Best Places to Visit in Vermont

Vermont is one of the most charming travel destinations in New England, known for its covered bridges, maple farms, mountain villages, ski resorts, autumn foliage, scenic byways, historic downtowns, lakes, forests, craft breweries, farm-to-table food and peaceful countryside. Small in size but rich in character, Vermont is ideal for slow road trips, romantic weekends, family holidays, outdoor adventures, winter ski breaks and classic fall foliage escapes.

Official Vermont tourism describes the state as a place of natural beauty, unhurried rhythms, open-minded culture and time-honoured traditions. Vermont’s scenic routes also make it especially good for driving holidays, with ten federally designated scenic byways winding through mountains, valleys, farms, historic downtowns, trailheads, waterfalls, museums and local shops. 2

Why Visit Vermont?

Vermont is perfect for travellers who want relaxed scenery, small-town charm and outdoor experiences without the scale or crowds of larger states. You can explore Lake Champlain in Burlington, drive through the Green Mountains, ski in Stowe or Killington, photograph covered bridges near Woodstock, walk around historic villages, hike to waterfalls, browse farmers markets and taste maple syrup, cheese, cider, craft beer and local produce.

Vermont is also one of the best states in the United States for autumn colour. The mix of mountains, forests, farms and village roads creates classic New England foliage scenery, especially from late September into October, depending on elevation and weather.

Best Places to Visit in Vermont

Burlington

Burlington is Vermont’s largest city and one of the best places to begin a Vermont trip. Set on the shore of Lake Champlain, it combines lake views, restaurants, shopping, breweries, bike paths, arts, music, markets and a relaxed college-town feel.

Top things to do include walking along the Burlington Waterfront, exploring Church Street Marketplace, cycling the Burlington Greenway, visiting ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, browsing local shops and enjoying sunset over Lake Champlain with views toward the Adirondack Mountains. Vermont tourism notes that Church Street Marketplace has more than 100 shops and restaurants and was named the No. 1 public square in America by USA Today in 2022. 3

Best for: lake views, food, breweries, shopping, cycling, families, couples and first-time Vermont visitors.

Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain is one of Vermont’s defining natural features. It stretches along the western side of the state and offers boating, kayaking, ferries, beaches, fishing, cycling, waterfront parks, islands and mountain views.

Burlington is the easiest place to enjoy the lake, but visitors can also explore Shelburne, Charlotte, the Lake Champlain Islands, Button Bay, Basin Harbor and small lakeside towns. Warm afternoons in Burlington are ideal for walking through Waterfront Park, joining a lake cruise or exploring the shoreline. 4

Best for: boating, sunsets, cycling, lake views, families, summer holidays and scenic road trips.

Church Street Marketplace

Church Street Marketplace is the heart of downtown Burlington. This pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining area is lined with local shops, restaurants, cafes, street performers and public spaces.

It is a great place for a relaxed meal, casual browsing or an evening walk after spending time by Lake Champlain.

Best for: shopping, dining, street life, cafes, families and Burlington first-timers.

Stowe

Stowe is one of Vermont’s most famous mountain towns and a year-round destination for skiing, hiking, biking, foliage drives, dining, spas and classic New England scenery. The official Stowe tourism site highlights attractions such as Stowe Mountain Resort, the Gondola SkyRide, Stowe Rocks, Stowe Bowl, golf, spa experiences and seasonal events. 5

In winter, Stowe is a major ski destination. In summer and autumn, visitors come for hiking, mountain biking, scenic gondola rides, foliage drives, covered bridges, breweries, local shops and views of Mount Mansfield.

Best for: skiing, autumn foliage, mountain scenery, couples, outdoor adventure, food and classic Vermont charm.

Mount Mansfield

Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest mountain and one of the state’s best-known outdoor landmarks. It rises above the Stowe area and offers hiking, scenic views, alpine scenery and access from several trailheads and mountain roads.

Experienced hikers can choose challenging routes, while less active visitors can enjoy views from Stowe Mountain Resort’s gondola or scenic drives around Smugglers’ Notch.

Best for: hiking, mountain views, photography, experienced walkers, scenic rides and Stowe-area adventure.

Smugglers’ Notch

Smugglers’ Notch is one of Vermont’s most scenic mountain passes, located near Stowe. The area is known for cliffs, boulders, forested slopes, winding roads, hiking access and dramatic Green Mountain scenery.

