Lake Willoughby is a five-mile-long glacial lake, reaching a depth of 328 feet at its deepest point. Alongside this striking landscape, you’ll find trails, winter sports, theater performances and museums. When choosing a hotel for a trip to Orleans County, consider whether you’d like to focus more on nature, culture or seasonal events. The time of year also matters, since some offerings are seasonal.
Lake, Views and Trails
At the north end of Lake Willoughby, there’s a free public beach for sunbathing and swimming. Local seasonal rules may apply. In Sentinel Rock State Park in Westmore, hiking trails starting at the historic homestead lead through meadows and woodland to the rock. The park offers sweeping views of Westmore and the Green Mountains. This makes a beach with specific opportunities for swimming and sunbathing a different kind of nature experience from a hike through varied landscapes.
Outdoor Activities
Willoughby State Forest is suited to backcountry camping, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. State land regulations apply to these dispersed recreational activities. Craftsbury Outdoor Center offers day access to its trail network for walking, mountain biking or skiing. Access and trail conditions may vary by season, so check before your visit. Activities at Willoughby Falls Wildlife Management Area range from regulated hunting and trapping to fishing, hiking and wildlife watching.
Activities at Jay Peak also vary by season: the year-round resort has an indoor water park, ice arena, recreation center and golf course available year-round, as well as skiing and snowboarding. Hikes range from easy and family-friendly to challenging, while access and conditions may vary seasonally. If hiking is your main focus, this variety offers a different emphasis from winter sports or the trail networks in the state forests. Facility availability may change; check the latest information before your trip.
History, Theater and Museums
Hazen’s Notch State Park marks the end of the Hazen Military Road, built in 1779. The Long Trail runs through sections of the park. Jay State Forest includes nine miles of the Long Trail, including its northern terminus at Journey’s End. These details connect a historic road route with two described sections of a long-distance trail, without laying out a fixed itinerary.
In Glover, Bread & Puppet Theater has staged circuses and pageants since 1975; performances take place from June to October. Bread & Puppet Farm includes a 140-year-old barn converted into a puppet museum. The museum spans two floors and displays puppets, with particularly large figures on the second floor. Theater enthusiasts will find both a seasonal performance program and a dedicated museum here.
The Museum of Everyday Life focuses its exhibits on ordinary objects, including pencils, safety pins, mirrors, toothbrushes, matches, locks, keys, scissors and dust. It’s a self-service museum, open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; exhibits and operating details may change. The Haskell Free Library & Opera House spans Canada and the United States and houses a theater. It was founded in 1901. These cultural sites differ both in their subject matter and in their cross-border character.
Seasonal Events and Regional Offerings
The Orleans County Fair Association plans three annual events at Roaring Brook Park: the Orleans County Fair and celebrations for Memorial Day and Independence Day. Check the event calendar for specific dates. The Newport Farmers Market is an outdoor market offering regional produce and local crafts; market operations and hours may vary seasonally. If events or market visits determine your travel dates, factor these seasonal differences into your plans.
For a stay focused on nature and culture, you can choose from a range of options: lakes and beaches, hiking trails and winter sports, museum visits, or seasonal performances and events. For offerings that depend on timing, check the relevant details—such as trail conditions, market hours or performance dates—before planning your stay around them.
Discover more destinations: Jay, Westmore, Caledonia, Franklin County, Rutland County, Bennington County, Lamoille, Grand Isle County.
For the broader travel overview: Vermont.
