Vermont screams out to be photographed. The entire state is like a giant picture postcard, with breathtaking beauty at every turn, historic structures, and villages that are regarded some of the most beautiful in the country. The changing hues of the leaves in autumn are a joy. Winter is ideal for skiing and other snow-related activities. Spring and summer are filled with events and outdoor activities like camping and hiking. Vermont truly has it all. This is a list of the top locations to visit in Vermont.
Top Tourist Places in Vermont
1. Burlington
OK. Accept it and move forward. You are obsessed with ice cream, especially Ben & Jerry's. Burlington is well-known for many things, but it is most famous for being the origin of this sinfully delicious ice cream. Because the town is situated on the shores of Lake Champlain, there are several water activities available to help you burn off those calories. The four-block pedestrian walkway known as Church Street Marketplace hosts a variety of events throughout the year. They range from art exhibits to beer festivals to massive pumpkins. It also offers one of the largest year-round farmers markets in Vermont.
2. Champlain Islands
The Champlain Islands are one of the greatest spots to visit in Vermont when the great outdoors calls. The islands are part of an archipelago located in Lake Champlain, which divides Vermont and New York. They are accessible by boat and offer some of the most gorgeous roads in Vermont, a state noted for its scenic drives. Summer activities include camping, seeing the state's first winery, and cycling the picturesque Island Line Trail. In the winter, you may go ice fishing. And, most of all, you won't run across many other people because the largest town in the chain has a population of only 2,000 people.
3. Grafton
Grafton, one of New England's most beautiful towns, earned its name in an unusual way. Formerly known as Thomlinson, the opportunity to rename it earned $5 and some rum in a bidding war; the winning bidder dubbed it Grafton, Massachusetts, after his hometown. Grafton appears just like it did a century or two ago, thanks to the restoration of homes and structures to their ancient magnificence. Check out the Grafton Inn, a hotel that has been in operation since 1801. The renowned White Church, completed in 1858, stands vigil over the community.
4. Killington Resort
If you enjoy skiing, you might want to visit Killington Resort atop Vermont's second highest peak. The "beast of the East" is so named because it has the highest vertical drop in New England. Killington is the largest ski resort in the eastern United States, being established in 1958. While Killington Peak is the main ski area, the resort also has skiing on six other summits. There are 155 tracks for skiers ranging from beginners to specialists, as well as 21 lifts to transport them up the slopes. Several of the trails have ramps and jumps.
5. Manchester
Manchester has a lot going for it. It's a historic town that serves as a fantastic base for exploring the Green Mountains. It has plenty of shopping, including outlet stores that draw visitors from New York and Connecticut. The town, named for an English duke of Manchester, made history from 1812 and 1819 as the site of America's first wrongful murder conviction case, which is still being researched today. Most Vermont historic towns have only one historic area, but Manchester has three: the Depot district, as well as Bonnet and Main streets.
6. Montpelier
Montpelier has the dubious distinction of being the United States' least populous state capital. At least at night; during the day, the population more than triples as individuals come to work for the state government. In recognition of France's efforts during the American Revolution, the city is named after a city in France. The State House is the most popular thing to do in Montpelier, however if you have a sweet tooth, you should go to a maple sugar/syrup mill. See the statue of Ethan Allen, a Revolutionary War hero and Vermont's founder.
7. Quechee Gorge
The Quechee Gorge is Vermont's Grand Canyon. Although it is not as large as its neighbour to the west, it nevertheless offers some beautiful vistas. It is the deepest gorge in the Green Mountain state, measuring 165 feet deep. Glacial activity produced the gorge 13,000 years ago. At the bottom of the Ottauquechee River, there is spectacular whitewater rafting. Less daring visitors can trek to Mill Pond Falls, which flow down 30 feet. The banks are linked by the historic Quechee Gorge Bridge. It is Vermont's oldest surviving steel arch bridge, having been built in 1911.
8. Shelburne
Shelburne is a peaceful village located seven miles south of Burlington, Vermont's main metropolis. It was named after William Petty, Earl of Shelburne and British Prime Minister, when it was founded in 1763. It has strong agricultural heritage, and various farms, including vineyards, are available to the public. Its most popular attraction, though, may be one devoted to making your children happy. The Vermont Teddy Bear Co., which is open for visits, has been creating charming, cuddly teddy bears since 1981 and is one of Vermont's most popular attractions. If you like water, Shelburne is situated on Lake Champlain.
9. Stowe
Stowe keeps visitors occupied all year. In the winter, there is skiing and snow sports, while in the summer, there are festivals, including one with balloons, and art displays. One of the most popular is the British Invasion in September, when fields are filled with all kinds and models of British vehicles. If you like The Sound of Music, you should go to Stowe. It's where the von Trapp family resided and ran a ski lodge after fleeing Austria during WWII. The Vermont Mozart Festival was held on the lodge's meadow. Hiking and mountain biking are additional options on neighbouring paths.
10. Woodstock
Your first thought is undoubtedly of the famed music event Woodstock. You'd be mistaken: incorrect state. Woodstock in Vermont is not a rock festival. It's a quiet community characterised as quaint meets delightful. This postcard village is rated one of the most beautiful tiny towns in America, and it has a plaque to prove it. It's a destination where you can drive over a lovely red covered bridge, visit a sugar maple farm, walk in the neighbouring mountains, and shop at unique shops and galleries.