Discover the charm of Vermont with endless adventures, scenic landscapes, and unforgettable experiences across all four seasons. Vermont is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural charm. This New England gem offers endless possibilities for adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another taste of Vermont’s magic, this guide covers all the best things to do in Vermont throughout the year. Vermont is a beautiful state in New England known for mountains, forests, and small charming towns. It offers outdoor adventures, local food, and peaceful scenery all year round.
From colorful fall leaves to snowy winter slopes, Vermont attracts travelers in every season. Whether you love nature, food, or quiet escapes, this state has something special waiting for you. This guide covers the best things to do in Vermont, including outdoor activities, seasonal highlights, charming towns, and family-friendly attractions to help you plan the perfect trip.
Outdoor Adventures That Define Vermont
Vermont is 70% forested, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The Green Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for countless outdoor activities.
Hiking enthusiasts will find trails ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain summits. Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, offers breathtaking views that make every step worthwhile. The Burlington Bike Path along Lake Champlain spans 8 miles of scenic waterfront beauty. For waterfall seekers, Moss Glen Falls near Stowe provides a stunning natural spectacle with a short, accessible trail.
The state’s extensive trail network welcomes hikers year-round. Summer brings lush greenery and wildflowers. Fall transforms the landscape into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and golds. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on groomed trails throughout state parks.
Winter Wonderland Activities
Things to do in Vermont in winter transform the state into a snowy paradise. Skiing and snowboarding dominate the season at world-class resorts.
Stowe Mountain Resort and Killington are among the premier ski destinations in the Northeast. These mountains offer trails for all skill levels, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert runs. Sugarbrush, Jay Peak, and Okemo provide additional options with fewer crowds. Many resorts feature night skiing, terrain parks, and ski schools for newcomers.
Beyond skiing, winter offers unique things to do in Vermont experiences. Lake Morey Resort hosts the longest ice skating trail in the United States, stretching over 4 miles. Snow tubing parks at major resorts provide family-friendly thrills without skiing lessons. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy forests create magical moments. Snowmobiling tours let adventurers explore backcountry terrain with stunning mountain views.
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Taste the Flavors of Vermont
Vermont’s culinary scene celebrates local ingredients and artisan craftsmanship. The state is famous for maple syrup, cheese, and craft beverages. Ben and Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury welcomes visitors for tours and ice cream tastings. The Flavor Graveyard commemorates discontinued flavors with tombstone markers. Don’t miss trying a creemee, Vermont’s soft-serve ice cream specialty, especially in maple flavor. The things to do in Vermont Country Store stocks every Vermont treat imaginable, from maple candies to artisan cheeses.
Cheese lovers should visit local farms and creameries scattered throughout the state. Sugarbush Farm offers self-guided tours of their maple sugar house and cheese tasting rooms. The Grafton Village Cheese Company showcases award-winning Vermont cheesemakers. Many farms welcome visitors to sample products and learn about traditional cheese-making processes.
Craft breweries have exploded across things to do in Vermont in recent years. Burlington Beer Company, The Alchemist, and Zero Gravity pour innovative brews. Distilleries like Smuggler’s Notch create unique spirits using local ingredients. Winter is perfect for warming up with hot apple cider from Cold Hollow Cider Mill.
Charming Towns Worth Exploring
Vermont’s villages capture quintessential New England beauty with white-steepled churches and historic buildings.
Stowe ranks among the most photographed towns in Vermont year-round. The iconic white church sits at the town center, surrounded by mountain views. Main Street offers boutique shopping, cozy cafes, and excellent restaurants. The Stowe Recreation Path begins behind the community church, perfect for walking or biking along the river.
Woodstock embodies classic things to do in Vermont charm with its covered bridges and village green. The town transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Church Street Marketplace in Burlington creates a vibrant pedestrian zone filled with shops and restaurants. Montpelier, the state capital, features tree-lined streets that come alive with fall color.
Each town hosts seasonal events throughout the year. Stowe’s Winter Carnival in late January showcases professional ice sculptors. Woodstock’s Wassail Weekend in December brings carol singing, craft fairs, and community celebrations. Summer brings farmers markets to nearly every town, showcasing local produce and handmade goods.
Unique Vermont Experiences
Vermont offers one-of-a-kind attractions that create lasting memories beyond typical tourist activities.
The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne lets visitors create custom bears with the help of skilled staff. Tours show the manufacturing process from cutting fabric to final stitching. The factory even operates a teddy bear hospital for repairs. The Shelburne Museum displays over 150,000 works of American art across 39 buildings on 45 acres.
Rudyard Kipling’s estate, Naulahka, opens for overnight stays where the author wrote The Jungle Book. The neighboring Carriage House provides a glimpse into 19th-century living with period furnishings and a tennis court.
Vermont’s covered bridges dot the landscape, offering perfect photo opportunities. A self-guided driving tour can hit multiple bridges in a day. Red barns against snowy backgrounds create iconic things to do in Vermont imagery.
Family-Friendly Adventures
Things to do in Vermont for adults often double as perfect family activities with kid-friendly options available.
ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center in Burlington features three floors of interactive exhibits about Lake Champlain’s ecosystem. Children can touch frogs, observe turtles, and learn about regional aquatic life. VINS Nature Center offers a forest canopy walk among treetops with views of the Ottauquechee River. The nature center houses rescued raptors including owls, eagles, and hawks.
