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The Very Best Things to do in Vermont in the Fall

When fall arrives, Vermont transforms into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. The Green Mountain State boasts some of the most stunning fall foliage displays in the entire country. The perfect time to visit Vermont ! This guide explores quintessential Vermont fall foliage activities. Get ready to explore the very best things to do in Vermont in the Fall !

Are You Ready to Explore the Best Things to Do in Vermont this Fall?

From crimson reds to sunny yellows, the landscape becomes saturated with jewel tones that dazzle the eyes. See places to visit in Vermont for a great fall vacation! Vermont in October is magical and memorable, to be sure. You will be delighted with the many fall foliage activities that visitors plan to travel on during fall foliage season.

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Fall Foliage Season in Vermont

From the top of the state in Beebe Plain to the bottom at Brattleboro, Vermont, you are sure to enjoy the best fall foliage in New England. It’s no wonder leaf peepers flock to  Vermont each autumn . After all, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season. Whether you’re a foliage fanatic or simply looking for a quaint New England getaway, Vermont offers an abundance of activities and attractions perfect for fall. You will definitely find the best fall foliage in Vermont so find a place to stay and enjoy fall in Vermont!

So toss on your coziest sweater, grab a piping hot apple cider, and get ready to explore the very best ways to enjoy Vermont in the fall . This comprehensive guide covers everything from admiring Mother Nature’s canvases to devouring farm-fresh treats. Let’s dive in!

Exploring Vermont in the Autumn Season

The best time for peak foliage in the fall is generally mid-September through mid-October. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the ideal times:

• Early September: Fall foliage starts to emerge in the northernmost parts of Vermont and higher elevations. If you want to catch the changing leaves early, visit places like Stowe and Jay Peak .
• Late September to Early October: This is peak foliage season in most of Vermont. The leaves are at their most vibrant and spectacular. Plan your trip during this window to witness the brilliance of autumn.
• Mid October: Southern and lower parts of Vermont reach peak color. The foliage here tends to lag behind the northern and mountainous regions by a couple weeks.
• Late October: Some lingering color remains, but many of the leaves have dropped. Still pleasant to visit, but not peak conditions. Best locations during this time are in southern Vermont.

Keep in mind that the foliage changes vary each year depending on weather and temperature. For exact reports, check Vermont’s official fall foliage website, as they issue weekly reports on the leaf peeping conditions around the state.

No matter when you visit in autumn, Vermont offers charming towns, scenic landscapes, and plenty of fall activities. Just aim for late September to early October if you want to see the most stunning fall colors at their prime. Check out following excursions – the best!

Crunching Leaves & Snapping Vermont Fall Pictures

While simply appreciating Vermont’s kaleidoscopic landscape can be a sensational experience, getting active outdoors amplifies the magic exponentially. As the locals say, “there ain’t nothing as fresh as clean, Vermont air”.

Lace up those hiking boots and hit the trails! Vermont’s hiking options are seemingly endless, but some can’t-miss routes include Mount Mansfield , Camel’s Hump, and the Long Trail . Wind through hardwood forests bursting with warm hues. Gasp in awe at panoramic vistas overlooking patchwork valleys. Breathe in the crisp, earthy air as you journey through the foliage .

Don’t forget to pack your camera! Capture snapshots of brilliant leaves dangling from branches, mirrored in glassy lakes, and carpeting the forest floor. For photography buffs, early morning and late afternoon light makes colors really pop.

Looking for more of the very best things to do in Vermont in the fall?

Prefer a more leisurely pace? Vermont’s scenic byways were made for lazy Sunday drives. Cruise along taking in gentle mountains cloaked in autumn’s finest. Snap photos at overlooks and quaint towns. Routes 100, 7, and the Green Mountain Byway offer spectacular scenery. Some of the following excursions – the best places to go!

Great Vermont corn mazes and hayrides along with many other Halloween events, haunted trails are a must! Make this part of Vermont must-see activities!

Planning to Visit Vermont? One of the best places to visit is Stowe

As mentioned previously, Stowe is easily one of the best locations to see the beautiful Vermont fall foliage . Autumn is the best time for an aerial perspective, hop on a chairlift ride! Dangling feet over dazzling hillsides topped with red and gold makes for an unforgettable experience.  Stowe is the perfect place to do this any time of the year. It's just part of what makes this part of Vermont so special. Stowe is also perfect for a hike during the Vermont fall season. Just don’t forget your coat and mittens!

If you're planning ahead for a ski vacation in the winter, a visit to the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum could perfectly complement your Vermont fall vacation. Stowe offers the best downtown shopping and dining, while you visit this corner of Vermont.

Autumn Delicious Delights – Munching On Vermont’s Autumnal Goodies

With an abundance of orchards, farms, and artisans, Vermont delivers endless options for scrumptious seasonal bites and sips. You'll find the best cider donuts, one of our favorite things, in Vermont!

Kick things off by picking your own bushel of crunchy apples—nothing screams fall quite like the experience of plucking ripe fruit straight from the tree. Follow the self-guided trail to the juiciest specimens, then relax under the branches with slices, cider, and an apple cinnamon donut. Divine!

Find the best apple orchards in Vermont to visit during peak fall:

• Scott Farm Orchard – Dummerston
• Chapin Orchard – Essex
• Hackett’s Orchard – South Hero
• Shelburne Orchards – Shelburne
• Adams Apple Orchard & Farm Market – Williston
• Allenholm Farm – South Hero
• Cold Creek Farm – Dummerston
• Sunrise Orchard – Cornwall
• Woodchuck Orchard – Brandon
• Booth’s Orchard – Westminster Station
• Burtt’s Apple Orchard – Cabot
• Alyson’s Orchard – Walden
• Sentinel Pine Orchard & Mapleworks – Shoreham
• Doe’s Leap Orchard – Bakersfield
• Happy Valley Orchard – East Middlebury
• Peck’s Orchard – Berlin
• Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center – East Thetford

Some fun activities at these orchards include picking your own apples, hayrides, corn mazes , farm animals, baked goods, and vegetable stands. They make for excellent fall family fun! Be sure to call ahead to check dates and hours.

Next, explore farmers markets bursting with harvest bounty. Chat with friendly growers and stock up on plump pumpkins, root vegetables, fresh cheese, maple syrup, and more. Bring home the flavors of Vermont to last all season long.

Farmer’s Markets You Will Simply Love to Visit

Here are some of the amazing things you can find at Vermont farmers markets and why you should make visiting them a priority:

• Locally Grown Produce – You’ll find the freshest, in-season fruits and veggies, straight from Vermont farms. Taste juicy heirloom tomatoes, crisp apples, and leafy greens at their flavorful peak.
• Artisanal Goodies – From jams and maple syrup to baked goods, cheese, and craft beverages, farmers markets are a treasure trove of local artisanal delights you won’t find elsewhere.
• Less Waste – By buying directly from the source, you skip packaging waste and miles traveled of big store produce. It’s better for the environment.
• Meet the Makers – Chat with talented farmers, bakers, and artisans. Hear their stories and support small businesses.
• Family Fun – Many farmers markets feature live music and activities for kids. It’s an enjoyable community experience for all.
• Seasonal Inspiration – Finding what’s fresh each visit sparks new recipe ideas and keeps your diet seasonal. Discover new-to-you vegetables too!
• Fresh Vermont Mountain Air – Wandering outdoor markets is an energizing break from crowded supermarkets.

Visiting farmers markets lets you connect with Vermont’s passionate producers while accessing the state’s very best harvest bounty. It’s a delicious win-win and just one of the many things to do in Vermont in the fall! Perhaps a fall foliage road trip is in order!

Speaking of maple, a visit to one of the many Vermont country stores is non-negotiable. Browse aisle after aisle of nostalgic candies, Vermont-made products, and whimsical Vermont crafts and creations. You’re bound to find the perfect souvenir, or five. Don’t leave without sampling their legendary maple creemees!

Best Places to See and Go in Vermont

And for an inside look at Vermont’s artisanal food scene, book a factory tour. Watch maple syrup being bottled, cheese wheels formed, ice cream churned, and teddy bears stitched. Then sample the goods, obviously! Local favorites include Ben & Jerry’s, Vermont Teddy Bear Company , and Cabot Creamery.

Vermont’s bounty of harvest happenings and flavors make fall an extraordinary time to plan a road trip. Just come to the State of Vermont hungry!

Appreciating Vermont’s Many Charming Villages in Autumn

In addition to natural splendor, Vermont is revered for its quaint villages bursting with rural New England charm. From Main Streets lined with colonial architecture to cozy cafes and boutiques, these towns invite you to slow down and savor simpler pleasures. There are many things to do in Woodstock as well as many other places to go. It's your best bet to enjoy a Vermont fall vacation you'll remember for years. Planning your Vermont fall foliage vacation starts here.

Visit Vermont in the Fall

Planning to visit? The best time to see fall in Vermont is September and October. For leaf peeping hubs, choices abound but consider  Stowe , Woodstock , Waitsfield, Manchester ,  Bennington and many other places in Vermont. Manchester is based in southern Vermont and has a special charm of it's very own. Each overflows with character and offers prime foliage viewing. Meander along sidewalks and duck into shops stocked with local art, crafts, woolens, and pantry staples like jams and  maple syrup . Visit a local Vermont corn maze and get lost, literally!

Don’t miss the opportunity to dine out and experience Vermont’s thriving farm-to-table restaurant scene. For dinner with a side of panoramic vistas, make reservations at one of Stowe or check out things to do Woodstock or discover Woodstock’s hilltop eateries. Try local specialties like cheddar ale soup, maple glazed salmon, or anything doused in Vermont maple . You can’t go wrong!

And while you’re exploring these darling hamlets, keep your eyes peeled for historic landmarks and cultural attractions. Vermont has no shortage of acclaimed museums—from the Shelburne Museum’s impressive Am ericana collections to Hildene’s glimpse into Abraham Lincoln’s family’s life. Fall is definitely the best time to visit Vermont! The largest city in Vermont is Burlington and you'll find many quintessential fall foliage activities around the Burlington Waterfront and Church Street. Grab a map of the best places to visit.

The quaint, unhurried pace of Vermont villages provides a delightful complement to the state’s vibrant, Vermont fall foliage. Meandering through their postcard-perfect streets is a top way to soak up Vermont’s old-fashioned essence.

Famous Vermont Ghost Stories and Haunting Tales

Here are some of the most famous ghost stories in Vermont with a title and simple description of each:

• Emily’s Bridge of Stowe  – The legend is probably the most famous Vermont “ghost story” of all. Supposedly, Emily fell in love with a man her family disapproved of. The two decided to elope and meet at the bridge at midnight. Emily arrived at the appointed time, but her lover never showed up. Distraught, she hanged herself from the bridge in despair. 
• Brattleboro Retreat  – The Brattleboro Retreat is a psychiatric hospital in Brattleboro, Vermont that has been around since 1834. It is said that the ghosts of former patients still haunt the halls.
• Deep Frozen Folks  – The story, reported to be true, tells of a poor, northern Vermont family who had established the idea of putting their elderly and weakest family members into cold storage until they could be thawed out just in time for Spring planting.
• The Hayden Family Curse  – From unexplainable illnesses to tragic accidents and unexplained deaths, some have speculated that the Hayden family was cursed and doomed.
• Champ: The Lake Champlain Sea Monster  – Champ is a legendary sea monster that is said to inhabit Lake Champlain on the border between Vermont and New York State.

• Alexander, William M. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 74 Pages – 08/26/2018 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Stansfield Jr., Charles A. (Author)
• 131 Pages – 06/11/2007 (Publication Date) – Stackpole Books (Publisher)

• Lewis, Thea (Author)
• 129 Pages – 08/26/2014 (Publication Date) – The History Press (Publisher)

• Zwicker, Roxie J. (Author)
• 144 Pages – 09/25/2023 (Publication Date) – The History Press (Publisher)

• 96 Pages – 09/25/2009 (Publication Date) – The History Press (Publisher)

• Used Book in Good Condition
• D'Agostino, Thomas (Author)
• 160 Pages – 05/28/2011 (Publication Date) – Schiffer Publishing (Publisher)

• 160 Pages – 09/25/2023 (Publication Date) – The History Press (Publisher)

• Ladley, Diane A. (Author)
• 160 Pages – 10/12/2009 (Publication Date) – Arcadia Publishing (Publisher)

• Dickey, Colin (Author)
• 336 Pages – 10/03/2017 (Publication Date) – Penguin Books (Publisher)

• Hardcover Book
• Eklund, E V (Author)
• 118 Pages – 02/07/2023 (Publication Date) – Erin Patil (Publisher)

Best Time to Visit During and Explore the Champlain Islands

Time to see fall foliage! For a quintessential Vermont fall getaway, head to the  Champlain Islands . This archipelago scattered across Lake Champlain delights visitors with stellar foliage views, cozy eateries, and small-town charm. Definitely one of the best places to see fall foliage!

Begin your journey in South Hero, an island oasis known for its apple orchards. Meander through the trees at Hackett’s Orchard, or Allenholm Farm, plucking ripe apples and selecting Vermont pumpkins as leaves drift down around you. Pumpkins can be found everywhere. One of the best things in the area are apples and pumpkins! Savor cider and donuts on the patio before stocking up on apples for the road.

Next, soak in brilliant views of the lake and New York’s Adirondack Mountains. Pull over at roadside farm stands and scenic outlooks to photograph vibrant autumn panoramas. Snap the iconic fall foliage photos with the changing trees and beautiful Lake Champlain as your backdrop.

Fall Colors in Vermont

Don’t miss the Island Line Rail Trail, an idyllic path connecting the islands over miles of Lake Champlain causeway to the town of Colchester. Walk or bike past shimmering blue waters, saturated in fall’s finest views and cool breezes.

When hunger strikes, cozy up at Victoria’s Café in South Hero . Savor Thai curries and noodles, juicy burgers, and their most popular dish, the Vermont Maple Duck, while planning your visit to nearby apple orchards.

Best Places to See Vermont Fall Foliage Season

With inviting inns and lodging, restaurants, and stunning natural beauty, the Champlain Islands deliver an idyllic fall escape. Meander through its small towns and uncrowded landscapes to experience Vermont’s harvest season at its finest.

Celebrating the Autumn Season with Things to do in the Fall

Beyond marveling at Mother Nature’s paintbrush and indulging in Vermont’s harvest, autumn here also signifies beloved traditions, festivals, and community.

Kick off your trip by attending a beloved Vermont fall festival—it’s a fabulous way to mingle with locals and imbibe the spirit of the season! Think live music, parades, food vendors, carnival rides, craft booths, and more. Top picks include several Vermont Apple Festivals, Manchester Fall Art and Craft Festival , Underhill Harvest Festival and VT Brewer’s Fest . Enjoy the best cider donuts you'll ever eat!

