You’ll find endless lists of things to do in Vermont. The beauty of the state offers countless ways to reconnect with nature, your inner self, and the people you love.
As a born and raised Vermonter, here are some of the things I love to do in Vermont with my family and friends.
1. Visit a Dairy Farm
At Snow Farm Vineyard in South Hero, farming is in our blood because our family (the Lanes) owned and operated a dairy farm for many years on the same land that our vineyard is now located. Vermont is home to over 600 dairy farms, many of which are open to the public. Dairy farming is a big part of the way of life in Vermont. When you visit a dairy farm you’ll leave with a deep appreciation for how your milk, cheese, and yogurt are made, especially if you visit a farm that bottles their own milk, like Monument Farms in Weybridge.
2. Visit a Vermont Vineyard or Brewery with a View
Vermont is famous for it’s craft wines and beers. As someone who works for a vineyard, I’ve tasted and visited most of the competition! The best experiences are when you can appreciate the beauty of nature and the land your beverage was made from.
Our tasting room in South Hero is located within our 13+ acre vineyard, and is surrounded by Lake Champlain and mountain views – a true Vermont experience.
Other great spots to appreciate the beauty of Vermont and craft beverages are: Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro, Von Trapp Family Lodge (the Kaffeehaus and the Bierhall have views), and Foam Brewers’ Waterfront taproom (overlooks Lake Champlain).
3. Visit a Sugarhouse and Walk Through the Sugar Woods
No matter the time of year, a walk or snowshoe through the sugar woods where hundreds of maple trees are cared for, and a visit to a sugarhouse where the syrup is made, is a true Vermont experience.
Vermont is the number one maple syrup-producing state in the U.S. If you visit us and don’t try our maple syrup, you’re missing out! At Snow Farm Vineyard, we also make and sell maple syrup. Making maple syrup is a family affair that brings us together to appreciate nature’s gifts just as winter is coming to an end.
March and April are prime maple season. You’ll see steam rising from sugarhouses across the state as sugarmakers boil sap into syrup. If you’re here in the springtime, you’ll have lots of options for sugarhouses to visit; just call to see if you can swing by to catch syrup being made!
There are plenty of ways to enjoy maple all year by picking up some local products or visiting sugarhouses that have retail stores open year-round like Palmer Lane Maple in Jericho or Silloway Maple in Randolph.
4. Hike Sunset Ridge, Camel's Hump, Stowe Pinnacle or Sterling Pond
Hiking is an all-season option in Vermont. Two of the most popular and more challenging hikes in the state are the Sunset Ridge Trail in Jericho (pictured above) to the top of Mt. Mansfield (the highest peak in the state), and Camel’s Hump which you can start from either Huntington or Duxbury. They both offer some of the best views in the state. Of course, during winter you’ll need to take safety precautions and wear appropriate gear.
For shorter options but just as rewarding views, there is Stowe Pinnacle in Stowe or Sterling Pond in Jeffersonville. The trail head for the Sterling Pond hike is located on Route 108 which is closed during the winter because it’s so narrow. A popular thing to do in the winter is park at Stowe Mountain Resort and snow shoe or hike to the top of the mountain road. You’ll look up to see 1,000 foot cliffs and massive boulders.
5. Check out the Vermont Rail Trails & Bike Paths
There are many walking and biking trails in Vermont that are open all year round including trails that used to be for our railroads. In Northern Vermont, the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail, stretches 26 miles from St. Albans to Richford. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is 93 miles from St. Johnsbury to Swanton. The Cross Vermont Trail runs 87 miles and the width of the state, from Newbury to Burlington.
In Burlington, there is the popular waterfront bike path with the striking views. The bikepath leads to the Colchester Causeway. In the summer a bike ferry can bring you to the Champlain Islands from the causeway, where you can then visit island destinations like Snow Farm Vineyard, The Blue Paddle Bistro, and Hackett’s Orchard.
The Stowe bike path (pictured above) is also a great one to check out with mountain views, restaurants, and retail shops you can stop to enjoy along the way.
6. Visit the Burlington Waterfront for Dining with a View
The Burlington waterfront is the crown jewel of Vermont. There are so many things to do but the best are when you can enjoy the view of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain. Check out Spot on the Dock in the summer for waterfront dining right on the dock.
Year-round you can enjoy views of the lake at Burlington Bay Market and Cafe, Shanty on the Shore, and the Skinny Pancake. Walk off your dinner with a stroll on the Burlington bike path which runs alongside the lake.
7. Drive Scenic Route 100
Route 100 spans over 200 miles through over 30 quintessential Vermont towns. It’s well known because it winds through the mountains and past some of the best attractions in the state including many ski resorts in Southern and Central Vermont (Sugarbush Resort pictured above for their annual pond skimming event).
Some of the top spots to visit in your way include: Vermont Country store in Weston, American Flatbread in Waitsfield, Ben & Jerry’s in Waterbury, Couture’s Maple Shop & B&B in Westfield, and Moss Glen Falls in Granville.
Check out this list of even more stops on Route 100.
8. Check out the Many Farmers Markets
Vermont agriculture and artisanship is on display throughout the year at farmers markets. There are more options in the summer, but still plenty of great spots in the winter too. It’s a great way to support small food and fiber producers. Many farmers markets in Vermont have live music. Bring a blanket and taste and try seasonal products you wouldn’t get a chance to have otherwise! It’s also a great spot to find gifts to bring back home.
Check out this list of farmers markets and their schedules from NOFA-VT.
9. Visit Quechee Gorge
Quechee Gorge is known as the “Little Grand Canyon.” You can walk across the canyon on a bridge and look at the nearly 200 ft drop below. The gorge was formed by glaciers thousands of years ago, and today the Ottaquechee River runs through it. There is a hiking trail that goes around the gorge, and plenty of spots to picnic and take in the scenery.
10. Visit Little River State Park
Vermont has 21 state parks and they are all worth exploring any time of year. Pictured above is the Waterbury Reservoir at Little River State Park in Waterbury, with Hunger Mountain in the background. Little River State Park is unique because, in addition to the large reservoir, it offers an easy “history hike” that takes you through the remnants of an old village that was abandoned nearly 100 years ago.
