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15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Vermont

New England has a reputation for natural beauty, and Vermont stands out as exceptionally stunning.  There is a picturesque charm about Vermont that is difficult to resist.  Chock full of small towns, they generally have a village centre, a Main Street, historic architecture, unique boutiques and businesses, and a sense of community that defines its character. Regardless of the season, visitors can enjoy the outdoors, incredible food, and the best that New England has to offer.

Lets have a look at the most charming small towns to visit in Vermont :

Chester has the distinction of having two areas on the National Register of Historic Places.  Stone Village, named for the granite buildings there, and the Chester Historic Districts both have traces of colonial architecture and a New England early American aesthetic.

It often serves as base camp for outdoor adventures heading for nearby Mount Killington, Okemo, and Mount Snow. Boaters, cyclists, and ski bums stay in Chester for that small town experience, while taking advantage of the resorts and parks nearby.

One of the most popular activities is a day trip on the Green Mountain Flyer Scenic Railroad.  Gorgeous from beginning to end.  While you’re there, don’t miss the Stone House Antique Centre, Da Vallia Art, and the Vermont Institute of Contemporary Arts.

2. Woodstock

Woodstock has been a popular tourist destination for years – giving them plenty of time to perfect the quintessential Vermont experience.  The town easily combines charming and upscale to provide the escape that you need with all the amenities attached.  The boutique and antique shopping is among the best in the state, the dining options are incredible, and the entertainment is almost endless.

History buffs will enjoy the Billings Farm and Museum.  Once owned by Laurence and Mary French Rockefeller, the farm is now a dairy with a restored late 19th century farm house – both National Historic Landmarks. Art lovers will enjoy the many galleries (top pick:  Stephen Huneck Gallery), and foodies will want to spend a day in F.H. Gillingham & Sons.  This is a general store and gourmet shopping experience not to be missed.

3. Montpelier

America’s smallest capital is Montpelier, Vermont. Among the locals (and all Vermonters consider themselves local) it’s known for its many farm-to-table restaurants, and daily farmers market.

As the centre of government for the state, there is a little something of everything here. Visit the Vermont Historical Society Museum, the state house, Hubbard Park, the New England Culinary Institute, and T.W. Wood Art Gallery.

And that’s just a start! Make no mistake, this is still a small town, with the kind of hospitality and charm you expect.  But with such a thriving cultural scene, Montpelier is something special.

4. Brattleboro

Located in the southern part of the state, Brattleboro has a funky, crunchy, arts vibe that attracts people from all over the region.  It’s a walkable town with tons of clubs, restaurants, studios, galleries, and shops.  Its contemporary atmosphere is balanced by the beauty of Mother Nature.

There’s a gorgeous mountain or river view no matter where you are in town.  When you’re out walking, an impromptu street performance is not out of the question, and you’ll love stopping at the independent bookstores, record shops, and crafts boutiques.

The town has several theatres, many with historic significance.  Every month there’s a First Friday Gallery Walk and almost every restaurant exhibits local artists.  Brattleboro is a town that will have you talking about it for a long time after.

A few minutes from Brattleboro is Putney. It’s got a similar vibe, but even more laid back. Check out the spinnery, the berry and apple orchards, and the winery while you’re there.  This is a place for slow walks and deep breaths.

It’s the kind of place you don’t tell people about because you don’t want it to ever change.  Sacketts Brook still has its original stone arch bridge and flows right through the centre of town. Putney general store and co-op are community staples.  It’s that kind of town.

At the bottom of Mount Abraham is Lincoln. The natural surroundings along the New Haven River will take your breath away.  The residents take pride in the beauty of the farms and forests in the area.  Settled by Quakers in the late 18th century, there are about 1200 residents now.

Lincoln is best known for its interesting treehouse. Built across four large maples and 30 feet up from the ground, you can stay there for $150 per night – complete with heat, shower, electricity, and even a mini fridge. Don’t forget to visit the Old Hotel, the general store, and Burnham Hall.

This is the place for festival lovers.  They’ve got a celebration for everything, and people come from all over the state for the Outhouse Race – the longest running one in the country.  All of downtown is listed as a National Historic District and you’ll definitely feel that you’ve stepped back in time.

Bristol is located in the foothills of the green Mountains and makes the perfect getaway spot.  Visitors love the village shops and the friendliness of the locals. If you’re around in June, don’t miss the Pocock Rocks Street Fair or the Bristol Band summer concerts (which have been happening since the end of the Civil War).

No matter the season, Stowe is a prime destination in Vermont.  Thanks to Stowe Mountain Resort there are outdoor adventures just waiting to be had.  Mount Mansfield is the tallest peak in Vermont and it’s a mecca for nature enthusiasts.  Ski, hike, or return again and again to do both.

The village itself is 200 years old and downtown you’ll find museums, galleries, theatres, outdoor film festivals, the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, and plenty of fine dining. It’s year round beauty make it one of the absolute must-visit towns.

9. Waterbury

When Vermonters need to get away from it all, they go to Waterbury. Often described as a sleepy town, Waterbury is a low key, low profile kind of town. Town pride is cantered around locally sourced fine dining.

Its undoubtedly the best of the best of Vermont.  Because of the fantastic natural settings, Waterbury is a popular wedding destination. For top of the line accommodations, try Groenberg Haus, a chalet on a hilltop, complete with a stone hearth and grand piano.

10. Shelburne

Looking for luxury?  On the shores of the scenic Lake Champlain sits Shelburne – a suburb of Burlington. People come to be pampered and to splurge.  Home to the Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farms, and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, it’s also a family destination.

The farm boasts a one-hundred room guest house, a five storey barn, hayrides and a wonderful hiking trail. At the museum you can see live printing, blacksmithing, and weaving demonstrations.  The lake front beach is a perfect spot in the summer and several companies have boat rentals.  If it’s apple season, head over to Shelburne Orchards for the tastiest apples and cider in Vermont.

11. Manchester

Calling all shoppers!  Don’t miss out the factory outlets and other spectacular shopping opportunities in Manchester.  This is where New Yorkers, and Europeans in recent years, come for the best select and great deals.  From high end retail, charming boutiques, and all out bargains, you won’t be able to stop.

Manchester also has a fantastic cultural scene.  Enjoy concerts, galleries, theatre, history, crafts, and artisanal dining.  The village blends cultural sophistication with old-world New England charm for an incredible experience from beginning to end.

12. Grafton

Long ago, Grafton was the major stagecoach stop between Albany and the Green Mountains.  They’ve been hosting visitors for almost two centuries.  Located in the mountains, many of the original buildings have been restored to provide an authentic New England feel.

As you walk downtown you’ll feel like you’re walking in a museum.   In the winter, the snow covered mountains provide an ethereal ambiance that is unique to Grafton. The 600 residents all regularly participate in town hall meetings and work together to create a vibrant and lovely community.

13. Grand Isle

Grand Isle is about 35 square miles – almost 19 of which are water.  Located in the Islands and Farms region of the state, Grand Isle is a fishing town. The Ed Weed Fish Culture Station is located here, one of only five in the state. The oldest log cabin in New England is also here.  Hyde Log Cabin was built in the late 18th century and was home to the Hyde family for over 150 years.

The most visited state park is in Grand Isle. It’s the second largest in Vermont, with RV camping and primitive camping. The experience here is slightly different than the rest of the state, thanks to the abundance of water and the fishing culture.  That’s the perfect reason to add it to your list.  It’s another Vermont one-of-a-kind.

14. Charlotte

Synonymous with the Champlain Valley is Charlotte.  Established in the late 18th century, the growing town is primarily agricultural.  Orchards, dairies, sugar bushes, berries, honey, livestock, and grain are all flourishing economies here.  Charlotte even has a winery that received high praise from those who visit.

Mount Philo State Park (named for the almost 1000 foot peak) is another popular park with wonderful vistas, trails, and a nearby wildlife refuge.

15. Craftsbury

Picture rolling hills, picket fences, family farms, and green forests.  You’re seeing Craftsbury, Vermont. Made up of five villages with a combined population of about 1,200, the town is classic Americana.

Come for cross country skiing and snow mobiling in the winter, maple sugaring in the spring, the Antiques and Uniques Festival in July, and stunning fall foliage each autumn.

15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Vermont:

• Brattleboro

The 15 Best Towns in Vermont That We Might Just Move to

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Vermont is known for its verdant mountains, fall foliage and New England charm . Looking to peep colorful leaves , conquer peaks, shack up at a cozy B&B , sample fresh-tapped maple syrup and shop for antiques? The Green Mountain State never ceases to amaze.

Scroll on for the best towns Vermont to add to your must-visit list.

15 CHARMING SMALL TOWNS IN OREGON

1. Stowe, Vt

Ready to hit the slopes? Nestled in the northern corner of Vermont, Stowe is a ski-lovers paradise. Even when there isn’t a fresh cost of powder on the ground, Stowe lures outdoor adventurers with the promise of forested trails and 1,000-foot cliffs at Smugglers’ Notch State Park . While Moss Glen Falls offers scenic cascades and crystal-clear pools to take a dip. For more open-air excitement, we suggest a trip to The Current , a visual arts museum housed in a historic building.

Where to stay:

• Sun & Ski Inn and Suites (2 guests) : $145/night
• Green Mountain Inn (2 guests) : $159/night
• Trapp Family Lodge (2 guests) : $225/night

2. Woodstock, Vt

Woodstock perfectly encapsulated everything you’d want in a Vermont getaway. It’s a cute town packed with colonial architecture, farm-to-table restaurants and craft brewers (swing by Long Trail Brewing Company for a VT IPA). On the rustic appeal front, we’re big fans of the Billings Farm & Museum , which were once owned by Laurance and Mary French Rockefeller. Woodstock also has a thriving arts community. So you can scoop up landscape paintings, plaid textiles or hand-carved wood bowls to bring a piece of the Green Mountain State back home.

• The Village Inn of Woodstock (2 guests) : $189/night
• 506 On The River Inn (2 guests) : $269/night
• Woodstock Inn & Resort (2 guests) : $297/nigh t

3. Bennington, Vt

Some know Bennington as Vermont’s first town (it was chartered way back in 1749), others recognize it from the legendary stories of Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys. Visitors can book a walking tours of the historic downtown and admire one of the best enduring examples of Victorian architecture at the Park-McCullough Historic Governor's Mansion . Another claim to fame? The Bennington Battle Monument is the tallest man-made structure in the entire state.

• The Harwood Hill (2 guests) : $106/night
• Safford Mills Inn (2 guests) : $150/night
• Four Chimneys Inn (2 guests) : $339/night

4. Shelburne, Vt

Shelburne is the unsung hero of Vermont destinations. That’s because this Burlington suburb that’s perched along the shores of Lake Champlain lives in the shadow of its big-city neighbor. But, if you ask us, there’s plenty to fill a weekend. Stop by Shelburne Farms to learn about sustainable agriculture practices, do a guided birdwatching walk and savor delicious field-to-fork fare. Don’t forget to visit the Flying Pig Bookstore and the impressive art collection at the Shelburne Museum .

• Heart of the Village Inn (2 guests) : $263/night
• Romantic B&B Suite (2 guests) : $299/night
• Hotel Vermont (2 guests) : $339/night

5. Manchester, Vt

We dare you to name a place more charming than Manchester. The enchanting downtown area is filled with cute boutiques, quaint inns, cafes and top-rated restaurants such as Ye Olde Tavern . Another major selling point? Access to stunning scenery. Insert Equinox Preservation Trust and Lye Brook Falls. History buffs won’t want to miss Hildene , the Lincoln family summer home. Be sure to stock up on fresh-picked veggies and homemade pesto at Earth Sky Time Community Farm before departing.

• The Manchester View (2 guests) : $90/night
• Aspen at Manchester (2 guests) : $125/night
• Reluctant Panther Inn & Restaurant (2 guests) : $229/night

6. Grafton, Vt

Tucked away in the mountains of southern Vermont, Grafton oozes alpine charm. It has just 619 residents (for reference, that’s a population density of 18 people per square mile). So, yea, we’re talking about a very small town. Size aside, you’ll swoon over the covered bridges, lovingly restored historic buildings—including the iconic white-steepled church and brick meetinghouse—grassy meadows and farm stands selling raw milk. The Nature Museum is certainly worthy of a visit, too.

• Grafton Inn (2 guests) : $149/night
• Luxurious Historic Home (5 guests) : $300/night
• Fully Renovated Schoolhouse (10 guests) : $171/night

7. Middlebury, Vt

Sandwiched between the Green Mountain foothills and the verdant low-lying Champlain Valley, Middlebury is a place of unparalleled beauty. This undeniably picturesque town does more than attract travelers with its visual attributes and access to a wealth of outdoor activities (hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing and skiing to name a few). It’s a burgeoning culinary hotspot with restaurants serving locally grown produce, pasture-raised meats and fresh cheese. Middlebury also houses the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History .

• Courtyard Middlebury (2 guests) : $179/night
• Middlebury Inn (2 guests) : $202/night
• Inn on the Green (2 guests) : $223/night

8. Brattleboro, Vt

Dubbed “the artistic and energetic hub of southern Vermont,” Brattleboro exudes a creative sort of vibe (the word “crunchy” comes to mind) that’s often imitated but never replicated. This hippie-leaning town located just over the border from Massachusetts intrigues and delights at every turn. You’ll find breweries, distilleries, museums, galleries, shops and restaurants. There’s even a stunning Art Deco theater that screens indie films. Would you expect anything less from Brattleboro? Nope, us either.

• Inn on Putney Road Bed and Breakfast (2 guests) : $250/night
• Marlboro, Vermont Ski House (10 guests) : $465/night
• The Bears Den (12 guests) : $500/night

9. Quechee, Vt

A small town with a big list of scenic diversions, Quechee (pronounced kwee-chee ) earns our vote for a picture-perfect New England getaway. In the fall, leaf peepers flock to see the shades of red, orange and yellow. The annual Quechee Hot Air Balloon, Craft & Music Festival goes down in June. Housed in a restored 19th-century mill that overlooks a gushing waterfall, Simon Pearce's turbine-powered glassblowing studio , flagship store and farm-to-table restaurant is a splendid year-round attraction.

• Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm (2 guests) : $143/night
• Quechee Condo (6 guests) : $290/night
• Renovated House (6 guests) : $317/night

10. Montpelier, Vt

With a population of 7,900, Montpelier ranks as America’s smallest state capital. Maple syrup is big business in this twee town. Because no trip to Vermont would be complete without sampling the sweet stuff straight from the source, we highly recommend heading over to Bragg Farm Sugar House . Hungry for more local flavors? Nibble farm-fresh chèvre at Capital City Farmers Market . Definitely add a historic walking tour of downtown Montpelier to your itinerary as well.

• The Inn at Montpelier (2 guests) : $123/night
• Capitol Plaza Hotel Montpelier, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (2 guests) : $180/night
• Charming Mountain Chalet (4 guests) : $132/night

11. Chester, Vt

The past is very much alive in Chester, an endlessly charming town in the Green Mountains where history and hospitality are basically tied FTW. Houses made of locally quarried slabs dot the Stone Village Historic District. While Chester Village Historic District showcases a fascinating mix of Victorian and Federal-style buildings. You can’t walk a block without a friendly local flashing a warm smile and offering some advice about where to grab a bite or browse the best selection of antiques.

• Chester House Inn (2 guests) : $135/night
• Log Cabin (4 guests) : $400/night
• Renovated 1850’s Victorian Home (6 guests) : $243/night

12. Waitsfield, Vt

Whether you dig the great outdoors, delicious food or history (how about all of the above?), Waitsfield delivers. This heritage-rich town in the Mad River Valley is a feast for the senses. Navigates paths through timberlands, waterfalls and a beaver pond at Scrag Mountain Town Forest. Step back in time while touring the Madsonian Museum of Industrial Design . Pick up some local treats at one of the many farm stands. Then hop in the car and go for a drive along scenic Route 100.

