14 Can't-Miss Places to Visit in Vermont

A visit to Vermont offers activities for a range of interests, whether you’re into heart-pounding trips down a mountain biking trail, a relaxing stroll to a scenic waterfall, a toast to the state’s artisan food and drink sector, or something else entirely!

Here are the destinations necn visited during our 2019 vacation week trip to the Green Mountain State:

1. Grist Mill Covered Bridge, Jeffersonville: This is one of the more than 100 covered bridges dotting Vermont’s rural landscape. The Vermont Covered Bridge Society maintains an online guide to the state’s bridges, which is available here. 

2. The Montshire Museum of Science (Norwich), Shelburne Farms (Shelburne), and ECHO (Burlington): These three attractions are popular with families traveling with curious kids. The Montshire and ECHO each offer many opportunities for hands-on science learning, and are each showcasing interactive, game-based exhibits for the summer. The children’s farmyard at Shelburne Farms is a popular draw that aims to educate about agricultural heritage and practices—and grown-ups will love the landmark’s cheddar cheese samples!

3. Moss Glen Falls, Granville: A short stroll on a boardwalk takes travelers of the Scenic Route 100 Byway to a viewing area of this breathtaking waterfall. For more to do on the Scenic Route 100 Byway, click here.

4. President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, Plymouth Notch: This remarkably well-preserved historic site offers visitors a glimpse at the life and career of the 30th president of the United States, and at how a Vermont hill town looked at the beginning of the 20th century. Click here for for more.

5. Whales Tails, South Burlington: An iconic sculpture formally named “Reverence” greets drivers heading to Burlington on Interstate 89, and is meant to symbolize the fragility of nature. Learn more, here.

6. Downtown art exploration, Rutland: The city is increasingly becoming known as a place to check out sculptures, murals, and galleries. The Downtown Rutland Partnership encourages you to admire the creations on a self-guided tour. Click here for more information.

7. African American Heritage Trail, locations statewide: This guide points travelers to sites where they can learn more about many important contributions made to Vermont life by African Americans who have called the state home. Plan a visit here.

8. Artist market, Burlington: Burlington City Arts organizes an artist market on the lower block of the Church Street Marketplace on Saturdays through mid-October. BCA also hosts a summer lunchtime concert series on the same block Wednesdays and Fridays through late-August. Find out details here. 

9. Burlington Harbor Marina, Burlington: The newest addition to the city’s waterfront, this marina operates as a public/private partnership. It sets aside 60 slips for transient boaters who want to make short visits to the Queen City—including giving them the option to spend the night on their boats. Learn more here.

10. Suicide Six Bike Park, South Pomfret: This ski resort just outside of Woodstock has expanded into summer operations with lift-served access to mountain biking trails. A gear rental shop and experienced coaches help visitors of all ages to tackle the recreational challenges and thrills ahead of them. Find out more by clicking here.

11. South end exploration, Burlington: The city’s south end has a reputation as a hip hotspot, for its breweries, independent shops, artists’ spaces, and creative vibe. One way to check it out is through the First Friday Art series. More info can be found here.

12. Lake Monsters games, Burlington: The minor league baseball affiliate of the Oakland A’s has provided many a fun night at the ballpark for locals and visitors to Vermont alike. The antics of the Lake Monsters’ mascot, Champ, are just part of the enjoyment. The team also has a series of creative promotions for home games. For more info on promotions and games click here.

13. Distillery tour, locations statewide: Vermont is home to a growing number of artisan distilleries producing award-winning products, including Smugglers’ Notch Distillery in Jeffersonville. If you visit all the members of the Distilled Spirits Council of Vermont—collecting stamps along the way—you can exchange a card for a free t-shirt. See what’s out there.

14. Photo tours, workshops on location: Vermont photographer Steve Mermelstein guides visitors to some of the state’s many beauty spots, providing instruction on photography techniques and helpful tips on how to score the best shot. Learn more here.