The northeastern border state of Vermont is one of the most beautiful places in all of the United States. The mountains, valleys, plain farmlands and the small but peaceful town settlements make Vermont a must-visit. As a first-time traveler you might need some guidance on how to have the best experience possible from the Green Mountain State. All you have to do is stick with this blog as we explain which are the best places to visit in Vermont and how you will travel through beautiful scenery in this place. Get ready for a trip you will never forget!
What Makes Vermont A Perfect Tourist Location?
Vermont is an amazing four-season vacation spot simply because it is naturally gifted. In the winters it becomes a perfect arena for skiing which is known to be one of the best in the world. Summers bring the pleasant heat that allows visitors to have wonderful hikes and fishing treks. Another reason why Vermont is a peak holiday destination is its rich and vibrant culture. People come to this state to witness its beautiful art & craft culture with the mouth-watering artisanal style food it has to offer. Vermont has a very rich history which is well shown in its places of historic value like the house of the famous writer Rudyard Kipling.
Do First-Time Travellers Face Any Trouble In Vermont?
Yes, tourists can face some issues when travelling to Vermont as it is mostly a rural state. One must be prepared for low connectivity as cell services here are not up to the mark because of the location. Driving can be a little problematic as Vermont is mostly a hilly region. And the unpredictable weather of the Green Mountains can make your driving a bit bumpy. Speaking of the weather, it is another issue that you must be prepared for by carrying extra clothing. Travelling itself becomes a bit of a headache because public transit is limited to a few cities like Burlington. This problem is solved by Vermont charter bus rental services which can drive on any routes.
Best Places To Visit In Vermont
These were minor issues that can be handled once you find the way other travellers deal with them. Now it is time to focus on the real things that guide you to the best places to visit in Vermont. With the amount of picturesque places the Green Mountain State has it is better we understand them in categories rather than all at once.
Best Cities And Towns In Vermont
That is the best way to start your journey in this beautiful state. You need to know where you have to travel to visit your favourite destination. There are many cities and towns in Vermont that serve as some of the most exciting places to explore. The ones which are going to be mentioned here will have amazing sites that you cannot miss!
Burlington
This is the most popular city in Vermont, and also the largest. You have to be in this city as it is vibrant and lively, so much so that it was ranked among the Top 15 happiest cities in the US by WalletHub back in 2021. From Church Street Marketplace to the two beautiful mountain ranges: Camel’s Hump and Mount Mansfield, you can visit so many places in this city. Burlington is quite famous for its brewery, where the best spots would be Zero Gravity Crafts and Foam Brewers. We suggest you take the ride on Lake Champlain Ferries because you get to see the most astounding visuals of one of the most famous lakes in Vermont.
Manchester
Manchester is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns in North America. It is a perfect spot to enjoy some of the best natural marvels of Vermont. The hiking trails here are absolutely gorgeous and you must check out the lakes and farms here. Better wait for the late months because Manchester is one of the best places to visit in Vermont in winter. The cool breeze and the snow cover in the town are going to make your experience even better. Hildene or the Lincoln Family House is considered the most important place in the town. This was built by former President Abraham Lincoln’s eldest son Robert Todd Lincoln back in 1904-05.
Bennington
It is the oldest town in Vermont and has an important historical value. The most attractive spot in this town is the Bennington Battle Monument which stands at a whopping 306 ft height. This structure remembers the bravery and sacrifice of the martyrs in 1777 battle between the American soldiers and the British army. Visit the Mount Anthony Country Club by booking a spot for yourself. Enjoy the greenery here, play golf and do other recreational activities. This place is also booked for weddings so if you and your better half are planning to tie the knot, this is your venue. Try out Bennington’s great food spots like Taan and Pangaea Restaurant.
Stowe
You need to visit this small town if you are in the Green Mountain State. Stowe has some of the most unique places to visit in Vermont. Start your trip here with visiting the Mansfield Auto Toll Road where you can see some beautiful mountains as you ride through that steep road. The Spruce Peak Performing Arts Centre is known globally for hosting musical, dance, ted talks and stand-up comedy events all around the year. Book one show for you and your loved ones too. If you do not visit the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum in Stowe you will miss a great opportunity to explore the history of ski culture in the state.