• The Waitsfield Inn (2 guests) : $145/night
• The Swanson Inn of Vermont (2 guests) : $150/night
• Tucker Hill Inn (2 guests) : $179/night

13. Weston, Vt

Weston serves up heritage and scenic beauty on a silver platter. Haven’t heard of this tight-knit community until now? Let us fill you in on a few of the many reasons to visit. The idyllic downtown houses historic homes, general stores, eateries ( Mildred's Grill is a local favorite), antique shops, the famous Vermont Country Store and the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company . Prefer to spend time surrounded by nature? Explore the sprawling 7,466-acre Okemo State Forest.

• Mountain Cottage (2 guests) : $159/night
• Secluded Forest Hideaway (4 guests) : $110/night
• Country Home (7 guests) : $165/night

14. Dorset, Vt

For a major dose of quintessential New England magnetism, head to Dorset. It really doesn’t matter the time of year because there’s always something lovely to do. Winter calls for skiing at nearby Bromley Mountain . While Emerald Lake State Park provides ample opportunities for hiking in the spring, summer and fall. Such a unique combination of small-town ambiance and a seemingly endless array of activities makes it a terrific spot to visit (though, we wouldn’t mind living in Dorset either).

• Barrows House (2 guests) : $248/night
• Headwaters Lodge (8 guests) : $341/night
• Charming Vermont Home (11 guests) : $395/night

15. Greensboro, Vt

Set in the rugged northern corner of the state, Greensboro has a wide range of rural pursuits that appeal to travelers of all ages. Wander through Barr Hill Natural Area . On a clear day, you'll see spectacular views of the nearby mountains. When the weather warms up, Caspian Lake is a popular spot for water skiing, sailing and kayaking. Don’t leave without visiting Willey's Store to fill your tank and get some locally made products for the road.

• Highland Lodge (2 guests) : $153/night
• Lakefront Cottage (6 guests) : $250/night
• Yellow Farmhouse (7 guests) : $240/night

15 CHARMING SMALL TOWNS IN GEORGIA

Freelance PureWow Editor

15 Charming Small Towns in Vermont Not to Miss

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Exploring small towns is one of the best things to do in VT . Filled with breathtaking green mountains, rich history, and some interesting foods (maple creemee, anyone?), Vermont is one place that should be at the top of your travel list–and it is chock full of cute small towns!

I lived in Vermont for 15 years and I’ve explored every single town on this list. If you’re in search of small town charm, these are the places to go.

To help you plan your next trip to the home of Ben & Jerry’s, I’ve compiled a list of the top must-see charming small towns in Vermont that you won’t want to miss!

Table of Contents

Most Charming Small Towns in Vermont

Located in northern Vermont near Burlington , Williston is known for being a charming suburb. Historically, Williston was originally farmland but has become a bustling place to live since. It’s an effortless place to get to since it’s located near I-89 and can be a suitable place to base yourself if you want to explore Burlington.

This charming VT town is filled with many outdoor areas to explore, including Lake Champlain, Lake Iroquois, and the Green Mountains, which are impossible to miss. There are year-round outdoor activities in Williston, which makes it an adventure lover’s dream. Pass time hiking, swimming, kayaking, snowshoeing, and more in one of the most beautiful towns in Vermont. 

If you fancy a bite to eat, be sure to stop by the Vermont Tap House , a favorite among locals. They’re most well-known for delicious wood-fired pizza and serve up 36 different craft brews, and source most of their ingredients from local farmers. Their late-night hours make it the perfect place to grab a delicious meal no matter the time!

Next up: Dorset! This charming small town in Vermont is located in the southern part of the state in Bennington County. With an average population of 200, this is the perfect place to get acquainted with locals and experience real Vermont small-town life. 

Dorset Vermont is most well known for being home to the Dorset Marble Quarry, a popular cliff-jumping location among locals. It’s also historically significant to the United States, as it was the country’s first-ever marble quarry! It’s located right off Route 30 and is a great place to cool off during a hot day.

Emerald Lake State Park is also in Dorset, the perfect place to go canoeing or kayaking. Plus, there are quite a few hiking trails here, so you can go out and explore the outdoors. When visiting Dorset, opt to stay in a bed and breakfast to support a local family and have a unique experience in this charming town.

Another charming town to visit in southern Vermont is Grafton! It’s genuinely one of the prettiest places in all of New England , located right in the Green Mountains. 

There are tons of fun outdoor activities to partake in while visiting Grafton. The most popular spot to visit is the Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center. This is a great place to go biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and even cross-country skiing.

One spot that can’t be missed is the Phelps Barn Pub , which offers weekly specials for burgers and beers. Locals and tourists alike agree that it’s one of the best burgers in the world. It’s located in the lovely Grafton Inn, so if you’re looking for cute places to stay in Grafton that have a great onsite restaurant, this is it!

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This list of charming Vermont towns would not be complete without at least mentioning Woodstock. Known as being one of the most picturesque small towns in the whole state, Woodstock can not be missed during a trip to the Green Mountain state.

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Woodstock during winter, you absolutely must head to Saskadena Six. While it’s technically located in South Pomfret, it’s incredibly close to Woodstock and is a top spot for skiing and snowboarding . It has trails for all levels, so even if you’re entirely new to the outdoor sports scene, you’ll be able to fit right in. 

Some other popular spots to visit in Woodstock include the Billings Farm and Museum (a must-visit to learn about 19th-century New England life), the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, and the Middle Bridge. When you’re ready to take a break from all the activities, be sure to stop by the Mountain Creamery for a bite to eat!

If you’re looking for the best small towns to visit in Vermont, Manchester will be on that list every time. There are so many cute small town things to do in Manchester, like searching through The Northshire Bookstore , one of the top independent bookstores in New England , for all kinds of great VT souvenirs, including what may become your new favorite book.

Visit Hildene, the historic estate of the only Lincoln child who survived to adulthood, and hike some of the top Manchester trails to really immerse yourself in the beauty of this area of Vermont. There are some great options for restaurants in Manchester , too, and if you’re looking for great Manchester hotels , check out The Kimpton Taconic Hotel in historic Manchester Village for the perfect blend of Vermont rustic elegance!

Located in southern Vermont’s Windsor County, Chester is an absolute must-visit charming town, especially in the summer or winter because of all the fun recreational activities available.

There are tons of winter sports areas near Chester, including Okemo Mountain Resort, Bromley Mountain, and Stratton Mountain Resort. All are equally fun! Are you not into outdoor sports? Luckily, Chester is also home to lots of great places to shop. Some of Chester’s top stores include Blair Books, Stone House Kettle Corn Company, and Smokeshire Design.

If you have more time while visiting Chester, be sure to stop by Endless Creations Pottery Studio . This fun art studio is excellent for all ages. They offer classes on wood burning, pottery, jewelry, and more. Of course, their most popular activity is pottery painting! What’s even better is you don’t have to make a reservation; they accept drop-ins!

Brattleboro

Brattleboro is such a cute town in Vermont, it has pretty much all the things people think of when they come to visit and experience Vermont charm: you’ve got a cute downtown, interesting museums, art galleries, indie bookstores, great restaurants and places to stay, and fun festivals that are quirky and unique, like their annual Strolling of the Heifers .

This fun event includes an actual parade of adorable baby cows strolling along adorned with flower garlands and crowns, meant to celebrate the connection between farm and community. Brattleboro is also home to the picturesque Creamery Covered Bridge ; as if you needed another reason to visit this idyllic VT town!

Waitsfield is a town near Montpelier that’s extraordinarily picturesque and offers impressive scenic views of the surrounding area. While the most popular time to visit Waitsfield is during the winter because of its proximity to the Mad River Glen Ski Area, it’s gorgeous any time of year.

Wondering what to do in Waitsfield? Be sure to check out Hartshorn Organic Farm . Not only are there farm tours available to visitors, but there are also food festivals, workshops, and more. You’ll even be able to learn all about the maple syrup process by visiting their maple sugar house !

If you’re wondering where to stay, opt to reserve accommodations at The Round Barn ! This beautiful bed and breakfast is situated on 245 acres of land and is a great place to explore around. There are ponds, gardens, and of course, areas to go hiking and snowshoeing.  The Round Barn is a great place to stay for family and couples alike.

Beautiful Bennington is one of those quaint Vermont towns that might just make you want to give up big city life for small town Vermont living! Not only can you find the usual Vermont charm with great farm to table restaurants , scenic hiking trails, cute shops, and historic monuments, but Bennington is also home to The Apple Barn , one of the cutest little country bakeshops in all of New England.

Swing by the Apple Barn for some of their famous apple cider donuts and a jug of their apple cider and take home some of that Vermont fall flavor. Oh, and be on the lookout for the blue moose, you’ll see what I mean! There’s plenty to see and do in beautiful Bennington , so put it on the list of must visit small towns in Vermont.

Located right on Lake Champlain, Shelburne is one of the most-visited charming towns in Vermont, and for a good reason. While it’s one of Burlington’s suburbs, it’s still filled with tons of fun activities for all ages.

The top place to visit here is Shelburne Farms. They host a variety of fun activities and workshops to teach visitors all about how farm-to-table works! Plus, they offer a variety of delicious maple syrup and Vermont cheeses.

To learn more about Shelburne, be sure to stop by the Shelburne Museum . It was founded in the mid-20th century and includes exhibits covering both art and design between 39 different buildings. You could easily spend a whole day exploring here! If you find that you have more free time in Shelburne, some other great places to visit include the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory (perfect for families!), the Shelburne Vineyard, and Fiddlehead Brewing Company.

Rutland is such a cool Vermont town to visit, with a unique claim to fame: it is home to the oldest continuously published newspaper in Vermont, The Rutland Daily Herald. Don’t worry, if you’re not pulled in from its press prowess, there’s plenty more! This cute little VT town is also home to an adorable downtown with a great art scene , including gorgeous murals on several buildings downtown and a Sculpture Stroll to follow, as well.

There’s also great hiking nearby and a beautiful lake to enjoy in the warmer months, so there’s plenty of that gorgeous Vermont eye candy to see and explore. You’ll also find a nice little restaurant selection in this cute VT town, so come to Rutland expecting to find just about all the Vermont charm you could possibly want.

Stowe is yet another incredibly charming and picturesque Vermont town located in the northern part of the state. It’s right next to the highest mountain peak in the whole of Vermont, Mount Mansfield, which is a popular destination for tourists.

This town is an outdoor lover’s dream, mostly because it’s where Smuggler’s Notch State Park is located. This is a popular spot to go for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, but also camping, hiking , and more in the summer . It’s enjoyable for all ages, with great restaurants and hotels , too.

While this list is filled with tons of great places to visit in Vermont filled with charm, Stowe is one place you surely can’t miss . The famous von Trapp family (yes, from The Sound of Music ) moved to Stowe to escape Austria during the Nazi era. Now it’s home to the Trapp Family Lodge, which is filled with a rich history.

Wilmington is an incredibly charming town located only a half hour away from Bennington. This village is gorgeous, and while it faced a lot of devastation after Hurricane Irene, it has had a comeback in the past few years.

The perfect way to spend the day is by exploring the downtown area. There are tons of great restaurants in the downtown area, especially Dot’s, a fun diner that offers delicious and affordable eats. Visiting over the weekend? You’re in luck! There’s a great flea market held in Wilmington with local vendors selling a wide variety of souvenirs, local foods, crafts, and more.

If you’re more of an outdoor enthusiast, then be sure to check out some of the local hiking trails . Popular ones include the Valley Trail, Hogback Mountain Trails, and the Hoot, Toot, and Whistle Trail. Some of these are easier than others, so make sure you do some quick research online before choosing the perfect hike for you! Each one offers rewarding views that you won’t want to miss.

This cute little college town is definitely one of the prettiest towns in Vermont, and one with plenty to do, too! With a beautiful downtown, a classic white steepled church, lovely, well-kept parks and green spaces, and even a ski area in town limits, Middlebury is a very charming Vermont town to visit!

In the warmer weather months, hop on a bike or head out on foot to walk part of the TAM or Trail Around Middlebury, a 16 mile scenic stroll all around this cute VT town. In the colder months, head out to ski or snowboard at the Middlebury Snowbowl . Indoors you’ll find shopping, restaurants, theatre, and more, so Middlebury is a Vermont town with something for everyone!

Last but not least is Weston! This small but charming Vermont town is the perfect place to base yourself to explore the rest of the breathtaking and scenic Green Mountain National Forest.

Theatre fans are in luck because Weston is home to The Weston Playhouse , the oldest theatre company in the whole state. The majority of shows and musicals are on during the summer and are always exceptionally well produced. Plus, The Weston Playhouse has even been nationally-recognized by Playbill , The New York Times , and The Wall Street Journal .

For a bite to eat, be sure to head to some local favorites, including the Village Green Gallery Coffeebar, The Vermont Country Store, or the Moose Lounge. Each is equally amazing and serves up delicious eats!

Whether you plan on visiting Vermont for a weekend, a road trip , or a week-long getaway, you’ll have the time of your life. You might even be able to visit more than one of the towns on this list during one trip if you plan your time wisely!

Now, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next trip to one of Vermont’s cutest towns!

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The Most Beautiful Towns in Vermont, USA

Art & Design Editor

If you want your American vacation to be both quiet and crammed with history, then Vermont is the place for you. The New England state is the second-least-populous in the USA ; combine that with the rural architecture and it’s a consistent throwback to settler-era tranquility.

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Chester is best known for the two historic districts, both of which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. One of them, Stone Village, was named so because of the dominance of granite houses; the second, Chester Village, features a typically New England federal and colonial aesthetic. Chester is home to charming inns, antique shops, galleries and great restaurants. Additionally, it caters for cyclists, boaters and skiers, lying within driving distance of Okemo, Mount Snow and Killington. Stop by in September and you’ll also be able to attend the Chester Fall Festival.

The quiet and charming town of Dorset lies amid the hills of Bennington County in southern Vermont. Chartered in 1761, Dorset is the location of the oldest marble quarry in the country, which provided stone for the sidewalks and the marble church next to the village green, as well as the main branch of the New York Public Library . Take a swim in the quarry, partake in the Dorset Theatre Festival, and explore the historical scenery for a relaxing and restorative mini-vacation.

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Discover the scenic beauty and historic buildings here for a glimpse into the early colonial days. In the 1800s, Grafton was a popular stagecoach stop for those traveling to Albany, New York , through the Green Mountains. As a result, the area acquired a market for hospitality; it maintains the Grafton Inn, which dates back to 1801 and remains one of the oldest operating hotels in the United States. That’s not the only preserved building either; many of the the original architecture here has been preserved in order to keep an authentic New England atmosphere. Come by in winter to enjoy snow-covered hills and cross-country skiing.

Popular among New Yorkers , New Englanders, and even Europeans in recent years, Manchester is a great base for a road trip exploring the skiing and hiking opportunities in the Vermont countryside. The village has a vibrant cultural scene with shops, museums and galleries; the theaters regular show concerts and plays too. You can tour old buildings, peruse craft fairs ,and dine in one of many artisanal restaurants and cafes.

Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the United States, letting it have all the charm and character of a quiet township. Simultaneously, it also boasts a vibrant cultural scene with something for art, music, history and nature lovers alike. Visit the Vermont Historical Society Museum, the TW Wood Art Gallery and the Vermont State House for lessons in local history, or wander Hubbard Park and visit the farmers’ markets for a taste of day-to-day Montpelier life. Home of the New England Culinary Institute, Montpelier is also a great place to eat out, whether in lively restaurants or cute cafes.

