Vermont Attractions Welcomes New Members

Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Attractions Association (VAA) announces the acceptance of four new members for 2008-2009 season. These four new members of VAA exemplify what it means to be not only an attraction but also a Vermont Attraction.

The new 2008-2009 Vermont Attractions Association members are Carillon Cruises in Shoreham, Shelburne Vineyard and Wine Tasting in Shelburne, National Museum of the Morgan Horse also in Shelburne, and Vermont Ski Museum in Stowe.

When founded in 1956, the Vermont Attractions Association mission was to promote attractions throughout the state and to establish, develop and promote high standards for tourism in Vermont. All VAA members strive to carry on the traditions and mission of offering visitors the best Vermont experience possible. All VAA members offer informational and educational experiences, first-class activities and Vermont hospitality, while still maintaining their unique characteristics and quintessential Vermont feel. From the farms to museums; the breweries to chocolate makers; and shopping to State Historic sites, Vermont Attractions has something for everyone.

Todd Paton, Chair of Vermont Attractions, "I speak for every member of the VAA Board of Directors when I say how delighted we are to have four new member properties of such high caliber. From cruises on Vermont’s Lake Champlain to informative explorations of Vermont’s equine heritage, from interpretive exhibits of Vermont’s great ski traditions to experiences of Vermont’s burgeoning wine industry, these attractions celebrate the glorious diversity of landscape, recreation and culture that is Vermont."

When visitors think about Vermont skiing generally comes to mind - and the Vermont Ski Museum in the heart of Stowe has it all. Visitors will have a chance to see the actual lifts that took the skiers of every generation up the mountain, the skis that brought them down, and even the clothes that kept them warm. The Vermont Ski Museum mission is to collect, preserve and celebrate Vermont skiing history. The Vermont Ski Museum continues to honor the pioneers of the ski industry by inducting new members annually into their Hall of Fame. Located in the Perkins Building, built in 1818, the Vermont Ski Museum offers skiers and non-skiers alike a fun and engaging look into the history of an industry.

While dairy farming is Vermont’s agricultural history, it no longer is the only type of agricultural activity that takes place in Vermont. Shelburne Vineyard and Wine Tasting highlights new and creative ways to use the land of Vermont. Located on Route 7 in Shelburne, just south of the Shelburne Museum and just north of Vermont Teddy Bear Co. Shelburne Vineyard offers visitors a chance to tour their new state-of-the-art winery and taste their award-winning creations all crafted from sustainably grown Vermont grapes. In the summer, picnicking opportunities abound. Guest may also stroll through their organic vineyard overlooking Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains of New York.

Vermonters know that Justin Morgan had a horse and the National Museum of the Morgan Horse will show visitors what is so special about that famous Morgan horse. A visit to the National Museum of the Morgan Horse is a journey into an exciting chapter of the nation's history and a unique educational experience. The museum presents the history of a truly American breed: the Morgan horse. Guests of the museum can do a self-guided tour through the collections, along with viewing the museum's rotating special exhibits in the Main Hall. The Museum also boasts a nice gift shop where shoppers can find that perfect gift for their equine loving friends. The Museum is located in Shelburne, on Bostwick Road, next to Shelburne Museum.

Rounding out the quartet of new VAA members is Carillon Cruises, located on Lake Champlain, with an office and dock on Larrabee’s Point in Shoreham, Vermont (off Rte 22A on Rte 74W) and a New York dock at the Whitehall Marina. Carillon Cruises offers guests narrated tours of southern Lake Champlain and the Champlain Canal though daily walk-on cruises (July through foliage). The narrated cruises will take passengers back in time: "see" the Green Mountain Boys travel across the Lake from Vermont to New York; visualize the taking of Fort Ticonderoga and learn about the pivotal points in history that made Lake Champlain so important. Carillon Cruises will also host custom tours, school groups and chartered events. Captain and 1st Mate are husband and wife. The M/V Carillon is a 60' replica of the luxury Thousand Island tour boats of the 1920s. She is U.S. Coast Guard inspected and licensed to carry 49 passengers.

Photos of these new members are available upon request.

To learn more about these and other VAA members please visit the VAA website at www.vtattractions.org. Once in Vermont, information can also be found at any Vermont Attraction or the State of Vermont Welcome Centers - just look for the VAA brochure rack! Don’t forget to pick up Official Vermont Road Map and Guide to Vermont Attractions.

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