21 Best Places to Visit in Vermont in 2024 (Our Favorites)

The 21 Best Places to Visit in Vermont in 2024

Whether you’re visiting for the trees, skis, or cheese, Vermont is packed with amazing places to visit and things to do. Home of the rugged Green Mountains, fertile valleys, dense forests, and stunning natural lakes, this is an incredibly scenic state to visit. 

If you want to see the best this northeastern state has to offer, you’ll find it when you head to the best places to visit in Vermont. We can’t think of a better place to enjoy outdoor recreation, farmer’s markets and mountain villages, historic sightseeing, and hearty meals.

There are some notable stop-worthy spots in Vermont that are perfect for an extended weekend away or a longer getaway. Let’s take a look at the 21 best places to visit in Vermont! 

1. Burlington

A college town with a sprinkle of quirky cosmopolitan living, Burlington is known as the Queen City and the most populous city in the state. Even so, it’s got a great small-town feel that makes visitors feel welcome and excited to explore the city. 

Burlington doesn’t have a ton in the way of nightlife, but it’s a foodie town with an endless array of options. You’ll find Thai, Italian, Greek, Mexican, and good old American eats all around the city with a heavy concentration around the downtown district.

Downtown is where you’ll find the famous Church Street Marketplace, home to tons of eateries, cafes, local shops, events, and street entertainment that make it a lively place to explore. This is the spot to be if you’re looking to grab a beer, try a new restaurant, or check out a weekend event.

Saturday farmer’s markets offer a chance for a laid-back stroll and chance to pick up local produce, flowers, and maple syrup. Grab dinner at the locally-renowned Hen of the Wood, then get drinks at Spot on the Dock where you can watch the sunset over Lake Champlain.

For a taste of Vermont’s natural beauty, rent bikes to head out on some of the bike paths around the city, stroll Waterfront Park with awesome views, or head over to Mt. Philo for some rugged trails that’ll leave you breathless. 

2. Montpelier

Montpelier is Vermont’s laid-back, riverside capital. Sitting on the Winooski River and surrounded by forested, rolling hills, it’s a beautiful place to visit in the state and offers a range of quaint local restaurants, pubs, and a thriving arts scene. 

Downtown, you can’t miss the golden dome of the Vermont State House rising among the trees. The vast, forested Hubbard Park (7+ miles of trails for hiking and skiing) is just above the State House with its observation tower.

Nearby, the Vermont Historical Society Museum sits near the river and houses a collection of items, using multimedia to tell the story of the state’s history. 

Just a few blocks away, the business district offers bookstores and bakeries to vintage record and clothing stores. Stop for a beer and a bite at spots like Three Penny Taproom, a legendary local spot for craft beer and pub food, and the sloppy-delicious Buddy’s Famous Burgers. 

Art is alive and well in Montpelier, making it one of our favorite places to spend a chill weekend exploring art galleries and shops, theaters, and music venues to get a taste of the local culture. Catch a play at The Lost Nation Theater or visit galleries downtown. 

Step off the pavement and into the natural world just 2 miles from downtown at the North Branch Nature Center. There are miles of trails to wander or bike along the river bank, offering a serene place of rest and wonder right here in Montpelier. 

3. Bennington

Bennington is lesser-known, but such a gem in the state of Vermont. If you’re into history and scenic views, you’ll want to visit this town in Vermont’s southern corner! Wooden covered bridges, which the state is famous for, are one of the main draws to Bennington. 

Start with a visit to the Bennington Museum to get your bearings, where you’ll learn about the covered bridges across Bennington County, the historic trades in the area, browse folk art galleries, and discover the town’s history.

Grab a bite to eat at The Sunny Side Diner (raspberry pancakes with real maple syrup!), stop by Henry’s Market nearby to pick up sandwiches (The Vermonter is yummy) for a picnic later on and hit the road to see three wooden covered bridges in the area.

The Silk Covered Bridge crosses the Walloomsac River between North Bennington and the downtown district. The Paper Mill Village Bridge is a hop, skip, and a jump away at Murphy Road. Finish up your mini-tour at the Burt Henry Covered Bridge (Henry Bridge) at River Road, where picnic tables are set up for a nice lunch along the banks of the river. 