Located on the shores of scenic Lake Champlain, Shelburne is a lush and affluent suburb of Burlington. In addition to a nature park and a lakeside beach there are three main attractions. Roam the 19th-century Shelburne Farms estate, complete with a 110-room summer residence, a five-story barn and a two-acre (0.8ha) courtyard with hayrides. History buffs can learn about Vermont heritage at the Shelburne Museum, where American art and an original steamboat are the draws. Lastly, who can resist the loveable Vermont Teddy Bear Factory?

The lively town of Stowe is an ideal destination throughout the year, but attracts particularly big crowds every winter thanks to the popular Stowe Mountain Resort. In town, you can wander arts and crafts fairs, museums and galleries, attend musical and theatrical performances, and take part in seasonal activities like outdoor film festivals. Stowe is also extremely ‘grammable, thanks to the rolling green hills in summer and vibrant fall foliage of fall.

Located in the heart of the Mad River Valley in Washington County, Waitsfield is a must for winter sports lovers in search of backcountry skiing. Not quite as extreme? The natural beauty surrounding Waitsfield has drawn numerous talented artists over the years, and today it’s home to a number of galleries and studios. Those who love the outdoors can visit farms, roam farmers’ markets and take guided hikes in the hills.

The small town of Weston is home to several charming B&Bs, inns and lodges – perfect for a cozy romantic weekend or a fun family getaway. Around town, there are shops selling crafts and artisanal goods, art galleries and craft studios – all of which are still family-owned and -operated. Weston is the perfect place for a quiet change of scenery in a picturesque town with a charming and well-preserved heritage.

The capital of Windsor County, Woodstock is one of the best local assets. It was settled in the mid-18th century and is considered the quintessential New England village; picture a quaint green, lined by a mix of restored Greek Revival and Georgian-style homes, all within short walking distance of old country farms. In the town center, sample maple syrups and cheeses at Sugarbush Farm, then explore the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Go in fall to attend the Billings Farm and Museum’s annual Harvest Weekend, or simply enjoy the picturesque surroundings, beautiful all year.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Vermont

Vermont is a state that begs to be photographed. The entire state is like a gigantic picture postcard that is filled with scenic beauty at every turn, historic buildings and towns that are considered some of the prettiest in the United States.

Fall is a delight as the leaves turn their gorgeous colors. Winter is great for skiing and snow activities. Spring and summer offer a plethora of festivals and outdoor activities, such as camping and hiking. Yep, Vermont’s got it all. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Vermont:

10. Woodstock

When you hear Woodstock, your first thought is probably of the famous music festival. You’d be wrong: wrong state. Vermont’s Woodstock is far, far from a rock festival. It’s a sleepy village that has been described as quaint meets charming.

This picture postcard village is considered one of the prettiest small towns in America, and has the plaque to prove it. It’s a place to drive over a picturesque red covered bridge, visit a sugar maple farm, breathe in the crisp air as you hike in the surrounding mountains and shop at unique boutiques and galleries.

9. Quechee Gorge

Quechee Gorge is Vermont’s answer to the Grand Canyon. Not as big as its cousin in the distant West, it still provides some pretty views. At 165 feet deep, it is the deepest gorge in the Green Mountain state. The gorge was formed by glacial action 13,000 years ago.

The Ottauquechee River provides exciting whitewater rafting at the bottom. Less adventurous travelers can walk to Mill Pond Falls that cascade down 30 feet. The historic Quechee Gorge Bridge connects the banks. Built in 1911; it is Vermont’s oldest surviving steel arch bridge.

8. Manchester

Manchester has many things going for it. It’s an historic town that makes a good base from which to explore the Green Mountains. It’s got lots of shopping, including outlet malls that attract people from New York and Connecticut .

Named after an English duke of Manchester, the town first made history between 1812 and 1819 for being the home of America’s first wrongful murder conviction case, a case that’s studied even today. Most historic towns in Vermont only have one historic district, but Manchester has three: Depot district, and Bonnet and Main streets.

7. Montpelier

Montpelier has the dubious distinction of being the least populated state capital in the United States. At least it is at night; the daytime population triples as people come to work for the state government. The city is named for a city in France in honor of that country’s contributions during the American Revolution.

Visiting the State House is the No. 1 thing to do in Montpelier, but if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll want to visit a maple sugar/syrup factory. Stop by the statue of Ethan Allen, a Revolutionary War hero and a founder of Vermont.

6. Shelburne

Shelburne is a quiet town seven miles south of Burlington, the Vermont’s largest city. Founded in 1763, it was named for William Petty, earl of Shelburne and British prime minister. It has deep roots in farming, and several farms, including vineyards, are open to the public.

Its most visited attraction, however, just may be one devoted to making your kids happy. Open for tours, the Vermont Teddy Bear Co. has been making cute, cuddly teddy bears since 1981, and is one of Vermont’s more popular attractions. If you like water better, Shelburne is located on Lake Champlain.

5. Killington Resort

If you’re an adventuresome skier, you may want to hit the slopes at Killington Resort on Vermont’s second highest mountain. It’s known as the “beast of the East” because it’s the largest vertical drop in New England. Killington, which opened in 1958, is the largest ski area in the eastern United States.

While Killington Peak is the primary ski area, the resort also offers skiing across six mountains. There are 155 trails that handle skiers from beginners to experts and 21 lifts to carry them up the mountains. A few of the trails have ramps and jumps.

Grafton, considered one of New England’s prettiest towns, got its name in a unique way. Originally known as Thomlinson, the right to rename it garnered $5 and some rum in an action; the winning bidder named it after his home town of Grafton, Massachusetts.

Homes and buildings have been restored to their historic grandeur, so Grafton looks pretty much like It might have a century or two ago. Be sure to check out the Grafton Inn, which has been operating as a hotel since 1801. Standing guard over the village is the iconic White Church that was built in 1858.

3. Champlain Islands

When the outdoors beckons, the Champlain Islands are one of the best places to visit in Vermont. The islands are an archipelago, perhaps a total of 30 miles long, located in Lake Champlain that separates Vermont and New York.

Reachable by ferry, they provide some of the most scenic drives in Vermont, a state that is known for scenic drives. In the summer, you can camp, visit the state’s first vineyard or cycle the scenic Island Line Trail. You can go ice-fishing in the winter. And, best of all, you won’t have to worry about running into a lot of other people since the largest town in the chain counts only 2,000 residents.

Stowe keeps visitors busy all year ‘round. There’s skiing and snow sports in the winter, and festivals, including one featuring balloons, and art shows in the summer. One of the biggest is September’s British Invasion, when fields are filled with all makes and models of British automobiles.

Stowe is a must-visit if you’re a Sound of Music fan. It’s where the von Trapp family settled and operated a ski lodge after they fled Austria during World War II. The lodge’s meadow was a venue for the Vermont Mozart Festival. You can also hike and mountain-bike on nearby trails.

1. Burlington

OK. Admit it. You love ice cream, especially if it’s made by Ben and Jerry. Burlington may be known for many things, but it’s likely most famous as the home of this sinfully delicious ice cream. The town is located on the shores of Lake Champlain, so there are plenty of water activities to burn off those calories.

The four-block pedestrian mall known as Church Street Marketplace hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. They range from art to celebrating beer and giant pumpkins. It also hosts one of the largest year ‘round farmers markets in Vermont.

Map of Places to Visit in Vermont

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January 2, 2020 at 11:50 am

Woodstock not listed in voting!!!

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Craft beer, localvore life, pristine nature: here's the best of Vermont

Aug 24, 2021 • 6 min read

Stowe is one of Vermont's many scenic towns, no matter the season © DonLand / Shutterstock

Farmer's markets, localvore restaurants, arts and crafts, rural charm, pristine nature and a wealth of history – whatever you’re seeking,  Vermont has it. 

Tucked between six-million-acre Adirondack Park, New Hampshire and the Atlantic Coast, the Green Mountain State is friendly, welcoming and teeming with opportunities to explore in all seasons. Whether you splash around on the shores of one the state's more than 800 lakes, pick ripe apples from the tree or sample maple syrup as it comes out of the boiler, the smallest state capital in the US is ready for adventure. 

Everything feels accessible in Vermont, and it’s easy to put together an itinerary that incorporates so many different kinds of outdoor activities in one day. Whether you're visiting for  Open Studio Weekend , when Vermont’s artists welcome visitors to the spaces where they create, or you want to follow the state’s beer or spirits trail, here’s our list of the best places to visit in Vermont. 

Church Street Marketplace, Burlington

In the heart of Burlington , Vermont’s biggest city, is Church Street , a pedestrian mall lined with charming boutiques, superb restaurants, and of course the mandatory Ben & Jerry's. In summer, musicians and street performers delight visitors, while food cart vendors have got delicious local snacks. Shop ‘til you drop and use Church Street as a launchpad for exploring the Queen City. Don't pass up a visit to the calming Lake Champlain shore, only a few blocks away. 

With 7500 residents, Montpelier is the US's smallest state capital by population. This city's focal point is the monumental 1859 Vermont State House, the state's gold-domed Greek Revival capitol. Take some time to visit the landmark's excellent art collection which has decorative and fine art exhibits, some from its permanent collection, and some traveling. Next door at the Vermont History Museum , exhibits recount the state's early history, highlighting Ethan Allen's 18th-century adventures. Meander through downtown Montpelier for bakeries, restaurants, shops and more before heading to Hubbard Park's  observation tower for some of the best views of the capital.  

Vermont’s 7 best hiking trails

Surrounded by rolling hills and stately horse farms, Woodstock is steeped in history. In 1786, it was a center of commerce, home to both industry and art, and one of Vermont’s largest and wealthiest towns. Relics from that golden era still remain as the town's  Woodstock Inn & Resort attracts city-dwellers to the country for a high-end weekend getaway.  

Visit the circa 1880 pink sandstone Norman Williams Public Library , or Billings Farm & Museum , a functioning dairy farm with an 1890 farmhouse and exhibits that depict farm life like it used to be. 

Nearby, a web of trails in Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park (the state’s first national park) invites walkers and nature lovers to explore. Take a dip or drop a line in the Ottauquechee River. It flows through the center of town and under the area's three historic covered bridges.

Most of the year, the three Villages that comprise Tunbridge, Vermont are pretty quiet. A few visitors wander to admire their five covered bridges, But in mid-September, Tunbridge comes alive. Vermont has many agricultural fairs, but the Tunbridge World’s Fair , which has taken place in Tunbridge continuously since 1867, is the most famous.

Held in mid-September, the fair features farming and agricultural demonstrations and contests, both modern and historical, as well as arm wrestling, ox pulls and displays of the biggest and best produce and pies Vermonters can grow or make. Rides, contra dancing and a fantastic beer garden round out the offerings. But it’s the pig race that steals the show. 

Just off of Mount Mansfield (Vermont's highest peak), Stowe is a classic New England town packed with local commerce and surrounded by natural beauty and landmarked by the historic white spires of Community Church. 

For the best of the area's nature trails, hop on a mountain bike for a tour of Cady Hill before rewarding yourself with a fresh-from-the-farm lunch at the Sunday farmer's market. Stay on the bike to glide along Stowe’s riverside rec path and route to one of the town’s many swimming holes. Stowe is famous for its superb skiing, both alpine and Nordic. Even if it’s not ski season,  Vermont’s Ski History Museum brings skiing alive through its collections of gear and artifacts from ski seasons past. 

Drive the Mt. Mansfield Toll Road or hike the Long Trail to the summit of Mt. Mansfield for sweeping views of New England. Catch the Vermont Symphony Orchestra for a concert at Trapp Family Lodge ; the stunning sunset and superb music will make it unforgettable. 

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Lake Willoughby, Northeast Kingdom

Five miles long and up to 320ft deep, Lake Willoughby is a glacially-formed lake that’s a National Natural Landmark. Carved deep into Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, the lake lies between Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Hor, which together form the fjord-like Willoughby Gap. 

In the late 1800s, steamboats paraded visitors around the lake. Now, public beaches at the north and south ends provide summer fun for swimmers and paddlers. Fishermen cast a line here for lake and rainbow trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon and native round whitefish. 

At least 100 bird species populate this waterway: thrushes, warblers, hummingbirds, jays, finches, loons, herons, gulls and the rare peregrine falcon, which nests in the cliffs of Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Hor. 

Smuggler’s Notch

During the War of 1812, the twisty, windy, cliff-lined, boulder-strewn mountain horse path between Underhill and Stowe was the mainline for supplies going to and coming from Canada. It played a similar role for booze during prohibition. And it was also part of the Underground Railroad. Now, a narrow, snaking road replaces the historic path through Mt. Mansfield State Forest. 

Drive it and explore the boulder field at the top where smugglers hid, and where now you’ll see rock climbers and boulderers ascending. Though the Notch is closed in winter, it’s just as busy with skiers, snowshoers, sledders and ice climbers. 

Lake Champlain

The sixth-largest lake in the United States, Lake Champlain , forms the western border of Vermont. At times, it's been a Revolutionary War battleground, a supplier of ships in the War of 1812, a "line” in the Underground Railroad and home to the mythical monster Vermonters affectionately call “ champ .” 

At 125 miles long and nearly 15 miles wide, the freshwater lake is sprinkled with motorboats, paddle boats and sailboats in the summer. Put in at any of the boat launches, marinas or beaches, and you could follow the lake north to Quebec via the Richlieu and St. Lawrence Rivers, or south to the Hudson River and Manhattan. 

Take a ferry to New York, including the historic Ticonderoga cable ferry (currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, check their website for updates) or splash around on one of the lake’s many public beaches.

Explore the Champlain Islands, north of Burlington, and sample from the region’s best wineries, or pick apples in the Lake Shore’s fertile groves. Beneath its sometimes glassy, sometimes turbulent surface lies 300 historic shipwrecks. Dive them or learn about them at  Lake Champlain Maritime Museum . Lake Champlain is also one of the top bass fishing lakes in North America. 

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25 Top Things to Do in Vermont

Outdoor adventures are just one of the high points of the Green Mountain State.

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Enchanting views of fall foliage, delicious creemees, tastings at sugarhouses and more await travelers to Vermont.

In 2019 – in an attempt to reverse the state's then-declining population – Vermont was paying people to move there, awarding up to $10,000 as part of a grant program aimed at would-be remote employees of out-of-state companies. Over the last two years, the state has experienced an influx of newcomers relocating there for reasons beyond just a cash incentive (though those grants were still available until recently). In fact, a report this year by a moving company ranked Vermont as the U.S. state with the highest inbound move rate in 2021.

Instead of money, the incentive to move to Vermont is Vermont itself – the same reason people have chosen to vacation here for decades. It's a peaceful, naturally beautiful place to escape, affording outdoor attractions that range from world-renowned ski resorts to the scenic Lake Champlain, which extends into New York and Quebec.

Vermont also touts its share of charismatic small towns, unique lodging choices such as farm stays and all-inclusive resorts , and distinctive food and drink. This destination is worth a visit for its nationally recognized craft beer, the rich offerings of the Vermont Cheese Trail, the maple syrup – since Vermont produces more than 50% of the country's supply – and the "creemees," which are a slightly richer (and arguably tastier) take on soft serve ice cream.

There's no such thing as a bad time to visit Vermont – even the spring mud season has its offbeat perks – but fall is exceptionally beautiful, with perhaps the most stunning foliage in all of New England . Ever seen an iconic photo of a white church amid trees in hues of red and orange? That's Vermont (more specifically, Stowe).

Curious to see the Green Mountain State for yourself? If you're looking for the best things to do in Vermont, these are the experiences that should be on your list.

(Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.)

Lake Champlain

In 1998, Lake Champlain was briefly named one of the Great Lakes after then-President Bill Clinton signed into law a bill in which Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont quietly deemed it as such. Eighteen days – and a heavy dispute – later, the title was rescinded after a determination that, geographically, Lake Champlain doesn't quite measure up to lakes like Superior and Michigan. But residents and tourists today can still recognize it for the great – not to be confused with Great – lake that it is.

