Killington, Vermont has emerged as an amazing place for a vacation, especially for those that love the beauty of the wilderness and the fun you can only find in the outdoors. This is all very evident when you simply take a look around the area. But there are many qualities of this town and area that are not so obvious, but still go a long way in making Killington the amazing place that it is. Here are five Kilington facts you probably don’t know:
Ski Resorts Also Provide Summer Fun
When winter is over, you can still enjoy the incredible heights of Killington’s ski resort. The K1 Express Gondola remains open 7 days a week, so everyone can enjoy this amazing recreation area. The summer is the perfect time for taking the trip to the top in order to enjoy some amazing mountain biking, scenic hikes, and so much more.
Live Music is a Part of Life Here
The community here wants everyone to be able to enjoy the music that comes out of this area, along with the music that comes from out of town bands. One of the best examples of this endeavor is the Cooler in the Mountains Concert Series, which is free. There is nothing like some quality music in a beautiful setting, the best of which you can enjoy from July through Labor Day, every Saturday.
Killington Gets Some of the Best Snow in the State
This is a skiing and snowboarding hotspot because of its awesome mountains, but the weather is another big factor. Killington gets some of the most annual snow of any skiing area in Vermont with average yearly snowfall around 250 inches. Now that’s a lot of powder!
The Appalachian Trail Goes Through Town
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,200-mile hiking trail that extends from northern Georgia all the way into Maine. The section that traverses through Killington is among the most beautiful trails you will ever encounter. Killington is an amazing place for anyone who loves a good hike.
Home of the Best Glass of Wine West of Napa
This is certainly a matter of opinion, but nobody can deny that you can find some great wine in Killington. The town is home to many wineries and vineyards that are always creating classics along with some innovative batches of wine. For a full display of the “wine culture” here, check out the 16th annual Wine Festival the weekend of July 20th.
It Features Some of the Best Real Estate in Vermont
When you visit Killington, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of some of this amazing real estate by booking one of the numerous vacation rentals in town. There is no better way to find the right option for you than by letting the experts at GetAway Vacations help you. We offer both widest selection and greatest quality of Killington homes available for your vacation. See how easy it is to find the vacation rental of your dreams when you book with us today!
People come to Killington, Vermont in the summer for its amazing weather, beauty, and fun. Another aspect of what makes Killington a great place to visit is the great events, and there are no better than those that come with the Killington 4th of July holiday. Of course, you can see great fireworks, but there is so much more to enjoy about Independence Day activities around Killington. The following are some of the best ways and places to take in some great fireworks displays.
Chamber of Commerce 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza
Just a couple miles down the road from Killington in the town of Rutland, visitors can enjoy one of the best fireworks displays in all of Vermont. Not only can you enjoy the best fireworks in the state at 9:45 pm, but you can enjoy the Summer Smash event that leads up to it. This is one of the most fun events of the summer, as it is essentially a demolition derby of battling cars. This day full of fun is taking place at the Vermont State Fairgrounds in Rutland at 175 South Main Street.
Killington 4th of July Celebration
Come 4th of July, you can enjoy one of the best Killington events of the whole summer. This an entire day full of delicious food and awesome fun. It all starts at 10 am with a parade down River Road. Then the fun moves to the town recreation center where the pool opens at 11 am. Throughout the day, you can enjoy the Fireman’s BBQ, field games, raffles, live music, and of course, the fireworks show! This incredible spectacle begins at 9:30 pm. Show up at 10 am and make it an entire day of fun, or just show up for the crescendo; either way, you are bound to enjoy your time celebrating one of our favorite Killington holidays!
Find an Awesome Place to Stay
Odds are you will love any of the Killington 4th of July festivities that you come across in Killington, but you are guaranteed to love the vacation rental that you stay in even more. This is especially true when you book through GetAway Vacations. We offer the widest variety of homes and the highest quality that Killington real estate can provide. Whether you are looking for a cozy condo or a vacation apartment for a romantic getaway or a luxurious mansion in the wilderness, you will find it here. Check out our listings today and visit Killington for 4th of July!
There are many ways to get to know a town that you are visiting. Of course, exploring the charming city streets and the beautiful areas that surround them are some of the most fundamental in these endeavors. But nothing shows the true spirit of a community quite like a farmers’ market. This is when you get to see the community come together to celebrate things that the people of the town create. Killington, Vermont is home to some amazing Killington farmers markets that you simply need to visit when you are in town.
