Top 12 Best Places To Go In Vermont

The Best Places To Go In Vermont offer a front-row seat to nature’s changing seasons—where fall blazes in fiery reds, winter blankets ski towns, and summer invites lakeside escapes. From charming villages to mountain trails, this small state delivers big experiences all year long.

Craving crisp air, scenic drives, or maple-drenched mornings? Vermont’s got it. Let’s explore the places that make this New England gem unforgettable in every season.

1. Stowe: Alpine Dreams in New England

Stowe embodies Vermont's outdoor spirit with Austrian-influenced architecture nestled against Mount Mansfield's imposing presence. The village transforms seasonally—summer brings hiking and mountain biking, autumn delivers peak foliage spectacle, winter offers world-class skiing, and spring awakens with maple syrup festivals.

I remember standing at the base of Mount Mansfield at sunrise in early October, watching fog lift from the valley while maple trees blazed orange and red against the mountain's granite face. That moment captured why Stowe consistently ranks among New England's most photographed destinations.

The Stowe Mountain Resort operates year-round, but shoulder seasons offer the best value. Late spring provides excellent hiking conditions without summer crowds, while late fall delivers prime foliage viewing with crisp, clear days perfect for outdoor activities.

2. Burlington: Lake Champlain's Cultural Hub

Burlington surprises visitors with its sophisticated urban energy in Vermont's largest city. The Church Street Marketplace buzzes with local artisans, while the waterfront offers stunning Lake Champlain views stretching toward the Adirondack Mountains.

The city's craft brewery scene rivals much larger metropolitan areas. Vermont's beer culture started here, and you'll find everything from traditional ales to experimental IPAs within walking distance of downtown. The weekly farmers market showcases Vermont's agricultural heritage with vendors offering everything from artisanal cheeses to fresh produce.

Burlington's location provides easy access to both mountain adventures and lakeside relaxation. Summer brings sailing and swimming opportunities, while winter transforms the area into a cross-country skiing destination.

3. Woodstock: Quintessential New England Elegance

Woodstock epitomizes New England village perfection with its oval-shaped green surrounded by Federal and Victorian architecture. The town maintains its 19th-century charm while offering modern amenities and sophisticated dining options.

The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park provides insight into Vermont's conservation history, while the Billings Farm & Museum demonstrates traditional farming practices. Fall brings the region's most spectacular foliage displays, with maples, birches, and oaks creating a natural cathedral of color.

Woodstock's covered bridges, particularly the Middle Bridge spanning the Ottauquechee River, offer classic Vermont photography opportunities. The town serves as an excellent base for exploring the broader region's attractions.

4. Manchester: Mountain Views and Outlet Shopping

Manchester combines outdoor recreation with unexpected shopping opportunities in the shadow of Mount Equinox. The town's marble sidewalks and historic inns create an upscale atmosphere, while the nearby mountains provide hiking and skiing access.

The American Museum of Fly Fishing celebrates Vermont's fishing heritage, while Hildene, Robert Todd Lincoln's estate, offers glimpses into American history. Manchester's outlet stores attract bargain hunters, but the real treasures lie in the surrounding landscape.

Mount Equinox's skyline drive provides panoramic views extending into four states on clear days. The mountain's elevation creates distinct microclimates, making it possible to experience spring in the valley and winter conditions at the summit during transitional seasons.

5. Killington: Vermont's Winter Sports Capital

Killington transforms from a quiet mountain community into New England's premier ski destination each winter. The resort's extensive trail network and reliable snowmaking attract skiers from across the Eastern United States.

Beyond winter sports, Killington offers year-round activities including mountain biking, alpine slides, and scenic chairlift rides. The surrounding Green Mountains provide excellent hiking opportunities, with trails ranging from gentle nature walks to challenging peak ascents.

Summer brings the Killington Music Festival, transforming the mountain into an outdoor concert venue. The resort's ability to reinvent itself seasonally makes it a worthwhile destination throughout the year.

6. Montpelier: America's Smallest State Capital

Montpelier maintains small-town charm while serving as Vermont's political center. The gold-domed State House dominates the cityscape, while the Winooski River provides a scenic backdrop for downtown exploration.

The Vermont History Museum and the T.W. Wood Gallery showcase local culture and artistry. Montpelier's compact size makes it ideal for walking tours, and the surrounding hills provide excellent hiking opportunities just minutes from downtown.

