A premier destination in New England, Vermont dazzles with its spectacular fall foliage, snow-covered ski trails, covered bridges, and homegrown maple syrup. The Green Mountain State is known for its year-round beauty and is home to charming small towns, historic landmarks, and culinary treats.
Its open landscapes offer a wealth of outdoor adventures, from mountainous hiking trails to photogenic road trips. You can also spend time marveling at the state’s incredible natural wonders, from plunging waterfalls to beautiful lake beaches to deep gorges.
Delicious food and drink options are on the menu here. This is the place where you can add local maple farms and a renowned cheese trail to your itinerary. Wash your Vermont-made goods down with a cold beer, as it boasts the most craft breweries per capita of any state in the US!
If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in Vermont, we’ve created a go-to guide for exploring The Green Mountain State. Our Vermont bucket list includes the state’s top attractions, outdoor adventures, and where to capture the best views of its picture-perfect scenery. Regardless of what season you visit, these are the coolest things to do in Vermont.
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25 cool and unique things to do in Vermont
1. Explore the Highlights in Stowe
Visiting Stowe is a must on any traveler’s Vermont bucket list, as this picture-perfect mountain resort town offers year-round adventures. Luring in nature lovers from across the country, it’s most loved for its small-town charm and abundant outdoor recreation, including skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing opportunities.
Stowe Mountain Resort is the town’s main attraction, offering skiers and snowboarders a variety of trail options, from double-black diamonds to beginner-friendly terrain. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also on offer in the winter, while warmer months are perfect for rock climbing, zip-lining, and gondola rides.
Avid fans of The Sound of Music won’t want to miss a chance to tour the Trapp Family Lodge, a stunning Austrian-inspired lodge on 2,500 acres. You can also stretch your legs on the popular Stowe Recreation Path, a 5.5-mile route that winds its way through Stowe Village.
This town is also a home base for some of Vermont’s other top attractions, including Smugglers’ Notch State Park and Moss Glen Falls. Visit Ben & Jerry’s Waterbury Factory, then pop into the quirky Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum to learn more about the town’s skiing and snowboarding history through unique exhibits.
2. Drive the Scenic Route 100
If you’re looking for the ultimate Vermont road trip itinerary, add Route 100 to your things to do in the Green Mountain State. At over 200 miles long, it’s Vermont’s longest state highway and also one of the most loved due to its incredibly scenic views along the way.
Running straight through the center of Vermont from north to south, Route 100 is considered one of the best journeys in New England. Start your adventure in Wilmington and relax, sail, paddle, or fish by Lake Whitingham, then walk its charming Main Street.
Drive to Ludlow and stop in popular ski towns like West Dover, which is home to Mount Snow. Make your way to Waitsfield and visit President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site and Moss Glen Falls, then explore Stowe’s highlights. Wrap up your trip in Newport and take in the views of the glacial lake from one of the several overlooks at the waterfront.
If you want to see the leaves change from green to bright shades of red, yellow, and orange, it’s best to embark on this road trip in October. The entire journey can take about five hours if you don’t stop but can be stretched to five days if you want to take your time to explore the picturesque Green Mountains.
3. Go Cave Exploring at Smugglers Notch State Park
The natural attractions found in Smugglers Notch State Park have made it one of the top things to do in Vermont if you’re an outdoor lover. Located less than a mile away from Stowe Mountain Resort, this narrow pass through the Green Mountains is lined with towering 1,000-foot cliffs.
It once aided illegal trade between the United States and Canada but is now a scenic destination full of recreational opportunities. Popular hikes include the Sterling Pond Trail and the challenging Hellbrook Trail. Adventure seekers will definitely want to take advantage of the bouldering, ice climbing, cave exploring, and biking opportunities.
For a scenic day trip, start at the Barnes Camp Visitor Center and follow the wetlands boardwalk or pack a lunch and admire the beautiful stream at the Smugglers’ Notch Picnic Area. Ideal for all skill levels, the short Bingham Falls Trail leads to a beautiful cascade and gorges with swimming spots.
