Vermont is one of the most picture-perfect states to visit in the United States. Verdant greens of the rolling hills and farmlands, juxtaposed with the blazing hue of the trees in fall, create an enchanting picture. Add to that the covered bridges, sunlit meadows with grazing animals, and you have your little slice of paradise. Some of the best places to visit in Vermont are its idyllic towns and villages. However, there’s more to the state than its idyllic countryside. The list of things to do in Vermont is quite extensive which can be rather confusing for visitors. Our list of the 30 best things to do in Vermont & the best places to visit will help you narrow down your choices.
Vermont is a haven for the ‘outdoorsy kind’ with a four-season calendar of activities. The expansive waters of Lake Champlain entice kayakers and other leisure travelers whilst the award-winning Kingdom Trails Network is popular with bikers and hikers. During winter, the verdant greens are transformed into top-class skiing slopes. Another feather to the state’s cap is its culinary scene with local produce high on its menu. That’s probably one of the reasons why it doesn’t have a McDonald’s in its capital city, Montpelier unlike most cities in America.
The Museum of Everyday Life
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About 9km from Glover Village in Northeastern Vermont, you’ll find this rather strange experimental museum. As its name suggests, the Museum of Everyday Life is just that. It showcases objects from everyday life, a kind of paradox to the opulence and glamour associated with traditional museums. It’s fittingly located in a simple barn building where visitors can let themselves in and out with no fee. A dilapidated donation box at the door requests donations of any kind.
This rather tongue-in-cheek museum may not appeal to everyone but it does have an interesting twist. At the museum, you’ll find everything from a piece of driftwood to safety pins. Exhibitions featuring objects such as toothbrushes, pencils, locks and safety pins aim to delve deep into the ordinary. The origins and impact of these objects on everyday life through history are an eye-opener. The museum aims to catalog and celebrate the mundane and unglamorous experience of life in all its forms.
Shelburne Farms
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Covering an extensive 1,400 acres between Lake Champlain and Route 7 you’ll find the Shelburn Farms. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Burlington to the farms. Created by Dr. William Seward Webb and Eliza Osgood Vanderbilt Webb in 1886, as a country estate, the lavish home evolved over the years. It is now a nonprofit teaching farm for sustainability.
Although a farm may not sound very appealing to many, this property is at the top of the best places to visit in Vermont. What makes it special is the design by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect who takes credit for designing Central Park. It’s no wonder that it features as one of the top things to do in Vermont.
An exploration of the grounds throws up a surprise at every turn. Rolling hills, sandy shores, verdant pastures, and dense forest make up this beautiful farm. The English-style country manor from 1899 completes the idyllic picture. The manor is now an inn. It is, however, closed from October to March since it lacks heating. If you have a penchant for the supernatural, a night at the inn may result in an encounter with the ghost of late Mrs. Webb.
Greenbank’s Hollow
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Some of the best places to visit in Vermont are probably those that are off the beaten track. Places that once had a thriving community but slipped off the map due to some calamity have their own special charm. Greenbank’s Hollow, a now-defunct village in southern Danville is one of those places. The village was the creation of Benjamin Greenbank who built almost the entire village and owned most of the houses.
Once a bustling mill centered village, a raging fire in 1885 destroyed many of its complexes resulting in its demise. Several residences, a five-story woolen mill, and many other structures including a covered bridge came to a disastrous end. After the fire, rather than rebuilding, he chose to relocate to a more profitable area. Its inhabitants quickly moved out as there were no jobs left once Greenback moved. Today all that remains is the restored covered bridge that spans Joe’s Brook, a few granite foundations, and several cellar holes. These are poignant reminders of a bygone era.
Church Street Marketplace
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Unlike some grander marketplaces, Church Street Marketplace in downtown Burlington is just four blocks long. However, it makes up for its lack of size with its vibrant atmosphere. This traffic-free space is a popular venue for public events and festivals throughout the year. The street is a popular hangout especially in the summer, with its shops, restaurants. and cafes. It’s one of the best places to visit in Vermont to feel the local vibe.
