Mud season is upon us in Vermont. While it may not always get the best reputation, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy this unique time of year. From scenic outings to cozy experiences, here are some of our favorite ways to make the most of this transitional season in the Green Mountain State:

Visit Local Maple Sugarhouses
Experience the magic of the sugaring season by visiting local sugarhouses. Throughout March and into early April, many sugarmakers open their doors to visitors. Learn how maple syrup is made, sample fresh batches, and enjoy classic treats like maple donuts and even maple hot dogs.

Spring Skiing in the Green Mountains
Ski season may be winding down, but there’s still time to hit the slopes. Warmer temperatures and softer snow make for a fun, laid-back experience. Many Vermont resorts stay open into April—just be sure to check closing dates before heading out.

Visit a Sauna or Spa
Treat yourself to a little relaxation. Warm up at Madbush Falls with its scenic saunas, or unwind at destinations like Topnotch Resort in Stowe, The Essex Resort & Spa, or the Vermont Salt Cave Spa. It’s the perfect way to embrace the slower pace of the season.

Find Live Music
Vermont’s music scene stays lively year-round. Check out venues like Higher Ground or the Flynn for big-name acts, from live music to comedy. Head to local breweries and spots like Two Heroes, Foam Brewers, Radio Bean in Burlington, or Monkey House in Winooski, where you’ll find live shows–many of them free.

Tastings at Local Breweries
Mud season is the perfect excuse to cozy up with a local craft beer. Stop by breweries like Zero Gravity in Burlington or Kraemer & Kin in North Hero to enjoy tastings, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Bike Along the Island Line Trail
As the snow melts, take advantage of clearer paths like the Burlington Greenway. The Island Line Trail offers a scenic ride along Lake Champlain, stretching all the way to the Colchester Causeway. Enjoy incredible views of the lake, Adirondacks, and Green Mountains.

Go Shopping in Burlington
Spend a day exploring Church Street Marketplace or Burlington’s South End. From charming boutiques to local art galleries and specialty shops, there’s plenty to discover while staying far away from the mud!

Go See Baby Farm Animals
Spring in Vermont means farms are full of new life. Visit places like Shelburne Farms or find other local farms across the state to see lambs, chicks, and calves.

Mud season offers a quieter side of Vermont—one that invites you to slow down, explore differently, and appreciate the small, in-between moments. Whether you’re chasing the last turns of ski season or savoring fresh maple syrup, it’s a reminder that every season in Vermont has something special to offer. 

The February 2026 Northwest Vermont real estate market reflects a continued shift toward more balanced conditions across Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Franklin counties. The median sales price declined to $419,000, down 6.9% year over year and 10.8% from January, while closed sales dropped to 98, a 27.9% month-over-month decrease. The Vermont real estate market tends to see a slow down this time of year. Inventory remains elevated, with 382 active listings and months supply rising to 3.9, up 38.1% from last year—giving buyers more options than we’ve seen in recent seasons. Homes are still moving relatively quickly, with a median of 16 days on market, and sellers received an average of 98.5% of list price. With prices softening and inventory building, both buyers and sellers should stay informed on local trends. Contact us today for a personalized look at your Northwest Vermont real estate market and how these changes may impact your next move.

Maple sugaring season has arrived in Vermont, making it the perfect time to visit local sugarhouses, see how maple syrup is made, and enjoy fresh samples straight from the source. In Northern Vermont, some sugarhouses welcome visitors throughout the season, while others open their doors for special events during Maple Open House Weekend. If you’re looking for the best places to experience this iconic Vermont tradition, we’ve rounded up a few must-visit sugarhouses below.

1. Palmer’s Sugarhouse | Shelburne, VT

Palmer’s Sugarhouse welcomes the community every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM through April 15. Enjoy sugar on snow, live music, maple boiling demonstrations, and a delicious pancake breakfast served each weekend from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Conveniently located less than 20 minutes from Burlington, it’s a family-friendly stop and a must-visit during Vermont’s sugaring season.