You can also stay overnight in this nature-filled state park, with its campground offering easy access to the hiking trails. The restrooms have flush toilets, hot and cold running water, and coin-operated hot showers.
4. Marvel at Moss Glen Falls
While Vermont is full of impressive waterfalls, Moss Glen Falls is one of the best! Accessible via a short hike, it’s surrounded by some of the state’s most spectacular scenery.
Tucked within the CC Putnam State Forest, this top-rated waterfall incorporates water from the Moss Glen Brook. Plunging 125 feet, the area’s rough rock face creates a picturesque landscape of tranquil streams that flow into the pool below.
It’s easy to reach Moss Glen Falls, as it’s located right outside of Stowe’s Historic Village. Once you make the short drive to the nearby parking lot, it’s only a 15-minute (quarter-mile) hike to reach the natural wonder. Hikers of all skill levels and families with kids can add this activity to their Vermont bucket list.
This popular waterfall hike is best seen between May and October. If you want an additional challenge with even better views, you can take the trail further up for a straight view of the falls. Along the way to the top of the gorge, you’ll come across plenty of vistas of the entire valley and lots of opportunities for photographs. This trip is longer at around 2.9 miles.
5. Sample Sweet Treats at Ben & Jerry’s
If you didn’t already know, the all-American classic Ben & Jerry’s was founded in Vermont. A popular tourist attraction for both kids and adults, a behind-the-scenes factory tour is a highlight of any trip for those with a sweet tooth!
Located in Waterbury, you can sign up for an exciting guided tour of the Ice Cream Shop Waterbury Vermont to see the fascinating process of how your favorite frozen treats get made. It’s one of the original factories, still producing over 350,000 pints in its facility daily.
Your ice cream adventure and factory visit start with an exploration of the farm and the production floor, which features a collection of the fascinating machinery used to manufacture the famous dessert. Seeing the discontinued ice cream flavors is a highlight for most visitors, while the tasting room gives you a chance to try some of the latest ice creams.
Afterward, you’ll want to indulge with a few of your favorite flavors at the on-site scoop shop. You can also visit the site’s popular gift shop, which offers a range of Ben & Jerry’s souvenir items and allows you to take home ice cream in insulated carriers.
6. Stroll Downtown Burlington’s Famous Church Street Marketplace
Vermont’s biggest city, Burlington is best known for its Church Street Marketplace. Set in the heart of downtown, it’s a traffic-free, four-block-long area dotted with shops, restaurants, and boutiques.
It offers a lively scene with sidewalk cafes and public artwork, while festivals are regularly held here throughout the year. At night, Church Street comes alive with a buzzing atmosphere as locals dine alfresco and go bar hopping.
Sit on a bench on Church Street and enjoy people watching and listening to local buskers playing their tunes. One of the best activities in this area is shopping, so you can also opt for a stroll past the variety of clothing stores, bookshops, antique shops, and vendors selling artisan foods.
Speaking of food, you’ll have no shortage of dining options on Church Street. There is a long list of international food options, as well as food carts with pizza and cheap eats. Leunig’s Bistro is one of the most popular choices and serves a menu of classic French dishes.
After you’re done exploring downtown Burlington and its famous Church Street, you can find plenty of things to do nearby. Visit the lake and swim at the many beaches, or hop on a bike and cruise the scenic pathways on the Burlington Bike Path.
7. Bask at the Beaches on Lake Champlain
Escape the city life and bask in the tranquil atmosphere of Vermont’s Lake Champlain. Considered a must-do thing in Vermont on warm days, this massive body of water extends for 120 miles between Vermont and New York.
Popular for its outdoor recreation, wildlife watching opportunities, and historical attractions, nature lovers flock to enjoy its 587 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline. Camping and hiking are also popular activities, while boat tours are a leisurely way to experience its natural beauty.
The sixth-largest freshwater lake in the United States, this natural wonder can be enjoyed with a summertime dip at one of the beaches that line the lake or on a kayaking excursion. The North Beach Campground offers waterfront camping, while Oakledge Park offers rental paddleboards in the summer months. Alternately, opt for a private sailing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding lesson on the lake with Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center.
