If winter is about skiing, then summer is all about the water at Quechee…

After my daughter learned how to ski this winter, she’s now ready to take on swimming.  During our week-long stay, she took a few lessons – and again, can’t stress enough how much of a breakthrough the ski lessons were.  One year ago, we signed up for swim lessons at the local YMCA back home – we never made it in the pool – despite showing up every Saturday.  Maya just wouldn’t go in… maybe it’s her age, but I personally think it’s the confidence she gained from conquering her fears in the ski lessons.  Not to mention the amazing Quechee Club staff.  Susan was her swim instructor – over a few lessons, Maya conquered her fear of “letting go” and has progressed to jumping in by herself.  Now, she’s starting to swim without her floaties, not afraid to put her head under water… it’s amazing.

Maya even swam from the beach to the buoy in Lake Pinneo all by herself (with floaties of course)… and her little brother Owen – he just wants to do everything that she does ; ).  He followed us out to the buoy.  I feel like the lifeguards and other parents thought we were crazy with our 2 & 4 year olds swimming 100 yds out – but they LOVED it.  These kids have no idea how good they have it!

We also rented kayaks & paddle boats – $15 for 2 boats for an hour – what a bargain!  And explored Lake Pinneo… just an awesome family adventure…

No matter how many times you see hot air balloons – and it’s pretty often in Quechee (including at the annual Hot Air Balloon festival), you have to stop and stare.  It is seriously like a religious experience.  There are 2 main companies that launch balloons from the Quechee Green:  Balloons of Vermont and Balloons over New England.  Lisa took me on one a few years back for my birthday (in early October) – one of those “bucket list” things to add to your life to-do list.  I prefer the dusk excursions, since you get to see the sun set, and fall time is great since you get insane views of the foliage from up high.

It’s not for the faint of heart… the thought that you’re in something that the balloon master only has moderate control over… you typically land in a random person’s yard.  The first few seconds are frightening as you slowly lift off… then you’re gliding effortlessly in the air… what’s amazing is how peaceful it is… and how quiet – you look down and see everyone pull their cars over, people come out of their houses and wave, and you can hear everyone screaming from the ground.  Nothing like it… our kids have seen so many get blown up and they never tire of the experience.  Definitely something we’ll do with them when they get older… but watching the process is so magical… we even had a balloon land in our yard last time we were there!

Nothing better on a cloudy day that Pick Your Own strawberry & blueberries!  Our favorite in the Upper Valley is Cedar Circle Farm in Thetford, VT.  It’s about 10 minutes north of Norwich – so not a bad option to tag along to a visit to Montshire / Hanover / King Arthur.

It used to be a family-run farm, but has since transitioned to a part of the Vermont Land Trust – basically, it’s historical… and they’ve maintained all the charm that we love about Vermont – complete with farm stand, beautiful green house & flowers, and even dock access to a river which our kids love to play in…

NOTE:  Both the strawberry and blueberry picking seasons are REALLY short (3 wks each in June for strawberries and July for blueberries), so plan ahead!  And pick more than you need (you can always freeze a bunch!).  Our kids LOVE pick your own – and who could blame them?