• Explore old homesteads in Vermontferme d"autome, vermont, USA image by LAURE TARAUD from Fotolia.com
  
  Until recently, Vermont was the only state without a Walmart, and since 1968 has banned highway billboard advertising. Vermont's quirky independent streak makes for a fascinating vacation destination. Whether you want to explore cosmopolitan Burlington in the northern half, ski in the central area or hunt for antiques during a weekend getaway in the southern region, you'll find an array of fun things to do in Vermont any time of year.
  
  

Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour

• Ice cream aficionados will love visiting the Ben & Jerry's Factory in Waterbury, located just 28 minutes southeast of Burlington. The tour is just as much fun as eating the ice cream itself. Guests will learn the story of how founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfeld turned a $5 correspondence course on ice cream making into this hugely successful, socially responsible and environmentally aware business. As part of the $3 admission, tour guests will receive a Ben & Jerry's novelty and partake in tasting the flavor of the day. Photos are allowed on all but one part of the tour. During summertime, guests can sit outside and enjoy a picnic on the scenic grounds and say hello to the dairy cows. The factory is open for 30 minute guided tours seven days a week except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Hours vary depending on time of year.
  
  Ben & Jerry's Factory
  1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd.
  Waterbury, VT 05671
  802-882-1240
  benjerry.com
  
  

Cruise Lake Champlain

• Lake Champlain is a 120-mile-long body of water which not only supplies water to many Burlington area residents, but also serves as a recreational hub for water-based sports ranging from kayaking to wind surfing. Tourists can cross the lake to and from New York in three different places on Lake Champlain, every day of the year, 24 hours per day. Special theme cruises are also available with dinner and music, or Sunday champagne brunch. Private charters are also available for parties and celebrations.
  
  Lake Champlain Cruises
  1 King St.
  Burlington, Vermont 05401
  802-864-9669
  lakechamplaincruises.com
  
  

Experience Shelburne Farms

• This 1,400-acre working agricultural homestead was created in 1886 as a model of the ideal working farm. Shelburn Farms' motto is "cultivating a conservation ethic." Today, it is a non-profit educational institute which teaches the public about sustainable agriculture, ecologically sound farming practices and ranching. Shelburne Farms raises dairy cows and other farm animals on site as a real-life example of the practicality of these methods. There is also an historic Inn on the property with 24 guest rooms and four cottages decorated in historically appropriate furnishings and artwork. Guests who stay at the Inn can enjoy an on-site restaurant serving locally grown foods, and the ability to immerse themselves in the Shelburne Farms experience.
  
  Shelburne Farms
  Junction of Harbor and Bay Roads
  Shelburne VT, 05482
  802-985-8686
  shelburnefarms.org