While there are several towns along the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington is the largest city on the lake and one of the most popular home bases for getting out on the water. It’s a scenic destination year-round, but July and August are the best for swimming opportunities.
8. Browse Art & History Exhibits at Shelburne Museum
Art aficionados should add an afternoon of browsing the fine art collection of Shelburne Museum to their itinerary. One of the coolest things to do in Vermont, this unique museum combines history and art with over 150,000 works displayed in 39 exhibition buildings.
Many of the buildings here are historic landmarks that were relocated to the museum’s site and showcase traditional New England architecture. Take a step back in time as you explore the open-air museum’s historic collection that includes a farmhouse, lighthouse, schoolhouse, and Ticonderoga steamboat.
Inside, you’ll find rotating exhibits that make every visit here fascinating, while it’s best known for its collection of American art from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Get up close to Impressionist paintings, folk art, quilts, and textiles, then browse its decorative arts and circus collections.
With its wide array of exhibits, this unconventional museum offers an immersive experience that will delight visitors of all ages. It’s unlike any other museum you’ve ever been to before, where you can marvel at a painting by renowned artists like Claude Monet, then see duck decoys, carousel animals, and a side-wheel steamboat all in one day!
9. Climb the Summit of Mount Mansfield
Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest mountain and offers spectacular views from its summit. Adventure-seekers looking for a challenge will find a number of scenic routes to tackle at this year-round destination, which sits at nearly 4,440-feet high.
It has a unique profile, and many say Mount Mansfield looks like the face of a man peering up at the sky. With this, many of the mountain’s ridgeline peaks are referred to as the corresponding face features, like the chin, nose, etc.
One of the most popular ways to get to the top is via the Sun Ridge Hiking Trail, which starts from the base area at Stowe Mountain Resort. Typically taking hikers around 3-5 hours to complete, the reward includes sweeping panoramic views across Vermont’s impressive natural landscapes. On a clear day, you can capture views of Lake Champlain, the White Mountains, and the Adirondacks!
If you’re not up for hiking, there’s also an Auto Toll Road driving route that leads to the summit. Open from June to October, you can also hop on the Stowe Gondola SkyRide and enjoy the photo opportunities of the lush forest canopy from the comfort of a gondola.
10. Tour the World’s Largest Granite Quarry
Not only does the Rock of Ages Quarry have a fun name, but it’s also one of the coolest things to do in Vermont! At this unique attraction, you can peer into the depths of the largest deep-hole quarry in the world.
At a staggering 550 feet wide, a quarter-mile long, and 450 feet deep, a visit to this immense quarry offers a fun adventure with a few surprises. Your journey starts at the modern Visitors Center, where you can reserve a guided caravan ticket.
Inside the 5,000-square-foot facility, you can watch a video about the quarrying and manufacturing process in its theater and browse historic photos and exhibits. You can also pick up an array of natural stone gifts.
Snag tickets for the caravan-style tour to the quarry, which takes you to an impressive overlook. The one-of-a-kind tour is about 40 minutes in length and gets you close to the record-holding granite quarry.
The site encourages you to pack and picnic, while kids will love the outdoor granite bowling lane! You can also enjoy a fun game of corn hole and take a free souvenir home from the grout pile.
11. Hike Along Vermont’s Deepest Gorge
The deepest gorge in all of Vermont, Quechee Gorge is 165 feet deep and a unique natural attraction. For nature lovers, it’s a top thing to do in Vermont, as you’ll find a range of walking trails, picnic spots, and waterfall viewing areas.
Dating back to 13,000 years ago, this gorge that has been dubbed “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon” was formed by glaciers and continued to deepen by the flow of the Ottauquechee River. Located in Quechee State Park, you can also take in the view from the US Route 4 bridge.
You can also opt to admire the views of the gorge as you follow the designated trail, which gives you prime views of the waterway below. The hike is about 20 minutes to the bottom of the gorge and features several other trails if you want to extend your time here.
Designed for hikers of all skill levels, even little ones can enjoy making a splash in the swimming area at the bottom. You can even camp overnight under the stars at this natural wonder, with the on-site campsite featuring both tent and RV sites.
