Summer in Central Vermont and Killington

Golf || Activities || Shopping || Museums || Theatre/Arts

Just because the snow has melted and the skiers have gone home, it doesn't mean the Killington Region shuts down, in fact it comes alive. When the green grass begins to sprout, the air gets a little warmer, and the days get a lot longer, our thoughts turn to the great outdoors, summer activities, and unforgettable Vermont vacation experiences. With flowing streams, hidden waterfalls, secluded lakes, quaint villages, breathtaking views, covered bridges, green hills and cool breezes, the summer seems endless. There are countless activities that you and your group can busy your vacation with, including golf, tennis, hiking, biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, and much more. Or, prefer the laid back approach? How about outlet shopping, antiquing, or exploring the local crafters? Better yet, are you in to exploring new places? Killington is centrally located to any number of day trips and excursions. Find your favorite Vermont summer activity today....

Golf

Central Vermont is home to numerous championship golf courses. Enjoy playing in the cool mountain air on greener than green impeccably manicured courses, many of which have splendid views, all of which will challenge even the serious golfer. Below is a list of courses that are a stones throw away from our lodging, or a nice day trip from Killington.

Green Mountain National Golf Course - While Vermont has some of the best golf courses in the entire Northeast, none can match the beauty and design of Green Mountain National. With our exceptional layout, and our dedication to service, we offer a great golf experience for golfers of all ability levels. Located 2 miles down Rt 100N from Killington's Access Road.

Killington Golf Course - High in the lush Green Mountains of Vermont, discover breathtaking panoramas, azure skies and an 18-hole championship course as exhilarating as the view. Geoffrey Cornish designed this course to take full advantage of the awe-inspiring mountain terrain. Killington's rushing snowmelt streams and elevation changes make for an exciting and strategic long game. Our generous greens allow you to attack the flag with confidence. This 6,186-yard, par 72 course presents a refreshing round for any golfer, no matter what skill level or handicap. And at our 2,000-foot elevation, gentle breezes offer a soothing respite from the summer sun. The Killington Golf Course features a full practice facility, including 14-station driving range (opening Memorial Day Weekend), a 12,000 square-foot putting green and practice bunker.

Okemo Valley Golf Club- Featuring bent grass greens, tees and fairways, our par 70, 18-hole championship course is New England's first heathland-style course. One-of-a-kind fairways are filled with dips, ripples, rolls and hollows, which invite fresh mountain breezes. Greens are sweeping and fairly sculpted to reward your short game. Put all of this against the backdrop of Vermont's dazzling Green Mountains, and you have a golf experience you’ll never forget. Okemo is a new golf club that has been created with special attention to the traditions of the game. Amenities include a 9,200-square-foot clubhouse with locker room tastefully appointed in polished brass and rich cherry. Impeccably manicured grounds. The championship 18-hole layout is a par 70 that measures 6,400 yards in length and features bent grass greens, tees and fairways with multiple tee areas on each hole ensuring playability and challenge for all ability levels. Rolling hills, moderate elevation changes and wide fairways with well-placed hazards enhance the Heathland layout.

Rutland Country Club - Lying just a mile or so out from the center of the state's second largest city, the Rutland Country Club is one of the grand dames of Vermont golf. Few clubs in the entire state receive higher all-around marks from the golfing public than does Rutland. This esteemed venue is the favorite course of quite a few good Central Vermont golfers. It is a course that players look forward to playing again and again.

Woodstock Country Club- The Woodstock Country Club features a 6,000-yard, 18-hole, par-70 golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and is nestled in the beautiful Kedron Valley. With water at more than a dozen holes the course is a challenge for even the most seasoned golfers. Already a superb site, the course fairways and sand traps have recently been redesigned and renovated to further enhance the overall golfing experience. Woodstock Country Club also offers a pro shop, practice range, putting green, private lessons and clinics, restaurant, and lounge.