Smugglers’ Notch State Park is located on Mountain Road in Stowe and is a popular base for camping and exploring the surrounding mountain landscape. 6

Best for: scenic drives, hiking, mountain photography, camping, foliage, Stowe day trips and outdoor exploring.

Woodstock

Woodstock is one of the prettiest small towns in Vermont, known for historic homes, covered bridges, village greens, boutique shops, inns, farms and classic New England atmosphere. It is a strong choice for romantic weekends, foliage trips and slow countryside travel.

Visitors can walk through the village, browse shops, visit Billings Farm & Museum, explore nearby covered bridges and spend time at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, which is located about half a mile north of Woodstock village. 7

Best for: historic village charm, covered bridges, romantic weekends, photography, farms and autumn travel.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is one of Vermont’s most important historic and conservation sites. The National Park Service describes it as a park that tells the story of conservation history and the evolving nature of land stewardship. 8

Visitors can explore forest trails, learn about conservation history, tour historic landscapes when available and combine the park with nearby Billings Farm and Woodstock village.

Best for: conservation history, forest walks, families, Woodstock sightseeing, education and national park sites.

Billings Farm & Museum

Billings Farm & Museum is a popular Woodstock attraction that focuses on Vermont farm life, dairy traditions, animals, rural heritage and family-friendly learning.

It pairs naturally with Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and is one of the best places to understand Vermont’s agricultural identity.

Best for: families, farm animals, rural history, dairy culture, educational travel and Woodstock itineraries.

Quechee Gorge

Quechee Gorge is one of Vermont’s most famous natural attractions. The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce describes Quechee Gorge as Vermont’s deepest gorge, stretching 165 feet down to the Ottauquechee River and formed by glacial activity around 13,000 years ago. 9

Visitors can view the gorge from the Route 4 bridge, walk the Quechee Gorge Trail, visit nearby shops and explore Quechee State Park. The area is easy to combine with Woodstock, Hartford and the Upper Valley.

Best for: gorge views, short walks, photography, families, road trips and Woodstock-area day trips.

Quechee State Park

Quechee State Park is a useful base for visiting Quechee Gorge, with camping, picnic areas and access to the surrounding natural scenery. The Vermont State Parks reservation listing places Quechee State Park on Woodstock Road in Hartford. 10

It is one of the easiest state park stops for travellers driving between Woodstock and the Upper Valley.

Best for: camping, gorge access, picnics, families, short hikes and scenic road-trip stops.

Manchester

Manchester is one of southern Vermont’s most appealing towns, known for outlet shopping, historic inns, galleries, restaurants, mountain views and access to outdoor attractions. It is a polished but relaxed destination that works well for couples, families and weekend travellers.

Popular nearby stops include Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home, the Equinox area, Mount Equinox Skyline Drive, designer outlets and scenic backroads through the Battenkill Valley.

Best for: shopping, historic homes, mountain views, romantic weekends, galleries and southern Vermont road trips.

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

Hildene is one of the most important historic homes in southern Vermont. It was the family home of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln, and offers house tours, gardens, walking paths and mountain views.

The estate is a strong stop for travellers interested in history, architecture, gardens and quiet countryside scenery.

Best for: history, gardens, architecture, photography, families and Manchester-area sightseeing.

Bennington

Bennington is a historic town in southwestern Vermont, known for Revolutionary War history, covered bridges, art, museums, pottery, college-town character and mountain views.

Top things to do include visiting the Bennington Battle Monument, exploring the Bennington Museum, seeing covered bridges and browsing local shops and galleries.

Best for: history, art, covered bridges, museums, scenic drives and southern Vermont travel.

Bennington Battle Monument

The Bennington Battle Monument is one of Vermont’s key historic landmarks. It commemorates the Battle of Bennington, an important Revolutionary War event, and offers sweeping views over the surrounding region.

It is an excellent stop for visitors exploring southern Vermont’s historic route between Bennington, Manchester and the Green Mountains.

Best for: Revolutionary War history, views, photography, families and southern Vermont sightseeing.

Montpelier

Montpelier is Vermont’s capital and one of the smallest state capitals in the United States. It has a compact downtown, independent shops, cafes, restaurants, a gold-domed State House, river views and easy access to central Vermont countryside.

