Welcome to Vermont
Lake Champlain, often regarded as Vermont’s crown jewel, stands out as the best and most iconic lake in the state. Stretching over 120 miles between Vermont, New York, and a sliver into Quebec, Canada, it’s renowned for its beauty and vast array of activities.
This natural freshwater lake, framed by the Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east, offers a picturesque landscape that captivates photographers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Visitors can indulge in a myriad of water-based activities, including boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The Burlington waterfront, along Lake Champlain, is a bustling hub with parks, bike paths, and a vibrant dining scene, showcasing the lake’s influence on local culture.
Top Three Facts about Vermont
01
Lots of Maple Syrup
Vermont is the largest producer of maple syrup in the United States. It produces over two million gallons a year, accounting for over 40% of the national total.
02
Ben & Jerry’s
The famous ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s started in Burlington, Vermont, in 1978. The company still operates a factory in Waterbury, which is a popular tourist attraction.
03
Unique Teddy Bears
The Vermont Teddy Bear Company, founded in 1981, is famous for creating handcrafted, American-made teddy bears, each with its own unique personality.
Must See Attractions
Church Street Marketplace
Shopping
Church Street Marketplace in Burlington is a vibrant, open-air pedestrian mall stretching four blocks in the city’s heart. This bustling area has various shops, restaurants, and cafes, offering something for everyone. Street performers and local artists add to the lively atmosphere, making it a great place to experience the local culture.
Shelburne Museum
Speciality Museums
The Shelburne Museum is a unique and expansive museum that spans 45 acres and features over 150,000 works of art, Americana, and artifacts. The museum’s 39 exhibition buildings include historic structures such as a lighthouse, a covered bridge, and a 220-foot steamboat, the Ticonderoga.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour
Tours
The Ben & Jerry’s Factory is a delightful destination for ice cream lovers in Waterbury. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the ice cream-making process, watch production in action, and enjoy free samples of their famous flavors.
Where to Sleep
Lakes to Explore
1. Lake Champlain
As Vermont’s largest lake, it offers stunning views and abundant recreational activities, including kayaking and boating.
2. Silver Lake
Silver Lake is a hidden gem with a serene atmosphere, perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and enjoying a quiet picnic by the water.
3. Lake Willoughby
Known for its deep, glacially carved waters and resemblance to a Norwegian fjord, Lake Willoughby is very popular.
4. Lake Memphremagog
This pristine lake is known for its crystal clear waters, ideal for boating, fishing, and enjoying serene, cross-border views.
5. Echo Lake
Echo Lake offers pristine waters with excellent opportunities for swimming, boating, and enjoying the nearby hiking trails.
6. Seymour Lake
Seymour Lake is known for its tranquil beauty and unspoiled natural surroundings, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat.
7. Lake Bomoseen
Lake Bomoseen boasts beautiful natural scenery and is a favorite for boating, fishing, and swimming in the summer.
8. Lake St. Catherine
This charming lake, surrounded by rolling hills and quaint cottages, is a hub for fishing, water skiing, and enjoying the peaceful countryside.
Annual Events and Festivals
April 25 – 27, 2025
Vermont Maple Festival
The Vermont Maple Festival, held annually in St. Albans, is a celebration that epitomizes the state’s deep-rooted connection with maple syrup production. This tradition has earned Vermont a reputation for producing some of the world’s finest maple syrup. This sweetly scented festival draws visitors from far and wide to indulge in various maple-related festivities. The event is a true sensory delight, from pancake breakfasts smothered in locally produced syrup to cooking demonstrations, sugarhouse tours, and syrup-tasting sessions.
TBA 2025
Vermont Cheesemakers Festival
The Vermont Cheesemakers Festival is a gastronomic annual celebration showcasing the state’s rich dairy culture and its acclaimed artisan cheese industry. As one of the premier food festivals in the region, it typically occurs in the scenic backdrop of the Shelburne Farms, a historic agricultural estate on the shores of Lake Champlain. This one-day event brings together over 40 Vermont cheesemakers, representing an impressive array of cheeses, ranging from classic cheddars to innovative new blends. The festival is a paradise for cheese lovers, offering a chance to sample and purchase a diverse assortment of cheeses and attend workshops and cooking demonstrations led by top cheesemakers and food experts.
October 2024
Northeast Kingdom Fall Foliage Festival
The Northeast Kingdom Fall Foliage Festival is an enchanting series of events held annually in Vermont’s picturesque Northeast Kingdom, celebrated across several towns during peak fall foliage season, usually in late September or early October. Each day of the week-long festival is hosted by a different town, offering a unique and authentic Vermont experience that highlights the local community’s culture and traditions. The festival is a vivid tapestry of quintessential New England autumnal charm, featuring a range of activities, including scenic drives through breathtaking fall colors, guided nature walks, and historical tours showcasing the region’s rich heritage.
Top Hiking Trails
Mount Mansfield Loop Trail
Mountain Rd, Underhill, Vermont
The Mount Mansfield Loop Trail, nestled in the Green Mountains of Vermont, offers an exhilarating and challenging hiking experience. It leads adventurers to Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. This 7.3-mile loop trail is renowned for its rugged terrain, stunning panoramic views, and unique alpine tundra ecosystem. The trail comprises several sections, including the Sunset Ridge Trail, which provides views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. This hike is considered challenging, with steep and rocky segments, and is recommended for experienced hikers.