Besides the shops and eating places, you’ll also find an array of public artworks here. One of the most popular pieces of art is a mural on one of the walls by Canadian muralist Pierre Hardy. There’s also a life-sized statue of a local jazz artist and a metal fish fountain. This is one of the best places in Vermont to soak in the local vibe.
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory
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Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, a fully owned subsidiary of Unilever had a humble beginning in South Burlington. Set up in an abandoned gas station in 1978 by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, the ubiquitous ice-cream took on a whole new hue under their expertise. There’s nothing overly impressive about the factory, but there’s one corner that definitely stirs the imagination. A mock graveyard pays homage to flavors that declined in popularity. It’s probably the reason for many listing a visit to the factory as one of the top things to do in Vermont.
The Flavor Graveyard started out as an online-concept in 1997 but soon became more permanent. Resin headstones complete with quirky epitaphs dot the cemetery. ‘Dearly de-pinted flavors’ (a term coined by the owners) throw up interesting names such as Wavy Gravy, Fossil Fuel and Turtle Soup. No big guesses for why these flavors melted away into oblivion! Currently, 34 flavors lie buried in the cemetery. A good idea is to pay your respects individually like many others. You may be fortunate to sample the flavors that came back from the dead!
Rock of Ages Granite Quarry
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The world’s largest deep-hole dimension granite quarry is quite an impressive sight. The astonishingly huge Rock of Ages Granite Quarry located outside Barre spans an extensive 50 acres and is about 16kms deep. Exploring the sheer immensity of the quarry makes it one of the more popular things to do in Vermont. Piles of granite blocks called ‘grout piles’ accumulated since 1885, line the sides of the quarry. Visitors to the quarry can join the 35 minutes guided minibus tour to get a real feel of its size. The tour also includes a trip to the factory where you can observe what happens to the granite.
Unlike the quieter quarry, the plant is a bustling hub of activity where the huge blocks take on different shapes. The blocks of granite used for building monuments, tabletops, and gravestones take shape here. Most of the granite headstones in America originated here. Try your hand at bowling at the factory’s outdoor granite lane created in the 1950s for one of the best places to visit in Vermont.
Hope Cemetery
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On the subject of granite, another place worth visiting in Barre is the Hope Cemetery. Barre prides itself on being the ‘Granite Capital of the World,’ and this cemetery is a testament to why the title is so apt. Better recognized as the museum of granite sculpture, this cemetery holds more than 10,000 tombstones and burials. In 1895 when the cemetery came into existence, it consisted of 53 acres of land designed by landscape architect Edward P. Adams. It has since grown to over 65 acres.
Stunning works of funerary art (carved from granite) adorn its landscape. This is probably why the cemetery is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Vermont. Some of the occupants who lie buried under the most elaborate tombstones designed their own tombstones for posterity. In the 19th century, Barre’s granite industry attracted stone cutters from all over the world, especially from Italy. You can see their artwork in many public sculptures as well as the gravestones. Some of the more outstanding gravestones at the cemetery are a giant soccer ball and a sculpture of a man and wife sitting up in bed holding hands.
Robert Frost Interpretive Trail
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Poetry lovers will enjoy walking the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail. This charming wayside walk located east of the town of Ripton is a tribute to the great poet. It may not feature on the itineraries of most people but is definitely one of the most charming things to do in Vermont. The trail peppered with Frost’s poems printed on signs at apt locations is a delight for the poetry lover. Most of Frost’s poetry is a nod to natural imagery so reading them in the settings that inspired the words is nothing short of surreal.
Frost himself lived nearby on Homer Noble Farm and enjoyed walking through the same woods. The setting could have been the inspiration for his most famous poem, ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.’ Walking the trail is pretty simple as it is relatively flat land. The United States Department of Agriculture is responsible for maintaining the trail.
