You only really know about a place after you've studied its past. Okemo has done much to preserve it for guests to absorb.

Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts (802-228-8770; http://www.fletcherfarm.com) is located on Route 103 South and offers Learning Vacations in the Green Mountains with over 160 different courses for two-days, three-days and five days. Classes are available in Fine Art, Basketry, Clay, Decorative Art, Early American Decoration, Fiber Art, Glass, Metalwork, Needle Art, Quilting, Woodcarving, and a variety of Special Interest subjects

The Sugar House (802-228-7151; http://www.gmsh.com) is located on Route 100 just north of Ludlow. Award-winning maple syrup is made here, so be sure to take some home. Maple cream, maple brittle, sugar-cured bacon, and Vermont's Grafton cheddar is available, too. Open daily.

The Black River Academy (802-228-5050; http://www.vmga.org/windsor/blackriver.html) was chartered in 1835 and educated young men and women from 26 states and three foreign countries; alumni include President Calvin Coolidge. Check out the turn of the century school building and ring the bell. There are a number of historical exhibits and the museum also operates a Fiber Arts School throughout the year. Classes are available in spinning, weaving, knitting, chair caning, felting needlework, and rug hooking. Open late May to October, Tuesdays through Saturdays.