The Green Mountain state isn't so green in the winter. Covered in a layer of snow for much of the winter season, it's hard to remember how green the state really is. And then spring arrives, the snow melts, and the state becomes alive with color again! For many of us, this is the best time of the year. It's also time to head outdoors and rediscover what we've been missing for so long. Without further adieu, here are some of the best things to do in Vermont in spring:
Flower Blooms In Vermont
Are you ready for spring to arrive? Just to see flowers in bloom is such a miraculous sight after a long winter, don't you think? I love the pops of color dotting the landscape -- it makes me so happy that warmer weather has arrived!
Location: Marshfield, VT
Popularity: This is a lovely flower farm with friendly owners. What a gem!
Price: No cost to visit.
Open since 1992, this family-owned flower farm is a must-visit in north central Vermont. Featuring a wide variety of flowers including daylilies, hostas, astilbes, hydrangeas, lilacs, peonies, and so much more, there's a lot to look at when you come here. Best of all, you can purchase flowers here to plant in your home garden!
Location: Charlotte, VT
Popularity: This place is a hidden gem.
Price: U-pick is $30/pitcher or $2/stem.
Located a mere 20 minutes from Burlington, this stunning flower farm is a dream come true when in bloom. While opening season for u-pick is in early July, you can always drive by in the springtime to see the fields start to bloom. After that, plan your visit!
Botanical Gardens In Vermont
If you love taking a stroll around a garden in bloom while learning all about the flowers and plants you see, there's no place better place than a botanical garden.
Location: Shelburne, VT
Popularity: This is quite a popular destination for locals and tourists from all over New England and New York.
Price: $25/adult; $14/ages 13-17; $12/ages 5-12; Under 5 years of age are free.
Open May 11 through Oct. 20, Shelburne Museum and Gardens is a must-visit destination when you visit Vermont. Although there is a museum and a cafe on-site, it's the 20 gardens throughout the property that are something to see! When in full bloom during the spring and summer months, take a stroll around and marvel at the colorful blooms. Simply stunning!
Location: Manchester Center, VT
Popularity: This historic home is a popular place during the warmer months.
Price: $23/adult; $6/kids ages 6-16; children 5 and other are admitted for free.
If you're looking for family things to do in Vermont in spring, Hildene is a wonderful place to visit! Set on a hill overlooking both the Green Mountains and the Taconic Mountains, Hildene once belonged to Robert Todd Lincoln, son of the 16th American President Abraham Lincoln. How cool is that? Today, this 412-acre estate has some of the most gorgeous manicured gardens you'll ever see. You must visit Hildene if you ever find yourself in Southern Vermont. It belongs on everyone’s bucket list!
Location: Morristown, VT
Popularity: A hidden gem worth visiting.
Price: No cost.
With plenty of love and care, the owners of Cady's Falls Botanical Gardens have created an exquisite destination filled with colorful flowers in Vermont. There are over 1,400 species of flowers and plants here from all over North America and the world. It's certainly worth a road trip to visit in the spring.
Parks To Visit In Vermont This Spring
With the landscape coming alive once again in the spring, you may want to get outside, go birdwatching, go for a bike ride, or participate in a number of other outdoor recreation. Here are a few parks to start enjoying the spring weather this year:
Location: Castleton, VT
Popularity: This is a gorgeous state park that is still relatively unknown.
Price: Free
Any time of year is a good time of year to visit this state park, but especially so during spring. If you're looking for free things to do in Vermont in spring, this is a wonderful park to enjoy. Taconic Ramble State Park even has a Japanese garden to take a stroll through as well as hiking trails and scenery. It's absolutely worth spending a few hours here.
Location: Woodstock, VT
Popularity: This national park is relatively popular especially during the winter as it attracts skiers and snowshoers.
Price: No fee
While popular in the winter, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Nation is also a wonderful getaway destination for those looking for cheap things to do in Vermont in spring. You can enjoy hiking and visiting historic sites, like a mansion, while visiting this park.
Location: Burlington, VT
Popularity: Very popular, especially for families.
Price: No fee
If you're searching for family things to do in Vermont in spring, consider a visit to Oakledge Park. This city park in Burlington is located along the shores of Lake Champlain. Not only will you have water views but you can enjoy a variety of outdoor recreation like walking, biking, tennis, an accessible playground, and an accessible treehouse. You can visit year-round!
Spring Hikes In Vermont
Ready to hit the trails? Lace up those hiking boots and head out to one of the best trails in the state. And keep your eyes peeled for birds and wildlife!
Location: Stowe, VT
Popularity: Popular for walking and biking, especially during warm weather.
Price: Free to use
Stowe is known for many things including the Trapp Family Lodge and Ben & Jerry's ice cream. However, it should also be known for the Stowe Recreation Path which provides a wonderful 5.3-mile paved trail for all to use. Open year-round for walking, running, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more, this is a wonderful multi-use path.
Location: Barton, VT
Popularity: Popular among hikers.
Price: No fee
Located in Willoughby State Forest, this 4.3-mile, out-and-back trail is quite challenging but worth it for the views. During the spring when the trees sprout their leaves and the forest turns back into a sea of green, it's such an enjoyable hike. Learn more about the Wheeler Mountain Trail.
Location: Manchester Center, VT
Popularity: This is a very popular trail within the Green Mountain National Forest.
Price: No fee
One of the best Vermont spring activities is hiking -- wouldn't you agree? This particular hike to Lye Brook Falls is popular but for good reason. After the snow melts, the cascading waterfall is at its most impressive making it one of the best places to spend some time at during springtime.
Spring Picnic Spots In Vermont
How about dining al fresco? There are countless locations to enjoy a meal outdoors around Vermont. So, pack your picnic basket and head out to one of the best picnic spots in Vermont this spring:
Location: Stowe, VT
Popularity: Very popular year-round.
Price: To picnic here is free. There is a fee for certain outdoor recreation as well as accommodations.
For fun things to do in Vermont in spring, a trip to the Trapp Family Lodge is a must! Not only are there accommodations but a wide array of activities on the property. The lodge offers hiking, mountain biking, disc golf, yoga, tennis, pickleball, and more. You can even listen to live music while enjoying a picnic here. This is one of my favorite spots in Vermont and I urge everyone to visit at least once!
Location: Orleans, VT
Popularity: This serene Northern Vermont lake is perfect for time in nature. It's quite a hidden gem!
Price: No fee
For romantic things to do in Vermont in spring, how about a trip to the lake? Go swimming, kayaking, sailing, or canoeing with your special person and then head to shore to enjoy a picnic lunch. Romance is in the air at a beautiful lake like this!
Location: Hancock, VT
Popularity: This is a somewhat popular place for those who want to see a waterfall.
Price: No fee
Do you love chasing waterfalls as much as I do? Well, a trip to Texas Falls Recreation Area in the Green Mountain National Forest is a must! Take a 1-mile hike to a rocky gorge where you'll find Texas Falls. Remember to bring s picnic so you can sit by the falls as you eat.
What do you think of this list of the best things to do in Vermont in spring? What will you do first when the weather starts to warm up? Let us know in the comments!
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