Craving Green Mountain views, peaceful farms, and lakeside serenity? Head to Charlotte, Vermont! This picturesque town on the shores of Lake Champlain offers a blend of pastoral charm, nature trails, and small-town beauty. It’s the perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts, leaf peepers, and travelers seeking peace and quiet with a touch of Vermont flavor.
Charlotte, VT Highlights:
- For Nature Lovers: Hike Mt. Philo State Park – Climb to panoramic views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and fall foliage in every direction.
- For Scenic Drives: Travel along Route 7 and Greenbush Road – Enjoy rolling hills, classic barns, and open farmland framed by mountains.
- For Families: Ride the Charlotte–Essex Ferry – Take a scenic boat ride across Lake Champlain with views of New York’s Adirondacks.
- For Cyclists: Bike the Charlotte Town Trail – Pedal through quiet rural roads and enjoy peaceful country vistas.
- For Foodies: Visit local farmstands and creameries – Sample maple syrup, artisan cheese, and organic produce from small farms.
When I like to visit Charlotte, VT
The best time to visit Charlotte is in the fall (September–October) for brilliant foliage or late spring and summer (May–August) for hiking, kayaking, and farm visits. Winter brings snow and solitude, perfect for peaceful retreats or nearby skiing.
Tips for getting to Charlotte, VT
- By Car: Located just off U.S. Route 7, about 30 minutes south of Burlington and 45 minutes north of Middlebury.
- By Air: Fly into Burlington International Airport (BTV), then drive or take a car service to Charlotte.
- By Ferry: Take the Charlotte–Essex Ferry across Lake Champlain to/from Essex, NY (seasonal, weather permitting).
Where I like to stay in Charlotte, VT
- Recommended for Couples: Inn at Charlotte B&B – Cozy country inn with personalized hospitality and mountain views.
- For Secluded Retreats: Mount Philo Inn – Historic lodging with rustic charm overlooking the lake and surrounding countryside.
- For Nearby Options: Basin Harbor Resort (in Vergennes) – Waterfront resort on Lake Champlain with cottages, dining, and family activities.
Best Things to Do in Charlotte, VT
1. Hike Above the Clouds at Mount Philo State Park
Mount Philo State Park is the 237-acre state park located in Charlotte, Vermont, established in 1924 to protect the area around the 968-foot high Mount Philo. The park offers fantastic views of Lake Champlain, the lush Adirondack Mountains.to the west and the Green Mountains to the south and east. The park can be accessed by a hiking trail or, when weather permits, steep narrow road. A network of hiking trails leads to the summit of Mount Philo where hikers can enjoy a mountaintop picnic area with breathtaking views of the valley, Lake Champlain, the Adirondack Mountains and Green Mountains. A small camping area offers about 10 sites. Between September and November Mt. Philo is great place to watch migrating raptors, especially falcons, such as kestrel and merlin, but also Cooper’s hawk and red-tailed hawk.
5425 Mt Philo Rd, Charlotte, VT 05445
2. Savor Farm-to-Table Simplicity at Philo Ridge Farm
Philo Ridge Farm is a 400-acre farm consisting of pasture and woodlands, located in Charlotte, Vermont. The farm was established in 1840 as a dairy farm. Today, the farm diversified its production and integrates livestock, gardens, orchards and popular community events. The Philo Ridge Farm market offers farm produce to the public, but also the produce of neighboring farmers. The farm’s growing practices are influenced by their dedication to the ecological sustainability of the farmland. Philo Ridge Farm produces grass-fed and pasture-raised livestock, as well as the certified organic vegetable, flowers, herb and fruit grown in the Market Garden, such as arugula, zucchini, gooseberries, currents and more. The farm works with Charlotte's elementary school, offering events, classes, and field trips.
2766 Mt Philo Rd, Charlotte, VT 05445, Phone: 802-539-2977
3. If You’re After Sweet Moments and Scenic Rows, Pick Your Own at Adam’s Berry Farm
Adam’s Berry Farm is a certified organic berry farm in Charlotte, Vermont, growing blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, offering pick your own berries in the summer and maple syrup made from the 100-old maples grown on the farm. Berry picking starts in July and it attracts families with kids all the way from Chicago. It is a wonderful way to spend a day outside, pick some fruits to take home, eat some to enjoy the taste, relax in the shade of the old maples and maybe go to the beach - there are several less than ten miles drive from the farm. You can also buy on the farm stand their frozen strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, low-sugar berry jams, vinegar, chutney, quince Membrillo, berry popsicles, farm-made sorbet, homemade ice cream, honey, eggs and pumpkins. Farm’s products are also available every Saturday during the growing season at the Burlington Farmers Market.
985 Bingham Brook Rd, Charlotte, VT 05445, Phone: 802-578-9093
Where I Like to Eat in Charlotte, VT
- Recommended for Families: Old Brick Store – A local landmark for sandwiches, Vermont goods, and homemade baked treats.
- For Farm-to-Table: The Inn at Shelburne Farms (seasonal) – Elegant dining featuring ingredients grown on the estate itself.
- For Local Flavor: Philo Ridge Farm Market – Café and farm store offering seasonal fare, pasture-raised meats, and artisan foods.
My favorite local events:
- For Fall Lovers: Vermont Fall Foliage Season (Late Sept–Mid Oct) – Drive scenic backroads or hike Mt. Philo for peak colors.
- For Art & Community: Charlotte Craft Shows and Farmers Market – Shop for local handmade goods, seasonal produce, and baked treats (typically in summer and early fall).
- For Winter Festivities: Nearby Shelburne Holiday Events – Enjoy lights, markets, and carriage rides at neighboring towns.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–60 Minutes of Charlotte, VT:
- For Culture: Burlington (30 min) – Explore Church Street Marketplace, ECHO Center, and Lake Champlain waterfront.
- For History & Art: Middlebury (45 min) – Visit museums, stroll campus grounds, and dine downtown.
- For Vineyard Views: Shelburne Vineyard (15 min) – Sample Vermont wines with views of the Champlain Valley.
- For Adventure: Snake Mountain Trail (40 min) – Hike to a stunning overlook with views of the lake and surrounding farmland.
- For Scenic Drives: Route 100 and the Green Mountains (60 min) – Cruise through classic Vermont towns, covered bridges, and maple stands.
Plan Your Trip