With or without the esteemed title, Lake Champlain is a large freshwater lake that spans 435 square miles of surface water and wows visitors with views of the Green Mountains on one side and the Adirondacks on the other. Dozens of public beaches and boat launches line its shores, so you'll find no shortage of opportunities for recreation on the water, including boating, fishing, swimming and keeping an eye out for the mythological lake monster named Champ. The lake's popular island towns such as South Hero offer state parks, farms, orchards, vineyards, and even a few inns and campsites.

Ben & Jerry's Waterbury Factory Tour and Ice Cream Shop

Courtesy of Ben & Jerry's

Have you even been to Vermont if you don't take the factory tour at Ben & Jerry's ? At its flagship location in Waterbury (near Stowe), Ben & Jerry's offers 30-minute guided tours that include a short movie on the company's history, an overview of the production process, a look at the manufacturing area and an ice cream tasting. Of course, there's also an on-site ice cream shop and gift shop, and especially charming are the photo ops and Flavor Graveyard, where you can pay your respects to the "dearly de-pinted." Previous visitors confirm it's as touristy as it seems, but fun nonetheless.

Address: 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Road, state Route 100, Waterbury, VT 05676

One of the top things to do in Vermont is spend a day or two in Burlington , where Church Street Marketplace , the centerpiece of town, offers shopping, restaurants (many with outdoor dining) and lodging such as the boutique Hotel Vermont . Of course, this popular waterfront city also boasts a variety of local breweries. Other highlights in Burlington include ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain , a science and nature museum; the Ethan Allen Homestead , a historical farmhouse site; and, for those who enjoy quirky attractions, the World's Tallest File Cabinet. Whatever you do, don't bypass the Burlington Bike Path, a pleasant paved trail that runs along Lake Champlain and connects beaches, parks and neighborhoods.

[See more of Burlington: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Island Line Trail

Courtesy of Hello Burlington and Local Motion

The Island Line Trail, an extension of the Burlington Bike Path, crosses the middle of Lake Champlain via a 3-mile marble causeway, allowing you to practically touch the water with your feet in some areas; there's nothing quite like it. This rail trail begins in Burlington and follows the route of a railbed – the Island Line – built in 1899 by the Rutland-Canadian Railroad to connect New England to the Great Lakes, until moving freight by other means became cheaper around the 1950s. The railbed remained abandoned until it became a path for pedestrians and cyclists in the 1980s, and this rail trail has been one of the most unique things to do in Vermont ever since. To reach the end of the 14-mile stretch, you have to take a ferry, which bridges a 200-foot gap in the causeway, before continuing the short journey to South Hero Island.

To acquire a bike, check out Local Motion, a rental shop and advocacy organization in Burlington. This outpost offers conventional and hybrid bikes as well as e-bikes and kids bikes; trailers or tag-alongs are available for certain rentals. Local Motion also operates the bike ferry and provides an interactive map of the trail. Both bike rentals and ferry rides are available seasonally from May to October.

Experience the sugarhouses

As one of the largest producers of maple syrup, Vermont has thousands of sugarhouses, many of which host Maple Open House Weekends in March with tours and tastings. The events align with sugaring season (and mud season), when oscillating temperatures allow sap to loosen and flow through maple trees for sugar makers to collect. If you don't want to visit Vermont during mud season but still want to learn about syrup production and history, check out Baird Farm in Chittenden, which offers free tours and tastings year-round (reservations required). Previous guests rave about the staff's hospitality here.

[Read: The Top Romantic Getaways in Vermont .]

Try out a delicious creemee

Courtesy of Canteen Creemee Company

Creemees are essentially soft-serve ice cream, but there's no real consensus on where the name came from. Perhaps the moniker derives from the fact that Vermont used to make its soft serve higher in butterfat content and, hence, creamier. Either way, the creemee's most iconic flavor is maple, but you can't go wrong with any flavor at places such as Canteen Creemee Company in Waitsfield, The Village Scoop in Colchester and Al's French Frys in Burlington, all of which come recommended by locals and visitors alike. If you're looking for plant-based options, head to Offbeat Creemee in Winooski.

Breweries and beer trails

If you like craft beer, chances are Vermont is already on your list of places to visit . Featuring some of the top-rated breweries in the U.S., Vermont is home to The Alchemist in Stowe, whose Heady Topper IPA has a cult following, as well as Freak Folk Bier in Waterbury and Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro. If you really want to immerse yourself in the craft beer scene, follow one of the Vermont Brewers Association's beer trails (available online or on an app where you can take the Vermont Brewery Passport Challenge). Cyclists may want to check out the bike-friendly Burlington Trail, where you can imbibe highly rated beers at Foam Brewers. Pet owners can take advantage of the Dog Friendly Beer Trail to drink alongside furry friends, while the Tiny Trail will take beer enthusiasts exclusively to nano breweries.

Vermont Teddy Bear

What started as a Burlington street cart in 1981 has grown into a full-fledged store and experience in Shelburne, Vermont. At Vermont Teddy Bear, visitors can take a tour of the factory where the now-famous plush bears are made, including the Bear Hospital, where injured or sick teddy bears are lovingly repaired by the resident bear doctor. For an additional fee on top of the tour cost, visitors can make their own teddy bear to take home or gift to someone they love. It's the perfect way to commemorate a trip to Vermont for visitors of all ages. You can also check out the on-site Bear Shop to browse the selection of bears and Vermont-made products.

Address: 6655 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, VT 05482

Simon Pearce Flagship

Courtesy of Simon Pearce

Another item to immortalize a trip to Vermont (albeit more expensive than a teddy bear) is a handcrafted piece of glassware or pottery from the Simon Pearce store in Quechee, the namesake studio of a legendary Irish-American entrepreneur and artist who resides in Vermont. Located in a renovated historic woolen mill that's hydroelectrically powered by the Ottauquechee River – an attraction in itself – the artist's flagship store includes a workshop where you can watch craftspeople blowing glass pieces that are sold on-site, in addition to fine dining at The Mill at Simon Pearce, which overlooks a waterfall and covered bridge.

Address: 1760 Quechee Main St., Quechee, VT 05059

Hit the ski slopes in Stowe and beyond

Courtesy of Stowe Mountain Resort

Vermont is a world-renowned destination for skiing, with more than two dozen public ski areas on offer. Among them is Stowe Mountain Resort , nicknamed the "Ski Capital of the East" and considered one of the best places to ski in the U.S. This resort touts 485 acres of skiable terrain that cover Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield, the highest point in Vermont. Just as good as the skiing and snowboarding is the town of Stowe itself, where shops and restaurants line Main Street and hotels such as Topnotch Resort and The Lodge at Spruce Peak offer luxury accommodations and amenities.

Check out other notable ski resorts such as Killington, the largest ski area on the East Coast, and family-friendly Smugglers' Notch, where winter activities include ski lessons for kids as young as 3, snowshoe scavenger hunts and a winter carnival. On any summer voyage to Vermont, don't overlook resorts such as Okemo, where you can ride what's essentially a flying couch – skiers will know it as a bubble chairlift – and hike to a historic fire tower for 360-degree mountain views.

[See more of Stowe: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Trapp Family Lodge

One of the hotels that make Stowe a popular place to stay is the Trapp Family Lodge , owned by the von Trapp family (yes, that von Trapp family). After the Trapp Family Singers toured the U.S. in the early 1940s, they decided to settle on a farm in Stowe, which reminded them of their home country, Austria . In the summer of 1950, the family opened a 27-room lodge. Later destroyed by a fire, the Trapp Family Lodge was rebuilt with a variety of accommodations, activities and on-site dining, now including von Trapp Brewing, where you can drink in the resort's history, mountain views, and a craft beer or two.

Address: 700 Trapp Hill Road, Stowe, VT 05672

Vermont Cheese Trail

All roads lead to cheese on the Vermont Cheese Trail, composed of more than 45 award-winning cheesemakers including Cabot Creamery. Some farms provide tastings and/or tours, while others simply sell their best products. Check out an online map of the Vermont Cheese Trail to see each cheesemaker's location and offerings.

Wondering where to begin your cheesy commute through Vermont? If you like aged cheddar, stop at Grafton Village Cheese or Shelburne Farms. For goat cheese, try the chevre varieties at Blue Ledge Farm. You also can't go wrong with the offerings at Consider Bardwell Cheese. No matter where you go, the products made by Jasper Hill Farm, whose cheeses rank among the best in the world, are more than worth a taste. While its location in the Northeast Kingdom region isn't open to the public, the farm's artisanal cheeses can be found at local grocery stores (and at select stores throughout the U.S.).

Liberty Hill Farm

Courtesy of Liberty Hill Farm

For a look at where the cheese process begins, Liberty Hill Farm offers tours and overnight accommodations. Guests of this dairy farm's cozy bed-and-breakfast enjoy a farm-fresh morning meal, afternoon cocoa and cookies, and a hardy dinner each day of their stay – with ingredients including Cabot Creamery cheeses. The biggest draw of a visit to Liberty Hill Farm, however, is the opportunity to feed and milk the resident cows. Even if you don't decide to stay at the inn, you can still book this activity through Airbnb Experiences . When you aren't doing kid-approved farm chores or meeting the animals, you will find plenty to do in the surrounding area. Previous guests, especially families with young children, say their farm experience was enriching, adding that the home-cooked meals are exceptionally good.

Address: 511 Liberty Hill, Rochester, VT 05767

General stores

For all things Americana and Vermont, take some time to browse a kitschy general store or two. The Vermont Country Store is the most famous, of course, with several locations throughout the state. Here you can buy everything from candy and gifts to clothing and kitchenware. But even more interesting is the F.H. Gillingham and Sons store in Woodstock: One of Vermont's oldest general stores still run by the same family, it's owned by descendants of Frank Henry Gillingham, who opened the general store in 1886, and Franklin Billings. Its original customer guarantee, "Your money's worth or your money back," is still honored today. Previous patrons love the vintage vibe of this store, with some calling F.H. Gillingham and Sons a mandatory stop in Woodstock.

Visit the former house and grave of Robert Frost

If you've ever enjoyed Robert Frost's poetry, head to the southwest corner of the state to learn more about the time he spent there. The first poet laureate of Vermont lived in a house in Shaftsbury in the 1920s that has since become the Robert Frost Stone House Museum; visitors can see the room where in 1922 Frost wrote his renowned poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening." Explore the poet's life through letters, writing drafts, notes and other documents at this house museum, which is open seasonally from May through October.

Less than 5 miles away, you can make a pit stop at a historic cemetery in Old Bennington, located next to the Old First Church, to visit his grave, which is etched with a line of his poetry: "I had a lover's quarrel with the world." This burial ground is near the also visit-worthy Bennington Battle Monument, a storied structure that happens to be the tallest in Vermont.

Grafton Inn

Hang your hat where Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Ralph Waldo Emerson and other well-known figures once hung theirs. You'll see those names and the names of other famous guests in the cozy lobby of this inn, a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Grafton Inn offers individually (and beautifully) furnished rooms, suites and guesthouses on top of top-notch dining. The 1801 Tavern also houses Pine Room Bar, and the Phelps Barn Pub offers live music on select evenings. On-site activities include hiking, mountain biking, disc golf and pond swimming in the summer months, as well as cross-country skiing, snow tubing, snowshoeing and sleigh rides in the winter. There may not be tons to do in the village of Grafton itself – it's a small town with a cheese shop and a mercantile or two – but that's the allure.

Address: 92 Main St., Grafton, VT 05146

Shelburne Museum

Courtesy of Shelburne Museum

The Shelburne Museum has a little bit of everything, with attractions and activities located both indoors and out: The 39 buildings housing its collections are scattered across 45 acres. One popular exhibition can be found in the Circus Building, where you can ogle the fantastical, miniature Arnold Circus Parade, a hand-carved display that nearly runs the length of the 518-foot building. This unconventional museum also features historic Vermont structures, including a rare two-lane covered bridge from 1845, a Lake Champlain lighthouse from 1871 and the 1906 Ticonderoga, a restored 220-foot steamboat and National Historic Landmark that visitors can freely explore. Reviewers say the admission cost may be a bit steep but assure you'll understand why once you see just how special this museum is. Note that the Shelburne Museum is open seasonally from May to October.

Address: 6000 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, VT 05482

Basin Harbor

If there's one place that captures the spirit of Vermont, it's Basin Harbor, a resort whose repeat guests span generations – a true testament to the vacation experience at this lakefront lodge. Tucked into the woods of Vergennes, this enchanting resort offers pet-friendly cottages on the water as well as hotel guest rooms, and a variety of on-site dining options that include al fresco cookouts and lobster dinners on the North Dock. Lake Champlain activities range from narrated cruises and shipwreck tours to tubing and paddleboating, while land-based fun includes hiking, biking, tennis, croquet and badminton. Families especially love knockerball, a game similar to soccer where players are encased in inflatable spheres, as well as the Kids Club, with age-specific groups and activities. Bonus: The resort offers a variety of meal plans, including a Full American Plan that includes three meals daily.

Address: 4800 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes, VT 05491

The Tyler Place Family Resort

Did you know there are all-inclusive resorts in Vermont? Perhaps the most well-known option is The Tyler Place Family Resort in Swanton. This classic resort offers a variety of cozy accommodations such as cottages with screened porches and kitchenettes – but not kitchens, since breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in nightly rates. Speaking of meals, The Tyler Place has a unique setup for dinner: Adults are encouraged to enjoy a quiet meal while children – who get to eat earlier – play with the newfound friends and counselors they meet via the resort's award-winning programs for kids. Together, families enjoy a seemingly endless array of activities, from banana boating and water skiing on Lake Champlain to biking around the property and exploring the gardens.

Note that The Tyler Place is open seasonally and, with the exception of Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, requires a Saturday-to-Saturday reservation. Families rave about their stay at the resort, noting that it provides the perfect balance of alone time and family time.

Address: 175 Tyler Place, Swanton, VT 05488

Woodstock Inn & Resort

Courtesy of Woodstock Inn & Resort

The Woodstock Inn & Resort was purchased by Laurance and Mary Rockefeller in 1967, but its history traces back to a small tavern built in 1793. Today this inn is one of the best hotels in Vermont . The historic inn offers lovely guest rooms and suites (including pet-friendly options) that combine the Rockefellers' love of nature and historic preservation. Guests can also enjoy its distinct restaurants, including the award-winning Red Rooster, and a top-rated spa. The hotel also offers an activity center where you can arrange off-site excursions such as Orvis-endorsed fly fishing and mountain biking. Nearby, guests can visit the Billings Farm & Museum, enjoy winter sports at the Suicide Six ski area and stroll the quaint village of Woodstock.

Address: 14 The Green, Woodstock, VT 05091

Northeast Kingdom

Referred to by locals as the Northeast Kingdom for its natural splendor, this region in the northeast corner of Vermont borders Canada and is more remote than most places in the state (if you can believe it). In addition to its beauty, this area boasts charming dining and lodging options alongside opportunities for agritourism and ecotourism.

Explore the many vacation destinations along the Northeast Kingdom Byway, a 51-mile corridor that makes for a scenic driving tour. In the town of Burke, you'll find Lake Willoughby, Mount Pisgah and Burke Mountain Resort. Animal lovers may want to check out Saint Johnsbury, which has a lively downtown area and the one-of-a-kind Dog Chapel. Newport, a small city with lots of water activities on Lake Memphremagog, is another potential stop in the Northeast Kingdom. Not quite along the byway but still worth a visit is the town of Jay, home to Jay Peak Resort and the Pump House indoor water park (the only one of its kind in Vermont).