Head to the historic district and stroll down Monument Avenue to see old homes, a cemetery with Robert Frost’s grave, and the 306′ Bennington Battle Monument from the Revolutionary War. Ride the elevator to the observation deck to see 3 states in the distance! 

4. Ludlow

Ludlow is a resort town that offers impeccable views of the mountainous Vermont wilderness. It’s beautiful here year-round, but absolutely gorgeous in fall when the foliage transforms into a colorful painting. 

Nestled in Okemo Valley, this out-of-the-way town puts you close to skiing and hiking trails in the surrounding mountains and offers family-owned inns and B&Bs for an authentic local flavor when you stay. 

You’ll find plenty of spots to eat and drink along Main Street in the heart of town. The Hatchery is the perfect breakfast or lunch spot (they also serve beer and cocktails — hey, it’s a vacation!), while nearby DJs is a little more upscale option for dinner. 

This is a town to stroll leisurely, popping into local boutiques and shops, checking out the weekend farmer’s market, and enjoying Dorsey Park on a sunny day. Head to Okemo Mountain for hiking and skiing, or take a day trip over to Burlington or Montpelier (about 2 hours) to broaden your horizons. 

5. Brattleboro

Brattleboro is a surprisingly interesting town in the Connecticut River Valley, near Vermont’s border with New Hampshire. Scenic, lively, and packed with great dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation options, this is a Vermont weekend paradise. 

Downtown Brattleboro is particularly vibrant with fresh flavors, unique shops, and history around every corner. You don’t need a plan — just park or lock up your bike and get to exploring. Start with the Creamery Covered Bridge right here in the historic district.

Restaurants like Echo & Lounge offer an upscale atmosphere with great food, while the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center clues you into the local culture. Take a bookmaking class at First Proof Press or attend a workshop or class at the New England Center for Circus Arts! 

The Vermont Country Store is a must-visit market where you can buy Vermont pastries, cheese, syrups, and gifts (plus create your own sandwiches). Visit Grafton Village Cheese for the best Vermont cheese you’ve ever tasted. Some say the Grafton aged cheddar makes other extra-sharp cheese taste like Velveeta by comparison. 

Mocha Joe’s Cafe is the local hotspot for fresh-roasted coffee on Main Street downtown. Check out Whetstone Beer Co. nearby for craft brews, pub grub, and live music overlooking the Connecticut River. You’ll find lots of pubs, taverns, and breweries around the river! 

6. Quechee State Park

One of our favorite outdoor destinations in Vermont is Quechee State Park, a 600+ acre patch of land in the Quechee Gorge. Catch dramatic landscape views with waterfalls and the Ottauquechee River from an easy-but-rugged trail down into the gorge. 

The out-and-back Quechee Gorge Trail is the highlight of the park for most. The gorge itself was formed thousands of years ago by glacial activity and today, the Ottaquechee River flows almost 170 feet down from the Route 4 viewpoints. 

You’ll start from the parking lot at Dewey’s Mills Pond and walk riverside to the Ottaquechee Dam and Waterfalls. From here, you can make the choice between a more strenuous hike beyond the dam toward the bridge or head back out the way you came to keep it light. 

Beyond hiking, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in the park. Rest beside the pond with the sounds of birds singing, fish in the river (trout are plentiful in the cold waters), ski in the winter months, have a picnic on the grass or provided tables, and play volleyball or horseshoes. 

Historic mills in the park were used to make blankets for the U.S. military and uniforms for the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. You can see ruins of the mill and dam at the head of the gorge today. 

7. Woodstock

The small village of Woodstock might seem like it’s big on beautiful Vermont views and short on things to do, but it’ll surprise you with its fair share of both. From the historic square and hiking trails to charming shops and trendy eateries, this is one of the best places to visit in Vermont. 

The Green, or the town square, is dotted with memorable buildings like the pink public library. Have breakfast and espresso at the hip Mon Vert Cafe on Central Street, then tour a working dairy farm at Billings Farm & Museum or check out Farmhouse Pottery to revamp your home with functional art.

