Vermont is well known as a place to find natural beauty, fun outdoor activities, charming New England towns, and historic covered bridges. But the truth is, Vermont is a big state. So, of course, you’re asking yourself: Where in particular should I visit?
This list is here to help you narrow down and focus your itinerary. These are the best places to visit in Vermont.
Using this list you’ll know exactly where to find the best outdoor sports, quaint villages, and historic sites. You’ll even know where to sample everything from Vermont maple syrup to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
So, let’s get into the specific places for your Vermont bucket list.
1. Burlington
Burlington, Vermont’s most populated city, is bustling with so much to do, making it hands-down one of the best places to visit in Vermont.
Home to the University of Vermont (UVM), there’s always a buzz on campus and downtown.
Church Street is the place to be for great restaurants, unique shops, and live music.
Head to the shores of Lake Champlain for watersports, stroll along the Greenway, or have dinner with a water view.
And don’t miss your chance to see the World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet. Yes, it’s true! You can see the tower of 38 filing cabinets in Burlington Vermont.
Waterfront Park along Lake Champlain in Burlington is a must-see place in Vermont
2. Stowe
Ski enthusiasts know Stowe as a winter wonderland. But Stowe is one of the best places to visit in Vermont year-round.
Mount Mansfield provides tons of outdoor adventure in every season.
It’s known far and wide to have some of the best skiing, hiking, and fall foliage. You can also see how maple syrup is harvested in the springtime.
Take a stroll down Main Street in Stowe and be sure to pop into Shaw’s General Store (established in 1895) for all sorts of cool souvenirs and a great selection of outdoor clothing and footwear.
In the mood for a hike? Check out the beautiful Bingham Falls, a short drive (about 10 minutes) from downtown Stowe.
Visit the small town of Stowe Vermont for a day trip or even a weekend getaway
3. Montpelier
Montpelier, the capital of Vermont, is an absolute must on a visit to Vermont.
It’s a gorgeous town bubbling with things to do. You’ll love strolling downtown with its independent stores and great places to grab a bite to eat.
At night there’s always something going on. You can grab dinner, a drink, and even hear live music.
The lovely city of Montpellier is definitely one of the best places to visit in Vermont.
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Montpelier Vermont is especially beautiful when the fall foliage peaks
4. Waterbury Village Historic District
A short drive south from Stowe along Vermont Scenic Route 100 and you’ll arrive in the quaint town of Waterbury Vermont.
Here you must visit Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream factory, where you can tour the facilities and enjoy a tasting.
You can pay your respects at Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard to see some of the ice cream flavors we used to know…
For fun outdoors and to get in some hiking you can hit the trails at Camels Hump State Park and Waterbury Center State Park where you can also enjoy water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, boating, and fishing.
5. Brattleboro
Brattleboro is located in southern Vermont, right off both I-91 and Route 9. You’ll love exploring downtown with its shops, restaurants, and breweries.
Make time to visit the Brattleboro Museum and Arts Center. Pick up local produce at the Farmers Market.
Don’t miss the Creamery Covered Bridge in Brattleboro. Built in 1879, this historic wooden bridge is a treasured insight into Vermont’s past.
6. Ludlow
The base town for Okemo Mountain Resort, the historic town of Ludlow is a favorite place for ski bums to head after a day on the slopes or a day off the mountain.
Ludlow is one of the best places to visit in Vermont any time of year. I visited in the fall, around the end of September, and enjoyed the beginnings of fall foliage season.
Go skiing in the winter and take advantage of outdoor activities during other seasons.
There’s riding the scenic chairlifts, hiking, biking, adventure courses, and even panning for gold.
Ludlow is also a great base for exploring the southern region of Vermont and doing scenic drives to the beautiful covered bridges nearby. Visit in fall (around mid-October) for spectacular foliage all around. When I visited in late September the fall colors were just starting.
From Ludlow you can take a scenic drive and see a few of the historic covered bridges
7. Manchester
Manchester has everything from a quaint New England village to historical sites and awesome outdoor activities.
In Manchester you can explore art at the Southern Vermont Arts Center, tour Hildene (the house of President Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert Todd Lincoln), and get into nature at the Equinox Preservation.
Bromley Mountain Ski Resort is a short drive from Manchester. You’ll have tons of outdoor fun there any time of year.
One last suggestion (this one surprised me how much I enjoyed it because I have never tried fly fishing), visit the American Museum of Fly Fishing. I left the museum thinking I would totally love to get into fly fishing!
Manchester is a cool place to spend some time in Vermont
8. Woodstock
If you’re looking to visit the quintessential picturesque Vermont town, set the navigation for Woodstock.
This beautiful town has been a tourist destination for years.
You’ll find everything you need for a perfect Vermont getaway in Woodstock, including B&Bs, places to eat, shops, and a number of historical sites. Make sure to see the covered bridges, Billings Farm and Museum.
Be sure to put Woodstock on your list of places to visit in Vermont
9. Shelburne
Located just south of Burlington is the lovely town of Shelburne.
You’ll love visiting Shelburne Orchards and the Shelburne Farms. You can sample the best of Vermont wine at Shelburne Vineyard, and be sure to check out their summertime concerts and special events like Bluegrass and BBQ. Beer lovers can enjoy a pint at Fiddlehead Brewing.
Shelburne Museum is a must on any Vermont itinerary. The museum’s campus has several historic buildings and art exhibition spaces.
Art lovers will enjoy the American art collection, including pieces by Winslow Homer and John Singleton Copley.
10. Lake Champlain
A major attraction, Lake Champlain provides so much for any visitor to northern Vermont.
You’ll love getting out on the water to paddle, waterski, or sail with the winds. Hundreds of miles of shoreline means tons to do on the banks of the lake.
Lounge on the beaches, bike Burlington’s Greenway, or explore the Grand Isle State Park.
It’s clear to see that Lake Champlain is one of the best places to visit in New England for anyone who loves the outdoors, and especially watersports.
Lake Champlain sits between New York and Vermont
11. Grafton
It’s easy to fall in love with the quaint town of Grafton. It’s here that you’re in for authentic Vermont experiences.
Watch them make cheese at Grafton Village Cheese and learn all about maple syrup at Plummer’s Sugar House. You can’t get more Vermont than that.
Don’t miss the Grafton Historical Society and Grafton Nature Museum.
Make sure to visit the Turner Interpretation Center to learn about Grafton’s role on the African American Heritage Trail.
12. Morrisville
Maybe you’ve heard about the awesome town of Morrisville Vermont.
While in town make a stop at Rock Art Brewery to sample some of Vermont’s finest beer.
A great idea is to spend some time at the Caddy’s Falls Botanic Gardens and learn a bit of local history at Noyes House Museum.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the cool stone helix by Thea Alvin on Route 100. It is a work of art.
Spend some time with nature at the gorgeous lake at Elmore State Park, great for camping, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and swimming.
Along scenic Route 100 Morrisville VT Thea Alvin’s helix stone sculpture is captivating
13. Weston
Take a step back in time in Weston. Visit the Mill Museum to understand the importance and function of mills in the not-so-distant past.
Going to the Vermont Country Store in Weston is an amazing experience. Open since 1946, the never-ending interior of the store has treasures around every nook and cranny.
Specializing in Vermont-made items and brands from the past, you’re likely to find games you loved as a kid.
Visit the Mill Museum in small town Weston Vermont
Final Thoughts
No matter the time of year you plan to visit, you’re in for historic sites, beautiful views and serenity only Vermont can provide. With this list of the best places to visit in Vermont, you won’t miss a thing.
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