Even though Vermont is the second least populated state in the U.S., it’s packed with so many incredible, bucket list-worthy things to do. People vacation the Green Mountain State looking for picturesque countryside, cozy small towns and stunning mountain vistas, and I’m thrilled to tell you that’s exactly what you can expect when you visit!
Whether you’re visiting for the first time and are looking for the top things to do in Vermont, or you’re a seasoned Green Mountain State traveler and are looking to make sure you’ve seen it all, this is the best list you’ll find of all the amazing things Vermont has to offer. Of course, there’s so much more than 60 things to do, but this will give you a pretty epic start 🙂
Vermont was the very first getaway my husband and I took together when we first started dating. It’s also where we honeymooned, and we’ve been back countless times since. I’ve really done and seen so much in this gorgeous state, and I’m so excited to share all the best things to do with you.
So, are you ready? Let’s start planning your next trip together!
New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Best Things To Do In Vermont
In no particular order, here are all my suggestions on the top things to add to your Vermont itinerary!
1. Tour Hildene
One amazing thing to see in Vermont that’s equal parts historic and breathtaking is Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home. Located In Manchester in the southern part of the state, this stunning estate allows visitors to tour the interior, as well as the grounds.
And what a lot of people don’t realize about Hildene is that even if you’re not a history person, it’s worth visiting just to walk around the grounds because it offers some of the best mountain views in Vermont.
Hildene is the former summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln (the son of President Lincoln), and his wife, Mary. It stayed in the Lincoln family until the 1970s, too! The interior of the estate is a perfect snapshot of history brought to life, and the grounds include beautiful gardens, mountain views and nature trails. It’s wonderful to visit year-round.
2. Visit Stowe
I love so many towns in Vermont for different reasons, but Stowe is one that I recommend a lot to first-timer’s when visiting, especially in the fall and winter seasons. Not only is the actual town picture-perfect with covered bridges and quaint boutiques, but it’s also home to world-class foliage, stunning mountain vistas and incredible ski resorts.
Some of the top things to do in Stowe include taking the gondola up to Vermont’s highest mountain summit (Mount Mansfield), walking down Main Street to visit the shops, browsing Stowe Mercantile and strolling down the Recreation Path. But there are so many more things to do, so be sure to click the link below to check out my post on Stowe!
Click here to check out my post on the best things to do in Stowe!
3. Stroll Around Manchester
Home to Hildene, and so much more, Manchester is a wonderful town to explore in southern Vermont. With a charming downtown that has a great mix of independent shops and retail outlet chains, awesome restaurants, hiking, great hotels and resorts and waterfalls, this is one you’ll want to add to your Vermont bucket list.
One of the best shops to check out in Manchester is Northshire, which is an awesome book and gift shop with really cool finds. Lye Brook Falls, hiking up Mount Equinox and touring the nearby covered bridges should also be on your list.
4. Hit The Slopes At Amazing Ski Resorts
Once the winter season rolls around, it’s time to hit the slopes in Vermont! And there’s really no shortage of amazing ski resorts to check out in Vermont.
Stowe Resort, Killington, Mad River Glen, Okemo Mountain, Jay Peak and Sugarbush are the top-rated ski destinations, but you’ll find more all over that are worth your time.
Cross-country skiing is also wonderful in Vermont. In fact, Stowe is home to the first cross-country ski center in the U.S., which can be found at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe.
5. Inner Tube Down A River
Switching gears back to the summer season for a bit, let’s talk about all the fun opportunities in Vermont to float down a lazy river. All over the state, you’ll find places that rent out inner tubes, and even pick you up at the end of the river so you don’t have to find your way back to the car.
On a hot summer day, this is the perfect way to relax in the Green Mountain State!
Some awesome places to check out for river tubing in Vermont are Vermont River Tubing in Stockbridge, Vermont River Runners and Big Big on the Battenkill.
6. Take In The Views From Vermont’s Highest Peak
I mentioned earlier that one of the best things to do in Stowe is to take the Gondola up to the summit of Mount Mansfield, which is the highest peak in Vermont, and this definitely deserves its own spot on this list.
You can also hike to the top, but for anyone looking for a more relaxing excursion, the Stowe Gondola is an easy way to enjoy the mountain summit.
This is fun in the summer, but fall is the most amazing time to do this because the rolling mountains in the background dripping in fall color is just such an amazing site to see.
7. Hike As Many Mountains As You Can (Or Drive Up, I Won’t Tell 😉)
There’s a reason Vermont is nicknamed the Green Mountain State! And the Green Mountain range is only one of six. And, there are over 1,300 named mountains in Vermont, so you really have your pick of summits to explore.