Vermont Farmers’ Market
This is the only farmers’ market in the state that runs every week of the year. They run multiple markets, but the most popular one is in the downtown area of the nearby town of Rutland. Farm fresh veggies are a staple here, but there are many treats unique to Vermont, like artisan cheeses, made from scratch bread, maple syrup, and much more. There are also many local eateries whipping up amazing foods, like Ana’s Empanadas, who make delicious Argentine cuisine using only locally sourced meats. You can enjoy this and so much more on Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm and Wednesday’s from 3 pm to 6 pm all at Rutland’s Downtown Depot Park.
Killington Farmer’s Markets: Woodstock Farmers’ Market
The amazing thing about this Killington farmers’ markets in the nearby town of Woodstock is it is open Tuesday through Sunday. This leaves visitors with ample opportunity to enjoy local foods from both the kitchen and the market. The most popular way to take advantage is to get one of their “farmers’ boxes.” There are endless varieties of combinations, but you can be sure to find some local cheese, nuts, chocolate, and much more. On top of the market, this place is a restaurant, so you can satisfy the cravings that you will undoubtedly develop while exploring the delicious wares of the market. Find it at 979 Woodstock Road.
Find the Perfect Place to Stay
Nothing beats a day spent at the farmers’ market followed by relaxing at an amazing vacation rental. And nobody beats the selection that GetAway Vacations offers. Not only do these homes provide the perfect place to cook up the amazing foods you get at the market, they offer luxury and comfort at its finest, so you are always rejuvenated for the adventures that the next day brings. Check out our amazing listings and book your getaway to Vermont today!
Whether you and your clan head to the pristine mountains of Killington, VT during the epic winter ski season or to enjoy the lazy summer days, this beautiful alpine retreat has plenty more to offer than fabulous skiing. No matter when you visit, there is plenty of excitement and family-friendly Killington activities year-round.
The Adventure of a Lifetime
Located on the slopes of Snowshed Mountain at Killington Resort, the Adventure Center has fun for the entire family, all year long. Pick your individual attractions or buy a day-pass, then hit the slopes for a whole new type of adventure!
Thrill-seekers will love the Beast Mountain Coaster, 4,800 feet of serpentine loops, 360-degree corkscrews, and incredible views of the forest and mountain peaks. Riders go solo or tandem-style on their own sled on this adrenaline pumping thrill ride (must be 52” tall to “drive” or 36” tall to ride; 300lb limit per sled). For a twist on a zipline adventure, the Soaring Eagle takes riders side-by-side along a 600-foot cable 100 feet above the forest floor. You’ll top out at over 30 mph as you and a friend dart over the picturesque landscape below (42” to ride). A more traditional zip can be had on the Zip Line Racer which traverses the mountain and Snowshed Pond and includes a leap from the jump tower (70-270lb weight requirement). The Alpine Tubing run is open year-round and is a novel way to “sled” down the mountain (must be 42” to ride).
When it comes to ropes and aerial acrobatics, the park has a myriad of options. Check out the 4-story Skye Ropes Course and its 42 obstacles and challenges, go for a free-flying trek on the Trampoline Jump, or bungee off the 30’ high jump tower – we dare you.
For a much needed break in the excitement, enjoy the scenic views from the Gondola or the Chairlift ride.
Rainy Day Adventures and Family Friendly Killington Activities
Whether you need a break from the action or the weather, the area around Killington has plenty of other family activities for you to enjoy. Visit a horse farm, tour the Southern Vermont Arts Center, get up close and personal with adorable barnyard animals at the Billings Farm and Museum, browse the incredible selection of local treats and crafts at the Woodstock Farmers’ Market, or take in a show or play at one of the quaint and historic local theaters. Whatever type of adventure suits your family, this will be a vacation to remember. Make sure to check our listings and find the perfect vacation rental for your home away from home as you explore the beautiful Green Mountain State.