For family fun, visit a pick-your-own pumpkin patch or corn maze. Wander through towering stalks, play in piles of dried leaves, sip hot cider, and conquer the labyrinth. It’s an adventure sure to create lasting memories.

Looking for an authentic fall experience in Vermont? Head to the local cider mills and pumpkin patches! Immerse yourself in the harvest season, pick your own apples, and enjoy the vibrant colors of autumn. It’s a perfect way to feel like a true Vermonter!

Some of the best places to visit and top pumpkin patches and orchards in Vermont to visit in the fall:

• Adam’s Pumpkin Patch – Williston
• Peck’s Pumpkin Patch – Berlin
• Sam Mazza’s Farm Market – Colchester
• Victoria’s Cafe – South Hero
• Boch’s Apple Orchard – Swanton
• Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks – Montpelier
• Kingsbury Market Garden – Warren
• Mad Tom Orchard – East Dorset
• Nowland’s Tree Farm – Hartland
• Lewis Creek Farm – Starksboro
• Curtis’ BB’s Family Farm – Vergennes
• Dakin Farm – Ferrisburgh
• Hathaway Farm – Burlington
• Hall’s Pumpkin Patch – East Montpelier
• Rainbow Sweets Corn Maze – Pittsford
• Bean Road Farm – Colchester

Some activities at these patches include corn mazes, wagon rides, farm animals, and pumpkin picking. Call ahead for hours and be sure to bring the whole family for some old-fashioned autumn fun!

Or get your adrenaline pumping at one of Vermont’s popular fall races. Challenge yourself conquering the Green Mountain Marathon course, pedaling over Vermont’s peaks at the Vermont 50, or racing through autumnal forests on horseback at Green Mountain Horse Association’s Fall Finale .

See Fall in New England – See Fall Foliage in Vermont

However you choose to celebrate, foliage season in Vermont promises autumnal activities galore. Revel in the irresistible combination of stunning natural beauty and festive community spirit unique to the season.

Planning Your Vermont in Fall Foliage Getaway

As you prepare for your foliage foray in Vermont, keep these tips in mind to make your trip to Vermont so special:

• For peak colors, every year in the fall, visit from late September to mid October. The brilliance begins up north and descends south.
• Check Vermont’s foliage forecaster for updates on the changing leaves. Time your trip for vibrant vibrancy!
• Make reservations for lodging, restaurants, and attractions early. Fall is Vermont’s most popular season.
• Pack layers and rain gear. Early fall delivers fickle weather but the views are worth it!
• Fly into Burlington International Airport for the most foliage convenient access. Rent a car to properly explore.
• Grab a detailed Vermont roadmap. Meandering backroads lead to hidden gems!
• Follow Vermont tourism boards on social media for real-time foliage reports and inspiration.

The best places to stay in Vermont during the fall

With proper planning, your Vermont fall getaway will exceed all expectations! There is simply no shortage of things to do in Vermont in the fall.

Falling For Vermont’s Autumn Charm and Tasty Treats

As autumn descends on the Green Mountain State , a bewitching transformation occurs. Brilliant foliage, cozy villages, farm-fresh food, and festive spirit imbue Vermont with undeniable magic. It’s a season that delights the senses and satiates the soul.

So whether you seek stunning vistas, quaint main streets, apple orchards, or race courses, Vermont serves up the quintessential fall experience. Forget pumpkin spice lattes and hay bales—this is where you’ll find the authentic soul of autumn. A bountiful harvest of small cafes, restaurants, food stands, Maple creemees and all the autumn goodies that you can imagine. They’re all here in Vermont!

Some of the top restaurants in Vermont:

• Hen of the Wood – Burlington – Locally sourced new American cuisine in a rustic setting. Try the grilled trout or venison tartare.
• Prohibition Pig – Waterbury – Legendary BBQ joint serving up smoked meats, creative cocktails, and live music. Don’t miss the burnt ends.
• Simon Pearce – Quechee – Elegant fine dining with impressive views overlooking the waterfall. Known for their cheese plate.
• American Flatbread – Waitsfield – Cozy pizzeria with artisanal flatbread pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven. Great farm-to-table menu.
• The Farmhouse Tap & Grill – Burlington – Laidback gastropub with an extensive craft beer list and farm-inspired dishes like chicken and waffles.
• Bluebird Barbecue – Burlington – Southern BBQ flavors like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork in a hip, modern setting.
• Leunig’s Bistro – Burlington – Old-world French bistro serving classic dishes like cassoulet, trout amandine, and steak frites.
• Misery Loves Co. – Winooski – Comforting farm-to-table dishes made from local and seasonal ingredients. Don’t skip the bread pudding.
• The Essex – Essex Junction – Upscale continental dining with a vibrant bar scene. Try the duck two ways.

As the harvest sun sinks low in the sky and leaves drift earthward, embrace the crisp air, slower pace, and community camaraderie that defines our beautiful Green Mountain state. It’s a time of belonging, nostalgia, and memories that you’ll cherish long after departing.

So grab your flannel, hit the road, and come revel in the wonders, flavors, and fellowship that make autumn in Vermont so extraordinary. The Green Mountain State eagerly awaits your next fall visit!

Very Best Things to do in Vermont in the Fall

So whether you seek stunning vistas, quaint main streets, apple orchards, or race courses, Vermont serves up the quintessential fall experience. Forget pumpkin spice lattes and hay bales—this is where you'll find the authentic soul of autumn. A bountiful harvest of small cafes, restaurants, food stands, Maple creemees and all the autumn goodies that you can imagine. They're all here in Vermont!

A Local’s Guide To Foliage, Food, And Fun!

Are you ready to experience the breathtaking beauty? Get ready to immerse yourself in a stunning tapestry of vibrant colors and indulge in delicious local cuisine.

With its picturesque landscapes and perfect weather, Vermont is the ultimate destination for autumn enthusiasts like you. Did you know that October is the busiest month for visitors seeking the best foliage views? But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with insider tips to help you navigate the crowds and make the most of your trip.

We’ll even provide you with travel tips, packing suggestions, and recommendations for the best lodging options.

So, get ready to embark on a memorable journey through Vermont’s fall wonderland and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. We'll be ready to head for a Vermont ski area soon after the season so enjoy the fall foliage while it lasts!

Key Takeaways and a Few Dining Gems to Check Out!

• Vermont offers breathtaking beauty and vibrant colors in the fall.
• Charming towns like Stowe , Manchester , Woodstock and South Hero are certainly worth visiting.
• The Jericho Cafe and Tavern, Victoria’s Cafe and Rosie’s Restaurant in Middlebury are recommended eateries.
• Insider tips can help navigate crowds and packing appropriately for the fall weather is important.

Top Vermont Destinations in the Fall

If you’re planning a trip to Vermont in the fall, you’ll want to check out these top destinations. These include Manchester, Bennington, Waitsfield, Woodstock, and Stowe. Vermont is known for its stunning foliage, and these towns offer some of the best views. The Northeast Kingdom is also one of the best destinations for fall foliage colors and the traditional Vermont way of life.

For nature enthusiasts, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. This provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant autumn colors. If you prefer a more leisurely experience, take a scenic drive through the countryside. Witness the beauty of the changing leaves from the comfort of your car.

Each town has its own unique charm and attractions. These range from quaint shops and local art galleries to historic landmarks and cozy cafes. Make sure to visit these top destinations for an unforgettable fall experience in Vermont.

Art Galleries in Vermont

Here is a list of some of the top art galleries to check out in Vermont:

• Frog Hollow Vermont State Craft Center – Burlington – Features fine contemporary crafts by over 200 American artisans. Pottery, glasswork, jewelry and more.
• Amy E. Tarrant Gallery – Burlington – Represents contemporary Vermont artists. Paintings, prints, sculptures and crafts.
• The Front – Burlington – Avant-garde gallery exhibiting works by emerging and mid-career artists. Hosts openings and events.
• S.P.A.C.E. Gallery – Burlington – Artist-run gallery in the South End Arts District focused on contemporary art.
• Helen Day Art Center – Stowe – Exhibits work by national, regional and local artists. Offers art classes and events.
• Vermont Arts Council Gallery – Montpelier – Rotating exhibits highlighting Vermont artists. Craft, painting, mixed media and more.
• Art on Main – Manchester – Features primarily Vermont artists. Mixed media, paintings, pottery and photography.
• Northern Daughters – Vergennes – Small gallery owned by local female artisans selling jewelry, paper goods, textiles and more.
• Main Street Museum – White River Junction – Rotating contemporary art exhibits plus permanent folk art collection.
• Gallery at Equinox – Manchester – Represents contemporary artists from New England and Quebec. Painting, sculpture and photography.

Essential Vermont Autumn Travel Tips

To make the most of your trip, remember to pack appropriately for the weather in October and choose the right accommodation for your stay. Vermont’s fall weather can be pleasant, but it can also get cold, so it’s important to pack layers, including sweaters and jackets. Don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the beautiful foliage.

As for accommodation, there are plenty of options to choose from in Vermont. Whether you prefer a cozy bed and breakfast, a charming inn, or a luxury resort, there’s something for everyone. Consider staying in popular towns like Manchester, Bennington, or Stowe, where you’ll have easy access to attractions and dining options. Just make sure to book your accommodation in advance, as October can be a busy time in Vermont.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hiking trails to experience the fall foliage in vermont.

For the best photography spots and popular fall hikes, check out Camel’s Hump, Mount Mansfield, and the Long Trail. These trails offer stunning foliage views and are perfect for capturing the beauty of fall in Vermont.

Are there any festivals or events happening in Vermont during the fall season?

Yes, there are many fall festivals and harvest celebrations happening in Vermont! You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy live music, indulge in delicious food, and take part in fun activities.

What are some lesser-known towns or hidden gems to visit in Vermont during the fall?

For a truly authentic Vermont experience, explore the quaint villages and lakeside retreats hidden throughout the state. These lesser-known towns offer a sense of belonging and a chance to connect with the local culture in a more intimate setting. The Northeast Kingdom region offers spectacular scenic views and more of a laid-back, traditional Vermont experience.

Can you recommend any scenic drives or road trips to take in Vermont to enjoy the fall colors?

For fall foliage photography, embark on scenic drives like Route 100, Route 7, or the Green Mountain Byway. Smuggler’s Notch between Jeffersonville and Stowe is perhaps the most famous autumn drive of all. The best places to stay for fall foliage are Woodstock, Stowe, and Manchester. Enjoy capturing Vermont’s breathtaking colors!

So, now you have all the information you need to plan an amazing trip to experience fall in Vermont! From the stunning foliage to the delicious food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to pack your camera and layers of clothing to stay comfortable in the changing weather.

And here’s an interesting statistic for you: Vermont attracts over 3 million visitors each year during the fall season, making it one of the most popular destinations for foliage enthusiasts.

So start planning your trip and get ready to create unforgettable memories in beautiful Vermont!

Greensboro Vermont In The Northeast Kingdom

Experience Stowe Vermont Best Things to Do in the Fall

William Alexander

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Northeast Kingdom

Welcome to visit vermont, fall in the green mountains: harvest bounty & fiery colors.

Vermont is a place, but also a state of mind that revels in outdoor beauty, good food, and the preservation of unique small towns and cities. Visitors love Vermont for its colorful fall foliage; ski resorts including Killington, Smugglers' Notch, Ascutney, Stowe , and Mount Snow ; mountain vistas; and attractions for families and kids. Although Vermont is an inland state, there are wonderful beaches along Lake Champlain , along with many lakes, streams, and swimming holes.

VT Quick Links : Great Things To Do - Events Calendar - State Map

© Thomas Schoeller Photography

Vermont regions and highlights :, central vermont.

In the center of this region is Green Mountain National Forest , which welcomes nature lovers all year. Major ski areas here include Killington, Okemo, Sugarbush, and Middlebury. Families can enjoy the outdoors and get hands-on with nature at Billings Farm & Museum and the Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Woodstock, VT , the New England Maple Museum in Rutland, VT . The state capitol of Montpelier, VT is fun and full of activity. The Vermont Country Store in Weston, VT is treasure house of nostalgic shopping.

Northeast Kingdom Region

The term Northeast Kingdom was a distinction first mentioned by former Governor George Aiken in the late 1940s to refer to the natural majestic beauty of the area, which follows the northern reaches of the Connecticut River alongside New Hampshire from St. Johnsbury, VT to the Canadian border, then east to the eastern edge of the Green Mountains at Jay Peak . Much of the area is pristine wilderness - great forests and hilly plains that provide the perfect setting for camping or hunting, dotted with glacial lakes including Lake Memphremagog , which stretches from the city of Newport, VT deep into Quebec, Canada.

Northern Vermont

In the state's northwestern corner you can find the dynamic city of Burlington, VT , right on the shore of lush Lake Champlain and a great place to be for good food, entertainment, a lake excursion or public festival . The nearby state capitol Montpelier, VT is the smallest, and one of the prettiest, in the entire country. (Please give them your support to help recover from the recent catastrophic flooding!) The ski areas here are among the most recognized names in the world for winter sports - Stowe and Smugglers' Notch, VT . Families and kids have plenty to do in the area, from a visit to the cows at the Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury, VT to a journey into history or science at the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, VT .

Southern Vermont

A short drive from New York and Boston, Southern Vermont has a great mix of year-round outdoor activities , historic sites , outlet shopping, beautiful village greens, fall foliage, and covered bridges . The area's large ski areas at Stratton, Peru, West Dover and Londonderry, VT offer great family fun in summer as well as winter. Principal towns are Brattleboro, VT - artsy and bohemian; Bennington, VT - home of Norman Rockwell; and Manchester, VT - a historic resort town with great shopping.

Great Things To Do in Vermont

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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

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Things to Do in New Hampshire
• The Top Things to Do in Maine
• The Top Things to Do in Rhode Island
• The Top Things to Do in Brooklyn
• The Top Romantic Getaways in New Hampshire
• The Top Romantic Getaways in Maine
• The Top Boston Harbor Cruises
• Romantic Hotels Worth a Stay
• The Top Travel Backpacks

Tags: Travel , New England Vacations , US Vacations

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• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
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50 Things to Do in Vermont: Bucket List & Travel Guide (2024)

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There are so many amazing things to do in Vermont. I should know, because I lived there for 15 years! From hikes and small towns to local foods and snowy peaks, this small state packs a lot into its 9,616 square miles.

I truly love Vermont, and I know you will, too! I have created this ultimate Vermont travel guide to help you plan your trip to Vermont.

In this guide I share 50 of my favorite things to do in Vermont, including the best places to visit in Vermont, fun VT activities in all seasons, and essential Vermont attractions.

