Mud season is upon us in Vermont. Stick season doesn’t always get the best rap but with a little creativity and an adventurous spirit, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during this transitional time of year. From scenic walks to unique events, here are 10 ways to make the most of mud season in the Green Mountain State.

Bike Along The Island Line Trail

As the snow melts and the trails become muddy, take advantage of the Burlington Greenway. The iconic Island Line Trail is a 14-mile rail trail that runs along the shores of Lake Champlain and takes you from Burlington out to the Colchester Causeway which runs three miles into the middle of Lake Champlain! This scenic route is great for a stroll or bike ride offering stunning views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and the Green Mountains along the way.

Find Live Music

Vermont has a vibrant music scene, even during mud season. Check out venues such as Higher Ground or restaurants and bars such as Nectars in downtown Burlington for live performances ranging from local indie bands to moody jazz ensembles.

Tastings at Local Breweries

Vermont is known for its craft beer, and in between weather is the perfect excuse to go sample some local brews. Visit breweries like Zero Gravity Brewery in Burlington, Vermont or Two Heroes Brewery in South Hero, Vermont for tastings and lunch!

Visit a Sauna or Spa

Take advantage of the milder temps and treat yourself to a spa day! Warm up at Madbush Falls, which features two Savu saunas, or unwind at Topnotch Resort in Stowe, The Essex Resort & Spa, or the Vermont Salt Cave Spa in Montgomery. The perfect way to embrace winter wellness

Go See Baby Farm Animals

Springtime in Vermont means baby animals are being born on farms across the state. Visit local farms such as Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont, or Dreamwalker Farm in Grand Isle, Vermont to see adorable lambs, fluffy chicks, goat chicks, calves, and more! 

Go Shopping on Church Street

Nestled in the heart of Burlington, Vermont, Church Street Marketplace offers an eclectic and vibrant shopping experience like no other. As mud season transitions the landscape, this pedestrian-friendly street remains bustling with activity, inviting visitors to explore its charming boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops.

Visit Local Maple Sugarhouses 

Experience the magic of the sugaring season by visiting local sugarhouses. Mark your calendar for the annual Maple Open House Weekend when sugarmakers invite folks into their sugaring operations. Learn how maple syrup is made, sample fresh maple syrup, and other maple treats such as maple donuts and hot dogs. 

Spring Skiing in the Green Mountains

While the ski season may be winding down, there's still time to hit the slopes in Vermont. Enjoy warmer temperatures and softer snow before the mountains close for the season. There are a handful of top-notch ski resorts, all just a stone's throw away from Burlington, Vermont. Before planning your spring skiing adventure, be sure to check the closing dates for local mountains. Typically, ski resorts in Vermont close in April, so seize the last opportunity to carve some turns! 

Mud season in Vermont may be muddy and unpredictable, but it's also a time of renewal and transition. With these activities, you can embrace the unique beauty and charm of this season in the Green Mountain State. So grab your boots, bundle up, and get ready to make some muddy memories in Vermont!

It's maple sugaring season in Vermont, and you're invited to join the festivities! The Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association hosts an annual Maple Open House Weekend on March 23rd and 24th. Experience the magic of this cherished tradition as local sugarmakers throughout the state open their doors for maple education, guided tours, and delightful sweet samples. Don't miss out on learning about the history and art of maple sugaring. Below you’ll find great local sugarhouses you simply can't miss in Northwest Vermont. 

1. Sugartree Maple Farm | Williston, VT

Sugartree Maple Farm will have a tour of their sugarhouse, maple hotdogs, live music, and even maple adult beverages by Bevo Catering company. 

Open House Information

2. Palmer’s Sugarhouse | Shelburne, VT

Palmer’s Sugarhouse invites the community to their sugar house for Sugar on Snow parties every Saturday and Sunday from March 2nd to April 14th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You can expect a maple pancake breakfast, live music, maple hot dogs, lattes, and donuts. Plus, this is conveniently located less than 20 minutes away from Burlington, Vermont. 