If you’re looking for an activity that’s sure to please all the nature lovers in your family, look no further than VINS Nature Center. VINS, short for Vermont Institute of Natural Science, is a nonprofit organization. Its focus is on environmental education, research, and avian rehabilitation. Their headquarters, the VINS Nature Center, is located about 40-minutes away from Killington, Vermont in the town of Quechee. Whether you’re a passionate bird lover or looking for some beautiful hiking trails you need to check out the VINS Nature Center.
For more museums and exhibits like the VINS Nature Center near Killington, download our free vacation guide. In it, you’ll see suggestions for other museums that will teach you all about Vermont’s history. You’ll also find the best hiking trails in the area where you can put your new knowledge of Vermont wildlife to the test. Everything featured inside is located near GetAway Vacation’s beautiful rental homes!
See the Birds at VINS Nature Center
VINS Nature Center is home to all types of birds, from big raptors to the smallest songbirds. During your tour, you can watch the trainers and caretakers interact with the Center’s most famous residents.
Check the Feed Time & Tour Schedule before your visit to make sure you don’t miss an opportunity to observe and ask questions to the trainers. Their live raptor show, Raptors Up Close, is definitely not to be missed. You’ll have the chance to gather behind-the-scenes knowledge of how VINS cares for their flock as well as get a closer look at the raptors.
You can also visit their songbird aviary, which houses the songbirds that have been treated by VINS staff but are unable to be re-released. The Rehab in Action exhibit highlights the amount of work that goes into caring for these birds. It allows visitors to take a peek into the exciting world of rehabilitation. Observe the process through the viewing window at the on-site Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation.
Walk the Trails
When you’re ready to explore the land around the center, the VINS Nature Center has maps available to visitors. There are three different trails, with the newest, McKnight Trail, suitable for visitors in wheelchairs or with strollers. The other two trails take hikers along the Ottauquechee River, offering a beautiful view of Dewey’s Pond. While on your hike, try to solve the VINS Nature Quest or complete the Raptor Scavenger Hunt. If you’d like to venture further out in the Quechee State Forest, you can combine your walk at VINS with a hike to the Quechee Gorge.
Return to Your GetAway Vacations Rental Home
After a busy day of exploring and learning at VINS Nature Center, return to your private vacation rental in Killington, VT. For your convenience, our Hakuna Matata is closest to VINS Nature Center as well as the Quechee State Forest. We even offer a number of vacation specials and packages to enhance your stay. We look forward to having you!
Are you interested in science and technology? If so, a trip to the Montshire Museum of Science should be in your plans! This hands-on museum is located in Norwich, Vermont and features more than 140 exhibits relating to the natural and physical sciences. It’s one of the busiest museums in New England and has attracted more than a million visitors since its opening in 1976! Here are some of the things you’ll see at the Montshire.
Learn more about the Montshire Museum of Science when you download our free vacation guide. It’s full of recommendations for activities and attractions near GetAway Vacations!
Explore the Montshire Museum of Science
1. Live Animals
One of the most popular exhibits at the Montshire Museum of Science is the Creatures Exhibit. Here, visitors can admire a variety of creatures from the past and present – from native fish and turtles to a live colony of honeybees. You’ll learn information about the life processes that connect these animals with birds, insects, and even human beings.
2. Air & Weather
A gentle summer breeze, a hurricane over the Atlantic, billowing cumulous clouds – all are caused by the movement of air. Find out more about how air moves in this series of exhibits about air movement and weather. You can discover the lowest temperature ever recorded in the United States at the 109 Degrees Below Zero exhibit, then check out the Dust Devil sculpture. Don’t forget to spin the propeller to create a mini tornado! Click here to view the full list of air & weather exhibits.
3. Puzzles, Shapes, and Things That Move
Can you solve a puzzle based on how shapes fit together? In this set of exhibits about movement, machines, and geometry, you’ll find out how unique objects and mind-bending puzzles can stretch your thought processes. Some of the most popular exhibits include the gear train, the gravity well, and the time machine.
4. Outdoor Exhibits
Located on an 110-acre site near the Connecticut River, the Museum’s outdoor environment is a large part of the visitor experience. Guests are invited to explore the outdoor Science Park which includes a scale model of the solar system (Pluto is located a two-mile walk away) as well as various exhibits on light, sound, and motion. You can even stroll through the Woodland Garden and along nature trails bordering the river. It’s a great way to learn about Vermont’s native plants and environment!
