Bomoseen State Park, a 3,576-acre lakeside park in the Taconic Mountains, is one of the most beautiful and historic sites in Vermont. The area was once quarried for slate and contains quarry holes and several slate-processing buildings. In addition to its rich history, the park lies within the 2,340-acre Bomoseen State Forest and combines all of Vermont’s most famous natural elements including rolling terrain, forests, and serene New England lakes. With so much to offer, a trip to Lake Bomoseen State Park is a must when you stay with GetAway Vacations! Here are some of our favorite things to do and see.

Spend a Day at Lake Bomoseen State Park

Old Slate Buildings

Several slate buildings and foundations can be found in the park from Vermont’s glory slate-making days. These quarries were once a part of the Lake Shore Slate Company and provided materials for the West Castleton Railroad. Hikers can embark on a self-guided tour of these buildings and discover what remains of the once thriving industry. An informational pamphlet for the self-guided history walk can be found at the Lake Bomoseen State Park office.

Wildlife

When Martha Warren donated the park’s land in 1959, she intended for part of the property to be used as a wildlife refuge. Today, Lake Bomoseen State Park is designated as an “Important Bird Area” and is an ideal habitat for many interesting bird species. You’ll find threatened species like the pied-billed grebes, sora, and even the occasional bald eagle, as well as plenty of wood ducks, osprey, and falcons. The park is also home to many four-legged creatures including white-tailed deer, foxes, weasels, raccoons, and coyote.

Lake Bomoseen

Lake Bomoseen is the largest lake in Vermont and is definitely a sight to see in the park. In the summer, visitors can spend a day on the water and enjoy boat rentals, swimming, or just relaxing on the beach. The lake is also a prime spot for fishing, so don’t forget to bring your poles!

The Ghostly Rowboat of Lake Bomoseen State Park

Many years ago, when slate was still being produced in the now-abandoned town of West Castleton, a popular tavern stood on the eastern shore of Lake Bomoseen. Many Irish quarry workers spent their evenings there after a hard day’s work. One evening, three of these men took a rowboat from the tavern and set sail for a night of merrymaking. The men never returned, and all that remained of them was an empty rowboat floating quietly in the middle of the lake. People presumed they must have drowned, but their bodies were never recovered. Since then, many witnesses have claimed to see a ghostly rowboat floating across the lake during a full-moon night – the rowboat’s oars are powered by an invisible force, and it leaves no ripples as it glides through the water. If you’re lucky, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the ghostly rowboat for yourself!

Experience the Best of Vermont with GetAway Vacations

Now that you know all about Lake Bomoseen State Park, it’s time to start planning your trip to the Green Mountains! When searching for the perfect homestead in VT, look no further than our beautiful Killington vacation rentals. From summer homes and ski rentals to pet-friendly accommodations for the whole family, we have exactly what you’re looking for. We can’t wait to hear all about your adventures in Vermont!

For more information on the best things to do in Killington, VT,
request a copy of our free vacation guide.

The Green Mountain State is known for its diverse agricultural industry, where a variety of dairy farms, maple sugarhouses, orchards, and pastures produce some of the best meats, cheeses, and vegetables in the country. Vermont is also home to countless farm stands and over 85 farmers markets, where consumers can purchase a wide variety of locally-grown foods, plants, and handmade crafts, and even speak directly to farmers and artisans who produce them. The next time you stay with GetAway Vacations, stop by a Vermont Farmers Market and taste the delicious bounty of our state for yourself!

Our Favorite Vermont Farmers Markets

Vermont Farmers Food Center

Home of the winter farmers market in Rutland, VT, the Vermont Farmers Food Center is dedicated to sustaining local agriculture and ensuring food self-sufficiency in the area. This facility hopes to encourage residents to consume fresh, locally-grown food to improve their health and the economic well-being of the community. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy a variety of food festivals, educational programs, and other farm and food-related events that take place at the food center and around town. 

Rutland County Farmer’s Market

The Rutland County Farmers Market is the oldest market in Vermont and is open each May through November in downtown Rutland. Here, guests will find everything from fresh produce and baked goods to natural cheeses and local wines, as well as flowers, herbs, homemade soaps, ceramics, and other artisanal crafts. You can stop by each vendor booth and get to know local farmers and merchants, all while enjoying live music and some fresh mountain air.

