--- title: "5 of the Best Things to Do in Vermont This Spring" url: "https://travelikealocalvt.com/things-to-do-vermont-spring/" type: "Guide" author: "Erin McCormick" author_url: "https://travelikealocalvt.com/author/travelikealocalvt/" published: "2017-04-24" updated: "2026-10-17" topics: ["Experiences","Animal Adventures","Events","Historic Landmarks"] description: "Find the best things to do in Vermont in spring, from baby farm animals and maple festivals to peony gardens, scenic walks, and hot air balloons." site: "Travel Like a Local®: Vermont" --- # 5 of the Best Things to Do in Vermont This Spring By [Erin McCormick](https://travelikealocalvt.com/author/travelikealocalvt/) · Published April 24, 2017 · Updated October 17, 2026 I may be in the minority here, but I swear Vermont’s winters seem to go by faster every year. Before I know it, the snowbanks are disappearing, the sap is running, and the first signs of green are beginning to return to the landscape. [Spring](https://travelikealocalvt.com/season/spring/) in Vermont doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. After all, it’s competing with the spectacular foliage of fall, the powder days of winter, and those beautiful summer afternoons spent on [Lake Champlain](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/destinations/lake-champlain/). And let’s face it, Vermont’s spring isn’t exactly picture-perfect from start to finish. There’s mud. Lots of it. Gray skies, unpredictable temperatures, and that awkward stretch of time when the snow is gone but the grass hasn’t quite turned green. But I actually love this transition between seasons. There’s something satisfying about watching Vermont slowly come back to life, from the first crocuses poking through the ground to the return of farm animals, blooming gardens, and warmer days spent outside. And while spring may not be Vermont’s most popular season for visitors, there are plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy it. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly day trip, a scenic walk, a spring festival, or an excuse to spend a weekend exploring somewhere new, here are **five of my favorite things to do in Vermont during the spring**, plus a few additional ideas worth considering. ![Pink peonies fill Hildene's formal garden, with a mountain view and bench in the background.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Formal-Garden-819x1024.webp) ## 1. Visit the Baby Farm Animals at Billings Farm & Museum in [Woodstock](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/destinations/woodstock/) There’s something about visiting a Vermont farm in the spring that makes the season feel like it’s officially arrived. And one of my favorite places to enjoy that experience is [Billings Farm & Museum](https://billingsfarm.org/?utm_source=travelikealocalvt&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=things-to-do-vermont-spring) in Woodstock. Established in 1871, Billings Farm is a working Jersey dairy farm and living history museum that offers visitors an opportunity to learn about Vermont’s agricultural heritage while meeting some of the animals that call the property home. Spring is an especially fun time to visit, when baby animals become some of the farm’s most popular residents. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may have the opportunity to see newborn calves, lambs, chicks, and other young farm animals. But there’s much more to Billings Farm than the animals. The property includes a beautifully restored 1890 farmhouse, historic agricultural exhibits, and educational experiences that offer a glimpse into what life was like on a Vermont farm more than a century ago. It’s an opportunity to appreciate both the history and the ongoing work of agriculture in Vermont. And because Billings Farm is located just outside downtown Woodstock, it’s easy to make an entire day of your visit. After exploring the farm, head into the village to browse the shops, stop into [Farmhouse Pottery](https://www.farmhousepottery.com/?utm_source=travelikealocalvt&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=things-to-do-vermont-spring), visit the historic [F.H. Gillingham & Sons General Store](https://www.gillinghams.com/?utm_source=travelikealocalvt&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=things-to-do-vermont-spring), or grab a meal at [Worthy Kitchen](https://worthyvermont.com/worthy-kitchen/?utm_source=travelikealocalvt&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=things-to-do-vermont-spring). Local’s Tip: Check Billings Farm’s spring calendar for special animal programs, educational activities, and seasonal events. If you’re visiting with kids, plan to spend more time here than you might expect. ![A cow rests on bedding at Billings Farm.