Plus, I answer a few of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Vermont, including the best time to visit. I hope you have an epic adventure exploring our magical Green Mountain state!

Table of Contents

50 Best Things to Do in Vermont

In Vermont’s top destinations and beyond, here is a deeper look into the best and most fun things to do in Vermont in fall, winter, spring, or summer!

1. Go shopping and people-watching at Church Street Marketplace

One of the most well-known places to go in Vermont is Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-only thoroughfare that is bursting with restaurants, shops, and outdoor performers. This is an excellent spot for people-watching, but it’s also the center of the downtown space so there’s so much to do, and some of the best shopping in Vermont.

A few of the stores I recommend not to miss on Church Street include Lake Champlain Chocolates, Outdoor Gear Exchange, Homeport, Crow Bookshop, Ecco Clothes, and the Frog Hollow Craft Association and Gallery. Church Street alone could keep you busy all day, but there’s definitely a lot more to check out in VT’s largest city.

Check out my list of all the other cool things to do in Burlington Vermont!

2. Take a Vermont fall road trip (especially along Route 100)

A Vermont road trip is great at any time of year, but especially in the fall when the foliage is at its best; this would be a fun idea if you’re looking for what to do in Vermont in October!

One excellent option is a Route 100 road trip , which will take you almost the entire length of the state. If you’re looking for a shorter route, consider a quicker journey on one of these scenic Vermont drives.

3. Sample Vermont craft beers

Beer should be a part of your essential Vermont activities without a doubt. Vermont has dozens of craft breweries all around the state that are worth visiting. Vermont’s biggest city, Burlington, is home to a great many of these breweries , so you can check a lot off your list when visiting Burlington. Foam Brewers is one of the local favorites, with a great location near Lake Champlain. I really enjoy their sours!

4. Visit the Cold Hollow Cider Mill

One of the best places to visit in Vermont is the Cold Hollow Cider Mill , and it certainly is on every bucket list for Vermont in the fall !

Located in Waterbury, Vermont, on the road heading towards Stowe, this is a cider mill, apple-focused country store, restaurant, hard cidery, and more. It is completely adorable, perfectly fall, and smells like cinnamon heaven. Cold Hollow Cider Mill has been an institution in VT since the late 1970s and continues to be one of Vermont’s top tourist attractions. I guarantee you’ll leave here feeling cozy and happy from this perfect Vermont spot.

Grab a few locally-made products, tuck into a cold glass of cider, and above all, make sure to try the apple cider donuts which are out of this world.

5. Explore charming Woodstock, Vermont

One of best places to see in Vermont is the town of Woodstock. This destination is my top recommendation for someone coming to Vermont for the first time, as it encapsulates all that you imagine about Vermont!

Woodstock has been repeatedly named one of the most beautiful small towns  in America and I agree completely. Especially at Christmastime, Woodstock is one of those towns that  looks straight out of a Hallmark movie ! 

There are so many  great things to do in Woodstock in every season, such as hiking, visiting the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, and walking the charming Woodstock streets. Also be sure to visit F.H. Gillingham & Sons, the general store that has been in Woodstock since 1886 and offers one-of-a-kind specialty gifts for any occasion. 

6. Join one of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory Tours

Want to visit one of the top Vermont attractions (and the yummiest)? I know where to send you! One of the best places to visit in Vermont is the original Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory . The entire place is so cute and creative, and as soon as you walk in, you’re enveloped in that oh-so-divine scent of ice cream and cookies. Ben & Jerry’s is great for anyone looking for good family fun in Vermont, too.

Take the Factory Tour, grab a free sample, or visit the quirky Flavor Graveyard to pay homage to short-lived flavors of the past. RIP “Makin’ Whoopie Pie.” This is one of those fun places to visit in Vermont that help to “keep Vermont cool!”

7. Hike to the summit of Camel’s Hump

New Hampshire isn’t the only state in New England to boast incredible hiking. Vermont is home to hundreds of miles of trails snaking across the Green Mountains. Hiking is one of the most fun things to do in VT, with summer and fall being the most popular seasons for hikes. In addition to the Long Trail, the Vermont section of the Appalachian Trail, there are countless others worth exploring in the Green Mountain National Forest. 

One of the  best hikes in Vermont  is to the top of Camel’s Hump. This distinctive peak can be seen from a great distance and looks—as you might expect—something like the hump of a camel. Take  this popular loop trail  to achieve the summit of the state’s 3rd highest peak–the view is exquisite at the height of fall foliage.

8. Check out the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe

Visiting the Trapp Family Lodge is one of the best things to do around Stowe, VT . Did you know that the Von Trapp family, made famous by the film The Sound of Music , actually came to Vermont when they left Austria? They settled in the Stowe area, purportedly because it reminded them of their beloved Austrian alps. Here the family opened a hotel, and it remains one of the top places to visit in VT–and to stay!

Even if you don’t stay at the hotel, you can book many outdoor activities, like cross-country skiing or even sleigh rides (one of the best things to do in Vermont at Christmas , by the way!) Also make sure you admire the outside of the Bavarian-inspired inn, enjoy the phenomenal mountain views, and grab a drink and bite at their onsite brewery.

9. Swim in a cool Vermont lake

A day at the lake is one of the absolute best things to do in Vermont in summer ! Vermont’s lakes are absolutely gorgeous, and there are some fantastic lake house rentals in Vermont if you want a weekend getaway. My favorite lake in Vermont is Emerald Lake in East Dorset, VT. It’s name says it all! This spot is many hues of brilliant Vermont green all summer long. You can rent paddle boats and canoes for a quick trip around the small lake, or just swim in the shallows along the beach.

Fancy a swim? See more of  the best lakes in Vermont  and swimming holes.

10. Keep your eyes out for the Lake Monster

Looking for unique things to do in Vermont? Get a look at the Lake Monster!

Did you know that Vermont has its very own “Loch Ness” monster? Legend has it that Lake Champlain has a frightful creature lurking beneath its waters: the Lake Monster, also known as Champ. Keep close watch along the surface of the lake and you might just catch a glimpse of this elusive cryptid.

11. Explore the covered bridges

When it comes to what to see in Vermont, covered bridges are a must. And there are more than 100  covered bridges in Vermont ! These historic structures, most of which are still in use, are dotted throughout the state and are scenic points of interest in every season.

12. See the Lincoln family home, Hildene in Manchester

If you’re a fan of presidential history or pretty old houses with lovely gardens, you are sure to love Hildene, in the fun town of Manchester, VT. This property belonged to Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert Todd Lincoln. While the 16th President never resided here, you can view one of his iconic stovepipe top hats during your visit! Not only does the site boast a magnificent home that you can tour, there are also verdant gardens, breathtaking mountain views, and a working goat farm. Hildene also has a fantastic gift shop for grabbing your Vermont souvenirs.

Looking for more towns to explore? I’ve got a whole list of the most charming  small towns in Vermont  where you’re sure to find an idyllic utopia.

13. Walk, ride, or blade along the Burlington Bike Path

Stretching for miles throughout the city of Burlington and then further along the shores of Lake Champlain is the Burlington Bike Path. This route is beloved by avid cyclists, walkers, and visitors, as it offers some of the finest views of the magical lake and the Adirondacks in the distance.

You may want to continue onward on this trail even further, and you can! The Burlington Bike Path is part of the much longer Island Line Trail. Also known as the Colchester Causeway, this is a 13.4-mile rail trail that extends all the way to the Champlain Islands. At one point along the route, you will find yourself on a narrow strip of land with lake views all around you. It’s pretty epic.

14. Visit the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory

A visit to the iconic  Vermont Teddy Bear Factory  is one of the  best things to do in Vermont with kids . Vermont Teddy Bear is located in Shelburne, just south of Burlington. Kids will have a blast creating their own special bear: the ultimate Vermont souvenir!

15. Visit the baby animals at Billings Farm and Museum

Billings Farm and Museum  is a must-see Woodstock, Vermont attraction. A working and historic farm, boasting animals such as dairy cows, draft horses, sheep, as well as many hands-on activities, this is quintessential Vermont. Time your visit for the springtime and you may be in luck to be there for the annual Baby Farm Animal Celebration, which is just as cute as it sounds.

PS: Also don’t miss the adjacent Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. This is a beautiful spot with nature trails, a Victorian mansion, and more.

🌸Read my best advice on things to do in Vermont in spring !

16. See where Robert Frost wrote some of his most famous poems

Robert Frost, widely known for his nature-inspired poetry and vivid New England descriptions, is one of the most well-known poets in American history. In fact, he was once the poet laureate of the Green Mountain State. In Shaftsbury, VT, visit the  Stone House Museum , historic buildings where the poet once lived and where he wrote several of his classic works, including “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening.” PS: The current VT Poet Laureate is Mary Ruefle, who resides in nearby Bennington. Interestingly, that is the same town in which Robert Frost is buried. You can visit his grave in the cemetery at the Old Fist Church, Bennington.

Want to check out more things to do in the Bennington VT area ?

17. Tour the Rock of Ages Quarry – the biggest granite quarry in the world

The 600-foot deep  Rock of Ages Granite Quarry  (also known as Smith Quarry) located in Barre, Vermont is “the largest operating deep-hole, dimension granite quarry in the world.” And you can tour it!

If you’re looking for things to do in central Vermont, you may want to add a tour to this incredible quarry itinerary. Among things to do onsite is to bowl a game or two on their outdoor granite bowling lane; this is certainly one of the most unique places to visit in Vermont!

18. Go skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort

 Yes, there are things to do in Vermont in winter besides skiing, but can you really go on a Vermont vacation and not hit the slopes? Skiing is one of the most fun  things to do in Vermont in the winter , and should definitely be added to your VT bucket list! While you could hit the fresh pow’ at any of Vermont’s best mountain resorts , Stowe Mountain Resort is a terrific choice. This is a perfect place for a Vermont ski vacation, and it’s in a gorgeous area of the state.

Not interested in cruising downhill? Cross country skiing might be more your speed, and there are lots of awesome spots to do so in Vermont.

19. Visit a local farmer’s market

Farmer’s markets are extremely popular in Vermont, offering a chance to support the local food scene and serving up some of the best shopping in Vermont. In Burlington, the farmer’s market is held on Saturdays all summer long. If your trip to Vermont doesn’t coincide with a farmer’s market, you may be able to find a roadside farmstand selling fresh produce. They’re everywhere in Vermont in the warmer months.

20. Taste pure maple syrup from where it’s made best

Vermont is home of the world’s best maple syrup (though we can’t compete with Canada when it comes to quantity produced!) While you travel Vermont, be sure to sample some of this liquid gold. A sugarhouse like  Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks , in  Montpelier , is the perfect place to do so. You can sample maple syrup, find tons of maple-infused products, and learn how the syrup-making process works.

If you’re looking for things to do in Vermont in March, you’re just in time for sugaring season! Don’t miss the chance to try sugar on snow, a classic Vermont winter treat. There are also numerous other  Vermont sugar houses  you can check out; this is definitely on the list of fun activities in Vermont!

21. Spend time on a working farm: The Fat Sheep Farm

A Vermont farm stay is an amazing way to experience life on the farm, Vermont-style. There are a number of places you can do this by joining in for chores, learning about animals, crops, and more. My favorite is  Fat Sheep Farm.  My husband and I loved our stay there and definitely recommend the experience if you’re looking for more things to do near Woodstock!

22. Visit the top of the Bennington Battle Monument

Interested in historic sites? If you find yourself in Southern Vermont, you won’t want to miss the Bennington Battle Monument. And in fact, it’s hard TO miss, standing at 306ft and 4.5 inches tall! This iconic obelisk structure is visible for miles around. This also means that when you head to the top, you’re in for some sensational views of the surrounding Green Mountains.

23. Catch some fantastic live theatre

Vermont is a very artistic state; a culturally-happening place. Personally, I’m a big fan of Vermont theatre. The best place to catch a Broadway-caliber performance is at the  Weston Playhouse.  Some of the finest shows I’ve ever seen in my life were ones I’ve seen there, and this is one of those activities in Vermont where you can get a little dressed up and go show off for a while!

24. Drive to the top of Mt. Equinox

No list of beautiful places to visit in Vermont would be complete without  Mount Equinox in southwestern Vermont. Sitting at over 3,800 feet above sea level, it is the highest peak in the Taconic Mountains and the second highest mountain in the state. You can drive to the summit of Mount Equinox via Skyline Drive, the longest privately owned, paved toll road and one of the safest, best engineered toll roads in the United States.

But, while the 5-mile drive to the top offers outstanding views, the summit is the true showstopper. The summit of Mount Equinox is known for providing an astounding 360-degree view of the surrounding Green Mountains and Champlain Valley of Vermont, White Mountains of New Hampshire, Adirondack Mountains of New York, and Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts.

25. Explore the Shelburne Museum

Shelburne Museum is an absolute gem and a must-visit on any Vermont itinerary, especially for those who appreciate a deep dive into history and culture. Located in the charming town of Shelburne, just a short drive from Burlington, this museum is not your typical indoor gallery. It’s an expansive, open-air museum that beautifully blends art, history, and architecture across its 45 acres.

Imagine wandering through over 39 distinct structures, each offering a unique glimpse into America’s past. From a steamboat to a lighthouse, historic houses to barns, the museum captivates with its diverse collection. And it’s not just about buildings; the museum boasts an impressive array of folk art, quilts, and even a carousel!

26. Check out the Old Round Church

Round buildings are really interesting, and Vermont is home to a few. The Old Round Church in Richmond is a historic site, and checking it out is one of my favorite cool things to do in Vermont. Technically not “round,” the Old Round Church is a sixteen-sided town meeting hall and place of worship built in 1812-1813. It’s definitely worth a visit, simply because it is so unique and photogenic, but also essential for history buffs.

27. Stop at Vermont Cookie Love when driving Route 7

If you have any kind of sweet tooth, you must go to Vermont Cookie Love. I’ve driven that road hundreds of times and the possibility of chocolatey goodness never fails to entice me. Located along Route 7 in North Ferrisburgh, the home of Vermont Cookie Love, aka the Love Shack, is waiting for you, too! What could be better than a fresh, warm cookie? These are baked with love (and consumed with abandon—at least in this house!)

28. Sail aboard a Lake Champlain day cruise

Lake Champlain is one of the top things to see in Vermont, and if you can get out on the water, all the better. If renting a boat or paddling a kayak isn’t your style, I suggest jumping aboard a Lake Champlain ferry or on a day cruise. There are several options for scenic cruises and boat rentals on Lake Champlain, and the experience is relaxing and fun; def one of the top Lake Champlain activities!