5. Daily Programs
The Montshire offers a range of programs, activities, and special events for visitors of all ages. Each is designed to engage your mind and your senses! Special events are held throughout the year including Machine Madness, Igloo Build, and the Annual Egg Drop Contest. Most daily activities are free with Museum admission. The museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Book Your Stay with GetAway Vacations
The Montshire Museum of Science is about an hour from Killington and is a great place to visit during your stay with us! After your trip, come home to one of our gorgeous vacation rentals and unwind. We offer a wide range of homes for every occasion, group size, and budget – from comfortable townhomes to spacious chalets. View our properties page to see what’s available and contact us today to book your stay. We look forward to having you!
Find out how you can enhance your trip to VT with one of our vacation packages.
Are you a fan of orchestral, choral, or chamber music? If so, you need to attend a concert by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra! It’s the oldest state-assisted orchestra in the country and presents around 40 live shows each year. Whether in a historic building or beautiful outdoor venue, the Orchestra provides affordable, high-quality performances to the public throughout the state of Vermont. Here are some of the VSO’s most anticipated upcoming events.
Learn more about the Vermont Symphony Orchestra when you download our free vacation guide. It’s full of recommendations for fun things to do during your stay with GetAway Vacations!
Attend These Vermont Symphony Orchestra Events
Established in 1934, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra was chartered to “bring music to the citizenry”. Today, VSO performs in a broad range of settings including Robert Todd Lincoln’s estate in Hildene, the public lawn of the Vermont State House at Montpelier, the Flynn Center in Burlington, and Shelburne Farms on the shore of Lake Champlain. You can also enjoy shows at many town commons, opera houses, and university art centers. A few must-see performances this year include:
1. Masterworks Series | May 6, 2017 – May 6, 2018
The VSO’s Masterworks Series showcases a number of featured artists over the course of five shows. Joining the Orchestra this year is Nokuthula Ngwenyama (viola), Jinjoo Cho (violin), Sharon Robinson (cello), and Gloria Chien (piano) just to name a few. All concerts begin at 8 p.m. and include a free pre-concert discussion about the evening’s program.
2. Across the Vast Eternal Sky | May 14, 2017
Inspired by renowned Norwegian-American composer Ola Gjeilo, Across the Vast Eternal Sky promises to touch people’s hearts this Mother’s Day. Pianist Noah Palmer and a VSO string quartet will accompany exquisite choral renditions by Arvo Pärt, Morten Lauridsen, and Gabriel Fauré. The show takes place at the Mahaney Center for the Arts in Middlebury, VT.
3. Summer Festival Tour | July 2 – 9, 2017
The Orchestra’s 2017 TD Bank Summer Festival highlights the diverse cultural heritage that has shaped our nation’s history. Attendees can explore America’s rich musical past through traditional marches, live music, fireworks, and more. Shows take place at various venues across Vermont and tickets go on sale in May. All events are rain or shine.
Local Tip: Be sure to bring a beach chair or blanket to the festival! You can set up a picnic and enjoy a wonderful summer event with the whole family.
Book Your Stay with GetAway Vacations
If you’re planning to attend a VSO concert this year, book your stay with us in Killington, Vermont. Our beautiful mountain town is the perfect place to unwind post-show! Reserve one of our pet-friendly rentals for you and your furry friend, or enjoy the activities at Mountain Green Resort. All of our homes boast a convenient location, top-notch amenities, and beautiful natural surroundings. View our properties page to see what’s available and contact us today to make your reservations! We can’t wait to hear about your experience with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.
Find out how you can enhance your trip to VT with one of our vacation packages!
If you have an affinity for glassware and pottery, chances are you’ve heard of Simon Pearce. This prominent Irish-American designer creates gorgeous pieces for everyday use. He’s worked with notable glassmakers all over Europe and even opened a U.S. factory in Quechee, Vermont. Situated on the scenic Ottauquechee River, the Simon Pearce flagship store offers a restaurant, bar, and a demonstration facility. Here’s why attending a Simon Pearce glassblowing event should be on your vacation itinerary.
Learn more about Simon Pearce glassblowing when you download our free vacation guide. It’s full of recommendations for fun things to do during your stay at GetAway Vacations!
