Vermont, known as the Green Mountain State, is a haven for nature lovers, food enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. With its picturesque landscapes, world-class ski resorts, and rich cultural heritage, Vermont offers a plethora of activities for every kind of traveler. Here are the 35 best things to do in Vermont:
Skiing in Stowe: Stowe is Vermont’s premier skiing destination. With its challenging slopes and breathtaking views, it’s a must-visit for winter sports enthusiasts.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour: Located in Waterbury, this iconic ice cream factory offers tours that end with a delicious scoop of your favorite flavor.
Hiking Mount Mansfield: As Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield offers hiking trails that provide panoramic views of the state’s stunning landscapes.
Visit Shelburne Museum: This museum offers a unique blend of art, design, and Americana spread across 39 buildings.
Lake Champlain: Spend a day boating, fishing, or just relaxing by the shores of this vast freshwater lake.
Cheese Tasting: Vermont is famous for its artisanal cheeses. Visit local dairies like Cabot Creamery and Grafton Village Cheese Company for a delightful tasting experience.
Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace: This pedestrian-only zone is filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers, making it a vibrant spot to spend an afternoon.
Maple Syrup Farms: Experience the maple sugaring process firsthand and sample some of the freshest syrup at local farms.
Vermont Teddy Bear Factory: Located in Shelburne, this factory offers tours where you can see how these beloved bears are made.
Brattleboro Farmers’ Market: A bustling spot where you can find fresh produce, artisanal products, and local crafts.
Quechee Gorge: Often referred to as “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon”, this natural wonder offers scenic views and hiking opportunities.
Woodstock: A quintessential Vermont town with charming architecture, antique shops, and a rich history.
Biking the Island Line Trail: This 14-mile trail offers stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.
Billings Farm & Museum: Located in Woodstock, this working farm and museum offers insights into Vermont’s agricultural history.
Montpelier: As the nation’s smallest state capital, Montpelier boasts a vibrant arts scene and historic sites.
Magic Hat Brewing Company: Take a tour of this famous brewery in South Burlington and sample some of their unique brews.
Vermont Marble Museum: Located in Proctor, this museum showcases the history of marble quarrying in Vermont.
Champlain Valley Fair: Held in late summer, this is Vermont’s largest annual event with rides, concerts, and agricultural displays.
Snowboarding at Killington: Another top winter destination, Killington offers extensive snowboarding trails and parks.
Covered Bridge Tour: Vermont is home to over 100 historic covered bridges. Take a scenic drive to explore these architectural gems.
Dog Sledding: Experience the thrill of dog sledding through Vermont’s snowy landscapes.
Brewery and Cidery Tours: With a booming craft beer and cider scene, Vermont offers numerous tours to quench your thirst.
Green Mountain Railroad: Take a scenic train ride through Vermont’s picturesque countryside.
Visit the Robert Frost Stone House Museum: Located in Shaftsbury, this museum was once the home of the famous poet and offers insights into his life and works.
Hot Air Ballooning: Float over Vermont’s landscapes for a bird’s-eye view of its beauty.
Smugglers’ Notch State Park: A paradise for campers, hikers, and nature lovers.
Norwich Farmers’ Market: Another popular market offering a range of local products.
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home: Located in Manchester, this historic site was the summer home of Abraham Lincoln’s son.
Kayaking and Canoeing: With its numerous lakes and rivers, Vermont is perfect for paddle sports.
Visit the Vermont Wildflower Farm: Located in Charlotte, this farm offers a riot of colors and is a treat for nature lovers.
St. Johnsbury Athenaeum: A historic library and art gallery that houses a vast collection of books and artworks.
Rock of Ages Granite Quarry: Located in Barre, this is the world’s largest deep hole granite quarry.
Horseback Riding: Explore Vermont’s trails on horseback for a unique perspective.
Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum: Located in Stowe, this museum celebrates the history of winter sports in Vermont.
Fishing: With its pristine waters, Vermont is a haven for anglers looking to catch trout, bass, and other freshwater fish.
Vermont is a state that offers a diverse range of activities catering to all interests. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, Vermont has something special to offer. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the many wonders of the Green Mountain State!
The Vermont Country Store: Located in Weston, this is not just any store. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane, offering products from yesteryears that are hard to find elsewhere.
The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium: Situated in St. Johnsbury, this museum offers a unique blend of natural science, history, and astronomy exhibits.
Wine Tasting at Shelburne Vineyard: Vermont may be known for its craft beers and ciders, but its wineries are equally impressive. Shelburne Vineyard is a prime example, offering tastings of its award-winning wines.
The Vermont Raptor Center: Located in Milton, this center is dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey. It’s a fantastic place to learn about and get up close with hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls.
The Great Vermont Corn Maze: Situated in Danville, this is one of the largest mazes in New England. It’s a fun-filled adventure for families and friends.
The Bread and Puppet Theater: Located in Glover, this unique theater combines the art of puppetry with social activism, offering thought-provoking performances.
Kingdom Trails: A paradise for mountain bikers, these trails in East Burke are renowned for their scenic beauty and challenging terrains.
The Vermont Folklore Center: Located in Middlebury, this center is dedicated to preserving the state’s rich oral traditions, folklore, and cultural heritage.
The Vermont Toy Museum: Situated in Quechee, this museum houses over 100,000 toys, making it a delightful trip down memory lane for visitors of all ages.
Golfing: With its lush landscapes, Vermont offers several picturesque golf courses like the Green Mountain National Golf Course and the Stowe Country Club.
The Vermont Salt Cave Spa: Located in Montgomery Center, this spa offers therapeutic sessions in a unique environment filled with Himalayan salt.
The Southern Vermont Arts Center: Situated in Manchester, this center is a hub for the arts, offering exhibitions, performances, and workshops.
The Vermont Teddy Bear Picnic: Held annually in Shelburne, this event is a delightful gathering of teddy bear enthusiasts, complete with music, games, and, of course, teddy bears.
The Vermont Maple Festival: Celebrate Vermont’s sugaring heritage with this annual festival in St. Albans, featuring parades, music, and plenty of maple treats.
The Vermont Wool and Sheep Festival: Held in Tunbridge, this festival celebrates the state’s rich wool industry with workshops, demonstrations, and a marketplace.
Vermont’s charm lies not just in its major attractions but also in its hidden gems. The state’s small towns, local festivals, and community events offer a genuine taste of Vermont’s culture and hospitality. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the tenth, there’s always something new to discover in the Green Mountain State. So, take the road less traveled, engage with the locals, and immerse yourself in the authentic Vermont experience.