Wilson Castle
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Another quirky place that is worth a visit in Vermont is Wilson Castle. This 19th-century estate stands out as a bit of an oddity in the village of Proctor. Part of a 115-acre estate, the castle, one of very few in the United States currently belongs to Wilson family. However, the original owners were Dr. John Johnson and his wife. Dr. Johnson had the house built in 1867 to impress his English wife, an aristocrat of sorts. It took eight years to complete, but Mrs. Johnson lived for only 3 years in the castle. When she died, Dr. Johnson sold the castle as he was unable to afford the taxes or maintenance. While most of the antiques and valuables went under the auctioneer’s hammer, many were stolen. People began to call the castle ‘Johnson’s Folly.’
The castle is a curious mix of architectural styles, incorporating Scottish baronial, Queen Anne, Dutch Neo-Renaissance and Romanesque Revival. It has 32 rooms decorated with 84 stained glass windows, 2 turrets, and a balcony. Not surprisingly, it was quite an impressive structure in its heydey. The castle passed through several owners before it eventually became the prized possession of Herbert Lee Wilson in 1938.
Wilson was a pioneer of AM radio and created a radio station in the castle stable. From 1939 until 2009, five generations of Wilsons lived in the house. Wilson Castle opened for public tours in 1962 and is still open to visitors from late May to mid-October. The castle, however, is gradually falling into disrepair due to rising maintenance costs but it’s still one of best places to visit in Vermont.
Eden Mountain Dogsledding
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Some of the highest-rated things to do in Vermont are its winter activities. However, rather than indulging in a known winter sport, it’s a good idea to try something different. Less than an hour from Newport you can try your hand at a totally different activity at Eden Mills. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to sled with huskies, here’s your chance.
Eden Dog Sledding is renowned for its ‘Un-chained Gang’ of dogs. Visitors to the center are encouraged to get up close to the animals before going out on a ride. Expect to spend a lot of time petting and getting to know the animals. A personalized tour will also acquaint you with learning to assemble a dog team, harness, and hitch the dogs.
Once you’ve picked out your favorite brute from the pack you get to ride with them. The center has a huge network of trails with spectacular views of the Lowell Mountain range. The privately built trails will take you through some beautiful landscapes. Tours are conducted throughout the year and range from two to three hours. In the summer, a specially built German cart will give you the same thrills, albeit with different scenery.
Dog Chapel
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If you’re fond of dogs, the Dog Chapel created by folk artist Stephen Huneck should definitely make it to your itinerary. Located a little over 3km east of St. Johnsbury on Rt. 2, the chapel forms an integral part of Huneck’s ‘Dog Mountain.’ Much of this area on Huneck’s mountain top farm, showcases artwork that is tied to his ‘furry friends.’ Dog sculptures stare out broodingly at the landscape. However, there’s nothing to beat the Dog Chapel that Huneck created on his property. The chapel reflects the spiritual bond that exists between dogs and humans.
Designed on the lines of a small village church with its background of rolling mountains and pastures, the chapel is a must-visit. Canine themed doorknobs and ‘doggy inspired’ stained glass windows greet visitors to the site. The walls of the inside are plastered with photographs and handwritten notes left behind by visitors as a tribute to their own lost pets. Although Huneck and his wife are no longer around, the staff continues to keep the founder’s vision of Dog Mountain alive. Twice a year there are Dog Parties held here where dogs compete in various events and get free dog biscuits and a swim.
Quechee Gorge
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13,000 years of erosion caused by the retreating Laurentide Ice Sheet and the Ottauquechee River carved out one of Vermont’s most beautiful vistas. The 50-meter deep Quechee Gorge may not be as spectacular as the Grand Canyon but is definitely one of the best places to visit in Vermont. The best viewing point of the gorge is from the walkway along the arched iron bridge along Route 4. It’s about 2kms east of Quechee Village
The more adventurous can use the well-marked out trails that lead to the bottom of the gorge. It takes about an hour to get to the bottom along these undemanding trails. Kayaking along the Ottauquechee River that runs through the gorge is one of the popular things to do in Vermont. Upstream from the gorge is another scenic spot, Dewey’s Mill Pond, bordered by grasses and reeds.