Visitors can tour the Vermont State House when available, walk the downtown streets, enjoy local food and use Montpelier as a base for nearby farms, trails and scenic drives.

Best for: state history, small-city charm, cafes, independent shops and central Vermont road trips.

Waterbury

Waterbury is a popular central Vermont stop between Burlington, Stowe and Montpelier. It is known for food, breweries, cider, local shops and easy access to the Green Mountains.

Visitors often stop for Ben & Jerry’s Factory nearby, local beer, cafes and road-trip meals before continuing to Stowe or the Mad River Valley.

Best for: food, craft beer, family stops, road trips, Stowe access and central Vermont exploring.

Mad River Valley

The Mad River Valley is one of Vermont’s most beautiful mountain regions, including towns such as Waitsfield and Warren. It is known for covered bridges, ski areas, farms, swimming holes, restaurants, local shops and mountain scenery.

Sugarbush and Mad River Glen are major winter draws, while summer and autumn bring hiking, cycling, farmers markets and foliage drives.

Best for: skiing, covered bridges, farms, cycling, foliage, swimming holes and relaxed mountain stays.

Waitsfield and Warren

Waitsfield and Warren are two of the prettiest towns in the Mad River Valley. They offer a classic mix of village character, mountain views, local food, covered bridges, inns and easy access to outdoor recreation.

These towns are especially appealing in autumn, when the valley’s roads and hillsides turn bright with fall colour.

Best for: covered bridges, small-town charm, foliage, skiing, dining and romantic Vermont weekends.

Killington

Killington is one of Vermont’s best-known ski destinations and a major year-round mountain resort area. It is famous for winter skiing and snowboarding, but it also offers hiking, mountain biking, golf, scenic gondola rides and access to the Green Mountains in warmer months.

Killington is a practical base for active travellers who want a resort-style stay with plenty of outdoor activities.

Best for: skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, resort stays and active holidays.

Rutland

Rutland is a useful central-southern Vermont base near Killington, Pico Mountain, lakes, farms and scenic routes. It has restaurants, shops, local arts and practical services for road trippers.

It is a good stop for travellers connecting the Green Mountains, Lake Bomoseen, Killington and southern Vermont towns.

Best for: road-trip bases, mountain access, local food, arts and central Vermont exploring.

Lake Willoughby

Lake Willoughby is one of Vermont’s most beautiful lakes, set in the Northeast Kingdom between dramatic cliffs and forested slopes. It is known for clear water, swimming, paddling, hiking, photography and peaceful scenery.

The area is especially good for travellers who want a quieter, more remote Vermont experience away from the state’s better-known tourist towns.

Best for: lake views, swimming, paddling, photography, hiking and quiet nature escapes.

Northeast Kingdom

The Northeast Kingdom is one of Vermont’s most scenic and rural regions, known for lakes, forests, farms, small towns, mountain roads, wildlife, trails and peaceful countryside. It is less developed than many southern and central Vermont destinations, making it ideal for slow travel.

Popular areas include St. Johnsbury, Burke, Lyndonville, Newport, Lake Willoughby and the Canadian border region.

Best for: quiet road trips, lakes, farms, foliage, cycling, hiking and rural Vermont scenery.

St. Johnsbury

St. Johnsbury is one of the main towns in the Northeast Kingdom. It is known for historic architecture, local shops, cultural attractions and access to scenic northern Vermont routes.

It works well as a base for exploring Lake Willoughby, Burke, small villages and the wider Northeast Kingdom.

Best for: small-town history, Northeast Kingdom access, culture, road trips and quiet stays.

Burke

Burke is a mountain village known for outdoor recreation, especially mountain biking at Kingdom Trails and winter skiing at Burke Mountain.

It is a good destination for active travellers who want trails, forests, mountain views and a quieter alternative to Vermont’s larger resort towns.

Best for: mountain biking, skiing, hiking, outdoor adventure and Northeast Kingdom stays.

Shelburne

Shelburne sits just south of Burlington and is one of the best places to experience Lake Champlain countryside, museums, farms and family-friendly attractions.

Popular stops include Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farms and lakefront scenery. It is easy to visit as a day trip from Burlington or as part of a Lake Champlain road trip.

Best for: museums, farms, lake views, families, history and Burlington-area day trips.

