Vermont, known for its picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and natural beauty, is a destination that offers something for everyone. From scenic drives to outdoor activities, and from historic sites to cultural attractions, Vermont is a state that begs to be explored.
Google Maps showing the location of the state of Vermont
1. Burlington
Description: Burlington, Vermont’s largest city, is situated on the shores of Lake Champlain. It’s famous for being the hometown of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and offers a vibrant cultural scene.
How to get there: Burlington is accessible by car, train, or plane. The Burlington International Airport receives flights from major US cities, while Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express and Vermonter trains serve the city.
Relevant information: Burlington’s Church Street is a pedestrian mall lined with boutiques, restaurants, and street performers. Waterfront Park offers an outdoor sculpture garden and stunning views of Lake Champlain.
What to do:
- Visit Ben & Jerry’s factory tour in nearby Waterbury
- Explore Church Street’s shops and eateries
- Stroll along the Burlington Bike Path and enjoy lake views
- Transportation: Walking, biking, or taking a taxi/ride-share are convenient ways to get around Burlington
Burlington’s vibrant cultural scene is also reflected in its numerous art galleries, museums, and performance venues. The Church Street marketplace is often filled with live music and street performers, adding to the city’s lively atmosphere. Visitors can explore the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts a variety of performances, including music, dance, and theater. The city’s proximity to Lake Champlain also makes it an ideal spot for water activities, such as sailing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. In the evening, the waterfront area comes alive with restaurants and bars offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Additionally, Burlington’s local farmers’ market, held weekly during the warmer months, showcases the region’s fresh produce, artisanal goods, and street food, giving visitors a taste of the local culture and community.
2. Montpelier
Description: Montpelier, the smallest state capital in the US, boasts a rich history and cultural attractions.
How to get there: Montpelier is accessible by car or bus, with regular services from nearby cities.
Relevant information: The Vermont State House, a gold-domed Greek Revival building, is a must-visit attraction.
What to do:
- Take a guided tour of the Vermont State House
- Visit the Vermont History Museum
- Explore Hubbard Park’s observation tower for panoramic views
- Transportation: Walking or driving are the best ways to explore Montpelier
Montpelier’s historic charm is further enhanced by its quaint downtown area, featuring unique shops, galleries, and eateries. The city’s cultural scene is also enriched by the Vermont State House’s iconic gold dome, which is a prominent landmark and a symbol of the state’s rich history. Visitors can enjoy the nearby Vermont History Museum’s exhibits, which showcase the state’s history, from its early inhabitants to its industrial and cultural development. Hubbard Park’s observation tower offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers. Additionally, Montpelier’s community events and festivals, such as the Montpelier Farmers Market, provide a glimpse into the city’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.
3. Woodstock
Description: Woodstock is a charming town with a rich history, picturesque landscapes, and upscale attractions.
How to get there: Woodstock is accessible by car, with regular services from nearby cities like Burlington and Montpelier.
Relevant information: The Norman Williams Public Library and Billings Farm & Museum are notable attractions.
What to do:
- Visit the Woodstock Inn & Resort for a luxurious stay
- Explore Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park’s trails
- Take a dip in the Ottauquechee River
- Transportation: Driving or biking are the best ways to explore Woodstock
Woodstock’s quintessential New England charm is reflected in its well-preserved historic architecture, boutique shops, and art galleries. The Norman Williams Public Library, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture, offers a peaceful retreat for book lovers. Billings Farm & Museum provides a glimpse into the region’s agricultural heritage, with working farm animals, exhibits, and scenic trails. Visitors can also explore the nearby Quechee State Park, featuring a picturesque gorge and waterfall. The Woodstock Village Green is another popular spot, hosting community events and offering a tranquil atmosphere. For those seeking luxury, the Woodstock Inn & Resort offers upscale amenities, fine dining, and exceptional service, making it an ideal base for exploring the town and surrounding countryside.
4. Stowe
Description: Stowe is a classic New England town surrounded by natural beauty, offering outdoor activities and cultural attractions.