Green Mount Cemetery
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One of Burlington’s oldest institutions and architectural features is the beautiful Green Mount Cemetery. The cemetery is located atop a hill looking down on the city of Winooski. At 15 acres it may not be as big as Hope Cemetery but has beautiful tombstones and gorgeous scenery. The cemetery dates back to 1854 and is the final resting place of many prominent people in the area.
Some of the tombs like the Stowell burial place with its staircase and the bronze statue above the John Hubbard grave are quite captivating. The bronze statue was the work of Karl Bitter who wanted to immortalize the grave of a local philanthropist. Another statue that cannot be missed is that of General Ethan Allen. Erected by the state of Vermont in 1873, almost a century after his death, the statue stands tall at 12meters.
Montpelier
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Vermont’s capital, Montpelier, is the smallest state capital in the United States. Unlike most bustling capital cities, Montpelier has a more rustic feel to it. With its quaint architecture and beautiful surroundings, it has the charm of a small town or village. The Winooski River which flows through the city completes the idyllic picture, making it one of the best places to visit in Vermont.
Montpelier became the state capital in 1805 and since then the city has focused on good governance. However, the city has a vibrant cultural scene with art, music, and history playing a big role in everyday life. It also has a thriving culinary scene with some interesting restaurants and cafes. To get a real feel of the city, Montpelier is best explored on foot.
The Vermont State House with its characteristic golden dome is one of the city’s top attractions. Another good place to visit in Montpelier is the Vermont History Museum which has some interesting exhibits. With a population of just about 8,000 people, you know you won’t be jostling your way through crowds here.
Lake Champlain
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Although a large part of Lake Champlain lies in New York and its northern tip extends to Canada, Vermont has the lion’s share. The huge freshwater lake extends for miles and has a largely undeveloped shoreline. Wildlife enthusiasts, canoeists, kayakers and sailors descend on the lake to enjoy all that it has to offer. One of the popular things to do in Vermont is to enjoy a boat trip on the lake. The views of the mountains from the middle of the lake are quite spectacular.
Lake Champlain has a rich history too. Featuring as the main transport route during various battles, the waters of the lake have their own tales to tell. You can find out more about the lake’s role in history at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum that overlooks Basin Harbor.
Another interesting tale associated with the lake is that of “Champ,” the monster who inhabits the lake. In 1609, Samuel de Champlain in whose memory the lake was named, claimed to have seen a 1.5m long monster. Native Americans before him also told tales of similar monsters which were much longer. There have been several sightings since then but none authenticated.
Shelburne Museum
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This 45-acre open-air museum is one of the best places in Vermont to learn about its folk and fine art traditions. Located about 11km south of Burlington, the museum showcases the incredible collections of Electra Havemeyer Webb and her family. Shelburne Musem is home to 39 historic buildings, many of which were moved here from New England for their preservation. Some of the interesting structures that make up the museum are a round barn, a lighthouse, jailhouse, and 890-ton steamship.
In 1955 the Ticonderoga created quite a stir when it was hauled across the land to reach its place on the property. Visitors can explore the four decks and the other areas of this paddle-wheel ship. Another outstanding piece on display is the 3,500 pieces handmade circus parade. This masterpiece by Edgar Kirk took forty years to complete.
Mount Mansfield
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With a summit reaching 1,340 meters above sea level, Mount Mansfield is undoubtedly the highest mountain in Vermont. It’s extremely popular with trekkers during the warm season and ranks as one of the top outdoorsy things to do in Vermont. The mountain resembles an elongated human profile with nose, lips, forehead, and chin clearly visible from the east. The chin is the highest point of the mountain.
Mount Mansfield has the distinction of being only one of three spots in Vermont that is home to alpine from the Ice Ages. In order to preserve this rare flora that grows on the summit, all trails are closed during the mud season. An easy way to get to the top is to drive up the Mount Mansfield Toll Road which begins at the Stowe Base Lodge. The road ends at the ‘Nose’ from where you can then hike via the Long Trail to the chin. On a clear day, the views are quite spectacular. The road to the top usually closes in October so visitors should plan accordingly.
