Vermont travelers choose from 5 Best Western hotels.

Vermont - a summer for outdoor enthusiasts. Bennington, set in southwestern Vermont between the Green Mountains and the Taconic Mountains, offers pristine countryside for hiking and recreation. Travel north to Ludlow in the heart of the Okemo Valley; with five lakes just north of town, it’s your pick of water recreation fun. Rutland near Vermont’s popular Killington Resort is another oasis for outdoor activity. Be sure to stop in Rutland between May and October for the Rutland Farmers Market. Drive through central Vermont to Waterbury off Interstate 89, it is less than a half-hour to four of Vermont’s resorts, including Stowe.

The 2012 Killington Stage Race happens at Killington Resort, located between Ludlow and Rutland in Vermont’s Green Mountains. Featuring three days of cycling challenges, cyclysts note, this race is geared for experienced racers.

The Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce was awarded the people’s choice for the best 4th of July fireworks show. Don’t miss the 2012 Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza at the Vermont State Fairgrounds. Top off a day of fun with the fireworks show in downtown Rutland.

Killington hosts its own July 4th Celebration and Fireman’s BBQ. Events kick off with a morning parade down river Road. Johnson’s Recreation Center hosts the Fireman’s BBQ and fun at the pool. Enjoy the day, with live music beginning in the evening topped off by a fireworks spectacular.

It is the season to take advantage of Ludlow’s lakes. Head north on Route 100 to enjoy your favorite water recreation. Have a picnic in Camp Plymouth State Park, take a mountain bike ride or play a round of golf at Okemo Valley Golf Course. With plenty of summer events and festivals, the Okemo Valley makes an ideal getaway. Try the Okemo Bicycle Hill Climb on June 30th for an uphill challenge; July brings the Red, White and Blues Festival along with the Arts and Crafts Festival; close your summer at the Okemo Valley Golf Tournament in Ludlow or the 22nd Annual Ludlow Rotary Chili Cook Off.

Celebrate the end of summer with flavor at the 2012 Southern Vermont Garlic and Herb Festival September 1st and 2nd. Held in Bennington at Camelot Village, experience every thing imaginable and unimaginable made with garlic – try garlic ice cream, pickled garlic or garlic jelly among the samples. Activities for the kids include inflatables, face painting and a maze. Take in live music while you browse the gardens and sample the goods. Not just a lot of fun, gardeners this is the place to buy garlic seed for next years planting.