Afterward, you can see a show at the Woodstock Town Hall Theater and head to the Vic Tavern or Public House for live music and grub.

Hiking options are abundant in this area. Check out the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park to reach Mt. Tom’s summit with a massive pond, a 19th-century mansion, and great views over the village. 

The Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences is located a short drive away in Quechee with amazing animal and natural history exhibits (raptors, reptiles, dinosaurs, etc.) and hiking trails to explore. You can stop by Quechee State Park and the gorge hiking trail, too! 

8. Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain’s shores meet up with bustling Burlington for an awesome contrast. It’s an outdoor recreation destination where locals and visitors alike come to enjoy the beauty of this large, scenic body of water. 

Lake Champlain is vast — 120+ miles long and 13 miles wide. People come here to swim, water ski, boat, fish, and even ice skate in the winter months! You’ll find several swimming beaches on the Burlington side to wade in on a warm day.

Take the historic Fort Ticonderoga Ferry from Shoreham, VT over to Ticonderoga, NY — it’s been in operation for 250 years and counting! Take a boat ride out to one of the 71 islands in the lake if you’re up for a little adventure to more secluded shores. 

Wildlife, from snow geese to northern pike, can be found in and around the lake. It’s an angler’s paradise with 93 fish species thriving in the lake, including Atlantic salmon, lake trout, and bass. Record catches have been pulled from these waters! 

Burlington’s lakefront restaurants are one way to enjoy Lake Champlain if you don’t have time to spend a day sailing or swimming. You’ll find tons of eateries on this side of the lake, from upscale restaurants to laid-back bars and dives. 

9. Stowe

Northern Vermont’s Stowe is located near Mount Mansfield, the tallest mountain in the state, and draws adrenaline-seeking skiers and winter sports enthusiasts once the first heavy snow blankets the mountain each year. 

Stowe has incredible views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and rivers running far below. Looking down over the town from Mount Mansfield, you’ll see the white church steeple acting like a beacon that tells you there’s a charming little town located below. 

You’ll find a range of shops, cafes, and eateries to try in Stowe, from Vermont-founded Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream to The Bench with wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and drafts. The downtown district is pretty vibrant with a 5-mile recreation path and Mountain Road Village to explore. 

It’s the mountain peaks at Stowe Resort that pique the interest of those coming to ski down the slopes, ride snowmobiles, snow tube, and ride fat tire bikes once the place transforms into a winter wonderland. 

Hiking trails around the mountain and valleys are the main recreation activity outside of the winter months. Find great trails lined with boulders and cool rock formations at Smuggler’s Notch State Park. Chase waterfalls with Bingham Falls and Moss Glen Falls nearby! 

10. Maple Syrup Tours

You can’t visit Vermont without getting a taste of its sweet, pure maple syrup. While Maine and other states are known for their maple syrup production, aficionados will tell you that none surpass the sweetness and taste of Vermont’s.

The state’s maple trees thrive in the cold winter and warm spring/summer climate of Vermont. The temperature changes get the maple sap flowing and provide perfect conditions for tapping the trees to harvest it, later boiling it down to the tasty syrup we know and love. 

What better way to explore the state than by taking a maple syrup tour? You can visit farms where the maple trees have grown strong and sappy for hundreds of years and taste the different varieties: Golden (mild and subtle), Amber, Dark, and Very Dark (the strongest maple flavor).

You’ll find family-owned and operated farms throughout the state (especially in the south) like Morse Farms (Montpelier, VT), Baird Farms (Chittenden, VT), and Sugarbush Farm (near Woodstock, VT). 

See how this liquid, sticky gold is made, bottled, and taste it on pancakes, savory dishes, and more on your tour. It’s the perfect way to see Vermont if you’ve got a sweet tooth! 

11. Ben and Jerry’s Factory Tour

Now that we’re talking about getting your sweet tooth fix in Vermont, Ben & Jerry’s has entered the chat. The nationally-loved ice cream brand got its start right here in Vermont, and you can take a tour of the ice cream factory where the magic happens! 

Known for their wild and wondrous flavors (in addition to the good ol’ classics), Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is a cultural staple. When you visit the factory in Waterbury, VT, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the production, flavor creation, and distribution process. 