Some of the mountains have auto roads that make it easy to explore the top (or, gondolas, as mentioned above!). And some, well, the only way up is to hike.
Mount Equinox and Burke Mountain are two great ones to drive up. If you’re looking for an epic hike, Camel’s Hump gets my vote. But really, you can kind of head in any direction in Vermont to find a great mountain hike for almost all levels.
8. See The Covered Bridges
One of my personal favorite things to do in Vermont is tour the covered bridges. In fact, Vermont is home to the most covered bridges per square mile than any other state in the country. There’s also over 100 of them to see during your visit. And these historic and charming structures are absolutely worth scouting out during your visit.
I’ve done so many road trips looking for covered bridges in Vermont, so I decided to create an entire post on the most perfect covered bridges driving tour for first-timer’s. This won’t take you to every covered bridge in the state, but it’ll guide you toward the best ones, and also include some of the best towns in the state to explore.
Click here to check out my post on the best Vermont covered bridges road trip!
9. And Definitely Visit Emily’s Bridge During Spooky Season!
One of the most popular covered bridges to visit in Vermont is Gold Brook Covered Bridge, but often goes by Emily’s Bridge. This one is famous for being haunted, so it makes an especially fun excursion in the fall season.
The legend goes that a young woman named Emily hung herself from the rafters of the bridge when her boyfriend didn’t show up to elope. There have been reports of cars getting scratched, and strange women’s voices when crossing the bridge. But, you’ll just have to go and see for yourself if you believe in all the stories 😉
10. Eat ALL The Cheese
Guys, the cheese scene in Vermont is no joke, and if you’re a cheese lover, this is the place to be! Because of all the rural dairy farms in the state, there are tons of places that make incredible cheese made from the best local ingredients.
A few of my favorites to check out are Sugarbush Farms in Woodstock (they also make awesome maple syrup!), Shelburne farms in Shelburne, and of course, Cabot. In fact, if you swing by Waterbury, you can visit the Cabot Farmer’s Cheese Store, where they have samples of different varieties. Most places will have samples of their cheeses, too, so come hungry and stock up on your favorites before heading home.
11. Taste The Local Maple Syrups, Too
But if there’s one food Vermont is most known for, it’s maple syrup, right? So, when you come to visit, one of the best things to do is visit all the sugar shacks and syrup farms you can! They won’t be hard to find, since Vermont produces 50% of the maple syrup in the U.S.
While you’re at it, be sure to check out all the maple flavored … well, everything! Candies, chocolates, drinks and so much more. It’s fun to get into the maple spirit on your getaway to Vermont!
12. Visit The Breweries
Vermont is home to some incredible breweries, so if you’re into craft beers, this is an excellent destination to add a few to your itinerary.
Fiddlehead, Foam Brewing and The Alchemist are all in my top list to visit in Vermont, but there are over 60 breweries throughout the state to check out!
13. Shop At The Vermont Country Store
Most people are familiar with the Vermont Country Store catalogs, but there are actually two stores you can visit while in Vermont! One is in Weston, and the other in Rockingham, and they’re both equally as fun to visit, so it just depends on which works better with your itinerary.
The stores are huge, and they sell everything you’d find in their catalogs and online including awesome apparel, Darn Tough Socks (which are made in Vermont and make for a great souvenir!), body products and skincare, candies, home decor and kid’s stuff.
14. Drive Route 100
One of the most famous drives to take in Vermont is Route 100, which runs through the middle of the entire state. Starting in Stamford in the south, and going up to Newport in the north, it will take you pretty close to the Canadian border!
And along the way, you’ll get to visit some wonderful places, including covered bridges, the Vermont Country Store in Weston, Waitsfield, Waterbury and Stowe. And it’s pretty easy to venture off Route 100 to get to some other notable places like Woodstock, Wilmington and Burlington.
Route 100 is spectacular in the fall for foliage season, but can be done year-round.
Psst! I have an entire guide on Must-See Places On A Vermont Route 100 Road Trip if you need more ideas!
15. Have A Maple Creemee
While the official Vermont state dessert is apple pie, more people probably guessed that it was the maple creemee if you’re familiar with the area. And if you’re not sure what a maple creemee is, it’s a soft-serve, maple-flavored ice cream! Since the maple syrup in Vermont is especially high quality and pure, the best maple creemees you’ll find are here in Vermont.
