Every season has its pleasures in our area
Fairs and Festivals
Current Events in the Jay Peak / Montgomery Area
Winter
Most people think of Vermont as a wonderful place to spend their winter vacation. And they are right; it is. As the poem on the right tells you, Vermont is a place of warmth and beauty in the winter that emits a feeling of "Home". It's a place time has forgotten. It's a place where you put aside the demands of a busy life and take a more leisurely view of the world.
With over 350" of powder on average per year, Jay Peak Resort is earning the reputation of providing the best skiing in the East. Currently undergoing major expansion with the building of a golf course, Jay Peak Resort is worth the visit for terrific skiing, glade skiing and snowboarding.
Spring
But, Vermont is so much more than just a winter playground. Our seasons are luxurious in their offerings. Spring is our renewal time, when the sap flows from the maple trees and the cows are sent back out to pasture. Visit us in March or April and enjoy one of the many "Sugar On Snow" parties offered by the local sugarhouses. Or spend a day visiting Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and Cabot Cheese to see how their award winning Vermont foods are made. May and June are perfect for quiet getaways.
Summer
Summer brings the opportunity to explore our uncongested roadways by bicycle, motorcycle or Summer - looking toward Jay Peakautomobile. We are offering our guests a map of 5 new driving tours of the Northeast Kingdom. Our 10 area golf courses are one of the biggest bargains in Vermont. Of course we have several "old fashioned swimmin' holes", some with waterfalls, for those that want to cool off. Fishing and hiking opportunities are plentiful. Perhaps you would like to browse through the many antique shops that dot the countryside, or attend one of the local auctions to find that special bargain you've been looking for. Visit our Activities page to read more. Summer here is awesome.
Whilst in the Jay Peak area, explore the treasures of this serene wonderland where pristine vistas, tranquil lakes, bubbling streams and majestic forests make it a very special place. It is difficult to believe that such an unspoiled vacation area is only 1.5 hours south of Montreal, 4 hours from Boston and 6 hours from New York!
Fall
Visiting Vermont in the Fall is an experience not to be missed! Bright foliage is the essence of a Vermont autumn, to be sure. But there’s a lot more than turning leaves to appreciate when the days fill with golden light and the nights get crisp and frosty. It’s easy to miss some of the special places and experiences that make our autumns so rich. The Fall Foliage season in Vermont is a very busy time of the year as visitors flock from all over the world to catch a glimpse of the phenomena. Aside from the fall colors, there numerous festivals and events throughout the area.
A Few Regular Events are Listed Here
The Jay Challenge
The Jay Challenge held in July is a 3-day staged and supported race, sanctioned by USARA, US Adventure Racing Association. There are 3 categories: Solo, teams of 2 and teams of 4. Only mixed teams of 4 will be eligible to qualify for the National Adventure Racing Championship.
Montgomery Historical Society Concert Series
Held on four to five evenings during the summer and fall months, the Historical Society series is an eclectic series of concerts ranging from classical to jazz to folk. Concert tickets are $10 concert dates are posted on the Montgomery Town Community Events Calendar. More information on the Montgomery, Vermont Events Page
The Apple Fest and Craft Show
Held in October on Grand Isle in South Hero, 802.372.8400, the Apple Fest and Craft Show is quintessential Vermont with crafts, a flea market, petting zoo, cider-pressing contest and plenty of food, especially apples. The mostly outdoor festival features a craft fair, petting zoos, cider=pressing contests, family entertainment, lots of food, tractor-driven shuttles and a flea market along the roadside in the orchard. Many county organizations participate in AppleFest to earn money for their particular causes.
The Sheep and Wool Festival
Spinning, weaving, shearing, sheep-dog-herding skills and along with a llama obstacle are a part of the Sheep and Wool Festival held in October at the Champlain Valley Exposition, on Route 15 in Essex Junction, just outside Burlington. Also on hand are alpacas, angora rabbits and 60 or more craftspeople; (802) 446-3325 Admission: $5; $1 for children.
Vermont Foliage Antiques Show
The Vermont Foliage Antiques Show and Sale held in October at The Exposition in Essex includes more than 50 dealers. Admission: $5; children under 16 free.
Fall Craft and Fine Arts
The Essex Fall Craft and Fine Arts Show is held at the Champlain Valley Exposition in late October; Admission: $7; children under 12, $2.
Jay Peak Tram
Weather permitting, The Jay Peak Tram (Route 242, Jay, (800-451-4449) runs daily from June through mid October. Take the tram to the top of 3,800-foot Jay Peak for an incomparable view, on a very clear day, of Montreal, Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks, Franconia Notch and Mount Washington in New Hampshire and Mount Mansfield in Stowe, Vermont. The flaming orange-red of the sugar bushes (maples) seems particularly intense up there. See our Jay Peak page for more information. Prices: $10; $6 for ages 14 and under.
Annual Bird Migrations
Along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, (802-868-4781), encompassing 6,600 acres of wetlands, offers hunting, fishing, boating and nature trails is home to bald eagles, osprey and kingfishers. From early October into November, the refuge is along the migration route of 25,000 birds and waterfowl. National Wildlife Refuge Week is mid October with refuge tours and birding programs.
Hazen's Notch Cross Country skiing
Only 7 minutes from Montgomery Center you can enjoy the pristine beauty of Hazen's Notch for Cross country skiing in the shadow of Jay Peak. Rental of equipment is available. For more information visit their web site at Hazen's Notch.
Citizen's X-C Ski Race
2008 Date to be Announced Ted Means Memorial X-C Ski Race sponsored by the Hazen's Notch Association. Race begins at 10:00 AM at the Welcome Center on the Hazen's Notch Road in Montgomery. Adults: $8, Children $5. 5 and 10 km distances. Prizes to all finishers include Vermont Maple Syrup.
Hazen's Notch Winter Nature Festival
2008 Date to be Announced. Natural resource managers, ecologists and environmental educators lead presentations on a variety of topics to include: wildlife tracking, winter tree identification, beaver pond ecology, winter adaptations, & maple sugaring. Non-members: Adults/$10, Children/$5. Members: Adults/$7, Children/$3. Register in advance.
Mountain Climbing at Hazen's Notch
Climb Burnt Mountain - 2008 Date to be Announced. Join your friends and neighbors as we climb Burnt Mountain. 2 miles each way; 1,600-foot vertical climb; strenuous with panoramic view on summit. Option to go only as far as Window Rock (1 mile each way) where there is an excellent view. Meet at the Welcome Center Saturday at 9:30 am. Bring a snack or lunch and something to drink. Call 326-4799 before 5 pm for more information. Snowshoe rentals available for $10. No trail fee this day.
Open Studio Weekend
2008 Dates to be Announced. Each year, artists throughout the State of Vermont open their studios and doors to the public. Drive around and follow the many roads leading to Vermont's talented artists.