Stowe Pinnacle via Pinnacle Meadow Trail
Pinnacle Meadows, Stowe Land Trust, Pinnacle Heights Road, Stowe, Vermont
This moderate, 3.4-mile trail is a local favorite for its accessibility and the splendid vistas it offers. One of the highlights of this trail is the Pinnacle Meadow, a serene clearing that provides a picturesque setting for a rest or a picnic. As hikers continue their ascent, the trail becomes more rugged, eventually leading to the summit of Stowe Pinnacle. The Stowe Pinnacle hike is perfect for those seeking a balance of natural beauty and a moderately challenging trek, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned hikers and those looking to explore the scenic wonders of Stowe.
Burrows Trail, Camel’s Hump
Green Mountains, Vermont
Camel’s Hump is one of Vermont’s most recognizable peaks, known for its distinctive, hump-shaped summit. The hike to the top is a rewarding challenge, with several trails leading to the 4,083-foot peak. The Burrows Trail is popular, offering a moderate 4.8-mile round trip with a mix of forested paths and rocky climbs. At the summit, hikers are greeted with panoramic views of the Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, and even the Adirondacks on a clear day. Camel’s Hump is not only a natural landmark but also a symbol of Vermont’s rugged beauty.
Best Golf Courses
The Mountain Course At Spruce Peak
7320 Mountain Road Stowe, Vermont
Crafted by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, this 18-hole mountain-style course offers an unparalleled golfing experience in the heart of Vermont. Golfers are treated to stunning panoramic views of Mount Mansfield and the surrounding Green Mountains as they navigate through undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and meticulously manicured greens. With its elevation changes, pristine conditioning, and crisp mountain air, The Mountain Course provides a golfing experience that is as refreshing as visually stunning.
Green Mountain National Golf Course
Barrows-Towne Rd Killington, Vermont
This public course, highly acclaimed for its natural beauty and thoughtful design, stretches across a rugged landscape, taking full advantage of the Green Mountains’ natural contours and panoramic vistas. Designed by Gene Bates, the 18-hole course is known for its harmonious blend of scenic beauty and strategic play. Each hole presents its unique challenges, with varying elevations, natural water features, and strategically placed bunkers that test golfers’ skill and precision.
The Golf Club At EQUINOX
Union St Manchester, Vermont
This historic course, dating back to 1927, combines classic elegance with modern golfing amenities, offering players a unique and memorable experience. Designed by renowned architect Walter Travis, the 18 hole course winds its way through undulating fairways, challenging bunkers, and scenic landscapes that showcase the natural beauty of Vermont. The layout, surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the Equinox Mountain, offers a serene and picturesque setting for a round of golf.
Water Sports
Lake Champlain Yacht Club
Sailing
While Vermont is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and mountainous terrain, it might surprise many that it offers a delightful sailing experience. Lake Champlain, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the United States, stretches along the western border of Vermont, providing an idyllic setting for sailing enthusiasts. The lake’s expansive waters, framed by the Adirondack and Green Mountains, create a serene and scenic backdrop for sailing adventures. Marinas and sailing clubs—such as Lake Champlain Yacht Club—dot the lakeshore, offering opportunities for seasoned sailors and novices to explore the gentle waves of Lake Champlain.
Burlington Wake Co
Wakeboarding in Vermont offers an exhilarating way to enjoy the state’s scenic waterways, particularly on the vast and beautiful Lake Champlain. The lake’s extensive surface area and relatively calm waters create ideal conditions for wakeboarding, appealing to both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. Burlington Wake Co provides all the necessary equipment, including state-of-the-art wakeboards and safety gear, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
PaddleSurf Champlain
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in Vermont provides a serene and scenic way to explore the state’s pristine waterways. Nestled along the shores of Lake Champlain, PaddleSurf Champlain offers a range of high-quality SUP equipment, including paddleboards, paddles, and life vests, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced paddlers. The calm waters of Lake Champlain offer an ideal environment for SUP, allowing enthusiasts to peacefully glide over the lake while taking in the views of the surrounding mountains.
Resorts to Explore
Trapp Family Lodge
Recreational, Family-friendly
700 Trapp Hill Rd, Stowe, Vermont 05672
Stowe Meadows
Couples, Luxury
3233 Elmore Mountain Rd, Elmore, Vermont 05661
Mountain Top Resort
Lakefront
195 Mountain Top Rd, Chittenden, Vermont 05737
Tips on Traveling to Vermont
Scenic Drives
Vermont is known for its picturesque landscapes. Consider exploring scenic drives such as the Green Mountain Byway or the Vermont Cheese Trail. These routes showcase the state’s natural beauty and provide opportunities to visit charming towns and local attractions.
Outdoor Adventures
Take advantage of Vermont’s outdoor offerings. Hike the state’s trails, go skiing in the winter, enjoy water activities on Lake Champlain, or simply take a leisurely stroll through charming villages.
Visit Quaint Towns
Vermont is dotted with charming towns and villages. Burlington, Stowe, Woodstock, and Manchester are just a few examples. Explore their historic downtown areas, visit local shops, and experience the welcoming community atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vermont
If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway in Vermont, there are many online platforms where you can find upscale vacation rentals. Some popular websites for finding luxury vacation rentals include Lake, Airbnb, VRBO, and Rent By Owner. Read customer reviews and check the property photos to ensure the rental meets your expectations.
Vermont offers an abundance of beautiful lakefront cabins for vacation rentals. Some popular areas for cabin rentals by the lake include Lake Champlain, Lake Bomoseen, Lake Willoughby, and Lake St. Catherine. These lakes provide serene settings and offer a mix of relaxation and recreational activities to enjoy during your stay.
The cost of Vermont vacation rentals varies depending on the property, location, and time of year. On average, you can pay around $425 per night. Remember, this is just an average, and you may find more affordable or luxurious options depending on your preferences.
Vermont is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore hiking trails, go skiing or snowboarding in the winter, kayak or fish in the lakes, and enjoy scenic drives through the countryside.