Learn more

2. Shelburne Farms | Shelburne, VT
Experience the sugaring process at Shelburne Farms on March 21–22, 2026. Visitors can tour the sugarhouse, tap a maple tree, sample fresh syrup, explore the sugarbush, learn about local birds, and hear Abenaki storytelling and sugaring traditions. Maple treats, including hot dogs and a pancake breakfast, will be available for a small fee. The event runs Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Open House Information 

3. Mountainview Mapleworks at the Giroux Family Farm | Richmond, VT

During Vermont Maple Open House Weekend, head to Richmond for a behind-the-scenes look at a family-run sugarhouse. Watch the sap boiling, take a tour, and enjoy fresh syrup samples along with maple hot dogs, maple coffee, maple candy, classic sugar on snow, and other sweet treats. Relax by the bonfire and take in the scent of maple in the air. Hours are Saturday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM–3:00 PM.

Open House Information

4. Gagne Maple | Swanton, VT

Gagne Maple in Swanton will be opening up their sugarhouse on March 21–22 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Watch maple syrup being made, enjoy tastings, maple donuts, and maple creemees. Browse a wide selection of maple treats to take home. 

Open House Information

5. Browns River Maple | Essex Junction, VT

Visit this family-owned sugarhouse from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM for tours, syrup samples, and tapping demonstrations. 

Browns River Maple Facebook Page

6. Audubon Vermont/Green Mountain Audubon Center | Huntington, VT

The Green Mountain Audubon Center is home to a bird-friendly sugarbush that has produced pure Vermont maple syrup for over 50 years. During sugaring season, stop in when steam is rising to watch traditional wood-fired boiling, explore the free trails, and pick up syrup at the Visitor Center (open weekdays 8:30 AM–4:00 PM).

Open House Information

7. Palmer Lane Maple | Jericho, VT

Palmer Lane Maple—famous for their year-round creemees—offers a farm store open Wednesday through Saturday with a wide selection of maple treats and products. Be sure to try the maple cream donuts, maple hot dogs, and, of course, a maple creemee.

Learn More

Whether you’re touring a family-run operation, learning about traditional methods, or simply enjoying sugar on snow, these Northern Vermont stops offer a memorable way to experience the state’s most iconic harvest. 

 

Ice skating is one of the most classic ways to enjoy winter in Northwest Vermont. From small community rinks to outdoor skating experiences, there are plenty of ways to get out on the ice and make the most of the winter season in Vermont. 

Leddy Park Arena — Burlington, VT

Leddy Park offers public skate times throughout the winter, with dependable indoor ice and rentals available, making it an easy option for skaters of all levels. Burlington Parks Recreation Waterfront also hosts lessons, clinics, camps, and hockey programs here, helping foster a love of skating in the Queen City. Be sure to check the monthly schedule in advance for updated public skate times.

North Hero Village Rink on the Lake — North Hero, VT
This outdoor rink offers a uniquely local experience right in the heart of the Islands. Skate loans are available through the self-service Dwayne Cormier Winter Station which is located behind Kraemer & Kin, making it easy to stop by whenever conditions are good.

Winooski Rink at Rotary Park — Winooski, VT
A smaller community rink with a welcoming atmosphere, the Rotary Park rink is a great option for a casual outdoor skate. It’s especially popular with families and those looking for a quick, low-key winter outing.

Burlington Outdoor Ice Rinks — Weather Dependent
The Burlington Parks team maintains several outdoor neighborhood rinks when temperatures allow, with help from dedicated community volunteers. These smaller rinks offer a casual, local skating experience and are great for quick outings close to home. Locations typically include Arthur Park (Sea Caves), Battery Park, Calahan Park, Lakeside Park, Roosevelt Park, Schmanska Park, and Starr Farm Park. Availability varies throughout the season depending on conditions, so it’s best to check their status before heading out.

