• Visit Burlington, the state's largest city, nestled between the Adirondack and Green Mountains. Wander along the lively waterfront, cycle by the shore or take advantage of the many watersports on offer.

• Tour the Ben and Jerry's ice-cream factory (website: www.benjerry.com) in Waterbury and sample the latest flavours in the FlavoRoom. At the nearby Cold Hollow Cider Mill (website: www.coldhollow.com), watch the 1920s cider press in action before sampling fresh cold apple cider.

• Enjoy the scenery on Lake Champlain on ferries that ply between Vermont and New York. See migratory birds travelling the Atlantic flyway nesting in the wetlands of the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge (website: www.vtstateparks.com) at the northern end of the lake.

• Sample gourmet chocolate truffles made at the Lake Champlain Chocolate Factory (website: www.lakechamplainchocolates.com).

• Ski Vermont's highest peak, Mount Mansfield, in the state's most popular ski resort of Stowe (website: www.skivermont.com). Slopes are suitable for both beginner skiers, thrill-seekers and snowboarders. In the summer, the mountains attract mountain bikers, hikers and fishermen.

• Canoe the West and Connecticut rivers at Brattleboro, in southeast Vermont. Visit the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center and the Shelburne Museum (website: www.shelburnemuseum.org), which both have interactive programmes for kids.

• Explore Green Mountain National Forest (website: www.stateparks.com/green_mountain.html), with its historical trails, excellent skiing and snowboarding at Killington Resort (website: www.killingtonchamber.com), one of the largest ski areas in the world, and great hiking and biking in the summer.

 See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.