And these are definitely a staple in the area. Most ice cream places will have some version of the maple creemee (or just a regular creemee if maple flavor isn’t your thing!). A few great places to try one for yourself are:
- Canteen Creemee Company – Waitsfield
- Creemee Stand – Wilmington
- Woodstock Scoops – Woodstock
- Creemees Ice Cream – Burlington
- Village Creeme Stand – Bristol
16. Shop At Church Street Marketplace
Burlington is a worthy Vermont destination on its own, but one of the coolest places to check out there is Church Street Martketplace. Spanning 4 blocks long, this pedestrian-only shopping district in downtown Burlington is home to some pretty awesome shops, boutiques and eateries, making it one of the best shopping districts in the state.
Some great places to check out on Church Street Marketplace are:
- Smuggler’s Notch Distillery
- Slate
- Crow Bookshop
- Lake Champlain Chocolates
- Leunig’s Bistro & coffee stand
- Bonus tip: look for all the cool street art along the way!
17. Walk Around Woodstock
It’s going to be hard to find a more idyllic town in Vermont than Woodstock, and there’s a reason it’s one of the top-visited destinations in the entire state. Packed to the brim with charm and movie-quality moments at every turn, it’s a place that should be on everyone’s itinerary.
The great thing about Woodstock is that it’s wonderful year-round, but fall is especially perfect (of course!). There are gorgeous shops and boutiques, awesome restaurants, a town green and three covered bridges to check out. Billings Farm & Museum, and Sugarbush Farms are also just a quick drive away for a more countryside vibe.
Click here to check out my post on all the amazing things to do in Woodstock!
18. And Don’t Forget Billings Farm & Museum!
Speaking of Billings Farm & Museum, it really does deserve its own spot on the list. If you’ve never been, this is definitely something you’ll want to have on your radar during your visit.
Both a working farm and museum, this destination does an incredible job with interactive exhibits, seasonal events and offering scenic grounds to explore. Some of the best times to visit are in the spring during their Baby Animal Days celebration, fall for their Harvest Festival, and during the holidays for their Christmas & Wassail Weekend festivities.
19. Attend A Vermont Christmas Celebration
And we can’t talk about Christmas without mentioning all the magical holiday celebrations around Vermont! Since it’s such a warm and cozy destination to begin with, the holidays just add a little something extra to this winter wonderland.
A few of the best holiday celebrations around Vermont are:
- Traditional Christmas in Stowe
- Wassail Weekend in Woodstock
- A Very Merry Middlebury
- Special Christmas Decor at Hildene
- Illuminate Vermont in South Burlington
- Pro tip: don’t forget to attend a special tree lighting!
20. See The Old Round Church
Located in Richmond between Waterbury and Burlington, you’ll find the beautiful Old Round Church, which is such a wonderful scene to take in.
Built in the early 1800s as a meeting house and place of worship, not only is the architecture truly unique, but history remains preserved on the inside for an even more special experience. Some historians even claim that it’s the last remaining 19th Century, 16-sided wooden structure in the world, which is all the more reason to add this to your itinerary.
21. Sip The Local Spirits
Vermont actually has a pretty wonderful array of spirit distillers, and they’re all really fun to visit during your trip!
In fact, an award-winning gin is produced in Vermont, and you can visit to tour the facilities, or stop by for a tasting or cocktail. Caledonia Spirits makes the famed Barr Hill Gin, which has won countless awards including Gin Of The Year. This is truly an awesome stop to make during your Vermont travels, as their bar whips of some pretty mean cocktails, too.
Smuggler’s Notch Distilling, Green Mountain Distillers and Vermont Distillers are all also worthy of your time.
22. Splurge On A Weekend At A Top Vermont Resort
Vermont is home to some pretty epic resorts in New England, and if you’re looking to splurge for a special occasion, this is a great place to do it.
Here’s my list of the best resorts in Vermont that are worth your hard-earned money:
Click here to check out my list of the most incredible New England Resorts & Spas!
23. Find Your Way Through The Great Vermont Corn Maze
In the fall season, there’s not a more fun activity than making your way through the Great Vermont Corn Maze. Located in Danville, this corn maze is actually regarded as one of the best in the entire country. Spanning over 24 acres, you’ll want to budget plenty of time to find the exit because there’s a good chance you’ll get a bit lost – which is all part of the fun!
But there’s actually some more really awesome corn mazes in Vermont, so be sure to scope out a few if you visit in late summer, or in the fall.
24. Tour The Ben & Jerry’s Factory
You can’t talk about the best things to do in Vermont and not mention Ben & Jerry’s, right? This now household name for ice cream is a staple for people worldwide, and with famous flavors like Chunky Monkey, Half Baked and Phish Food, as well as celebrity collaborations, it’s one of the top names in the world when it comes to ice cream.