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park is the only national park in Vermont as well as the nation's only national park dedicated to conservation history and the evolving nature of land stewardship in the U.S. Both self- and ranger-guided tours of the park allow visitors to explore an on-site mansion featuring esteemed landscape artwork. You can traverse trails that lead to the Pogue, a 14-acre pond, and take in unparalleled views of the village of Woodstock and the surrounding countryside. It's the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch. The park also offers Junior Ranger programming for kids.

Address: 54 Elm St., Woodstock, VT 05091

Courtesy of Twin Farms

If you're looking for a romantic getaway in Vermont, book a stay at Twin Farms , one of the best Vermont hotels. At this intimate, all-inclusive hotel tucked into the countryside, guests have a choice of guest rooms, suites, cottages and the Farmhouse (whose four suites can be booked individually or together for groups), all of which are equal parts luxurious and cozy. Select cottages allow up to two dogs, with beds, blankets, treats, bowls and waste cans included in the additional pet fee.

Unique activities include bee tours, ax throwing and archery when the weather is warm; in the colder months, guests can enjoy options like ice fishing and skating. Of course, the Bridge House Spa (complete with a glass-brick steam room) is perfect any time of year, as is the seasonally inspired food and wine program. In fact, Twins Farms places an emphasis on the dining experience, with premium meal options including gourmet picnic lunches and private dinners in the on-site wine cellar. Previous guests can't say enough good things about Twin Farms, noting the service is beyond compare.

Address: 452 Royalton Turnpike, Barnard, VT 05031

The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa

Courtesy of The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa

The Essex is a culinary resort, which means you'll not only get to eat some of the best food you've ever had, but you'll also get to prepare it. At the resort's Cook Academy, hands-on classes – designed for all skill levels – span cake decorating, curated dinners, brunch, sushi rolling, and Vermont beer and cheese pairings. Of course, The Essex also offers phenomenal dining options, notably Junction: an interactive, award-winning restaurant. Other highlights of the resort include a spa, pool and championship tennis courts. Reviewers say they enjoyed their stay at The Essex and also appreciated its close proximity – about 10 miles – to Burlington.

Address: 70 Essex Way, Essex, VT 05452

The Coffee Roost

Courtesy of Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea

Wake up to the smell of fresh coffee beans at The Coffee Roost , an Airbnb located above a working coffee roaster. The modernly furnished apartment, which is accessible via a private entrance, features a cozy queen bed and a spacious, fully equipped kitchen with bar seating. Guests appreciate the uniqueness of this Airbnb, along with its close proximity to Stowe and Waterbury.

Address: 11 Cabin Lane, Waterbury Center, VT 05677

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8 Adorable Towns for Your Next Vermont Getaway

New England's siren call sings louder than ever in fall and winter. With brilliant foliage, romantic B&Bs, panoramic mountain views, and historic covered bridges, these Vermont towns exemplify everything the pastoral region has to offer. Have a free weekend this season? Give the Green Mountain towns a go.

A Brooklyn-based writer and editor, Chelsea's work has appeared in Matador Network, The Huffington Post, the TripAdvisor blog, and more. When not planning her next trip, you'll usually find her drinking way too much iced coffee (always iced—she’s from New England) or bingeing a Netflix original series.

See recent posts by Chelsea Stuart

With a thriving art scene, rich historical background, and plenty of locavore-pleasing restaurants, rustic Woodstock has no problem attracting visitors. Check in at the Woodstock Inn & Resort , a horseshoe-shaped colonial lodge built in 1969 by none other than Laurance Rockefeller. The hotel is heavy-handed when it comes to New England charm, featuring huge stone fireplaces, Audubon prints (from Rockefeller's personal collection), and a vintage game room decked out in plaid Vermont Flannel textiles. Venture 10 minutes from town and you’ll happen upon Long Trail Brewing Co ., just one of VT's numerous craft brewers. Inspired by Munich’s Hofbräu House, the riverside pub and restaurant has plenty to offer in the way of handcrafted beer and industrial design. If you’re in need of an early morning meal before you get to drinking, drop by Mon Vert Cafe in Woodstock Village. The cozy coffee shop takes pride in its organic, locally-sourced menu serving up Vermont apple cider mimosas, butterbeer lattes, classic egg sandwiches, and a whole lot more.

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Woodstock, VT hotels

Tucked away in the northernmost reaches of Vermont—just an hour or so from the border of Quebec, Canada—Stowe is known for its ski slopes. But whether your visit sees snow on the ground or not, it’s worth spending an afternoon at Smugglers’ Notch State Park , a narrow pass of 1,000-foot cliffs that traverses the Green Mountains. Take in more of the scenic town with a trip to the West Branch Gallery & Sculpture Park . The indoor/outdoor art space displays all types of media—photography, paintings, sculptures—from mid-career artists. When it comes time to rest, consider bedding down at one of Stowe’s most modern stays. Contrary to popular belief, Vermont isn’t all quaint B&Bs—just look to Field Guide for a taste of the state’s design-led boutiques. Thirty guest rooms range from apartment-like suites to standalone cottages, mixing woodsy decor (think papier-mâché taxidermy and bird print wallpaper) with plush amenities like kimono robes and Lather bath products.

RELATED : Northeast Vacations: The 9 Best Towns For Your Trip

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Stowe, VT hotels

If you make the trip to Vermont—the maple syrup capital of the United States—and you don’t leave with a stash of the homemade treat, you’re doing something seriously wrong. To remedy this, start your Montpelier stay with a stop by Bragg Farm Sugar House , a family-run business that’s taught eight generations the secret to crafting perfect maple kettle corn, cookies, and candies. From there, it’s over to stylish creperie, The Skinny Pancake , to further indulge with sweet and savory options like the Pure and Simple, with Cabot butter, granulated sugar, local syrup, and the Sass-Squash, with butternut squash, VT chèvre and apples, and organic spinach. Before you’re forced to leave the foothills of the Green Mountains, fit in one last food-fueled event. Swing by the Capital City Farmer’s Market so you can pick up farm-fresh produce that supports local growers.

One look at Grafton’s historic covered bridges, romantic country inns, family-run farmsteads, and sheep-dotted pastures, and you’ll realize that the village is a representation of small town New England at its finest. Nestled in Vermont’s Green Mountains, the charming town is home to less than 600 year-round residents who regularly convene for Town Meetings (see Gilmore Girls ’ Stars Hollow, for reference). Tuck your things away at Main Street’s circa-1801 Grafton Inn —right next door to the village’s iconic white steepled church—and make a beeline for Grafton Village Cheese Co. We'd argue that there's no better way to spend an afternoon than nibbling on naturally-aged, handmade variations (there’s more than 80) like truffle cheddar, 18-month emmentaler, and sheep gouda while you watch the company’s cheesemakers in action.

RELATED : The Best Trips to Take If You’re An Introvert

With Green Mountain foothills to the east, and the rolling pastures of Champlain Valley to the West, Middlebury makes itself at home in one of Vermont’s most scenic regions. The less-than-10,000-person town is perhaps best known for its eponymous college, but even if your pursuits are less than academic, you’ll find plenty on offer. Drop your bags at the Middlebury Inn , a stately, four-building brick stay that’s been on the town green since 1827. It's also home to Morgan's Tavern , where Chef John Hessler serves up locally-sourced meals in collaboration with small farmers, artisan cheese makers, and specialty meat suppliers. If you’re still thirsty post-meal, swing by Otter Creek Brewing’s state-of-the-art brewhouse and pub. Along with hoppy drafts, you may even catch a live concert from local VT musicians.

Hugging the shores of Lake Champlain, Shelburne is one of Vermont’s most underrated destinations. The 7,000-resident Burlington suburb may be dwarfed by its northern neighbor, but there’s plenty of reason to stop by. Check in at the Heart of the Village Inn , a Victorian-style B&B that marries antique furnishings with modern amenities. In the area, guests can admire both the Green Mountains (to the east), and the Adirondacks (to the west). For a farm-to-table meal you won’t soon forget, head to the restaurant at Shelburne Farms —a nonprofit organization that advocates sustainable agriculture from their own 1,400-acre working farm. After a meal of Shelburne Farms Pork (with Wapsie Valley polenta, brussel sprouts, stout cabbage, and smoked pumpkin puree), head to the farm store to stock up on maple syrup, farmstead cheddar, and Vermont-made preserves.

Brattleboro

Just over the border from Hinsdale, New Hampshire, and only a 10-minute drive from the Massachusetts state line, Brattleboro is a pretty apt picture of greater Vermont’s granola reputation. Get a feel for the artsy town with an indie flick screening at the landmark Latchis Theater —Brattleboro’s one and only cinema. After the show, grab an indulgent dinner at Duo Restaurant . Though owners Keith Arnold and Stephanie Bonin opened their first location (to much success) in Denver, they returned to Bonin’s Vermont hometown to open their second kitchen in 2015, bringing the good people of Brattleboro grass-fed ribeye with kholrabi and potato cheddar gratin, seasonal veggies, and black pepper bordelaise. At the end of the night, retire to 1868 Crosby House , a charming Victorian B&B just a short walk from downtown.

RELATED: The 25 Best Stops on an Epic Cross-Country America Road Trip

Quechee is truly one of the Northeast’s ultimate fall sights—leaf peepers and locals will tell you as much. That's when fiery reds, yellows, and oranges highlight the village's tumbling hills and valleys. Though the town’s annual Quechee Hot Air Balloon, Craft & Music Festival —quite possibly the most New England thing to ever exist—doesn’t go off until June, this time of year you can still hop in a wicker basket and take flight across Vermont and New Hampshire. Wherever your itinerary takes you, make sure to include a trip to the tumbling white waters of Quechee Gorge—we suggest viewing it from the bridge along US Route 4—and dinner at the Quechee Inn at Marshland Fine , where a gourmet, locally-sourced three-course menu for two—with wine—will run you only $55. We’re talking mains like grilled salmon with orange zest and ginger-infused honey and Vermont-made bell pepper and smoked mozzarella ravioli in Béchamel sauce.

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20 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Vermont

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Jun 23, 2023

Vermont is equal parts myth and reality, home to a mystique that other states can only envy. A mere mention of its name, and images appear: sunlit meadows of black-and-white cows, dazzling white ski trails, tidy hillside farms, blazing red maple trees along a stone wall, covered bridges , buckets collecting sap for maple syrup.

Certainly these idyllic scenes still exist, although less picturesque plastic tubing has replaced most of the buckets, and many of the farms may now be chic B&Bs where you can stay while sightseeing.

Another Vermont exists alongside this idealized one, represented by bustling Burlington , the outlet malls of Manchester, Killington's frenetic après-ski scene, and Brattleboro's unlikely blend of gritty blue-collar and '70s hippies grown up.

Even the state's mainstay of agriculture has a new look, as dozens of artisanal cheese makers transform Vermont's dairy industry, and tourists eagerly follow the Vermont Cheese Trail to sample them.

Other trails lead to traditional tourist attractions: maple farms boiling sap and welcoming visitors each March, and covered bridges – seven of them in the far northern town of Montgomery alone. You'll enjoy both Vermonts.

I live 20 miles from Brattleboro, Vermont, where I do my shopping at the Farmer's Market and in the locally owned stores on Main Street. My travels frequently take me back and forth across the Connecticut River, which separates my western New Hampshire town from my favorite skiing and hiking trails in Vermont's Green Mountains. I consider both states to be our backyard.

Join me to discover the best things to see and do there, with this list of the top attractions and places to visit in Vermont.

2. Church Street Marketplace

4. mount mansfield and smugglers notch, 5. burlington bike path and waterfront park, 6. vermont's year-round ski resorts, 7. quechee gorge, 8. bennington battle monument and museum, 9. marsh-billings-rockefeller national historic park, 10. lake champlain, 11. billings farm & museum, 12. visit a maple farm, 13. brattleboro farmers' market, 14. ben & jerry's, 15. shelburne museum, 16. fairbanks museum & planetarium, 17. montshire museum of science, 18. rock of ages quarry and hope cemetery, 19. park-mccullough historic governor's mansion, 20. green mountain national forest.

With a covered bridge, white-spired church, weathered barns, and ski trails down the mountainside, Stowe is everybody's image of Vermont. At the foot of Mt. Mansfield and in the heart of the state's snow belt, it's also the town that most personifies the glory days of Vermont's early ski industry, a heritage that's explored here in the Vermont Ski Museum .

Although avid skiers had climbed the mountain long before that, and a rope tow was installed in 1937, things really took off in 1940, when the first chairlift was opened. Stowe Mountain Resort is still one of New England's premier ski destinations, and the gondola that carries skiers in the winter takes sightseers to the summit for more views in the summer and fall.

It's not all about skiing and the mountain; you'll find shops and boutiques, art galleries, dining, and lodging of all sorts. Exhibits of works by Vermont-based artists are shown in the Helen Day Art Center and you can find quality Vermont- and New England-made jewelry, glass and fiber arts at Remarkable Things at Stowe Craft at the beginning of Mountain Road. When hunger strikes, I like to grab a hand-built sandwich at Back Cap Coffee & Bakery on Main St.

You can rent bicycles to ride, or you can walk or skate along the 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path , a paved multi-use route through meadows and woods alongside the river, with beautiful views of Mt. Mansfield. The best views of Mt. Mansfield's distinctive profile are from the upper part of the path, which you can access from Thompson Park, on Mountain Road.

You can find things to do here all year, and you'll quickly see why it's considered one of the best small towns in Vermont .

Author's Tip: If your canine friend accompanies you to Stowe, look for the 1.8-mile Quiet Path, a low-impact extension of the Recreation Path, where dogs can run free. You can reach it from Cemetery or Mayo Farm Rd.

In the heart of downtown Burlington , Church Street is only four blocks long, but it forms a wide, traffic-free space for public events and a lively street life even in Vermont's cold winters. Along with the festivals scheduled throughout the year, it's a place for sidewalk cafes, benches, and public artworks, and the buildings alongside it are filled with shops, restaurants, and boutiques. In the summer, when everyone is outdoors, it has the feel of an Italian piazza.

A mural, Everyone Loves a Parade! by Canadian muralist Pierre Hardy decorates a wall, and other artworks include a life-sized statue of a local jazz artist and a fish fountain crafted of metal. It's no wonder this has been named one of the Great Public Spaces in America; it's also listed as a National Register Historic District.

Opposite Church Street, The Flynn Center hosts top performers and musicians, in a state-of-the-art theater.

Author's Tip: For bargains that will astonish you, go downstairs at Outdoor Gear Exchange , part sale and clearance clothing and gear, and part consignment shop. My daughter bought a name-brand jacket there for less than ¼ its original price. So, if you find that your children have outgrown their ski boots or jacket, you could leave them there for sale instead of hauling them home from vacation.

Address: Church Street, Burlington, Vermont

Robert Todd Lincoln, son of the president, visited Manchester with his mother shortly before his father's assassination. After he had become president of Pullman Company, in the early 20th century, he returned to build the Georgian Revival Hildene as his country estate.

Hildene represents a fine example of homes built as retreats for the families of wealthy magnates and is furnished with several pieces from Mrs. Lincoln's family. Personal belongings of President Lincoln include his famous stovepipe hat.

Other highlights are the thousand-pipe 1908 Aeolian organ, in working condition, and the elegant dining room furnished in Queen Anne style. The home remained in the Lincoln family until 1975, thus preserving the original furnishings and memorabilia. The formal gardens on the terrace overlooking the broad valley have been restored from records of original plantings.

If you can, go to Hildene in late May or early June, when the formal garden is filled with more than a thousand bright peonies in full bloom. These blossoms, some the size of dinner plates, fill the air with their heady fragrance. Mesmerized by the peonies and by the view that reaches across the Battenkill Valley to the mountains beyond, I couldn't stop clicking photos.

You can stay in another of these elegant mansions built in Manchester by wealthy industrialists. The Inn at Ormsby Hill , near Hildene, is now an elegant bed-and-breakfast.