Shelburne Museum

Shelburne Museum is one of Vermont’s most distinctive cultural attractions, with art, Americana, historic buildings, folk art, textiles, carriages and broad collections spread across a campus-like setting.

It is especially good for families and travellers interested in New England history, design and American material culture.

Best for: museums, families, art, Americana, history and rainy-day sightseeing.

Shelburne Farms

Shelburne Farms is a scenic working farm and education centre with lake views, walking paths, historic buildings and a strong connection to Vermont’s agricultural landscape.

It is a beautiful place for relaxed walks, family learning, photography and understanding Vermont’s farm-to-table identity.

Best for: farms, lake views, family activities, walking, photography and local food culture.

Lake Champlain Islands

The Lake Champlain Islands are one of Vermont’s most peaceful summer regions. Located north of Burlington, they offer lake views, cycling, orchards, farms, beaches, birdwatching, small towns and relaxed waterfront stays.

Popular stops include South Hero, Grand Isle, North Hero and Isle La Motte. The islands are especially enjoyable in summer and early autumn.

Best for: cycling, lake views, orchards, quiet stays, summer holidays and scenic drives.

Brattleboro

Brattleboro is a creative town in southeastern Vermont, known for arts, bookstores, galleries, local food, river views, independent shops and a lively but small-scale downtown.

It is a good gateway for visitors arriving from Massachusetts or New Hampshire and works well as part of a southern Vermont itinerary.

Best for: arts, bookstores, food, river views, independent shops and southern Vermont weekends.

Grafton

Grafton is a beautifully preserved Vermont village known for historic buildings, inns, cheese, quiet roads and classic New England scenery.

It is ideal for travellers who want a peaceful village experience, especially during fall foliage or a romantic winter escape.

Best for: village charm, photography, romantic stays, quiet roads, history and slow travel.

Middlebury

Middlebury is a charming college town in western Vermont, known for Middlebury College, waterfalls, historic buildings, local shops, cafes, restaurants and access to farms and mountain roads.

It has a refined but friendly atmosphere and makes a pleasant stop between Burlington, Rutland and the Green Mountains.

Best for: college-town charm, cafes, history, waterfalls, shops and western Vermont road trips.

Vergennes

Vergennes is one of Vermont’s smallest and oldest cities, with a compact downtown, restaurants, shops, historic architecture and access to Lake Champlain countryside.

It is a good stop between Burlington, Middlebury, Shelburne and the Champlain Valley.

Best for: small-town dining, historic streets, shopping, road trips and Champlain Valley exploring.

Best Scenic Drives in Vermont

• Route 100: Best for classic Vermont villages, mountain scenery, ski towns, farms and fall foliage.
• Smugglers’ Notch Road: Best for dramatic mountain scenery, Stowe access, cliffs and forested curves.
• Lake Champlain Byway: Best for lake views, islands, farms, orchards and Burlington-area scenery.
• Mad River Byway: Best for covered bridges, mountain villages, ski areas and peaceful countryside.
• Crossroad of Vermont Byway: Best for Woodstock, Quechee Gorge, farms, rivers and historic towns.
• Molly Stark Byway: Best for southern Vermont scenery, Bennington, Wilmington and mountain passes.
• Green Mountain Byway: Best for Stowe, Waterbury, Mount Mansfield views and classic foliage landscapes.
• Northeast Kingdom roads: Best for quiet lakes, farms, forests, cycling routes and rural Vermont beauty.

Best Places in Vermont for Fall Foliage

• Stowe: Best for mountain views, foliage drives, hiking, gondola rides and classic Vermont village scenery.
• Woodstock: Best for covered bridges, historic homes, farms and postcard-style New England views.
• Route 100: Best for a long north-south foliage road trip through villages and ski towns.
• Mad River Valley: Best for covered bridges, farms, mountain slopes and colourful rural roads.
• Smugglers’ Notch: Best for dramatic mountain foliage and winding scenic roads.
• Manchester: Best for southern Vermont foliage, historic inns, shopping and mountain backdrops.
• Northeast Kingdom: Best for quieter foliage drives, lakes, farms and rural landscapes.
• Lake Champlain Islands: Best for softer lake-and-farm foliage scenery and relaxed cycling.