12. Get Hands-On at the Billings Farm & Museum
Head to Woodstock and explore the Billings Farm & Museum, a top family attraction in The Green Mountain State. The award-winning site is an outdoor history museum set on a working farm and boasts a long list of exciting hands-on activities that will keep both kids and adults entertained.
Set in a beautiful rural area of Vermont, just a short stroll from the village center of Woodstock, the farm here is home to cows, horses, pigs, oxen, chickens, and sheep. If you’re an animal lover, make sure to say hello to these cuddly creatures.
Step inside one of the best outdoor history museums in the country to explore the unique exhibits, which include a country store, traditional farmhouse, and farm workshop. Learn about what life was actually like on the farm at the turn of the century, and see how Vermont became the largest maple producer in the United States.
The family attraction also features an on-site theater showing special presentations and films, as well as a Sunflower House between August and mid-September and a Learning Kitchen with food demonstrations. Its Dairy Bar even has Vermont-made ice cream. On your way out, don’t forget to stop by the gift shop to purchase fresh produce from the farm.
13. Tour the Farm at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
Take a stroll through one of Vermont’s most beautiful landscapes at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, the state’s only national park. Featuring sugar maples, 400-year-old hemlocks, covered bridges, and stone walls, this destination is incredibly photogenic!
In addition to a collection of scenic hiking paths, this site also features a Victorian-style mansion, a working farm, and the Mount Tom Forest. After exploring the 550 acres on foot, you can take a guided tour of the mansion to learn about the families who lived there and admire its lavish decor.
Kids will love the working farm, as they’ll have the chance to get up close to an array of adorable farm animals. You can also take a break with a leisurely stroll through the gardens, while scenic roads winding through the forest give you a quick immersion into the natural beauty if you’re short on time.
If you’re up for a unique adventure, the park’s trails are open year-round. Hiking and equestrian use are popular in the spring, summer, and fall, while winter snow offers a chance to enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
14. Visit a Spectacular Maple Farm
If there’s one thing you should add to your Vermont bucket list, it’s visiting one of its maple farms. The iconic trees that make Vermont famous for its gorgeous fall foliage also make it a top producer of maple syrup in the United States.
Plan your visit between late February and early April, when the sugar houses are at their peak, and you’ll have a greater chance of sampling the golden syrup concoctions. Two of the most popular maple farms in Vermont are Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks in Montpelier and Sugarbush Farm in Woodstock. Both are open year-round and you can come for a visit to learn about the process and production and sample their maple products.
At Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, the eighth-generation family-owned maple syrup farm features multimedia displays in its woodshed theater. It also boasts free sugar house tours and tastings, a nature trail, a country store, and an outdoor Vermont farm life museum.
You can also add Sugarbush Farm to your itinerary, as this 500-acre farm offers you a chance to sample its various cheeses and maple syrups. Afterward, you can browse the local jams and spreads at the farm store or make friends with the on-site farm animals.
15. Go Skiing at Killington Ski Resort
Nicknamed the “Beast of the East,” Killington Ski Resort is a popular spot for winter sports in Vermont. The massive ski mountain not only boasts the highest vertical in New England, but it’s also the largest ski area on the east coast with over 1,500 acres.
Ski enthusiasts will be impressed with the world-class slopes at this top-rated ski destination, where you’ll find runs that cater to all skill levels. There are 155 runs to choose from, which range from beginner-friendly to those designed for advanced skiers.
You’ll find 21 lifts at the runs, which means you will never have to wait long to get to the top of the mountain. If you need a little refresher before you hit the slopes, sign up for one of the skiing or snowboarding lessons.
Killington Ski Resort receives an average of 250 inches of snow per year, which makes it popular for skiing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, tubing, and snowshoeing. However, it’s also a great destination for warmer months, with hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and ATV tours available.
16. Explore a Rural Village at Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
If you’re a history enthusiast, Vermont’s Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site is a fascinating attraction where you can explore the birthplace and boyhood home of Calvin Coolidge. The village of Plymouth Notch is preserved as it was when the 30th President of the United States lived here in 1923!
