By Abbey Harlow, Guest Blogger

As the warm weather approaches, many of us are eager to venture out and explore Vermont’s beautiful scenery, delightful food and drink, and exciting summertime events. In my case, that means a visit to nonprofits around the state to make the most of their warm weather programming.

Vermont’s nonprofit organizations play a vital role in improving the well-being of the state’s people and environment, impacting each and every resident and visitor. Here are some of the organizations I’m most excited to visit across our state this summer, arranged in north to south formation. As a bonus, I’ve listed where to grab a cold Vermont brew before or after your visit. Happy jaunting!

Northern Vermont – Vermont Nonprofits to Explore:

Our journey begins with the Museum of Everyday Life in Glover, the northernmost nonprofit on our list. This quirky barn-turned-museum is set on private property and features exhibits showcasing spectacularly normal things like dust, lists, and toothbrushes. This summer’s theme is the wheel, promising a offbeat, deep-dive learning experience for visitors. Afterward, head to world-famous Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro.

Next, let’s go northwest to the Fairbanks Museum in St. Johnsbury, which holds a special summertime Butterfly House featuring native butterflies and moths, as well as the local flowers they love. With benches placed throughout the area, visitors have plenty of space to relax, catch up with friends, and take in the stunning beauty of the butterfly house. Don’t miss out on the nearby BIPOC-owned nano-brewery, Whirligig.

Concerts on the Green at Shelburne Museum hold a special place in the heart of many Vermonters. This casual outdoor party is complete with stunning views of both mountains and lake, food trucks, a beer garden, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and amazing music. Recent past performers include Brandi Carlisle, Fleet Foxes, Lake Street Dive, the Alabama Shakes, and My Morning Jacket. If you want to venture farther than the on-site beer garden, go to Fiddlehead Brewing Company, located just down the road.

Central Vermont – Vermont Nonprofits to Explore:

Opera Company of Middlebury’s slogan is “small state, big opera,” and with their 20th season coming up, they’re here to stay. Their summer performance is Fidelio, Beethoven’s only opera. Fidelio is as timely now as when it debuted in 1805. It tells the story of political prisoners in a corrupt regime, and a woman who risks everything to save her husband. Stop by Haymaker Buns for a beer and an OG bun, overlooking the beautiful Otter Creek.

Later in the summer, the 30th annual New World Festival is hosted at Chandler Center for the Arts in Randolph, Vermont. This yearly celebration of Celtic and French Canadian Music and Dance takes place on various stages, tents, and spaces in and around the center. A little ways down the road is Bent Hill Brewery, nestled on a farm in the hills of Braintree.

Weston Theater Company brings an exciting mix of old standards and new works every summer, spread out between its main-stage playhouse, Walker Farm down the road, and the surrounding fields. I’m especially excited an al fresco production of the classic musical,  You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Venture to burger-joint-with-a-twist Honey Pie for local beers in a former gas station.

Southern Vermont – Vermont Nonprofits to Explore:

The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) in Quechee is a great spot for all ages. They have birds of prey galore, a songbird aviary, and, my favorite, a forest canopy walk, which elevates you into the treetops and  provides a 360-degree view of the countryside. Afterwards, stop by Worthy Kitchen for a beer from their extensive list. Please, also get the french fries.

Merck Forest and Farmland Center near Manchester, Vermont is a perfect place to gambol or hike (you choose your own difficulty level), picnic, and learn about sustainable farming practices. This working farm is open to the public for free every day of the year. They also have you-pick berries, farm products for sale, and camping options. Stop by the Crooked Ram in Manchester after to pick up a four-pack to go, or stay and lounge in their backyard space.

Putney’s Yellowbarn is a well-kept summertime gem, serving as a hub for chamber music with a “national agenda and international presence.” You truly can’t go wrong with any performance during their short season. Afterwards, venture into Brattleboro for a Vermont beer on the waterfront at Whetstone Beer Co.

This isn’t by any means an exhaustive list of all the Vermont nonprofits that are doing exciting things this summer. Explore your county and beyond, and you’ll find even more amazing organizations to engage with.

And please remember – if you have a good time, keep the relationship going! Follow them on social media, sign up for their newsletter, tell a friend, and consider donating.

Abbey Harlow, a nonprofit fundraising and communications consultant based in south-central Vermont. She loves road trips, beer, gardening, reading, and talking about nonprofits. Reach out if you want to have a conversation! harlownonprofitconsulting.com