29. Explore Wilson Castle, a 19th-century castle

Did you know Vermont has some castles? Years ago, I visited one of Vermont’ hidden gems: Wilson Castle. While this “technically” is not a castle, it’s a pretty awesome mansion located in Proctor, Vermont, close to the city of  Rutland , and definitely on the list of things to do in central Vermont. Guided tours are offered.

30. Visit Bingham Falls

One of the prettiest places in Vermont Stowe’s  Bingham Falls  in the Mount Mansfield State Forest. Bingham Falls is a popular tourist destination, owing to its stunning 40-foot cascading waterfall and deep gorges. There are two commonly used trails to reach the falls. The shorter .5-mile long Bingham Falls Trail is steeper, emerging at the base of the falls. The longer but easier 1.3-mile Mill Trail has several offshoots leading to picturesque views of the falls from various angles. It’s location in Smuggler’s Notch State Park makes this is a can’t miss gorgeous Vermont location!  Read More:  Amazing Waterfalls in Vermont

31. Get spooked at Emily’s Bridge

 Vermont covered bridges are fascinating and historical, and some of them may also be haunted! Such is the case for the infamous Emily’s Bridge located in Stowe. Legend has it that Emily died at the bridge, hanging herself after being jilted by her lover. Tales from visitors report things like scratches appearing on their car, banging sounds on the car when stopping on the bridge, and even bloody scratches found on the skin of pedestrians crossing the bridge.

I didn’t get any scratches when walking over it, but I did get a creepy feeling! This is considered to be one of the most haunted places in VT.

32. Go biking on the Kingdom Trails

Mountain bikers will love the vast network of Kingdom Trails in East Burke, VT. These are some of the best mountain biking trails in the US, and they are set among the spectacular scenery of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. If you’re looking for places to go in VT to get away from it all, this might be what you’re looking for!

33. Visit the Vermont State House

 Go to Vermont’s capital city Montpelier and keep heading toward the golden-domed state house. Self-guided tours are available year-round so you can get a firsthand look at big activity in this small state! Fun fact: for many years, Montpelier had the distinction of being the only state capital in the United States without a McDonald’s!

34. Check out the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site

 If you’re a presidential history buff and looking for where to visit in Vermont, check out the home of American president, Calvin Coolidge. In Plymouth, VT, visitors will find his childhood home, where he took his presidential oath of office. In addition to being an important historic site, the whole center comprises “over 600 bucolic acres” of a timeless Vermont village filled with original artifacts. This includes a one-room schoolhouse, barns, a cheese factory, and the hillside cemetery where President Coolidge is buried.  The Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site  is open this year beginning May 26th, 2023 through October 22, 2023.

35. Photograph the fall foliage

Who can resist those iconic Vermont fall colors?! Of course, VT boasts scenic splendor year round, but fall in Vermont fall is truly the most magical time, with its vibrant foliage framing colonial villages, white-steepled churches, and covered bridges. Grab your camera and make plans to visit Vermont in the fall. There’s a scenic shot waiting around every corner.

36. Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant

We take farm-to-table seriously in Vermont. There’s a strong culture of eating local and supporting farmers, and restaurants do this in all parts of the state. While there are countless farm-to-table options in Vermont, you must visit  Cloudland Farm  which is a culinary experience unto itself.

37. Find serenity in nature at Lake Willoughby

Venture into the Northeast Kingdom during your Vermont visit and you will find the majestic Lake Willoughby. Bordered by high, steep cliffs, the lake looks almost like a Nordic fjord. This is a perfect spot to get away from it all and really enjoy Vermont’s nature at its best.

38. Admire Quechee Gorge from above

Speaking of Vermont scenery, one of the most interesting natural sites in the state is Quechee Gorge. You might wonder, “ what’s so special about a gorge? ” But it really is worth stopping to see. Park in the visitor center lot and walk carefully out onto the sidewalk on the bridge overlooking the gorge. Unparalleled Vermont views are to be seen on both sides.

39. Visit the Morgan Horse Farm

Did you know that Vermont’s State Animal is the Morgan Horse? See where they’ve been bred and trained since 1878 (the oldest continuous breeding herd) at the  Morgan Horse Farm  in Middlebury. The Morgan Horse Farm is open each summer from May until October.

40. Bring your canine pal to Dog Mountain

One of the quirkier Vermont tourist attractions out there is  Dog Mountain . If you haven’t yet been to this canine mecca, add it to your Vermont itinerary. Dog Mountain is a private mountaintop spot in St. Johnsbury that belonged to artist Stephen Huneck. Today, it houses a gallery and a dog chapel, hosting several events throughout the year. Dogs are always welcome on the property to run free and enjoy the sights alongside their human companions; this is one of those fun tourist spots in Vermont where you can bring your furry friends, too!

41. Visit Vermont’s oldest general store

The Green Mountain State has many picturesque general stores that should be on your list of Vermont places to visit. While you have to visit the well-known Vermont Country Store, nothing compares to an old-fashioned, historic general store. Many of these claim to be the oldest in Vermont. I am partial to believe the oldest is  FH Gillingham and Sons  in Woodstock. No matter its age, it is incredibly charming—and they also have a great wine selection.

42. Eat as much Cabot cheese as you can stomach

Could there be a more quintessential Vermont option for Vermont things to do? Vermont once claimed that it had more cows than people living in the state, so it’s no surprise that we make excellent dairy products.

Cabot Cheese is one of the most famous, and with good reason. It’s fairly easy to find Cabot Cheese throughout the state, but you can sample loads of the stuff if you visit The  Cabot Farmers’ Store  in Waterbury. If you are looking for the tastiest things to do in VT, you can try dozens of flavors of Cabot cheese there. 

Read Next: Exploring the  Vermont Cheese Trail

43. Drink a maple latte

 This might not be on other lists of VT things to do, but it is certainly an essential item on mine! I’m a huge coffee drinker and there’s nothing quite so good as a hot, steaming latte. In Vermont, flavors like vanilla and hazelnut are passé. Instead, have your latte with a shot of pure Vermont maple syrup. I promise you it’s as wonderful as it sounds, and you can find this delicious beverage all over the state. As of 2023, the best maple latte I’ve had in Vermont was from  Brio Coffeeworks  in Burlington!

44. Ride the gondola to the top of Mount Mansfield

I’ve mentioned Stowe several times already in this guide, because I think it is the best place to vacation in Vermont. And while you’re in Stowe, you can’t miss riding to the peak of Mount Mansfield.

Mount Mansfield is the tallest mountain in Vermont. While it’s home to many exciting ski trails come winter, in the summer and fall, visitors can ascend to the top in the iconic red Gondola SkyRide. This is such an easy and fun way to get to the top of Mt. Mansfield, and you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views. I highly recommend riding the Stowe gondola in the fall for the most breathtaking foliage views!

45. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the winter

Speaking of Stowe, it’s a great place to take a snowy Vermont sleigh ride. The Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe is an excellent and incredibly scenic spot for this bucket list winter activity.

46. Browse Northshire Bookstore

One of my favorite places to visit in Vermont is in Manchester. Northshire Bookstore is a massive, adorable independent bookstore that is an incredible place to get lost for a few hours. If you love books, it’s heaven. If you love cool Vermont souvenirs, it’s also amazing! One of the standouts of this shop is there incredible 2nd floor, devoted entirely to a Children’s Section. It’s absolutely worth visiting this spot when in Vermont and be sure to support them by buying local!

47. Have a massive, delicious breakfast

 This is a to-do that is not exclusive to Vermont, by any means. But I have never found a better breakfast than the ones I’ve had in Vermont. Truly, a homestyle, country, hearty breakfast with Vermont maple syrup, local blueberries, Cabot butter, and delicious coffee; there’s something so Vermont about this. Take time to dive into a good brunch during your Vermont visit. I’ve got local recommendations all over the site for some of my favorite cities. The Skinny Pancake, specializing in sweet and savory crepes, is one such Vermont breakfast spot. You can find a few locations all over the state!

48. Take a ride on the Green Mountain Railroad

That’s right, you can take a scenic train ride on the  Green Mountain Railroad ! If you’re looking for what to see and do in Vermont that will give you a little taste of the area, consider doing a 3-hour round trip Champlain Valley Dinner Train ride. Not only will you get to enjoy the gorgeous Vermont scenery, but the 3 course gourmet dinner isn’t so bad, either!

49. Check out the Vermont Country Store

I believe visiting the Vermont Country Store is a quintessential Vermont experience. This charming and nostalgia-filled store will transport you back in time with its collection of goods, from classic toys to artisanal cheeses. You definitely won’t leave empty handed.

50. Eat a maple creemee

My last item on the list is the incredible maple creemee. The Vermont creemee is Vermont’s version of soft-serve ice cream. The best flavor is—-you guessed it—-maple. You can find amazing creemees all over the state in the summertime. Here are the spots I’d definitely recommend checking out:

• Morse Farm – Montpelier
• April’s Maple – Canaan
• Palmer Lane – Jericho

FAQ About Vermont

What’s the best time of year to visit vermont.

The best time to visit Vermont is in the summer and fall. While Vermont is lovely throughout the year, most visitors find late May through October to be best for comfortable weather. To enjoy the best of fall leaves in New England, you’ll want to plan your Vermont trip for mid-September through early October.

For my personal recommendation, I find Vermont in May to be the best time to visit, as it is truly gorgeous. The green of summer is just starting to pop and the weather is growing warmer every day. It’s my little secret Vermont travel tip. Except now you know, too. Oops!

What is the prettiest town in Vermont?

There are so many beautiful destinations in Vermont, I would be hard-pressed to pick the most beautiful! But some of the prettiest towns in Vermont include Stowe, Woodstock, and Manchester.

What’s the best way to get to Vermont?

While you can certainly drive to Vermont from many locations in the US, most travelers opt to fly. The best place to fly into Vermont is the Burlington International Airport (BTV). This is the major airport in Vermont and is convenient to many of Vermont’s top destinations.

What is the best way to get around Vermont?

The best way to explore Vermont is by car, as it offers flexibility to visit various attractions, especially in rural areas. Public transportation options are very limited outside major towns.

What is the weather like in Vermont?

Vermont has a wet continental climate that features cold winters, warm summers and precipitation all year round. In plain language, that means Vermont gets hot in the summer (sometimes super hot) and very cold in the winter. There is a true 4-season climate in Vermont, although some say Mud Season is it’s own entity, but the winters do seem to last long. The weather and temperatures in April can be quite variable.

What should I pack for a trip to Vermont?

Packing in Vermont depends on the season. Warm clothes and snow gear are essential in winter, while summers call for lighter attire. Always bring comfortable shoes for outdoor activities. My advice is always to pack layers. The weather can change throughout the day, even in summer, and layers ensure you can easily adjust what you’re wearing.

What is Vermont known for?

Vermont is known for its maple syrup, cheese, pastoral landscapes, progressive culture, and its fall foliage, among many other things. Read more all about the things Vermont is known for .

More places to explore in Vermont:

• 9 Incredible Things to do in Chester VT
• 10 Exciting Things to do in Stratton Vermont
• 10 Best Things to do in Wilmington, Vermont
• 20 Fun Things to Do in Rutland VT

Need more for planning your Vermont vacation? Read these next!

• Guide to Seeing the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Burlington VT
• 8 Charming Airbnbs in Vermont for an Amazing Stay
• 11 Scrumptious Bakeries in Vermont for Sweet Lovers
• Top 5 Places to go Dog Sledding in Vermont
• 12 Amazing Antique Stores in Vermont
• 10 Best Pumpkin Patches in Vermont

The best time to visit Vermont? How about now

Oct 14, 2021 • 6 min read

A festive seasonal display at the Vermont Country Store © Brian S / Shutterstock

Nestled in the Northeast, Vermont has endless opportunities for fun and adventure in all four seasons. Sure, sometimes summer is hot and humid, and winters can be arctic, but Vermont’s natural beauty, active mountain lifestyle, locavore cuisine, and rich arts and music culture mean there’s always something on offer.

Here’s our guide to the best times to visit Vermont. And, as we say in Vermont: if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes and it’s sure to change.

Best time for leaf peeping  

Vermont is most famous for its fall foliage and the rainbow of colors formed by hardwood forests before the maples, oak, birch and other trees drop their leaves for winter. 

Leaf peeping is well complemented by apple picking, and the apple cider, pie and cider donuts that are part of the experience. 

Fall is also a great time for harvest festivals, seasonal dining and for a micro-spirits or micro-brewery tour. Many breweries make limited-availability seasonal ales. 

Ski area gondolas shuttle visitors to mountain summits to take in the autumn views. It’s a good time to go camping, once kids are back in school and the summer crowds have subsided. Most Vermont state parks welcome visitors through Columbus Day.

Best time for snow sports  

Vermont is the premier destination for downhill skiers in the Northeast, with 26 alpine ski resorts spanning from its northern to its southern border. Test your mettle on Stowe’s Front Four or ski until your legs are sore at Vermont’s Jay Peak , then splash away in the waterpark until dinner.

Nordic (cross-country) skiing is just as popular here, whether you want a gorgeously groomed skating circuit, or you prefer to explore the woods on backcountry Nordic skis. 

The Catamount Trail , a unique long-distance Nordic Trail that winds from Massachusetts to Canada, draws winter lovers to the snow-covered Green Mountains. As do sleigh rides, skating, sledding, pickup hockey games, and ice fishing -- all popular pastimes. 

Stowe Winter Carnival brings together sport, food, and snow and ice sculptures in one of Vermont’s quaintest towns.

Best time for a sweet tooth

Spring in Vermont is when the maple sap runs – and when sugar houses are boiling sap into maple syrup. Many open their doors for visitors to sample their goods straight from the boiler, or to try a taste of sugar on snow and pancakes drizzled with syrup  – and more.

It’s also when spring colors explode with wildflowers carpeting the woods, and blossoming trees turning Vermont’s towns and cities into a botanical rainbow.

Migrating snow geese and other birds draw nature lovers out of the woods. Plus there’s often great late-season spring skiing. On several spring weekends, Killington famously offers both skiing and mountain biking at the same time.

Best time for festivals and water activities  

Vermont can be hot and humid in summer. Thankfully, the 157-mile-long state has more than 800 lakes and ponds, and many rivers and streams. If you need to cool off, dip into Lake Champlain, or check out Vermont’s waterfalls and unique swimming holes, like Bolton’s naturally carved Potholes and Ludlow’s Buttermilk Falls, to cool off.

You can always hike a section of the Long Trail , which runs the length of the state. The trail has entry points along its entire length for those who want to hike for a couple of hours instead of a couple of weeks. 

If you want to get out on the water, consider paddling a section of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail . It follows the Missisquoi River before emptying into Lake Champlain. 

