Nestled in the northeastern US, Vermont captivates with tranquility and beauty. The state’s rural landscape, adorned with lush forests and charming villages, is a visual delight. Surrounded by New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, and Canada, Vermont is a gem of New England. Lake Champlain and the Connecticut River frame its borders, while the Green Mountain Range dominates the center. Around 80% is forested, showcasing stunning fall foliage. Discover our guide to the Amazing Places to Visit in Vermont and explore this captivating state.
Cheese, maple syrup, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream are Vermont’s primary exports, with visitors also coming to savor delicious local vegetables. Grafton, Shelburne, and Manchester are towns that boast stunning architecture and historic structures, surrounded by farms and fields where you can try local specialties or purchase unique souvenirs. Burlington, the state capital, and Brattleboro, a vibrant college town, are centers of the booming arts and cultural scene in the region.
Although these towns are charming, Vermont’s real draw is its natural beauty, just beyond their doors. Hiking along the Appalachian Trail, skiing at Killington Resort or Stowe (known as the “Aspen of the East”), and enjoying water sports like sailing, swimming, and fishing on Lake Champlain are just a few activities to do.
Vermont is a photographer’s paradise, with picturesque landscapes, historic landmarks, and some of the most attractive cities and towns in the country. As the leaves change to brighter hues in autumn, it’s hard not to feel happy. Winter is perfect for skiing and other snow sports, while festivals and other outdoor activities like camping and hiking abound throughout the spring and summer months. Essentially, Vermont has everything.
So whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, explore charming towns and cities, or try delicious local cuisine, Vermont should be on your bucket list. Here are some of the top attractions that Vermont has to offer:
10. Woodstock
the stunning beauty of Vermont in the early autumn. Image source: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com
Most people immediately think of the legendary music festival when they hear the word “Woodstock.” Wrong state, you idiot. As far as music festivals go, Vermont’s Woodstock is a world apart. A quiet town that combines quaint and lovely characteristics.
There is a plaque to verify that this sleepy little hamlet is one of the most picturesque in all of America. You may take a drive over a beautiful red covered bridge, stop at a sugar maple farm, enjoy the fresh mountain air on a walk, and explore the town’s many one-of-a-kind shops and galleries.
Amazing Places to Visit in Vermont: Quechee Gorge
The Quechee Gorge, part of the Quechee State Park in Vermont. Image source: Miro Vrlik Photography/Shutterstock.com
Vermont’s Quechee Gorge has been called the “Vermont Grand Canyon.” Despite its smaller size compared to its older sibling in the far West, it nonetheless has some stunning scenery. It’s the state’s deepest gorge by a good margin (165 feet to be exact). It was 13,000 years ago when glacier activity carved the gorge.
Whitewater rafting down the Ottauquechee River is an exhilarating experience. Mill Pond Falls is a 30-foot drop that may be reached on foot by the less daring. The two sides are linked by the historic Quechee Gorge Bridge. It was constructed in 1911, making it Vermont’s oldest steel arch bridge still in use today.
8. Manchester
the beauty of Vermont in the fall along a winding road leading to Mount Manchester. Image source: Layne V. Naylor/Shutterstock.com
The city of Manchester has a lot going for it. The town’s rich history and location near the Green Mountains make it an ideal vacation spot. Visitors from New York and Connecticut flock to its outlet malls because of their abundance of shopping opportunities.
The town, which was named after a British duke of Manchester, originally gained notoriety between 1812 and 1819 for housing the first known instance of a wrongful murder conviction in the United States. Manchester is unique among Vermont’s historic towns in that it has not just one but three historic districts: the Depot area, as well as Bonnet and Main streets.
7. Montpelier
the skyline of Montpelier, Vermont’s capital city. Image source: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com
The unfortunate title of “least populous state capital in the United States” goes to Montpelier. At least that’s the case after the sun goes down; during the day, the population more than doubles as individuals commute in for state government jobs. In recognition of France’s support for the American cause during the Revolutionary War, the city takes its name from a French city.
If you’re in Montpelier, the State House should be at the top of your list, but if you’re looking for something sweet, stop by a maple sugar or syrup mill. Make a detour to Vermont’s founding father and Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen’s monument.