And it was all started right in Vermont. In fact, it began in an old gas station in Burlington, and flourished into what it is today.
When you’re in Vermont, you can stop by the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury! Tour the factory, visit the flavor graveyard to see all the discontinued flavors, and stop at their scoop and gift shops for a fun treat and cool things to bring home.
25. Visit The Shoppes At Quechee Gorge Village
Quechee is one of my favorite little towns to visit in Vermont, and one of the best places to check out here is the Quechee Gorge Village. This is where you’ll find the Quechee General Store, the Antiques Mall (which seems to go on forever!), and a few other great little shops.
You can also find the Vermont Spirits Distilling Co. tasting room here, too. This is a really fun and unique shopping destination in New England.
26. See Quechee Gorge
Near the Quechee Gorge Village, you’ll find the actual Quechee Gorge, which is most definitely worth your time. Free to visit, just grab a parking spot at the Visitor’s Center, and cross the street to the bridge over the Ottaquechee River to take in views of what’s been nicknamed “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon.”
If you feel like spending a bit more time here, you can also hike around the area to enjoy different views of the gorge along the way.
27. Get All The Chocolates You Can
Surprisingly, Vermont makes some pretty great chocolates! In fact, one of my favorite things to do in the fall and winter season is snatch up all the chocolates I can. All over the state, you can find wonderful chocolatiers that make classic treats, and also come up with original flavor profiles.
Here are some of my favorite chocolate places to check out in Vermont:
- Lake Champlain Chocolates (located in Burlington, Waterbury, and Stowe)
- NU Chocolate in Burlington
- Tavernier Chocolates in Brattleboro
- Middlebury Sweets
- Village Peddler and Chocolatorium in Arlington (a fun stop to combine with the Arlington Covered Bridge!)
- Farmhouse Chocolates in Bristol
28. Visit A Rock Quarry
Vermont is actually pretty famous for its rock quarries, and believe it or not, it’s home to the largest underground marble quarry in the world – Danby Quarry! And while you can’t tour that one, there are others you can tour or visit on your own for pretty awesome views.
A cool one to check out is Smith Quarry, which takes you to an overlook of the largest operating deep-hole granite quarry in the world (I know – who knew that would be in Vermont, right?!). And if you’re in Manchester, you can take a dip in the Dorset Marble Quarry, which is just a few minutes from downtown Manchester.
29. Stay Overnight At A Farm
One of the most fun and unique things to do in Vermont is book a stay at Fat Sheep Farm & Cabins, which is located in Windsor, and accessible to Killington and Woodstock.
During your stay at this working farm, you’ll get to enjoy your beautiful cabin, but also get a taste of what farm life is like. You can book cheese and sourdough breaking-making workshops, garden tours, participate in animal chores around the farm (like feeding sheep and goats, and collecting eggs from the chicken coops!), or you can just take a more relaxing approach by visiting with all the cute animals.
This is truly such a special experience while you’re visiting Vermont, so I encourage you to check them out!
🐑 Click here to check out rates and availability!
30. Enjoy A Full Vermont Country Breakfast
You can’t leave without trying a full Vermont country breakfast! Because farming and agriculture is such an important and plentiful industry in Vermont, so many ingredients and foods are incredibly fresh throughout the region.
During a true Vermont country breakfast experience, you’ll typically be served coffee and/or fresh juice, farm fresh eggs, pancakes, fresh breads, bacon or sausage and toasts. The experience is different everywhere you go, but the food is always delicious. Just be forewarned, you may not have room for lunch!
31. Go To The Top Of The Bennington Battle Monument
Bennington can be found in the southern part of Vermont, close to Manchester, and one of the coolest things to do in town is to go to the top of the Bennington Battle Monument. Driving into Vermont from New York, you can see the monument from quite a distance, and it actually looks a bit like the Washington Monument in D.C.
The monument is 306 feet tall, and from the top on a clear day, you can see three states in the distance. The views are especially beautiful in the fall season with foliage colors abound!
32. Have A Fall Foliage Getaway
Speaking of fall color, the number one thing everyone should plan to do in Vermont at some point is a fall foliage getaway. Vermont might be most famous for its spectacular foliage, and there’s a really good reason for that – it’s even more amazing in person than in the postcards and stock photos you see.
The entire state has gorgeous foliage at every turn, so it’s hard to not see it during a fall trip. The one thing you’ll want to do is time your trip right. Each region in Vermont turns at different times, with the northern areas turning in late September, and the mid-region peaking around Indigenous Peoples’ Weekend. Southern areas usually peak mid-October.
