"I didn’t know green could feel this deep." That was the thought that stayed with me as I drove into Killington, Vermont—a place wrapped in forests and ridgelines, where every bend in the road seemed to promise something quieter. This wasn’t just a getaway; it felt like a forested exhale.
Best Things to Do in Killington
Coolidge State Park
Coolidge State Park greeted me with tall pines and a sense of stillness that settled fast. I hiked the Blueberry Hill Trail where moss coated the ground like velvet, and the views opened up over the rolling Green Mountains. The air smelled like bark and mountain air with just a hint of woodsmoke. "This is the kind of quiet that teaches you how to listen again," I thought, pausing under a maple tree with sunlight flickering through its branches.
Gifford Woods State Park
Not far away, Gifford Woods State Park was a cathedral of hardwoods. I wandered the loop around Kent Pond and took the short stretch of the Appalachian Trail that slices through the park. Fallen leaves crackled underfoot even in summer, and the cool breeze carried hints of pine and earth. "This place feels like it knows how to keep a secret," I thought, brushing my hand along the bark of a tree older than I’ll ever be.
Killington Ski Area
Killington Ski Area might be famous for snow, but even without skis, the mountain buzzes with energy. I rode the gondola to the summit, where panoramic views unfolded in every direction—blue haze, sharp ridges, and endless treetops. Mountain bikers whirred past below, carving down trails. "I didn’t expect summer to feel this alive on a ski mountain," I thought, standing at the edge of the overlook with the wind tugging at my sleeves.
Liquid Art Coffeehouse
Liquid Art Coffeehouse was the kind of cozy that makes you want to linger—exposed beams, rotating local art, and the smell of roasted coffee beans wrapped in cinnamon. I ordered a maple latte and a breakfast sandwich on a homemade biscuit. The latte was creamy, warm, and slightly sweet in that unmistakable Vermont way. The sandwich had layers of egg, sharp cheddar, and just enough kick. "This is what slow mornings should taste like," I thought, settling into a window seat and watching mist curl off the road outside.
Mad Hatter's Scoops
For something sweet, I stopped at Mad Hatter’s Scoops, a cheerful roadside stand with pastel signs and a line of happy families. I chose a scoop of maple walnut and one of black raspberry. The maple was rich and buttery with real nut crunch, and the raspberry burst with flavor like it had just been picked. "This is what summer sounds like—melting ice cream and kids laughing over cones," I thought, sitting on a picnic bench as the sun began to dip.
President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
Just outside town, I visited the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth Notch, where the 30th president was born and later sworn in. The village felt frozen in time—white clapboard buildings, a general store, a cheese factory, and stone walls tracing the land. I stepped into the parlor where Coolidge took the oath by lamplight and felt the weight of simplicity. "This is history without a pedestal," I thought, walking the gravel path between the barn and the house, sunlight warm on my shoulders.
North Star Lodge and Resort
I stayed at the North Star Lodge and Resort, where the firepit crackled outside and the pool glowed turquoise at dusk. My room smelled like cedar and crisp linens, and I slept with the windows open to let in the mountain air. In the morning, the fog rolled down from the hills like it was still deciding whether to stay. "This is the kind of place where even sleep feels like part of the trip," I thought, sipping coffee on the balcony before heading out.
Killington At a Glance
- Drive Time from Montpelier, VT: ~1.5 hours south
- Vibe: Forested, laid-back, quietly grand
- Highlights: Mountain trails, scenic views, artisan coffee, history with heart
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for hiking and cool breezes; fall for foliage; winter for snow sports
- Cost: Budget to moderate; parks and small eateries balance out resort costs
- Hours: Parks and trails open daily; eateries and historic sites vary by season
- Address Base: Stay near Killington Road and branch out from there
Final Thoughts
Killington might be known for its ski slopes, but it has a quieter magic off-season—where maple lattes, mountaintop air, and quiet forest paths remind you what rest can look like. I came for the green and the stillness. I left carrying both with me, tucked somewhere just behind the ribs.