Neshobe Golf Course - Voted one of the top 100 golf courses in New England. Our much heralded layout, designed by Steve Durkee, fits naturally into a landscape of woods, farmland and rolling hills. Since 12 new holes were completed in 1996, golfers have been raving about the immaculate playing conditions, the large undulating greens, elevated tee shots, and our friendly atmosphere. The beautiful Vermont views make it difficult to concentrate on your game, but you'd better, because it truly offers golfers of all skill levels an exciting challenge. Neshobe is located in central Vermont (Brandon), in a valley that receives less snow and rain than most of the state. The weather and our sandy soil make 8 month long golf seasons possible. That's right, eight months of great conditions in Vermont! We are traditionally the first course open in the spring, and the last course to close in the fall.

Ralph Myhre Golf Course- Middlebury College is one of the few schools in the country that can boast a beautiful 18-hole golf course on campus. The course was built in the early 1930's and expanded to 18 holes in 1978. The Ralph Myhre Golf Course is owned by Middlebury College, and is the site of all the Panther men's and women's home golf matches. The par 71 course is laid out over rolling terrain in the Green Mountains. Its scenic views and challenging holes make it one of the finest golf courses in the state.

Lake St. Catherine Country Club- A beautiful golf course located in Poultney, Vermont near Lake St. Catherine. Originally a nine-hole venue, the course was expanded to eighteen in the early 1990's. It is now a full-length course that plays to a respectable slope/rating. It is fun for both the higher handicapper from the front tees, and challenging for the low handicapper from the championship tees. The facility is open to the public.

Activities

Killington and Central Vermont have many exciting activities for you to enjoy on your next summer vacation. See our Activity and Lodging Packages to plan your next summer getaway. Killington Resort boasts endless summer adventure at the Killington Adventure Center, which features a climbing wall, water slides, alpine slide, skate board park, gondola rides, mini golf, and hiking and mountain biking on 40 plus miles of trails. Something for everyone!

Hiking and Camping:

The Killington Region has many unique areas to hike and explore, with trails for all ages and levels. Nearby, you will find Dear's Leap, a 45 minute hike up to a great view of Pico Mountain and beyond- this hike begins at the parking lot of the Inn at Long Trail, directly on Rt 4. We also recommend Coolidge State Park, located in nearby Plymouth, and Gifford Woods State Park, located right here in Killington.

Biking:

If you prefer biking you can tour the region along country roads, scenic Rt 100, or ride Killington's Kona “Groove Approved” Mountain Bike Park which offers the ultimate summer lift-served mountain biking experience for all ages and ability levels. We have put together an awesome mountain biking and lodging package.

Fly Fishing:

The rivers, streams and lakes of central Vermont provide the perfect setting for fly fishing. A summertime favorite of Vermonters and visitors alike, take a lesson or a guided trip. We have partnered with the areas leading guide service, Stream and Brook. Enjoy special rates with our Fly Fishing Package.

Stream and Brook Guided Fly Fishing Tours - Whether you are a novice or an avid outdoors person, and regardless of age, they have the perfect adventure tour for you! offering a wide variety of adventure tours and educational programs from half day or full day, to multi-day excursions, including fly fishing and hiking tours.

Horsebackriding:

A wondersul activity that allows you to explore the Vermont outdoor scenery.

The Stables at Hawk in nearby Plymouth provides guided trail rides, lessons, and pony rides for the kids!

Mountain Top Inn - Instruction, guided tours. Located in Chittenden, 15 minutes from the Access Road.

Shopping/Arts & Crafts/Antiques & Furniture

From the outlets in Manchester, to the quaint village squares, to the antique shops along the way, Vermont is home to many unique and different shopping experiences that can only be found in this varied region. Vermont is home to some of the finest crafts people and artists in the country.
Here are a few suggestions:

Vermont Crafts- The unusual beauty of Vermont's countryside and the solitude and peace found here nurture the creative spirit. Our community of 1500 professional crafts people and artists includes quiltmakers, printmakers, potters, furniture makers, metal workers, weavers, painters, and glassblowers.

