Yes, Orvis is a pricey retail store, but it’s so much more. Its flagship store in Manchester has the ambiance of an Adirondack lodge, but one where you can buy all the outdoor clothing and gear you would ever need. Beyond that, Orvis runs fly-fishing and wing-shooting schools from its Manchester operation, and the price includes all the equipment you need to make it happen.

The Vermont Country Store is not so much a retail experience as a trip down memory lane. The store, which takes up much of downtown Weston, sells things that nobody else does anymore: antique-style gadgets, soaps and powders that no longer appear on drugstore shelves, candies that were once sold in a glass jar for a penny or two. If you’re over 50, this will bring you back. If you’re under 50, well, you can Tweet about it.

Woodstock is a classic 18th-century New England town — minus the avaricious loggers. George Perkins Marsh, a noted naturalist and statesman, was one of the first to see the error of those ways. He set aside 500 acres of conserved forestland that is now the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. More than 20 miles of carriage roads weave through the park, making it a spectacular place for a leisurely amble.

Rain or shine, VINS is a fascinating place to connect with the natural world. Check in on rehabilitating raptors, see how falcons hunt their prey or explore any of the nature trails around the perimeter of the facility. Just off Route 4 in Quechee, it’s an easy, and educational, walk on wild side.

It’s easier to negotiate Stowe on a bicycle than in a car, and the popular year-round bike path is a welcome alternative to the congested Mountain Road. The 5.3-mile trail starts next to the Stowe Congregational Church and crosses the West Branch River 11 times as it meanders north past shops and restaurants.

Lake Champlain Chocolates has been making fresh, all-natural gourmet chocolates for 25 years. They offer preservative-free, kosher certified chocolates. Go for a free chocolate factory tour and enjoy the free samples, or checkout their frequent classes and book signings. Visit their Factory Store & Café from 9AM - 6PM, Monday - Saturday and from 12PM - 5PM on Sunday.

Erected in 1905, 52-foot monument attracts thousands of visitors annually. 350 acres. Beautiful landscaped grounds, quiet contemplation, hiking paths, picnicking. Year-round. Free guided tours daily: 9-7pm May 1-Oct.31; 9-5pm Nov.1-Apr. 30. Opens Sunday at 1:30pm. Spectacular Christmas lighting Thanksgiving-New Years.

Jay Peaks Aerial Tramway is one of Vermonts most beautiful & scenic rides. You will enjoy views of four states and the Provence of Quebec from the 4,000 foot summit. The 10 minute ride to the summit offers the perfect mountain top picnic opportunity. Adult, junior, senior and family tickets are available.

His father was born in a log cabin and later became the 16th president. One generation later, Robert Todd Lincoln built his ancestral home in this scenic village. On a promontory in a quintessential Vermont landscape it has breathtaking views of the valley and mountains. Home, exhibits, gardens, and trails on 412 preserved acres. Gardens, walking trails, farm animals, exhibits. Open daily June - Oct. from 9:30 to 4:30. November - May: 11:00 to 3:00, Thursday - Monday. Closed Tuesday, Wednesday and major holidays. Cross-country skiing mid-December to mid-March weather permitting: 9:30 to 4:30.

TRAINS AROUND VERMONT Scenic rail excursions in four locations: Green Mountain Flyer - Bellows Falls and Chester Depot: White River Flyer -White River Junction to Montshhire Museum to Thetford: Champlain Valley Flyer from Burlington Waterfront to Shelburne and Shelburne Museum. Special events, holiday trains for Santa and Easter and charter excursions. For information and a schedule of events please contact us at 800-707-3530.