Vermont Travel Guide
Region
Green Mountains offer skiing, hiking and autumn color; Burlington anchors Lake Champlain’s waterfront and a craft-food scene. Maple syrup production and covered bridges remain prominent in rural towns.
Why Visit Vermont #
Time a visit for late winter to taste fresh maple syrup at a working sugarhouse and try sugaring-off pancakes. Vermont producers are proud of traceable maple labels; book a small tour or farm‑stay to see sap collection and boiling rather than buying syrup blind from a supermarket.
Route 100 and the backroads from Stowe to Manchester reward leaf-peepers who like small-town charm and craft food stops. Pick a weekday for less traffic, and stop at roadside stands for cider donuts and locally made cheeses - foliage looks best if you combine it with good food.
The Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury remains an entertaining pit stop: quirky flavor history, scoops, and a short tour. It’s touristy but worth it if you enjoy ice cream and want a lighthearted break between hikes or scenic drives.
Wooden covered bridges and villages like Woodstock and Quechee feel authentically New England - they’re not just photo props. Walk across a bridge, visit a local café, and pair the scenery with nearby hiking trails to avoid purely tourist-focused stops.
Stowe and Killington offer reliable skiing and welcoming mountain lodges; Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe adds an Austrian-influenced vibe. Winter here mixes serious terrain with cozy après-ski - plan for a day on the slopes and a night by the fire.
Who's Vermont For?
Stowe and Burlington offer cozy inns, ski slopes, and Lake Champlain sunsets - perfect for romantic getaways. Fall foliage turns every drive scenic and intimate.
Ben & Jerry’s factory tours, Smugglers’ Notch family ski area, and easy lakeside activities make Vermont very family-friendly. Outdoor education centers are plentiful.
The Long Trail runs the Green Mountains and rewards multi-day hikers with rustic shelters. Hostels are modest; expect backcountry solitude rather than party hostels.
Burlington has reliable broadband, cafes, and coworking, though rural towns are slower. Vermont’s quality-of-life and small-town charm attract remote workers seeking calm.
Maple syrup, artisanal cheddars, and farm-to-table restaurants dominate, with strong microbrew and cidery scenes. Local farmers’ markets are excellent for seasonal produce.
Skiing at Stowe, rock climbing in places like Smugglers’ Notch, and trail running in the Greens offer top-notch New England adventure. Winter conditions are reliably snowy.
Vermont’s nights are low-key outside college towns like Burlington; expect craft beer bars and live folk/indie shows rather than sprawling clubs. Apres-ski warmth fuels winter nights.
Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, and endless forest trails make Vermont a paradise for foliage, birding, and quiet lakeside retreats. Seasonal color is a major draw.
Best Places to Visit in Vermont
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Where to Go in Vermont #
Burlington & Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain’s blue water and island views make Burlington the state’s lively waterfront hub. Stroll pedestrian streets, sample local cheeses and brews, or catch a ferry to the islands for biking and beaches. The lake shapes daily life here, with sunsets over the water and a friendly, outdoors-oriented culture.
Top Spots
- Burlington - Waterfront, farmers’ markets, and craft beer.
- Shelburne - Museum and historic waterfront estates.
- St. Albans - Rural markets and lake access.
Green Mountains
Dense forests, long ridgelines, and world-class ski resorts define Vermont’s mountain heart. Hike the Appalachian Trail, rip down groomed runs in winter, or follow scenic byways through covered bridges and maple forests. The Green Mountains reward every season with hiking, skiing, and farm-to-table dining tucked into mountain towns.
Top Spots
- Stowe - Ski slopes, mountain trails, and village charm.
- Killington - One of the region’s largest ski resorts and festivals.
- Mad River Valley - Backcountry trails and local farms.
Southern Vermont
Rolling hills, small-town culture, and farm country characterize the state’s south. Antiques, outlet shopping, and historic sites mix with a surprisingly vibrant arts scene in towns like Brattleboro. Travelers interested in relaxed shopping, galleries, and covered-bridge tours will find gentle roads and welcoming inns.
Top Spots
- Manchester - Outlet shopping and historic homes.
- Bennington - Revolutionary War sites and local museums.
- Brattleboro - Artsy downtown and food co-ops.
Northeast Kingdom
This remoter corner of Vermont is prized for its lakes, forests, and small-scale farms. Outdoor recreation dominates: paddle lakes, ski uncrowded trails, and discover isolated inns and farmstands. The Northeast Kingdom rewards those seeking solitude, clear night skies, and uncrowded natural beauty.
Top Spots
- St. Johnsbury - Railroad history and local galleries.
- Newport - Lake Memphremagog access and border-town flavor.
