Things to Do in Addison County, Vermont, by Season

Updated July 14, 2026

Addison County sits in Vermont's Champlain Valley, between Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, and it rewards visitors in every season: paddling and mud-season quiet in spring, lake days and farm markets in summer, snow geese and peak foliage in fall, and snowshoeing and woodstove evenings in winter. Whitford House, on ten quiet acres in Addison, makes a comfortable year-round base — the Guest Cottage sleeps 4 and has a full kitchen. Below is what to do here through the year.

Spring (April–May)

Spring is the valley's quiet season — a good time for low rates, birdsong, and easy access to trails and water before the summer crowds. Snowmelt fills Otter Creek and the Dead Creek marshes, migrating birds pass through, and the farm fields green up fast.

• Get on the water early: borrow the inn's kayaks for a paddle on Lake Champlain from nearby DAR State Park.
• Walk the back roads and the cottage's own gardens as they come into bloom.
• Time a trip around Middlebury College — spring means the run-up to commencement in late May.

Summer (June–August)

Summer is prime time in the Champlain Valley: long days on the lake, farm stands and markets, covered-bridge drives, and warm evenings on the patio. It's the busiest season, so book the cottage ahead.

• Make a full Lake Champlain day — kayak, swim, and visit Basin Harbor and the Maritime Museum near Vergennes.
• Hike Snake Mountain early, before the day warms, for a wide valley view.
• Eat your way through Vergennes and Middlebury, or cook local produce in the cottage kitchen.

Fall (September–November)

Fall is the valley's showpiece. The lower elevation means color often peaks a little later than the mountains, and the open farm-and-lake landscape gives foliage a different, more expansive feel. It's also snow-goose season at Dead Creek.

• Follow the two-day Champlain Valley foliage itinerary — hills, water, and back roads.
• See the snow geese at Dead Creek, minutes from the cottage, at their late-October peak.
• Come up for Middlebury College Family Weekend, which lands in peak foliage.

Winter (December–March)

Winter is deeply quiet here — a place to slow down. The cottage has radiant-heated bathroom floors, a full kitchen for long breakfasts, and snowy views over the fields to the Adirondacks.

• Snowshoe or walk the grounds and quiet back roads.
• Use the cottage as a warm base between days at nearby ski areas and the Middlebury area.
• Settle in with a home-cooked dinner and the valley's long, dark, star-filled nights.

Hours, seasons, and event dates vary year to year — confirm current schedules before you travel, and reach out to Elyse for up-to-date local recommendations.