Amazing Places to Visit in Vermont: Shelburne
Colchester Reef Light in Shelburne, Vermont. Image source: Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock.com
Located just seven miles south of Vermont’s main city, Burlington, Shelburne is a peaceful place to call home. It was established in 1763 and given the name William Petty after the British prime minister and lord of Shelburne. Its history is intertwined with agriculture, and now the public may visit a number of working farms and even wineries.
However, the attraction most likely to get the most visitors is the one designed specifically to make your children happy. One of the most visited places in Vermont is the Vermont Teddy Bear Co., where visitors can see how soft teddy bears have been made since 1981. Shelburne is situated on Lake Champlain, perfect for those who like water activities.
5. Killington Resort
A group of skiers enjoying a beautiful winter day on Killington Mountain, Vermont. Image source: Ray Esteves/Shutterstock.com
Skiing at Killington Resort, located on Vermont’s second highest peak, may be an exciting experience for the daring skier. Because it has New England’s greatest vertical drop, locals refer to it as the “beast of the East.” Killington is the biggest ski resort in the eastern United States, with an opening in 1958.
Its namesake peak, Killington Peak, is the most popular destination, but there are really six mountains to choose from at this ski resort. All levels of skiers and snowboarders are accommodated on the 155 routes, and the 21 lifts make it easy to get to the top of the slopes. Ramps and jumps may be found on a handful of the trails.
Amazing Places to Visit in Vermont: Grafton
the main street in the charming village of Grafton, Vermon. Image source: Bob LoCicero/Shutterstock.com
One of New England’s most beautiful towns, Grafton, was given its name in an unusual fashion. The right to change the name of Thomlinson was auctioned off for five dollars and a bottle of rum, and the winning bidder honoured his hometown of Grafton, Massachusetts with the new moniker.
Many of Grafton’s homes and structures have been restored to their original splendour, giving the town the appearance it would have had a century or two ago. The Grafton Inn has been a hotel since 1801. The village’s white church, constructed in 1858, serves as a landmark and a sentry.
3. Champlain Islands
: the Island Line Rail Trail on Lake Champlain in Vermont. Image source: Nicole Bonzella/Shutterstock.com
The Champlain Islands are a fantastic destination for anyone seeking the great outdoors in Vermont. This group of islands forms an archipelago in Lake Champlain, around 30 miles in length, and is situated between the states of Vermont and New York.
They provide some of the most beautiful roads in Vermont, a state renowned for its gorgeous byways, and are only accessible by boat. Camping, the state’s first winery, and the beautiful Island Line Trail are all great summer activities. During the colder months, you may go ice fishing. The biggest town in the chain has barely 2,000 inhabitants, so you won’t have to worry about bumping into too many other people.
Amazing Places to Visit in Vermont: Stowe
An iconic church in the town of Stowe, Vermont. Image source: SNEHIT PHOTO/Shutterstock.com
It’s easy to find something fun to do in Stowe any time of the year. In the winter, you may go skiing or snowboarding, while in the summer you can enjoy the many events and exhibitions on offer, including a balloon festival. The largest of them takes place in September, and it’s called the British Invasion because fields are filled with British cars of every make and model.
If you’re a lover of “The Sound of Music,” a trip to Stowe is in order. After evacuating Austria during World War II, the von Trapp family eventually made their way here and started up shop as a ski lodge. Vermont’s Mozart Festival used the lodge’s meadow as a stage. Trails for hiking and mountain biking are conveniently located nearby.
Amazing Places to Visit in Vermont: Burlington
the Church Street Marketplace in downtown Burlington, Vermont. Image source: julie deshaies/Shutterstock.com
The truth must be acknowledged. You’re a huge fan of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Burlington is renowned for many things, but maybe most notably, its sinfully wonderful ice cream. The town’s proximity to Lake Champlain provides a wealth of aquatic opportunities for getting some exercise.
The Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian plaza spanning four blocks, is home to several annual celebrations. They cover everything from the arts to the veneration of beer and enormous pumpkins. In addition, it is home to the biggest farmers’ market in Vermont, which operates every week of the year.
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What is the number 1 tourist attraction in Vermont?
- Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour
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What is the most beautiful area of Vermont?
- Green Mountains and Lake Champlain
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What are 3 things Vermont is famous for?
- Fall foliage, maple syrup, and covered bridges.
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Is Vermont a good state to vacation?
- Yes, Vermont offers picturesque landscapes, outdoor activities, and a charming New England atmosphere for vacationers.
Plan your trip with ontravelx and get ready for a journey full of breathtaking sights and priceless memories.