The tour takes just a half hour, so you can squeeze it into any Vermont trip, even if you’re only here for a weekend. The onsite scoop shop is a treasure trove of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavors, so come hungry! 

After the tour, head outside to walk the grounds, explore the Flavor Graveyard, and snap some photos to remember your visit. It’s easy to get to the factory from Interstate 89, so don’t hesitate to add this stop into your Vermont itinerary. 

12. Shelburne Museum

Just south of Burlington sits a natural oasis filled with apple orchards, farms, vineyards, and a lively downtown area, and cool stops like the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory. But the Shelburne Museum should be the #1 attraction on your list when taking a day trip from Burlington! 

The Shelburne Museum sits on a serene 45-acre wooded plot on the shores of Lake Champlain. The museum houses an impressive collection of local artwork and antiques that seamlessly tell the story of Vermont and Shelburne’s history through tangible objects. 

You’ll be able to browse 150,000+ artifacts and works of art in the museum, spanning different style eras and showing how the area has transformed over the last 400 years.

Horse-drawn carriages, antique firearms, paintings, folk art, and toys are on display when you visit the museum, and rotating exhibits arrive to freshen up the displays if you’re coming for a second or third visit. With such an expansive property and spots to 

The museum holds over 150,000 items, covering more than four centuries of design. Exhibits include everything from toys and dolls to paintings, folk art, firearms, horse-drawn vehicles, and more.

A carousel, steamboat, general store, and 20+ gardens on the property mean you can linger here all day. Eat lunch at the onsite Weathervane Cafe (grab + go and freshly prepared items) to complete the day! 

13. Hildene

History buffs can’t miss the chance to see and tour Hildene, the home of Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert. This Georgian Revival-style dwelling is lavish, surrounded by gardens and a bucolic farm that make it postcard-worthy. 

When you arrive, you’ll be impressed at the sheer size and style of the home. Enter the Welcome Center to learn about the property and get your tour started. The entire estate spans 400+ acres and includes 14 buildings. 

Guided tours take around 45 minutes and begin outside the home, wind through the central hall, take you into the rooms of Robert Lincoln’s home, and weave intriguing stories of Robert’s life as the only child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. 

You’ll find several walking trails that begin at the Welcome Center and continue throughout the property’s gardens and farm if you’re interested in making a day of it. Tours aren’t offered during peak foliage season (Sept. 15 to Oct. 31). 

14. Killington Ski Resort

The vast Killington Ski Resort sits high on Killington Peak — nicknamed the Beast of the East for its size and steep vertical drop. For serious skiers and winter sports enthusiasts, there’s no better place to come carve the slopes once the snow has fallen. 

Killington Mountain Resort & Ski Area is the eastern United States’ largest ski area. You’ll be able to ski over 600 acres and take advantage of the region’s annual 250 inches of powdery snowfall on average! 

Killington Peak is 4,241 feet high and its base elevation is 1,165 feet. Ski runs span over six mountains here with 22 lifts. The Pico Mountain resort is just 5 minutes away via shuttle ride if you want to seek out more slopes. 

You’ll find bunny slopes for beginners, steep runs and trails through glades for those with more prowess and skill, and awesomely diverse terrain to ski wherever your heart desires.

Not a skier? Hop on a snowmobile, snow tube, sleigh ride, or gondola ride to enjoy the wintry landscape. There’s a golf course on the mountain if you’re up for a round during the warmer months! 

15. Rock of Ages Quarry

Graniteville’s Rock of Ages E.L. Smith Quarry should be on your Vermont itinerary. It’s just one of several quarries in the area, but it stands out because it’s the biggest deep hole quarry in the world. Not just in Vermont, not just in the United States — the biggest in the world. 

The sheer magnitude and depth of this quarry is amazing. When you come up to Smith Quarry, the highlight of the area, you’ll notice the brilliant blue color of the water contrasting with the light-colored granite.

It almost looks like dyed water, but it’s not. This rich aqua color comes from the minerals of the rocks mixing with groundwater and sunlight reaching into the depths. If it looks familiar, you might remember seeing the quarry in Batman & Robin (1997) or Star Trek (2009). 