How to Enjoy a Simon Pearce Glassblowing Workshop
Visit the Store
The Simon Pearce glass factory offers frequent glassblowing demonstrations for guests. Visitors can watch from the sidelines as master blowers create vases, candlesticks, bowls, and more. The first step is to gather the glass out of a 2,000-degree furnace, then pass it through a wooden tool called a block. The blowers breathe life into the glass before setting it in a mold. Even more fascinating is that the entire operation is run by hydropower; a waterfall in the river provides power for the glass furnaces as well as electricity for the facility.
On April 1, 2017, the shop held a “Meet the Makers” event where visitors could watch potters throw vases from the charming Crystalline collection. Also included was a complimentary cheese tasting and handcrafted liquors from Caledonia Spirits. Be sure to check the Simon Pearce Facebook page for more information on upcoming events! The store is open Monday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Check Out the Restaurant & Bar
Did you know that The Mill at Simon Pearce was voted one of “America’s Most Romantic Restaurants” by Travel + Leisure? Dining at the Mill is the perfect way to experience Simon Pearce’s handmade glassware and pottery after watching it come to life at the workshop. This eatery serves up creative American cuisine for brunch, lunch, and dinner with a beautiful backdrop of the river’s waterfall and covered bridge. It’s a beloved go-to for special occasions and casual lunches alike.
Don’t forget to stop by the bar before or after your meal. You’ll find a great selection of local beer, wine, and cocktails as well as some delicious small plates. Cheers!
Book Your Stay in Vermont with GetAway Vacations
Less than an hour from Quechee is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Vermont: Killington. This beautiful mountain town is the perfect place to unwind, and our homes have everything you need for a memorable getaway. Book your stay at Mountain Green Resort and enjoy access to the slopes right across the street, or stay on the mountain in one of our Sunrise Village rentals. Each boasts a convenient location, luxurious amenities, and beautiful natural surroundings. View our properties page to see what’s available and contact us today to make your reservations. We can’t wait to hear about your Simon Pearce glassblowing experience!
Find out how you can enhance your trip to Vermont with one of our vacation packages.
No matter what time of year you visit Killington, you can count on one special constant: the Woodstock Farmers Market. Open year-round, the Woodstock Farmers Market is a community hub, and the staff, farmers, and other shoppers will welcome you! This lively market offers everything you need to stock your vacation pantry, with the added bonus of a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
You can learn more about incredible dining and shopping experiences, including those at the Woodstock Farmers Market, when you download our free Killington Vacation Guide. It has our top recommendations for things to do and see during your stay with GetAway Vacations.
All About the Woodstock Farmers Market
Located about 30 minutes away at the most, depending on which rental you choose, the Woodstock Farmers Market is worth the jaunt. What you’ll discover when you arrive is the philosophy of the Woodstock Farmers Market is obvious. They have a serious mission: bringing great food to the people, at fair costs for everyone from farmer to buyer to the environment. But the simple passion for good food is evident everywhere.
Taste of Vermont
One of the most satisfying things about stocking up at the Farmers Market is how connected you’ll instantly be with the region. You can experience the mountain by skiing or hiking, but you can actually taste Vermont by buying from our farmers.
At the Market, great signage and staff lets you know where everything came from, and who grew it for you. The self-proclaimed “local food junkies” who work at the Market are full of knowledge as well as award-winning purveyors of really good food.
Prepared Foods and Bakery
When you’re on vacation, you probably don’t want to cook every single meal for yourself. But with the on-site Kitchen and Bakery you can purchase ready-made breakfast and lunch sandwiches, incredible hot entrée lunch and dinner selections and mouth-watering desserts, cakes and pies.
Get Your Groceries
The Market grocery department sells a wide array of specialty and everyday groceries so you can stock your vacation rental cabinets with good eats for yummy meals. But you’ll also find unique food products like olive oils, marinades, chocolates and jams from Vermont and the world all over.
For an easy-to-prep snack or light lunch when you get back to your digs, stock up on some of the Market’s impressive range of international and local cheeses, huge olive selection, sliced deli meats and cheeses. Local, artisanal breads and dairy products are always available—including outstanding ice creams and gelatos!
Or if you’re preparing for a special dinner in, you can choose from local meats, poultry, and fresh seafood for your main course.
Need to Know
Woodstock Farmers Market is located at 979 Woodstock Road.
