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Forested peaks run the length of Vermont, a tiny state with a towering reputation for outdoor recreation. From Killington Resort to Smugglers Notch State Park and Mount Mansfield, trails in the Green Mountains offer opportunities to hike, cycle, ski, and snowshoe. The capital Montpelier exudes small-town charm, but lakeside Burlington is the state’s cultural hub, with craft breweries and farm-to-table dining. Things to do in Vermont span all seasons, whether you’re chasing peak fall foliage or sampling fresh maple syrup in spring.
All four seasons transform the Vermont landscape. Fall foliage brings vivid red, orange, and yellow leaves to the forest, with bright colors generally peaking in early-to-mid October. While peaks are generally snowy from October through April, the best bets for good skiing are December, January, and February. If you want to try fresh maple syrup, come in late March or early April when sugar makers throw open their doors for the annual Maple Open House Weekend.
If arriving by plane, you’ll likely touch down at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV). You can get around using rental cars, buses, and shuttles to major ski resorts. Having a car does make it easier to access far-flung parts of the state, but Burlington itself is a compact city that’s easily explored by bicycle and bus. Bike trails are another option for getting around; top routes include the Burlington Bike Path, the Stowe Recreation Path, and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.
You don’t need to visit a souvenir shop to buy maple syrup. Many small producers sell bottles of the sweet stuff at their homes and farms, and signs reading “Maple syrup sold here” line rural roads. While many now accept credit cards, it’s a good idea to carry some cash so you can pick up the state’s most famous product directly from the source. Remember: The darker the color, the stronger the classic maple flavor.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EDT (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 0 | Tours 26 | Reviews 221 |
Vermont is famous for maple syrup, craft beer, and gorgeous scenery. The rural state has a blend of farmland and maple-rich forests, with dirt roads leading to sugar shacks and small breweries. In the rolling Green Mountains, outdoor adventure goes from major ski resorts to remote hiking and cycling trails.
...MoreTourists go to Vermont to enjoy natural beauty, which ranges from fall’s bright foliage to snowy winters and warm summers. Opportunities to get outside span every season and activity level, whether you’re enjoying panoramic views from a gondola, swimming in a mountain stream, or taking a guided snowshoe through the forest.
...MoreIt depends. If you’re looking for fall foliage, peak season generally arrives in early-to-mid October—a scenic time when local food is plentiful and apple orchards are bursting with fruit. Skiers seeking great snow conditions generally opt for December, January, and February (though the winter sports season can last well into April).
...MoreMaple syrup, artisanal cheese, and craft beer are plentiful in Vermont: The state is America’s top maple syrup producer, with the most cheesemakers and craft breweries per capita in the country. Vermont’s most famous treat, though, is probably Ben & Jerry’s ice cream—best sampled on a tour of their Waterbury factory.
...MoreYes, Burlington is worth visiting. Vermont’s biggest city is a lakeside charmer, with outdoor music festivals, plentiful craft breweries, and cuisine that highlights local ingredients. Its Waterfront Park offers easy access to the Burlington Bike Path, which leads across the Lake Champlain Causeway and towards the island of South Hero.
...MoreVermonters celebrate summer with a maple creemee, a local name for soft-serve ice cream made with Vermont milk and sweetened with locally produced maple syrup. For an over-the-top twist on the creemee, try an ice cream sandwich known as a dreemee. That’s two apple-cider donuts layered with a dollop of maple creemee.
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