How to get there: Stowe is accessible by car, with regular services from nearby cities like Burlington.
Relevant information: Stowe is famous for its skiing, both alpine and Nordic.
What to do:
- Hit the slopes at Stowe Mountain Resort
- Explore the Stowe Recreation Path
- Visit the Vermont Ski History Museum
- Transportation: Driving or taking a shuttle service are convenient ways to get around Stowe
Stowe’s mountainous landscape offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, from world-class skiing to scenic hiking trails. In the winter, Stowe Mountain Resort is a haven for skiers and snowboarders, with its varied terrain and stunning views. During the warmer months, the Stowe Recreation Path provides a scenic route for walkers, joggers, and cyclists to enjoy the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also explore the Trapp Family Lodge, made famous by the von Trapp family of “The Sound of Music,” which offers Austrian-inspired cuisine and beautiful gardens. Stowe’s charming downtown area features unique shops, restaurants, and galleries, showcasing local artisans and craftspeople. For those interested in history, the Vermont Ski Museum offers a fascinating look at the sport’s development in the state.
5. Lake Willoughby
Description: Lake Willoughby is a stunning glacial lake in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, offering outdoor activities and breathtaking views.
How to get there: Lake Willoughby is accessible by car, with scenic drives offering stunning views.
Relevant information: The lake is a National Natural Landmark, with public beaches and opportunities for swimming and fishing.
What to do:
- Swim or kayak in the lake
- Hike to the top of Mount Pisgah or Mount Hor for panoramic views
- Transportation: Driving or biking are the best ways to explore the area
The surrounding mountains and forests of Lake Willoughby provide ample opportunities for outdoor adventure, including hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. The lake’s crystal-clear waters are home to a variety of fish species, making it a popular spot for fishing. Visitors can also enjoy scenic boat tours or rent kayaks and canoes to explore the lake’s tranquil waters. The nearby Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with trails suitable for hikers of all skill levels. In the winter, the area transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, perfect for snowshoeing, ice fishing, and other winter sports. The picturesque villages and towns surrounding the lake offer charming accommodations, local eateries, and unique shops, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation.
6. Quechee Gorge
Description: Quechee Gorge is a picturesque gorge with stunning views, outdoor activities, and historic attractions.
How to get there: Quechee Gorge is accessible by car, with regular services from nearby cities like Woodstock.
Relevant information: The gorge is 165 feet deep and offers whitewater rafting, hiking, and scenic views.
What to do:
- Take a hike down to the gorge’s bottom
- Go whitewater rafting or kayaking
- Visit the historic Quechee Gorge Bridge
- Transportation: Driving or biking are convenient ways to explore the area
The Quechee Gorge area offers a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Visitors can take in the stunning views from the top of the gorge or hike down to the bottom for a closer look at the rushing waters. For thrill-seekers, whitewater rafting and kayaking provide an adrenaline-packed experience. The historic Quechee Gorge Bridge, a steel arch bridge built in 1911, offers panoramic views of the gorge and surrounding countryside. Nearby, the Quechee State Park provides picnic areas, hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing and birdwatching. The charming village of Quechee, with its historic homes and quaint shops, is also worth exploring. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine, including maple syrup and farm-to-table produce, at one of the area’s many restaurants or cafes.
7. Shelburne
Description: Shelburne is a charming town with a rich history, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities.
How to get there: Shelburne is accessible by car, with regular services from nearby cities like Burlington.
Relevant information: The Shelburne Museum and Shelburne Farms are notable attractions.