Burlington Earth Clock
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On the shores of Lake Champlain, you’ll come across what may appear to be a randomly erected stone circle. However, the structure which is the brainchild of a grassroots nonprofit called Circles for Peace serves three purposes. It’s a compass, clock, and calendar. Like all sundials, the Burlington Earth Clock relies on shadows to tell the time. What sets this one apart from the rest is that it will only work if someone steps into its center to act as the gnomon.
The arrangement also doubles up as a compass with a few stones aligned with the four main directions. Stones are also planted at specific points for the calendar. These mark the points on the horizon where the sun sets during solstices and equinoxes.
Birdhouse Forest
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Another offbeat thing to do in Vermont is to take a trip to the Birdhouse Forest along White’s Beach in South Hero. This whimsical stretch of forest will definitely wow bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and kids. Hundreds of multi-colored birdhouses dot the trees in the area while wooden dinosaurs lurk in the swampy terrain.
The idea for the birdhouses came from the owners of the property. Fed up of the mosquito menace in the area the men built 20 birdhouses in the hope of attracting swallows. Swallows enjoy the environment of the wetlands and feast on mosquitoes. Their wives added a dash of color to the birdhouses and the wooden dinosaurs soon followed. Within no time the houses had residents and so they built a few more. Today there are about 800 houses in the forest and the mosquitoes and bugs are under control. As for the wooden dinosaurs, no they’re not there to devour the curious humans. This is just another hobby of the creators of the birdhouses to add some fun to the landscape.
Old Round Church
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The Old Round Church in Richmond is one of the best places to visit in Vermont for the architectural buff. This historic church built in 1812-1813 is one of the only surviving examples of a sixteen-sided meeting house. The two-story wooden structure has a sixteen-sided roof and a central belfry. Twelve walls have two sash windows but the remaining four have none.
Many interesting and wacky theories are put forward about the shape of the church. One rumor attributes the shape of the church to an old legend. The legend states that the devil will have no place to hide in a house that has no corners. The reality is that the architect William Rhodes fashioned the church on the lines of a similar church in his hometown, Claremont. The round building became the meeting house for the town. It also aimed to bring the Five Protestant factions in the town together.
Hildene
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Relive history as you stroll through the impressive grounds of Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home. The former summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, eldest son of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln is a national treasure. The Lincoln family descendants occupied the 24-room Georgian Revival Mansion in Manchester Center until 1975. In 1978 the Friends of Hildene, a non-profit organization bought the property and restored it. Since then it serves as a museum, touted as one of the best places to visit in Vermont.
Hildene still has all the furnishings that belonged to the Lincoln family as well as other artifacts. A vintage 1908 Aeolian pipe organ (restored and functioning), brass casts of Abraham Lincoln’s hands and one of his famous top hats are on display here. There are other personal belongings of the Lincoln family too.
The museum is opened through the year but guided tours are suspended between mid-September and October. Visitors also have access to the surrounding grounds. One of the more remarkable features of the grounds is the Hoyt Formal Garden, a flower garden designed to resemble a stained glass window. An observatory with a telescope, walking and skiing trails and a classic Pullman train car are also part of the grounds.
Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historic Park
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Just northwest of Woodstock Village is the only national park in Vermont, Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park. This park is not just the lone national park in the state but is the only national park that focuses on land stewardship in America. It delves into the relationship between environmental conservation and land stewardship. The estate includes a working farm and a Victorian mansion, the former home of George Perkins Marsh.
Originally built in 1805, major alterations carried out by Frederick Buildings resulted in its present avatar. Visitors can explore the grounds and the trails of the estate free of charge. However, there is an admission fee for the inside of the mansion with a guided tour.
Billings Farm that is also part of the estate is at the top of things to do in Vermont for families with kids. Kids enjoy hands-on activities related to old fashioned farming. Various events such as sleigh rides, Halloween pumpkin, and apple festivals are also part of the farm’s repertoire.
