We are looking for a summer destination. Vermont comes to mind, but we are open. We like staying at ski resorts in the off-season. We also love shopping, fine dining and hiking.
Any suggestions?

We had the opportunity to visit mid-Vermont in mid summer and really liked it.Read some older POSTS from VT for other suggestions but we liked Middlebury for location.Day trips to Burlington, Lake Placid; history at the Shelbourne(?) Museum and Mt. Independence;mandatory dinner at the Dog Team Tavern:ultimate NE shopping in Woodstock.All rooms at the Middlebury Inn are not great but the front porch and morning breakfast is New England at its finest.

Manchester is a great summer vacation destination in Vermont. Shopping is great there including some high end outlets (Versace, J Crew, Calvin Klein)in the center of town, there are some great restaurants too. Nearby Bromley Mountain is a nice day trip location - the Alpine slide is a hoot for adults and kids alike.

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I would suggest either Manchester or Stowe. Manchester is perfect if you're up for some shopping - outlet mania. I'm not all that familiar with the restaurant scene there, but can tell you that there are lots of choices. Stowe is also a great choice. Shopping in Stowe is in mom & pop shops. No national stores/outlets here. I'm more familiar with the restaurant scene in the Stowe area and can highly recommend the Mist Grill in nearby Waterbury.
Either place you can't go wrong. Have fun!

I must put a plug in for Brattleboro and its surroundings. Yes, we are only 8 miles from the Massachusetts border, and so Windham County is nicknamed the "banana belt," and we are known for our very lefty leanings. However, you should stop in on the way in or out of the green mountain state, come to the center of town and spend time in one of our excellent coffee shops. We have art galleries and lots of funky and artsy stores - three new book shops, several used. If you plan ahead, there is ALWAYS something cultural going on. We have a fantastic jazz center, the Latchis theatre and hotel are in the center of town, the Marlboro Music Festival up Rt. 9, the Yellow Barn Music Festival, theatres. Hey, you just missed the "Strolling of the Heifers" parade down Main Street. On the first Friday of every month of the year, the town turns out for "Gallery Walk". All the art galleries are open, the stores stay open, there are usually special events and performances everywhere and there is a real festive feeling. Peter Havens restaurant, Max's, TJ Buckley's, the Riverview Cafe all offer fine dining. Check us out!