When you think of vacationing in Vermont, do you automatically think skiing?  Or maybe you think of beautiful fall foliage? Those are certainly wonderful times of the year to visit, but don’t overlook Vermont in summer. The warm days and cool nights are perfect for a multitude of outdoor activities. Plus, summer is the best time of year to visit many local attractions. Here are some suggestions on planning your summer getaway in Vermont.

First, the key is to choose a place to stay that provides a perfect home base. Whether you are a couple wanting a romantic getaway, a family looking for accommodations for parents, children and even grandparents, or a group coming together for a family reunion or other special event, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Mount Ascutney Resort in Brownsville might just be the perfect option. Choose from one-, two- and three-bedroom villas (including two-story) with fully equipped kitchens and separate living/dining room areas with a fireplace and sleeper sofa for extra guests. Plus, Wi-Fi and parking are free.

Cook some dinners in your villa or dine at the resort’s onsite restaurant, The Maple Kitchen. The meals served are so much more than the usual hotel dining experience. You will find a careful selection of local ingredients crafted into delicious farm-to-table dishes.

Now that you are well-fed, how will you spend your time? If you desire to be active, just step outside. There are more than 30 miles of biker-built mountain bike trails that start right from the resort’s property. For truly avid bikers, consider taking part in the Vermont Mountain Bike Festival July 27 ̶ 29, 2018, starting from the Sports Trails of the Ascutney Basin. Or take a more low-tech approach and simply hike some of these trails for a perfect day outdoors.

If your idea of exercise is something less strenuous, the resort offers a host of alternative solutions. Take a yoga or group fitness class or play basketball, tennis or racquetball. There’s also plenty to keep the kids entertained with an arcade, a movie theater and indoor/outdoor pools. Enjoy all of this for no additional charge.

To get the full Vermont experience, visit the local sights and attractions. Take a short drive and head to nearby Quechee Gorge, known as “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon.” Formed by glacial activity approximately 13,000 years ago, the Gorge is breathtaking. Hike the trails in and around the Gorge, take a picnic lunch or explore the area on a Segway tour.

Don’t miss Simon Pearce in nearby Quechee. See a glassblowing demonstration, eat in the onsite restaurant and browse the store. A visit to Woodstock is also a must.  Stroll this quaint and beautiful Vermont village and feel a part of its New England heritage. Just out of town, you’ll find the Billings Farm and Museum where you can tour the restored 1890s farm house, visit with the animals and learn of Vermont’s past and present farming history.

For something completely different, head to Windsor, Vermont, and the Harpoon Brewery. Take a brewery tour on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, and get an in-depth look at the brewing process. Visitors during non-tour times can get an up close view through the Production Viewing Area. Or explore the over 100 covered bridges in Vermont, such as the Taftsville Covered Bridge. Built in 1836, its one of the oldest covered bridges in Vermont.

After a full day exploring, unwind with a cocktail or local brew and a wonderful meal at The Maple Kitchen. To end this perfect day, head to the fire pit, relax and discuss what you will do tomorrow— which might just end up being even more perfect than today.