Vermont Travel Guide

Discover Vermont's natural beauty, historic charms, outdoor adventures, and local culture. Plan your trip to Vermont with our comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Vermont

Vermont is a charming state located in the northeastern United States. Known for its natural beauty, historic charm, outdoor adventures, and farmstead culture, Vermont is a popular destination for travelers year-round. This guide will help you plan your trip to Vermont with curated travel tips, itineraries, and recommendations.

List of Places to Visit in Vermont

Vermont offers plenty of places to explore. Here are some of our top picks:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Billings Farm and Museum: A working dairy farm, farmhouse museum, and award-winning educational center that tells Vermont’s agricultural history.
  • The Shelburne Museum: A unique collection of art and Americana in a sprawling campus of 39 exhibit buildings, gardens, and classical architecture.
  • The Vermont Historical Society Museum: Discover Vermont’s rich history and culture through rotating exhibits and permanent collections.

Natural Attractions of Vermont: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Champlain: A scenic lake spanning across Vermont and New York, offering a variety of activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and paddling.
  • Green Mountain National Forest: A beautiful mountain range that offers some of the best hiking, biking, skiing, and camping opportunities in the state.
  • Mount Mansfield: The highest peak in Vermont, it offers breathtaking views, year-round outdoor recreation activities, and the historic Stowe Mountain Resort.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Vermont

Vermont is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of trails and routes for hiking and biking. Here are some of the best routes in Vermont:

  • The Long Trail: A 273-mile trail that runs the length of Vermont. It’s the oldest long-distance hiking trail in America and passes through the Green Mountain National Forest.
  • Kingdom Trails: Over 100 miles of maintained trails for mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and hiking, carving through unspoiled eastern Vermont wilderness.
  • Camel’s Hump: A challenging 6.8-mile trail with spectacular views of Vermont’s Green Mountains.

Best Things to Do in Vermont: Activities and Tours

Vermont offers a wide range of activities and tours to enjoy, including:

  • Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour: A guided factory tour to learn how they make Vermont’s famous ice cream.
  • Vermont Maple Sugar Tour: Experience Vermont’s famous maple syrup production with a tour of local sugarhouses.
  • Dog sledding tours: Tour the beautiful Vermont countryside, pulled by friendly sled dogs and experienced mushers.

Week-Long Itinerary for Vermont

If you’re planning to spend a week in Vermont, here’s our recommended itinerary:

Day 1-2: Burlington and Lake Champlain Day 3-4: Stowe and Green Mountain National Forest Day 5: Bennington and Southern Vermont Day 6: Montpelier and Central Vermont Day 7: Woodstock and Quechee Gorge

Food and Drink Scene of Vermont

Vermont’s food and drink scene is a reflection of its rural, agricultural heritage. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Vermont Cheddar: Vermont is known for its award-winning cheddar cheeses. Visit local cheesemakers and sample their products, or try local artisanal cheeses at restaurants.
  • Apple Cider Donuts: A Vermont specialty, these delicious donuts are made from local apple cider and are a must-try for any donut lover.
  • Maple Glazed Pork: A perfect combination of sweet and savory, this dish features local pork cooked with a maple glaze, served with seasonal vegetables and rice.

Local Beverages:

  • Vermont Beer: Vermont’s craft beer scene is booming, with over 60 breweries scattered throughout the state. Try The Alchemist Brewery or Hill Farmstead Brewery for some of the best beer in Vermont.
  • Vermont Cider: Local cideries produce exceptional hard ciders, using locally grown apples. Try a flight of ciders from Citizen Cider in Burlington or Eden Cider in Newport.

Where to Stay in Vermont: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of lodging options in Vermont, from cozy B&Bs to luxurious hotels. Here are some of our top picks:

  • The Woodstock Inn & Resort: Located in the heart of Woodstock, this historic inn offers charming rooms, a spa, and excellent dining experiences.
  • Hotel Vermont: A modern boutique hotel located in Burlington, close to the shores of Lake Champlain and offering locally sourced dining options.
  • Hostelling International Burlington: A budget-friendly option in the city center, offering clean and comfortable dorm-style rooms.

What to Buy in Vermont: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Vermont is famous for its artisanal products, including maple syrup, cheese, and crafts. Here are some of the best souvenirs to bring home:

  • Maple Syrup: Locally produced maple syrup is a must-try for any visitor to Vermont, and makes the perfect gift.
  • Handcrafted Pottery: Vermont is known for its handcrafted pottery. Visit studios like Farmhouse Pottery in Woodstock to find unique pieces.
  • Honey: Vermont honey is some of the best in the country, with delicate flavors that reflect the local wildflowers. Try a jar from Champlain Valley Apiaries.

Local Culture and Customs of Vermont

Vermont has a rich cultural heritage, steeped in rural traditions. Locals are friendly and hospitable, and often proud of their state’s natural beauty and historic charm.

Best Time to Visit Vermont

Vermont has four distinct seasons, each offering a unique experience. Summer is a popular season for outdoor activities, while fall is known for its stunning foliage displays. Winter offers excellent skiing and other winter activities, while spring is a quieter season with fewer tourists.

Do’s and Don’ts of Vermont

Do:

  • Respect the natural beauty of Vermont: Keep Vermont neat and clean by keeping trash and trash cans tidy.
  • Try the local food and drink: Vermont offers a unique culinary scene, and tasting local food and drink is a must-do.
  • Follow the Vermont way of life: Locals are proud of their state’s heritage and customs. Be respectful of these traditions and try to experience them yourself.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Take care to keep Vermont clean, do not litter or leave any trash behind.
  • Disrespect locals: Vermonters are friendly, and visitors should treat them with respect and kindness.
  • Speed: Vermont has many scenic roads and routes, take your time to enjoy the views and respect local speed limits.

Safety and Health

Safety in Vermont

Vermont is a safe state, but like any other place, it is important to exercise caution when traveling. Follow standard safety precautions, such as locking doors and valuables in cars, and staying aware of surroundings.

Health in Vermont

Vermont is a healthy state, with access to quality healthcare. It’s always important to travel with health insurance and check in with your doctor before any trip, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns.

Getting to Vermont: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Vermont

Vermont is served by two major airports:

  • Burlington International Airport (BTV): The largest airport in Vermont, located in the city of Burlington. It offers flights from several major airlines.
  • Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT): Located in southern Vermont, it offers local flights and shuttle flights to Boston.

Bus Stations Near Vermont

There are several bus companies that connect Vermont to other major cities, including:

  • Greyhound Bus: There are several locations in Vermont.
  • Vermont Translines: Provides several bus services in Vermont.

Other Options

Vermont offers many scenic routes for road tripping. Alternatively, Amtrak offers several routes to Vermont.

How to Get Around in Vermont

Car rentals are available at both Burlington and Rutland airports. If you prefer not to drive, taxis, shuttles, and ride-sharing services are also available in Vermont.

Where to Go Next from Vermont: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Vermont is close to several other popular destinations, including:

  • Boston, Massachusetts: A vibrant city that’s only a few hours away from Vermont by car or bus.
  • Montreal, Canada: A cosmopolitan city that’s only a few hours away from Vermont by car.
  • New York City: Just a few hours away by car or train, the city that never sleeps has something for everyone.

Conclusion

Vermont is a beautiful state that offers a unique blend of natural attractions, historic charm, and rural heritage. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, discovering new culinary experiences, or want to relax in a picturesque landscape, Vermont is a destination that should not be missed. Plan your trip with our comprehensive guide and experience Vermont’s charm for yourself.

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    Central Vermont
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    Southern Vermont