Plan Your Trip to Vermont: Best of Vermont Tourism

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Vermont

If you’re looking for peak New England charm, Vermont’s got all the covered bridges and winding roads you could want. It’s a smaller state with tons of local character, and you’ll feel it in everything from its cozy B&Bs to its Michelin-starred farm-to-table restaurants. Vermonters are masters of the small batch after all, with more than 60 craft breweries and countless farm stores packed with artisanal cheeses, jams, and freshly tapped maple syrup. The best part: There’s never a bad time to go—winter draws snowboarders and skiers to faves like Stowe and Killington, while spring and summer reveal the lush (rightly named) Green Mountains, sandy beaches of Lake Champlain, and stunning views of Quechee Gorge.

Essential Vermont

Travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Best Towns for Fall Foliage

According to forum posts, some of the best towns in Vermont for viewing fall foliage include Stowe, known for its gondola rides amidst vibrant foliage, and Manchester, which offers hiking opportunities on Mount Equinox with stunning views of the changing colors. Burlington also provides picturesque bike paths and ferry rides on Lake Champlain, allowing visitors to experience the foliage from different perspectives.

Scenic Drives

Travelers have highlighted several scenic routes for experiencing Vermont's fall colors. Route 7 from Manchester to Burlington, Route 100 from Stowe to Fayston, and the country roads leading from Burlington through Smugglers Notch to Stowe are particularly recommended. These routes pass through colorful landscapes, offering numerous photo opportunities.

Optimal Timing

For timing, travelers suggest that early to mid-October is ideal for catching peak foliage colors in Vermont. This period typically offers the most vibrant display of golden oranges and red hues, especially around areas like Sugar Maples in Burlington.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.

Popular Towns

According to forum posts, popular towns to visit in Vermont include Manchester, Woodstock, Stowe, and Burlington. These towns offer a mix of urban and rural experiences, with Woodstock and Stowe being noted for their picturesque settings and tourist-friendly amenities.

Historical Sites

Some travelers have mentioned specific historical sites worth visiting. Manchester features the Hildene, the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, which includes a neo-Classical mansion and a Pullman train car. Woodstock is near the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Historical Park and the Calvin Coolidge homestead in Plymouth Notch. These sites offer insights into American history and beautiful natural surroundings.

Outdoor Activities

For outdoor enthusiasts, Vermont offers numerous hiking opportunities. The Amity Pond Natural Area in Pomfret and the Faulkner Trail in Woodstock are recommended for their scenic beauty. Additionally, Mount Independence in Orwell combines hiking with historical significance, providing views of the Adirondacks.

Natural Beauty

Travelers have called out Vermont's rural and largely untouched landscapes as a key attraction, suggesting that simply driving through the state can be a delightful experience. Towns like Waitsfield and Warren in the Mad River Valley, as well as Chester and Grafton, are praised for their natural beauty and charming atmosphere.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.

Scenic Routes

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend Route 100 as a scenic route, particularly lauded for its beautiful views during fall foliage. For a trip from Burlington to Manchester, VT, Route 7 south to Middlebury and then Route 30 to Manchester is suggested for its scenic quality and less traffic.

Ferry and Country Roads

Some travelers said that for a trip from eastern Long Island to Vermont, taking the Orient Point ferry to New London and then traveling north on I-91 to I-89 is an effective route. For those seeking less-traveled roads, Route 30 was preferred over Route 22A due to less heavy vehicle traffic, providing a quieter and more scenic drive.

Alternative Scenic Suggestions

For travelers concerned about mountainous roads, it's noted that Vermont roads like Route 89 are scenic and manageable without the fear of steep, mountainous driving. This reassures those who prefer scenic routes without challenging driving conditions.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.

Driving Routes

According to forum posts, for travelers looking to visit Woodstock, Vermont, driving is a common option. From Burlington airport, popular scenic routes include taking Route 89 to Route 100, and then onto Route 4 or 107 to 12. This avoids mountainous driving, which is a concern for some travelers.

Traveling from Boston

Some travelers have suggested taking a scenic drive from Boston to Woodstock. Options include driving north into the White Mountains region of New Hampshire before heading west to Woodstock, or heading west from Boston through Southern Vermont for more small-town experiences and countryside views.

Accommodation and Attractions

For those planning to stay in Woodstock, the town offers a range of attractions such as historical places and outdoor activities. The nearby areas also provide ample hiking opportunities, picturesque small towns, and local eateries, enhancing the travel experience for visitors.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.

Public Transport

According to forum posts, travelers can use public transportation systems in Burlington, such as buses that have been free due to the pandemic but may reintroduce fares. The Greyhound bus service is mentioned, which connects Burlington with Montreal and potentially other cities. However, details on exact routes and schedules were not specified in the posts.

Car Rentals

For many users, renting a car seems to be a popular option for traveling between Burlington and surrounding areas. Car rental facilities are available at the Burlington airport, providing a convenient pickup point for those arriving by air. This allows for easy travel to nearby cities and scenic routes in Vermont.

Train Travel

Some travelers discussed train travel, specifically the Ethan Allen Express and the Vermonter routes via Amtrak. These trains connect Burlington to other major cities, offering scenic routes along the way. However, specific details about journey durations or costs were not provided in the posts.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.

Scenic Routes to Stowe

According to forum posts, several scenic driving routes to Stowe are popular among travelers. For those coming from the Boston area, the recommended path is I-93 to Concord, NH, followed by I-89, which offers scenic rural views in both New Hampshire and Vermont. An alternative mentioned is taking Route 100 from the exit off I-89, which passes through charming villages and offers a slower, more scenic drive.

