March 17th, St Patrick’s Day — there’s going to be a party and you’re going to want to be there. From parades to Irish music to Irish food and drink, celebrate the day with us in Vermont.
Begin with the annual Burlington Irish Heritage Festival, a week-long program of Irish music, dance, children’s activities and information sessions at various Burlington venues. One fascinating session is entitled “Genealogy Workshop: Finding Your Irish Roots” by Ed McGuire of the Vermont Genealogy Library. McGuire will discuss techniques for searching your history both here and in Ireland. The Burlington Irish Heritage Festival began March 11 and runs through the end of the month.
If that’s not enough Irish for you, what about a parade or two? Bennington, in southern Vermont, has a parade scheduled for Sunday, March 18, at 1:00 PM with festivities before and after at JC’s Tavern (Bennington). St. Albans, in northern Vermont, is also having a parade on Saturday, March 17 at 6:00 PM with family-friendly activities and entertainment following at the St. Albans City Hall Auditorium.
For a party that just doesn’t end, head to Stratton Mountain Resort for the 24 Hours of Stratton. This annual fundraiser to benefit Vermont children in need is a one of a kind opportunity to ski or ride around the clock! That’s right. Beginning Saturday at 9:00 am and continuing until after the sun rises on Sunday, this is your chance to take part in a truly unique experience and do some good at the same time. Add extra St. Patrick’s Day fun, music, fireworks and more for 24 hours you will remember forever.
Want to combine a little spring skiing with your St. Patrick’s Day celebration? Check out the party Okemo Mountain Resort has planned in Ludlow, Vermont. Paper shamrocks will be hidden along ski trails for the kids to find. They can be redeemed for a prize bag at the base lodge. For adults, the Guinness-sponsored party in the Sitting Bull Bar & Restaurant will feature musical guests Gypsy Reel from 3-6 PM. The party continues at The Killarney with more Celtic music and Guinness on draft.
Or check out Smugglers’ Notch Resort for the St. Paddy’s Day Lucky Leprechaun Challenge. Wear green, meet the Leprechaun on the slopes, and get raffle tickets for a chance to win. Submit your tickets at 4:30 at Bootleggers’ Lounge and enjoy 50% off appetizers and drink specials while you wait for a chance to win.
Bromley Mountain in Peru is also celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a chance to win a 2018/2019 Full Season Pass. Just find the hidden pot o’ gold and claim your prize. Hints will be provided throughout the day via Instagram.
If skiing at Killington, you might want to try McGrath’s Irish Pub at the Inn at Long Trail in Killington, Vermont. In addition to Guinness, McGrath’s offers a large selection of Irish whiskies. With 3 dart boards and traditional pub food, you’ll think you’re in Ireland.
Or head to Manchester, Vermont and Mulligans. With bountiful food portions, amazing desserts, and over 50 imported and domestic brews, a good time is assured for all.
Building on the tradition of the Irish pub, Gregg Noonan and Steve Polewacyk opened The Vermont Pub & Brewery in 1988 in Burlington, Vermont. The Pub is Vermont’s oldest craft brewery and one of the most popular. For St. Patrick’s Day, pair their “Burley Irish Ale” with a selection from the pub menu. Or perhaps try “Handsome Micks Irish Stout” in honor of the day.
However you decide to celebrate, Vermont.com can help you find lodging that is perfect for you. From luxury hotels to quaint B&Bs, we’ve got you covered.
For more information:
Burlington Irish Heritage Festival
Bennington Parade
St. Albans Parade
Okemo Mountain Resort
Stratton Mountain Resort
24 Hours of Stratton
Smugglers’ Notch Resort
Bromley Mountain
Inn at Long Trail/McGrath’s Irish Pub
Mulligans
The Vermont Pub & Brewery