The Best Places to Visit in Vermont: A Travel Guide
From iconic towns to majestic lakes, discover the essential destinations and unique charms of Vermont for every type of traveler.
The Best Places to Visit in Vermont
Vermont, set amid rolling Green Mountains, maple forests, sparkling lakes, and storybook villages, offers some of New England’s most captivating destinations for travelers seeking nature, culture, and authentic local flavor. Whether autumn leaf-peeping, winter skiing, springtime sugaring, or summer road tripping, the Green Mountain State promises something special year-round. This guide highlights the standout spots and experiences—urban and rural, natural and historic—that make Vermont unforgettable.
Burlington
Best for lakeside city vibes in a college town
Perched on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, Burlington is Vermont’s largest city but still feels wonderfully cozy and walkable. Here, lively urban energy blends with easy access to the outdoors, anchored by a vibrant downtown. The pedestrian-only Church Street Marketplace bustles with cafes, boutiques, galleries, and street performers, while farm-to-table restaurants and local breweries speak to Vermont’s culinary pride.
- Visit the ECHO Leahy Center for environmental education and interactive exhibits.
- Stroll or bike along the Burlington Bike Path for sweeping lake and Adirondack views.
- Catch sunset from the Waterfront Park or book a cruise on Lake Champlain.
- Don’t miss quarterly art walks, music festivals, and the vibrant farmers market.
Montpelier
Best for living history and small-town charm
With just under 8,000 residents, Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the US. The gold-domed 1859 Vermont State House dominates downtown, surrounded by an array of bakeries, coffee shops, bookstores, and indie boutiques. The town’s walkability and community spirit make it ideal for visitors who want a taste of local life.
- Tour the State House and its noteworthy art collection.
- Delve into Vermont’s past at the Vermont History Museum, which brings to life the tales of Revolutionary hero Ethan Allen and more.
- Relax in Hubbard Park, climbing the stone observation tower for panoramic views.
Woodstock
Best for farm-to-table sophistication and genteel history
Surrounded by forested hills and horse farms, Woodstock is a town of understated luxury and classic New England charm. Once a commercial center and one of the wealthiest towns in Vermont, relics of its past remain in its stately architecture and tranquil green spaces. The white-columned Woodstock Inn & Resort offers an upscale getaway, while downtown’s pink sandstone Norman Williams Public Library (circa 1880) anchors a lively main street.
- Experience rural life at the working Billings Farm & Museum, where costumed interpreters bring the past to life.
- Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park offers miles of trails and historic gardens.
- Dip in the Ottauquechee River, or admire the area’s trio of historic covered bridges—a favorite for photographers.
Tunbridge
Best for classic New England and agricultural heritage
Tunbridge is renowned for its timeless rural landscape, dotted with covered bridges, hilltop farms, and grazing cows—and for the annual Tunbridge World’s Fair. This old-fashioned agricultural fair draws families for livestock shows, maple-sugar delicacies, antique machinery, and carnival rides. The town is a snapshot of Vermont’s agrarian traditions and community spirit.
- Attend the September fair for sheepdog trials, oxen pulls, and homemade pies.
- Explore the backroads to discover hidden barns and quiet meadows.
Stowe
Best for snowy adventures and mountain recreation
Set below Mount Mansfield—the state’s highest peak—Stowe is a legendary ski destination that’s equally spectacular the rest of the year. The town’s white-steepled Community Church, covered bridges, and charming boutique-lined main street evoke classic New England.
- Ski and snowboard at Stowe Mountain Resort in winter; enjoy mountain biking on the Cady Hill Forest trails or stroll the Stowe Recreation Path in the warmer months.
- Visit Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum to see historic equipment and memorabilia.
- Drive or hike the Mt. Mansfield Toll Road or follow the Long Trail for breathtaking views.
- Catch a summer evening symphony at Trapp Family Lodge while gazing at sunset mountain vistas.
Local Tip: Follow the local beer trail through Stowe and Mad River Valley, sampling craft brews at Idletyme Brewing Co., Alchemist Beer, and von Trapp Brewing.
Lake Willoughby, Northeast Kingdom
Best for laid-back lake life and natural wonders
Lake Willoughby is a glacially carved, fjord-like lake in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, flanked by the soaring cliffs of Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor. Public beaches on both ends offer swimming and paddling opportunities, while its deep, clear waters attract anglers year-round. In spring and summer, birders come to spot over 100 species, including nesting peregrine falcons.