It’s considered one of the best-preserved presidential birthplaces in the country, as it’s remained virtually unchanged since the early 1900s. History buffs will love exploring the rural Vermont village, which includes the homes of Coolidge’s family and neighbors as well as a general store, church, cheese factory, and 1924 Summer White House office.
Several of the buildings here are open to the public, including the surrounding grounds and gardens. You can even see where Coolidge is buried in the town cemetery along with seven generations of his family.
Inside the Coolidge Museum & Education Center, you can experience more of Coolidge’s life. Hear his own words, admire objects from his life, and browse the interactive, multimedia exhibits that include newsreels of how he became the President of the United States.
17. Meet Local Cheese Makers on the Vermont Cheese Trail
As delicious as you’d imagine, the Vermont Cheese Trail is an absolute must for food lovers. Vermont is known for its delectable dairy products, and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the state’s most popular products than to follow this tasty journey.
With over 50 options on the list, you’re spoiled for choice with stops. However, along the 280-mile loop that runs from Plymouth Notch to the Canadian border, there are a few favorites.
Start your trip at Plymouth Artisan Cheese, as it’s the second-oldest cheese factory in the United States and has been producing high-quality cheeses for over 125 years. Next, stop at Three Shepherds Cheese, which uses cow and sheep’s milk to make its artisan cheeses, including specialty feta.
Shelburne Farms is another favorite, with its 1,400-acre farm creating delicious cheddar cheese. For unique, French-style semi-soft cheeses that aren’t found easily in the US, head to Spoonwood Cabin Creamery to see how they make cheese from organic Jersey cow’s milk.
Don’t miss the award-winning Vermont Creamery, which specializes in goat cheese, fresh butter, and mascarpone. Lastly, Grafton Village Cheese Company is a giant cheese shop with cheese infused with raw milk, creating a creamy, smooth flavor not found in mass-produced cheeses.
18. Hike Scenic Trails in Green Mountain National Forest
Adventure-seekers can get out and explore Green Mountain National Forest, one of only two national forests in New England. With over 400,000 acres of protected land extending from the southwestern region to central Vermont, this is one of the best places for a hiking adventure.
You’ll find recreation available here year-round, with each season offering a unique experience in the scenic forest. While fall offers a glimpse of the state’s colorful fall foliage, winter sees a landscape of snow-covered trees.
Many of its designated trails showcase the forest’s natural features, including its waterfalls, cliffs, and lakes. Lye Brook Falls Trail is a favorite just outside of Manchester with its cascading waterfall, while the hike up to Killington Peak offers panoramic views of the Green Mountains, Adirondacks, and the White Mountains.
Advanced hikers can climb to the top of Equinox Mountain, the highest mountain in the Taconic Range. Alternately, the Long Trail is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States and features 400 miles of rugged terrain.
While hiking is the most popular outdoor activity here, you can also embark on a kayaking or canoeing excursion. Wildlife watching is also a favorite, as the forest is home to moose, deer, bears, coyotes, and wild turkeys.
19. Explore One of New England’s Prettiest Villages
One of the most picturesque towns in Vermont, Grafton is considered a top destination in New England. Its quaint streets are lined with historic buildings that have been lovingly restored, while scenic trails, parks, shops, and galleries make it the perfect weekend getaway.
Sitting at its centerpiece is the historic Grafton Inn. One of the country’s oldest operating inns, it has been open since 1801 and has previously hosted presidents, statesmen, and philosophers. A top-rated romantic retreat in Vermont, it features individually decorated rooms and top-notch dining.
You’ll also find numerous family-friendly attractions in Grafton, including The Nature Museum with its beautiful gardens, walking paths, and nature-based programs. You can also tour Plummer’s Sugar House and taste its maple candy or browse the historic exhibits and artifacts at the award-winning Grafton Historical Society.
When you want to stretch your legs, the Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center offers 2,000 acres of scenic land with hiking, mountain biking, and swimming in the summer, and skiing, tubing, and snowshoeing in the winter. Don’t leave without picking up a souvenir from Mercantile, which sells locally made gifts and home goods.