- Craftsbury - Cross-country skiing and quiet lakes.
Top Things to Do in Vermont
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Planning Your Trip to Vermont #
Weekend Vermont Itinerary
Drive Vermont's Green Mountains from Burlington to Stowe, then south through Woodstock, Manchester, and the Mad River Valley, sampling covered bridges, maple farms, and mountain hiking.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Burlington; Church Street Marketplace and waterfront.
- Day 2-3 - Drive to Stowe; gondola ride and short hikes at Smugglers' Notch.
1 Week Vermont Itinerary
Drive Vermont's Green Mountains from Burlington to Stowe, then south through Woodstock, Manchester, and the Mad River Valley, sampling covered bridges, maple farms, and mountain hiking.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Burlington; Church Street and waterfront park.
- Day 2 - Drive to Stowe; Mountain Road and hiking options.
- Day 3 - Visit Waterbury and Ben & Jerry's, then head to Montpelier.
- Day 4 - Explore Montpelier and local museums; drive toward Woodstock.
- Day 5 - Woodstock: covered bridges, Billings Farm, and Quechee Gorge.
- Day 6 - Drive to Manchester; Hildene and shopping.
- Day 7 - Return to Burlington via the Mad River Valley and depart.
2 Weeks Vermont Itinerary
Drive Vermont's Green Mountains from Burlington to Stowe, then south through Woodstock, Manchester, and the Mad River Valley, sampling covered bridges, maple farms, and mountain hiking.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Burlington; Church Street and waterfront park.
- Day 2 - Drive north to Northeast Kingdom; St. Johnsbury and Burke.
- Day 3 - Continue to Newport and Lake Memphremagog shoreline.
- Day 4 - Return southwest to Stowe; Smugglers' Notch hiking.
- Day 5 - Waterbury for Ben & Jerry's and Cold Hollow Cider Mill.
- Day 6 - Montpelier and nearby state parks exploration.
- Day 7 - Woodstock, Billings Farm, and Quechee Gorge visit.
- Day 8 - Manchester and Hildene estate touring.
- Day 9 - Green Mountain National Forest hikes and scenic drives.
- Day 10 - Explore small towns: Weston and Grafton for craft shops.
- Day 11 - Mad River Valley bike or gentle hiking day.
- Day 12 - Lake Champlain shoreline, ferries, and islands exploration.
- Day 13 - Relax at local farms and sample maple products.
- Day 14 - Return to Burlington and depart.
Getting to & Around Vermont #
Fly into Burlington International (BTV) or arrive by Amtrak’s Vermonter/Ethan Allen Express at stations such as Brattleboro, White River Junction or Rutland. I‑89 and I‑91 are the main interstates; Burlington is about a 3-3.5 hour drive north of Boston.
Vermont’s Green Mountains and narrow, winding roads make driving more challenging than in flatter New England states; winter conditions and seasonal closures on higher passes are common. Rail service provides useful corridors but is limited compared with road travel for reaching rural destinations.
- Domestic Flights - Burlington International Airport (BTV) is the main gateway for flights; Albany (NY) and Manchester (NH) airports are also used by some visitors for lower fares. Seasonal service at smaller airports can change, so book early in winter.
- Trains - Amtrak’s Vermonter and the Ethan Allen Express provide key north-south and west-east rail links into Vermont with stops at Brattleboro, White River Junction, and Rutland respectively.
- Rental Car - The Green Mountains create narrow, winding roads - a car is essential to reach trailheads, small towns and covered bridges, and winter tires or chains are often needed in snow.
- Ferries - On Lake Champlain seasonal ferries and crossings (including services by the Lake Champlain Transportation Company) connect Vermont to New York and provide scenic short routes between lakeside towns.
Where to Stay in Vermont #
Vermont is known for its inns and B&Bs, ski lodges, and farm stays; lodging is concentrated around Burlington, Stowe, and ski areas. Summer and fall are peak seasons-book early for foliage and winter for ski-weekend stays.
Woodstock, Stowe and Shelburne: classic New England inns and B&Bs in village centers, ideal for foliage season and weekend escapes with local breakfasts included.
Stowe, Killington and Jay Peak: mountain lodges and private cabins that cater to skiers and outdoor adventurers; prices spike during school holidays and peak ski weeks.
Northern and central Vermont farms: working farm stays offering simple rooms, seasonal activities and proximity to farmers’ markets-great for families and slow-travelers.
Green Mountain National Forest and state parks: tent sites, cabins and luxury glamping pods close to trails and lakes; reserve for peak fall foliage weekends.
Burlington waterfront and lake Champlain towns: lakeside cottages and country houses suitable for longer stays and groups seeking privacy outside village centers.