The city's farmers market and local restaurants emphasize Vermont's farm-to-table movement. Montpelier demonstrates how government seats can maintain human-scale development while preserving natural beauty.

7. Shelburne: Lakeside Sophistication

Shelburne combines Lake Champlain's natural beauty with cultural sophistication. The Shelburne Museum houses one of America's finest collections of Americana, folk art, and Impressionist paintings in a unique village setting.

Shelburne Farms, a 1,400-acre working farm, offers educational programs and produces award-winning cheese. The property's historic buildings and lakeside location create an idyllic setting for exploring Vermont's agricultural heritage.

The town's proximity to Burlington provides urban amenities while maintaining a quieter, more refined atmosphere. Shelburne's lakeside location offers sailing, swimming, and fishing opportunities with mountain views across the water.

8. Quechee: Natural Wonder and Covered Bridges

Quechee Gorge, Vermont's “Little Grand Canyon,” creates a dramatic landscape carved by glacial activity thousands of years ago. The gorge's 165-foot depth and mile-long length provide spectacular viewing opportunities from multiple vantage points.

The village maintains its historic character with the famous Quechee covered bridge spanning the Ottauquechee River. Local artisans operate studios and galleries, showcasing Vermont's contemporary craft traditions.

Quechee's location along the Connecticut River Valley provides excellent access to both Vermont and New Hampshire attractions. The area offers hiking, fishing, and seasonal activities including maple syrup production demonstrations.

9. Grafton: Preserved 19th-Century Charm

Grafton represents Vermont village preservation at its finest. The entire town functions as a living museum, with historic buildings maintained through careful restoration rather than reconstruction.

The Grafton Village Cheese Company continues traditional cheese-making practices, while the Old Tavern at Grafton provides historic accommodations. The town's commitment to historical accuracy creates an authentic 19th-century atmosphere.

Grafton's seasonal beauty peaks during autumn, when the surrounding hills create a brilliant foliage display. The village's small size allows for intimate exploration of Vermont's rural heritage.

10. Green Mountains: Vermont's Backbone

The Green Mountains define Vermont's character, stretching the entire length of the state. These ancient peaks, worn smooth by geological time, create the backdrop for most Vermont destinations.

Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, offers challenging hiking and spectacular views. The Long Trail, America's oldest long-distance hiking trail, follows the mountain ridge from Massachusetts to Canada.

During my first ascent of Mount Mansfield in late September, I reached the summit just as morning mist cleared the valleys below. The view revealed dozens of small Vermont towns nestled among hills blazing with fall colors—a panorama that captured the essence of New England's natural beauty.

11. Lake Champlain: Inland Sea Adventures

Lake Champlain creates Vermont's western border, offering 120 miles of freshwater recreation opportunities. The lake's size and depth support diverse marine life, including the legendary lake monster “Champ.”

The Lake Champlain Islands provide unique Vermont experiences, with quieter communities and different geological features than the mainland. Ferry connections link Vermont to New York, creating scenic transportation options.

Sailing, fishing, and swimming opportunities abound throughout the warmer months. The lake's influence moderates local climate, creating longer growing seasons and unique microclimates that support diverse plant and animal life.

12. Mad River Valley: Authentic Mountain Culture

The Mad River Valley maintains Vermont's most authentic mountain culture, with Waitsfield and Warren serving as gateways to outdoor adventures. The valley's isolation has preserved traditional Vermont character while developing world-class recreational facilities.

Sugarbush Resort provides skiing and summer activities, while the Mad River flows through the valley creating swimming holes and fishing opportunities. The area's covered bridges and mountain farms create classic Vermont scenery.

The valley's commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection makes it a model for balancing recreation with conservation. Local restaurants and inns emphasize farm-to-table dining and authentic Vermont hospitality.

Plan Your Vermont Adventure Today

Vermont's Best Places To Go In Vermont offer experiences that change with each season, creating year-round reasons to explore this remarkable state. From Stowe's alpine adventures to Burlington's lakeside culture, from Woodstock's historic charm to the Green Mountains' natural grandeur, Vermont delivers authentic New England experiences that exceed expectations.

Pack your camera, comfortable walking shoes, and an appetite for maple syrup. Whether you're seeking fall foliage, winter sports, summer festivals, or spring renewal, Vermont's diverse destinations promise memories that will call you back season after season.

Your perfect Vermont adventure awaits—choose your season, pick your destination, and discover why this small state captures hearts with its timeless beauty and genuine hospitality.