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

Visit Mountainview Mapleworks to see their family-run operation that includes a solar-powered sugarhouse! They will have trails to see the running sap, excellent maple samples, and even maple coffee and doughnuts! There is ample parking, and they will also have Vermont maple syrup for sale.

Open House Information

4. Palmer Lane Maple | Jericho, VT

Palmer Lane Maple will have many sweet treats such as maple cream donuts, maple hot dogs, creemees, and much more! They are also collecting items for their local food shelf. If you bring two small food items, you get a small bag of maple cotton candy for free!

Open House Information

5. End-O-Road Maple | Jericho, VT

End-O-Road Maple’s open house will have maple goodies and an opportunity to feed their sheep. Voted one of the top sugarhouses in Chittenden County, this is a must-see spot! 

Open House Information

6. Mcbride’s Family Maple | Westford, VT

Head to Mcbride’s Family Maple’s small but highly efficient solar-powered operation! They will have sugar-making demonstrations, samples, and lots of information for visitors.

Open House Information

7. The Maple Fix | Fairfax, VT

Don’t miss amazing maple goodies at the Maple Fix Sugar House. They will have tours, free samples, baked donuts, and hot dogs boiled in syrup. Don’t miss out on trying these delicious local goodies! 

Open House Information

8. Gange Maple | Swanton, VT

Gange Maple has cultivated maple syrup in northern Vermont for five generations! Their open house festivities include delicious maple donuts, maple creemees, and syrup tastings.

Open House Information

 

Whether you’re indulging in sweet samples or embarking on guided tours, you won’t regret immersing yourself in the magic of Vermont's maple legacy. Make sure to check out these open houses to celebrate this cherished tradition during sugaring season. Check out the 2024 maple map to see the full guide of all Vermont sugar houses participating in the 2024 Maple Open House weekends.  

Discover the diverse array of events taking place in the Lake Champlain area this February. Winter in the Champlain Valley region of Vermont offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, local events, and lots of warm community spirit. Embrace winter in Vermont with this curated guide to the exciting happenings in and around Lake Champlain. From live music nights to winter carnivals, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Great Ice! - North Hero, VT

February 16th, 17th & 18th 

The return of Great Ice will take place on February 16th, 17th &18th. All activities will be located in North Hero’s City Bay. There is a fantastic lineup of events happening throughout the weekend for all to enjoy. The festival includes fireworks, a Christmas tree bonfire, local vendors, and much more! The Champlain Islands Business Expo will be held at the North Hero Community Hall on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 10:30 am. to 3 pm. Coldwell Banker Islands Realty will be there; make sure to stop by and say hello! Please note some activities are weather-dependent, follow their Facebook Page for updates.

More Event Information

Winter Carnival at Kraemer & Kin - Alburgh, VT

February 24th & 25th

Mark your calendars for Kraemer & Kin’s Winter Carnival in Alburgh, Vermont. The event will run the weekend of February 24th and 25th. Get ready for a weekend full of sledding, swearing, skating, and cross-country skiing. It’s a celebration of winter for the whole family!

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Penguin Plunge - Burlington, VT

February 10th

The Special Olympics Vermont Penguin Plunge is a unique winter fundraiser where participants take icy dips into Lake Champlain to support the year-round mission of fostering inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports. This event contributes nearly 40% to Special Olympics Vermont's operating budget. This event is open to the public and all are welcome to spectate and support their friends who take the plunge! There will be music, food, and games at this great event located at the Burlington Waterfront Park Boat Launch.  

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Theme Nights at The North Hero House - North Hero, VT

Month of February

The North Hero House Inn and Restaurant will continue to host its theme nights throughout February. Some engaging events to look forward to include trivia, karaoke, and even a cake-decorating class. They will also have recurring dining deals–you won’t want to miss wing Wednesday or burger night deals! 