Bennington Battle Monument
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Standing tall at 93 meters in honor of the Battle of Bennington, the stone obelisk at Monument Circle is one of the most visited sites in Vermont. Constructed from Sandy Hill Dolomite, and completed in 1889 Bennington Battle Monument is now the site for many events. Visitors can take a ride up to the viewing gallery at 61 meters. It’s hardly a few seconds to the top in the elevator. The steps are closed to the public. Predictably, the views from the top are quite spectacular. The monument is about 16kms from the site of the actual battlefield.
Stowe
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Stowe in Lamoille County referred to as ‘The Ski Capital of the East’ is one of the best places to visit in Vermont during winter. Its location at the foot of Mount Mansfield in the midst of the state’s snow belt makes it the ideal playground for skiers. The area has a rich skiing history which is showcased at the Vermont Ski Museum. Skiing took off in the are in 1940 with the opening of the first chairlift. However, Stowe was a popular winter destination even before that.
The picturesque town with its white spired church, covered bridge, and weathered barns is the quintessential image of Vermont. It attracts visitors year-round not just for skiing but for its breathtaking scenery. The gondola is a popular means of transport throughout the year for visitors to the summit. Besides skiing, there are numerous art galleries, boutiques, and shops to explore.
Lake Willoughby
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Listed as a National Natural Landmark, Lake Willoughby in Westmore, Orleans County resembles a stunning fjord. The lake even finds a mention in Robert Frost’s poem ‘A Servant to Servants.’ Its spectacular scenery and recreational activities pull in quite a crowd. On the north shore of the lake, the 0.4km stretch of public beach is a favored summer destination. There is another public beach at the South Bay of the lake too.
At less than the halfway point of the southern beach, is Devil’s Rock, a popular diving spot for daredevils. The rock has a painted image of the devil on the front. Another reason for the name is that its reflection in still water resembles that of a skull lying on its side. A series of natural waterslides on the eastern shore flow into the lake. These slides freeze in the winter and are then used by ice climbers.
Brattleboro Farmer’s Market
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Part of the weekend routine for many people from southern Vermont is a stopover at Brattleboro Famer’s Market. This vibrant market is a great place to indulge in some local produce. However, it’s not only the products that draw people to the market. The market with its numerous stalls and live music is a social gathering of sorts. A good time to be there is at lunchtime when live music and dancers enliven the experience.
Besides the huge selection of fresh vegetables, farm cheese, handmade soap, and other things you would normally find at a farmer’s market you can also enjoy a prepared meal. You can take your pick from Thai noodles to Lebanese dolmas and Breton crepes.
Brattleboro itself is an interesting place to explore. One of Vermont’s few towns with an industrial past, it is now a town where the arts flourish. There’s always an interesting event taking place in the town like a concert, gallery opening or some other performance.
Woodstock
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Woodstock may not be your quintessential Vermont town but it is no less charming. Like most of Vermont’s historic towns, Woodstock has a covered bridge, a village green restored homes and country farms. People make it a point to inform you that the town is different from others because it is the creation of the wealthy. However, Woodstock is not the only town in Vermont that carries the tag of a wealth-infused town. What makes this town so special and one of the best places to visit in Vermont is its history of sustainable farming.
George Perkins Marsh a native of Woodstock was a pioneer of conservation. His efforts against deforestation and unnecessary development of land earned him the title of America’s first environmentalist. Frederick Billings purchased the Marsh estate in 1869 and transformed it by planting thousands of trees. He also started a farm that is a popular tourist destination today.
Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium
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Located in St. Johnsbury in a historic building, the Fairbanks Museum originated from the personal collection of Franklin Fairbanks. The American businessman, scientist, and politician had the means to indulge in his hobby as an amateur naturalist. During his lifetime, Fairbanks collected specimens from Vermont and around the globe and preserved them. Today the museum has an interesting display of specimens from natural history. These include a seasonal wildflower table, bug art, dioramas of a 1200lb moose, a Bengal Tiger and other animals. There are also ethnographic displays from around the world.
In 1960, the planetarium opened on the second floor, the only public planetarium in Vermont. The planetarium has a permanent exhibit on weather called Eye on the Sky and other interesting shows, making it one of the best places to visit in Vermont. It also provides weather updates to different institutions in Vermont.
