Vermont

Vermont, often celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and charming small towns, offers a unique travel experience in the heart of New England. With rolling hills, quaint villages, and scenic routes, Vermont encapsulates rustic American charm. From its iconic covered bridges to its renowned maple syrup, Vermont promises both tranquility and adventure, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Best Time to Visit

Vermont is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique experiences:

• Fall: Known worldwide for its vibrant foliage, Vermont’s autumn colors create a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities and scenic drives. Leaf peeping during this season is a major draw for visitors.
• Winter: Ski enthusiasts will love Vermont’s slopes, with top-notch resorts near Stowe offering ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding.
• Spring and Summer: Perfect for exploring Vermont’s lush landscapes, these seasons offer opportunities for hiking, outdoor festivals, and visits to maple farms.

Planning Tips:

• Fall: Expect heavy traffic and crowds during peak foliage season. Plan ahead by including popular leaf-peeping spots and scenic drives.
• Winter: Prepare for changing weather and keep an eye on road conditions, especially in mountainous areas.
• Spring/Summer: Ideal for outdoor adventures. Consider visiting during the Vermont Maple Festival in April to experience the full maple culture.

Top 10 Attractions and Activities

1. Covered Bridges Vermont is home to over 100 historic covered bridges, each with its own story. Built in the 19th century to protect the wooden structures from the elements, these bridges now serve as nostalgic reminders of the past. Notable examples include:
   • Gold Brook Covered Bridge (“Emily’s Bridge”): Located in Stowe, this bridge is said to be haunted, attracting history enthusiasts and ghost hunters.
   • Brookdale Covered Bridge: A beautifully preserved classic, ideal for photography, especially during the fall.
2. Charming New England Towns Vermont’s small towns exude New England charm, offering peaceful escapes. Noteworthy towns include:
   • Stowe: Known for its ski resorts, Stowe also offers hiking, art galleries, and year-round attractions.
   • Grafton: One of Vermont’s best-preserved villages, with historic buildings, quiet streets, and cozy inns.
   • Woodstock: A quintessential New England town, famous for its downtown, art galleries, boutique shops, and proximity to Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.
3. Maple Farms and Tasting Vermont is synonymous with maple syrup. Many farms invite visitors to learn about the syrup-making process, particularly during sugaring season in late winter and early spring.
   • Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks in Montpelier offers tours of the sugarhouse, maple groves, and tastings of various maple products.
   • Vermont Maple Festival in St. Albans (April) is perfect for experiencing Vermont’s maple culture with demonstrations, tastings, and family-friendly activities.
4. Fall Foliage Vermont’s fall foliage is world-renowned, with vibrant displays of red, orange, and gold leaves from maple, oak, and birch trees. The prime time for leaf-peeping is typically late September to mid-October.
   • Smuggler’s Notch Scenic Byway: A narrow mountain pass offering breathtaking views of the autumn landscape.
   • Mount Mansfield: Ride a gondola to Vermont’s highest peak for panoramic views of the fall colors.
5. Ben & Jerry’s Factory Located in Waterbury, this factory is a must-visit for ice cream lovers. Tours show the production process, and guests get to sample the day’s featured flavor.
   • Flavor Graveyard: A quirky feature of the factory where discontinued ice cream flavors are memorialized with humorous epitaphs.
   • Scoop Shop: Enjoy classic and experimental flavors at the on-site shop, including the iconic “Vermonster” sundae.
6. Route 100 Vermont’s most scenic highway stretches from Massachusetts to the Canadian border, showcasing the state’s rural beauty.
   • Cold Hollow Cider Mill: Stop for fresh apple cider, cider donuts, and other Vermont-made products. In fall, you can see the cider being pressed.
   • Ben & Jerry’s: Route 100 also passes the Ben & Jerry’s Factory, an ideal stop for a sweet treat.
7. Trapp Family Lodge Founded by the von Trapp family, whose story inspired “The Sound of Music,” this Austrian-style resort in Stowe offers stunning mountain views and outdoor activities.
   • Dining: The lodge serves Austrian-inspired cuisine, such as schnitzel and strudel, alongside Vermont specialties.
   • Outdoor Activities: Guests can enjoy cross-country skiing, hiking, and tours sharing the family’s history.
8. Cheddar Cheese Vermont is famous for its artisanal cheddar cheese, with local creameries offering tours and tastings.
   • Cabot Creamery: Known for its award-winning cheddar, Cabot offers a visitor center with samples of their finest cheeses.
   • Shelburne Farms: Just outside Burlington, this working farm produces high-quality cheddar and offers educational tours focused on sustainable farming.
9. Smuggler’s Notch Named for its role in smuggling during the War of 1812, Smuggler’s Notch is a dramatic mountain pass with steep cliffs and winding roads.
   • Hiking: Trails range from easy walks to challenging hikes, all offering incredible views.
   • Skiing: In winter, Smuggler’s Notch is a top destination for skiing and snowboarding, known for its family-friendly environment.
10. Natural Wonders Vermont’s natural beauty includes lakes, waterfalls, and mountains, perfect for outdoor exploration.
    • Moss Glen Falls: A peaceful waterfall near Stowe, accessible by a short hike.
    • Quechee Gorge: Often called “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” this gorge offers stunning views and hiking trails.
    • Lake Champlain: Vermont’s largest lake, ideal for boating, fishing, and picnicking. You can also take a ferry to New York for more adventures.

3-Day Vermont Itinerary

Day 1: Stowe and Surroundings

Moss Glen Falls

Begin your adventure with a short hike to Moss Glen Falls, one of Vermont’s most scenic and accessible waterfalls. The trail is surrounded by lush forest and leads to cascading waters, providing a peaceful spot for photos or quiet reflection. Suitable for all skill levels, it’s a perfect choice for families and casual hikers.

