In this article, I will explore Best Places to Visit in Vermont. Whether it is idyllic natural scenery, quaint towns, or outdoor activities, Vermont has it all.
Burlington is lively all season, and Quechee Gorge is beautiful all year. Vermont is a state that has every traveler catered for.
If it is history, skiing, or a calm retreat by the water, there is something for every travel personality.
Key Points & Best Places To Visit In Vermont
| Place | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Burlington | Vermont’s largest city; vibrant Church Street Marketplace; views of Lake Champlain; craft breweries and local art scene. |
| Stowe | Famous for skiing and snowboarding; Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak); scenic hiking trails and fall foliage. |
| Woodstock | Classic New England village; covered bridges; Billings Farm & Museum; charming inns and boutiques. |
| Manchester | Great outlet shopping; historic Hildene estate; scenic Green Mountains backdrop; year-round outdoor activities. |
| Montpelier | Smallest U.S. state capital; Vermont State House; local dining and art culture; walkable downtown. |
| Bennington | Home to Bennington Battle Monument; rich Revolutionary War history; covered bridges and art museums. |
| Killington | Major ski resort town; “Beast of the East” for winter sports; mountain biking and golf in summer. |
| Lake Champlain Islands | Peaceful retreats; beautiful lake views; boating, fishing, and cycling; charming small towns. |
| Smugglers’ Notch | Scenic mountain pass; top-rated family resort; caves, waterfalls, and hiking trails. |
| Quechee Gorge | Known as “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon”; stunning gorge views; Quechee State Park and hot air ballooning. |
10 Best Places To Visit In Vermont
1. Burlington
Burlington is the largest city in Vermont, a lively place along the scenic waterfront of beautiful Lake Champlain. Here, Champlain is surrounded by the majestic Adirondacks.
You can walk along Church Street Marketplace. You can walk along Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian mall filled with boutique shops, local cafes, and entertainers.
Burlington Waterfront Parks and Gateway Park offer biking and walking paths with magnificent lake views, perfect for sunsets.
Burlington is known for craft breweries, including Foam and Switchback. The diverse cultural offerings and vibrant atmosphere make Burlington a must-see destination. You can spend several days here.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Church Street Marketplace | A lively pedestrian street full of shops, cafés, street performers, and local culture; the heart of Burlington. |
2. Stowe
Stowe is a village as pretty as a picture. It is located in the Green Mountains. Stowe is famous for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, particularly on Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont.
But in the warm months, you can also hike, mountain bike, and take a drive that is particularly beautiful in the fall.
Stowe is also pretty and features unique little shops, inns, and restaurants serving delightful local food.
Ot is not just charming, there also many things to enjoy, including the Stowe Recreation Path, Stowe Mountain Resort, and the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum
It is a delightful place with a combination for fun, adventure, and the quaint New England charm, making Stowe a location for all seasons and for all types of visitors.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Mount Mansfield | Vermont’s highest peak; popular for skiing, hiking, and stunning panoramic views, especially during fall foliage. |
3. Woodstock
Woodstock is a very typical New England town and is known for its historic architecture, covered bridges, and its little village green.
The town has a small-town charm and a few art galleries, local shops, and little cafés. Tourists can visit Billings Farm & Museum for a taste of Vermont’s rural heritage and can hike a few local trails, mainly Mount Tom, for great views.
The town also has a few seasonal events like farmers’ markets and craft fairs. The town is also located near Quechee Gorge which adds to its natural beauty.
Woodstock is a great place for travelers to unwind and is also a great cross-section of Vermont’s culture, history, and outdoor activities.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Billings Farm & Museum | A historic working dairy farm and museum showcasing Vermont’s rural heritage and traditional farm life. |
4. Manchester
Manchester is particularly popular with visitors due to its beautiful shops including outlets and high-end boutiques.
This small town in southern Vermont attracts people with its wide range of outdoor activities.
The town is located in the Green Mountains which makes Manchester attractive for hiking and skiing.
If history is what interests you, you can visit Hildene, the Lincoln family’s estate. The town is also home to beautiful inns, farm-to-table restaurants, as well as markets with handcrafted goods.
Offering versatility for visitors, the town combines recreational activities with features of nature and culture.
The town and its vibrant environment provide visitors with the tranquility of the Vermont countryside, all the while the town’s charm is active. This small town also has golf courses and pretty village streets.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home | The historic summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, featuring beautiful gardens and historic tours. |
5. Montpelier
Montpelier is charming city, albeit Vermont’s smallest state capital. Montpelier, besides being the capital of the state, has the Vermont State House that has a stunning gold dome.
Aside from the State House, Montpelier has art galleries, cafés, and small independent shops to keep you busy.
For those who just want to enjoy a pleasant walk, Montpelier also has a small walkable downtown area.
