Stowe, Burlington & other northern VT towns filled with fun things to do

Ever wonder how Vermont Teddy Bears are made? Come visit us at our factory and Bear Store and see how our Bears come to life! Watch as our Bears take shape with sewing, stitching and stuffing. All tours are led by our knowledgeable Bear Ambassadors, and kids get to decode a secret Bear message along the way. End your tour with a visit to our Bear Shop where you can choose a new favorite Bear or make one of your own. All tour and store information is available on our website.

If your list of great things to do includes biking in beautiful Vermont, make sure you visit the Williston REI bike shop before you hit those scenic trails. This full-service shop offers everything from tune-ups to custom services on mountain, road, hybrid and e-bikes. Expert technicians are happy to provide a free estimate and inspection as well as offer gear advice and local know-how. Bikes bought at REI are assembled free, and the shop can also install your trunk mounted, trailer hitch, or roof-top bike rack. Call ahead for shop hours and to make an appointment. And check out the store for all your cycling gear, helmets and clothing.

The Stowe area of Vermont is so gung-ho about its talented beverage producers -- vintners, brewers, distillers, cider-makers – that is has created a self-guided tasting tour to make sure you don’t miss anything important. The tour takes you to two Stowe area breweries, a winery, a cider house, and two distilleries. Here's how it works: Stop by the Visitor’s Information Center at 51 Main Street to pick up your Trail Tour Kit for only $10. The kit includes your map & tour ticket, a corkscrew, and more. The tour will acquaint you with the von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall, Idletyme Brewing Co., Ellison Estate Vineyard, Stowe Cider, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and 4 Points Brewery Tours for yet another guided tour to local breweries and cideries.

The sequence of cascades that is Bingham Falls in Stowe, Vermont is special not just for its otherwordly quality, but because the public almost lost access to it a few years back when a land developer had plans to build a resort on the property. That plan was thwarted and adventurers can still enjoy the pristine beauty of the falls, and those brave enough can take a dip in the natural rock pool below Bingham's 25-foot cascade. To Find It: The falls are located a short hike off Route 108 in Stowe, about 1.5 miles southeast of Smugglers Notch. There is a path leading downhill from a fairly large turnout. The sound of roaring water assures you that you are in the right place.

Shelburne Farms on Harbor Road in Shelburne is an environmental education center and National Historic Landmark on the shores of Lake Champlain where schoolchildren, adults, and families come to enjoy the walking trails, children’s farmyard, inn, restaurant, property tours, and special events. Highlights of a visit to Shelburne Farms are the Children’s Farmyard and cheese making in the historic Farm Barn, guided tours of the property, strolling on the walking trails, and hospitality at the Inn at Shelburne Farms. The Welcome Center and walking trails are open year-round. This is a wonderful place for adults and children to see farm life close up and to appreciate the foundations of our food sources.

One of the top-rated regions in the country for mountain biking can be found at and around Burke Mountain and Darling Hill near East Burke. Kingdom Trails is 110 miles of recreational, non-motorized trails through farmland and forest for bicycling and cross-country skiing, designed for people of all levels of ability. In snowy months, bring your cross-country skis or snowshoes and have at it. Fatbiking is big, too! Open year-round but call ahead for temporary restrictions between seasons, when trails are protected.

St. Johnsbury Athenaeum at 1171 Main Street in the northern Vermont town of St. Johnsbury has many great daily activities for adults and kids who want to explore the life of the mind. One example is the Frist Wednesdays series, where experts ramble about interesting topics. Recent topics were Vincent Van Gogh and the Books He Read and Bierstadt’s “Domes of Yosemite,” and the Creation of an American Icon. You can ekep uo with many other topical or quirky subjects by watching the Athenaeum’s Events page. 802-748-829.