Spring 2025 Vermont Auto Mart Stores Newsletter
Must-See Spring Events in Vermont & Grafton County, New Hampshire
As the snow melts and the Green Mountains begin to bloom, spring brings a refreshing energy to Vermont and neighboring New Hampshire. This season offers the perfect opportunity to shake off the winter chill, roll down the windows, and hit the road for some of the region's most unique and memorable events.
Spring in this part of New England isn't just about warmer weather-it's about reawakening. From maple festivals and lakeside runs to artist open studios and antique fairs, there's no shortage of experiences that highlight the charm and creativity of these vibrant communities. Local businesses come to life with open-air markets, musicians fill small-town streets, and families gather for everything from trout stocking days to poetry festivals. Whether you're a long-time local or visiting for the weekend, these spring events offer something for everyone.
It's also the season of sensory experiences: the sweet aroma of boiling maple sap, the sound of peepers at dusk, and the visual treat of early buds on trees lining backroads and covered bridges. Spring in Vermont and Grafton County is as much about atmosphere as it is about activity.
We've compiled a list of some of our favorite events happening in April and May to help you make the most of this beautiful season. Whether you're exploring handmade goods, supporting local youth programs, or enjoying a marathon by the lake, these events are well worth the drive.
So, grab a light jacket, fuel up your ride, and plan your next outing-you might just find your new favorite spring tradition.
Top Spring Events - April & May 2025
- Vermont Maple Festival
📍 St. Albans, VT | 📅 April 25-27, 2025
Celebrate Vermont's sweetest season with sugarhouse tours, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
🔗 Maple Festival | Vermont Maple Festival | Vermont - WOKO Gigantic Flea Market
📍 Essex Junction, VT | 📅 April 13, 2025
A bargain hunter's dream with antiques, collectibles, and local treasures at the Champlain Valley Exposition.
🔗 Gigantic Indoor Flea Market - WOKO-FM - Vermont Open Studio Weekend
📍 Statewide, VT | 📅 May 24-25, 2025
Visit artists and craftspeople in their studios and see creativity in action across the state.
🔗 vermontcrafts.com - Trout Stocking Day - Grafton County Conservation District
📍 North Haverhill, NH | 📅 May 5, 2025
Pick up brook and rainbow trout for pond stocking in this unique and something to enjoy if you have a pond and can watch them feed.
🔗 graftonccd.org - Vermont City Marathon
📍 Burlington, VT | 📅 May 25, 2025
Join thousands for this scenic marathon along Lake Champlain, or cheer from the sidelines.
🔗 runvermont.org - PoemCity Montpelier
📍 Montpelier, VT | 📅 Throughout April 2025
Poetry fills the streets with window displays, live readings, and community workshops.
🔗 kellogghubbard.org
Discover Newport & Derby, Vermont: A Hidden Gem in the Northeast Kingdom
Nestled in the heart of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, the towns of Newport and Derby offer a charming escape filled with small-town warmth, natural beauty, and unique adventures. Often overlooked in favor of more tourist-heavy destinations, this peaceful top of Vermont location is an ideal spring or summer retreat for those looking to relax, explore, and reconnect with nature-especially along the breathtaking shores of Lake Memphremagog.
Newport: Lakeside Living at Its Best
Newport, Vermont, sits right on the southern tip of Lake Memphremagog, a stunning glacial lake that stretches all the way into Quebec, Canada. In the warmer months, the lake becomes the centerpiece of the town, offering opportunities for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Local outfitters provide rentals, or you can bring your own and spend a peaceful afternoon on the water, surrounded by rolling hills and the occasional loon call.
Along the waterfront, the Newport Waterfront Plaza offers boutique shops, casual eateries, and seasonal events, often featuring live music and local art. The Boardwalk, which hugs the lake's edge, is perfect for a scenic stroll or a morning jog, with panoramic views of the water and Canadian mountains in the distance.
Don't miss the chance to stop at The Eastside Restaurant & Pub, a local favorite with a cozy lakeside deck and a hearty Vermont-style menu. For coffee and homemade baked goods, Tim & Doug's Ice Cream Shop is a must-visit during the warmer months. If these choices don't work for you, don't fear there are dozens of choices in Newport and Derby to chose from.
Derby: Rural Charm Meets Outdoor Adventure
Just a few minutes north of Newport lies Derby, a town known for its rolling farmlands, friendly community, and outdoor opportunities. Derby is a great jumping-off point for exploring the Beebe Spur Rail Trail, a scenic path for biking or walking that connects to the Newport trail system and offers views of the lake and countryside.
Derby's local farms and seasonal markets give visitors a taste of true Northeast Kingdom agriculture. You can stop at a roadside farm stand for fresh eggs, maple syrup, or locally made cheese.
Take a scenic drive along Route 111, which winds through picturesque rural landscapes and offers views of nearby Salem Lake and Holland Pond.
Make the Most of Lake Memphremagog
No trip to Newport or Derby is complete without spending time on Lake Memphremagog. At over 31 miles long, this international lake is ideal for every kind of water recreation. You can take a peaceful paddle at sunrise, try your hand at fishing, or simply pack a picnic and relax on the shoreline.
In the warmer months, the Northern Star tour boat occasionally offers narrated cruises, giving passengers a relaxing ride along the lake while learning about the region's history and wildlife. For land-based exploration, the Reed Nature Preserve along the South Bay offers wildlife viewing and peaceful trails, especially beautiful as the spring blossoms emerge.
Whether you're a nature lover, small-town explorer, or just looking to unwind somewhere peaceful and scenic, Newport and Derby provide the perfect backdrop. Their charm lies not in high-end resorts or flashy attractions, but in the everyday beauty of northern Vermont-where community, nature, and a slower pace of life come together in the most welcoming way.
So, this spring or summer, skip the crowds and head north-Newport and Derby are waiting to surprise you.
