8 Unique Places to Visit in Vermont
Vermont is for you if you are like me and love the outdoors! From my four week road trip through The Green Mountain State, here are the best places to visit and experiences you won’t want to miss.
Best Places to Visit in Northern Vermont
Northern Vermont is my favorite region for a romantic vacation because it's where classic New England charm meets dramatic mountain and lake scenery.
Things to Do in Burlington
When I'm in the mood for lake-meets-city getaway, Burlington is perfect. I love strolling near the waterfront, stopping in downtown cafes, and browsing locally owned shops.
Don't miss the Church Street Marketplace, visit the contemporary galleries of the BCA Center, and have dinner at Honey Road.
From Boston, we drove three and a half and spent three easy days based at the stylish 3-star Hotel Vermont, right in the heart of downtown.
A downside? Winter can be a tricky time to travel to Burlington because snowfall often causes travel delays.
Stowe - 45 minutes from Burlington
This is an easy getaway from Burlington and I highly recommend visiting even for a day. In fact, I think it's one of the most lovely small towns in New England.
We especially enjoyed riding on the Stowe Mountain gondola. After, we spent time walking around the main street. Unique artisan shops and cafes created a unique atmosphere.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory is just a 15-minute trip from Stowe and absolutely a must-visit, whether you have kids in tow or not. It added such a playful (and delicious) twist to the itinerary.
For any last minute gear purchases or rentals, visit Umiak Outdoor Outfitters.
In the evening, we enjoyed sampling creative New England plates at Plate and hearty farm-to-table classics at Harrison’s.
Middlebury - 40 minutes from Burlington
If you'd rather head south, check out Middlebury, a real standout! From Burlington, the drive takes about an hour and is very scenic, especially in the fall. Once in Middlebury, we found the town easy to navigate because it's so compact.
Now, first things first, we loved tasting fresh baked goods and local cheeses downtown. Later, we enjoyed visiting Middlebury College campus, and the scenic Otter Creek Falls.
To learn about local history, head to the Henry Sheldon Museum.
In the winter, there's great skiing at the Snow Bowl.
If you want a more structured experience, consider joining a local walking or history tour.
Chittenden and Mountain Top Inn & Resort
Looking for a scenic escape in the Green Mountains? We discovered Chittenden by chance less than two hours from Burlington. It quickly became one of my favorite places in Vermont to visit. Our son loved fishing in the 750-acre Chittenden Reservoir. You can hike to Thundering Brook Falls in the summer for lovely photos. Baird Farm is the place to go for maple syrup. Just 25 minutes away is Wilson Castle which offers haunted tours.
We stayed in a spacious room at Mountain Top Inn & Resort for two nights, and it was exactly what I want from a mountain retreat: peaceful, and comfortable. Some accommodations even include fireplaces or private decks, which add an extra layer of coziness, especially in the fall and winter (but be sure to book early to get what you want!).
Locals told me that the equestrian program is a standout here too. I adored the resort's farm-to-table restaurant with seasonal Vermont ingredients.
Check availability or prices at the 4-star Mountain Top Inn & Resort.
What I loved best:
There’s a full-service spa focused on relaxation and wellness, my favorite highlight.
Killington
Just 25 minutes south is another lovely Green Mountain town that's worth your time, I promise. I spent a full day exploring, unwinding, and breathing in crisp alpine air in Killington.
Manchester - 2 hours 15 minutes from Burlington
Chris and I spent our first anniversary in Manchester and have been back two other times. You'll find the town in the Battenkill Valley, surrounded by the Green Mountains.
Manchester is home to historic sites like Hildene (the Lincoln family home) and heaps of shops part of Manchester Designer Outlets. You can go fly fishing on the Battenkill River, and skiing at nearby resorts.
From Woodstock, we drove about an hour and a half southwest and checked into the classic Equinox Resort ($123) for five days, a grand hotel dating back to the 18th century (where presidents and heads of state stayed!).
Local tip: If you are planning a family vacation, we've enjoyed booking a 1,496 square foot Townhome at The Equinox for extra space.
Brattleboro - 2 hours 20 minutes from Burlington
Another great spot in the Green Mountains but also on the river (Connecticut River) is Brattleboro. I loved the way its historic mill buildings fill with live music at night.
My days began at Mocha Joe’s before exploring Main Street. The Brattleboro Farmers’ Market was an absolute feast for the senses.
You can also browse exhibits at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center.
What I loved best:
Dining was delicious at Peter Havens, and Whetstone Station’s rooftop deck served Vermont craft beers.
From Manchester, I drove about an hour and a half southeast and based myself at the character-filled Latchis Hotel ($127) for two days. It's an Art Deco gem that doubles as a working movie theater.
Santa’s Land - 2 hours 10 minutes from Burlington
Just outside of Putney, along a quiet stretch of Route 5, you will find one of the quirkiest roadside treasures: Santa’s Land (Google Maps pin). This is a vintage Christmas-themed amusement park that feels like stepping straight into a mid-century holiday postcard. Opened in the 1950s it's still family-run.
My son rode the miniature train, enjoyed animatronic elves, and wandered through storybook cottages decorated with twinkling lights and toy soldiers, my personal highlight. Kids squealed with delight on the merry-go-round and Ferris wheel.
For me, Santa’s Land is one of the best places to visit in Vermont because it's so unique.
What I loved best:
I indulged my inner child with a swirl of soft-serve topped with rainbow sprinkles!
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.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