Address: 1005 Hildene Road, Manchester, Vermont

Mountain Road climbs out of Stowe and up the shoulder of Mount Mansfield, past Stowe Mountain Resort, where a gondola carries skiers and sightseers to the summit. Beyond the resort, the road narrows to snake through Smugglers' Notch, one of Vermont's most engaging natural attractions.

The road through this pass between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak is so tight and narrow as it winds upward that at some curves only a single car can pass through the openings between the giant boulders.

Snowplows can't get through it in the winter, when the road closes just past the ski area. The rest of the year, you can park the car and walk the paths among this massive jumble of glacial rock and discover the caves where 19th-century smugglers once hid.

The caves and gigantic boulders were formed when the glacier stalled here during the last ice age, smashing the mountain ledges and dropping them into the notch, where they were carved and tumbled by more glacial action.

Mansfield is Vermont's highest mountain, and at its top are sweeping views and more than two miles of ridge-top hiking above tree line . This is one of only two places in Vermont where rare arctic-alpine tundra exists. A number of routes reach its summit. The Long Trail crosses Route 108 at the foot of Smugglers' Notch, climbing steadily for 2.3 miles to the ridgeline.

Although the Long Trail traversing the ridgetop is one of the top hiking trails in Vermont , there are easier ways to get to the summit of Mt. Mansfield. Built for skiers, in summer and fall the Gondola SkyRide is a sightseeing attraction, revealing summit views to Lake Champlain, New York's Adirondacks and New Hampshire's White Mountains. The 10-minute ride on the gondola takes you close to the Long Trail, so you can hike the summit part for the best views.

Driving the Auto Toll Road takes about 20 minutes, and from its terminus you can also access trails to the summit ridge, or just enjoy the views from there. The Toll Road isn't scary – there are no vertigo-inducing drop-offs (or I wouldn't drive it) – and a lot better value than the gondola. The Toll Road costs less for a car and up to six passengers than a gondola ticket for one person.

Both the Gondola SkyRide and Auto Toll Road are open through foliage season in the fall.

Close to the point where the Long Trail crosses Route 108 at the base of Smugglers' Notch, Topnotch Resort is a luxurious base for exploring the area, with mountain views, three pools, a full-service spa, and a fine-dining restaurant.

A paved bicycle path borders eight miles of Burlington's Lake Champlain shoreline, extending from Oakledge Park north to the Winooski River. Alongside is a graded path for walkers and runners, with benches at points with the best views across the lake.

The path connects several parks that mark the shoreline, and a boardwalk forms a promenade along the central section. Here, you'll find the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain and Vermont's only All-America Display Garden , where flowering ornamental plants bloom through summer and fall.

Waterfront Park is the site of several festivals in the summer, and picnic tables along the route invite a lakeside lunch. In the spring, the path is lined by brilliant blooming azaleas and at any time of year, this is Vermont's best spot for watching the spectacular sunsets over Lake Champlain .

From the slopes of Mount Snow in the south to Jay Peak in the north, skiing extends the entire length of Vermont. Some of the top ski resorts in the east are here, and the state's nearly two dozen ski mountains offer downhill ski experiences for everyone, from young children and beginners to experts training for the Olympics. State-of-the-art snowmaking and grooming keeps slopes and trails in top condition from December through March.

Winter isn't the only time you can enjoy Vermont's ski resorts , however. The larger ones have on-mountain activities all year, offering mountain slides, rope courses, mountain biking, and scenic rides on the lifts that carry skiers to the summits in the winter. Resorts at the base have spas, swimming pools, Segway rides, golf, and activities for all ages.

Okemo Mountain Resort has the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster; a spa; a mountain bike park; scenic chairlift rides; disc and miniature golf; and the Haulback Challenge Course, an aerial journey from tree to tree. Killington Ski Resort has the Beast Mountain Coaster, a ropes course, and an Adventure Center.

Stowe Mountain Resort whisks visitors to the top on the state's only gondola lift, or drivers can ascend to the summit of Mt. Mansfield on the Toll Road. Stratton Mountain has a mountain bike park and a 27-hole championship golf course.

In the winter, each resort has its own individual style and atmosphere that draws its loyal fans. For example, the two major mountains in central Vermont, Okemo and Killington, although close geographically, couldn't be farther apart in style or atmosphere.

Both offer top-quality skiing and boarding, but while Okemo has a family vacation vibe of a mountain ski village, after the lifts close Killington is all about the nightlife and apres-ski scene, with a road lined by evening venues as its nucleus. For me, the important thing is that they both have "bubble" chairlifts with domes to break the mountains' icy winds (as do Stowe and Mount Snow).

Vermont's deepest gorge was formed by glaciers about 13,000 years ago, and has continued to deepen by the constant action of the Ottauquechee River, which you will see flowing 165 feet below. The best place to view Quechee Gorge is from the walkway along the arched iron bridge that carries Route 4 across the top, about 7 miles from Woodstock .

A trail leads through the woods beside the rim to the bottom of the gorge, where you can see the lower part of it from water level. Close to the gorge, also on Route 4, is the excellent Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences (VINS) , a nature center where injured raptors are rehabilitated and returned to the wild.

Address: Route 4, Quechee, Vermont

The 306-foot-high obelisk, visible for miles around, commemorates the 1777 battle fought about five miles west of Bennington, which turned the tide against the British by splitting British General John Burgoyne's forces in half, making the final American victory possible. You can bypass the monument's 412 steps by taking an elevator to the top for views.

The nearby Bennington Museum is best known for its extensive collection of works by primitive folk artist Grandma Moses, along with her schoolhouse painting studio.

The museum is also especially strong in its collections of Bennington pottery, furniture, toys, American glassware, and Victorian quilts. You'll also find fine art and artifacts from the colonial and Civil War periods.

Between the monument and museum, you'll pass the lovely little settlement of Old Bennington with its 1762 Old First Church. In the cemetery behind it is the grave of Robert Frost , and fans of his poetry will want to stop, as I always do, to pay respects. His tombstone is marked with the epitaph he chose for himself: "I had a lover's quarrel with the world."

Address: Route 9, Bennington, Vermont

The only national park to concentrate on land stewardship in America incorporates both a working farm and a Victorian mansion on the hill above, set in formal gardens designed by several of America's foremost landscape architects.

The Queen-Anne-style mansion is decorated with the finest of Victorian artistry, including embossed wallpaper and stained-glass windows by Tiffany & Co. Also displayed in the house is the Rockefellers' collection of works by artists of the Hudson River School.

Both rail magnate Frederick Billings, and later, the Rockefellers were dedicated to land conservation and used this property to put it into practice. You can walk the trails on Mt. Tom, where park rangers can explain forestry practices and help identify trailside plants and trees.

Tours of the art-filled Rockefeller home and grounds include themes of gardening, forestry, and their relationship to conservation.

Note to parents: my kids loved getting their Junior Ranger book at the Carriage Barn Visitor Center and taking a self-guided trip through the Junior Ranger loop. They left proudly wearing their badges (crafted from wood grown in the park). In July and August kids can join special events.

Address: River Road, Woodstock, Vermont

Extending for 120 miles between Vermont and New York, with its northern tip in Canada, Lake Champlain lies mostly in Vermont, and draws visitors for its recreation, wildlife, and historical attractions. Its watershed covers more than 8,000 square miles.

Much of its 587 miles of shoreline are undeveloped; a haven for wildlife; and one of the best places to visit in Vermont for canoeists, kayakers, and sailors. On the Vermont side, 318 species of birds depend on Lake Champlain, and 81 species of fish swim in its waters.

According to Samuel de Champlain, for whom the lake is named, a 20-foot serpent-like creature also swims in the lake. His was the first, but certainly not the last reported sighting of what is now known as " Champy ." You might catch sight of it from one of the several lake cruises, or even from one of the three ferries that cross to the New York side from Charlotte, Burlington, and Grand Isle. ( I have not seen Champy myself, so I'm not making any promises.)

Several wildlife reserves protect its shore and neighboring wetlands, including the Dead Creek WMA , where thousands of migrating snow geese stop to rest in late October. You can learn more about the ecology at the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain , on the waterfront in Burlington.

The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum , overlooking Basin Harbor in Vergennes, explores the lake's role in the Revolution and War of 1812. You can also visit Mount Independence , an important sister fort to Fort Ticonderoga across the lake in New York, and attacked in July 1777. Learn more at the visitor center and explore the 400-acre site with the help of trail maps with historical notes and descriptions.

Although Champlain doesn't have the quiet intimacy of many lakes in Vermont , you'll find plenty of things to do along its shores and in its waters. Several state parks north of Burlington have sandy beaches. The longest is the 2000-foot beach at Sand Bar State Park , its gently sloping shore good for young children. You can rent boats here and on the beach at Grand Isle State Park.

Except in protected bays, these waters are not for beginning kayakers, but the bays and shoreline campsites of Knight Island State Park make a great adventure for those who can paddle more than 3 miles of open water.

Author's Note: Pay close attention to the weather forecast so you won't be caught, as I once was, in a sudden thunderstorm. Waves and wind can make a lake the size of Champlain seem like mid-ocean.

Spreading across the wide, flat landscape of the Ottauquechee River valley, the Billings Farm & Museum carries on the education mission of Frederick Billings, former owner of the farm and of the forests above that are now part of the national park. Billings created the farm to demonstrate the value of sound environmental practices in raising livestock.

The working farm continues to educate, as well as show what Vermont farming and rural life was like in the days before modern equipment did much of the work. You can tour the farm manager's house and dairy, visit livestock barns, watch cattle milking, make your own butter, and learn other old-fashioned rural skills in hands-on programs.

The small museum shows tools and equipment used in daily farm activities, such as ice-harvesting and maple sugaring, in eye-catching and informative exhibits.

Try to visit in August or early September when the Sunflower House is in full bloom. Each spring, 20,000 square feet of field is planted in more than 100 varieties of sunflower, some growing as tall as 14 feet. Arranged in a circular labyrinth pattern, the flowers are massed by variety, with colors varying from yellow to orange to red; some are as short as 18 inches and others had multiple rows of petals and centers so small they looked more like dahlias.

Address: 69 Old River Road, Woodstock, Vermont

The maple trees that bring a blaze of color to Vermont's autumn landscape also make Vermont the nation's top producer of maple syrup. The time to be here for the complete maple experience is late February through early April, when sugar houses are at full boil and you can sample the golden syrup as it's made.

That's the time for "sugaring off" parties and the chewy candy made by pouring syrup onto snow. Many farms take visitors into the grove – called a sugar bush – by horse-drawn sled or wagon, and some serve hot cider and fresh cider doughnuts.

Two of these farms you can visit at any time of year to learn about the process and sample syrup and other maple products. Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks in Montpelier is an 8th generation family-owned maple syrup farm, where you can sample maple products and see displays on tapping trees and making syrup. The gift shop has a selection of maple goodies and other Vermont-made products. As a bonus, there is an outdoor Vermont farm life museum, too.

At Sugarbush Farm in Woodstock, you can sample two classic Vermont products: maple syrup and cheese. Both are produced at the 3 rd -generation farm, and if there's cheesemaking in process in the dairy, you can watch. The shop also offers samples of jams, mustards, smoked meats, and other locally made delicacies.

Author's Tip: Driving to Sugarbush Farm, you'll feel as though you are heading deeper and deeper into nowhere, but have faith—a series of signs will point you the right way at every intersection. A word of advice, however: without four-wheel drive, don't go in March "mud season."

In a region known for its small farms and agriculture, Brattleboro Farmers' Market is the poster child of farmers markets. More than a place to buy fresh-picked vegetables and fruit from small independent local farmers, it is a social event, a meeting place, a Saturday lunch stop, and part of the weekend routine for southern Vermonters.

You'll find old favorite vegetables and all the trendy new varieties, along with flowers, artisanal breads, farm cheeses, handmade soap, local honey, maple syrup, pottery, jewelry, smart scarves, and French pastries. Plan to be there around lunchtime, when there will nearly always be live music and maybe Morris dancers on the shaded lawn.

Some vendors sell prepared foods to eat at picnic tables under the trees. You may find savory stews from Mali, Thai noodles, Lebanese dolmas, even Breton crepes. In the winter, the market moves indoors to a Main Street location.

A Saturday morning tradition for my family, the farmers' market isn't just about the fresh vegetables and fruit. I get tips for growing herbs and suggestions on how to cook foraged ramps and fiddlehead ferns. And I get fresh-squeezed lemonade and eat really great Thai food for lunch while listening to music and watching the kids play in the big sandbox. It gets the weekend started right.

Brattleboro itself is a cultural and social phenomenon, one of Vermont's few towns with an industrial past, but also one where back-to-the-landers settled in the 1960s and '70s and never left. The arts flourish here, and on any night of the week, you'll find a choice of gallery openings, performances, classes, community action meetings, concerts, public forums, and other activities.

Address: Route 9, West Brattleboro, Vermont

Unquestionably Vermont's most popular tourist attraction for children, Ben & Jerry's factory tour is a favorite experience for adults, too. On the 30-minute guided tour of the factory, you'll watch workers as they make and package ice cream, while a guide explains the process.

On days when the factory is not operating, you'll still see inside it, but a movie will show it in action. Of course, a sample of the day's flavor is included, and you can sample more flavors before choosing your favorite at their scoop shop.

The gift shop sells B&J goods, and you can take ice cream with you in insulated carriers. Be sure to visit the Flavor Graveyard to mourn the loss of their "dearly de-pinted" flavors and to smile at the past tongue-in-cheek names. In case you wondered, my favorite is rich, dark "Chocolatey Love A-fair" -- chocolate with salted caramel swirls, caramel chunks and sea salt fudge.

Address: Route 100, Waterbury, Vermont

Restored historic buildings and the collections they house at the open-air Shelburne Museum reflect Vermont's rich history and America's folk and fine art traditions. You can explore a round barn; the lake steamer SS Ticonderoga (now on dry land); a lake lighthouse; a barn filled with vintage carriages and wagons; a print shop; and collections of carved decoys, American quilts, handmade hatboxes, hooked rugs, and trains, in a bucolic village setting among manicured gardens.

In contrast to the simple farms represented at the museum, you can glimpse an entirely different kind of farming in New England at nearby Shelburne Farms . The grand turreted barns and farmyard of this 1400-acre working "gentleman farm" are still in operation, and you can sample their cheese, visit the gardens, and even have tea, depending on the tour you choose.

Address: 6000 Shelburne Road, Shelburne

Exuding all the charm and fascination of an old-time Victorian museum, without the mustiness, the museum endowed by the owner of Fairbanks Scales covers subjects from Vermont wildflowers to the mysteries of the universe.

The 1891 Fairbanks Museum building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, exhibits many of the usual things you'd expect – mounted birds and animals, Native American stone tools, Civil War memorabilia – as well as many delightful surprises. Take, for example, the bizarre collection of Victorian portraits of Washington, Lincoln, and others formed entirely of bugs and beetles.

Vermonters love visiting the live broadcast studio for their favorite weather report, Eye on the Sky. Downstairs is a hands-on nature center with wasp hives, frogs, iguanas, and creepy things kids love. Planetarium programs examine the sky above St. Johnsbury and beyond.

Across the street is the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum , whose Art Gallery was added in 1873, making it the oldest art gallery in the United States still in its original form. The collection features American and European artists from the late 18th- to mid-19th century.

These and other outstanding examples of Victorian architecture on Main St. are described in a walking tour map of the street, available at the museum.

Address: 1302 Main Street, St. Johnsbury, Vermont

"Do touch," seems to be the motto of the Montshire , where each of its 125 exhibits begs for hands-on interaction. Kids can make soap bubbles grow bigger than they are, understand how movies are made by creating their own, experiment with light beams, navigate a labyrinth powered by air, watch a live boa constrictor, or see leafcutter ants at work demolishing foliage.