Best Ski and Winter Destinations in Vermont

• Stowe: Best for classic Vermont skiing, luxury stays, restaurants and Mount Mansfield scenery.
• Killington: Best for major resort terrain, nightlife, snow sports and active winter holidays.
• Sugarbush: Best for Mad River Valley charm, skiing, mountain views and local food.
• Mad River Glen: Best for traditional ski culture and a less commercial atmosphere.
• Jay Peak: Best for northern Vermont snow, skiing and family resort stays.
• Okemo: Best for families, resort comfort and southern-central Vermont access.
• Mount Snow: Best for southern Vermont skiing and weekend trips from nearby states.
• Smugglers’ Notch Resort: Best for family winter holidays and mountain activities.

Best Places in Vermont for Families

• Burlington: Lake Champlain, bike paths, Church Street, museums, food and waterfront parks.
• Shelburne: Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farms and family-friendly Lake Champlain countryside.
• Woodstock: Billings Farm, covered bridges, historic streets and easy countryside walks.
• Stowe: Mountain resort activities, gondola rides, gentle trails, shops and family dining.
• Quechee Gorge: Short walks, gorge views, picnic stops and nearby attractions.
• Lake Champlain Islands: Cycling, swimming, farms, beaches and relaxed summer stays.
• Killington: Winter sports, summer adventure activities and resort-style accommodation.
• Montpelier: Small capital city walks, cafes, local shops and central Vermont road trips.

Best Small Towns to Visit in Vermont

• Woodstock: Historic homes, covered bridges, village charm and nearby national park sites.
• Stowe: Mountain scenery, skiing, restaurants, shops and foliage drives.
• Manchester: Shopping, inns, historic homes, galleries and mountain views.
• Waitsfield: Covered bridges, farms, local food and Mad River Valley scenery.
• Warren: Village charm, skiing, inns and mountain road-trip appeal.
• Grafton: Quiet streets, historic buildings, cheese and classic New England scenery.
• Middlebury: College-town atmosphere, cafes, shops, waterfalls and historic architecture.
• Vergennes: Small-city charm, restaurants, shops and Champlain Valley drives.
• Bennington: History, museums, covered bridges and southern Vermont access.
• Brattleboro: Arts, food, bookstores, river views and creative culture.

Best Outdoor Adventures in Vermont

• Hike Mount Mansfield: Take on Vermont’s highest mountain or enjoy easier views from Stowe-area scenic rides.
• Drive Route 100: Follow one of New England’s classic scenic routes through mountains, villages and farms.
• Cycle the Burlington Greenway: Enjoy Lake Champlain views and waterfront parks.
• Explore Quechee Gorge: Walk to viewpoints and enjoy one of Vermont’s most famous natural landmarks.
• Visit Smugglers’ Notch: Drive, hike, camp or photograph one of the state’s most dramatic mountain passes.
• Paddle Lake Champlain: Kayak, cruise or boat along Vermont’s western shoreline.
• Ski the Green Mountains: Try Stowe, Killington, Sugarbush, Okemo or other Vermont resorts.
• Swim in summer lakes: Visit Lake Champlain, Lake Willoughby, Lake Bomoseen or smaller mountain ponds.
• Walk covered bridge routes: Photograph historic bridges near Woodstock, Bennington, Waitsfield and the Mad River Valley.
• Explore the Northeast Kingdom: Enjoy quiet roads, farms, lakes, hiking and mountain biking.

Best Places in Vermont for History and Culture

• Woodstock: Conservation history, farm heritage, historic village streets and covered bridges.
• Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park: Conservation history and forest stewardship. 11
• Bennington: Revolutionary War history, monuments, museums and covered bridges.
• Manchester: Historic homes, Hildene, inns and southern Vermont heritage.
• Burlington: Lake Champlain culture, university-town energy, music, food and arts.
• Montpelier: State government, small-capital charm, local shops and cafés.
• Shelburne Museum: Americana, folk art, historic buildings and cultural collections.
• Brattleboro: Arts, galleries, bookstores, independent culture and river-town character.

Best Places in Vermont for Food Lovers

• Burlington: Best for restaurants, breweries, coffee, food markets, lakefront dining and international flavours.
• Stowe: Best for mountain-town dining, breweries, cosy inns and après-ski meals.
• Waterbury: Best for craft beer, cider, ice cream stops, cafes and road-trip food.
• Woodstock: Best for inns, farm-focused dining, bakeries and countryside meals.
• Mad River Valley: Best for local farms, bakeries, cheese, cider, restaurants and ski-town food.
• Manchester: Best for refined dining, cafes, country stores and weekend restaurants.
• Northeast Kingdom: Best for farm stands, local cheese, maple products and rural food stops.
• Brattleboro: Best for creative cafes, local food, co-ops, bakeries and artsy dining.