What to do:
- Visit the Shelburne Museum, featuring over 39 historic buildings and 25 acres of gardens
- Explore Shelburne Farms, a National Historic Landmark with stunning views of Lake Champlain
- Take a stroll along the Shelburne shoreline and enjoy the lake views
- Transportation: Driving or biking are convenient ways to explore Shelburne
The Shelburne Museum’s unique collection showcases American art and culture, with works by renowned artists such as Folk Art, Impressionist, and Americana. Visitors can explore the museum’s historic buildings, which include a lighthouse, a steamboat, and a railroad station, each filled with artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of American life. Shelburne Farms, on the other hand, offers a glimpse into Vermont’s agricultural heritage, with its working farm, beautiful gardens, and stunning views of Lake Champlain. The farm’s trails are perfect for hiking, cross-country skiing, or simply taking a leisurely walk while enjoying the scenery. Shelburne’s scenic shoreline is also ideal for picnics, birdwatching, or simply taking in the tranquil atmosphere of the lake. With its rich history, cultural attractions, and natural beauty, Shelburne is a must-visit destination in Vermont.
8. Smugglers’ Notch State Park
Description: Smugglers’ Notch State Park is a scenic park with stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and historic significance.
How to get there: Smugglers’ Notch State Park is accessible by car, with regular services from nearby cities like Stowe.
Relevant information: The park’s narrow pass was once used by smugglers during the War of 1812.
What to do:
- Hike the Hellbrook Trail or Notch Trail for stunning views
- Explore the park’s scenic drives and picnic areas
- Visit the Smugglers’ Notch State Park Visitor Center
- Transportation: Driving is the best way to explore the park
The park’s unique geology and diverse wildlife make it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The Hellbrook Trail and Notch Trail offer challenging hikes with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can also explore the park’s scenic drives, which wind through the mountains and offer stunning vistas. The park’s picnic areas provide a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. For those interested in history, the Smugglers’ Notch State Park Visitor Center offers exhibits and information about the park’s rich history, including its use as a smuggling route during the War of 1812. In the winter, the park offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities, while in the summer, visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, and exploring the park’s natural wonders.
9. Lake Champlain
Description: Lake Champlain is a stunning lake that forms part of the border between Vermont and New York.
How to get there: Lake Champlain is accessible by car, with scenic drives offering stunning views.
Relevant information: The lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.
What to do:
- Take a scenic drive along the lake’s shoreline
- Go boating or kayaking on the lake
- Visit the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
- Transportation: Driving or biking are convenient ways to explore the area
The Lake Champlain shoreline offers breathtaking views, charming towns, and historic sites. Visitors can enjoy water activities like sailing, fishing, and kayaking, or simply relax on the beach. The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum showcases the lake’s rich maritime history, with exhibits on shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the role of the lake in the War of 1812. The surrounding Adirondack and Green Mountains provide ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and skiing. Visitors can also explore the lake’s many islands, such as Grand Isle and Valcour Island, which offer scenic hiking trails and historic sites. With its stunning natural beauty and rich history, Lake Champlain is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
10. Killington Peak
Description: Killington Peak is the second-highest peak in Vermont, offering stunning views and outdoor activities.
How to get there: Killington Peak is accessible by car, with regular services from nearby cities like Rutland.
Relevant information: The peak offers panoramic views of the Green Mountains.
What to do:
- Hike to the summit for stunning views
- Ski or snowboard at Killington Resort
- Explore the Killington area’s scenic drives and trails
- Transportation: Driving or taking a shuttle service are convenient ways to explore the area
The hike to Killington Peak’s summit is a challenging but rewarding experience, with breathtaking views of the surrounding Green Mountains. On a clear day, hikers can see as far as Montreal and the Adirondacks. In the winter, Killington Resort is a world-class ski destination, with over 155 trails and 21 lifts. Visitors can also enjoy snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing. During the summer months, the resort offers scenic gondola rides, mountain biking, and hiking trails. The Killington area’s scenic drives offer stunning views of the mountains and valleys, and the nearby town of Killington has a variety of shops, restaurants, and accommodations. With its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, Killington Peak is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
In summary
Vermont’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a relaxing getaway. From the scenic shores of Lake Champlain to the snow-capped peaks of the Green Mountains, Vermont’s natural beauty is stunning. Visitors can explore charming towns like Woodstock and Shelburne, experience the state’s famous fall foliage, and enjoy world-class skiing and hiking opportunities. With its unique blend of rural charm and cultural attractions, Vermont is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.