You can’t swim in this quarry, as it’s still active with an onsite factory. But it’s worth stopping by for a tour, and you can admire the setting with the surrounding mountains. Nearby Barre’s Vermont Granite Museum is a great stop before or after your visit! 

16. Vermont Teddy Bear Factory

We’ve shared how impressive the Shelburne Museum is, but in the same town (just 20 minutes outside of Burlington), you’ll find the famous Vermont Teddy Bear Factory an interesting place to visit. 

Families with kids and lovers of all things snuggly will appreciate a tour of this long-standing factory. From the colorful exterior that hints at the childlike wonder you’ll find inside to the educational 30-minute tour you’ll take of the factory, this place is unexpectedly fun. 

Vermont Teddy Bears got their start in the 1980s, when the founder started selling the plush companions from a street cart in Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace.

Today, the operations are much more complex with 400 bears created each day, and tours of the factory show you how it’s all done. 

From design to stuffing and a visit to the Bear Hospital for loved-on bears that end up a little worse for the wear, this is a fantastic and quirky stop to add to your Vermont trip. The Bear Shop onsite features locally-made products and foods to try along with stuffed bears you can take home. 

17. Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium

Science and fun go together at the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. This historic establishment houses the only public planetarium in the state, an interesting natural history museum and science museum, and a weather center. 

When you come for a visit, the Fairbanks Museum should be at the top of your list. What started as a curiosity collection during the Victorian era is now a massive range of exhibits with everything from mummies and dolls to taxidermy and tools. 

Lyman Spitzer Jr. Planetarium is another highlight. This domed room allows you to enter outer space and see constellations, planets, and stars like you’ve never seen them before with cool effects and educational guides to explain the wonders of the cosmos. 

Activities for kids, like building dinosaurs, a Naturalist’s Corner, and areas to build simple circuit boards, make it really amazing for the younger members of your family. 

18. Vermont Antique Mall

Vermont is known for excellent antiquing and at the Vermont Antique Mall, you’ll be able to browse and peruse items from centuries past arranged in cool collections around the 17,000 square foot barn that sits in the scenic Quechee Gorge Village. 

This larger-than-life antique stop is absolutely packed to the brim with odds and ends you didn’t know you needed (or have to Google to learn their uses). Always ranking as one of the best antique stores in New England, if you’re into antiques and vintage items, you can’t skip this stop. 

Collectibles, glassware, furniture, toys, tools, jewelry, books, decor, and cookware are just some examples of what treasures you may find inside the mall.

Arranged in hundreds of booths from different sellers (you might even find local jams, syrups, and baked goods), you’ll be able to lose yourself in the maze of historic finds in the Vermont Antique Mall. 

While there’s no dining inside the mall, you’ll find plenty of spots to grub or grab a drink nearby, like the Vermont Snack Shack next door or the Foley Brothers Beer Garden just steps away. 

The mall is open daily from 10AM to 5PM, but arrive early if you want to browse the booths without big crowds! Parking is always free. 

19. Pump House Indoor Waterpark

Craving a cool-off on a hot summer day during your trip to Vermont? Head to the Pump House Indoor Waterpark at Jay Peak Resort to enjoy slides, pools, a double-barrel Flowrider, lazy river, climbing walls, and a colorful kid’s play area.

The Flowrider is one of the hottest attractions here. It’s a mix of surfing and wakeboarding as you climb on a board and ride generated waves on a soft platform that’s much easier to learn than surfing.

If you’re not up for that, you can swim in the deepwater pool where there’s a climbing wall and basketball, ride La Chute, a 65′ slide with huge turns that gets you going up to 45mph, or take to the smaller slides for a less-exhilarating experience. 

As Vermont’s only indoor waterpark, this is the place you can count on for summertime fun even if the weather outside isn’t cooperating. There’s an outdoor pool open during the warm season if you prefer catching rays while you enjoy a swim! 

20. Wilson Castle

The historic 19th-century Wilson Castle is Vermont’s only true castle, sitting on an expansive estate that covers 115 acres of beautiful wilderness in the mountains. If you’re looking for amazing architecture on your trip to Vermont, this is the place to go! 

