In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours.
Explore Woodstock’s beautiful backyard
There’s no better escape than traipsing about the trails of Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park – one of two national parks in Vermont! From peaceful, sun-dappled forests to jaw-dropping vistas and historic vantage points, the park offers a wide range of scenery via its network of 20+ miles of trails easily accessible from the center of town.
As temperatures rise and the thaw begins, trails are once again open for regular use by you and your furry (leashed) companions! The visitor centers and mansion are open Memorial Day weekend through October. For a trail-map of the park, click here.
Want more space to explore? Branch out to Bridgewater, Pomfret, Barnard, Reading, or gorge-ous Quechee via their extensive trail system and the stunning grounds of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science!
Embrace the warm and fuzzies: Meet baby animals at Billings Farm & Museum
Nothing cures a case of the work-week blues like cuddling fluffy farm animals. At Billings Farm & Museum (open daily April through October), you’ll find sheep as soft as clouds, friendly cows, majestic horses– and more, living their best lives in the rolling green pastures of bucolic Woodstock, Vermont.
Visitors can meet and learn about the farm’s baby calves, lambs, steers, goats, chicks, and bunnies while enjoying spring on the farm.
Adults and children alike are invited to go behind the scenes at this fully-operational farm to watch milkings, feedings, demonstrations, and even step inside the historic 1890s farmhouse.
Special Events & Dates:
- April 9, 2021: - Be there or be square at Billings Farm & Museum’s opening day of their 39th season!
- April 10-11, 2021: - Meet the newest additions to the Billings family during the Baby Farm Animal Celebration.
- April 24, 2021: Join VINS for an Earth Day Fairy Celebration! Participants can create a fairy kit at home and have the option to bring it in for fairy fun at the nature center.
- April 24, 2021: Watch as Southdown ewes shed their heavy winter fleece at the Sheep Shearing & Herding event – complete with Border Collies at their best, shearing demonstrations, hands-on wool activities, and other treats for the senses.
Special Events & Dates Continued:
- May 9, 2021: The muscle behind Billings takes center stage as part of Draft Animal Day, featuring demos from oxen, working steers, and draft horses – Happy Mother's Day, all the hard working mother's receive free admission!
- May 13, 2021: (race date estimated) On your mark, get set, go – to the Road to the Pogue Race, a 6.1 mile challenging yet scenic course through the MBR park.
- June 2021: Celebrate the MBR park, local food, and fun during Trek to Taste: A National Trails Day Festival! Please check back for updates on Trek to Taste 2021.
Celebrate the season of sap
Maple syrup’s not just for pancakes anymore. Coffee? Check. Popcorn? Check. Ice cream, cocktails, salads? Check, check, check! And early spring is the best season to enjoy it in Vermont.
Here, maple sugaring season means sap is flowing from trees tapped and bedecked with buckets, ready for boiling – and that it’s time to celebrate the fruits of locals’ labors! You can find a wide variety of Vermont maple syrups in Woodstock’s downtown shops.
Have an inkling for some delicious cheese AND maple syrup? Sugarbush Farm is just the place to be. Take a scenic drive through town, sample cheese and explore the grounds of this Woodstock treasure.
Grab the season by the reins in horse country
Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or saddling up for the first time, Woodstock’s picturesque open spaces and nearly 400 miles of private and municipal land offer a spectacular setting for horseback riding into the sunset.
With resources like the Green Mountain Horse Association and Kedron Valley Stables of South Woodstock, your needs for training, stabling, events, and more are well covered. Giddy up!
Special Events & Dates:
- May 22- 23, 2021: Leap into this new, vibrant season with the Spring Hunter Jumper Show.
- May 8, 29 & 30, 2021: Take part in the May Schooling Show and Memorial Day Pleasure Ride – complete with games, trail class, jumpers, and trail excursions.
Go where age meets beauty with a covered bridges tour
Many of America’s most idyllic covered bridges are in Vermont. Step on the worn wooden plans of Middle Covered Bridge, just in view of Woodstock’s town green, and you’ll be transported back to a simpler time. The rush of water over stone, peek-a-boo views of the serpentine path of the Ottauquechee River, and the quiet protection of the roof above are something out of a daydream – and this is just one of the Woodstock area’s four breathtaking wooden structures.
Check out our guide here to learn more about the location and history of these historic bridges and how you can capture some of their magic for yourself.
Special Events & Dates:
- June 6-13, 2021: Covered Bridges Half Marathon goes VIRTUAL, you can now join and run with family and friends from anywhere! Click here for more information about signing up for the race.
Take spring to new heights with hot air balloon rides
With a whoosh of fire and a rush of butterflies in your belly, you’ll be made lighter than air in the basket of a hot air balloon. Spring is the perfect time to take off from the Quechee Village Green and drift above the trees of the Upper Valley, observing the fresh burst of life in rivers, mountains, and farmland from above.
This is your chance for a 360-degree view of Vermont – from Killington all the way to the White Mountains of New Hampshire on a clear day – that’s truly astounding.
Special Events & Dates:
The Quechee Balloon Festival is an unforgettable event when the horizon is dotted with up to 20 vibrant hot air balloons. But you’ll find more than a great view on the ground: continuous music and entertainment, over 60 craft artisans, local food and drinks, a euro bungee, rock climbing wall, and a bounce house can be found during the festivities.
Due to COVID-19 the Balloon Festival has been moved from summer to Sept. 2021, more to come on the festival this fall.
