also open to the public for tours and hosts many different events throughout the year. The Vermont Cheesemakers Festival always sells out, so be sure to visit the festival website to purchase your tickets.

Visit the Vermont Cheese Trail

For those who just can’t get enough of VT’s signature cheese, The Vermont Cheese Trail is a scenic 280-mile loop that starts in Plymouth Notch and ends in Websterville, VT. Along the way, guests can stop at half a dozen factories and take tours, meet the cheese wizards themselves, and purchase the products made on-site.

Book Your Stay with GetAway Vacations!

Before you start planning your trip to the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, be sure to book your stay at one of our Killington vacation rentals! Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, our gorgeous homes feature outdoor fire pits, grills, private hot tubs, and more that will make your summer getaway unforgettable. Enjoy hours of fun at the festival, then come back to total peace and serenity and get ready for another day of adventure tomorrow. We can’t wait to see you soon!

For more information on the best festivals in Vermont,
request a copy of our free Killington vacation guide.

Photo Credit: Magone | Thinkstock

Nothing says summer like sitting on a blanket in the grass and enjoying some great food, cold drinks, and live music on a warm day. This is especially true in Vermont, where a wide variety of festivals, concerts, and events take place virtually every weekend in the summertime. If you’re planning a trip to the Green Mountain State this summer, book your stay with GetAway Vacations and get your tickets for one of these incredible Vermont concerts!

The Top 4 Upcoming Vermont Concerts

1. Cooler in the Mountains Concert Series

Presented by Long Trail Brewing Company and Farrell Distributing, Killington Resort’s annual Cooler in the Mountains concert series will be kicking off on Saturday, July 16, 2016, and will feature eight free outdoor shows in the heart of the mountains. The concerts will be held from 3:30 to 6 PM each day, and guests are encouraged to come early and enjoy all of the awesome summer activities that Killington Resort has to offer. Be sure to check their website for the 2016 line-up, then grab a lawn chair or beach blanket and head to the Snowshed Base Area for some fantastic live music that the whole family will enjoy!

2. Champlain Valley Fair

Founded in 1921, the Champlain Valley Fair has been a Vermont staple for decades and is one of the most anticipated events of the summer. Each year, the Fair packs incredible concerts, art exhibits, all kinds of animals, crafts, and much more into an exciting 10-day event. From August 26 to September 4, 2016, guests can enjoy big-name artists like country sensation Rascal Flatts, rock legends ZZ Top and Gregg Allman, and more at the Champlain Valley Fair.

3. Vermont Music Fest

Featuring two days of live music, food vendors, and fun for the whole family, the Vermont Music Fest in Waitsfield, VT, is a must-see summer concert. Starting on Friday, August 19th, festival-goers can enjoy performances by local Vermont bands and artists from 4 to 10 PM, then camp out under the stars in a tent or RV for even more fun the next day. Tickets are $30 for adults and free for children ages 13 and under, but spaces are limited so be sure to get yours today!

4. The Frendly Gathering

Located in Windham, Vermont, the Frendly Gathering Music Festival takes place on an old ski resort and was started by a group of six professional snowboarders. Here, guests can enjoy multiple music stages as well as fun activities like disc golf, yoga, hiking, and swimming, and a variety of food and crafts will be available for purchase. The festival attracts upwards of 3,000 people each year and helps to promote a sense of community and respect for locals and visitors alike.

Come Home to GetAway Vacations

If you’re searching for the perfect homestead in between shows, look no further than our beautiful Killington vacation rentals! Our luxurious and comfortable homes are the perfect place to unwind and will provide you with peace and quiet you’ll need after a night of music, dancing, laughter, and fun. We can’t wait to see you soon!

For more information on upcoming Vermont concerts,
download our free Killington vacation guide.

Vermont is famous for a few things, most of which include snow, the Vermont cheese trail, and maple syrup. But what most people don’t know is that this state also has breathtaking views, beautiful Vermont mountains, friendly, open-minded residents, and a variety of wonderful events throughout the year. If you are looking to experience the best that this state has to offer, attending Vermont festivals might just be perfect for you.

1. Vermont Maple Festival

The Vermont Maple Festival is held annually in St. Albans, Vermont, and is perfect for people who want to learn more about this classic Vermont staple. Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including a beverage tasting (featuring drinks made with Vermont Pure Maple Syrup!), carnival, and a parade, as well as street vendors and comedy shows. Experience Vermont’s beautiful and mild spring weather, with a chance for contestants to win prizes during multiple competitions including a sap run, cooking contest, talent show, and woodsman competition. A multitude of events and experiences for everyone make this Vermont festival a must-see.

2. Vermont Brewer’s Festival

For those age 21 and up, this annual celebration of craft beer in Burlington, Vermont shouldn’t be missed. The festival features brews of crazy concoctions from great Vermont breweries all over the state, including Strawberry Rhubarb, Key Lime Pie, and even Mocha Nut Fudge Coffee Stout. Sample these unique flavors along with some good local food, and enjoy the scenic background of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. After spending the day tasting some of the best beers in the world, you’ll be counting down the days until the Brewer’s Festival comes around again next year.

3. Strolling of the Heifers Parade & Festival

Spectators upwards of 40,000 in 2015 make this event one of the most popular festivals in Vermont. The Strolling of the Heifers—yes, Heifers—features a farmers market, dairy princess pageant, farm tours, and, of course, cows! Guests can sample some of Vermont’s most famous delicacies, including Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and Cabot cheese. If you’re a dairy lover and want to experience a fun day in scenic downtown Brattleboro, the Strolling of the Heifers will be a festival you’ll never forget.

4. Quechee Hot Air Balloon, Craft, and Music Festival

If you enjoy incredible 360-degree views and have a sense of adventure, the Quechee Balloon Festival is for you. There, guests can take a magical ride in a hot air balloon and experience spectacular views of the Quechee countryside and surrounding areas. Those with more adrenaline can get their fix by power gliding, skydiving, or sport parachuting. Or, if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, enjoy an eclectic mix of live music, food, and theater entertainment. End the day at dusk watching the balloons twinkle and glow into the night, and you’ll wish this festival never had to end.

5. Vermont Quilt Festival

This esteemed event is New England’s oldest and largest festival and has been around for more than a third of a century. The Quilt Festival exhibits hundreds of beautiful and unique quilts and offers informative classes on quilt making and design. In addition, a contest for best quilt takes submissions from all over the United States, Canada, and abroad. Spectators can spend the day learning about the history and art of quilt making, viewing gorgeous designs, and shopping at more than 80 vendor booths. Learn the tools of the trade and enjoy a wonderful day out with family or friends.

Plan Your Vermont Festivals

Now that you know the top 5 festivals in Vermont, contact GetAway Vacations to plan your next trip! GetAway Vacations has rental homes in Killington, Vermont that are the perfect home-away-from-home while you travel around this picturesque state. Download our free Vacation Guide to learn more about Vermont festivals and to start planning your trip!

 

The summer season is knocking on our door bringing with it warm temperatures and a strong desire to get outside and mingle with nature. No longer trapped by the harsh reality of winter, now may be the perfect time to visit Killington, VT. But what is there is there to do here, you ask? In a nutshell, everything. This area offers a plethora of options for every activity level and interest. From rugged outdoor activities to shopping to cultural sites, a complete list is tough but these are our top ten things to do near Killington. Do yourself a favor, get here quick and start working on them.

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