Best Places to Visit in Vermont
Vermont feels tailor-made for travelers who love the outdoors, small-town charm, and a slower pace of life. Whether you’re drawn to its rolling green mountains, historic covered bridges, or maple syrup farms, the state offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From my own weeks of road tripping through Vermont as a local, here are some of the best places to visit and experiences you won’t want to miss.
1. Burlington
I thought Vermont’s small lakeside city was one of the most effortlessly charming destinations in New England, a colorful blend of mountain-meets-water views, progressive energy, leafy bike paths, and a thriving farm-to-table and craft beer culture, all perched along the edge of Lake Champlain!
From the White Mountains, I drove three and a half hours northwest and spent three days based at the stylish Hotel Vermont, right in the heart of downtown. I wandered through the contemporary galleries of the BCA Center, took in panoramic sunsets from the waterfront boardwalk, biked the scenic Burlington Greenway along the lake, sampled inventive IPAs on a brewery hop at Foam Brewers and Zero Gravity, and browsed indie shops on the buzzing Church Street Marketplace.
I also joined a lake cruise to soak in views of the Adirondacks, feasted on wood-fired pizzas topped with foraged mushrooms at American Flatbread, and capped the evenings with local ciders and live folk music in cozy neighborhood pubs. One standout meal was at the beloved Honey Road, where I devoured a plate of smoky lamb kebabs with tangy pomegranate glaze, creamy hummus, and warm, pillowy pita — all shared mezze-style in true Mediterranean spirit!
Plan your visit:
- Highlights: Church Street Marketplace, ECHO Center, lakeside bike trails
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall for color, festivals, and lake views
2. Stowe
Tucked in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Stowe struck me as a storybook-perfect alpine village, a mix of covered bridges, winding rivers, craft breweries, and adventure-filled mountain trails, all crowned by the dramatic slopes of Mount Mansfield, the state’s tallest peak!
From Burlington, I drove just under an hour east and spent three days based at the chic Lodge at Spruce Peak. I hiked part of the Long Trail through fiery fall foliage, rode on the Stowe Mountain gondola, and wandered around the charming main street dotted with artisan shops and country cafés.
A day trip out to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory added a playful (and delicious) twist to the itinerary, while evenings were spent in candlelit comfort, sampling creative New England plates at Plate and hearty farm-to-table classics at Harrison’s.
One unforgettable meal was at Hen of the Wood, where I savored roasted duck with wild mushrooms and a silky cider reduction, paired with a crisp local chardonnay . Nights ended with stargazing over the mountain ridge, bundled in a blanket with the scent of pine and woodsmoke in the air.
Plan your visit:
- Drive Time from Burlington: ~45 minutes southeast
- Highlights: Mount Mansfield, Trapp Family Lodge, hiking and skiing
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for foliage, winter for snow sports
3. Montpelier
At just over 8,000 residents, Montpelier may be the smallest state capital in the U.S., but it surprised me as a cultural gem — a walkable town framed by forested hills, where historic brick architecture meets indie bookstores, craft breweries, and a food scene that punches far above its weight.
From Stowe, I drove a quick 40 minutes south and based myself at the cozy Inn at Montpelier, just steps from the golden-domed Vermont State House. By day I strolled past the colorful murals and browsed quirky shops along State and Main Streets, caught an indie film at the historic Savoy Theater, and took peaceful walks along the Winooski River. A guided tour inside the State House revealed both stately elegance and a small-town friendliness that makes this capital unique.
Food and drink were a big highlight: I sampled local brews at Three Penny Taproom, warmed up over espresso and pastries at Capitol Grounds, and browsed the shelves of Bear Pond Books for my next mountain-read. One night I tucked into a creative farm-to-table dinner at Kismet, where I devoured roasted root vegetables with maple miso glaze, tender braised pork shoulder, and a velvety squash soup. Another evening ended with craft cocktails at the cozy Barr Hill Distillery tasting room, where the honey-infused gin was a revelation.
Evenings were slow and relaxed — a reminder that Montpelier isn’t about big-city bustle, but about savoring art, food, and community in an intimate, unhurried setting. Watching the sunset from Hubbard Park’s stone tower, with the lights of the capital flickering below, felt like a perfect Vermont finale.
Plan your visit:
- Drive Time from Stowe: ~35 minutes south
- Highlights: Vermont State House, Hubbard Park, indie shops
- Best Time to Visit: Late September to October for fall foliage and calm
4. Woodstock, VT
Woodstock felt like stepping into a postcard, a quintessential New England village of white-steepled churches, covered bridges, and stately colonial homes wrapped in rolling hills and maple groves. It’s as charming as they come, with a mix of pastoral calm and upscale touches that make it both timeless and quietly luxurious.
From Montpelier, I drove about an hour southwest and settled into the elegant Woodstock Inn & Resort. I strolled through the picture-perfect downtown lined with boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafés, then wandered out to the Middle Covered Bridge.
The surrounding countryside was just as enticing: I visited Billings Farm & Museum, hiked quiet trails around Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, and admired sweeping views of rolling farmland dotted with barns and sugarhouses. A side trip took me to Quechee Gorge — Vermont’s own “Little Grand Canyon” — where the Ottauquechee carved a dramatic chasm through the forest.