If you are an outdoor im enthusiast you will particularly enjoy Montpelier due to the nearby hiking trails and the stunning Winooski River.
Seasonal festivities are also a great attraction, and you will find a great variety of events through the year such as farmers’ markets and music festivals.
Montpelier is a great place you can enjoy a pleasant walk around, enjoy the historic appeal, culture, and the Vermont outdoors. Montpelier is a great place to visit.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Vermont State House | Iconic gold-domed capitol building with stunning architecture and historical significance in the state capital. |
6. Bennington
Bennington is a historic town in southwestern Vermont, known for its Bennington Battle Monument, a tribute to the history of the Revolutionary War.
Picturesque streets and historic buildings welcome guests as they pass local shops and cultural attractions, including the Bennington Museum, which displays American art and regional history.
Bennington is surrounded by covered bridges, hiking trails, and marked scenic landscapes ready for photography and outdoor activities.
It is also a visual art and theater community hub, where people come to perform and display artworks.
With its history, culture, and natural landscapes, Bennington is the town to visit for travelers looking to experience the educational side of Vermont.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Bennington Battle Monument | Tallest historic structure in Vermont, commemorating a key Revolutionary War victory. |
7. Killington
Renowned for being home to Killington Resort, one of the biggest ski resorts in the Eastern United States, Killington is a great place for outdoor activity lovers.
During winter, it offers skiers and snowboarders a place to enjoy challenging runs, and in the summer, the ski trails are ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and golfing.
There are also family-oriented attractions, calming waterfalls, and ponds that are good for kayaking.
Killington is vibrant all year round due to the festivals and other events that it organizes. The combination of outdoor activities
Splendid landscapes, and modern conveniences make Killington a thrilling place for adventure and nature lovers in Vermont.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Killington Ski Resort | One of the largest ski resorts in the eastern U.S., offering winter sports and summer outdoor activities. |
8. Lake Champlain Islands
The Lake Champlain Islands are a peaceful getaway located between Vermont and New York. The islands offer views of Lake Champlain and quaint small towns.
There are recreational opportunities for boating, fishing, and cycling, and there are also opportunities for bird-watching.
Guests may visit local vineyards, artisanal farms, and farmers’ markets, where they can taste the region’s fresh produce and other local products.
The scenery makes for a wonderful drive, and, for photographers and nature lovers, the sunsets over the lake are breathtaking.
The islands are perfect for someone looking for a peaceful getaway, and they have the ideal blend of Vermont culture and nature.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Burlington Bike Ferry & Scenic Lake Views | Offers boating and cycling opportunities; the islands are famous for scenic lakeside vistas. |
9. Smugglers’ Notch
Those headed for Smugglers’ Notch will get to enjoy a mountain pass and the surrounding dramatic cliffs and thick forests. It will not be surprising to encounter a variety of outdoor activities offered for fun and adventure.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort serves not only these activities but is also a destination for family and friends during the winter for the skiing, while during the summer the resort caters for the hiking, zip lining, rock climbing, and rest of the summer festitivies.
Most of the summer activities pass those natural features. The striking natural beauty of the area draws visitors during the fall surrounded with jacquard like foliage. Notch caters for summer and winter.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Smugglers’ Notch Resort | Family-friendly resort with skiing, hiking, zip-lining, and stunning mountainous scenery. |
10. Quechee Gorge
The beautiful Quechee Gorge is known as “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon.” It has a deep, beautiful gorge that was created by the Ottauquechee River.
The gorge features waterfalls and cliffs and has trails that provide a spectauclar view of the gorge and forest.
It is a great spot for photography. Quechee State Park is close and offers picnic and fishing spots, and hiking trails.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon | A 165-foot deep gorge with walking trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking views along the Ottauquechee River. |
Conclsuion
To conclude, Vermont is a clazzic spectacle of natural beauty, quaint towns, and opportunities for open-air exploits. Every stop is a called-for and distinct experience.
“Burlington” is a “city” alive with activity, and “Quechee” is a “gorge” for gazing. There is skiing, history for the taking, and tranquil, all but a little Eden for lakes. Vermont is a no-fail, all-perfect experience for every traveler any time of the year.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Vermont?
Fall (September–October) for foliage, winter (December–March) for skiing, and summer (June–August) for lakes and outdoor activities.
Which city is the largest in Vermont?
Burlington is the largest city, known for its vibrant culture and Lake Champlain views.
Where can I see Vermont’s famous fall foliage?
Stowe, Woodstock, and Smugglers’ Notch offer some of the most stunning autumn colors.
What outdoor activities are popular in Vermont?
Skiing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and boating are top activities.
Are Vermont towns family-friendly?
Yes, places like Killington, Smugglers’ Notch, and Woodstock are great for family trips.