Places to Visit in Vermont

The residents of Burlington are dedicated to environmental stewardship and it shows. Like-minded visitors will enjoy biking the Greenway (also called the Waterfront Bike Path), a forested corridor that runs the entire length of the city. From here, there is access to over 30 miles of trails spreading across abundant natural areas via 127 paths. Thirty-five diverse parks, several beaches, and the lake champlain marinas afford visitors a plethora of recreational activities. The Community Boathouse Marina also provides visitors with an upscale dining and sunset viewing experience. The Burlington Earth Clock, constructed by Circles of Peace in Oakledge Park, is a must-see installation unique to the city.

Stowe, Vermont’s winter playground, is a picturesque mountain retreat that looks like a scene from a Christmas card. Combined with the magnificence of Mount Mansfield, it’s easy to see why it’s been dubbed the ski capital of the East. Over 20 feet of annual snowfall allow visitors to ski and snowboard November through April.

They can also ice skate, dogsled, sleigh-ride, snowshoe, snowmobile, ice fish, and cozy up around a warm fire at night. In spring, guests can experience Vermont’s tradition of making maple syrup in Stowe. Summer activities include zip-lining, fly-fishing, and golfing, and of course, autumn here is all about the stunning foliage.

Montpelier, the capital of Vermont, has the distinction of being the smallest capital city in the country. Located in the Green Mountains along the Winooski River, Montpelier’s historic downtown is filled with colorful boutiques and independently owned shops offering everything from chocolates to books to toys.

Restaurants and bars come alive at night with eclectic cuisine and live music. Visitors will appreciate the gold-domed capitol, its art installations, and its outdoor event space. Local galleries, music venues, live theater performances, and a free summer concert series entertain visitors all year round. Nature lovers can stroll through Hubbard Park’s natural beauty and enjoy scenic views.

Woodstock is a quaint little mountain town that has elevated tourism to an art form. If you’re looking for the classic New England getaway, then this is it. There are dozens of cozy bed-and-breakfasts as well as luxury resort accommodations. Woodstock has a famous equestrian venue at the Green Mountain Horse Association, offering events and trail-rides.

Other activities include biking, golfing, shooting, fishing, and visiting working farms. During winter, add downhill and cross-country skiing, sledding, skating, and snowshoeing. They have art and historical museums, as well as historic sites like the popular Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park, which offers tours of the grounds, mansion, and surrounding forest.

Manchester is nestled in the Green Mountains, a world away from big city life. One of the best ways to experience an overview of the area is with Backroad Discovery Tours. These seasonal tours introduce visitors to Vermont specialties like an alpaca farm, maple shack, and a Norman Rockwell exhibit.

Hildene – the former Lincoln family home, the Manchester Historical Society, and the American Museum of Fly Fishing are popular points of interest here. In winter, go skiing at Bromely Ski Resort, ride a sleigh at Taylor Farm, or ice skate at Riley Rink.

Bennington, Vermont, is the place to go if you want to get a taste of Americana. The covered bridges alone are worth the drive. Bennington Museum is home to the largest collection of Grandma Moses art in New England as well as numerous Vermont historical objects.

The Dollhouse and Toy Museum has vintage toys, dolls, puppets, and marionettes, among other treasures. The Robert Frost Stone House Museum, where the poet once lived, is a popular local attraction.

This small Vermont town offers summer fun at a family-friendly park along the shores of Lake Champlain. Kill Kare State Park has wide-open spaces, barbecue and picnic facilities, a small beach cove, and a ferry that provides easy access to both Burton Island State Park and Wood’s Island State Park.

Cyclists will also like the 29-mile scenic Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail, which is a sandstone trail running through fields and forests and along the Missisquoi River. At the end of a day exploring nature, visitors can stop by 14th Star Brewing Company, St. Albans' popular brew pub, which also serves food.

Colchester, Vermont, offers a diverse array of activities all year round. Visitors will enjoy the 27 miles of beautiful shoreline featuring scenic landscapes. Lake Champlain provides a great space for various water activities like sailing, fishing, kayaking, and motor boating.

The Green Mountains and the extensive 350-acre park system provide exceptional terrain for hiking, biking, skiing, snowmobiling, and other recreational activities. Visitors can admire the 4-mile Colchester Causeway Path, which extends out into Lake Champlain , or dive into the cultural scene at the Flynn Theater and St. Michael’s College Playhouse.

Mount Mansfield State Forest is one of the most diverse forests in Vermont. This 44,000-acre forest envelops seven Vermont towns and the 880-acre Waterbury Reservoir, which provides visitors with fishing, boating, and camping opportunities.

Mount Mansfield State Forest also contains the highest peak in the state – Mount Mansfield – and has two designated Natural Areas and a federally designated Scenic Byway. In addition, there are two alpine ski resorts, two Nordic ski resorts, miles of hiking trails, backcountry ski trails, and mountain biking trails. Visitors will find over 35 miles of trails for snowmobiling, plus opportunities for ice and rock climbing, and bouldering.

Mount Mansfield State Forest, 1 National Life Drive, Davis 2, Montpelier, VT, Phone: 802-371-7472

The Bennington Battle Monument, the tallest statue in Vermont, commemorates an essential battle in the Revolutionary War. The Battle of Bennington was a pivotal turning point in the war. A smaller statue of General John Stark, the driving force behind the defeat of the highly trained British troops, stands next to the battle monument.

The 306-foot-tall monument is made of blue-gray limestone and offers sweeping views of the scenic vistas of three states. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the Bennington Battle Monument and enjoy panoramic views of Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont.

Bennington Battle Monument, 15 Monument Circle, Bennington, VT, Phone: 802-447-0550