The state of Vermont begs to be captured on camera. The state resembles a giant picture postcard, with picturesque landscapes, old buildings, and some of the most charming towns in the country at every turn. As the leaves change into their lovely colors, fall is a treat.
Skiing and other snow sports are fantastic in the winter. Numerous festivals and outdoor pursuits, including camping and hiking, are available throughout the spring and summer. Indeed, Vermont has it all. Here are some of Vermont’s top tourist destinations:
Your initial association with the word “Woodstock” undoubtedly involves the well-known music event. You’d be in the incorrect state. Woodstock in Vermont is not at all like a rock concert.
A peaceful village which has been called “quaint meets enchanting”. There is a plaque to show that this picture-postcard community is one of the loveliest tiny communities in America.
It’s a spot where you may travel across a charming red covered bridge, go to a sugar maple farm, hike in the nearby mountains, take in the fresh air, and shop at distinctive boutiques and galleries.
With its magnificent wooden bridge, pretty parks, vintage farms, village green, and immaculately preserved Greek Revival, Federal, and Georgian homes, Woodstock, which is located on the Ottauquechee River’s banks, emits a lot of New England charm.
Although it is lovely all year round, the autumn is when the leaves change and become really spectacular.
Enjoy unwinding and having a leisurely stroll through the streets while admiring the gorgeous houses and other buildings that appear to have changed little over the past century or so. Try the cheese and maple syrup at Sugarbush Farm while you’re here; it’s a must-do.
The Grand Canyon of Vermont is Quechee Gorge. Despite being smaller than its neighbour in the far West, it nonetheless offers some lovely views. It is the deepest gorge throughout the Green Mountain state, measuring 165 feet deep.
Glacial activity created the gorge 13,000 years ago. At its base, the Ottauquechee River offers thrilling whitewater rafting. Less courageous tourists can take a stroll to the 30-foot-tall Mill Pond Falls.
The banks are connected by the famed Quechee Gorge Bridge. It was built in 1911 and is the oldest known steel arch bridge in Vermont.
Manchester benefits from a number of factors. It is an old town that serves as a wonderful starting point for exploring the Green Mountains. There is a tonne of shopping there, with outlet malls that draw tourists from Connecticut and New York.
The town, which bears the name of an English duke of Manchester, originally made headlines from 1812 and 1819 when it became the scene of what is still considered to be the nation’s first wrongful murder conviction.
Manchester features three historic districts: the Depot district, Bonnet and Main streets, unlike the majority of historic towns in Vermont, which only have one.
New Yorkers and residents of New England who want to escape the turmoil of the city frequently visit Manchester. It gives the option to participate in a variety of sports, including hiking and skiing, and caters to shopping with its well-known factory outlets.
In addition to its stunning environment and historic appeal, the hamlet boasts a bustling cultural scene with art, museums, theater productions, and concerts.
There are several eateries and cafes offering artisanal cuisine, as well as the possibility to see some historic buildings and the occasional craft fair.
Don’t miss a visit to Robert Todd Lincoln’s Ancestral Home, the 1905 Georgian Revival holiday residence with a formal garden where, in mid-June, upwards of 1,000 original peony blossoms from plantings flood the area with vibrant colors.
The unenviable reputation as the least densely populated capital throughout the United States belongs to Montpelier. At least it is during the night; during the day, as individuals arrive to labor for the state government, the population triples.
In recognition of France’s contributions to the American Revolution, the city was given the name of a French city. The most popular activity in Montpelier is seeing the State House, however if you have a sweet craving, you should go to a maple syrup or sugar factory.
Visit the statue of Vermont’s founding father and Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen. The smallest state capitol in the nation is Montpelier.
It gives the charm and personality of a little town, in contrast to most capital cities, and has a thriving cultural scene that has something to offer almost everyone, whether they are history buffs, art lovers, or outdoor enthusiasts.
Although it has the smallest capital, the state’s greatest urban historic district is located there. It is home to beautiful historic structures including the immaculately maintained State House, which is regarded as one of the best preserved in the country.
The T.W. Wood Arts Center, Hubbard Park, and the Vermont Historical Museum are other attractions.
Unsurprisingly, the city boasts a fantastic food scene with a large number of independently owned restaurants and cafes since it also houses the New England Cuisine Institute.
7 miles south from Burlington, the main city in Vermont, sits the tranquil village of Shelburne. It was established in 1763 and given the name William Petty after the British prime minister and lord of Shelburne.
It has a long history of agriculture, and many farms, notably vineyards, are accessible to the general public. However, one aimed at keeping your kids happy may be its most popular draw.
One of Vermont’s most well-known attractions, the renowned Vermont Teddy Bear Corporation is open for visitors and has been producing adorable, fluffy teddy bears since 1981. Shelburne is situated on the shore of Lake Champlain if you want the water.
