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 traveller, you might need some guidance on how to have the best experience possible from the Green Mountain State. Read on as we break down the best places to visit in Vermont and how to make the most of your trip. 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 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 Naulakha, the historic Dummerston home of author 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 unreliable due to the mountainous terrain. Driving can be a little challenging as Vermont is mostly hilly, and the unpredictable mountain weather can make road conditions difficult. Speaking of the weather, it is another issue that you must be prepared for by carrying extra clothing. Getting around can be challenging since public transit is limited to a few cities, primarily Burlington. This problem is solved by Vermont charter bus rental services which can drive on any route.
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 that 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 two of Vermont’s most beautiful peaks: Camel’s Hump and Mount Mansfield. Burlington is quite famous for its craft brewery scene; top spots include Zero Gravity Craft Brewery 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 one of the most charming and picturesque towns in Vermont. 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. Consider timing your visit for late autumn or winter, as Manchester truly shines in the colder months. 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. Hildene, built by Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln, in 1904–05, is the town’s most historically significant landmark.
Bennington
It is the oldest town in Vermont and has an important historical value. The most striking landmark is the Bennington Battle Monument, which stands 306 feet tall. The monument commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of the American soldiers who fought in the Battle of Bennington in 1777. Visit the Mount Anthony Country Club by booking a spot for yourself. Enjoy the greenery here, play golf and do other recreational activities. This venue is also available for weddings, so if you and your partner are planning to marry in Vermont. 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. Begin with a drive up the Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road, where you can enjoy breathtaking mountain views. The Spruce Peak Performing Arts Centre is known globally for hosting musical, dance, and stand-up comedy events throughout 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 atop the Vermont State House. Hubbard Park is a must-visit, perfect for strolling its wooded trails and enjoying the views of Montpelier below. 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 carved by glacial meltwater from Lake Hitchcock approximately 13,000 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 at the Quechee State Park visitor centre.
Smugglers’ Notch State Park
Once a notorious place in the 1800s is now one of the biggest tourist pullers in Vermont. Smugglers’ 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 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 name but are two completely different falls. The one near Stowe is taller, with water falling from 85 feet. Meanwhile, the Granville falls are slightly smaller at 50 feet. Despite the difference, both Moss Glen Falls are wonderful for visiting and sightseeing. Travel on the Moss Glen Falls Road on Route 100 and park near the trailhead to begin your hike. The 50 ft Moss Glen is located within the Granville Gulf Reservation. Reach there by driving on Route 100 and parking along the roadside.
Shelburne Museum
This place has been a hit with tourists of Vermont for years. The Shelburne Museum was opened in 1952 by Electra Havemeyer 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 founded Shelburne to share her parents’ art collection with the world, and it has since become one of Vermont’s most beloved attractions. 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 syrup and cheese. Sugarbush Farm in Woodstock will give you both. This place has many accolades to its name as it was declared a paradise for cheese lovers by The Boston Globe and was also awarded a Blue Ribbon by the American Cheese Society. Sugarbush Farm receives a great number of orders because their maple syrup is everybody’s favourite and their cheese is nationally acclaimed. Visit by turning onto Sugarbush Farm Road from Route 4 and parking in the farm’s lot. 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 particularly useful:
- 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 number of 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.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Visitors often find that Vermont reminds them of a simpler 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 about the smallest inconveniences while 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. A trip to Vermont won’t change your life, but it may well change your perspective.