Plan Your Trip to Vermont: Best of Vermont Tourism

About 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.

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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
    325
    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
    62
    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
    106
    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
    25
    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
    1,143
    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
    198
    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.

Explore Vermont by interest

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Cozy vibes

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Born and brewed in Vermont

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For a glass (or two)

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Trails worth the trek

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Bring the kids

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