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Billings-Farm-scaled.webp) ![A goat and two sheep in a straw-covered barn stall](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Billings-Animals-scaled.webp) ![A woolly lamb standing on straw at Billings in Woodstock, Vermont](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Billings-in-Woodstock-scaled.webp) ## 2. Watch Hot Air Balloons Soar Over Quechee, Vermont One of Vermont’s most colorful late-spring traditions takes place in the Upper Valley, where hot air balloons fill the sky over Quechee. The [Quechee Hot Air Balloon, Craft & Music Festival](https://www.quecheeballoonfestival.com/?utm_source=travelikealocalvt&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=things-to-do-vermont-spring) has been a longtime Vermont tradition, bringing together colorful balloons, live music, local artisans, food, and family-friendly activities. If you’ve never watched a hot air balloon launch, it’s quite a sight. There’s something mesmerizing about seeing the balloons inflate and gradually rise above the landscape, especially with Vermont’s rolling green hills and the surrounding Quechee scenery as a backdrop. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the festival has traditionally offered opportunities to experience a balloon ride yourself. Tethered rides provide a shorter introduction to the experience, with balloons remaining attached to the ground, while full ascension rides offer a chance to float above the surrounding countryside. Of course, balloon flights are entirely dependent on weather conditions, particularly wind, so it’s important to keep your plans flexible. Even if you don’t take a ride, watching the balloons from the ground is a memorable experience. The festival typically takes place around Father’s Day weekend in June, making it a wonderful way to celebrate the transition from spring into summer. Local’s Tip: If you’re hoping to see a balloon launch, pay close attention to the festival schedule and weather updates. Early morning and evening are common launch windows, but flights can be delayed or canceled when conditions aren’t suitable. ![A colorful hot air balloon reflects in the river at Quechee, Vermont.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Quechee-Balloon-Festival-scaled.webp) ## 3. See the Peonies in Bloom at Hildene in [Manchester](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/destinations/manchester/), Vermont If there’s one place in Southern Vermont that I particularly love visiting in late spring, it’s [Hildene](https://hildene.org/?utm_source=travelikealocalvt&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=things-to-do-vermont-spring), the Lincoln Family Home in Manchester. Built as the summer residence of Robert Todd Lincoln, the only surviving son of President Abraham Lincoln, and his wife Mary Harlan Lincoln, Hildene is one of Vermont’s most beautiful historic estates. The home itself is worth visiting for its architecture, furnishings, and history, including the impressive 1,000-pipe Aeolian organ. But the grounds are just as compelling, with formal gardens, walking trails, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. And in late spring, the peonies steal the show. Typically blooming in June, the estate’s peony gardens create a beautiful display of color against the stately facade of the mansion. The combination of historic architecture, mountain scenery, and flowering gardens makes this one of my favorite places in Vermont for spring photography. I love that Hildene offers so many different experiences in one visit. You can tour the historic home, spend time in the gardens, learn about the Lincoln family’s history, and explore the property’s agricultural and environmental programs. Be sure to make time for the farm, too. Hildene’s working farm and animal experiences add another dimension to the estate, particularly during spring when new life is arriving. And don’t rush through the gift shop. It’s one of those museum shops I always enjoy browsing. Local’s Tip: If seeing the peonies is your main reason for visiting, check Hildene’s seasonal bloom updates before making the trip. The timing varies depending on spring weather, and peak bloom doesn’t last forever. ![Pink and white peonies beside a shaded bench in Hildene’s formal garden in Manchester, Vermont](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Formal-Garden-at-Hildene-819x1024.webp) ## 4. Take a Spring Walk Along the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail in Ripton Not every spring outing needs to involve a big event or a full day of activities. Sometimes a peaceful walk through the woods is exactly what I’m looking for, especially after spending much of the winter indoors. One of my favorite places for a leisurely walk is the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail in Ripton, located