Vermont Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit & Things to Do

Vermont is a four-season escape filled with rolling mountains, historic towns, covered bridges, and cozy charm. Whether you’re leaf-peeping in autumn, skiing in the winter, or exploring country roads in the summer, the Green Mountain State is a postcard-perfect destination. This Vermont travel guide highlights top attractions, outdoor experiences, and where to stay for the ultimate New England getaway.

Where is Vermont?

πŸ“ Location: Northeastern United States, part of New England
πŸŒ† Major Cities: Burlington, Montpelier, Stowe, Brattleboro
πŸŒ„ Bordering States: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York; shares a border with Canada
πŸ”— Visit Vermont Tourism

Best Time to Visit Vermont

🌸 Spring (April-May) – Enjoy blooming gardens, maple festivals, and hiking before the crowds.
β˜€οΈ Summer (June-August) – Great for lake activities, farmers markets, and countryside road trips.
πŸ‚ Fall (September-October) – Peak foliage season with scenic drives and seasonal events.
❄️ Winter (December-March) – Ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and cozy lodge getaways.

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Top Attractions & Destinations in Vermont

1. Stowe – A Classic Vermont Mountain Town

This alpine village is a year-round favorite, with access to skiing, hiking, and charming New England vibes.
⛷️ Best Things to Do in Stowe:
  • Ski or snowboard at Stowe Mountain Resort
  • Drive Smugglers’ Notch for stunning views
  • Explore the Trapp Family Lodge and trails
    πŸ“ Location: North-central Vermont
    πŸ”—Β Visit Stowe

2. Burlington – Lakeside Culture & College Town Vibe

Vermont’s largest city offers scenic beauty on Lake Champlain and a laid-back artsy atmosphere.
πŸŒ… Top Attractions in Burlington:
  • Stroll Church Street Marketplace
  • Visit ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
  • Bike or walk the Burlington Greenway
    πŸ“ Location: Northwestern Vermont
    πŸ”—Β Visit Burlington

3. Woodstock – Quintessential New England Charm

This picture-perfect town is known for covered bridges, historic inns, and idyllic countryside.
🏑 Best Things to Do in Woodstock:
  • Tour the Billings Farm & Museum
  • Visit the Middle Covered Bridge
  • Shop and dine around the town green
    πŸ“ Location: Central Vermont
    πŸ”—Β Visit Woodstock

4. Montpelier – America’s Smallest State Capital

A historic and walkable capital with artisan shops and access to the outdoors.
πŸ›οΈ Things to Do in Montpelier:
  • Tour the Vermont State House
  • Visit Hubbard Park and climb the tower
  • Enjoy local fare at farmers markets and co-ops
    πŸ“ Location: Central Vermont
    πŸ”—Β Visit Montpelier

5. Manchester – Shopping, Trails & Green Mountain Views

This southern gem blends outlet shopping with access to the outdoors and historic estates.
πŸ›οΈ Top Things to Do in Manchester:
  • Hike Mount Equinox or Lye Brook Falls
  • Visit Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home
  • Browse Manchester Designer Outlets
    πŸ“ Location: Southwestern Vermont
    πŸ”—Β Visit Manchester

Best Outdoor Adventures in Vermont

  • 🍁 Drive the Scenic Route 100 Byway in fall
  • πŸ₯Ύ Hike the Long Trail or Camel’s Hump
  • 🚣 Paddle Lake Champlain or the Connecticut River
  • 🎿 Ski at Killington, Sugarbush, or Jay Peak

Where to Stay in Vermont

🏨 Boutique Inns & Historic Lodges:

  • Woodstock Inn & Resort – Classic Vermont elegance
  • Hotel Vermont (Burlington) – Modern comfort with a local vibe

πŸ•οΈ Best Cabins & Campgrounds:

  • Little River State Park (Waterbury) – Lakeside camping with trails
  • Molly Stark State Park (Wilmington) – Forested cabins and hiking access

Tips for Visiting Vermont

βœ… Pack layers – weather can shift quickly, especially in the mountains
βœ… Support local farms and markets – Vermont is known for its farm-to-table scene
βœ… Book foliage-season lodging early – peak colors draw big crowds
βœ… Slow down and take the scenic routes – this state is best explored at a relaxed pace

Nearby Travel Destinations

  • New Hampshire – Explore the White Mountains and quaint small towns
  • Massachusetts – Visit the Berkshires or historic Boston
  • New York – Drive into the Adirondacks or spend time in the Hudson Valley

Final Thoughts

With its natural beauty, cultural richness, and small-town charm, Vermont is an ideal escape in any season. Whether you’re chasing fall colors, sipping maple syrup, or hiking in the Green Mountains, the state invites you to reconnect with nature and slow down.
For more New England escapes, check out our New Hampshire Travel Guide and Massachusetts Travel Guide.
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