Spring in Vermont

Spring in Vermont (or "Mud Season") can actually be a great time of year.  Many are put off by the melting snow and resulting mud puddles, but you'd be surprised at how many engaging things there are to do once those temperatures start rising!

Aside from Spring being the Maple Syrup Season (yes, please!) there's just something about those warm days and cold nights that make Vermont truly special.  For instance, if you'd like to indulge in true Vermont fashion, there is the New England Maple Museum located in Pittsford, VT (just about 1 hour from Dorset.)  At the Maple Museum you'll find a history of the making of maple syrup and the most complete collection of sugaring artifacts in existence!  (Along with samples and a gift shop!) www.maplemuseum.com  There are also sugar houses right in Manchester & Dorset that you can visit for a hands on experience!

You don't even need to leave the Dorset area to experience some hidden Spring gems!  Right up the road from Barrows House & The Dorset Inn is Merck Forest & Farmland Center.  At Merck Forest spring means newborn lambs!!  Merck Forest includes 3,100 acres of managed forest, a sugaring operation, and a 62 acre farm.  At the farm, along with visiting the newborn lambs, you can take a Sheep Shearing Class (April 27th), or even participate in Family Fun Farm Chores (Saturdays April 19-June 14.) www.merckforest.org

If you are an outdoor enthusiast then you should get excited about the fourth weekend of April!  Usually, on the fourth weekend of April, every year the US Army Corps of Engineers releases water from The Ball Mountain Dam (about 40 minutes from Dorset.)  The controlled release produces conditions perfect for rafting, kayaking, and canoeing...not to mention the breathtaking views!

These are just the tip of the ice berg!  Sit back, watch the flowers come to life, and enjoy Spring in Vermont!