20. Go Fly Fishing in Manchester
There’s nothing more peaceful than a quiet afternoon of fly fishing, and one of the best destinations to tick this activity off your list in Vermont is near Manchester. Of the top places, Battenkill River is full of trout and appeals to beginners and well-seasoned anglers alike.
Battenkill River is one of the most famous trout streams in the Green Mountains and is teeming with brook trout and brown trout. Head here from the middle of May to the end of July for the best fishing. If you’re not experienced in fly fishing, it’s recommended to hire a guide so you can learn the ropes.
Other top fly fishing destinations in Vermont include the Black River, Lamoille River, and White River. In addition to scenic settings, these spots are known for their large variety of fish that lure in fishermen from across the state.
You can also pop into the American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester, which is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of fly fishing. Believing that angling is an important part of American culture, it boasts the world’s largest collection of angling and angling-related items, including rods, reels, flies, tackle, art, and photographs.
21. Take a Step Back in Time at Bennington Battle Monument and Museum
If you’re a fan of history, don’t miss visiting the Bennington Battle Monument and Museum. Standing 306 feet high, the obelisk here is visible for miles around and commemorates the 1777 battle that was fought about five miles west of Bennington.
Completed and dedicated in 1891, the monument observes the famous Battle of Bennington. Occurring on August 16, 1977, the battle was considered to be the turning point in the Revolutionary War. It’s said to have turned the tide against the British by splitting British General John Burgoyne’s forces in half, making the final American victory possible.
Open from May through October, you can visit this iconic limestone monument and enjoy the views from its observation deck. Reached by elevator, it offers sweeping views of the valleys and rolling hills of Vermont as well as New York and Massachusetts on a clear day.
You can also explore the nearby Bennington Museum, which highlights the region’s rich history. History buffs will want to browse its unique collection, including the famous Bennington Flag with its arch of 13 stars encircling the number “76.” In addition to artifacts from the colonial and Civil War periods, it’s also home to an impressive fine art collection.
22. Go Brewery Hopping
Often considered the birthplace of the New England IPA, Vermont is a great destination for brewery hopping. Its craft beer scene is one of the best in the United States, leading the country in the number of craft breweries per capita!
If you want to sample some of the state’s stand-out suds, add one of these spots to your Vermont bucket list. In Burlington, Foam Brewers offers an ever-changing line of beers that ranks it one of the best in the state.
A popular choice in the hazy New England IPA movement, The Alchemist in Stowe is another favorite. Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro Bend holds its own as one of the best breweries in the world, while Lawson’s Finest Liquids is a staple in Vermont’s craft beer scene.
The Burlington-based Zero Gravity Craft Brewery is all about sustainability and community, raising awareness for social justice issues. However, if you’ve got a taste for European-style ales and lagers, head to Lost Nation Brewing in Morrisville to try their collection of specialty brews.
23. Visit the Artsy Town of Brattleboro
Nestled near the Massachusetts state line, Brattleboro is one of Vermont’s top destinations. This artsy town has often been named one of the best small towns in America, beloved for its charming, lively downtown, eclectic restaurants, and thriving entertainment and arts scene.
Start your journey in this quirky New England small town by exploring the charming downtown area. Dotted with adorable shops, art galleries, and restaurants, it’s also a great place to find one-of-a-kind treasures in its independent bookstores, record shops, and antique stores.
Entertainment is plentiful in Brattleboro, with The Stone Church offering live jazz performances and the Art Deco Latchis Theatre known for its live shows. You have your pick of fun in this town, from admiring artwork in the Brattleboro Museum of Art Center to browsing the Brattleboro Area Farmers Market, a top-rated market in all of Vermont.
In winter, the town becomes a great base for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with groomed trails at nearby Mount Snow, Magic Mountain, and Stratton Mountain. You can even head to Chester and hop on the Green Mountain Railroad for a scenic fall foliage train ride to Ludlow or Rockingham.
Foodies can visit Grafton Village Cheese Co, which not only specializes in cheese but also offers handmade chocolates, candies, gourmet sauces, and more. Wash your treats down with a glass of bourbon at the riverside Saxtons River Distillery!
