Vermont
Know Before You Go
📅 Best Time to Visit
Vermont is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the type of experience you want. Fall is the most famous season, when vibrant foliage transforms the landscape into a patchwork of red, orange, and gold. Summer offers warm weather perfect for hiking, lake activities, and visiting farmers markets. Winter attracts skiers and snow lovers to the state’s mountain resorts, while spring is known for maple sugaring season and fewer crowds, though the muddy roads during “mud season” can make travel more challenging.
🧭 Regions of the State
Although small, Vermont has several distinct regions worth exploring. Northern Vermont is home to Lake Champlain and the lively city of Burlington. Central Vermont includes the capital city of Montpelier and many classic small towns surrounded by mountains. The Northeast Kingdom in the northeastern part of the state is one of Vermont’s most remote and scenic regions, filled with lakes and forests. Southern Vermont features charming villages, historic inns, and some of the state’s most picturesque countryside. The Green Mountains run north to south through the state, shaping much of Vermont’s landscape and outdoor recreation.
💰 Budget Friendly Tips
- Travel during late spring or early summer to avoid peak foliage pricesStay in small inns, bed-and-breakfasts, or farm stays rather than luxury resorts
- Take advantage of Vermont’s free outdoor activities like hiking and scenic drives
- Visit farm stands and local markets for affordable meals and snacks
- Book lodging months in advance during fall foliage season
- Choose towns slightly outside major tourist areas like Stowe for better lodging prices
⚠️ Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make
- Visiting during peak foliage season without booking accommodations early
- Assuming Vermont is easy to explore without a car
- Trying to visit too many towns in a short amount of time
- Underestimating driving time on rural mountain roads
- Skipping small villages in favor of only well-known destinations
- Not preparing for rapidly changing mountain weather
🚗 Best Way to Experience This State
The best way to explore Vermont is by car. The state is largely rural, and many of its most beautiful destinations—covered bridges, scenic mountain roads, lakes, and small villages—are best reached by driving. While towns such as Burlington and Montpelier are easy to explore on foot, public transportation between towns is limited. Renting a car allows travelers to explore scenic routes through the Green Mountains and stop at farms, viewpoints, and small communities along the way.
⏱️ How Long You Really Need
A long weekend (3–4 days) is enough to explore one region of Vermont and experience its small towns, scenic drives, and outdoor activities. Five to seven days allows travelers to explore multiple regions and enjoy a slower pace, including time for hiking, lake activities, and visiting local farms and markets. Because Vermont is compact and scenic, many visitors enjoy a week-long road trip that combines mountain scenery, charming towns, and outdoor adventures.
🌟 Worth the Hype (Iconic Arizona Experiences)
- Driving the scenic Route 100, often considered Vermont’s most beautiful road
- Walking through historic villages like Woodstock
- Visiting Stowe Mountain Resort in both winter and fall
- Exploring the waterfront and shops in Burlington
- Seeing fall foliage across the Green Mountains
- Touring the famous Ben & Jerry’s Factory
Photographing classic Vermont covered bridges
💎 Hidden Gems We Loved (Less Crowded, Equally Memorable)
- Kayaking on Lake Champlain at sunset
- Exploring the remote beauty of the Northeast Kingdom
- Hiking to the summit of Mount Mansfield
- Visiting small maple farms during sugaring season
- Paying a visit to the VonTrapp family home
- Exploring lesser-known small towns like Grafton
Nature Lovers
- Hiking in Green Mountains
- Exploring trails in Mount Mansfield
Kayaking on Lake Champlain
🧪🏛️ Science & History Lovers
- Touring the Shelburne Museum
- Visiting the Ben & Jerry’s Factory
Exploring the Vermont State House in Montpelier
😌 Relaxers
- Enjoying lakeside views in Burlington
- Staying at cozy inns in Woodstock
Scenic countryside drives through southern Vermont
👨👩👧👦 Families with Children
- Visiting the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
- Touring the Ben & Jerry’s Factory
Outdoor adventures at Stowe Mountain Resort
🎬 Filming Location Enthusiasts
- Exploring filming locations in Woodstock, featured in several films
- Visiting picturesque countryside roads used in New England-style productions
Scenic mountain landscapes around Mount Mansfield
🌄 Scenery Lovers
- Driving Route 100
- Photographing covered bridges throughout the state
Viewing dramatic cliffs around Lake Willoughby