The Definitive Guide To Uncovering Vermont’s Best Attractions — Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More!
With its shimmering lakes, majestic mountain ranges, and wide open spaces, Vermont attracts visitors from all over the world and from Canada, their very close neighbor to the north. Some of Vermont’s smallest towns, including West Haven, promise peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life while larger cities like Burlington offer theaters, museums, and an eclectic assortment of shops, including bookstores, near Lake Champlain. To experience real Vermont life, spend time outdoors exploring its state parks, kayaking on one of its lakes, and checking out its many farmers markets. If it’s a relaxing adventure you’re craving, go wine tasting at one of the state’s many wineries. You can also take a boat tour, a train tour, or even a walking tour. From its darling restaurants and cultural activities to outdoor activities and spectacular natural beauty, Vermont offers something for everyone. Here are just a few of Vermont’s best attractions to help get your adventure started.
The Best Small Towns In Vermont
With its sensational natural beauty and wide open spaces, Vermont beckons those in search of peace and quiet and a laidback lifestyle. Some of its smallest towns boast a population of less than 300 residents, making them an ideal destination if you’re a fan of open spaces and quaint communities. Guildhall, a small town with only 261 people, is home to charming homes and beautiful chapels. However, it’s probably best known for being the only town in the world with the name Guildhall. Baltimore is so small that its one-room schoolhouse was used until the 1980s while you’ll find a covered bridge in the rural town of Lemington. Granby, West Haven, and Stannard are just a few of the best small towns in Vermont that deserve a spot on your bucket list. What are your favorite small towns in Vermont?
The Must Visit Thrift Store In Vermont
Not all thrift shops are created equal. However, it’s probably safe to say we can probably find buried treasures no matter which thrift shop we visit. If you’re a fan of trendy clothing, make your way to Round Robin Upscale Resale in Middlebury. Carve out plenty of time to look through the generous selection of women’s and men’s clothes, all offered at affordable prices. Don’t be surprised if you find some of your favorite brand names among the selection that also includes shoes, jewelry, and other accessories. The shop also features a kids’ section, and you might strike gold with its home décor and dishware. Perhaps even better, proceeds from purchases go to local charities. What hidden gems will you find at Round Robin Upscale Resale?
The Unique Park In Vermont
Vermont lays claim to quite a few parks, but none are as unique or perhaps as heartwarming as Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, a must-visit if you’re a dog lover or if you want to remember one of your dogs who is no longer here. Spanning 150 acres, Dog Mountain is all about dogs. Bring your pooch along for an unforgettable adventure as you explore trails together, sit by the pond, and admire the sculptures of dogs in the special art gallery. Stop by the dog chapel to remember your own beloved pooches who have passed, and take a peek at the written memorials left by other dog parents. This unique park is all about dogs having fun unleashed with their family members. What’s your favorite thing about Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury?
The One Of A Kind Boat Ride In Vermont
Facebook/Fort Ticonderoga Ferry
Lake Champlain is, arguably, the crown jewel of the Burlington-area, drawing kayakers and boaters to its beautiful water. For sensational views of the shimmering lake, climb aboard the Fort Ticonderoga Ferry that will shuttle you from Shoreham, Vermont, to Ticonderoga, New York and back. You can bring your car along, too, if you plan to explore New York before returning to Vermont. However, you can also walk on as a pedestrian. The ferry season traditionally goes from April through October, and the one-way trip takes just seven minutes. However, those seven minutes promise a ton of breathtaking scenery. Bring cash or a check for your journey aboard the ferry that’s been around since 1759. Have you taken a ride about the Fort Ticonderoga Ferry yet?
The Most Charming Flea Market In Vermont
A flea market’s the perfect way to spend a few hours on the weekend, and Vermont has no shortage of flea markets to explore. A seasonal flea market, Wilmington Antique & Flea Market welcomes shoppers and vendors on the weekends from mid-May through mid-October annually. Boasting both free parking and free admission, the charming flea market has something for everyone – whether you’re looking for a unique plant like a cactus or you’re searching for an old-fashioned rocking chair. Shop ‘til you drop or until you need a break. The flea market also features concessions, so you can grab something to eat and drink before you shop some more. What treasures will you find at Wilmington Antique & Flea Market?
The Magical Train Ride In Vermont
A train ride’s a magical and a relaxing way to see the Vermont countryside. Green Mountain Railroad offers train rides, including its popular fall foliage dinner train ride, that promise a whole lot of fun and good food. However, its dinner train rides aren’t just for the fall. They’re also offered other times throughout the year. The Champlain Valley Dinner Train, for example, offers a three-course meal as you journey from Burlington to Middlebury over three leisurely hours. Green Mountain Railroad also offers such themed train rides as the Burlington Murder Mystery Train and the Burlington Wine Tasting Train. What themed train journey will you embark on with Green Mountain Railroad?
The Tallest Bridge In Vermont
Known as the tallest bridge in Vermont, the Quechee Gorge Bridge measures 163 feet high and is open to both vehicles and pedestrians. The two-lane bridge, which features walkways for pedestrians, sits high about Quechee Gorge and dates back to 1911. If you want to admire the views of the landscape around the bridge and the gorge, your best bet is to walk, so you can take your time. (Don’t forget your camera.) Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the Quechee Bridge spans 285 feet and boasts a width of 41 feet. Are you brave enough to cross the tallest bridge in Vermont on foot?
One Of The Most Unique Museums In Vermont
Most Vermonters will likely agree that Vermont is filled with animal lovers, and we have plenty of ways to admire wildlife in their natural habitat. For a unique experience, however, plan a day at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, an educational facility that provides rehabilitation for orphaned and injured birds, including owls. Visitors can learn about the institute’s feathered residents, some of whom will be able to return to the wild. Catch a raptor show; check out hands-on displays, and embark on the nature trails at the most unique museum in Vermont. Will you visit the Vermont Institute of Natural Science ?
