Echo Lake Inn – Ludlow, Vermont
Attend the Quechee Balloon Festival, Stay in Ludlow!
The Quechee Balloon Festival is one of the most anticipated summer events in Vermont, bringing vibrant color and excitement to the region each Father’s Day weekend. From June 19–21, 2026, visitors can watch dozens of hot air balloons rise above the rolling hills, river valleys, and scenic landscapes that make Quechee, VT a favorite summer destination. Whether you are planning a dedicated festival trip or looking for memorable things to do in Vermont, this weekend event offers an unforgettable experience.
The Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival features multiple balloon launches throughout the weekend, weather permitting. The most popular viewing opportunities take place at sunrise and during the evening hours when the balloons lift into the soft summer light. Festival guests can also enjoy live music, local food vendors, artisan booths, family-friendly activities, sunrise yoga sessions, e-bike rides, and interactive events throughout the grounds.
One of the festival’s most popular traditions is the evening balloon glow. As dusk settles across the Vermont countryside, tethered balloons illuminate against the darkening sky, creating one of the most photographed moments of the weekend. Visitors seeking an even more memorable experience may reserve a hot air balloon ride, offering sweeping views of the region’s forests, farms, rivers, and mountains.
Lodging Near the Quechee Balloon Festival
While attending the balloon festival Vermont visitors should also explore nearby attractions such as Quechee Gorge, Quechee State Park, and the historic village of Woodstock. These destinations add variety to a weekend itinerary and provide excellent alternatives should weather impact balloon activities.
For travelers seeking comfortable lodging near Quechee, Echo Lake Inn in Ludlow offers a convenient and affordable option. Located within easy driving distance of the festival, this historic Vermont inn combines character, hospitality, and modern comforts. Guests can enjoy individually appointed accommodations, a seasonal outdoor pool, tennis courts, nearby canoe and kayak rentals, and welcoming common areas designed for relaxation.
The inn’s on-site restaurant features refined, locally inspired cuisine, making it easy to enjoy a complete Vermont getaway without extensive travel between activities. When planning your summer mountain weekend in Vermont, Echo Lake Inn provides an ideal home base for exploring the Quechee Balloon Festival and the many attractions throughout the Okemo Valley region.
Road Trip to Beautiful Woodstock, Vermont
Best Things to Do in Woodstock, Vermont for a Getaway
Few destinations capture the character of a classic New England village quite like Woodstock, Vermont. Known for its covered bridges, historic architecture, local shops, and mountain scenery, Woodstock is one of the most popular small towns in Vermont for visitors seeking a memorable weekend escape. Whether you are interested in outdoor recreation, local history, scenic drives, or cultural attractions, there are plenty of things to do in Woodstock, Vermont throughout every season.
A visit often begins in downtown Woodstock, VT, where independent boutiques, bookstores, galleries, cafés, and restaurants line the picturesque village streets. Situated along the Ottauquechee River, the downtown area offers a walkable setting that showcases the charm and character that have made Woodstock a favorite Vermont destination.
Among the most popular Vermont attractions is Billings Farm & Museum, a working dairy farm that highlights the region’s agricultural heritage through exhibits, farm animals, seasonal events, and locally inspired experiences. Nearby, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park offers visitors an opportunity to explore hiking trails, tour the historic mansion, and learn about conservation efforts that shaped Vermont’s landscape.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of things to do near Woodstock, VT. Scenic back roads reveal covered bridges, historic barns, maple syrup farms, and sweeping mountain views. During foliage season, these drives become some of the most photographed routes in New England. Hiking opportunities abound as well, including the popular trail to the summit of Mount Tom.
Quaint Lodging Near Woodstock
After a day spent exploring Woodstock, relax at Echo Lake Inn, a historic boutique hotel in Ludlow, VT, located a short drive away. At our lodging near Woodstock, guests enjoy comfortable accommodations, distinctive guest rooms, and convenient access to both Woodstock and the Okemo Valley. On-site amenities include kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, tennis courts, pickleball courts, lawn games, a seasonal pool, and a jacuzzi.
Additional highlights near Woodstock include Sugarbush Farm, where visitors can sample Vermont cheese and maple syrup, Appalachian Trail Adventures for guided outdoor excursions, the Woodstock Farmer’s Market, and the extensive mountain biking trails maintained by the Woodstock Area Mountain Bike Association. Before returning to your accommodations, consider a stop at Quechee Gorge, one of the most impressive natural landmarks in Vermont.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a longer mountain vacation, Woodstock offers a rewarding combination of outdoor adventure, local culture, and timeless New England appeal.