Meals were a highlight. I savored a hearty farm-to-table dinner at Worthy Kitchen, and indulged in delicate pastries at Mon Vert Café.
Plan your visit:
- Drive Time from Montpelier: ~1.5 hours southeast
- Highlights: Billings Farm & Museum, covered bridges, boutique shops
- Best Time to Visit: October for peak foliage and festive charm
5. Manchester
Manchester, nestled in the Battenkill Valley and surrounded by the Green Mountains, felt like a polished country escape. It’s both refined and rustic, a place where you can pair designer shopping with mountain air in the same afternoon.
From Woodstock, I drove about an hour and a half southwest and checked into the classic Equinox Resort, a grand hotel dating back to the 18th century, where presidents and heads of state stayed. By day I explored Hildene, walked around the charming village center, ducking into independent bookshops, and art galleries.
Outdoor adventures were everywhere: I hiked up Mount Equinox for panoramic views across the valley, strolled along serene trails in the Equinox Preservation Trust, and spent a quiet afternoon watching anglers cast their lines into the Battenkill Rive. In winter, Bromley and Stratton ski areas are just a short drive away, adding alpine energy to the village’s year-round appeal.
Culinary stops rounded out my stay. I devoured a wood-fired pizza at Christo’s, sipped small-batch spirits at Smuggler’s Notch Distillery’s Manchester tasting room, and enjoyed an elevated farm-to-table dinner at Silver Fork.
Plan your visit:
- Drive Time from Woodstock: ~1.5 hours southwest
- Highlights: Hildene, outlet shops, bookstores, fall foliage
- Best Time to Visit: Late September to early November
6. Brattleboro
Brattleboro felt like Vermont’s bohemian soul, an eclectic riverside town where historic mill buildings hum with live music, colorful murals brighten alleyways, and co-ops brim with organic produce, books, and crafts. Set on the banks of the Connecticut River, it has a creative, slightly offbeat energy that makes it as welcoming as it is intriguing.
From Manchester, I drove about an hour and a half southeast and based myself at the character-filled Latchis Hotel, an Art Deco gem that doubles as a working movie theater. My days began at Mocha Joe’s before wandering Main Street, ducking into independent bookstores, record shops, and artisan boutiques. The Brattleboro Farmers’ Market was a feast for the senses.
I browsed exhibits at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, caught a local music set at The Stone Church, and explored quirky galleries. For nature escapes, I hiked nearby Mount Wantastiquet across the river in New Hampshire.
Dining was eclectic and delicious. I lingered over creative small plates at Peter Havens, grabbed wood-fired comfort food at Duo, and ended nights with Vermont craft beers at Whetstone Station’s rooftop deck.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from NYC: ~3.5–4 hours north
- Highlights: Bookstores, galleries, Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, riverside walks
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for foliage, spring for festivals
7. Santa’s Land
Just outside of Putney, tucked along a quiet stretch of Route 5, I stumbled upon one of Vermont’s quirkiest roadside treasures: Santa’s Land, a vintage Christmas-themed amusement park that feels like stepping straight into a mid-century holiday postcard. Opened in the 1950s and still family-run, it’s a blend of old-fashioned charm, kitsch, and pure nostalgia, the kind of place where every corner jingles with childlike wonder.
From Brattleboro, it was only a quick 15-minute drive north, and I spent the afternoon wandering through candy-cane striped gates into a winter wonderland (even in summer!). I rode the miniature train, enjoyed cheerful animatronic elves, and wandered through storybook cottages decorated with twinkling lights and toy soldiers. Kids squealed with delight on the merry-go-round and Ferris wheel, while I indulged my inner child with a swirl of soft-serve topped with rainbow sprinkles.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 655 Bellows Falls Rd, Putney, VT
- Hours: Seasonal; typically open summer through December
- Cost: ~$15 per person; kids under 2 free
- Good For: Families, nostalgia seekers, Christmas lovers
8. Bennington, VT
Bennington is a town steeped in Revolutionary War history, dotted with covered bridges, and framed by rolling hills that glow golden in the late afternoon sun. It’s equal parts historic and homey, with just enough art, food, and small-town quirk to make it linger in your memory.
From Manchester, I drove about 40 minutes southwest and checked into a cozy B&B near the center of town. I stopped at the Bennington Battle Monument, and walked through Old Bennington. I explored the Bennington Museum, then wandered through local galleries and antique shops brimming with curiosities. A short drive took me to three of Vermont’s most picturesque covered bridges, the Silk Road, Paper Mill, and Henry bridges.
Meals were hearty and welcoming. I tucked into a burger and craft beer at Madison Brewing Company, warmed up over a wood-fired pizza at Marigold Kitchen, and grabbed morning pastries from the Elm Street Market.
Bennington’s charm lies in its mix of living history and everyday Vermont life which makes it one of the best places to visit in Vermont.
Plan your visit:
- Drive Time from Manchester: ~40 minutes south
- Highlights: Bennington Battle Monument, museums, covered bridges
- Best Time to Visit: Autumn for color and history, or spring for quiet trails
Conclusion
Vermont may be small on the map, but traveling through it reveals an incredible variety of landscapes, flavors, and stories.
Whether you’re here for outdoor adventures, fall foliage, farm-to-table feasts, cozy inns, or just the peace of mountain air, Vermont delivers an experience that lingers long after you’ve left.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