Cyclists might consider a gravel race or ride like Rooted Vermont, or you can ride – or run – to the top of Vermont during the annual Race to the Top of Vermont. If all this athleticism isn’t for you, perhaps try your hand at casting with a fly-fishing lesson at Orvis’s Manchester-based school instead.

Summer is festival season in Vermont. From Jazz Fest in June to Art Hop in September, plus beer fests, craft fairs, agricultural fairs and farmers markets in between. No matter when you visit during this season in Vermont, you’ll wish you had more time.

Live music abounds in Vermont, whether you catch the Vermont Symphony Orchestra at Trapp Family Lodge , or Grace Potter at the Shelburne Museum . Summer is also an amazing time for dinner on a working farm, or dining (while people watching) on Church Street. 

Top things to do in Vermont 

In late January, Stowe’s Winter Carnival hosts sports events, an Ice Carving Competition, as well as fat biking and the infamous Snowgolf and Snowvolleyball tournaments. 

The Vermont Maple Festival is a celebration of Vermont’s first agricultural crop of the year: maple syrup. The three-day event is held annually in St. Albans Vermont . 

Burlington’s Discover Jazz Festival fills the streets and venues of Vermont’s Queen City with music by local, national, and international artists. There are sit-down ticketed shows at Burlington’s Flynn theater, plus free music is performed on Church Street and throughout Burlington’s parks. 

Also in June, Vermont Quilt Festival is New England’s oldest and largest quilt festival, showcasing work by quilters from across New England.

During Open Studio Weekend, Vermont artists across the state open their studios to visitors, whether those studios are downtown, or at the end of a dirt road. 

Bennington’s Southern Vermont Garlic and Herb Festival coincides with sidewalk sales. It features live bands, drink specials from local restaurants, and the opportunity to see and sample cloves from specialty garlic growers – plus there are craft vendors and themed food trucks.

At Burlington’s South End Art Hop, artists open their studios, and showcase their creations during an indoor/outdoor festival that packs the streets with fans, demonstrations, exhibits, food trucks and more. 

Another September highlight, Tunbridge World’s Fair is one of Vermont’s most beloved agricultural fairs. Bear witness to pumpkins the size of small cars and muscled oxen pulling heavy loads, sample award-winning dilly pickles and apple pies, cheer at the arm-wrestling and pig racing competitions and steel yourself for thrilling rides and more gentle ones. 

Over 30 performers attend the New World Festival each year, which showcases the unique musical styles of Celtic and French-Canadian music  – and dance – to downtown Randolph, Vermont. The festival was founded nearly three decades ago in recognition of the shared cultural heritage of the northern New England, Quebec and Canada’s Maritime Provinces, brought over by migrants from Ireland, Scotland and France.

In the fall, Woodstock Apples and Crafts Fair and Food Truck Festival host over 100 crafters and specialty food producers who display and sell their wares.

Winter brings St. Johnsbury Winter Farmers Market to Vermont. Held in December you'll find local vendors selling fresh produce, crafts and plants and plenty more.

You might also like: Vermont’s best beaches Vermont’s best hiking trails New England’s best road trips  

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22 Top Things to Do in Vermont During the Summer

Vermont may lack an ocean coast, but summer vacationers never feel shortchanged. This uncrowded, independent-minded state known for its rural and natural beauty over-delivers when it comes to freshwater beaches, family-friendly resorts, outdoor adventures, golf courses, craft breweries , and farm-to-table restaurants. If you're heading north to escape the heat, here are some of Vermont's most memorable getaways and experiences for summer visitors.

Jump in a Lake

You won't miss the ocean when you discover Vermont's plentiful freshwater beaches. Many of them, such as Boulder Beach in Groton, are tucked inside Vermont's state parks, where admission fees are family-friendly and you can combine swimming with other park activities like hiking, biking, or kayaking. Lake Willoughby's North Beach in the town of Westmore is one of the best lake beaches in New England. And you'll find more than a dozen public beaches on Lake Champlain, the granddaddy of all Vermont lakes. Of course, there are more than 80 old-fashioned swimming holes in Vermont , too, when you're ready for an exhilarating dip.

Treat Your Family to a Memorable Getaway

Vermont is home to New England's superlative family resorts. Put Smugglers' Notch —with its eight heated pools, mountainside water playground, freshwater swimming spots, and award-winning children's programs—at the top of your list. The Tyler Place Family Resort in Swanton caters to all ages, too, with water sports and other outdoor adventures, supervised activities for toddlers to teens, and all-inclusive dining. The dog-friendly Wildflower Inn in Lyndonville is also a perfect landing spot for active families. Situated on 300 acres with easy access to Kingdom Trails, you'll bond over country breakfasts, hiking, bike rides, lawn games, refreshing swims, and farm-to-table dinners.

Shop at a Farmers Market

When Vermont's town greens and parks become gathering places for farmers and gourmet food producers, you're in for a treat. There are dozens of weekly farmers markets in Vermont , where you'll see the state's fresh-harvested bounty on display. The best markets, such as the Waitsfield Farmers Market on the Mad River Green, offer so much more than fruits and vegetables. Hear live music, sample baked goods, and purchase handcrafted souvenirs. You'll be supporting Vermont growers, artisans, and entrepreneurs while enjoying a summer day outdoors. Picking your own strawberries is another fun summertime activity that supports Vermont farms..

Cruise Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain's one and only cruise ship, the " Spirit of Ethan Allen ," allows summer vacationers to experience the state's largest lake on a variety of leisurely voyages. From mid-May through mid-October, narrated, scenic trips are offered several times daily. You can also combine cruising with lunching or brunching, or book passage aboard a sunset cocktail cruise or a dinner cruise. On Thursday nights, you can solve a murder mystery or partake in a scavenger hunt over dinner, while Friday night dinner cruises feature lobster. And on Saturdays, a DJ spins tracks as passengers dine and dance the night away. Check the ship's official website for the full schedule of events.

Ride a Thrilling Mountain Coaster

Vermont's ski areas have devised some awfully clever ways of attracting summertime visitors. When you find yourself longing for a downhill thrill long after the snow has melted, head to Killington, where the Beast Mountain Coaster races 4,800 twisting and turning feet through the woods. Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, Vermont, will elevate your heart rate, too. Its Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster is a breathtaking and smooth ride down the forested mountainside, and you control the speed.

Go Behind the Scenes at Ben & Jerry's

Factory tours at Ben & Jerry's in Waterbury, Vermont, will give you a new appreciation for summer's top treat. During your 30-minute guided experience, you'll see cherished ice cream flavors like Chunky Monkey being produced in huge batches and have the opportunity to sample the day's fresh—sometimes limited edition—frozen creation. You'll also hear the enchanting back story of this global brand's humble Vermont origins. Don't miss the Flavor Graveyard, where discontinued concoctions like Bovinity Divinity are humorously memorialized.

Take Up Fly Fishing

Vermont is the fly fishing capital of New England. Visit the 50-year-old American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester, home to the world's largest collection of fishing-related artifacts. Among its treasures, you'll find rods that belonged to legendary people like artist Winslow Homer, author Ernest Hemingway, and slugger Babe Ruth. Vermont's Battenkill and Mettawee Rivers are premier places to cast for wild trout. If you don't know the first thing about fly fishing, Vermont has you covered, too. Orvis operates a fly-fishing school in Manchester: Choose a one- or two-day experience including instructional opportunities geared specifically for women or for parents and children. Further north, Burlington-based Maple Country Anglers offers guided fishing trips on Vermont's fish-rich rivers and streams.

Sleep at a Farm

Fun for kids and restorative for grown-ups, a farm stay is an immersive way to experience Vermont's rural rhythms. The cream of Vermont's crop of farm escapes is Liberty Hill Farm & Inn in Rochester. Here, you won't just feast on farm-fresh, family-style meals and observe the daily operations of a working dairy farm with 270 cows on-site. You can help with milking, bottle-feeding calves, and other chores. And you'll absorb farm values, which may just change the way you view our world and your own life.

Dine at a Farm-to-Table Restaurant

Kim Knox Beckius

Vermont's best farm-to-plate restaurants make optimal use of summer's bounty. This agrarian state was at the forefront of the locavore movement and has worked since 2009 to double access to local food. Many of Vermont's top chefs have wholeheartedly embraced this philosophy, and you'll want to taste the intriguing dishes they are creating using freshly harvested ingredients. With locations in Waterbury and Burlington, Hen of the Wood offers one of the state's best foodie experiences. This eatery boasts a daily-changing menu that is alone worth raving about, but if you're celebrating a special occasion, consider booking the multi-course, chef's tasting menu.

See a Genuine Rodeo

There's an unexpected yet authentic touch of the Wild West in Castleton, Vermont. From July through Labor Day weekend, Pond Hill Ranch —a genuine, 2,000-acre working ranch—hosts Saturday night rodeos that are alcohol-free and fun for families. You'll see top-notch professional bull riders and exciting events like barrel racing, calf roping, and steer wrestling. The bull riding competition for novices is the biggest hoot.

Enjoy a Perfect Evening of Theater

For a fraction of the cost, you can see Broadway-caliber shows at the intimate, 300-seat Weston Playhouse in Weston, Vermont, this summer. Plays have been staged in this repurposed Greek Revival church for more than 80 years. Kick off a memorable evening with dinner beside a waterfall at the playhouse's restaurant. After the curtain call, there's more fun in store. Young Company players join the show's performers for a comical hour of additional entertainment in the downstairs cabaret.

Head to the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site

They called him "Silent Cal," but 30th U.S. President Calvin Coolidge's legacy resonates through time in Plymouth Notch, Vermont. The Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site preserves essentially the entire rural village where Coolidge was born, where he was sworn in as president following Warren Harding's death, and where he set up his "Summer White House" during his presidency. You can even visit the general store and Plymouth Cheese Factory ; established in 1890 by Coolidge's father, it is one of America's oldest still-operating cheese companies.

Follow the Vermont Cheese Trail

Speaking of cheese, the state prides itself on the quality and diversity of its dairy products, and this Vermont Cheese Trail map will help you locate and visit cheesemakers statewide. The Cabot Cheese Farmers' Store is a popular stop in Waterbury Center, Vermont. During your visit, you can browse its selection of award-winning cheeses and dairy products, as well as microbrews, hard ciders, and local and international wine. Don't miss the chance to discover artisan cheeses made in small batches, too, at destinations like Blue Ledge Farm in Salisbury; its self-serve farmstand is open daily, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., April through December.

Picnic at a Music in the Meadow Concert

The backdrop for these outdoor performances is as spectacular as it gets. Pack a picnic, spread out a blanket, and enjoy the music and the mountain views during one of summer's Music in the Meadow concerts at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. Tickets are required for most of these shows, held on select Sundays in July and early August. Arrive up to two hours early to claim your spot on the sloping lawn.

Give ATV Riding a Whirl

If you've never been on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), NEK Adventures will introduce you to this adventurous summer pastime. Their guided ATV tours, which depart from Concord, Vermont, take place at a sightseeing pace and rumble through remote areas you'd probably never see without a four-wheeler beneath you. Participants must be 18 years old (16 if accompanied by a parent).

Tour the World's Largest Granite Quarry

Courtesy of Rock of Ages 

Touring the world's largest deep-hole dimension granite quarry is one of the most incredible things you can do in Vermont. A trip to Rock of Ages in Graniteville is actually two tours in one. A bus will take you to the 600-foot-deep Smith Quarry, where you'll see machines hoisting 400-million-year-old blocks of stone. Back at the 160,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, self-guided tours include the chance to observe artists at work, who use modern and traditional tools to sculpt and carve memorials. Visitors are encouraged to take home a free sample of enduring Vermont granite from the grout pile. Be sure to try out the outdoor granite bowling before you go!

Bike the Kingdom Trails

In Vermont's remote Northeast Kingdom, there's an extensive network of multi-use trails that beckons mountain bikers. Purchase a one or two-day membership , and you'll have access to Kingdom Trails ' diverse riding options for all ability levels. This non-profit has negotiated legal access to private lands in one of the state's most scenic natural areas, and you'll be awed by the care that goes into maintaining these trails.

Support the Preservation of the Morgan Horse

If you love horses, you'll want to include a visit to the UVM Morgan Horse Farm on your Vermont itinerary. Located near Middlebury and open to the public from May through October, this picturesque facility was established in 1878. You'll see more than 40 of these strong and versatile horses, the state animal of Vermont. And your admission fee helps to sustain the breed. Vermont is also home to the National Museum of the Morgan Horse , not far away in Shelburne.

Reserve Your Tee Time

Vermont has more than 75 scenic golf courses: some historic, some modern. Opportunities to play nine or 18 holes are scattered statewide, but you'll find the highest concentrations of courses in resort destinations like Stowe and Killington. Mild summer temperatures make Vermont an ideal place to golf. While some of the state's top-rated courses are open only to members, there are plenty of gorgeous public golf courses in Vermont where you can play, including Equinox Golf Resort & Spa 's mountainside course; designed by Walter Travis in 1926, it was updated in 1991 by Rees Jones.

Attend a Waterfront Beer Festival

Sure, you could drive all over the state visiting craft breweries—like Hill Farmstead Brewery and The Alchemist —that have made Vermont one of the best destinations in the world for beer lovers. But the annual Vermont Brewers Festival , held the third weekend of July in Burlington's Waterfront Park, is a safer and more efficient way to taste buzz-worthy brews from Vermont and beyond. This epic, adults-only summer event attracts more than 10,000 people and features local food, too.

Admire Antique Autos

The annual Vermont Antique and Classic Car Meet , held in Waterbury, takes place in early August. And if you've attended the show in the past, you know this is one of the biggest opportunities of the summer to connect with others who love vintage automobiles. Traditions like the flea market and Saturday's parade and street dance are in the mix, and even if you don't own a classic car, you can dress in vintage style and compete for prizes.

Take Your Pup to Dog Mountain

Both a memorial to its creator, artist Stephen Huneck, and a magical place for dogs and their people to explore, Dog Mountain and its one-of-a-kind Dog Chapel make a perfect summer day trip destination. The dog-themed chapel's walls are plastered with love notes to pets who have enriched their families' lives. The hillsides are lush and perfect for long walks. And sales in the gallery help to sustain this non-profit. Try to time your visit to coincide with the Summer Dog Party on the first Saturday in August.

The best time to visit Vermont is in the wintertime, when the state's ski resorts welcome snow sports enthusiasts from all over the East Coast to hit the slopes. Fall, too, is a popular time to road trip around the Green Mountain State—particularly from late September through to the first three weeks of October—as the trees come alive with shades of yellow, orange, and red.

In July, Vermont sees average highs in the low 80s, so locals will often wear wear shorts and T-shirts. Temps cool in the evenings—be sure to bring a sweatshirt for campfires and stargazing.