Skiing is an adventurous sport, so you might want to try the slopes at Vermont’s second-highest peak, Killington Resort. It is referred to as the “beast of the East” since it has New England’s biggest vertical drop.
The biggest ski resort in the east is Killington, which first opened in 1958. Although Killington Peak seems to be the resort’s main ski area, skiing is available on six different mountains.
Skiers of all skill levels can use the 155 trails and 20 lifts to travel up the mountains. Ramps and jumps are included on a handful of the trails.
One of New England’s loveliest towns, Grafton, acquired its name in an unusual manner. The winning bidder chose to rename it Grafton after his hometown of Grafton, Massachusetts, for $5 and some rum. It was originally known as Thomlinson.
Grafton now resembles what it would have appeared like a century or more ago thanks to the restoration of its historic homes and structures to their former splendor.
The Grafton Inn, a hotel that has been in business since 1801, is a must-see. The famous White Church, constructed in 1858, keeps watch over the community.
The amazing Champlain Islands are among the best spots to go in Vermont when the great outdoors calls. The archipelago of islands in Lake Champlain, which divides Vermont and New York, may be 30 miles long overall.
They offer a few of the most picturesque roads in Vermont, a region noted for its scenic drives, and are accessible by ferry. You can camp, explore the state’s first vineyard, or go cycling on the lovely Island Line Trail during the summer.
In the winter, ice fishing is an option. The best part is that since the biggest town in the group has a population of only 2,000, you won’t need to be concerned about bumping into many other people.
With Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest point at 4,393 ft. above sea level, many of the area’s activities revolve around the lovely town of Stowe, which has long become a popular ski location for individuals from the Northeast. But it provides much more than spotless powder.
Numerous kilometers of hiking paths are available to visitors throughout the warmer seasons, but autumn brings some of the most breathtaking vistas because as the trees change color, the landscape becomes a beautiful mosaic of reds and yellows.
Additionally, it’s a great place to purchase delicious Vermont-made goods like maple syrup or cider doughnuts. All year long, Stowe offers guests much to do.
In addition to festivals and art events in the summer, there are ski resorts and other snow sports throughout the winter as well. The largest is the British Invasion in September, when fields are overrun with vehicles of all types and made from the United Kingdom.
If you’re a fan of The Sound of Music, you must visit Stowe. After fleeing Austria in World War II, the von Trapp family decided to relocate there and ran a ski resort.
The amazing Vermont Mozart Festival took place on the meadow of the resort. On the nearby trails, you may go hiking and mountain biking.
Accept it. You can’t get enough of ice cream, particularly when it comes from Ben & Jerry’s. Although Burlington is famed for many things, its sinfully wonderful ice cream is probably what makes it most well-known.
There are numerous water sports available in the town, which is situated on the lake’s shores. A number of festivals are held all year round at the Church Street Marketplace, a four-block pedestrian mall.
They include anything from beer and gigantic pumpkins to art. Additionally, it houses one of Vermont’s biggest year-round farmers markets. There are numerous benefits to visiting Burlington.
Few activities beat actually being on the water for relaxation, but simply taking in the scenery at Waterfront Park seems to be a terrific way to unwind.
Sunsets here are magnificent; as the sun goes down over the Adirondack Mountains, everything turns pink and purple. The Music Festival, Brewers Fest, and Art Hop are just a few of the summertime festivals that take place almost every weekend.
The Saturday farmers’ market is also a fantastic spot to buy locally grown food and stop for lunch. With its comparatively large number of breweries, like Infinity and Switchback, beer fans will particularly enjoy this town.
Brattleboro, one of New England’s most scenic communities, is renowned for both its outstanding farmers’ market and its counterculture philosophy. It takes pride in being unique, and when it pertains to its name.
Brattleboro is the only place in the world with that name. The Crystal Springs Bridge, a charming covered wooden bridge which is the only surviving specimen of its kind in the area, is also located there.
Visitors will discover a variety of dining and shopping options, as well as excellent local theater, musical performances, and the well-known Brattleboro Museum and Art Center, which features works by local and worldwide artists.
The ancient community of Waitsfield, located in the Mad River Valley between two mountain resorts, is a well-liked weekend getaway destination in Vermont.
Horse riding at the Vermont Horse Farm is only one of the numerous outdoor activities available in the area, which has breathtaking scenery. This area is a skier’s paradise in the winter, and Outside Magazine named Waitsfield the greatest ski resort in the East.
The opportunity to lodge at the beautiful Liberty Hill Farm is among the best reasons for visiting Rochester.
