Memorial Day Weekend has always been known as the unofficial start to summer. This is the time of year when most Vermont State Parks open up their doors for campers for the season. Grills are dusted off and brought out for those annual cookouts. It is also a great weekend for tag sales to find that one of a kind treasure. Check area towns for holiday parades.
There are also several events taking place this holiday weekend that you might want to check out.
Chowderpalooza and Spring Art on Park takes place in Stowe, VT on Saturday, May 28th from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. (Rain date is Sunday, May 29) Area chefs will create and serve up their favorite chowders and they want you to be the judge! Purchase a $5 tasting bracelet, receive your voting ballot and try them all. Categories include White, Red, Veggie and Open. Chowder tasting will be along Main Street in Stowe. In addition, Stowe kick-offs Art on Park for their local artisan’s market on Park Street. Stroll over to Park Street listen to live music, get your face painted and shop from a variety of unique jewelry, pottery, fine art and more all created by local artists and artisans.
Next up is Cheese and Dairy Celebration at Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock, VT 
taking place on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Celebrate Vermont’s dairy heritage during a weekend of sampling delicious New England cheeses and dairy products and meeting local cheese makers; dairy education programs and making cheese, ice cream, and butter. The celebration will showcase many of New England’s artisan cheesemakers, who will offer cheese samples, discuss their products, and have cheese on hand for purchase. Take part in Judge Jerseys with the farm manager to improve your bovine knowledge, and participate in a dairy scavenger hunt, “name the calf” contest, Inside-Out Cow (have fun learning the body parts of a cow), and learn what it takes to groom a cow in preparation for being judged in a show. They will also be offering fresh hand-cranked ice cream, and dairy headbands and moo masks.
How about an arts and craft show? Head on down to Bennington, VT for the 2016 Mayfest Arts and Craft Festival on Saturday, May 28 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Come and see how the town transforms into a festival of arts, crafts, activities, food, and entertainment. There will be over 100 crafters and artisans from throughout New England featuring handmade crafts of wood, pottery, glass, metal, fabric, jewelry, and more. School Street will be lined with ethnic treats including Indian, German, Italian, and American. You’ll also find favorites such as fried dough, gourmet seafood, wood fired pizza, baked potatoes, ice cream, and more.
Lastly, who doesn’t love chocolate? The Vermont Chocolate Festival is being held on 
Saturday, May 28 from 12:00 pm – 5:00 at the Honora Winery and Vineyard in Halifax, VT. Enjoy the amazing views of Southern Vermont, sample the sweet sensations offered by the region’s signature chocolatiers who have perfected the art of creating and crafting fine chocolate. As you revel in the best of the good things of life, take a moment to appreciate the work of the fine artisans and enjoy a repast from one of the fine food purveyors, all while sipping wine created at the boutique winery right on the property
Planning a good old fashion cookout. Make sure to check out the area farmer’s markets for local produce for your picnic.
For information on the above events and what else is happening visit Vermont.com Calendar of Events page.
Need a place to stay? Go to the Vermont.com lodging page.
Lastly, make sure you check out the weather before you head out the door.
Whatever your plans are, have a fun and safe holiday weekend.