Even the building is designed for curious kids, with color-coded ventilation ducts and exposed construction supports. Nature trails explore the 110 acres of grounds alongside the Connecticut River.

Address: 1 Montshire Road, Norwich, Vermont

Granite quarries were founded at Barre after the War of 1812 and are still operating today. You can visit the Rock of Ages quarry, a staggering hole in the earth, and at 550 feet wide, a quarter mile long, and 450 feet deep, the world's largest quarry.

Barre granite's exceptionally fine grain makes it the preferred stone for finely detailed, durable outdoor sculpture, such as monuments and architectural detail. While there, along with touring the quarry and workshops, you can sand-blast your own granite souvenir, and go bowling on what is believed to be the world's only outdoor granite lane. (No, the bowling balls are not made of granite.)

Barre drew expert stone workers and carvers, many from Italy, and as you might expect, you can find their work in public sculptures and in Hope Cemetery . This is filled with elaborate carvings by early-20th-century stonecutters, highlighted by some remarkably lifelike sculptures and by symbols of employment or favorite pastimes: a soccer-ball, an oil truck, or an outdoor scene with a fishing rod.

Address: 558 Graniteville Road, Graniteville, Vermont

One of New England's finest examples of Victorian architecture and decoration, the Park-McCullough Historic Governor's Mansion is also one of the best preserved. The 35-room mansion represents the height of the Second Empire style popular in the 1860s, with finely detailed construction and artistic features.

The mansion remained in the same family for generations, so it is furnished with original pieces and decorative arts that show the opulence and tastes of the mid-Victorian era. Surrounded by manicured grounds and gardens, the mansion is open from spring through fall and hosts cultural events, including a classical music series, theater performances, and a summer croquet league.

Address: 1 Park Street, North Bennington, Vermont

Vermont's vast National Forest lies in two sections along the mountain chain that forms the state's spine–and makes east-west travel a challenge. Nearly every route across these mountains leads over a gap, a mountain pass that may be good for viewing the scenery, but not so good for winter travel. In fact, some of these roads close entirely during the winter.

Follow these the rest of the year to discover waterfalls, National Forest campgrounds, scenic places to picnic, trails to hike, and a world of nature. The Appalachian Trail crosses through the southern section of the National Forest, and the Long Trail follows the chain the entire length of the state from the Canadian to the Massachusetts borders.

Route 100 , often called "The Skiers' Highway," weaves back and forth among the mountains as it makes its way north, connecting many of Vermont's ski areas, from Mount Snow to Stowe and Jay Peak . Route 9 crosses the Green Mountains in the south; Route 73 traverses Brandon Gap; Route 125 climbs over Middlebury Gap (passing Texas Falls ); and Route 17 climbs Appalachian Gap, the highest that is open in the winter, at 2,356 feet.

I like camping at the well-maintained campgrounds located throughout the National Forest, especially those at Moosalamoo (near Middlebury), Silver Lake and Hapgood Pond. The latter, near Manchester, also has a day-use recreation area with swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. It is the only place in the Green Mountain National Forest where a day use pass is needed.

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What to Do in Vermont: In addition to those described here, there are more attractions to see in Burlington , and you can explore outside the city on Vermont's outstanding hiking trails . Or you can enjoy winter sports at any of Vermont's top ski resorts .

Where to Go Next: Just a ferry ride across Lake Champlain are the Adirondack Mountains, one of the top attractions of New York state . This is a popular area for hiking, camping, and other outdoor pursuits. And across the Connecticut River to the east is New Hampshire , where you'll find mountains, lake and ocean beaches , and top-rated resorts.

More on Vermont

These 14 Towns In Vermont Have The Best Main Streets You Gotta Visit

Kristin Grimes

Kristin Grimes lives in Vermont, is a freelance writer and busy MOM (Manager of Madness) and WIFE (Washing, Ironing, Feeding, Etc.)

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The Green Mountain State is well known for its picturesque towns, many of them containing some of the best downtowns in VT . The main streets (often aptly named Main Street) often have grand architecture, eclectic small businesses, and community-oriented features like a park or theater. Often, these main streets in VT thrive thanks to locals who have made a conscientious effort to fight the general decline of main streets. Here are some of best towns in VT to visit.

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These are just some of the best downtowns in VT. Vermont has so many more quaint villages! We’d love to know what your favorite main street in VT is!

Now that you’ve picked out some of the coolest towns in VT to check out, what about where to stay? Take a look at these unique places to stay in Vermont.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Best downtowns in vt.

What is the most popular restaurant in Vermont?

With 286 towns and cities in the state, there are a lot of dining options to go around. One of the best towns in VT, in Burlington, you’ll find Guild Tavern. At this steakhouse, you can get locally sourced meats and seafood dishes like Atlantic salmon and handcrafted cocktails made with Vermont spirits. Located in Shelburne is The Bearded Frog restaurant, an American Regional eatery. Grab a Vermont Gold vodka martini and feast on venison “cigars” as an appetizer and seared duck breast for your main. Here are some more options for dining in Vermont.

What are the most beautiful lakes in Vermont?

  Vermont is home to more than 800 lakes. One of the best (and clearest in all the state!) is Lake Willoughby , located in Westmore. Here, you can take in its almost 1,600 acres through boating, swimming, fishing, and exploring the land surrounding the lake. Over in Rutland County is Lake Bomoseen. At 2,400 acres, it’s the biggest lake that lies solely within Vermont. There are a few beaches to swim at, boat launches, camping along its shores, and of course, great fishing opportunities.

What is Vermont known for?

The Green Mountain State is known for a few things. First things first: skiing. It’s home to 26 ski resorts, many of them quite well known, such as Killington and Okemo. And then there’s maple syrup. The state is the largest producer of the sticky stuff in America. You can even visit a maple sugar farms . And don’t forget the covered bridges . Vermont is home to over 100 scattered across the state. If you want the most bang for your buck, check out the town of Montgomery, where you will find six of them.

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Things to Do in Rutland

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Best Ski Resorts

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Top Places to Visit

The Top 14 Destinations in Vermont

In Vermont, even the most prominent cities feel like small towns, and you're never far from the things that give the state its character: dairy farms, mountains, covered bridges, craft breweries , maple sugarhouses, and apple orchards. Scroll around a map of Vermont, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a bad destination. This is the second safest state in the U.S. (after Maine), and a place where the wide-open outdoors beckons in every season. So don't just see one of these top Vermont destinations—plan to visit a few during your trip to the Green Mountain State.

Sitting on the shores of Lake Champlain, Vermont's largest city almost feels more like a resort town than anything else. Start your trip by biking along the waterfront, embarking on a boat tour of the lake, or hitting up the Lake Champlain Islands. Then, check out the scene at Church Street Marketplace , where 150 retailers and restaurants provide goods, grub, and lively entertainment.

Energized by its college students, Burlington is also the first American city to run entirely on renewable energy, and you'll see signs of the city's green leadership in everything from farm ingredient-driven menus to Hotel Vermont's green roof. Spend a day at Shelburne Farms , just 7 miles south of downtown, and discover all this 1,400-acre working farm is doing to promote a sustainable future.

As pretty a town as you'll find in Vermont, Woodstock is the perfect destination for lovers of architecture and the arts. It also just happens to be one of the best places to learn about the state's agrarian history and role in the origins of environmentalism. Must-visit attractions include Billings Farm & Museum and the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park , where you can tour the former home of Laurance and Mary Rockefeller and George Perkins Marsh: the father of the environmental movement.

Don't miss your chance to venture south to Reading to snap your own pictures of New England's most photographed farm . Or, head east to Quechee to hike along Quechee Gorge, see birds of prey at VINS Nature Center , and dine and shop at Simon Pearce Restaurant and Mill .

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Characterized by its white steepled church and the imposing silhouette of Mount Mansfield (Vermont's highest peak), the village of Stowe has captured many travel guide covers and calendar pages. The town is Vermont's top destination for elite skiers in the winter, though the skiing and riding remains remarkably good into the spring. In the summer and fall, this is a hiker's paradise, while leaf peepers won't want to miss the stunning drive from Stowe to Cambridge through Smugglers' Notch. For those looking for a spa getaway, you'll love all of the amenities provided by resorts like Topnotch , known for its Tennis Academy, and Stoweflake , famous for its Aqua Solarium and Spa.

Centrally located, Manchester's gracious historic inns like The Equinox make it Vermont's top spot for romantic getaways. But there's more to Manchester than maple-infused spa treatments, fireside fine dining, and designer outlet shopping. Home to the American Museum of Fly Fishing and the Orvis flagship store and fly-fishing school , this is your place to hone your tying and casting skills, or even to experience the zen-like calm of the sport for the first time. While in Manchester, you'll also want to tour the Hildene estate , the former residence of Abraham Lincoln's son, Robert Todd Lincoln.

Killington is synonymous with skiing; in fact, the winter sports season here lasts more than half the year. But if you've only visited Vermont's largest ski resort during wintertime, you've missed this mountain town's summertime tranquility and autumn glory. Make this your destination for off-season thrills like downhill mountain biking and fall foliage gondola rides . Golf, kayak, fish, or hike a stretch of the Appalachian Trail before enjoying Killington's restaurants without the après-ski crowds. In the fall, you won't have to venture far to find pick-your-own apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and fresh beer at Long Trail Brewing Company 's riverside, German-style pub.

Situated in the Green Mountain State's southwest corner, Bennington is the perfect day-trip distance from Boston, New York City, Albany, or Hartford. It's known for quintessential New England attractions, including a collection of five historic covered bridges. While you're here, you'll want to see Grandma Moses' paintings at the Bennington Museum before visiting New England poet Robert Frost's grave at the Old First Church next door. Ascend Vermont's tallest structure, the Bennington Battle Monument , via elevator for views of Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts; go at the height of fall for an especially dazzling panorama.

©  Kim Knox Beckius

While Waterbury may not have quite the same name recognition as some other Vermont cities and towns, you likely know its number one attraction: Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory tours ! Stay a while, though—maybe even in one of New England's coolest treehouses —and you'll quickly discover there's an abundance of fun to be found here. Watch apples turn into adult beverages at Cold Hollow Cider Mill , observe artisans at work at Ziemke Glassblowing Studio , and climb Camel's Hump (one of Vermont's top hikes ) for incredible views.

Smallest of all the U.S. capital cities American kids have to memorize during their elementary school years, Montpelier offers visitors a central home base from which to sightsee, ski, and collect all of Vermont's quintessential experiences. Without leaving this tiny city, you can eat breakfast topped with Vermont maple syrup at any time of the day; support independent retailers like Bear Pond Books , Woodbury Mountain Toys, and The Quirky Pet ; sip Vermont-made wine; and go for a hike at North Branch Nature Center.

Brattleboro

This vibrant small city in southeastern Vermont, just across the Connecticut River from New Hampshire, has its own distinct character. Where else will you find art and antiques galleries, a food co-op, vintage boutiques, two bookstores, and a circus arts school all in the heart of a throwback downtown? You can even rent a kayak or canoe from Vermont Canoe Touring Center and paddle right through downtown—a great way to stimulate your appetite before visiting one of Brattleboro's eclectic restaurants . Be sure to head to the city's outskirts to visit the Retreat Farm and the Grafton Village Cheese Co. factory , located right next to each other.

Courtesy of Okemo Mountain Resort

Vermont's scenic Route 100 winds through Ludlow, and many skiers and snowboarders are content to land at Okemo Mountain Resort . All of the lodging that's here for winter visitors can become your affordable home base in the summer or fall, when Route 100 is your byway to blissful experiences like shopping at the beloved Vermont Country Store in Weston. Or, poke around in Plymouth , the remarkably preserved village where Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president the U.S., was born and sworn in. You can even see cheese being made the traditional way at Plymouth Artisan Cheese .

St. Johnsbury

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The town of St. Johnsbury is the gateway to Vermont's bucolic and remote Northeast Kingdom, but there are more reasons to make your way to this outpost than most travelers realize. Love art? The St. Johnsbury Athenaeum is filled with masterpieces, including Albert Bierstadt's enormous canvas, "Domes of the Yosemite." Into science? The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium has fascinating collections. Obsessed with dogs? Stephen Huneck's one-of-a-kind Dog Chapel is one of New England's best free attractions , and your furry companion will adore it, too. Of course, there's plentiful recreation nearby, from skiing at Burke Mountain to biking the Kingdom Trails .

Located 5 miles south of the Canadian border, it goes without saying that winters in Jay are cold, and Jay Peak skiers and other snow lovers are treated to an average annual dump of 359 inches of the white stuff. Ever since the mountain resort added an indoor water park to its offerings, though, it's built up an off-season clientele and has become a favorite among families. Summer and fall visitors can also golf, hike, fish, mountain bike, birdwatch, and explore the scenic and peaceful Northeast Kingdom.

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The Vermont Republic, an independent country from 1777 until 1791, was birthed in Windsor on Vermont's eastern border. Linked to Cornish, NH by the world's longest two-span covered bridge, it's an ideal destination for a two-state vacation. In Windsor, you'll be surprisingly fascinated by the American Precision Museum , enthralled by the hang gliders you can observe when driving or hiking to the summit in Mount Ascutney State Park , and well-satiated at the indoor-outdoor Harpoon Brewery Taproom and Beer Garden .

Head to Cornish to visit one of the most under-appreciated national parks, Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, which showcases the work of one of America's foremost sculptors. In the summer, when Opera North is in residence at Blow-Me-Down Farm, open-air performances mesmerize all ages.

Vermont's oldest and smallest city is 2.5 square miles of worthwhile experiences. Full of cultural activities to partake in, it's best known for its active library and historic opera house . Shops and restaurants are clustered along the city's picturesque Main Street, though do plan a picnic with a view of the Otter Creek waterfalls in Vergennes Falls Park. On Lake Champlain, away from the heart of the city, you'll find dog-friendly lodging and nostalgic hospitality at Basin Harbor . Or, vacation on the cheap by camping lakeside in Button Bay State Park .

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Total eclipse is coming April 8: What you need to know to see it in NH

Millions of Americans will turn their eyes to the sky April 8 for the Great North American Solar Eclipse , the rare occurrence set to be fully visible in northern New Hampshire and a host of other states.

Solar eclipse hunters and curious tourists are expected to descend upon New Hampshire, in addition to Maine and Vermont, next month to view the celestial spectacle. Communities in the northern part of each of the three states are within what is known as the coming eclipse’s path of totality, the areas that will be best to directly view the moon in perfect alignment with the sun. 

The last time New Hampshire was in the direct path of a total solar eclipse was 1959, when a westward eclipse that began around India moved through the southern portion of the state, including right through Nashua . The next time New Hampshire will be in the path of totality during a solar eclipse won’t occur until 2079, according to the state . 

What will eclipse look like in path of totality?

All New Hampshire municipalities north of Berlin will see the moon entirely blocking the sun as the eclipse passes through. Anywhere south of that in the Granite State, including communities in the Seacoast and Strafford County, would see between 94% and 96% totality, with a sliver of the sun poking out, according to John Gianforte, director of the University of New Hampshire Observatory . 

But the difference between totality and a partial eclipse is striking, he noted.

‘If you’re in the path of totality … all of a sudden it will get dark, twilight dark, and it’s almost immediate. It takes two or three seconds for it to change. There’s this weird glow around the whole sky, like it's like a sunset. It’s really pretty. It’s really off-putting. It’s kind of a strange tinge of the sky that you’re not used to and it makes you take notice of it,” he said. “If it’s perfectly clear where you are when this happens, it’s weird in a beautiful way. It’s just something that’s uncommon.”

More: What is the path of totality for the total solar eclipse? Follow as it crosses the US.

Beginning around 3:30 p.m. on April 8, areas within the direct path of totality will be able to see the eclipse in all its glory for close to three minutes and 30 seconds, Gianforte added. The skies will darken and the temperature will drop without the Sun beaming in its entirety. 

