Making lasting memories in Vermont is an easy thing to do when you realize how much there is to see and do in the Green Mountain state.
Things To Do In Vermont
1. The Bennington Monument – Considered by many as the turning point in the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Bennington was commemorated with this monument that is over 306’ tall. Completed and dedicated in 1891, this blue-grey Magnesian limestone structure stands tribute to those that made the United States possible.
2. Bolton Potholes- A popular swimming spot for locals. The “potholes” are made up of 5 waterfalls that each create their own pool of water. The last one also has a rocky beach that is perfect for sun bathers.
3. Balloon Ride- There is a simple reason why a balloon ride in Vermont is on the Bucket List for so many people: it’s absolutely amazing! Discover all the spectacular sights that Vermont has to offer from above. Drift over the rolling foothills of the stoic Green Mountains with the sparkling shores of Lake Champlain and the majestic Adirondacks in view to the west. Above Reality Hot Air Balloon operates year-round for one-hour flights that literally go where ever the wind is going.
4. Ben and Jerry’s – Waterbury is the home of the factory tour that will appease your craving for sweets. With scoop service so you can try all your favorite flavors, this ice cream tour should be called the Ice Dream Tour! Up for a challenge? Then try to devour the Vermontster! 20 scoops of ice cream, 4 whole bananas, 3 cookies, 1 brownie, 4 servings of hot fudge or hot caramel and ten spoonfuls of chopped walnuts creates that perfect crunch. Woah! Think you can finish it all? When you are so stuffed you think you could die, make sure to pay a visit to the sweetest graveyard in the world. The Flavor Graveyard is filled with headstones for dearly de-pinted ice cream flavors.
5. Old Stone House Museum – Built in 1836, this museum was once a student dormitory. I know you’re thinking, “OK, an old college dorm”, nope, this was for GRAMMAR school. Youngsters would come from far and wide to go to the school located in Brownington.
6. Montshire Museum of Science – This museum, including the hiking trails, covers 110 acres. Quenching the thirst for knowledge in Norwich is easily done with this self-guided walk through exhibits featuring science, astronomy, math, mechanics, and many others. 
7. Mount Mansfield- Feeling like you are on top of the world is possible when you are on top of the highest peak in the state. You’ll have to hike a little over a mile up. On a clear day one can see Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains of New York.
8. Gold Brook Bridge– Alright so this one is kinda cheating, because I have already been here. But it’s something that you must see when visiting Vermont. This bridge is also known as “Emily’s Bridge,” due to the fact that it is haunted by a ghost named Emily. After waiting there for her lover, who never showed she hung herself from the rafters. Spooky happenings happen here between midnight and 3AM.
9. Sunset Lake Floating Bridge- The lake this bridge goes over is too too deep for traditional pilings. The current bridge is 318 feet long and supported by fiber-reinforced polymer pontoons.
10. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center – Nationally acclaimed, this Lake Champlain aquarium center will take you to another world while in Burlington. Explore exhibits like Land of Opportunity and Frog Land to see what the aquatic life in this region is like.
11. Smugglers Notch State Park – Stowe is home to this park that encompasses the route that was used to bypass government rules and regulations in the early 1800’s. A narrow horse trail leads between 1000’ cliffs towards Montreal where early settlers of this region would illegally trade goods because it was closer than the cities of the United States where trade was legal.
12. Knight’s Spider Web Farm– I cringe and scream when I see a spider, but their webs are gorgeous. Will Knight has been turning spider webs into art for over 40 years. He attaches them to wood pieces, which then can be statement pieces in your home!
13. Hill Farmstead– Named the best brewery in the world in 2015 Hill Farmstead Brewery is quite overwhelmed with beer connoisseurs trying to get their hands on limited-release bottles filled with Green Mountain gold. A quick stop in here for a cold one is one stop you wont soon forget.
14. Lake Champlain Chocolates– You haven’t eaten chocolate, till you’v eaten Lake Champlain Chocolates. Learn all about how chocolate is made and take in the aromas and sights — not to mention free samples, of a real chocolate factory. The through-the window tour is free, lasts about 30 minutes and is appropriate for ages 7 and older.
15. Shelburne Museum – From furniture to textiles, to impressionist paintings and folk art, you will be amazed by the art work that is on display at this museum located in Shelburne. With 39 structures on 45 acres, there’s interesting to eclectic, there’s no doubt that you will find something to amaze you in this museum.
16. Cliff House – Locally infused culinary delights like venison chili and curried butternut squash soup are just a couple of the reasons many travel roughly 3600’ up the side of Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest mountain. With the view through its floor to ceiling windows, any trip to Stowe isn’t complete without a stop at this Austrian chalet-style restaurant.
17. Al’s French Fry’s – Opening after World War II, Al’s has become an institution for the locals of Burlington. Checkerboard flooring, shiny metal, and small town diner feel surrounds you while you enjoy the cheeseburgers, pepper steaks, and chilidogs. Don’t forget the fries, which are ordered by the cup, pint, or quart!
18. Jay Peak Resort– Indoor water park, championship golf course, ice skating rink, and ski slopes all await at this resort in Jay. No matter the season, any trip to this resort will thrill the entire family.
One thing is for sure, vacationing in Vermont will never disappoint.
What a beautiful state Vermont is! Thanks for the write-up, Skye!
I am living in VT right now,,im orgionally from TN,so it was a big culture shock to me,i havent been to most of those places yet,,but it is a beautiful place to visit,,my husbands family makes maple syrup too,it is a realy delight to see it be collected and boiled to make it the good Vermont syrup that it is
Vermont looks like such a great State to visit on Vacation. I always think that the maple syrup is so delicious from Vermont. I really want to visit this state.
I have always wanted to visit Vermont in the winter to go cross country skiing!
Thank you for your helpful column! My mom has always wanted to go to Vermont, so I will recommend this to her. The east coast is especially pretty during the fall and winter months.
It is a beautiful state. Hope to visit someday.
My daughter is attending the University of Vermont and I will be making many visits there over the next four years and hope to visit a couple of places you have mentioned! We already toured Ben & Jerry’s and also got to make ice cream there in their lab!
I have always wanted to visit Vermont. It seems so beautiful there!
Two movies’ locations have been determining factors in Vermont being on my family’s wish list. The first is the little town in the Diane Keaton comedy, ‘Baby Boom’. The other is the title landmarks from the Meryl Streep/Clint Eastwood drama, ‘The Bridges of Madison County’. Check them both out if you haven’t already!
We have been wanting to go to Vermont. Of course,Ben & Jerry’s will be one of our many stops.
Vermont is a state that is on my bucket list. So very pretty,especially in the Fall months
I have been wanting to go to Vermont. It is so beautiful!
What a beautiful state Vermont is!
I was here in 2000 and it has remained in my memory as “a Piece of Heaven on Earth.”
Thank you for the wonderful material! It is so beautiful!
Vermont looks beautiful. I would one day love to see it. The scenery looks beautiful. I think it would be wonderful to see in the fall.
I used to live in Shelburne. I am now living in Dallas,Tx. I miss Vermont so much. My brother lives in NH. I am looking forward to going home for a visit.
Thank you for sharing these amazing tipps. I’m about to plan a foliage-trip to Vermont so I found theme really helpful. Perfect compilation. Cheers from New Jersey.