Although Vermont is a more popular fall and winter destination, summer is an excellent time to go—especially if you don't like the cold. There's plenty to do this time of year, including relaxing at a freshwater beach, golfing, sipping an ice-cold beer at one of the state's top breweries, and exploring more than 55 state parks.

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Perfect 1 Week Itinerary for a Vermont Road Trip

If you’re yearning for a peaceful escape in New England, look no further than Vermont. This one-week Vermont itinerary offers the perfect road trip through the picturesque and tranquil state.

Vermont’s unspoiled landscapes and breathtaking scenery make it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. And if you find yourself with extra time, I’ll also provide options to extend your trip and explore more of what Vermont has to offer.

Vermont rolls out an endless supply of quaint Colonial towns filled with white steepled churches, red barns, red covered bridges, and charming inns.

Vermont is heavily forested, with a green canopy that’s set ablaze with fall foliage. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and fall back into nature and history, Vermont is the perfect place. And, while you’re there, you can enjoy the excellent farm to table cuisine for which Vermont’s renowned.

Here’s my guide spending 7 days in bucolic Vermont. This 200 mile Vermont road trip itinerary takes you from southern Vermont to northern Vermont. You’ll drive through the Green Mountains and weave through charming hamlets.

I point out all the must visit attractions and towns in Vermont. I give you tips for visiting Vermont, including where to hike, where to stay, and where to eat.

I also add some bonus destinations at the end of the one week Vermont itinerary, in case you want to extend your Vermont road trip from 7 days to 10 days or more.

One Week In Vermont Itinerary

This one week in Vermont road trip itinerary takes you from Brattleboro in southern Vermont to Stowe in northern Vermont. Distances between destinations are relatively short, so you won’t feel rushed.

To begin your trip to Vermont, fly into Bradley International Airport in Hartford. Brattleboro is a 1:15 drive from the airport. Or, simply drive to Brattleboro to begin.

Day 1: Brattleboro

Start your 7 day Vermont road trip in the gorgeous town of Brattleboro in southern Vermont. It’s New England’s most supportive art centric enclave. Artists settled in Brattleboro to escape the high rents of New England’s major cities, while still remaining close.

Brattleboro’s downtown has been revitalized. It’s now full of art galleries, upper story artist studios, and a broad array of art venues.

The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center is housed in a restored railroad depot. It presents 8 exhibitions annually.

Brattleboro also has a performing arts scene focused on classical music. The marquis venue is the Marlboro Music School. Brattleboro hosts the New England Bach Festival, a winter Chamber Music Series, and the Vermont Renaissance Festival (in nearby Vernon). Or you can catch a movie at the Art Deco Latchis Theatre.

If nature calls, Brattleboro offers four seasons of sports. You can ski, snowshoe, and skate in the winter. And swim, bike, hike, and golf in the summer. Be sure to check out the Creamery Covered Bridge, a rare surviving example of a 19th century wooden bridge.

Where to stay in Brattleboro : The Inn on Putney Road, Chesterfield Inn, Treehouse Village Inn

Where to eat in Brattleboro : Mocha Joe’s Cafe, Amy’s Bakery Arts Cafe, Peter Havens, Duo, T.J. Buckley’s

Pro tip : If it’s pottery you’re after, head to Putney just 9 miles upriver.

Day 2: Chester, Woodstock & Quechee Gorge

As you leave Brattleboro, head west on Route 9 and link up with Route 100. You’ll be traveling north along the eastern edge of the Green Mountains.

There are plenty of panoramic overlooks to stop and take photographs. And plenty of cute towns to visit along the way — Grafton, Chester, Weston, Woodstock, and Plymouth.

If you have time for just one, I’d pick Chester or Woodstock. Both are enchanting New England villages.

Either makes a good place to overnight, with farm to table eateries and charming inns. Alternatively, you could just visit and continue on to Killington, depending on your agenda.

Chester is best known for its Stone Village and Chester Village Historic Districts. The Stone Village derives its name from the plethora of granite houses in the area.

Chester Village gives off a classic Federal and Colonial aesthetic. Chester is also home to cute boutiques, art galleries, and some fabulous restaurants.

Woodstock is ridiculously charming, the quintessential New England town. Well preserved thanks to the Rockefeller family, strolling the adorable downtown is an activity in and of itself.

There are plenty of boutiques, craft shops, antique stores, and bookstores. FH Gillingham & Sons is a classic Vermont general store. Don’t miss the cute covered bridge.

For some exercise, you can stop for a hike in Quechee Gorge en route to Killington. It’s a fairly easy (but steep) hike down to the base of the gorge.

If the clear water sparkling in the sunshine entices you, there’s a place to enter the river for a swim. The best views are from the bridge. If you didn’t get cheese earlier, now is the time to stock up at the Quechee Gorge Village

Where to stay in Chester : Inn Victoria, Fullerton Inn, Stone Hearth Inn

Where to eat in Chester : Free Range, Heritage Deli & Bakery, Pizza Stone VT

Where to stay in Woodstock : Fan House Bed & Breakfast, Kedron Valley Inn, Twin Farms, The Woodstock Inn and Reort

Where to eat in Woodstock : Barnard Inn Restaurant, Cloudland Farm, Keeper’s Cafe, The Red Rooster

Day 3-4: Killington

One days 3 and 4 of your Vermont itinerary, you arrive in Killington. The town is Vermont’s largest ski resort. It’s a must visit town on your one week in Vermont itinerary.

Killington is really a year round outdoor playground, no matter the season. The downtown is a bit strip mall-ish and overdeveloped. But the views from Killington Peak are sublime.

When the weather is warm, hit the Adventure Center where you can zip line and take scenic lift rides. The ski trails are also open for hiking. Deer Leap Trail is a 3 mile loop and leads to a pretty view overlooking Pico Peak.

In winter, you can ski, snowboard, fat bike, cross country ski, snow tube, and take sleigh rides. Because of its snowmaking capacity, the slopes usually open in early November and the lifts run to early May. The Grand Spa is a nice way to end your day.

Where to stay in Killington : Mountain Top Inn, Birch Ridge Inn, Killington Grand Resort Hotel

Where to eat in Killington : The Garlic, The Peak Lodge, Choices

Day 4-5: Burlington

You may want to spend another day in Killington, if you’re sporty. But, if not, the next stop is Burlington, land of the poet Robert Frost and known as one of the most livable small cities in the US.

In Vermont, there’s a saying that “you can’t throw a stone without hitting a poet/painter/potter.” As the largest town in a state of small hamlets, Burlington has developed a self contained art scene that’s the envy of many.

To some, Burlington is akin to a mini Seattle — a politically and socially progressive enclave of college students, regional power brokers, and creative minds.

The jewel of Burlington’s art scene is the Fleming Museum on the University of Vermont campus. The museum has a wide range of artworks and artists. In June, you can attend the Arts Alive Festival. The Firehouse Center for the Arts also hosts year round exhibitions and art programs.

If you want to see a show, head to the Flynn Performing Arts Center . It’s a fully restored Art Deco masterpiece. The Flynn hosts concerts, plays, and traveling Broadway shows.

If you want to disappear into nature, take the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail. It’s a short 1.2 mile woodland walk. You’ll find signs with commemorative quotes from his poems, including The Road Not Taken .

If you’re a foodie, Burlington will suit. It outshines much of the US with a bounty of locally grown food. Farm to table eating is a well established tradition. There’s even excellent street food at Farmers and Foragers Food Truck.

>>> Click here to book a craft brewery tour

And Burlington has a wonderful farmer’s market on Saturdays in the summer and fall. There’s everything from organic meats and cheeses to flowers and maple syrup.

Local artisans also sell their wares. The market is a must see if you’re visiting in season.

Where to stay in Burlington : Willard Street Inn, Hotel Vermont, The Essex, Made INN Vermont

Where to eat in Burlington : Bleu Northeast Seafood, Hen of the Wood, Juniper, The Great Northern, Honey Road

Day 6: Day Trip To Shelburne and Lake Champlain From Burlington

On day 6 of your 7 day Vermont itinerary, stay in Burlington another night. Then day trip to your next Vermont destination. Drive south to the Magic Hat Brewing Company .

This establishment sparked the growth of Vermont’s microbrewery scene. You can take a free half hour tour and fill up your own growler with an experimental brew.

Just down Route 7 is Shelburne, an affluent suburb of Burlington. Shelburne’s main attraction is the 19th century Shelburne Farms .

There, you can learn how cheese is made from start to finish. Or wander around the beautiful 1400 acre estate. The farm overlooks Lake Champlain. It’s the perfect place for a picnic, if you’re brought your own provisions or purchased some at the farm.

Lake Champlain is one of the most iconic places to visit in Vermont. It’s the 6th largest freshwater lake in the US. First head to Oakland Park.

Admire the beach and, if it’s warm, go paddle boarding. Then hike up the Island Line Trail to the Burlington Earth Clock. The clock is a beautiful large stone circle created by locals called Circles of Peace .

If you want to hit up another microbrewery, the Switchback Brewery is your go to place in Lake Champlain. Then, hike the 2.7 mile long Red Rocks Park Loop Trail, where you’ll have beautiful views of the mountains and lake.

Day 7: Stowe

Just a 30 minute drive from Burlington brings you to lively Stowe Vermont. New England is awash in winter resort towns.

But Vermont’s picturesque Stowe is an incredible year round destination you can’t help but fall in love with. It’s especially known for its breathtaking fall foliage.

En route to Stowe, make the requisite stop at Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory . You can tour the facilities and get the low down on how their ice cream is made. Afterward, you can taste some limited-release creations.

Then, on to beautiful Stowe. In the winter, Stowe is a popular ski destination, with Vermont’s tallest peak Mt. Mansfield. If there’s snow when you arrive, hit the slopes or take a sleigh ride.

Come summer, Stowe swaps skiing for hiking, golf, mountain biking, kayaking, swimming, and scenic drives up the winding Auto Toll Road. For a magical experience, you can go hot air ballooning over the Green Mountains.

Where mountainous Stowe really shines is its hiking trails, with a range of options to suit every level of experience. Some take you to towering peaks, others end in waterfalls.

The Stowe Pinnacle Trail is a 2.8 mile hike to a breathtaking summit with mountain views. When you’re done hiking, snack on some apple cider donuts or indulge in a Vermont Maple Sugar Body Scrub at the Snowflake Spa .

Stowe also boasts a romantic and picture perfect downtown. Its white steepled church is the focal point. The tiny Main Street is filled with boutiques, art galleries, crafts stores, and antique shops.

Sample some of the finest cheddar cheese and maple syrup in Vermont. There are also libraries, museums, theaters, and cultural organizations to keep your entertained.

Where to stay in Stowe: Stowe Mountain Resort, Trapp Family Lodge. Topnotch Resort

Where to eat in Stowe: Plate, Cliff House, Bistro at Ten Acres

Extra Time On Your Vermont Road Trip?

If you have more than 7 days to spend in Vermont, there are plenty of other places to add to your Vermont itinerary.

1. Montpelier

Add a day in pretty Montpelier, just 38 miles south of Burlington in northern Vermont. Montpelier is the country’s smallest capital, though it feels like a village. Its quirky spirit has earned it the nickname of “Montpeculier.”

Montpelier has a historic little downtown center and vibrant cultural scene, with shops, cinemas, art galleries, etc. But its main claim to fame is as a base for outdoor activities. Hubbard Park offers miles and miles of hiking trails. On its highest peak, a romantic stone tower offers 360 mountain views.

You can also tour the Vermont State House , visit the Vermont History Museum , browse in Kellogg Library, and sample a maple “creemee” at the Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks .

Where to stay in Montpelier : Inn at Montpelier, High Hill Inn

Where to eat in Montpelier : NECI on Main, Sarducci’s, Kismet

2. Manchester

Or, if you’d prefer to hang out in southern Vermont, you can add Manchester to the beginning of your Vermont road trip itinerary. It’s only 1:30 from Brattleboro. Seated at the base of Mt. Equinox, Manchester has been a popular summer resort since the 19th century.

Manchester boasts stately homes and marble sidewalks. Its Main Street could hardly be more picturesque. The town is also a bastion of outlet shopping, with famed upscale factory outlets doing business in cute Colonial buildings.

One must see site in Manchester is Hildene , the summer home of Abraham Lincoln’s son. Hildene is a beautiful Georgian Revival style mansion, which holds some of the Lincoln’s family’s most precious possessions. The property also features beautiful gardens.

For hiking in Manchester, hit the Mt. Equinox Trail . It’s a 6.8 mile loop that’s both steep and challenging. The views from the summit are worth the arduous climb. But you can also access the summit by car at the entrance to Skyline Drive.

Where to stay in Manchester : Equinox, Taconic Hotel, Wilburton Inn

Where to eat in Manchester : Bistro Henry, Mistral’s at Toll Gate, Mystic Cafe & Wine Bar, Ponce Bistro, The Silver Fork

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one week itinerary for Vermont. You may enjoy these other United States travel guides and itineraries:

• 10 Day Itinerary for New Hampshire
• 25 Most Beautiful Town in New England
• 10 Day Itinerary for Coastal Maine
• Fall Foliage Road Trip in New England
• 3 Day Itinerary for Boston
• 10-14 Day Itinerary for Southwest US
• 10 Day Southern California Itinerary
• 21 Less Touristy Towns on the East Coast
• Best Art Towns on the East Coast
• Best Art Towns in California

If you’d like to spend one week in Vermont, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on July 9, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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.

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April 02, 2024 Guides » 2024 Solar Eclipse

Where the Sun Don't Shine: Welcome to the 'Seven Days' Guide to the 2024 Solar Eclipse 

Published April 2, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. | Updated April 2, 2024 at 4:01 p.m.

• Michael Tonn | Rev. Diane Sullivan

V ermont will soon be plunged into darkness. No, it's not the end times — though given the events of the past few years, you could be forgiven for worrying. Rather, amid the great eternal dance of the cosmos, the stars will align to present one of our solar system's most spectacular celestial phenomena: a total solar eclipse.

On Monday, April 8, 2024, at roughly 3:26 p.m., the moon will pass directly between the sun and the Earth to cast parts of Vermont in complete shadow. The eclipse's full "path of totality" — or where the moon fully obscures the sun — will travel across Mexico, the United States and Canada. Northern Vermont lies directly in this path and will experience this once-in-a-lifetime convergence.

Send us your photos!

Email [email protected] and provide a few details, who took the photo and your phone number. We might use your photo online or in the April 10 print issue!

The eclipse is expected to draw anywhere between 50,000 and 200,000 visitors to the Green Mountain State. In the months leading up to it, Seven Days has covered a variety of eclipse topics, from practical guidance and science-y stories to special events and the best places for viewing.