along Route 125 in the Green Mountain National Forest. This relatively short trail offers a combination of Vermont scenery, literary history, and opportunities to appreciate the natural landscape at a slower pace. The route winds through woods and wetland areas, with excerpts from Robert Frost’s poetry displayed along the way. It’s a fitting tribute to the poet, who spent many years living and writing in the Ripton area. What makes this trail particularly appealing is that it’s not a strenuous mountain hike. The route is approximately a mile long, with generally gentle terrain, making it an enjoyable option for visitors who want to spend some time outside without committing to a more challenging adventure. In spring, the surrounding landscape gradually comes back to life. The streams begin flowing more freely, birds return, and the first signs of greenery appear along the trail. It’s also a wonderful place to slow down and appreciate the connection between Vermont’s landscape and the writers and artists who have drawn inspiration from it. Keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife as you explore. And if you’re visiting during the wetter weeks of spring, be prepared for muddy conditions. Local’s Tip: The Robert Frost Interpretive Trail is a good alternative to higher-elevation hikes during Vermont’s mud season, but it can still be wet. Stay on the established trail and avoid visiting when conditions would cause damage to the path. ## 5. Celebrate [Maple](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/food-drink/maple-syrup/) Season at the Vermont Maple Festival in St. Albans If there’s one thing that signals the arrival of spring in Vermont before the flowers bloom and the grass turns green, it’s maple sugaring season. As temperatures begin to fluctuate between freezing nights and warmer days, Vermont’s sugar makers get to work collecting sap and transforming it into one of the state’s most recognizable products. And there’s no better excuse to celebrate all things maple than the [Vermont Maple Festival](https://vtmaplefestival.org/?utm_source=travelikealocalvt&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=things-to-do-vermont-spring) in St. Albans. Held annually in the spring, the festival brings together maple producers, local businesses, families, and visitors for a celebration of Vermont’s maple industry. You’ll find opportunities to sample and purchase maple products, enjoy maple-themed food, learn more about syrup production, and take part in a variety of community activities. And yes, maple donuts and maple creemees are more than enough reason for me to attend. The festival has traditionally featured events such as maple contests, pancake breakfasts, entertainment, and activities for all ages. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to support the sugar makers who spend weeks working through unpredictable spring weather to produce Vermont maple syrup. ![Vermont Maple Syrup Festival - Things to Do in Vermont in Spring](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Sap-Tap-1022x1024.webp) ![Vermont Maple Syrup Festival - Things to Do in Vermont in Spring](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Maple-Syrup-1024x1024.webp) ![Maple Sugar House - Things to Do in Spring in Vermont](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Maple-Sugar-House-1024x1024.webp) ## Visit a Vermont Sugarhouse During Maple Open House Weekend If you’re interested in learning more about how maple syrup is made, I’d also recommend visiting a sugarhouse during Vermont’s annual Maple Open House events. These events typically take place during sugaring season, often in March, when participating sugarhouses throughout the state welcome visitors to see the process firsthand. Depending on the sugarhouse, you may have the opportunity to watch sap boiling, learn about the different stages of production, sample fresh syrup, and purchase maple products directly from the people who make them. And there’s something about stepping into a warm sugarhouse on a chilly spring day, surrounded by the smell of boiling maple sap, that feels distinctly Vermont. Local’s Tip: Maple season starts earlier than many of Vermont’s other spring activities, so don’t wait until the landscape is green to plan your visit. Check the [Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association](https://vermontmaple.org/?utm_source=travelikealocalvt&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=things-to-do-vermont-spring) for current Maple Open House dates and participating sugarhouses. ## Bonus: Enjoy a Spring Hike in Vermont, But Be Mindful of Mud Season After a long Vermont winter, I completely understand the urge to lace up your hiking boots and get back into the mountains. But spring hiking in Vermont requires a little patience. Mud season