Woodstock Farmer’s Market

Open Tuesday through Sunday all year long, the Woodstock Farmers Market in Woodstock, VT, invites guests to peruse a wide selection of organic produce, fresh meats, and more. Their friendly staff are both passionate and knowledgeable about the food, where it comes from, and how to prepare it, and are happy to answer any questions you may have. The market also has a kitchen that serves outstanding breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees, and a bakery that offers delicious pies, cookies, brownies, and more.

Burlington Farmer’s Market

Although an hour away from Killington, a trip to the Burlington Farmers Market is well worth the drive. Located in the city’s historic downtown area, this market is open year-round and has outdoor vendors in warmer months and an indoor market during Vermont’s chilly winters. Shoppers can enjoy a bounty of fresh produce, sweet treats, and meats, as well as world-famous cheeses. You can also find plants, flowers, herbs, and edible blossoms that are the perfect addition to any home or garden.

Come Home to GetAway Vacations!

After a wonderful day at a Vermont farmers market, come back to one of our beautiful Killington vacation rentals and enjoy preparing a delicious meal with all of those fresh ingredients! All of our homes offer modern amenities like fully-equipped kitchens, gas grills, and spacious dining areas, so you and your family can enjoy a scrumptious dinner complete with beautiful mountain views. We can’t wait to hear about you create!

For more information on things to do this spring in Vermont,
download our free Killington Vacation Guide.

Photo Credit: Yo_co | Thinkstock

New England is an incredible place to visit in the summer, Vermont in particular. With daytime temperatures hovering around 80 and evening temperatures in the 50s, you’ll find a Vermont summer vacation is the perfect place to enjoy sunny days yet still sleep with the windows open to enjoy the cool night air.

Where to Stay?

Vermont has three regions, all incredible in their own right. We may be a little biased, but the Central Region has it all, from opportunities to ski in the winter months and hike/bike in the summer, to fun festivals, restaurants, shopping and more. Specifically, Killington has attracted nature lovers year-round for decades. Many travelers may believe winter is the only time to visit Vermont, when there is ample snowfall and skiing is the main attraction. But summer offers many opportunities for recreation, as well!

Outdoor Activities in Vermont during your Summer Vacation

The Green Mountain State is often called “the healthiest state,” and for good reason. Our parks, wide open spaces, mountains, rivers and scenic backroads are the perfect places for outdoor activities. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, fishing or golfing, Vermont will have what you are looking for.

Here in Killington, hiking is very popular, as both the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail run through the area.

Summer is cycling season in Vermont, so don’t be surprised to see a bevy of cyclists out cruising the roadways or taking it off-road on mountain trails. If you’re really into cycling, you may want to check out this blog about 9 Places to Go Mountain Biking in Vermont.

Experience Local Arts and Heritage

When you travel to a different part of the country or the world for that matter, it’s important to try to learn something about the area. And the best way to learn something is to experience it. Visit our plentiful art galleries and museums, take in a concert or other performance, and be sure to visit a historic site or two.

Refuel After a Fun Day

For many of us, dining is one of the many “activities” we look forward to while on vacation. There’s something about trying new restaurants and simply being in different surroundings that make a meal out so delicious. Not to mention, it’s fun to try regional specialties, particularly at farm-to-table establishments. The Killington area has a bevy of wonderful restaurants to try.

Don’t Forget to Relax on your Vermont Summer Vacation

One of the reasons you are planning a vacation is to get away from it all. So, don’t over-plan your time off. Make sure to leave a day or two to just relax and recharge. Whether you choose to relax with a spa day or by simply lounging in the hammock on the porch at your vacation rental, there are plenty of options and the choice is up to you.

Download our Vacation Guide

For additional tips and insider information on the Killington, VT area, download our Free Vacation Guide! This guide contains the top things to, places to go, and more! As you’re planning your trip, be sure to peruse the vacation rentals offered by GetAway Vacations. Visit our website and contact us for more information about our extensive list of vacation properties and homes, and to learn more about outdoor activities in for your Vermont summer vacation.