With its large white farmhouse, several Holstein cows, and other amiable farm animals, coupled with the traditional red barn with a hayloft, it offers a distinctive farm holiday that appears to have been plucked from a children’s book.
The variety of farm activities available to visitors includes picking blackberries, milking cows, gathering eggs, and selecting apples inside the orchard.
Visitors can enjoy cooling down by floating down White River in the summer, and during the winter, hit the Sugarbush slopes.
Despite its stunning mountains, one of Vermont’s most well-liked tourist destinations is indoors.
The factory, which began as a one-man business with a man peddling stuffed toys at a farmer’s market, has grown into a massive complex with multiple levels and produces upwards of 500,000 stuffed creatures annually.
They stand out since each bear is individually created for the customer, resulting in a wide range of bears. They are delivered in boxes with “breathing holes” that preserve the mystique, adding to their allure.
Make a factory tour reservation if you want to experience the enchantment for yourself. You can see the bears being created, modified, fixed, or put together from the start. As a special memento, you can even make your own.
A visit to the famous Teddy Bear Factory is something that everyone, whether they are a parent of young children or just a kid at heart, will enjoy. All ages will enjoy the warm and fluffy tourism experience.
If you go to Vermont, you must visit this stunning location. It has more than 80 establishments, ranging from nail salons to hat shops, and it occupies four entire blocks in Burlington. At the market, something is always happening.
There will be festivals and culinary sampling events, as well as art exhibits and live street music. Additionally, there are all of the stores, cafes, bistros, and vendor booths that one would anticipate from a busy shopping area.
Are you famished? Pick up some gelato at a food truck. What about history? Wander through old districts filled with residences built in the colonial style.
Are you trying to find something different to do? Spend the afternoon playing Space Invaders in a retro arcade or looking through ancient records at an antique music store.
Ben and Jerry’s is a popular brand. However, have you ever considered where Chunky Monkey really originates? Vermont’s Waterbury is the location.
It is the site of the original Ben & Jerry’s factory, which is still in use today. Visitors can go on tours, try different flavors, and shop for delicacies and trinkets other than ice cream cones.
The “Flavor Graveyard,” a ridiculously detailed graveyard with headstones displaying the names of flavors that have been phased out of production, is one of the lesser-known attractions.
A visit to Ben and Jerry’s Factory Tour & Ice Cream Shop is enjoyable even if you’re not an ice cream fan. The cold sweets are merely a perk; it’s a real piece of history, particularly Vermont history.
The popular Billings Farm and Museum, which is situated near Woodstock, Vermont, is one of the state’s top tourist destinations.
It’s a “living history” museum where visitors may participate in interactive tours and exhibitions of colonial society, but it’s also a place where visitors can partake in interesting and unusual activities like hand-churning butter or stroking a dairy cow and barnyard goat.
The spacious, open agricultural space’s appeal from the 18th century should appeal to visitors of all ages. It doesn’t seem at all like a museum.
Children that are brought along won’t even be aware that they are learning something new as they stroll through the fields and smile at the sheep, hens, and draught horses.
A magnificent collection of items and antiques that depict life in early Vermont can be found inside the barn. There is something for every history enthusiast, from pictures to tales from the oral tradition.
If you’re seeking enjoyable Vermont activities that will give you a deeper understanding of the region and the individuals who previously labored its lands, think about going to Billings Farm and Museum.
Pull up a seat here and tuck into some northern seafood—it would be a sin to travel to the region without doing so. It is renowned for its delicious, freshly caught fish dishes, including crab cakes, scallops, salmon, and tuna.
Most menu items also have a hint of Vermont in them. For instance, mashed potatoes and Vermont cheddar cheese are presented with the rib-eye steak. Sea scallops are served with a pan-sear and a chili-maple glaze.
Dine-in guests will appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, which is characterized by hardwood furnishings and native framed art on the walls.
One of Vermont’s most intriguing tourist destinations is The Knight’s Spider Web Farm, but it’s not for the timid. The “spider web farm,” as you could have inferred from the name, is devoted to spiders.
But it’s not just a location where these ominous creatures are nurtured. They are prodded to spin beautiful webs in rectangular wooden frames, after which they are preserved in a unique form of lacquer and offered for sale as works of art.
The only facility of its type in the world is Knight’s Spider Web Farm. Along with a funny narrative and a variety of absolutely original mementos, it is also a one-man business led by an elderly man who goes by the name of “Spiderwebman.”
Hi, my name is Alex Kallen and I love to travel. Ever since I could afford the ticket, I hopped on a plane and never looked back. I’ve made a living writing travel guides and blogging my experience all over the world.
I want to encourage and inspire others to travel around the US like I am. There’s no need to go on vacation overseas when there is an amazing land of opportunity right on your doorstep. Enjoy my website, I hope to see you out here one day.