Stowe Village

After your hike, explore Stowe Village, a charming New England town filled with local shops, boutiques, and galleries. Stop by Café on Main for breakfast or a light lunch, where you can enjoy fresh baked goods and sandwiches in a cozy atmosphere. Afterward, visit Laughing Moon Chocolates to indulge in hand-crafted treats and watch a chocolate-making demonstration.

Covered Bridges

In the afternoon, visit nearby covered bridges, such as the Gold Brook Covered Bridge, also known as “Emily’s Bridge.” This historic bridge, steeped in local folklore, is a great spot for photos and offers a glimpse into Vermont’s architectural heritage.

Dinner at Trapp Family Lodge

For dinner, head to the Trapp Family Lodge, founded by the von Trapp family of “The Sound of Music” fame. The Austrian-inspired menu includes dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and apple strudel, all served with stunning mountain views—a perfect end to your first day.

Sunset Rock Trail

Cap off the evening with a short hike on the Sunset Rock Trail. This easily accessible trail offers panoramic views of Stowe Village and the surrounding mountains, especially beautiful at sunset.

Day 2: Exploring Route 100

Scenic Drive

Embark on a scenic drive along Route 100, known as the “Skier’s Highway.” This road takes you through Vermont’s rolling hills, quaint villages, and forests, especially breathtaking in the fall.

Stowe Maple Products

Stop at Stowe Maple Products, a family-run maple farm, where you can learn about maple sugaring and sample fresh syrup, candies, and other treats.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Next, visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill for fresh apple cider and cider donuts. You can watch the cider-making process and browse local Vermont goods, from cheese to handmade crafts.

Ben & Jerry’s Factory

A must-visit stop along Route 100 is the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury. Take a guided tour to see how this iconic ice cream is made and try a scoop of your favorite flavor at the Scoop Shop. Don’t miss the quirky Flavor Graveyard, where discontinued flavors are commemorated with witty epitaphs.

Accommodation: Grafton Inn

End the day at the historic Grafton Inn in the picturesque town of Grafton. This charming inn blends colonial-era architecture with modern comforts, and its restaurant serves locally sourced cuisine, perfect for a relaxing evening.

Day 3: Montpelier and Waterbury

Covered Bridges

Start your final day with a visit to the Bartonsville and Worrall Covered Bridges. These historic wooden structures offer perfect photo opportunities and a glimpse of Vermont’s rural charm.

Quechee Gorge

Next, head to Quechee Gorge, often referred to as Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon.” Enjoy stunning views from the bridge over the gorge, or hike down to the riverbank for a closer look at the natural beauty.

Maple Sugar Farms

In the afternoon, visit Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks and Bragg Farm Sugarhouse. Both offer tours showcasing the maple sugaring process, with opportunities to taste fresh syrup and other maple treats. Their gift shops are great for picking up souvenirs.

Accommodation: Capitol Plaza Hotel

Finish your day in Vermont’s capital, Montpelier, with a stay at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. Centrally located, this hotel offers easy access to local shops and restaurants, providing a comfortable place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Where to Stay

Hotels

• Green Mountain Inn (Stowe): A historic inn offering a blend of traditional New England style and modern amenities. Its central location in Stowe makes it a perfect base for exploring the town.
• Trapp Family Lodge (Stowe): A European-style lodge offering luxurious accommodations, outdoor activities, and farm-to-table dining, with stunning views of the Green Mountains.
• Grafton Inn (Grafton): One of the oldest inns in America, this historic property offers cozy accommodations and elegant dining in a peaceful setting.
• Capitol Plaza Hotel (Montpelier): Located in the heart of Montpelier, this hotel combines historic charm with modern amenities, making it an ideal option for exploring Vermont’s capital.

Camping

• Gold Brook Campground (Stowe): Offers tent and RV sites close to natural attractions, providing a rustic yet comfortable camping experience.
• Mountain View Campground (Morrisville): North of Stowe, this campground features tent sites, cabins, a swimming pool, and access to hiking trails, making it ideal for families.

Culinary Guide

Maple Delicacies

Vermont is famous for its maple syrup, and a visit to a local maple farm is a must. Farms like Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks and Bragg Farm Sugarhouse offer tastings and tours, providing an inside look at the maple sugaring process.

Cheddar Cheese

Vermont’s cheddar is world-renowned. Stop by Cabot Creamery or Shelburne Farms to sample and purchase some of the state’s finest cheeses.

Ice Cream and “Creemees”

No Vermont trip is complete without sampling Ben & Jerry’s ice cream or indulging in a maple creemee, Vermont’s version of soft-serve ice cream. Find creemees at roadside stands throughout the state.

Local Dining

From upscale dining at Harrison’s Restaurant & Bar in Stowe to casual farm-to-table fare at Doc Ponds, Vermont’s culinary scene offers something for everyone. Don’t miss local specialties like apple cider donuts and maple BBQ.

Traveling with Kids

Family-Friendly Spots

Explore Vermont’s covered bridges and maple farms, perfect for sparking children’s curiosity. Ben & Jerry’s Factory is a family favorite, offering ice cream tours and fun stops like the Flavor Graveyard.

Educational Opportunities

Vermont’s farms and museums, such as the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier, provide interactive experiences for kids to learn about agriculture and history.

Outdoor Fun

Family-friendly outdoor activities include hiking trails like Sunset Rock in Stowe or winter activities at resorts like Smuggler’s Notch.

Practical Tips

• Route Planning: Map out key attractions and scenic routes in advance.
• Packing: Bring layers for varying weather, especially for outdoor activities.
• Driving: Be mindful of Vermont’s unique roads, including narrow covered bridges and mountain passes.