33. Drive Smuggler’s Notch In The Fall
One of the best drives for fall foliage in Vermont is Smugglers Notch, which is in Stowe (another reason Stowe is a must-visit!). This road that runs through Smugglers Notch State Park and is free to drive and explore. But the fall foliage here is honestly … epic.
The entire drive is lined with yellow, orange and red leaves, and because the road is full of curves and hairpin turns, it’s also very scenic.
34. Explore The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
Another amazing place to visit that can be found in Woodstock is the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. This is such a wonderful park that’s perfect for connecting with nature year-round, and is home to over 20 miles of scenic trails.
At the park, you can also take guided nature tours, go horseback riding, and stroll amongst the maple trees in the forest. This is such a beautiful place to explore, and shouldn’t be missed on your trip.
35. Bike The Burlington Greenway Bike Path
The Burlington Greenway is an awesome paved path for both bikers and pedestrians, and spans about 8 miles. A large part of it runs along Lake Champlain for beautiful views along the way, and also connects to the Local Motion Ferry, which takes you (and your bike!) to the Champlain Islands to discover even more beautiful scenery.
If you’re in the Burlington area, this is definitely one of the most fun things to do on a beautiful day in the spring, summer and fall seasons. And in the winter, you’re able to use it to cross-country ski.
36. Go On A Spooky Queen City Ghostwalk
Also while in Burlington, be sure to book a Queen City Ghostwalk tour! These tours are especially perfect in the fall season in October to coordinate with Halloween and all things spooky, and with several options available, you’re sure to find the perfect ghostly experience.
Led by Vermont-native and author Thea Lewis, tours include stories of serial killers, paranormal activity, urban legends, and local lore and history, and are packed with all kinds of information on Vermont’s past that’s sure to give you goosebumps. And because each tour is expertly researched, it’s absolutely worth your time and money.
37. Explore The Beautiful Vermont Lakes
Vermont is the only New England State that’s not bordered by ocean coastline, but it makes up for that with stunning lakes. Lake Champlain is the biggest in the state, and can be found in Burlington. There are some wonderful boat tours around Lake Champlain that offer beautiful scenery along the way.
But Vermont has over 800 lakes to explore, so this is something you’ll definitely want to add to your itinerary if you’re looking for some water views – especially in the summer. Lake Willoughby is an especially scenic one to check out, and Crystal Lake, Lake Saint Catherine and Lake Bomoseen are all also beautiful.
38. Take A Scenic Cruise Along Lake Champlain
As mentioned above, cruising around Lake Champlain is such a treat, so this is another activity that really deserves its own mention. On board the Spirit of Ethan Allen, you’ll have options for scenic narrated tours to learn more about the area, sunset cruises, and even lunch cruises.
Wondering why the ship is named after Ethan Allen? Well, stick around until later in this post to find out!
39. Visit The Champlain Islands, Too!
Mentioned earlier, you can take a ferry over to the islands along Lake Champlain for an exciting and more secluded excursion. In fact, you can actually drive directly to 4 of the islands via the causeway: South Hero, North Hero, Isle la Motte, and Grand Isle.
Lake Champlain’s islands are known for outdoor recreation, historical significance and quirky attractions, and they’re definitely worth a visit if you’re looking to explore more of Vermont’s lakes. Of course, kayaking and canoeing are one of the top things to do when visiting, and you’ll also want to swing by Hero’s Welcome general store, discover the state parks, and stroll through the charming towns on the main islands.
40. Visit Shelburne Farms
One thing I love to recommend to people when they’re visiting Vermont is to head just south or Burlington to Shelburne and visit Shelburne Farms. A working farm with over 1400 acres of beautiful land to explore, which includes pastures, woodlands, gardens and scenic nature trails, Shelburne Farms is such a treat to visit.
Once owned by the Vanderbilt family, Shelburne Farms is also a seasonal inn, so you can stay overnight on the property. Their farm-to-table restaurant is incredible, but even if you just come for a few hours to walk the grounds, it’s a memorable excursion!
41. Stay At The Trapp Family Lodge
Earlier in the post, I talked about how Vermont was home to some of the best resorts in New England and one that stands out as a unique experience is the Trapp Family Lodge, which is the home of Maria von Trapp, the author of the book that inspired the movie, The Sound Of Music. Believe it or not, Maria’s family settled in Stowe, VT where the lodge remains today!
Now, the lodge was rebuilt in the 1980s after a fire destroyed the original, but the location and the style of the lodge is the same. You’ll instantly feel transported into an Austrian-inspired heaven when you arrive.
42. Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Open year-round, but especially fun in the fall season, Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury is such a classic Vermont stop to make during your visit. Part cidery, part general store, and tons of fun, you’ll be able to grab freshly-made donuts and cider here, as well as shop from the store that has everything from candies and home decor, to local speciality foods, maple syrups and apparel.
Be sure to walk across the parking lot to their hard cider tasting room and restaurant, too!
43. Shop At The Simon Pearce Flagship Store
The flagship Simon Pearce store can be found in Quechee (yet another reason to visit this cute little town), and you’ll be totally inspired once you walk in. Known as heirloom-quality housewares and decor crafters, Simon Pearce is a quintessential Vermont and New England brand.
Downstairs, you can enjoy a free glass glowing demonstration, as well as ask the artisans questions while they work. And upstairs next to the shop, you can dine at The Mill, which is next on my list!
44. Have Lunch At One Of The Most Romantic Restaurants In The U.S.
Looking to have a romantic lunch or dinner during your trip to Vermont? You’ll want to consider booking a table at The Mill, which is inside the Simon Pearce shop in Quechee. Travel + Leisure named this as one of the most romantic restaurants in the entire country!
The restaurant overlooks the Ottauquechee River and Quechee Covered Bridge to create a lovely ambience, and of course, the food and drinks are wonderful. This is perfect for a special occasion, or just to have a lovely meal out because really, who needs an occasion to splurge, right?
45. Do A Wheel Workshop At Farmhouse Pottery
Farmhouse Pottery is now sold in boutiques all over the country, and pieces are still hand-thrown right in Vermont in their flagship store!
If you’re a fan of beautiful and simple pottery designs, you’ll want to visit Farmhouse Pottery’s shop and studio in Woodstock. Located just a few minutes outside the main village, the shop is beautifully merchandised to really let their pieces shine, and the studio is often open for you to walk in and talk to the artisans making each of the pieces.
46. Find All The Best Country Stores
I mentioned the Vermont Country Store earlier on this list, but I would be remiss to not mention that there are so many other amazing country stores throughout Vermont that are worth visiting. Most are housed in historic buildings with gorgeous, creaky hardwood floors, and shelves stocked with local foods, goods, decor and a bunch more stuff you didn’t know you needed.
Here are a few of my favorite general and country stores in Vermont:
- Stowe Mercantile in Stowe
- Original General Store in Pittsfield
- Shelburne Country Store
- Dorset Union Store in Dorset
- The Vermont Spot in Hartford
- Hogback Mountain Country Store in Marlboro
47. Visit The 100 Mile Overlook
The last country store on my list from above in Marlboro is also home to this awesome 100-Mile Overlook, which is a really fun stop to make. And, as the name so perfectly explains, on a clear day you can see 100 miles in the distance, including some of the New Hampshire peaks.
After enjoying the view, head into the Hogback Mountain shop for some ice cream and country store shopping!
48. Have A Fresh, Farm-To-Table Dinner
Vermont probably has the best farm-to-table dining scene of all the states in New England, and I’m sure that has to do with the fact that rural farming is such a prevalent lifestyle and industry in the Green Mountain State.
Most restaurants heavily rely on local ingredients for their menus, so it’s not hard to find some pretty awesome farm-to-table dining during your visit.
Here are a few amazing places to check out:
- Michael’s on the Hill in Waterbury
- Hen of the Wood in Waterbury
- Kismet in Montpelier
- Sawmill Bar & Table in West Diver
- The Crooked Ram in Manchester
- Shelburne Farms
49. Visit The Awesome Pumpkin Patches, Apple Orchards & Farm Stands
In the fall season, it doesn’t get better than visiting a pumpkin patch and farm stand selling apple cider and donuts on a crips autumn day, am I right? And I’m sure it comes as no surprise that you can find these alllllll over Vermont.
Here are some of my favorites to check out:
- The Apple Barn & Cafe in Bennington
- Mad Tom Orchards in East Dorset
- Burt’s Apple Orchard in Cabot
- Kingdom Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch in Sutton
50. Stay At A Cozy Inn
Okay, so I’ve covered why splurging on a luxury resort in Vermont is definitely worth your money, but let’s also talk about all of Vermont’s cozy inns and B&B’s. In fact, this is one of the best kinds of accommodation to book when traveling through the state because they’ll all feel like home, and offer that Vermont country breakfast I mentioned earlier.
Sometimes, inns and B&Bs in Vermont can be a bit pricey, but the good thing is, they come in all budgets. And while the pricier ones have always been worth it, the affordable ones are also quaint and cozy, just with fewer amenities.
