Blueberry Hill Inn Credit: File: Caleb Kenna

With out-of-state travel and indoor recreation prohibited for much of the pandemic, Vermonters were fortunate to have, well, Vermont as a backyard playground. Many embraced the opportunity to explore closer to home and fall in love with the Green Mountain State all over again. From pampered getaways to spectacular outdoor destinations to go-to walking trails, here are the choice spots that helped locals manage a year-plus at home.

What local hotel, retreat or bed-and-breakfast served up a revitalizing staycation?

Little River State Park Credit: File: Heather Fitzgerald

Where do you prefer to hoof it now that you’ve explored new walking trails?

Ice skating at Lake Morey Credit: Courtesy

Which outdoor destination did you cross off your Vermont bucket list?

Editor note: To choose Vermont’s Pandemic All-Stars, we surveyed our readers on the people, places and programs that kept them going — and going — during the COVID-19 pandemic. Space limitations prevented us from recognizing every pick worthy of public praise.”

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Celebrating the ‘Pandemic All-Stars’ Who Helped Vermont Through a Less-Than-Stellar Time

This special issue highlights consensus favorites alongside unknown individuals quietly doing an outstanding job. We sought out Vermonters who went above and beyond in roles that became more difficult or dangerous during the pandemic — from the chefs and community volunteers who creatively kept us fed to the wastewater managers who tested our poo for viral markers. We also surveyed our readers on the people, places and programs that kept them going — and going.

This article appears in Jun 9-15, 2021.

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Carolyn Fox is Seven Days’ culture coeditor, overseeing coverage of Vermont books, destinations, events, films, food, music, performing arts, visual arts and more. She is the editor of All the Best: The Locals’ Guide to Vermont, aka the Seven Daysies,...