For this guide, we've selected some of the best and most interesting info and tidbits from that reporting to help you get the most out the eclipse experience in Vermont. And we've added plenty of fun, fresh content that you won't find anywhere else — for instance, tickle your brain with the eclipse-themed crossword puzzle by Shelburne father-daughter puzzle makers Greg and Grace Warrington and go over the moon with the comic from award-winning Vermont cartoonist Dan Nott .

Related Grand Scale: Just How Far Is the Moon?

But before we dig in, here's a primer on what to expect on April 8.

Why is this eclipse a big deal?

Well, the freaking sun is gonna disappear, for starters. But more to the point, while solar eclipses are fairly common — they happen about twice a year on average — only a small percentage of people in the world ever see them.

"You have to be in the right place ... in the shadow cast by the moon onto the Earth," University of Vermont astrophysicist John Perry said. "If you stay in one place and just wait for a total solar eclipse to come to you, you'll be waiting on average 360 years."

Perry noted that some parts of the world haven't seen a total solar eclipse in 2,000 years. The last one in Vermont was a bit more recent than that. It happened in 1932 but was only visible to a small portion of the state — see " Twice in a Lifetime " for recollections from Vermonters who saw it.

Related Twice in a Lifetime: Vermonters Recall the 1932 Eclipse

And the next one? It's not coming until 2106.

Where is the best place to see the eclipse?

The totality will be visible from a roughly 115-mile swath across the region, from Montréal in the north to Middlebury in the south, with St. Albans smack in the middle. Where you go in that band is up to you — find some of our recs in " Totality Towns " and at sevendaysvt.com/eclipse . Pretty much anywhere you can see the sun will work, though Perry suggests getting away from artificial lights so that "you'll see how dark it really gets."

• NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio
• The path of totality for the 2014 solar eclipse over the northeastern U.S.

Perry also advises those near Lake Champlain to seek out higher ground in order to see the shadow of the moon sweep across the lake from west to east at about 1,000 miles per hour. See " Don't Get Stuck in the Mud " for more on where — and where not — to hike for a bird's-eye view of the eclipse.

Related Popular Hiking Trails Will Be Closed for Mud Season During the Eclipse

What will it be like when the sun disappears?

In a word: spooky.

The eclipse will begin around 2:14 p.m., and the sky will gradually darken as the moon passes in front of the sun. Totality in Burlington will last for about three and a half minutes before the sky begins lightening again — the length of totality will vary slightly depending on where you are. The eclipse will be visible until about 4:37 p.m.

"It's very dramatic," Perry said. "It'll get very dark, and the sunlight will look creepy."

Little wonder, then, that eclipses have been the inspiration for myths and superstitions for centuries. See " Waking Up the Sun " for some of the stranger eclipse folklore.

Related From Harbingers to Hungry Crocodiles, Eclipses Inspire Myths and Superstitions

Perry added that stars and planets will be visible in the sky — including Mercury, which is often hard to see because its orbit is so close to the sun. Wind could pick up as the temperature drops. And nocturnal critters such as bats, owls and raccoons may be tricked into thinking it's nighttime and come out.

Perry noted that the sun's spiky corona will reach about twice as far as the disk of sun we normally see. Shortly before totality, you'll glimpse "Baily's beads," a half circle of bright spots on the leading edge of the eclipse created by light streaming through the valleys on the moon. Finally, you'll see the "diamond ring," one last bright bead visible only for a second or two before the sun is fully obscured.

How should I view the eclipse?

Remember in 2017 when president Donald Trump was photographed staring directly at an eclipse? Don't do that.

"You can really damage your eyes," Perry advised.

Instead, you should wear special solar eclipse glasses — they kind of resemble 3D movie glasses. The State of Vermont has purchased thousands of them that will be freely available through towns and community organizations. Or you could buy your own at many Vermont stores.

And don't take them off , at least not until totality.

"They should not be taken off until the sun is completely blocked out," Perry said. "And you should put them back on the instant you see some sun shining through."

Or maybe just leave them on to be safe. See " Safe Spectacle(s) " for more on the eclipse and your eyes.

This seems like a pretty big deal for Vermont.

It sure could be. In 2017, 300,000 people descended upon Idaho Falls for a total solar eclipse. That city is a bit larger than Burlington, but you get the idea.

Nearly every town and city along the path of totality, from Middlebury to Newport, is hosting events and planning public safety measures to deal with the unprecedented influx of eclipse seekers. Special shindigs include everything from the three-day Alburgh Totality Festival in the Champlain Islands to the citywide Obscura BTV bash in Burlington to innumerable Pink Floyd tribute bands performing The Dark Side of the Moon at parties all over the state.

For a curated selection of can't-miss eclipse events, turn to the " Celestial 7 ," or find many more online at sevendaysvt.com/eclipse .

What if it's cloudy?

Shhhhh! Why would you even ask that?

OK, fine. Given that Vermont ranks as the second-cloudiest state in the country, it's fair to worry about rain on our parade — or even snow, in early April.

"It'll still get dark," Perry said. "But that's about it, which would be very unfortunate."

Indeed. Here's hoping for clear skies.

Listening In

Vermont-made music for the eclipse.

Sure, you could fire up Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon or Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" as the moon begins its journey across the sun on April 8. But a once-in-a-lifetime event requires an equally singular mix. So Seven Days music editor Chris Farnsworth has compiled a locavore playlist to serve as your soundtrack to totality. Ranging from indie rock and folk to hip-hop and jazz, it features big-name Vermont icons such as Phish, Rubblebucket and Grace Potter, as well as Green Mountain favorites the Dead Shakers, Robber Robber, Kat Wright, Dwight + Nicole, and more. 

Consult the 2024 Vermont Solar Eclipse Guide for all our coverage including local eclipse events as well as places to eat, shop and play in the path of totality. The 2024 Vermont Solar Eclipse Guide is sponsored by the Vermont Department of Tourism . Find more information to plan your trip at VermontVacation.com/solar-eclipse .

Tags: 2024 Solar Eclipse , 2024 Solar Eclipse , Video

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News in pursuit of truth

Vermont promotes travel and safety tips for an easier glimpse of the eclipse

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Ask Vermont public safety officials how to most carefully navigate the April 8 solar eclipse and they advise not to stare at the “generational spectacle” with the naked eye.

Instead, they suggest focusing on the expected galaxy of gawkers circling about.

“Plan for that traffic,” Vermont Emergency Management spokesperson Mark Bosma said, “and please be patient.” 

The state Agency of Transportation anticipates that up to 160,000 visitors will travel to Vermont in as many as 60,000 vehicles, all to join residents in seeing a partial eclipse starting Monday at 2:14 p.m., a 3-minute total eclipse at 3:26 p.m., then back to a partial eclipse until 4:37 p.m.

“Think of this as peak foliage weekend on steroids,” Gov. Phil Scott said.

Vermont State Police will be fully staffed on the road, authorities said, while Burlington Police will have 40 officers and support staffers on the job — the same number that’s on hand for the city’s annual July fireworks.

What’s the traffic report?

Visitors are expected to arrive over several days and depart en masse after the eclipse, according to a state study conducted with the University of Vermont’s Transportation Research Center.

The study projects the highest vehicle traffic where the eclipse’s path of totality passes over northern Vermont, starting with Burlington’s main roads, Interstate 89 and surrounding Routes 2, 7, 15 and 117. But it’s also flagging central and southern highways including Interstate 91 and Routes 4, 5, 9, 100 and 103.

2024 eclipse expected to bring traffic jams to Vermont

Officials can’t pinpoint how many people will travel when. They simply note that if motorists stagger their arrivals and departures, everyone will avoid problems.

Then again, if more than 50,000 people assemble in Burlington, its police “do not have confidence that we can maintain traffic flow anywhere in the city,” the department concluded in a recent report .

So what should people do?

Agency of Transportation staffers are tapping social media and road signs to urge motorists to use less-traveled roads instead of larger highways and linger rather than race off after.

Specifically, officials are encouraging locals to “Hunker Down, Stay in Town” and visitors to “Clear the Way, Stay Another Day.”

The state is also inviting motorists to:

• Sign up for eclipse notifications by texting VTECLIPSE to 888-777, or receive ongoing public safety alerts by requesting them here .
• Check the 511 New England website for updates on traffic and road closures.
• Look for and label social media messages with the hashtag #VTEclipse. 
• Drive with a full tank of gas, food and water in case of prolonged traffic jams.

Where should motorists avoid?

Vermont Emergency Management is offering a list of all road closures reported to its website .

In Burlington, many streets will be closed to vehicle traffic, either so they can be used by pedestrians or for parking, with a map available here .

In Duxbury and Huntington, Camel’s Hump Road will be closed to discourage visitors to the mountain.

In Montpelier, much of State Street will be closed as the capital hosts an afternoon of events .

In St. Johnsbury, parts of Main Street will be closed to accommodate public programs at the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium.

And in Underhill, Mountain Road and Stevensville Road will be closed to discourage people from climbing Mount Mansfield.

Anything else?

The state has created a special eclipse website with links to public safety updates and alerts, weather forecasts, maps, events and travel information.

Vermont rest areas and welcome centers will remain open until midnight on Monday.

The state Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation notes most of its trails are closed because of slippery or soggy conditions.

Vermont Emergency Management says that also goes for many local vehicle shortcuts.

“This is mud season,” Bosma said, “so dirt roads may not be the best option.”

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Kevin O'Connor

VTDigger's southern Vermont and features reporter. More by Kevin O'Connor

This small Vermont town is throwing a big solar eclipse party

In the town of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, everyone’s got their head in the clouds, and for good reason.

“There has been quite a buzz going on," says Mark Breen, senior meteorologist and planetarium director at the Fairbanks Museum, Vermont's only public planetarium. "And we're probably part of the reason because we started talking about it.”

The “it” he refers to is — of course — the 2024 total solar eclipse.

“As it turns out, this is the only planetarium in all of New England that's in the path of the eclipse," said Breen. "I'm bubbling ... I've been here for 40 years, and this is going to be an absolutely unique marker in my time here.”

This quaint town on the edge of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom has been making more than its share of headlines recently, since it falls in the path of totality — a cosmic coincidence that is expected to draw an estimated 200,000 visitors to the state.

Admittedly, that makes some of the locals a little nervous.

“I think people are super duper excited, but there's also a lot of stuff about like, 'where am I going to get eclipse glasses? I heard a lot of people are going to come. Do we know exactly how many?' And the answer for us is always we have no idea,” said Ama Jones, one of the planetarium's resident AmeriCorps educators. She's approaching the big day with optimism — and caution.

“We're closing off roads and stuff, so there's a lot of preplanning to go into this,” said Jones.

A three-hour drive from both Boston and Montreal, located just off three interstate highways, and home to the only planetarium in New England on the path of totality, St. Johnsbury seems perfectly positioned to be one of the top destinations to experience the celestial phenomenon in all of New England.

“My boss told me to plan for the eclipse like it's a natural disaster. So just, like, put gas in your car, because there will be people who show up and all the gas will be missing. Get cash from the ATM because people will get here and realize they didn't have cash," Jones said. "And I'm not going anywhere. Whatever I needed to do the day or weekend of the eclipse, I don't anymore.”

For a small, rural town, St. Johnsbury punches well above its weight in the cultural sphere. Complete with a gilded Athenaeum and first-class preparatory school, much of St. Johnsbury’s infrastructure can be traced back to the Fairbanks family, after which the planetarium was named.

“They invented the platform scale. It was this amazing invention. It became a worldwide product. There's still Fairbanks scales today," said Breen. "It became a very prosperous town starting, say, around the time of the Civil War, a little bit before that. But because you had these industrial philanthropists, you ended up with some pretty amazing buildings, facilities in a really small community. “

Still, there was a time not so long ago when St. Johnsbury had more vacant storefronts than filled. Gillian Sewake, director of the designated downtown organization called Discover St.Johnsbury, remembers a time when degraded and dilapidated structures peppered the heart of the town.

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“So St. Johnsbury, like a lot of other rural towns ... has had challenges with outmigration, with blight, with drugs, with crime. This has happened everywhere, with just the change of the manufacturing base in a lot of our communities," Sewake said. "And so St. Johnsbury had quite a lot of large employers closing in the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.”

But to be clear, a megawatt solar eclipse event isn’t something that is happening to the town. This is a party they are actively throwing, and not just because there’s a science museum here. Organizations have been working for decades to reimagine St. Johnsbury as a small town where big things can happen.

“We're building up our infrastructure here. We're building up our ability to accept this kind of activity into the community. We want to be at a place where our events in this small little town attract 5,000 to 10,000 people routinely," said Gillian. In planning for the solar eclipse festivities, the town has laid the groundwork for logistics like parking and shuttles for future town events. "We have the relationships built up with the town so that the permitting process is smoother next time around.”

This sort of cross-organizational cooperation is a hallmark of St. Johnsbury today. When Breen at the planetarium needed a stage to host his live eclipse broadcast, Jody Fried executive director of local arts organization Catamount Arts, came to the rescue with a free portable stage.

“The positive benefits often come in the six months to a year that follows,” Fried says, “but what happens is people come to a place for the first time, and if they feel welcomed, if they have a positive experience, it spurs their curiosity. And it might be two or three-day trips, it might be one amazing event, but what you hope is that for a percentage of those folks, this becomes one of their places.”

Bob Joly, director of the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, has observed the slow and steady progress his community has made transforming itself into a vital cultural hub in Vermont's Green Mountains.

“I think there's a great vibe here ... And while this was in some ways a typical 19th-century-that-had-its-heyday-all-long-gone town, it is a very cool place with some neat things, and people are finally discovering it.”

For Breen at the planetarium, he says an event like this and coordination with a variety of community groups will leave a lasting impact on the town.

“I think people are going to be talking about this for years and years and years, especially if it is clear out. This is going to be this wonderful town memory."

Experts say there is a 70% chance of rain or clouds in this part of the country on any given April 8 — not ideal for a once in a lifetime event in the skies. Still, that hasn’t deterred these Vermonters. Beating the odds is something they’ve gotten pretty good at in St. Johnsbury.

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90% of US Airbnbs in the path of totality are booked. See some prime spots for eclipse views

If you're like this reporter, you may have just heard about the total eclipse a few weeks ago. But there are many people who have been planning on traveling to the path of totality for years.

One Airbnb host told USA TODAY she received an inquiry to book her rental in Arkansas three years ago. Searches for Airbnb listings didn't peak until March 26 of this year, the company told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. But as of Thursday, 90% of Airbnbs in the path of totality in the U.S. were booked.

Overall, searches for Airbnb listings in the path of totality in North America for April 5 through April 8 were up 1,000% compared to the same weekend in 2023 , Airbnb said. Other places came online to try to fill the demand, with more than 1,000 properties joining the platform in 2024, the company said.