Nestled in the Green Mountains, Wilson Castle offers stunning panoramic views of the peaks and valleys surrounding it, vast landscaped grounds and gardens, and amazing details like a marble and brick facade, a balcony, and copper turret.

The castle appears out of nowhere when you turn in, adding to the element of wonder you’ll experience when you visit this hidden gem that almost looks European in Vermont. 

Those surprises are around every corner, from intricate stained-glass windows and museum-quality antiques from around the world, to Oriental rugs, 13 fireplaces, and elegant decor that firmly marks the castle’s place in time. 

Check out the stables, glass house, carriage house, and barns outside. Haunted tours and paranormal overnight stays offer spooky options if you’re looking for ghosts or evidence of otherworldly activity on the grounds. 

21. Texas Falls

Vermont has its fair share of beautiful waterfalls, and you can count Texas Falls among the best. Follow a mile-long trail into the woods outside of Hancock, and you’ll be greeted by these bubbling falls cascading in tiers along the forest floor. 

Texas Falls is a stepped waterfall that’s popular to visit because it’s so easy to reach (even wheelchair accessible with a flat bridge overlooking the falls). While you can’t swim directly under the falls, there are excellent swimming holes just downriver if you’re ready to cool off! 

The narrow falls are about 35′ high in total, so not quite Texas-sized, but beautiful to see. Another 1.3-mile trail, Hancock Trail, features river crossings and great views. Drive a little further up the road to reach a picnic area with plenty of shade, draped in the wilderness. 

This is the perfect stop to make if you’re also checking out some of the other best places to visit in Vermont, like Woodstock, Lake Champlain, or Montpelier (all an hour or less away). 

Things to Consider

Thinking about hitting a few of the best places to visit in Vermont on your upcoming trip? You’ll maximize your enjoyment when you keep these travel tips in mind. 

• Take the Amtrak for the scenery. The Amtrak Vermonter train connects much of the state by rail, and the rides through the mountains are notoriously scenic (especially during the fall foliage season). Montpelier, Brattleboro, and Waterbury are just a few examples of the places you can visit on the Vermonter. 
• Plan the perfect time of year to go. Vermont is amazingly beautiful during the cool fall months, when the mountains and hills erupt in glorious warm color and transform the landscape. But winter visits are when you’ll be able to ski, and spring/summer can be ideal for hiking and visiting Lake Champlain. Consider your goals for the trip to come up with the right time to go. 
• Move around while you’re there. Vermont is small enough to warrant a bit of a nomad vacation, moving around from town to town throughout your time in the state. Even if you’re only staying for a weekend, you’ll find charming villages and towns within an hour or two from your destination that will be worth exploring. 
• Give cheese a chance. Even if you’re not a cheese connoisseur, you’ll find so many dairy farms and unique, artisan cheeses in Vermont that it’d be criminal to not sample your fair share. Dairy farm tours always turn up some good varieties, but visiting local markets and shops (opt for medium varieties if you’re not an extra-sharp fan) is a great way to taste Vermont’s cheese.
• Take home some tasty souvenirs. Smoked cheddar, pure dark maple syrup, local jellies and jams, apple cider, and apple cider donuts are all Vermont favorites that you can bring home as a souvenir. Gift them to family and friends or save it all for yourself! 

Frequently Asked Questions

You shouldn’t just be looking at the best places to visit in Vermont, but also where to stay, what the state is known for, and ideas for spending a blissful day here. Take a look at the most frequently asked questions below to learn more! 

So, What’s the Best Place to Visit in Vermont?

The best places to visit in Vermont range from the obvious — Burlington, the biggest city, and Montpelier, the capital — to unexpectedly charming towns off the beaten path where you’ll find the best local flavors and natural beauty. 

Whether you’re looking to do some serious antiquing, discover the hottest new restaurants and lakefront bars in Burlington, or explore the wilderness in a mountain town that transforms into a skiers paradise come winter, Vermont is the answer. 

Use the best places around the state to start building your perfect itinerary, and don’t be afraid to tack new spots onto your list! Once you see how scenic and welcoming Vermont is, you’ll want to extend your trip and see as much of the Green Mountain state as possible.