Native Americans called this part of Vermont "Manicknung," meaning "home of the bear." And there's a bearing feel to the place as Ursa, the trademark giant bear, greets visitors at the bottom of the access road. Here, lush, verdant hills and mountains are bisected by rushing rivers and flowing streams.
..Read MoreTake the Stratton Skyeship gondola for a head start on your vacation hiking trip.
Ride Stratton's Skyeship Gondola. The views are especially gorgeous in the leaf-peeping fall. Bromley's chairlifts take visitors to the top, as well, and a hike down is fun. Drive to the top of the Equinox Skyline Drive, past a monastery tucked in the wooded hills.
..Read MoreTake the Stratton Skyeship gondola for a head start on your vacation hiking trip. Touch the Appalachian Trail.
Hike to the historic fire tower at Stratton at the convergence of the Long and Appalachian trails. You can hike from the base area or from the back side of the mountain, or take the gondola to the summit and hike from there (about a mile). Views are breathtaking.
..Read MoreTake the Stratton Skyeship gondola for a head start on your vacation biking trip. Touch the Appalachian Trail.
..Read MoreWild rivers and eager trout await anglers heading to Stratton Mountain this summer. Head to the Orvis flagship store in Manchester to find the best fishing equipment and mountain clothing. Then head for the famed Batten Kill River, or less well known Mettowee River, for some of America's finest fly fishing.
..Read MoreIt has been said you can determine the health of an area by how far it goes to protect and preserve its history. Stratton takes its history seriously.
..Read MoreThere are a number of fine art galleries in the area. The Southern Vermont Art Center (802-362-1405; http://www.svac.org) is located on a 407-acre estate listed on the National Register of Historic Places. View paintings, sculpture, photography, and prints by both established and emerging artists.
..Read MoreThe Stratton Mountain area has several professional theater companies with productions running June through September. Among them, the Dorset Theatre Festival.
..Read MoreThe Manchester Music Festival (800-639-5868 or 802-362-1956; http://www.mmfvt.org), located in Manchester Center, presents summer programs at the Southern Vermont Art Center's Arkell Pavilion. Pop concerts are held throughout the summer at the Riley Rink in Manchester.
..Read MoreBromley Mountain's Thrill Zone (802-824-5522; http://summer.bromley.com) will delight kids of all ages. If the miniature golf course is too tame, try the Alpine Slide. If it's warm, the Water Slide will cool you down. If that isn't enough fun, try the DevalKarts - gravity fueled mountain carts that you control. Adrenaline junkies will love the Zip Line and 24-foot climbing wall.
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