There’s nothing better in the summer heat than a day at the lake or long soak in a fresh, cool swimming hole. Luckily we have no shortage of either here in Southern Vermont, so we want to let you in on some of our favorite places to cool off and relax this season.

There are several Vermont state parks not far from the Inn complete with gorgeous lakes, canoe and paddle boat rentals, grassy areas where you can fire up the grill and have a BBQ or picnic. Lake Shaftsbury in Shaftsbury, Emerald Lake in East Dorset and Lake Paran in North Bennington all offer great swimming in absolutely beautiful settings. Vermont State parks have very modest fees for day use and are perfect places to bring the kids. For a little more remote experience you can go to  Grout Pond (don’t let the name fool you – this is a mountain top lake near Stratton) which also has overnight camping sites and trails.

Swimming holes are a whole other experience that Vermonters know and love. In Dorset right off of Route 30, you can go to the Dorset Quarry. If your an adventurous type you can jump off the marble cliffs into the fresh clean water. In Manchester you will find Bromley Brook and Benson’s Hole, a small brook that flows over and through some interesting rock formations and fills a small swimming hole at the bottom of the cascades – plus not a bad view of Mount Equinox from there! One of our favorite swimming holes is just down the road from the Inn on the Arlington Green along the Battenkill River. This is a classic, picturesque spot just under the West Arlington covered bridge.

So now that you have the inside scoop,  don’t miss your chance to enjoy these hot summer days like a real Vermonter and get yourself out to one of our beautiful lakes or swimming holes!