Best Vermont Foods and Local Specialties to Try

• Maple syrup: Vermont’s signature flavour, found in sugarhouses, shops, breakfasts and desserts.
• Vermont cheddar: A must-try for cheese lovers and picnic stops.
• Apple cider and cider doughnuts: Especially popular in autumn at orchards and farm stands.
• Craft beer: Vermont is known for small breweries, especially around Burlington, Stowe and Waterbury.
• Farm-to-table meals: Many restaurants focus on local produce, dairy, meat and seasonal ingredients.
• Creemees: Vermont’s beloved soft-serve ice cream, often maple flavoured.
• Local apples: Best enjoyed in autumn from Champlain Valley orchards and farm markets.
• Fresh lake fish: Available in some Lake Champlain restaurants and regional menus.

Best Time to Visit Vermont

Vermont can be visited year-round, but each season creates a very different experience.

• Spring: Good for maple season, quiet villages, fresh countryside scenery, early flowers and fewer crowds.
• Summer: Best for Lake Champlain, hiking, cycling, farmers markets, festivals, swimming holes and family road trips.
• Autumn: Ideal for foliage, covered bridges, scenic drives, farm stands, photography and romantic weekends.
• Winter: Best for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cosy inns, fireplaces, breweries and mountain resorts.

For a first visit, autumn is the classic choice, but summer is easier for lake activities and hiking. Winter is best for ski holidays, while spring is quieter and excellent for travellers who enjoy maple syrup season and fewer tourists.

Suggested 7-Day Vermont Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Burlington

Start in Burlington. Walk along the Lake Champlain waterfront, explore Church Street Marketplace, visit local shops and enjoy dinner downtown or near the lake.

Day 2: Shelburne and Lake Champlain

Visit Shelburne Museum or Shelburne Farms, then drive through Lake Champlain countryside. In summer, consider a lake cruise, beach stop or cycling route.

Day 3: Stowe and Smugglers’ Notch

Drive to Stowe. Explore the village, take a scenic gondola ride if operating, visit local breweries or shops and drive through Smugglers’ Notch when the road is open.

Day 4: Waterbury, Montpelier and Mad River Valley

Stop in Waterbury for local food and craft drinks, then visit Montpelier for the State House and downtown. Continue into the Mad River Valley for covered bridges, farms and mountain scenery.

Day 5: Woodstock and Quechee Gorge

Explore Woodstock village, Billings Farm and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Add Quechee Gorge for a scenic walk and bridge views.

Day 6: Killington, Rutland or Middlebury

Choose an active mountain day around Killington, a relaxed town stop in Rutland or a college-town visit to Middlebury. In autumn, use this day for foliage drives and farm stands.

Day 7: Manchester and Bennington

Finish in southern Vermont. Visit Manchester for shopping, Hildene and mountain views, then continue to Bennington for history, covered bridges and the Bennington Battle Monument.

Longer 10-Day Vermont Itinerary

• Day 1: Burlington, Church Street Marketplace and Lake Champlain waterfront.
• Day 2: Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farms and Champlain Valley scenery.
• Day 3: Lake Champlain Islands, cycling, orchards and lakeside towns.
• Day 4: Stowe, Mount Mansfield views, breweries and Smugglers’ Notch.
• Day 5: Waterbury, Montpelier and central Vermont food stops.
• Day 6: Mad River Valley, Waitsfield, Warren, covered bridges and mountain roads.
• Day 7: Woodstock, Billings Farm and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.
• Day 8: Quechee Gorge, Middlebury and Champlain Valley towns.
• Day 9: Manchester, Hildene, Mount Equinox area and southern Vermont villages.
• Day 10: Bennington, Brattleboro, Grafton or a relaxed southern Vermont scenic drive.