24. Pick Up Unique Treasures at Vermont Antique Mall
You can shop till you drop at the Vermont Antique Mall, which is a popular spot to find unique items. One of the main attractions in the Quechee Gorge Village, it’s home to over 100 vendors selling all kinds of locally made goods.
Spread across three levels and 17,000 square feet, you can browse vendors selling everything under the sun. Expect to see toys, home goods, and collectibles, as well as food shops giving out samples.
It’s the perfect place to go if you’re in need of a special gift or one-of-a-kind souvenir, as its booths are filled with an array of antique and vintage items. You’ll be taken aback by the stockpile of options, both large and small, spread across the mall.
Head to the basement area to find a small selection of furniture, then peruse the upstairs to find everything from glassware and wooden bowls to antique cast iron cookware. You can also find clothing, jewelry, artwork, and much more among its nooks and crannies.
25. Visit the Covered Bridges in Bennington County
You haven’t really explored Vermont if you haven’t seen its legendary covered bridges. While they are found throughout the state (there are more than 100), Bennington County is a great spot to photograph and admire these historic landmarks.
Giving you a glimpse of a bygone age, Bennington County boasts five covered bridges. Take a road trip to see these beautiful feats of engineering, which were once used to protect the wood bridges from exposure to snow and rain, prevent horses from being spooked by the rivers beneath, and used as impromptu meeting places.
Start by visiting the oldest covered bridge in Bennington County, the Silk Covered Bridge, which carries the Silk Road over the Walloomsac River. Next, visit the Paper Covered Bridge, the longest covered bridge in the area.
The Burt Henry Covered Bridge also spans the Walloomsac River. Dating back to 1840, it has been an important crossing since colonial times but now serves as a great spot for picnicking along the riverbank.
In Sunderland, Chiselville Covered Bridge sits high above the Roaring Branch River and was featured in the film Baby Boom. Lastly, the Arlington Green Covered Bridge is one of the most photographed in Vermont, with its picturesque backdrop featuring a local church and historic inn.
There you have it! The 25 of the best things to do in Vermont. What’s your favorite thing to do in The Green Mountain State?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Visiting Stowe is a must on any traveler’s Vermont bucket list, as this picture-perfect mountain resort town offers year-round adventures. Luring in nature lovers from across the country, it’s most loved for its small-town charm and abundant outdoor recreation, including skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing opportunities.
If you’re looking for the ultimate Vermont road trip itinerary, add Route 100 to your things to do in the Green Mountain State. At over 200 miles long, it’s Vermont’s longest state highway and also one of the most loved due to its incredibly scenic views along the way.
While Vermont is full of impressive waterfalls, Moss Glen Falls is one of the best! Accessible via a short hike, it’s surrounded by some of the state’s most spectacular scenery. This popular waterfall hike is best seen between May and October. If you want an additional challenge with even better views, you can take the trail further up for a straight view of the falls.
Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest mountain and offers spectacular views from its summit. Adventure-seekers looking for a challenge will find a number of scenic routes to tackle at this year-round destination, which sits at nearly 4,440-feet high. One of the most popular ways to get to the top is via the Sun Ridge Hiking Trail, which starts from the base area at Stowe Mountain Resort. Typically taking hikers around 3-5 hours to complete, the reward includes sweeping panoramic views across Vermont’s impressive natural landscapes. On a clear day, you can capture views of Lake Champlain, the White Mountains, and the Adirondacks!
Not only does the Rock of Ages Quarry have a fun name, but it’s also one of the coolest things to do in Vermont! At this unique attraction, you can peer into the depths of the largest deep-hole quarry in the world. At a staggering 550 feet wide, a quarter-mile long, and 450 feet deep, a visit to this immense quarry offers a fun adventure with a few surprises.
Nicknamed the “Beast of the East,” Killington Ski Resort is a popular spot for winter sports in Vermont. The massive ski mountain not only boasts the highest vertical in New England, but it’s also the largest ski area on the east coast with over 1,500 acres. Ski enthusiasts will be impressed with the world-class slopes at this top-rated ski destination, where you’ll find runs that cater to all skill levels.