Downtown Rutland - Downtown Rutland is home to nearly 300 stores and services! We have great shopping, dining, movies, and our newly restored Paramount Theatre!

Manchester Designer Outlets - "Fifth Avenue in the Mountains". Located in historic Manchester Vermont. A unique blend of New England charm, style, arts, and culture. Over 50 stores.

The Vermont Teddy Bear Company - Factory Tour & Shop. Groups welcome. The prefect gift for every occasion.

Simon Pearce Glass - A glassblowing workshop, reatil store, and restaurant. Simon Pearce is a designer and blower of glass who successfully revived the traditions of glassblowing.

Clear Lake Furniture- You are welcome to tour their Workshop in Ludlow, Vermont at any time. You can talk with craftsmen, ask questions, and observe their fine workmanship in action. Whether you are simply browsing, or watching as the last coat of finish is applied to your piece, their goal is to ensure that your experience at ClearLake Furniture is as pleasant as possible.

Charles Shackleton Furniture- Mr. Shackleton's designs feature an entire collection of accessories which includes lamps with solid brass fittings, mirrors with beveled glass and bellows with real leather, as well as tables, beds and dressers made from only the finest woods. Each piece is made by hand with the same attention to detail and quality that is the mark of his established furniture collection. Located in the Old Mill at Bridgewater, watch the craftsman ply his trade in the workshop located next to his store.

Vermont Country Store- Where else can you buy a wedge of aged cheddar cut from a 38-pound wheel, a long-lost apothecary brand you remember and trust, new red longjohns, a real, heavy-weight cast iron skillet--then fill a bag full of your old favorites at the candy counter? Stocked to the rafters with a huge assortment of practical and hard-to-find merchandise you can't find anywhere else, The Vermont Country Store has something for everyone.

Museums

Culturally, Vermont boasts many museums, galleries, historical sites, nature preserves, and exhibits that are sure to keep you busy, attract your attention, and hey, you'll probably learn something!

Norman Rockwell Exhibition and Gift Shop - Where Norman Rockwell's models and neighbors are your hosts! Hundreds of examples of Rockwell's printed works exhibited in his VT hometown including Saturday Evening Post covers.

Billings Farm and Museum - The Billings Farm & Museum is a living museum of Vermont's rural past, as well as a working dairy farm.

Montshire Museum of Science - Inside, see live animals, aquariums, and exhibits on space, nature, and technology. Outside, explore 110 acres of nature trails and picnic areas along the Connecticut River.

Vermont Marble Exhibit - Polished panels of Vermont marble, from Verde Antique - a stunning green stone - to Champlain Black - a black marble that still contains fossils - to Imperial Danby - the bright white marble that Vermont is famous for.

Vermont Institute of Natural Science - Witness up close the grace and power of owls, hawks, falcons and eagles. Find your own wildlife along self-guided trails on the center's 78-acre nature preserve. Nature Gift Shop.

President Coolidge Home - The President's 1924 "Summer White House" office, the birthplace, the homestead where Calvin Coolidge was sworn in as US President, the cheese factory once owned by the President's father, as well as the church where generations of Coolidges worshipped, and a modern Visitors Center are open to the public.

Theatre

Paramount Theatre- Opened in 1914, The Playhouse Theatre of Rutland was considered by many to be one of the finest theaters in New England through the early part of the 20th century. Today as we embark on the 21st century The Paramount as it has been known since the early 1930’s has been completely restored as the “Jewel of Downtown Rutland.” It is the place were the hustle and bustle of theatre goers fill the auditorium and Center Street with excitement and exhilaration from seeing a performance or experiencing a special event.

Westin Playhouse- Vermont's oldest professional theatre company, a non-profit regional theatre dedicated to excellence in a unique Vermont setting, serves a community of artists and audiences through a broad spectrum of dramatic works and educational programs. The Weston Playhouse is located on the Village Green just off Route 100 in Weston, VT.

Dorset Theatre Festival - Summer theatre at the Dorset Playhouse in Dorset, VT.