- Enjoy calm beaches, kayak or canoe on the lake, and hike Mount Pisgah for incredible overlooks.
- In winter, the lake remains a serene setting for ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
Smugglers’ Notch
Best for ruggedly beautiful natural scenery and adventure
Once a smuggling route during the War of 1812 and again in Prohibition, Smugglers’ Notch is now a haven for rock climbers, hikers, and adventure seekers. Winding through Mount Mansfield State Forest, the narrow road is hemmed by dramatic cliffs and enormous boulders that once served as hiding places for bootleggers.
- Drive the Notch for exhilarating switchbacks (note: it’s closed in winter to cars).
- Hike the boulder-strewn trails or head up for ice climbing, snowshoeing, and sledding in cold months.
- Spot rock climbers and boulderers at the top, where the vistas are spectacular.
Other Notable Vermont Destinations
- Shelburne: Home to the Shelburne Museum—a 45-acre collection of historic buildings, a preserved steamboat, and Americana art—as well as scenic Shelburne Farms and maple sugarhouses.
- Middlebury: A college town with a lively arts scene and Otter Creek waterfall.
- Brattleboro: Artsy southern Vermont town known for its galleries, food scene, and the literary retreat at Marlboro College.
- Quechee Gorge: Vermont’s little “Grand Canyon” offers hiking, scenic overlooks, and riverside picnics.
Iconic Vermont Experiences Not to Miss
- Sample Pure Maple Syrup: Join a sugarhouse tour—especially from mid-February to late April—to witness the sugaring process and try ‘sugar on snow’ treats.
- Covered Bridges: Vermont boasts over 100 historic covered bridges—drive, walk, and photograph these timbered icons throughout the state.
- Farmers Markets & Farm-to-Table Dining: Burlington, Woodstock, Norwich, and other towns host some of New England’s finest markets and cafes.
- Foliage Season: Late September to mid-October is prime time for leaf-peeping; plan ahead for peak autumnal color.
Top Scenic Vermont Road Trips
Exploring Vermont by car is a delight—twisting roads glide past mountain views, river valleys, and idyllic hamlets. Here are some must-drive routes:
- The Champlain Valley: Traverse from Middlebury to Burlington through rolling hills, orchards, and historic villages. Stop at Vergennes and Shelburne Museum.
- Green Mountain Byway: A 71-mile loop from Waterbury through Stowe, Morristown, and Jeffersonville, including scenic stops at Ben & Jerry’s Factory and the Smugglers’ Notch pass.
- Northeast Kingdom Byways: Wind through remote, wild stretches including Lake Willoughby and charming villages like Burke and East Burke.
- Appalachian Gap Road (Route 17): Thrilling mountain driving with high vistas, especially stunning in autumn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Visiting Vermont
Q: What is the best time to visit Vermont?
A: Vermont is a year-round destination. Fall is perfect for foliage, winter for skiing, spring for maple sugaring, and summer for hiking, festivals, and lake activities.
Q: Are there good options for outdoor adventure besides skiing?
A: Yes! Vermont offers world-class hiking, cycling, rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and more.
Q: Where can I try authentic Vermont maple syrup?
A: Nearly every town features sugarhouses and markets selling pure syrup. For tours and tastings, visit during late winter and early spring or stop at storied spots like Palmer’s Sugarhouse in Shelburne.
Q: Are Vermont’s small towns tourist-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Towns like Woodstock, Stowe, and Middlebury pride themselves on welcoming visitors while maintaining local character and hospitality.
Planning Tips for Exploring Vermont
- Book early for peak foliage and ski seasons, especially in Stowe, Woodstock, and Burlington.
- Public transport is limited, so it’s best to have your own car to explore smaller towns and scenic byways.
- Sample the local food scene: From ciders and cheeses to artisanal bread and maple treats, Vermont’s culinary heritage shines.
- Support local shops: Many Vermont craftspeople produce unique pottery, woodwork, and fiber arts—great souvenirs and gifts.
Why Visit Vermont?
From the bustling lakefront of Burlington to the remote wilds of the Northeast Kingdom, Vermont is a patchwork of landscapes and experiences ideally suited for slow travel, outdoor exploration, and savoring authentic New England. Whether you seek rugged back roads, historic hamlets, or simply the taste of pure maple syrup, Vermont welcomes you with open arms and timeless charm.