Ice Rink at Spruce Peak — Stowe, VT
Located steps from Spruce Camp Base Lodge, the Adventure Center, and the Lodge at Spruce Peak, this rink adds a scenic skating experience to a day in Stowe. Access is complimentary, with rentals available on-site, though daily operation is weather dependent.

Collins Perley Sports Center — St. Albans, VT
This rink is a convenient option for those in Franklin County and the Champlain Islands. With regular public skating times and a strong community feel, it’s a great place to enjoy time on the ice throughout the winter.

Cairns Arena — South Burlington, VT
Cairns Arena is known for its consistent ice and frequent public skate sessions. The indoor setting makes it a reliable choice on colder days, and its central location makes it accessible from most of Chittenden County. Make sure to check their schedule for open skate times. 

Smugglers’ Notch Resort Ice Rink — Jeffersonville, VT
Set next to the Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Adventure Center, the rink at Smugglers’ Notch offers a classic winter setting. Open daily when weather allows, it’s designed for skaters of all ages and skill levels, with rentals available for those who need them.

Outdoor skating in Northwest Vermont is always weather dependent, so it’s best to check conditions before heading out. When the ice is good, these rinks offer some of the most scenic and memorable winter experiences in the region.

Pair your skating outing with a stop at a local café, bakery, or restaurant to support small businesses during the quieter winter season. It’s one of the best ways to stay connected to the community while enjoying everything this time of year has to offer. 

 

In 2025, Franz Rosenberger and Evan Potvin once again distinguished themselves among the highest-performing agents in the global Coldwell Banker network and continue to lead the market here in Grand Isle County.

Recognizing Excellence: Franz Rosenberger

Franz Rosenberger earned the International President’s Premier Award, placing him among the top 1% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide. He also ranked as the #2 Coldwell Banker sales agent in Vermont and the #1 agent in Grand Isle County.

In 2025 alone, Franz closed 33 units totaling $31.5 million in sales volume. With 23 years of real estate experience, his steady leadership, pricing expertise, and deep understanding of Lake Champlain lakefront and luxury properties continue to set him apart in a competitive market.

“Franz and his team did the most amazing job of showcasing our home with stunning photos, outstanding video and superb marketing. From listing to closing, the process could not have been smoother.” - Alex M.

 

Recognizing Excellence: Evan Potvin

Evan Potvin was honored with the International President’s Elite Award, ranking him among the top 2% of Coldwell Banker agents globally. He also earned recognition as the #5 Coldwell Banker sales agent in Vermont and the #2 agent in Grand Isle County.

Evan closed 34 units in 2025, totaling $24.6 million in sales volume. With 19 years in real estate, his strategic approach, strong negotiation skills, and extensive lakefront and Grand Isle County market knowledge consistently deliver results for buyers and sellers alike.

“Evan always called me back promptly, informed me of the process in detail, gave excellent advice, and was very professional, yet friendly. I would highly recommend him for any real estate endeavor, and anything else he puts his energy into.” - Kathy

 

Leadership & Market Impact

Franz and Evan are not only top-producing agents—they are co-owners of Coldwell Banker Islands Realty. In 2017, they purchased the company together, building upon Islands Realty’s strong legacy and guiding it into continued growth. Their leadership has helped grow CBIR as the #1 real estate agency in Grand Isle County, holding a 28% market share.

Their success reflects a deep commitment to the Lake Champlain Islands and Vermont community. With decades of combined experience and firsthand knowledge of the nuances of lakefront and Champlain Island properties, they provide clients with a level of insight that goes beyond the transaction.

What makes these recognitions especially meaningful is that they represent both individual achievement and collective strength. The example Franz and Evan set through professionalism, collaboration, and mentorship elevates our entire brokerage.

Congratulations to Franz and Evan on an exceptional 2025. We are proud of all that was accomplished this year and look forward to continued success in 2026.