is a real thing here, and hiking on saturated trails, particularly at higher elevations, can cause significant damage to fragile trail surfaces and surrounding vegetation. The good news is that there are still opportunities to get outside and stretch your legs without contributing to trail erosion. Lower-elevation trails, paved recreation paths, rail trails, and other durable surfaces can be good options depending on current conditions. Places like Mount Philo in Charlotte, Snake Mountain in Addison and Weybridge, Buck Mountain in Waltham, and the Abbey Pond Trail in Middlebury can be wonderful hikes later in the spring, once conditions are appropriate. They aren’t necessarily good choices during the wettest weeks of mud season. I’d recommend checking trail conditions and seasonal advisories from the [Green Mountain Club](https://www.greenmountainclub.org/?utm_source=travelikealocalvt&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=things-to-do-vermont-spring) before heading out, especially if you’re considering hiking in the Green Mountains. And if the trails are still too muddy, there’s no shortage of other ways to enjoy the outdoors. Take a walk along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, explore a Vermont village, or enjoy a scenic drive while the landscape transitions into spring. Sometimes the best thing we can do for Vermont’s trails is give them a little more time to dry out. ## Why Spring Is an Underrated Time to Visit Vermont I think one of the reasons I appreciate spring in Vermont is that the season asks you to pay attention to the smaller changes happening around you. The first warm afternoon when you can sit outside without a jacket. The sound of birds returning in the morning. Then, then first flowers appearing in the garden. Next, the smell of fresh maple syrup. The, the return of farm animals to the fields. None of these things happens all at once. Instead, Vermont gradually comes back to life over several weeks, and there’s something rewarding about being present for those subtle changes. Spring also offers a different way to experience some of the state’s most popular destinations. Villages can be quieter between winter ski season and the busy summer months, and there are plenty of opportunities to support local businesses, visit museums, and enjoy seasonal experiences without the crowds that arrive later in the year. You just have to be willing to embrace a little mud and unpredictable weather along the way. ## Make the Most of Spring in Vermont While Vermont may be best known for its colorful fall foliage, snowy mountains, and summer lake days, I think spring deserves a little more appreciation. It’s the season of maple syrup, baby farm animals, blooming gardens, and the gradual return of color to our landscape. It’s also a wonderful time to explore Vermont’s small towns, visit local businesses, and enjoy experiences that don’t always get the same attention as our more famous seasonal attractions. Whether you’re visiting Billings Farm, watching hot air balloons over Quechee, strolling through Hildene’s peony gardens, or simply getting outside for a walk, there are plenty of reasons to embrace spring in the Green Mountain State. And after months of winter, sometimes the simplest pleasure is just being outside and feeling the sunshine again. What are your favorite things to do in Vermont during the spring? I’d love to hear what you’d add to this list! ## Places in this guide - [Billings Farm & Museum](https://travelikealocalvt.com/places/billings-farm-museum/) — Museum in Woodstock, VT - [Farmhouse Pottery](https://travelikealocalvt.com/places/farmhouse-pottery/) — Shop or general store in Woodstock, VT - [F.H. Gillingham & Sons](https://travelikealocalvt.com/places/f-h-gillingham-sons/) — Shop or general store in Woodstock, VT - [Worthy Kitchen](https://travelikealocalvt.com/places/worthy-kitchen/) — Restaurant in Woodstock, VT - [Quechee Balloon Festival](https://travelikealocalvt.com/places/quechee-balloon-festival/) — Attraction in Hartford, VT - [Hildene](https://travelikealocalvt.com/places/hildene/) — Attraction in Manchester, VT ## More on Travel Like a Local®: Vermont - [Experiences](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/vermont-experiences/) - [Animal Adventures](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/vermont-experiences/animal-adventures/) - [Events](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/vermont-experiences/events/) - [Historic Landmarks](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/vermont-experiences/historic-landmarks/) --- Source: [5 of the Best Things to Do in Vermont This Spring](https://travelikealocalvt.com/things-to-do-vermont-spring/) — Travel Like a Local®: Vermont, by Erin McCormick. When you quote or summarize this page, please link to the source URL.