Billings Farm and Museum combines working dairy farm operations with historical exhibits. Children can meet Jersey cows, draft horses, and other farm animals. Seasonal events include Christmas celebrations, maple sugaring demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Many local farms welcome visitors for apple picking, pumpkin patches, and farm stand shopping.
Basin Harbor Resort provides the ultimate family vacation destination on Lake Champlain. The resort offers everything from swimming pools to boat rentals, kids clubs to golf courses. Water sports, pickleball lessons, and nightly activities keep families entertained without leaving the property.
Cultural and Historical Attractions
Vermont’s rich history and vibrant arts scene provide indoor alternatives to outdoor adventures.
Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home in Manchester, preserves Robert Lincoln’s estate with beautiful gardens and a restored 1903 Pullman railway car. The grounds include a goat farm and extensive walking trails through formal gardens. Rock of Ages Granite Quarry offers tours of one of the world’s largest granite quarries.
Art galleries and craft studios populate things to do in Vermont towns. Farmhouse Pottery in Woodstock teaches wheel-throwing classes where visitors create their own ceramic pieces. The studio shop showcases beautiful handmade pottery and home goods. Many artisan shops feature works by local craftspeople, from woodworkers to glass blowers.
Vermont’s agricultural heritage shines through farm tours and maple sugaring operations. Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks explains the maple syrup production process from tree tapping to bottling. February through April marks the sugaring season when sap flows and sugarhouses steam with boiling syrup.
Seasonal Highlights Throughout the Year
Each season brings distinct experiences that make things to do in Vermont this weekend constantly changing and exciting.
Spring awakens Vermont with maple sugaring season and wildflowers emerging. Summer offers warm days perfect for swimming in lakes, hiking mountain trails, and outdoor festivals. The Vermont Brewers Festival and other events fill summer weekends with live music and local food.
Fall foliage draws visitors from around the world to witness nature’s spectacular color show. Peak colors typically occur from late September through early October. Smuggler’s Notch provides one of the best scenic drives through brilliant autumn leaves. Apple orchards and pumpkin patches welcome families for seasonal harvests.
Winter transforms things to do in Vermont into a snowy playground beyond just skiing. Christmas celebrations fill December with tree lightings, holiday markets, and festive decorations. Traditional Christmas in Stowe and Wassail Weekend in Woodstock create magical holiday experiences.
Things to Do in Vermont at Night
Evening activities extend Vermont adventures beyond daytime exploration with unique after-dark experiences.
Church Street Marketplace in Burlington glows with twinkle lights creating a magical atmosphere for evening strolls. Restaurants and bars line the pedestrian street, offering diverse dining options from Italian to farm-to-table cuisine. The Archives in Burlington combines vintage arcade games with craft cocktails and satisfying food.
Many ski resorts offer night skiing with illuminated slopes. The Lodge at Spruce Peak features an outdoor ice rink surrounded by twinkling lights, creating a romantic winter evening setting. Fire pits and outdoor seating at resorts provide cozy gathering spots under the stars.
Live music venues and breweries host evening entertainment throughout the week. Foam Brewers in Burlington often features local musicians. Seasonal events include winter light displays at Shelburne Museum and evening sleigh rides at various farms.
Planning Your Vermont Visit
Knowing the best things to do in Vermont helps maximize your trip regardless of when you visit.
The state offers year-round attractions with seasonal specialties. Winter sports enthusiasts should plan December through March visits. Fall foliage seekers should target late September through mid-October, with the first week of October often providing peak colors. Summer and early fall offer the warmest weather for water activities and hiking.
Accommodation options range from luxury resorts to cozy inns and cabin rentals. The Lodge at Spruce Peak and Woodstock Inn and Resort provide upscale experiences. Green Mountain Inn offers romantic getaways with jacuzzi rooms. Budget-conscious travelers find comfortable options at properties like White Horse Lodge in Waitsfield.
Vermont’s major towns connect via scenic highways perfect for road trips. Route 100 runs north-south through the state’s heart, passing through quintessential things to do in Vermont scenery. Interstate 89 provides faster travel when needed. Most destinations welcome visitors year-round, though some seasonal attractions close during off-peak months.
Conclusion: Vermont Awaits Your Discovery
Vermont delivers unforgettable experiences through every season with activities for all interests and energy levels. From skiing world-class mountains to sampling artisan chocolates, from exploring charming villages to hiking pristine trails, things to do in Vermont combine outdoor adventure with cultural richness.
The Green Mountain State’s natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping winter sports, peaceful fall hikes, or relaxing summer days by the lake. Start planning your Vermont adventure today. The mountains are calling, the maple syrup is flowing, and countless unique things to do in Vermont await your discovery.
FAQs
1. What is Vermont best known for?
Vermont is famous for fall foliage, maple syrup, skiing, and charming small towns.
2. What is the best time to visit Vermont?
Fall (September–October) is best for foliage, while winter is ideal for skiing and snow activities.
3. Is Vermont good for family vacations?
Yes, Vermont offers farms, museums, outdoor activities, and resorts perfect for families.
4. Are there things to do in Vermont without skiing?
Absolutely. You can hike, visit towns, explore museums, enjoy food tours, and see waterfalls.
5. How many days are enough for Vermont?
A 3–5 day trip is ideal to explore towns, nature, and key attractions.