See Calendar 

Pond Hockey Classic - Colchester, VT

February 9th - 11th

The Lake Champlain Pond Hockey Classic takes place on February 9th through the 11th for its 12th tournament! Participants eagerly lace up their skates for three days of outdoor ice hockey, fostering a sense of camaraderie and celebration. With over 150 teams engaging in 350+ games across 14 rinks, this event brings hockey back to basics, creating enduring memories on the frozen landscape. Free to all this is a great event. 

More Event Information 

Live Music at Two Heroes Brewery - South Hero, VT

Month of February

Warm up with winter nights with live music at Two Heroes on Wednesdays, Fridays, and occasionally Saturdays. Experience the vibrant local music scene while sipping on your favorite local brews and bites. Visiting this new South Hero brewhouse is the perfect way to unwind on a cool winter evening. Follow their Facebook Page for updates. 

Wine Down at Snow Farm Vineyard - South Hero, VT

Month of February

The Snow Farm winery located in South Hero, Vermont will be hosting a couple of events in February. They will be hosting a Pebble Art Workshop on February 11, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Also, on February 17, 2024, at 9:30 AM experience a heart chakra meditation led by Katie Cullen, along with journaling, oracle cards, and energy clearing.

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Ice Golf Charity Scramble - Colchester, VT

February 17th

Step onto the icy links of Lake Champlain for a unique golfing experience like no other. This great fundraiser every swing supports a great cause, as all proceeds from this event go to Vermont's Camp Ta-Kum-Ta. Vermont Ice Golf hosts this fundraiser on a 9-hole golf course on frozen Lake Champlain in Colchester, Vermont. Gather your team of four for a thrilling round in a scramble format, starting at the picturesque Bayside Beach. 

More Event Information

From the snowy winter festivals to lively music nights and creative workshops, there's no shortage of ways to make the most of the winter in Northwest Vermont. Explore, experience, and create lasting memories in the heart of Lake Champlain this February! Looking for more winter activities to explore in Vermont? Read our Winter Activity Guide to the Lake Champlain Islands. 

Embrace winter in Vermont with a trip to some of its top-notch ski resorts, all just a stone's throw away from Burlington, Vermont. Whether you're a seasoned pro seeking challenging terrains or a first-timer eager to learn, the Green Mountains have something for everyone. 

Cochran's Ski Area, Richmond, Vermont

Cochran's Ski Area stands out as a non-profit organization and a small family-friendly mountain. Renowned for its affordability and commitment to ski racing programs, this hidden gem promises an intimate and welcoming atmosphere for skiers and riders of all levels. It is located just a mere 25 minutes from the bustling city of Burlington, Vermont 

Bolton Valley Resort, Bolton Valley, Vermont

Bolton Valley Resort beckons with its diverse terrain, offering a mix of challenges for all skill levels. Approximately 30 minutes from Burlington, this smaller mountain is very well known for its unique night skiing and delicious waffles from the waffle cabin. 

Smugglers' Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, Vermont 

Venture about 50 minutes from Burlington, and you'll find yourself immersed in the family-friendly embrace of Smugglers' Notch Resort. You’ll find diverse terrain and extensive amenities. This resort caters to novice and expert skiers with three big mountains, Morris, Sterling, and Madonna. 

Stowe Mountain Resort, Stowe, Vermont

Approximately 50 minutes to an hour from Burlington, Stowe Mountain Resort beckons with its iconic mountain views and well-groomed trails. The charming resort town offers amazing après-ski options throughout the village and up and along Mountain Road. Making it a fun destination to experience all that winter in Vermont has to offer. 

Sugarbush Resort, Warren, Vermont

Situated around an hour from Burlington, Sugarbush Resort is a winter haven with two mountains—Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen. Its diverse terrain and plethora of winter activities ensure there's never a dull moment on the slopes. It is a perfect destination for those seeking a variety of experiences with Vermont's picturesque landscapes.

Before planning your ski adventure, check the latest information on trail conditions, available amenities, and distances. Road conditions and travel times may vary, especially with unpredictable winter weather. 

Looking for more winter activities to explore in Vermont? Read our Winter Activity Guide to the Lake Champlain Islands.