Weston
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Some of the best places to visit in Vermont are the pretty little towns. These picturesque towns with their colorful maple trees, verdant rolling hills, and pretty houses clustered around a central white church are picture-perfect. Weston is one of those postcard towns with a bandstand at the center of its village green. However, Weston’s big tourist draw is the imposing Weston Playhouse Theatre Company and the iconic Vermont Country Store.
The Vermont Country Store reopened in the 1940s but was in operation much earlier. A pot-bellied stove, wooden display cabinets and antique merchandise hanging from beams is a nod to the original store. Although the store has progressed and expanded with the times, it retains the original spirit. Today it doubles up as a museum and store. There are several other interesting museums and areas to explore in this history-rich town.
Bartlett Falls
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A popular destination during the summer months is the Bartlett Falls near Bristol. The beautiful falls in the gorge of New Haven River plunge into one of the most popular swimming holes in the state. It’s one of the locals’ favorite things to do in Vermont during the summer. Trails lead to the cliffs near the falls where people jump off into the water below. There’s also a rope swing for the adrenaline junkies. Younger children can also enjoy a swim at the shallow end of the natural pool.
Just So You Know:
- Vermont has 106 covered bridges, the oldest being Pulp Mill Bridge in Middlebury. The bridge dates back to 1808. Emily’s Bridge in Stowe is said to be haunted by the ghost of a jilted lover.
- The lost hamlet of Mountain Mills lies submerged beneath the Harriman Reservoir in Wilmington.
- Vermont banned billboards in 1968 to preserve its natural beauty. The ban is still in place to this day.
- According to folklore, the interesting ‘witch windows’ which can be seen in some old farmhouses in Vermont were built to prevent witches from flying into the house. Another wacky explanation for these windows is that they were used to get a coffin outside the house from the second story.
- At the Evergreen Cemetery in New Haven lies the rather macabre grave of a doctor Timothy Clark Smith. The grave has a set of stairs leading to the bottom and a horizontal window centered squarely on his face. The doctor was so frightened of being buried alive that he had these elaborate arrangements made for his burial site. A bell was also placed in his coffin along with a breathing tube.
Where to Stay:
- ⭐⭐⭐ Richmond Victorian Inn – This romantic bed and breakfast in Richmond is highly rated for its comfortable rooms and excellent breakfasts. It’s a short ride to Burlington, Stowe and Smuggler’s Notch from here.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Trapp Family Lodge – Situated in Stowe this unique mountain resort is a blend of European style accommodations with Austrian inspired architecture. Offering stunning mountain views and a wide range of activities it’s a great place to base yourself if you’re exploring this part of Vermont.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Woodstock Inn & Resort – Just a five-minute drive from Marsh Billings Rockefeller Historic Park in Woodstock is this luxurious resort. Spacious rooms, full spa service, and a swimming pool are some of the facilities that you can look forward to here.
- For more accommodation options, check out our 11 Best Hotels in Rutland.
Get Some Culture:
- Waterbury Winterfest – This 10 day festival in Waterbury begins in the last week of January. It’s an activity-packed schedule with indoor and outdoor fun for everyone. Skating, bonfire, father-daughter dance and snowshoeing are just some of the events you can enjoy at the festival.
- Bennington Museum – To get a better understanding of the region, one of the best places to visit in Vermont is this standout museum in Bennington. It features the largest public collection of works created by American folk artist Grandma Moses. Also on display are Bennington pottery, decorative arts, and an array of folk art from the 18th century to the present
Grab A Bite:
- Hen of the Wood – One of the finest dining venues in Waterbury opened its doors in October 2005. Located in a historic grist mill, it’s not just the setting but the innovative farm to table cuisine that brings the customers in.
- Burlington Classic Beer Tour – Vermont’s explosive craft beer scene is best experienced on a tour. This four-hour tour will give you a VIP behind the scenes look at different breweries. The tour also includes tastings of 15 different local craft beers and a delicious pizza lunch.