TUE – SAT: 7:30am-7pm
SUN: 8am-6pm
MON: Closed
Enjoy All Killington Has to Offer with GetAway Vacations
We’re sure that in our range of rentals, you’ll find the perfect accommodations for your tastes and needs. All of our properties, including Bridgewater Country Cottage (sleeps 10) and Hakuna Matata (sleeps 6), are set in convenient locations that allow you to enjoy the best Killington has to offer, including the Woodstock Farmers Market! They also offer all of the comforts of home with cozy living areas, well-equipped kitchens, comfortable bedding, and some of the most beautiful natural surroundings in Vermont.
Whether you’re planning your Killington summer vacation or getting a jump on next winter’s ski trip, don’t forget to download our free area vacation guide. It will take all the guesswork out of vacation planning.
No summer vacation in Vermont is complete without a trip to Tweed River Tubing. Situated on the White River in Stockbridge, VT, this tube rental company is perfect for those who want to beat the heat. Cars with Massachusetts and Connecticut license plates come in droves to spend the day floating down the river, with lush forests and looming mountain peaks as a backdrop. Here’s why an adventure with Tweed River Tubing should be on your Vermont to-do list.
Learn more about Tweed River Tubing when you download our free vacation guide! It’s full of recommendations for fun things to do during your stay with GetAway Vacations.
How to Experience Tweed River Tubing
About the Owner
Chad Merriss grew up tubing on the White River. He had dreamt about running a tubing company for years, and when he was told that Vermont Tubing Company was closing, he decided to make that dream a reality. Vermont Tubing didn’t shut its doors after all, but Merriss still went forward with his plan and established Tweed River Tubing in the summer of 2011. The two companies have been coexisting peacefully ever since.
Today, Tweed River Tubing is a Stockbridge hot spot where visitors and locals come to drift lazily down the river. On the hottest days, Tweed River sells more than 100 tubes. Merriss even accompanies guests as a special tour guide if he’s heading out for an end-of-the-day sweep of the river.
Tips For Your Trip
Located at the junction of Route 100 and 107, Tweed River offers the best tubes in Vermont as well as the most fun stretch of river. They even provide life jackets, paddles, and a free shuttle back to the start point. Below are a few tips to ensure that your day on the water goes smoothly.
- Upon arrival, park your car in the field out back and drive slowly. Be sure to watch for children and pets!
- You’ll need to sign a waiver stating that you are responsible for yourself and your belongings. To save time, consider downloading a printable PDF of the waiver beforehand and bringing it with you.
- We highly recommend wearing strappy sandals, water shoes, or another form of footwear that is secured to your feet. Flip flops may get lost!
- Refrain from bringing any glass bottles or containers as they can damage tubes and pollute the river.
Pricing & Hours
Tweed River Tubing offers tubing adventures from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Tubes are $18 Tuesday through Sunday and are just $15 on Monday. There are also special discounts for groups over 12. Call (802) 746-8977 for more information.
Book Your Stay with GetAway Vacations
After an unforgettable Tweed River Tubing excursion, head back to one of our Killington vacation rentals and unwind! Our properties are just a short drive from the river and provide unparalleled lodging in the Green Mountain State. Spend a cool summer night in one of our relaxing hot tub rentals, or enjoy the luxurious amenities at Mountain Green Resort. We even have pet-friendly properties for your furbaby! View our accommodations to see what’s available and contact us today to make your reservations. We look forward to having you!
Looking for more Killington summer activities? Read our blog!
Did you know that the Crowley Cheese Company is the oldest indigenous manufacturer of cheese in the United States? The factory was built in Mt Holly, Vermont in 1882, and it’s delicious dairy began to reach the shores of Maine and the streets of Manhattan soon after. Now visitors can take a Crowley Cheese factory tour and watch as the award-winning cheese is made by hand – just as it was over a hundred years ago. Read on for details!
Learn more about the Crowley Cheese Factory when you download our free vacation guide! It’s full of information on great places to visit during your stay with GetAway Vacations.
Experience a Crowley Cheese Factory Tour
1. Learn the History
The Crowley Cheese Company was founded by Winfield Crowley and was owned by the family for 85 years. The Crowley’s had already begun making cheese at their farm but wanted a place to store surplus milk from other area farmers. The milk would then be turned into cheese and sold at the Healdville, VT railroad depot.