These are few that I recommend checking out:
- Four Chimney’s in Bennington
- Green Mountain Inn in Stowe
- Jackson House Inn in Woodstock
- The Grafton Inn in Grafton
51. Eat At American Flatbread
It’s possible you’ve seen frozen American Flatbread pizzas in your local grocery store, and this awesome pizza restaurant started right in Vermont! In fact, you can dine at the original in Waitsfield, which is also a 25 acre farmstead.
They now have 11 locations throughout New England, 5 of which are in Vermont. And the quality of the food and ingredients has never faltered. This is still one of my favorite places to eat in the state. They have a laser focus on farm-fresh ingredients, and their pizzas are absolutely amazing.
Each location is also super cozy, often with fireplaces, and have really nice bars to sample local craft brews and fun cocktails. These are definitely not your average pizza joints.
52. Visit The Ethan Allen Homestead & Museum
Most people know the furniture brand Ethan Allen, but you may not know that it all began in Vermont. The company was named after a Revolutionary War hero named … you guessed it … Ethan Allen, and was founded by two brothers-in-law who bought an old sawmill in Vermont, and began to make furniture.
The war hero Ethan Allen, however, was an important part of capturing the British at Fort Ticonderoga during the Revolutionary War. He was also the first leader and commander of The Green Mountain Boys, who also played an integral role in the Battle of Bennington.
Allen settled in the Burlington, Vermont area after fighting in the Indian War, and his homestead is now an amazing museum along the Winooski River. The museum takes you back in time to what life in New England was like in the late 1700s, and kids can even try on Colonial clothing!
The museum is located within Ethan Allen Homestead Park, which has over 4 miles of scenic nature trails to explore.
53. Attend A Fall Festival
For a destination known for its stunning fall foliage, of course there will be some fun fall festivals to go with it! Vermont has some really exciting fall events to consider attending during your visit. Here are a few to check out:
- Burke Fall Foliage Festival
- Autumn on the Green – Danville (home of the Great Vermont Corn Maze!)
- HarvestFest at Stratton Mountain
- Mount Snow Oktoberfest
- Killington Harvest Faire
54. And A Winter Festival, Too!
Yep, there are some pretty awesome winter festivals in Vermont, too! This shouldn’t come as a huge surprise since the snowy season is pretty well-celebrated and enjoyed in the Green Mountain State. Here are a few really fun winter festivals in Vermont to check out:
- Stowe Winter Carnival
- Newport Winter Festival
- The Grafton Ice Bar (hosted by one of my favorite cozy inns in Vermont – The Grafton Inn!)
- Great Ice! In North Hero
- Waterbury Winterfest
55. Visit The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
One of the cutest and highest-quality stuffed animals you can get are made right here in the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory. And you can actually visit the factory in Shelburne, VT! To make a day of it, plan to visit both Shelburne Farms and the Teddy Bear Factory 🙂
At the factory campus (yes, it’s a campus), you can make your own custom bear to bring home, take a guided tour to watch the bear artisans at work, and visit the bear hospital, where you learn about how the factory fixes up your favorite friend to make them good as new.
And the outdoors is a wonderful place to hang out. Kids can even enjoy Teddy Bear Picnics on select days throughout the year.
56. Eat At The Famous Blue Benn Diner
Located in Bennington, one of the most famous diners in Vermont is the Blue Benn. Media outlets like Yankee Magazine, Thrillist and Martha Stewart have raved about it, too, and it’s become a staple in southern Vermont.
Blue Benn is open for breakfast and lunch, and is known for comfort food classics and fresh spins on healthy options (you have to try their nut burger!). Pretty much everything on the menu here is a winner, though. When you’re done, be sure to save room for either their homemade pie or homemade pudding, and thank me later 😉
57. Do The Canopy Walk At VINS Nature Center
Short for the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, VINS is home to the Canopy Walk through the forest tree tops, which is especially beautiful during foliage season (but is honestly great year-round).
The Canopy Walk is an awesome boardwalk system that’s also ADA-accessible, and sits 100 feet above the ground to allow you an immersive nature experience. Built to educate visitors on environmental sustainability, admission tickets also include access to the entire nature center and its exhibits.
58. Walk The Robert Frost Interpretive Trail
Located in Ripton, just 20 minutes outside Middlebury, you’ll find this wonderful Robert Frost Interpretive Trail. Known for his poetry that highlighted the natural beauty of the New England region, Frost actually lived off-and-on in Ripton during the last 20 years or so of his life – he even taught at Middlebury College.