What is a total solar eclipse?

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) defines a total solar eclipse as an event wherein the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, leading to the sky darkening as if it were dawn or dusk.

Total solar eclipses occur exclusively in new moon phases, which happen each month. 

“We have a new moon every month but we don’t have an eclipse every month because the orbit of the moon is tilted with respect to its orbit of the Earth. Sometimes the shadow of the moon, which is what causes the solar eclipse, passes above or below the Earth and it misses the Earth, or it hits the Earth in a place that you’re not, so you don’t see the eclipse,” Gianforte explained. “Eclipses happen pretty frequently over the surface of the Earth, but they happen rarely in a particular swath of territory that’s in the eclipse’s path.

“It’s not like eclipses are rare, but they’re rare over a particular place,” he added.

What happens during a total solar eclipse?

During a total solar eclipse, the moon casts two shadows: an umbral shadow and penumbral shadow. To view the solar eclipse in its totality, you need to be in an area that falls within the umbral shadow, while a partial eclipse can be seen by anyone within the penumbral shadow. 

“There’s a big difference,” Gianforte said. “It’s like two different events. If you see a partial eclipse.. That’s very impressive, it’s very pretty, it’s really fun to watch … but a total solar eclipse is completely different. It’s much more awesome than the partial phases.”

The observatory director noted that the shadow of the total solar eclipse is about 100 to 150 miles wide, and the moon travels between 1,000 mph and about 2,500 mph.

Where are the best places to view the total solar eclipse in New Hampshire?

Granite State municipalities that will fall within the path of totality and the moon’s umbral shadow on April 8 include Berlin, Colebrook, Dixville, Milan, Northumberland and Pittsburg, among others. 

Experts advise to get outside large cities, where there are tall buildings, for a clear view of the sky.

More: What's the best place to see the April 2024 solar eclipse?

Where is the path of totality for the total solar eclipse?

The April 8 total solar eclipse will pass through a large swath of North America, beginning in Mexico, moving northeast through the United States, passing through Canada and ending in the Atlantic Ocean. Fifteen states in America fall within the eclipse’s path of totality, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and parts of Tennessee and Michigan.

Where can I get eclipse glasses?

State officials urge residents and visitors to New Hampshire coming to witness the eclipse to utilize proper eclipse glasses for safe viewing. Regular sunglasses are not safe to wear.

More: Everything you need to know about solar eclipse glasses, including where to get them

The University of New Hampshire is hosting a total solar eclipse informational event on Wednesday, April 3 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in DeMeritt Hall that’s open to the public. Eclipse glasses will be available.

“This is one of the most anticipated events this year, and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to experience this celestial phenomenon,” said New Hampshire Travel and Tourism Director Lori Harnois in a prepared statement. “We expect a significant influx of people, which has the potential to bring business to our tourism industry during a shoulder season. We do, however, want to remind residents and visitors alike to plan ahead, especially if you’re preparing to travel the day of the eclipse as there are limited routes in and out of the path of totality.”

The state’s Joint Information Center advised traveling skygazers to prepare for unpredictable weather, stock up their car with supplies, water and snacks, arrive early and leave late.

Major retailers, including Amazon, are selling eclipse glasses ahead of the event.

NH travel, lodging, safety tips ahead of the April 8 eclipse

Traffic could snarl in northern parts of New Hampshire before and after the eclipse, and Gianforte advised eclipse viewers to not drive on April 8.

Hotels upstate are offering lodging packages for those coming to view the eclipse, though rooms are being booked quickly. 

“We just want people to think ahead as much as possible,” Gianforte said. “Be cautious, be conservative and just try to avoid driving on the 8th.”

A NASA official reported to the Associated Press that it typically takes 400 years to 1,000 years before the path of totality in a total solar eclipse returns to the same spot.

From Mexico to Newfoundland, roughly 44 million people live within the path of totality of the April 8 eclipse.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.

• New England's 9 Most Underrated Towns to Visit in 2024

New England , positioned in the north-eastern part of the United States, consists of six separate states - Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Each of these states are known for famous historical locales and sites, like Fenway Park in Boston and Vermont Teddy Bear in Burlington. Yet, there are a large number of towns receiving less attention than they deserve, due to either a lack of advertising or the “brilliance” that is sometimes cast off from “more popular” attractions. Here are nine of New England’s most underrated towns - from Stowe, Vt. to Newport, RI. - that are well worth visiting in 2024.

Stowe, Vermont

The quaint town of Stowe, located in Lamoille County, in the northern part of Vermont , has attracted skiers and snowboarders with the title “The Ski Capital of the East” for quite some time. Yet, this picturesque town offers even more unique attractions. Some of the best characteristics of Stowe cater to the warmer seasons even more than winter. Smuggler’s Notch State Park, located at the base of Mount Mansfield, offers ample hiking opportunities, like Bingham Falls, the Long Trail, and Moss Glen Falls. Sterling Forest, surrounding the Sterling Forest Lodge in a valley north of town, and Cady Forest, to the southwest of town, also offer a variety of hiking trails, including the White Pine Path and Charlie’s Trail Loop.

Waterville, Maine

Hidden away from the hustle of coastal towns and the Atlantic coast, as well as concealed beneath the shadow of towns that are larger, like Bangor and Augusta, the town of Waterville still lays claim to several attractions that are well worth a visit this year. Located in Kennebec County, this quaint town of about fifteen thousand people, is home to the Colby College, albeit the Colby College Museum of Art, the Two-Cent Bridge, and the Fort Halifax State Historic Site. Both the museum and the historic site provide a sense of history while the bridge, otherwise known as the Ticonic Footbridge, offers excellent views up and down the Kennebec River .

Greenwich, Connecticut

Situated at the most south-western point of Connecticut , in the most south-western part of Fairfield County, the quaint town of Greenwich is a hidden haven for natural, historic, and modern attributes, sometimes all rolled into one. From the Audubon Center, and its many hiking trails, to Greenwich Avenue, and its individualistic stores, to Putnam Cottage, and the historic significance it brings to the town, Greenwich has a little of something for everyone. This includes the Babcock Preserve, home to 300 acres of wilderness that are perfect for walking, hiking, and running, and the Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, which is near the ferry landing. The ferry travels to Island Beach and Great Captain Island .

Lincoln, New Hampshire

Located in Grafton County, the charming town of Lincoln is home to about two thousand people. Lincoln is also home to several events and attractions that make it well worth a visit this year, either alone, with family, or with friends. Home of the Georgiana Falls, the Franconia Falls, and the Pemigewasset River , Lincoln is an avid outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Yet, that is not all in the avenue of natural wonders. The town of Lincoln is also attached to the Kancamagus Scenic Highway , which offers over fifty miles of scenic beauty and ends at the edge of North Conway , one of the most sightseeing destinations in all of New England.

Eastport, Maine

The pastoral town of Eastport, the easternmost town within the United States , is home to several natural and historical attractions that add to its individuality and ambiance, and make it worthy of considering visiting this year. Raye Mustard Mill Museum, Shackford Head State Park, and “Nerida the Mermaid,” a famous bronze statue that was created by Richard Klyver between 2012 and 2015, are all located in Eastport. Shackford Head State Park, named after Capt. John Shackford, covers approximately ninety acres of land on nearby Moose Island , and offers some of the best views of Cobscook Bay and Broad Cove, as well as several hiking trails, some of which are rumored to pass by several secret beaches, harbors, and inlets.

Bennington, Vermont

Located in Bennington County, in the southwestern corner of Vermont, the rustic yet modern town of Bennington is home to the Bennington Battle Monument. This particular monument is three-hundred-feet in height and was first opened in 1891. It is now a remembrance of the Battle of Bennington, which occurred during the Revolutionary War . Bennington is also well known for the Molly Stark Trail, a scenic drive that is forty miles in length and runs from Bennington to Brattleboro, the Silk Road Covered Bridge, and the Burt Henry Covered Bridge. The Silk Road and the Burt Henry were both built over different parts of the Walloomsac River in the area of Bennington in the 1840s and are currently two of five covered bridges in Bennington County.

Newburyport, Massachusetts

The quaint, idyllic town of Newburyport is located in the northeastern corner of Massachusetts , on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, in Essex County. Even though it is only thirty-five miles from the outskirts of Boston, the one major metropolis in Massachusetts , Newburyport is still its own town. Along with encompassing all of the nature enthusiast’s palette with Maudslay State Park, Waterfront Park, and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, which was first established on Plum Island in 1942, the town of Newburyport is also well known for the “Pink House” and Plum Island Lighthouse. The “Pink House” was built in 1925 and is now owned by the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

Swanton, Vermont

Hidden almost at the top lefthand corner of the state of Vermont , the pastoral town of Swanton, in western Franklin County, is a perfect retreat for the avid outdoor enthusiast. Home of Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, which offers interaction with water mammals and migratory birds in their natural habitats, and a plethora of hiking trails, like Maquam Creek Trail, the Old Railroad Passage Trail, and Discovery Trail, Swanton is a step back into nature. There are also several things to do inside the town of Swanton, including the RR Depot Museum, which is open every Friday, and a variety of places to dine. Shaggy’s Snack Bar is available for fresh pizza, and Cody’s Café sells a great double-cheeseburger.

Newport, Rhode Island

Unlike Providence , which is the home of almost a quarter of a million people, the picturesque town of Newport, with its twenty-five thousand residents, is an excellent location for historical knowledge, natural beauty, and vibrant modernism. Located off Narragansett Bay, on Aquidneck Island , Newport is home to a variety of specialty museums and historical points of interest, like Thames Street, Rough Point Museum, and Fort Adams State Park. Fort Adams, located off Brenton Cove, was first established in 1799, and now offers stunning views of Narragansett Bay, opportunities for swimming, boating, and picnicking, and chances to catch a rugby game. The Newport Rugby Sevens tournament, held Fort Adams, is scheduled every year for the end of June.

The Takeaway

While there are a plethora of attractions and an overabundance of excitement within cities in New England, like Hartford, Portland, and Burlington, the towns listed in the article above, as well as several other towns, fail to receive the credit they so richly deserve. All across New England , as well as the rest of America, small towns are being passed over for places like Boston’s Freedom Trail and Portland’s Victoria Mansion. Yet, smaller places, like Newburyport, Massachusetts, have their own special attraction as well.

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USA TODAY 10Best

Where are the best places to see the 2024 solar eclipse?

March 3, 2024 // By Catherine Smith

By Catherine Smith March 3, 2024

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will travel across Mexico, into Texas, and up to Maine — passing through parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. With most of our country's population within a 250-mile drive of the path of totality, cities along this path are embracing their roles as the best places to see the total solar eclipse 2024.

While any location along the eclipse's path of totality will offer an unforgettable experience, these 12 cities are hosting spectacular celestial celebrations.

What time is the eclipse? We've conveniently listed approximate times in each city.

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San Antonio, Texas

Partial eclipse begins at 12:17 pm CST. Totality occurs at 1:36 pm.

The north and west sides of San Antonio are in the path of totality and will be celebrating what they have deemed Fiesta Del Sol. For an unforgettable experience, check out Solar Eclipse at the Park , hosted by Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and the Eclipse Party at Sea World San Antonio .

Austin, Texas

Partial eclipse begins at 12:17 pm CT. Totality occurs at 1:37 pm.

Austin will host several celebratory events during the solar eclipse. Join the BIG Texas Sky Eclipse Day paddleboarding class at Lake Austin Spa Resort, or take in the celestial phenomenon surrounded by alpacas at Sundance Hill Farm. Other noteworthy events include The Planetary Society's Eclipse-O-Rama 2024 , hosted by Bill Nye, in nearby Fredericksburg, and Total Eclipse of the Park , presented by the Downtown Austin Alliance.

Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

Partial eclipse begins at 12:22 pm CT. Totality occurs at 1:41 pm.

Visitors to Dallas-Fort Worth will find family-friendly and engaging activities at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Those seeking a more adult-focused event will enjoy the Omni Forth Worth's rooftop pool deck party, Solarbration .

Little Rock, Arkansas

Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 pm CT. Totality occurs at 1:52 pm.

In Little Rock , The Machine, a Pink Floyd tribute band, will perform The Dark Side of the Moon at First Security Amphitheater. Also, SoMa in the Dark will feature an eclipse diorama contest (for adults and students), hands-on astronomy workshops, a photography contest, and more. Other venues hosting eclipse-viewing parties include The Little Rock Zoo, Krause House Farms, Rusty Tractor Vineyards, and the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Partial eclipse begins at 1:50 pm ET. Totality occurs at 3:07 pm.

Children and adults in Indianapolis wishing to learn from real-life astronauts will enjoy the solar eclipse festivities at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway . Other noteworthy celebrations will take place at Newfields and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the top-ranking children's museum in the country, according to the 2023 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Those looking for a quieter experience can rent a kayak or paddleboard from Frank's Livery.

Dayton, Ohio

Partial eclipse begins at 1:53 pm ET. Totality occurs at 3:10 pm.

Dayton 's National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will host free festivities, including hands-on activities, rocket launches, a live stream of NASA's eclipse coverage, food trucks, and hot air balloons. Other Dayton solar eclipse 2024 events will occur at the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center, SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park, Branch and Bone Artisan Ales, and Discover Classical.

Cleveland, Ohio

Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 pm ET. Totality occurs at 3:15 pm.

Total Eclipse Fest 2024 at Cleveland 's Great Lakes Science Center will feature NASA's live eclipse coverage with interactive space exhibits, concerts, and a variety of food trucks. Additional solar eclipse watch parties will occur at the MAPS Air Museum, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Bookhouse Brewing, and SOLARFEST at the Lorain County Fairgrounds.

Mansfield, Ohio

Partial eclipse begins at 1:57 pm ET. Totality occurs at 3:12 pm.

OHclipse Mansfield will host a solar eclipse viewing party at the Richland County Fairgrounds with vendors, live music, food trucks, and camping. Additional opportunities to celebrate the 2024 solar eclipse include festivities at Malabar Farm State Park and A Total Eclipse of the Park Viewing Party at Central Park on The Square.

Erie, Pennsylvania

Partial eclipse begins at 2:02 pm ET. Totality occurs at 3:18 pm.

Visitors to Erie can witness the awe-inspiring phenomenon from the free Park Side of the Moon eclipse-viewing party at Frontier Park. Also, you can celebrate the Zooclipse: Solar Safari at the Erie Zoo or mark the occasion while cruising Lake Erie aboard the Victorian Princess.

Buffalo, New York

Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 pm ET. Totality occurs at 3:18 pm.

Buffalo is the place to be. Observe the spectacle aboard the USS Little Rock at the Buffalo Naval Park, experience eclipse totality at the Buffalo Zoo, engage in a day of family-focused enrichment activities at Knox Farm State Park, or attend Eclipse Fest at Buffalo State University . And, of course, Niagara Falls will provide a memorable backdrop.

Rochester, New York

Partial eclipse begins at 2:07 pm ET. Totality occurs at 3:20 pm.

Opportunities to celebrate the total solar eclipse in Rochester include ROC The Eclipse Festival , hosted by the Rochester Museum and Science Center; Soleil Soriee: Eclipse Viewing Party at the Memorial Art Gallery; and the Solarpalooza Viewing Party at the Rochester Red Wings' Innovative Field.

Burlington, Vermont

Partial eclipse begins at 2:14 pm ET. Totality occurs at 3:26 pm.

Burlington total solar eclipse events include the All-Town Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Party in Shelburne; the Total Eclipse Cele-BEAR-ation, hosted by the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory; Shelburne Vineyard's Moonshadow Party; and the Total Eclipse of the Heart '80s-themed party , hosted by Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain, rebranding this summer as Hotel Champlain.

About Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and  off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of  Her Bags Were Packed  where she focuses on helping  women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.

Read more about Catherine Smith here.

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