Ever pet an alpaca? They're cute, friendly, strong and their wool makes wonderful clothing and blankets.

Visit Northshire Bookstore, a dream destination for the whole family, with books, music, dvds, games, toys, events for everyone year round, and a floor devoted to children. Weekly story time, too.

Visit the cheese house of Taylor Farm . They make Farmstead and Maple Smoked Gouda using the cows in their field.

"Window shop", "dream" or buy something to take home from Carter's Childrenswear.

Sample the confections of Shaftsbury's Chocolate Barn, Mother Myrick's, The Village Peddler and Bearatoriam or the Manchester Country Store.

Visit Merck Forest and Farmland Center, a 60 acre organic farm with both livestock and gardens that offers seasonal events, programs and celebrations.

Visit the Vermont Country Store, an authentic country store with practical goods including men's and women's clothing, regional foods, toys and games, candy, and necessities for home and kitchen.

Drop in at the Second Chance Animal Shelter in Shaftsbury to play with the current animals up for adoption.

Learn some local history! Make a stop at Hildene, the Northshire Museum and History Center, the Park McCullough House, or the Robert Frost Stone House.

Watch local crafters at work. Visit Bennington Potters and Manchester Hot Glass.

Take in a movie at The Village Picture Show.

Come watch as we turn 40 gallons of sap into our own "Vermont Gold". You can watch maple sugaring at Dutton's, Bob's Maple Shop or Merck Forest and Farmland Center. Takes place in March.

Go for a hike or just a stroll at Robert Todd Lincoln's Hildene, Merck Forest and Farmland Center, the Southern Vermont Arts Center, Bennington Center for the Arts or hike the Equinox Preservation. All have trails easy enough for the smallest adventurer.

Rent a canoe or a kayak and take a ride down the Battenkill River. Rentals available at Battenkill Riversports and Campground.

Go horseback riding at Mountain View Ranch.

Take a wagon ride through the mountains with Lively's Livery, Taylor Farms, or Pfister Farm.

Rent a bike and take a ride. On road or off there are plenty of beautiful rides in and around Manchester. Rentals available at Battenkill Sports and Bike Shop.

Spend time at the Vermont Summer Festival Horseshow. Takes place in July and August.

Look into the summer camp programs at Manchester Parks and Recreation, Long Trail School, Burr and Burton Academy, Hildene, Merck Forest and Farmland Center, Riley Rink at Hunter Park, Maple Street School, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Mountain View Ranch.

Try the water ride, alpine slide and other amusements at Bromley Thrill Zone, Vermont's largest summer fun park. Open May-October

Rent a canoe or a kayak and take a ride down the Battenkill River. Rentals available at Battenkill Canoe Ltd. and Battenkill Riversports and Campground

Swim, camp, picnic, paddleboat or canoe at Emerald Lake or Shaftsbury State Park. Open mid-May-mid October.

Go horseback riding at Mountain View Ranch or Chipman Stables.

Take a wagon ride through the mountains with Lively's Livery, Taylor Farms, or Pfister Farm.

Go fishing with a Green Mountain Fishing Guide he'll pack up everything you need and take you in his boat. The Reel Angler.

Rent a bike and take a ride. On road or off there are plenty of beautiful rides in and around Manchester. Rentals available at Battenkill Sports and Bike Shop.

Get off the beaten path! EXPERIENCE Vermont. Meet our locals and artisans with a Backroad Discovery Tour. Open mid May-mid October

Pick berries and apples at Dutton's, Apple Barn and Country Bake Shop and Mad Tom Orchard. Berries available July-August; Apples, September-October

Take a sleigh or winter trail ride through the mountains with Mountain View Ranch, Lively's Livery, Taylor Farms, or Pfister Farm.

Downhill skiing is fun for everyone! Classes and babysitting services are available. Contact our local resorts for more information: Bromley and Stratton.

Get a sled and go sailing down Burr and Burton Hill (our local high school). Sleds are available at R.K. Miles, Eastern Mountain Sports and the Mountain Goat .

Go cross-country skiing at Wild Wings Ski Touring Center, Robert Todd Lincoln's Hildene, Stratton and Merck Forest and Farmland Center.

Go ice-skating at Riley Rink at Hunter Park. (There are contraptions for small child skating assistance)

Contact Equinox Snow Tours for a guided snowmobile tour. You will travel through the Green Mountain National Forest stopping to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Green Mountains. Led by trained guides, you will ride on state-of-the-art snowmobiles on "VAST" trails.