He moved to Vermont to enjoy better farmland and grow apple trees, and his home can still be visited in Ripton along the trail (although, the interior remains closed to the public).
But along this easy trail that’s only about a quarter of a mile long inside the Green Mountain National Forest, you can relax and connect with nature on a path that’s lined with Frost’s poetry. It’s actually a really cool and thoughtful experience because his poems are some of the most well-known celebrations of nature. So, to read them while walking through the woods and ponds where he once lived is really quite memorable.
59. See Vermont By Train
Vermont actually has a couple of wonderful options for scenic train rides through the state, which makes this such a cool thing to consider doing during your visit!
For over 50 years, the Vermont Rail System has been taking people for rides that showcase gorgeous landscapes, and with options like a Champlain Valley Dinner ride, or Cocktails on the Rails, it’s also a really fun experience! The Vermont Rail System departs from Burlington, making it easy to work into your itinerary if visiting the Lake Champlain region.
60. Explore The State Capital
Montpelier is the capital of Vermont, and is actually a really cool city to explore. One of the reasons I enjoy visiting is because it feels kind of like a city and a small, charming town at the same time.
During your visit to Montpelier, here are a few awesome things to consider checking out:
- Stroll through Hubbard Park (especially great during fall foliage season!)
- Cocktails and tastings at Barr Hill Distillery
- Dine at Oakes & Evelyn
- Taste local maple syrup at Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
- Sip on wine at North Branch Vineyards
- Snap photos of Coburn Covered Bridge
Bonus: Visit The Vermont Beetlejuice Filming Location!
For fans of Beetlejuice, you may want to consider swinging by East Corinth to see where the famous bridge scene was filmed!
East Corinth is actually one of the most photographed destinations during fall foliage season, and is one of those idyllic rural landscapes you think of when picturing Vermont. However, one of the reasons it’s a bonus suggestion on this list is because many of the filming locations may not have as much impact when you visit as you’d hope.
Now, I still think it’s such a fun stop to make (even just to appreciate the scenery if you’re not into the movie!), but there’s a few things to note about the filming locations.
The iconic bridge that Barbara and Adam crash through is there, but it’s not a cute little red covered bridge as shown in the movie. They turned into into a covered bridge for the movie, and tore it down once filming wrapped. Same goes for the iconic house. You can visit the hill it was built on, but since the house was made just for the movie, it was also torn down after filming.
But you can see Mason Hall, which was Lydia’s school in the movie! And if you pay attention to the movie before you visit, you’ll be able to see how shots of the town overall were used as B-roll.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Vermont?
While Vermont is beautiful year-round, I think fall and winter are the best times to visit. This is also when hotel accommodations will fill up the fastest, and be the most expensive. But, it’s definitely worth it. Fall in Vermont is famous around the world for a reason!
And, of course, the ski resorts in winter are hard to beat, and they’re some of the best in the entire country.
Psst! I have an entire guide on the best time to visit Vermont, if you’re looking for more information 😉
How Many Days Do You Need In Vermont?
Vermont is so small that you can easily take a day trip, plan a weekend getaway, or even explore for a week or more. It’s entirely up to you! I would say a good sweet spot is a long weekend (3-4 days), which will allow you time to see the best small towns, and some of the top attractions, while also slowing down enough to really enjoy it.
What Is Vermont Known For?
Vermont is famous for several things, including:
- Maple syrup
- Ben & Jerry’s
- The Green Mountains
- Fall foliage
- Postcard-worthy countryside landscapes
- Simon Pearce
More Of My Vermont Travel Guides:
- Vermont In The Fall
- Vermont In The Winter
- Vermont In The Spring
- All The Best Things To Do In Vermont
- Fun Things To Do In Waterbury, VT
- Best Places To Stay In Vermont In The Fall
- Best Vermont Pumpkin Patches & Farm Stands To Visit In The Fall
- Christmas In Vermont: All The Most Festive Things To Do
- What Is Vermont Known For? I’ll Tell You!
Other posts you may find helpful:
- Exciting Things To Do In New England In The Fall
- Best Christmas Towns In New England
- The Perfect New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary
- Vermont vs. New Hampshire In The Fall
That’s A Wrap On The Best Things To Do In Vermont!
And now you’re ready to start planning your next trip to the Green Mountain State! With all these amazing things to do in Vermont, it’ll be tough to decide which to start with. But definitely throw in a mix of the best, most quaint towns, mountains, cozy places to stay, a covered bridge or two, and you’re well on your way to making the perfect Vermont itinerary.