Additional Scenic Details

Travelers have also suggested Route 108 through Smugglers Notch as a particularly beautiful drive, though it is noted for having sharp turns and potential traffic delays if trucks get stuck. This route is recommended for its stunning views, especially during weekdays when traffic is lighter.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.

Travel Preferences

According to forum posts, the choice between Vermont and New Hampshire often depends on specific travel preferences. Vermont is praised for its picturesque towns and a variety of historical sites, making it ideal for those interested in quaint villages and cultural experiences. On the other hand, New Hampshire offers rugged, more alpine landscapes, which might appeal to those seeking outdoor activities like hiking and exploring natural attractions.

Activities and Accessibility

Travelers have called out Vermont's central areas, such as Stowe and Woodstock, for offering both outdoor activities and a good selection of restaurants. New Hampshire’s White Mountains are recommended for families and those looking for challenging hikes and beautiful drives, such as along the Kancamagus Highway.

Accommodation and Travel Tips

Posts suggest that Vermont provides a wide range of lodging options, from bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels, particularly in areas like Woodstock and Burlington. New Hampshire offers various accommodations with good access to natural landscapes, and towns like Jackson and Lincoln are highlighted for their proximity to outdoor adventures.

Overall, both states offer unique experiences, and the best choice may depend on whether one prefers cultural villages or dramatic landscapes.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.

Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.

The beer lover’s guide to Vermont

Forget Denver, Portland, and San Diego. In my opinion, Vermont is actually the best place in the US to drink craft beer. The small state has everything from award-winning breweries to quaint beer bars and iconic brewpubs, plus gorgeous views to enjoy with your suds. It’s the perfect destination for a beer lover like me. Here’s where I like to hang out when I visit.
  • The Alchemist Brewery
    332
    This is one of the most iconic breweries in the state and my favorite spot to start a Vermont beer tour. The strong, ultra-hazy IPAs—try the Heady Topper and Focal Banger—helped launch the hoppy craze that’s still going strong today. Visit the brewery and visitor’s center in Stowe to try them for yourself (directly from the can, of course) and, if the weather is nice, grab a table in the outdoor beer garden.
  • Lawson's Finest Liquids
    65
    To me, there’s no taste so quintessentially Vermont as Lawson’s Sip of Sunshine. The 8 percent IPA, along with other favorites like Double Sunshine and Hazy Rays, celebrates the state’s love of hops and near obsession with fresh, locally made beer. Lawson’s taproom and store in Waitsfield can get crowded (especially in summer), so bring your patience. The beers are worth the wait.
  • Zero Gravity Craft Brewery
    109
    I love this Burlington brewery for its wide variety—they make everything from IPAs, lagers, and porters to wild ales and non-alcoholic beers. The beer hall on Pine Street even serves coffee and waffles for breakfast as well as full-service lunch and dinner, plus pets are allowed outside and there’s a kids’ menu if you have little ones in tow. I’m partial to the fried chicken sandwich, but there are also vegan and gluten-free options available.
  • Fiddlehead Brewing Company
    249
    The home of Fiddlehead IPA, the best-selling craft beer in Vermont, this Shelburne gem lacks some of the frills of a full-service taproom (i.e. food), but makes up for it with guaranteed great beers. When I visit, I usually grab a pint and a table, then order from Folino’s Pizza, which is conveniently next door. Sometimes I’ll also get some of the brewery’s pickled local fiddleheads, which happen to pair beautifully with beer.
  • Four Quarters Brewing
    26
    This large space in Winooski has an equally large array of beers, including sours, stouts, and yes, hoppy brews. Even with plenty of seats, it can get busy at night and on weekends, but try and snag a spot on the covered outdoor patio if you can. There’s nothing like a Vermont summer evening at Four Quarters, surrounded by friends and arcade games, all washed down with a smashburger and a Tomato Basil sour ale.
  • Prohibition Pig
    1,153
    I come here for the local beers of course, but also for the smoked meats like brisket and pulled pork, and snacks like pimento cheese and duck fat fries. (Obviously, this is not the place for calorie counting.) It can get packed during dinner hours, so go with a small group or during off-peak hours. The brewery itself is just around the corner from the restaurant for a more casual, but just as delicious, experience.
  • Hill Farmstead Brewery
    200
    RateBeer.com named Hill Farmstead the best brewery in the world nine times and I don’t disagree. It’s a great day when I make it out here to lounge on the lawn with a picnic (the brewery sometimes hosts food trucks, but don’t count on them being there when you visit) and a tall pour of the Aaron, a barrel-aged, barleywine-style ale. Consider bringing a map—this place is rural and doesn’t get great cell service.

A local’s guide to fall in Vermont

What to see, what to skip, and more.
Let's go

Browse collections

Bring the kids

Where to find fun for all ages

Follow the powder

Mountain runs loved by skiers and snowboarders

If you're feeling fancy-ish

Luxury experiences that are totally worth it

Prime-time for fall colors

The best spots to watch the leaves change

Cozy vibes

Cute B&Bs, small cafes, and quirky shops

Born and brewed in Vermont

Take a tour or post up with a pint

For a glass (or two)

Vermont’s best wine bars and wineries

Head to the water

Scenic rivers, lakes, ponds, and more to explore

Trails worth the trek

Hiker-approved strolls, loops, and climbs