Some lucky travelers found a spot with a nice deck or backyard, anywhere to look up at the sky for this rare event . Here are some of those coveted spots in the path of totality we found on Airbnb:

Eclipse: Solar eclipse cloud forecast means anxiety for totality tourists hoping for clear skies

Learn more: Best travel insurance

A treehouse in Fredericksburg, Texas

This treehouse in Hill Country, Texas is one of five at The Meadow by HoneyTree , a collection of treehouse getaways designed, constructed and operated by Jacob Rhodes and his wife Katie, a native of the area.

Located in Fredericksburg, less than two hours west of Austin, these getaways have plenty of outdoor space and treehouse decks for views of the eclipse.

Rhodes told USA TODAY in an email that several of their "Treehomes" were booked out exactly one year from the eclipse, the day they became available. People booked them so quickly, one couple beat the pricing software and bypassed the holiday surcharge.

All 17 of the units between The Meadow and their second location, Blue Sage, were booked for the eclipse by the end of December. Rhodes said that is about how far out people book for Valentines Day, but these travelers paid a premium for it. Eclipse rates ranged from $650 to $1200 per night.

HoneyTree guests for the eclipse will get a pair of glasses and a sheet of fun facts put together by Rhodes's 12-year old son.

Upscale tents in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Cheryl Strack Bryson got a call three years ago from someone asking if she could book one of her upscale glamping rentals in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The event wasn't even on her radar and she declined the reservation, she told USA TODAY in an interview.

But she found plenty of other people excited to see the eclipse from one of The Covey Tents at The Nest Properties , located approximately an hour outside of Little Rock.

While she usually books three to four months out at an average nightly rate of $350, her guests for the eclipse booked eight months to a year in advance. Some are traveling from Minnesota.

Strack Bryson called Hot Springs a "funky little town" that will likely see lots of visitors with this event. But she says her guests may just want to stay put.

"I think the best place to view it from our properties is going to be the little docks that are associated with each unit and being out there on the loungers," she said. "Just sit back with your little glasses!"

A 185-year-old lighthouse in Pulaski, New York

Abe and Kathy Ellis have been running the Salmon River Lighthouse & Marina for 10 years, but are in the process of turning it over to new owners.

Typically the lighthouse and the three cabins on the property are winterized in April, but when they got their first inquiry a year in advance, they figured they would open a couple of them up for visitors. The entire lighthouse costs $400 per night Sunday through Thursday, Ellis said.

Abe Ellis told USA TODAY that he thought Lake Ontario would be the best place to view the eclipse. But at other times, visitors can venture up into the lighthouse tower.

He expects it will be busy out there, as he keeps hearing from people looking for eclipse lodging.

"Word spread fast ... in the last week I've probably received at least five more inquiries for this weekend," Ellis said. "But of course, I don't have any room!"

A lucky last-minute booking in Starksboro, Vermont

One last-minute eclipse tourist got lucky with this spot in the hills of Starksboro, Vermont, located approximately 30 minutes outside of Burlington.

Host Paul Reynolds had planned to stay in The Spring Hill House during the eclipse, so he blocked off the dates for himself. But his plans changes last minute, and he opened up the dates the Saturday before eclipse weekend, just to have it booked for Sunday and Monday within 30 minutes.

Nightly rates for this spot average around $320 on weeknights and $350 on weekends.

The small, usually tranquil state is expecting a quarter of a million visitors to see the eclipse . The northern part of the state, including Starksboro, falls in the path of totality.

Contributing: Megan Stewart; Burlington Free Press

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Storm Brings Heavy, Wet Snow and Strong Winds to New England

The storm system disrupted travel across much of the region and left more than 500,000 utility customers without power on Thursday.

By Derrick Bryson Taylor ,  Johnny Diaz and Aimee Ortiz

A storm system brought significant springtime snowfall to northern New England as rain lashed much of the coast, delivering high winds and leaving close to half a million customers without power as of Thursday night.

Here are the main things to know on Thursday.

About 1.5 million people, including in areas throughout the Northeast, were under a winter storm warning on Thursday night, the National Weather Service said.

Two people had died in circumstances that were possibly connected to the weather, the authorities said. The storm was creating hazardous travel conditions in parts of the region.

Snowfall accumulation of one to two feet was expected for much of northern New England and the northeast Adirondacks through Thursday. The snowfall rate was expected to decrease on Friday, the Weather Service said.

Cities inland may get between six and 20 inches of snow, but coastal areas were expected to be warm enough for heavy sleet and rain instead.

Strong winds may also lead to power outages and coastal flooding for portions of the northern Mid-Atlantic States and the southern New England coast.

The effects of the storm are expected to linger into Friday.

Look Up How Much Snow You Might Get

How much snow to expect.

In the New York City area, forecasters said that rainfall amounts generally ranged from two to three inches from Tuesday to Thursday morning, the Weather Service said.

A person died in Westchester County, N.Y., after a tree fell on their car while they were driving north on Route 128 on Wednesday evening, the North Castle Police Department said in a news release issued Thursday.

In New Hampshire, one person died following an explosion and fire at a home in Derry on Thursday morning, fire officials said in a news release . Another resident of the home was taken the hospital, the authorities said.

CBS reported that the person killed was a grandmother and that her 11-year-old granddaughter was injured when the house exploded.

Shawn Haggart, the fire chief in Derry, said in an emailed statement on Thursday night that “various other events took place in the vicinity such as falling trees caused by heavy snow and wind.”

And he added: “As of now, the investigation by the N.H. Fire Marshal’s Office remains ongoing and has not reached a conclusion.”

It will be soggier farther north, including around Buffalo. Steady rain totaling between 1.5 and 2.5 inches could cause flooding in western New York through Thursday afternoon, with flooding possible in urban areas and along rivers and creeks, meteorologists said.

A winter storm warning was in effect until Friday morning for portions of east central and eastern New York and southern Vermont, according to the Weather Service . Heavy snow, with accumulation of four to 10 inches, had been predicted for those areas. In Vermont, a band of heavy snow was expected to produce accumulation of up to an inch per hour on Thursday, before tapering off starting in the evening, the Weather Service said.

“For us, the hazards are really two-pronged,” Rodney Chai, the lead meteorologist with the Weather Service in Burlington, Vt., said on Wednesday. In addition to the heavy snowfall on Thursday, “the other hazard would be the strong to damaging winds along the spine of the Green Mountains,” he said.

David Roth, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Md., said that the storm was expected to linger in the region.

“Most of the time, nor’easters just move steadily up the coast,” he said. “This one stalling for a couple days is not great because it also brings with it the threat of coastal flooding.”

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority canceled ferry service in the Boston area on Thursday morning because of high winds but said that operations resumed by midday. The Massachusetts State Police said it responded to several crashes on Wednesday evening because of poor road conditions.

“Travel could be very difficult,” the Weather Service said. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”

In New Hampshire, for instance, state troopers had responded to three tractor-trailer rollover crashes in less than seven hours by late Wednesday.

Air travel was also disrupted. More than 400 flights within, to or from the United States were canceled on Thursday afternoon, according to FlightAware . More than 1,300 flights were delayed.

The stormy weather knocked out power across swaths of New England and parts of other regions. As of Thursday night, more than 310,000 customers in Maine were without power, as were more than 122,000 in New Hampshire, more than 26,000 in Wisconsin, more than 21,000 in West Virginia and more than 15,000 in New York, according poweroutage.us , which aggregates data from utilities across the country.

Share of customers without power

Snow accumulations will depend on elevation. Up to seven inches could fall in valley areas in the region, Mr. Chai, of the Weather Service office in Burlington, said. Six to 15 inches of snow was expected above 1,000-foot elevations, and as much as two feet of snow were possible by Friday morning in some areas.

The Weather Service office in Gray, Maine, issued similar heavy snow warnings with winds in excess of 45 m.p.h. in some beach communities on Thursday. Fifteen inches of snow had fallen in Maine by Thursday afternoon, the office said. Because of the heavy snow and high winds, Gov. Janet Mills of Maine ordered all state offices closed on Thursday.

The heaviest snow was forecast to fall on Thursday evening, but the system was expected to linger over eastern coastal Maine for a few days, the Weather Service said.

While some New England residents may be caught off guard by the nor’easter, just days after the Easter holiday and during spring break for many school districts, Mr. Chai said snow in April was not uncommon.

“It may come as a little bit of a shock to people because we have had a stretch of nice springlike weather and this winter has been anomalously mild,” he said. “People might have gotten a little too comfortable.”

Orlando Mayorquín contributed reporting.

Derrick Bryson Taylor covers breaking and trending news and is based in London. More about Derrick Bryson Taylor

Johnny Diaz is a general assignment reporter covering breaking news. He previously worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel and The Boston Globe. More about Johnny Diaz

Aimee Ortiz covers breaking news and other topics. More about Aimee Ortiz

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Extreme Weather Maps: Track the possibility of extreme weather in the places that are important to you .

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Eclipse 2024 Countdown: What to know about Vermont traffic on April 8

Pretty soon, itty-bitty Vermont is going to feel much more crowded.

Leading up to the April 8 solar eclipse, nearly a quarter million visitors are expected to swarm the Green Mountain State due to its position within the “path of totality.”

To avoid the heavy traffic and overall chaos of the day, the Vermont Agency of Transportation advises Vermonters to “hunker down” and forego driving on April 8 if they can help it. Many northern Vermont schools and some businesses, for instance, are taking heed and closing for the eclipse.

For residents who still plan to brave the roads, however, here’s what you should know about traffic conditions on April 8.

What might Vermont traffic look like on April 8?

In preparation for the eclipse, the Vermont Agency of Transportation compiled a list of “assumptions” about the motor vehicle traffic expected on April 8.

Although some sources anticipate higher numbers, the agency said it foresees a maximum of 160,000 visitors (or roughly 60,000 additional cars) for the eclipse, with inbound traffic to trickle in over the course of two to three days prior to the event. Most outbound traffic will likely depart immediately once the eclipse concludes, though more than 14,000 vehicles may spend the night.

However, Vermont may end up seeing fewer visitors due to anticipated cloudy and rainy weather and because April 8 falls on a Monday.  

According to the agency, most visitors will likely enter Vermont from the south, particularly from Boston and Worcester in Massachusetts and Hartford, Springfield, New Haven and Bridgeport in Connecticut.

Vermonters should also anticipate fellow drivers pulling off to the side of the road to watch the eclipse.

Which Vermont roads should I avoid?

Based on the above assumptions, the roads with the highest estimated traffic volumes likely include:

• US 4 in Mendon, Bridgewater, and Woodstock
• VT 103 in Ludlow, Clarendon, and Cavendish
• VT 100 in Waterbury
• US 5 in Brattleboro
• I-89 from Exit 10 to U.S. Route 2 and the Champlain Islands
• US 7 in Shelburne, Ferrisburgh, and Pittsford
• Williston I-89 exit ramps, VT 2A, US 2
• Burlington main local roads
• VT 15 in Essex
• US 2 and VT 117 in Richmond
• I-91 in Rockingham
• VT 9 in Brattleboro and Wilmington
• I-89 in Waterbury, Middlesex, Montpelier, and Hartford

However, it should be noted that local and feeder roads may also experience delays and congestion should drivers begin to detour from the main roadways.

For more information about April 8 in Vermont, including traffic and weather, visit the state’s eclipse page .

How is Burlington handling traffic and safety during the eclipse?

Hotel reservations and airport data indicate that Vermont’s biggest city may welcome as many as 35,000 to 50,000 tourists for the eclipse, according to Obscura BTV .

How does Burlington Police plan to maintain traffic flow and safety?

According to last month’s Burlington Police Chief’s Report, there will be up to 40 police officers on duty. This is the same amount as the July 3 Fireworks celebration last year, minus the five additional officers Burlington police hired from adjacent agencies who will be serving in their own communities during the eclipse.

Eight police officers and five community service officers will manage shuttle bus lanes and street closures. One supervisor and four officers will handle non-event-related calls. All other officers are charged with providing security at eclipse events and manning the department’s Emergency Response Vehicle.

However, despite police preparations, Burlington residents should still expect to see traffic delays and potential emergency vehicle delays at minimum and “complete gridlock” at worst, depending on crowd size.

Local police say should crowds exceed 50,000 people, traffic will likely be unmanageable everywhere in the city regardless of their efforts. If crowds surpass 75,000 people, Burlington is likely to become gridlocked, and Interstate 89 and “major arteries” like Route 7 and Route 2 may shut down – making emergency response unguaranteed.

For information on road closures , parking, bus schedules, FAQs and more in Burlington, visit https://loveburlington.org/obscura-burlington/ .

Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at [email protected].

Solar Eclipse 2024: Full List of New Areas to See it After Path Changes

T he path of totality for the upcoming solar eclipse has shifted after more accurate calculations were made by a solar eclipse expert, and countless areas in the U.S. originally believing they were within the path of totality are now outside of it.

On Monday, April 8, the moon will be positioned so that the entire disc of the sun will be blocked in several states, plunging millions of people into darkness during the early afternoon. The path of totality will start in Mexico and extend across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before heading over the North Atlantic.

The spectacle is expected to draw crowds from around the nation as people head to areas in the path of totality to witness the eclipse. Meanwhile, officials across the country have voiced concerns about stretched public safety resources and an "enormous strain" on local hospitals and congested roadways. At least four states have urged residents to stock up on groceries and gas and to fill medical prescriptions in the days leading up to the eclipse, as it is expected that traffic could overwhelm local roads.

Just a week before the event, eclipse calculations expert John Irwin made calculations that resulted in a slight but significant change to the path of totality map. Many locations previously expecting to be within the path of totality are now just outside of it. However, others that weren't expecting to be included now are.

Texas is the only state where part of the path of totality expands to include more areas. The path's southern edge expands slightly near San Antonio and Austin. Shortly after that, it begins to narrow through the rest of the state and the U.S.

In the slight expansion, Woodlawn Lake Park in San Antonio is now included in the path of totality. More of McKinney Falls State Park in Austin, Texas, also is included.

Considering the parks are both now included in the path of totality, more people may visit them to view the eclipse. For state parks, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department urges visitors to make a reservation.

"Every vehicle entering the park must have a reservation. We encourage carpooling as parking may be limited," a webpage dedicated to state park eclipse viewing said.

Newsweek reached out to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department by email for comment.

People living along the path of totality's northern edge through central Texas now have to travel slightly to observe the total eclipse. This includes major metropolitan cities Fort Worth, the outskirts of Dallas, like Denton, Texas, and the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. Outside of Texas, there have been countless other areas that are now outside of the path of totality's boundaries.

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