Today, the factory produces a wide range of cheeses in mild, medium sharp, sharp, and extra shop varieties. It also comes in a myriad of flavors. (Garlic, fresh chive and hot pepper are just a few of our favorites!) The cheese is made with fresh, unpasteurized milk from a local farm, and unlike mass-produced cheese, no two batches are the same. Crowley also uses a rinsed curd process that results in a cheese that is creamier and sweeter than Vermont cheddar. It melts better, too!
2. Watch the Cheesemaking Process
Making cheese by hand takes time, and the cheesemakers at the Crowley Factory start first thing in the morning. You’ll see a different part of the process depending on when you arrive. Only a few hundred pounds of cheese are made each day, and the process remains exactly as it was when the factory was established. There is no automatic stirring equipment or any other such devices.
Note: Crowley usually makes cheese three days a week and the schedule can be variable. We suggest calling the factory at (800) 683-2606 before your visit.
3. Taste the Difference
Crowley cheese is delicious, but don’t just take our word for it! You can try some of the freshest cheese available right in the factory’s gift shop. Many Vermont foods and craft items are available here as well. Gift shop hours are Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Book Your Stay with GetAway Vacations
After your Crowley Cheese factory tour, head back to one of our Killington vacation rentals and unwind! Our properties are just a stone’s throw from the factory and provide unparalleled lodging in the Green Mountain State. Book your stay in one of our convenient ski on/ski off rentals, or enjoy the luxurious amenities at Mountain Green Resort. We even have pet-friendly properties for your furbaby! View our accommodations to see what’s available and contact us today to make your reservations.
Want to learn more about VT’s famous cheese?
Read our blog about the Vermont Cheese Trail!
Are you an ameteur skier looking to show off your skills? Consider competing in the Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge! This highly anticipated event returns to Killington, Vermont in April and is one of the hottest on-snow parties the East Coast has to offer. The competition will heat up as skiers take to the slopes of Outer Limits to battle for a place in the finals. Whether you want to participate or prefer to watch from the beer garden, the Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge will be an event you’ll never forget! Here are some things to know before you go.
Learn more about the Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge when you download our free vacation guide. It’s full of information on fun things to do during your stay with GetAway Vacations!
Experience the Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge
Competition Details
Mogul skiing is a freestyle skiing competition consisting of one timed run on a steep, heavily moguled course. On Saturday, April 8, 2017, competitors will head to the Outer Limits Trail at Killington Resort. Each participant will have one run before the top 32 men and 16 women compete in a sudden-death, dual-course challenge. Awards will be presented to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place winners, and their names will be engraved on the Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge trophy.
Judging
The purpose of the Mogul Challenge is to recognize technical superiority and athletic ability. Males and females are scored separately in each age group, and each judge can award a maximum of five points for well-executed turns, aerial maneuvers, and speed.
Tips & Rules
- The Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge is an amateur competition. No USSA members registered as competitors will be allowed to race.
- Each participant must wear a properly fastened snow sports helmet during the competition.
- Be sure to scope out the course/venue before the event.
- Know your skill and ability level. This isn’t the time to try something you’ve never done before!
Registration
Registration for the 2017 Mogul Challenge will be open to the first 150 registrants. The competition fills up fast, so we recommend pre-registering to guarantee your spot! The entry fee is $50 for all divisions and online pre-registration will remain open until April 5, 2017 at 5 p.m. Click here to register.
Note: All competitors must check-in at the 3rd floor of Bear Mountain Lodge between 7 and 8:30 a.m. on Saturday to pick up their bibs.
Book Your Stay with GetAway Vacations
Now that you know all about the Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge, it’s time to start planning your trip to Vermont! Our luxurious rentals have everything you need to relax after the race, and they’re all just minutes from the slopes. Enjoy amenities like comfortable bedrooms, gourmet kitchens, and spacious living areas throughout your stay. We even offer a number of vacation specials and packages to help you save on lodging! View our properties page to see what’s available and contact us today to make your reservations. We look forward to having you!
Looking for more events to attend?
Read our blog about the Vermont Maple Festival in April!
Photo Credit: Karl Weatherly | Getty Images