DanckTravel

With its mountains and lush landscapes, Vermont is a favorite East Coast destination, featuring all four seasons—meaning you can witness stunning fall foliage, swim or go snowboarding all in the same state. In addition, Vermont has small towns with locally owned shops, restaurants, and galleries that are worth exploring. Our guide below explores the what to do and see in Vermont.

1. Soak in the Views of Lake Champlain in Burlington

Take in the views alongside Waterfront Park in Burlington. With beautiful flowers and views of the sailboats, it’s a great way to spend the afternoon.

Pro Tip: Splash at Boathouse is a waterfront restaurant open in summer, with boat docks and excellent views. It even has docks for the boats. We highly recommend enjoying the views from here (even if it’s just for a drink)

View from Splash at Boathouse

Waterfront along St. Champlain

2. Rent a Bike and Explore the Burlington Bike Path

The Burlington Bike Path stretches over eight miles with two beaches on either end. For a longer ride, continue along the ‘Island Line Trail’ to reach the Champlain Islands.

3. Go Shopping on Church Street Marketplace

Church Street in Burlington, Vermont, is a pedestrian-only zone that encompasses shops and restaurants. The brick-paved street stretches about four blocks, lined with 19th-century buildings. Although the street itself is much older (with many buildings being listed on the National Register of Historic Places), the marketplace was first open in the 1980s. Outside of the shops and restaurants, there are often performers and festivals located here.

4. Go Hiking 

Vermont is famous for its nature and these can be best enjoyed via a hike. Below are some places to explore:

• Sunset Ridge Trail (Mount Mansfield): At 4,395 feet, Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s tallest mountain. By taking this trail you can reach the summit.
• Camel’s Hump (near Waterbury): This trail is recognizable due to the hump-shape of the mountain. A hike to the summit is between 5-6 miles roundtrip.

5. Visit the Von Trapp Family 

You may be today years old when learning that the Von Trapp family from the Sound of Music is indeed a real family. Visit their family lodge, where you can embark on the following:

• Bierhall: The Von Trapp family brews its own beer and you can sample some during your visit.
• Family History Tours: You can learn the real story behind this musical family through a tour.

6. Ski or Snowboard in Stowe

Stowe Mountain Resort is comprised of two peaks, including Mount Mansfield and and Spruce Peak. There is a great mix of trails in this resort, including ones that are geared toward advanced and beginners skiiers and snowboarders. Stowe is also a very cute town with boutique shops and privately owned art galleries.

If you are looking for other places to ski, check out Killington, Sugarbush, or Okemo.

7. Tour the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory 

The Vermont Teddy Bear factory is a a local business started by John Sortino who began making teddy bears for his son. He eventually began to sell these bears at the Church Street Marketplace at a small cart. Popularity for these bears grew, resulting in him beginning the company.

At the Vermont teddy bear factory

Everything about this place is adorable. You can take a tour and see their famous teddy bear hospital. All bears are guaranteed for life, so if a bear gets “hurt” or “sick”, children can send them in for repairs. Bears are then sent home with a hospital tag and a badge of good health

The teddy bear hospital

Also, if you are envious of Bernie’s homemade mittens, the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory has teamed up with the school teacher who made them (so you can buy yourself a pair)

8. Take a Tour or Visit the Flavor Graveyard at Ben and Jerry’s 

Ben and Jerry’s is an internationally acclaimed ice cream shop, with its origins in Vermont. Today, you can explore the Factory on a tour, sample ice cream, and check out their flavor Graveyard (spooky!)

Flavor graveyard

9. Taste Cheese at Cabot Cheese Factory

This is on the same road as Ben & Jerry’s. What’s great about the factory is that they usually will have cheese out that you can sample (And who doesn’t love cheese)?

10. Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill

This mill is also down the road from both Ben & Jerry’s and Cabot Cheese Factory, making it a perfect addition to your itenerary. Cold Hollow Cider Mill is known for its homemade products, such as jellies and apple cider donuts. We recommend visiting here to get some jams and other locally sourced products.

11. Go to a Vermont Brewery

Beyond Von Trapp, Vermont is known for its craft beer scene. Some famous breweries include:

• The Alchemist (brews: Heady Topper)
• Lawson’s
• Hill Farmstead

Additionally, if you are into beer and looking for somewhere to travel in the US in July, check out the Vermont Brewers Festival. This takes place along Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont. 

12. See the Fall Foliage

For many, the fall is the best time of year to visit the East Coast, due to the foliage. Vermont’s northern location makes it an ideal place to view the spectacular changing leaves.

13. Eat Pizza at the Tillerman

Tillerman was rated as one of the best pizza places in the country by the New York Times. It’s located in Bristol. However, if you want to go, you will need a reservation.

14. Hang out with 10+ Golden Retrievers

Have you ever wanted to hang out with golden retrievers all day? Us too.

The farm, Golden Dog Farm, has an experience where you can hang out with 10+ golden retrievers for 90 minutes. They also have other events and local goods you can check out.

Final Thoughts

Vermont is a beautiful state with so much to offer. Whether you want to go skiing, snowboarding, swimming, shopping or hiking, there is truly something here for everyone. Any other recommendations? Leave them in the comments below.