Travel Tips for Visiting Vermont

• Rent a car: Vermont is best explored by road, especially for small towns, covered bridges, scenic byways and rural inns.
• Book autumn stays early: Fall foliage season is extremely popular, especially around Stowe, Woodstock, Manchester and the Mad River Valley.
• Check mountain road conditions: Roads such as Smugglers’ Notch can be seasonal and may close in winter.
• Pack layers: Weather changes quickly, especially in the mountains and around Lake Champlain.
• Drive slowly on rural roads: Many scenic roads are narrow, winding and shared with cyclists, farm vehicles and wildlife.
• Respect private property: Many farms, barns, covered bridges and scenic fields are privately owned.
• Plan around foliage timing: Northern and higher-elevation areas usually peak before southern valleys.
• Support local businesses: Vermont’s charm comes from independent shops, farms, inns, breweries and restaurants.
• Bring comfortable shoes: Village streets, trails, farms, museums and gorge walks all involve walking.
• Try local flavours: Look for maple syrup, cheddar, cider doughnuts, apples, craft beer, creemees and farm-to-table meals.

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Visit in Vermont

Vermont is a state of mountain roads, covered bridges, lake views, historic villages, maple farms, ski towns, local food and peaceful countryside. It is one of the best destinations in New England for travellers who prefer charm, scenery and slower travel over big-city sightseeing.

For a first visit, consider Burlington, Lake Champlain, Shelburne, Stowe, Smugglers’ Notch, Waterbury, Montpelier, Mad River Valley, Woodstock, Quechee Gorge, Manchester and Bennington. Travellers with more time should add Middlebury, Vergennes, Brattleboro, Grafton, Killington, Lake Willoughby, the Northeast Kingdom and the Lake Champlain Islands.

Whether you are planning an autumn foliage road trip, winter ski holiday, summer lake escape, romantic inn weekend or farm-to-table food journey, Vermont offers some of the most beautiful and memorable places to visit in New England.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Vermont

What is the prettiest place in Vermont?

Some of the prettiest places in Vermont include Stowe, Woodstock, Smugglers’ Notch, Lake Champlain, the Mad River Valley, Quechee Gorge, Lake Willoughby, Manchester, the Northeast Kingdom and the Lake Champlain Islands.

What is Vermont best known for?

Vermont is best known for fall foliage, maple syrup, covered bridges, ski resorts, the Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, small towns, farm-to-table food, craft beer, cheddar cheese and scenic road trips.

Is Vermont good for a family holiday?

Yes, Vermont is a good family holiday destination. Families can visit Burlington, Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farms, Stowe, Quechee Gorge, Woodstock, Lake Champlain, Killington, the Lake Champlain Islands and family-friendly ski resorts.

How many days do you need to visit Vermont?

You can enjoy one Vermont region in 2 to 3 days, such as Burlington and Lake Champlain, Stowe, Woodstock or Manchester. For a broader road trip covering Burlington, Stowe, Woodstock, the Mad River Valley and southern Vermont, 7 to 10 days is ideal.

What is the best time of year to visit Vermont?

Autumn is the classic time to visit Vermont for fall foliage, covered bridges and scenic drives. Summer is best for lakes, hiking and cycling. Winter is best for skiing and cosy inns. Spring is quieter and good for maple season and countryside travel.

Is Vermont good for a road trip?

Yes, Vermont is excellent for road trips. Popular routes include Route 100, the Green Mountain Byway, Smugglers’ Notch Road, the Lake Champlain Byway, the Mad River Byway, the Crossroad of Vermont Byway and the Molly Stark Byway.

Where should first-time visitors go in Vermont?

First-time visitors should consider Burlington, Lake Champlain, Shelburne, Stowe, Smugglers’ Notch, Waterbury, Montpelier, Woodstock, Quechee Gorge, Manchester and Bennington.

Does Vermont have good hiking?

Yes, Vermont has excellent hiking, especially in the Green Mountains, Mount Mansfield, Camel’s Hump, Smugglers’ Notch, Killington, the Long Trail, the Mad River Valley, Stowe and the Northeast Kingdom.

What are the best small towns in Vermont?

Some of the best small towns in Vermont include Woodstock, Stowe, Manchester, Waitsfield, Warren, Grafton, Middlebury, Vergennes, Bennington and Brattleboro.

What should I pack for a Vermont trip?

Pack comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, a rain jacket, sun protection and a refillable water bottle. For autumn, bring warm layers for cool mornings and evenings. For winter, bring insulated clothing, gloves, a hat and snow-ready footwear. For summer, bring swimwear, insect repellent and comfortable clothes for hiking, cycling and lake activities.