Montpelier
This is the smallest capital city in the United States and has some of the nicest places to visit in Vermont. Montpelier is often referred to as the “golden dome’ of Vermont and the reason behind that is the gold dome stop over the Vermont State House. Hubbard Park is a must-visit place in the capital as it is perfect for strolling on the stonedust surface. Bring your friends for a perfect picnic in this park. To buy some of the best fresh farm products in the town head to the Capital City Farmers Market. Here you will find really well baked and prepared foods that tourists are mainly attracted to in Montpelier.
Top Places To Visit In Vermont
Now that you know which are the best cities that you can visit in Vermont, let us take a look at the most popular places to visit in the state regardless of which city they are in.
Quechee Gorge
Often referred to as the “Little Grand Canyon” of Vermont, Quechee Gorge is an amazing waterbody in Hartford. It was created by a glacier that melted from Hitchcock Lake 1300 years ago. The scenic views of this gorge mesmerise and attract many tourists from all over the country. Hike on the trail that starts from the Visitor Centre to the bottom of the river. This is going to be a long 1.5-hour hike so be prepared. Drive through the US Route 4 Bridge and park your vehicle or rental at the parking lot of the Visitor Centre of the Quechee State Park to witness the amazing gorge.
Smugglers’ Notch State Park
Once a notorious place in the 1800s is now one of the biggest tourist pullers in Vermont. Smuggler’s Notch State Park is located near Stowe and is dubbed as one of the best state parks by many. This park does not have one but many trails that you can hike and look at some of the best vegetation in all of Vermont. One of the things that visitors love doing here is cave hunting. There are numerous caves in this park open for people to explore. The best time to visit Smuggler’s Notch is the summer hands down. Route 108 from Stowe to Jeffersonville is the right roadway to reach the park. But be careful while driving because this road has many boulders.
Moss Glen Falls
There are actually two Moss Glen Falls in Vermont, one is near Stowe and the other near Granville. Both might share the names but are two completely different falls. The one in Stowe is longer where water flows from the height of 85 ft. Meanwhile the other one is slightly smaller: 50 ft tall from the ground. Despite the difference both the Moss Glen Falls are wonderful for visiting and sightseeing. Travel on the Moss Glen Falls Road on Route 100 and park your car or rental just near the trail to start your hike for the falls near Stowe. The 50 ft Moss Glen is located within the Granville Gulf Reservation. Reach there by driving on Route 100 and park your vehicle in the side of the road.
Shelburne Museum
This place has been hooked with the tourists of Vermont for years. The Shelburne Museum was opened in 1952 by Electra Havemeyyer Webb to showcase incredible artefacts not just from the US but all over the world. The museum consists of 39 exhibition buildings housing over 100,000 art pieces from the Americas, Europe and Asia. Electra started Shelburne to display her parents’ years of hard work as art collectors to the world. And eventually it became one of the most favourite places to visit in Vermont. Stay on Route 7 via Burlington, reach here and park the car for free in the museum.
Sugarbush Farm
You cannot talk about Vermont without maple syrups and cheese. Sugarbush Farm in Woodlock will give you both. This place has many accolades to its name as it was declared a paradise for cheese lovers by Boston Globe and was also awarded a Blue Ribbon by the American Cheese Society. Sugarbush Farm receive a lot of orders because their maple syrup is everybody’s favourite and their cheese is loved by the whole nation. You can visit this beautiful farm by driving towards Sugarbush Farm Road from Route 4 and parking it in the farm itself. Don’t be shy and taste some of the best cheese and syrup in Vermont!
Things To Remember While Travelling In Vermont
There are a few things one should remember when travelling in this state. Because Vermont is mostly hilly and can have very unpredictable weather take a look at these quick tips. First-time travellers will find these tips very useful as
- Carry multiple layers of clothes and waterproof clothes too because Vermont can surprise you with its “mood swings”.
- In the summer and foliage seasons the tourists arriving in Vermont will always be more than expected. Better book your lodges or suites in advance.
- Drive slowly on Vermont roads as most of them are steep, slippery and filled with boulders.
- Do not just plan to visit the best locations in Vermont that always attract tourists. Give a chance to the local bakeries and farms here.
- And do not forget to get along with Vermont people as they are one of the nicest communities in this country. Ask them anything if you need some guidance because they will surely help.
Concluding Thoughts
The best part of visiting Vermont is how close we come to a way of life that many people have forgotten. The communities here live simple lives and make the most of their humble living conditions. We complain for the slightest of mistakes living in posh apartments, But here are the Vermonters serving each other and living peacefully with all the basic needs of life. A trip to Vermont will not just provide an experience of a lifetime but also an understanding that we must be grateful for the lives we live. This is not a change but just a realisation.