Best Attractions in Vermont | 2015 Editors’ Choice Awards

Looking for fun in the Green Mountain State? You won’t have to look far! Read our picks for the best attractions in Vermont for 2015. BEST ONE-STOP SAMPLING NORTHEAST KINGDOM TASTING CENTER, Newport In the state that practically coined the term “locavore,” here’s the place for sampling and buying edibles and potables from throughout the Northeast Kingdom. From ice cider to artisanal cheeses, maple-flavored rum to exquisite pastries, it’s all here in downtown Newport. Don’t miss the Newport Ciderhouse Bar & Grill on the premises. 150 Main St. 802-334-1790; nektastingcenter.com HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – BEST YEAR-ROUND THEATRE DORSET THEATRE FESTIVAL, Dorset (Playhouse, 1929) It’s two playhouses in one: In summer, the Dorset Theatre Festival calls on professional Broadway talent to stage recent Tony winners, old favorites, and world premieres; off-season, the Dorset Players continue a nearly 90-year tradition of fine amateur theatre in this posh but laid-back village. 104 Cheney Road. 802-867-2223; dorsettheatrefestival.org; dorsetplayers.org BEST MUSEUM MAKEOVER BENNINGTON MUSEUM, Bennington What do folk artist Grandma Moses and abstract artist Helen Frankenthaler have in common? How about a 1920s Martin Wasp automobile and works by contemporary sculptor Sir Anthony Caro? They’re examples of the museum’s new direction, dubbed “creative collisions,” which juxtapose traditional with modern, bringing the two together in lively confrontation. 75 Main St. 802-447-1571; benningtonmuseum.org BEST HORSE FARM UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT MORGAN HORSE FARM, Weybridge Vermont’s state animal has a special home near Middlebury, where the strong, clean-limbed descendants of Justin Morgan, the first Morgan horse, are bred and trained. Take a guided tour of the stables; you may want to take a Morgan home, as several are always for sale. 74 Battell Drive. 802-388-2011; uvm.edu/morgan BEST AUTO RACING THUNDER ROAD SPEEDBOWL, East Barre Vermont may be the land of prim little hybrids and mini-SUVs, but it does boast at least one spot where raw power rules. From late April through early October, families pack the stands at Thunder Road as some of the region’s best drivers compete in a full schedule of stock-car races. 80 Fisher Road. 802-244-6963; thunderroadspeed bowl.com BEST INTERNATIONAL CRUISE NORTHERN STAR CRUISES, Newport All aboard for a cruise on big, border-straddling Lake Memphremagog. Passengers may select from a variety of cruises (no passport required) or one that includes a chairlift ride up Quebec’s Mont Owl’s Head (bring your passport). Newport City Dock. 802-487-0234; vermontlakecruises.com BEST DOG DESTINATION DOG MOUNTAIN, St. Johnsbury Let your best friend romp leashless through the fields and take a plunge in the pond; then pause for a moment of reflection at Stephen Huneck’s incomparable Dog Chapel. 143 Parks Road (off Spaulding Road). 802-748-2700; dogmt.com