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Nature|Parks & Gardens

The Underrated Natural Wonder Every Vermonter Should See At Least Once

Published May 26, 2019

Written by 

Sophia

Vermont is pretty much a nature lover’s paradise, so there are no shortage of awe-inspiring natural spots to explore. But for every Lake Champlain and Mount Mansfield, there’s a lesser-known spot that’s just begging to be discovered. This little park isn’t exactly a secret, but it definitely deserves more attention than it gets.

Allis State Park in Randolph is a true treasure.

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Flickr/Kevin Jarrett

This spot is situated on the summit of Bear Hill and offers seriously breathtaking views.

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Flickr/Rain0975

Though originally private property belonging to the Allis family, the land was willed to the state of Vermont and has been stunning visitors ever since.

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Flickr/Rain0975

Allis park is home to a fire tower that’s pretty much the perfect spot to watch the sun set or rise.

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TripAdvisor/ Laura L.

On a cloudless day, you can see all the way to Mount Ascutney to the south and Mount Mansfield to the north.

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Flickr/Kevin Jarrett

If you look carefully, you can also spot the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the east.

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Flickr/Kevin Jarrett

Best of all, the park is free to visit. It’s actually the only staffed park in the state to offer free admission.

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Flickr/Rain0975

There are plenty of amenities back on the ground as well. True explorers may want to take advantage of the park’s campsites, and everyone will enjoy the grills, fireplaces, and picnic tables.

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Wikimedia Commons/magicpiano

Don’t spend another season in Vermont without checking out this amazing little gem of a state park.

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Flickr/Kevin Jarrett

You find more information about Allis State Park by clicking here. For more of the most stunning spots across the state, take a look at some of our favorite natural wonders.

Address: 284 Allis State Park Road, Randolph, VT, 05060

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

The Unique, Out-Of-The-Way Garden Attraction In Vermont That’s Always Worth A Visit

Discover the Japanese Garden at Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park in Vermont, a serene spot to experience Japanese culture and nature.

Updated Apr 26, 2024

Written by 

Marla S.

When I was in Japan, I fell in love with the food, people, and stunning zen gardens found throughout the country. Lucky for you, you can still get a feel for the peaceful country when you check out the Japanese Garden at Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park in Hubbardton. This zen garden in Vermont is the ultimate destination to recharge and experience what life is like in Japan. Don't just take my word for it; you can just read on to start planning your outing to this gem in the Green Mountain state.

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To reach one of the best gardens in Vermont, set your GPS to Hubburton, a small town in Rutland County.

A gravel path leads through tall grass and trees, with a signpost marking the Garden Trail.
Google/Julie Longfellow

When you arrive at the park, (which is open throughout the year), follow the sign to the Japanese Garden.

To get to the Japanese Garden, you'll need to follow a challenging trail. However, reaching this zen garden in Vermont is well worth the trek.

A group of people hiking on a forest trail surrounded by trees and greenery.
Google/Sianne Powe

Once you arrive at this tranquil Vermont zen garden, take some time to get a feel for Japanese culture by soaking in the scenery.

A serene landscape featuring a pond, rocky formations, and a stone lantern surrounded by lush greenery.
Google/Sarah Roy

Along with being a special way to spend the day with your family, your leashed dog is welcome to join you too. Of course, another perk to visiting this zen garden in Vermont is getting to experience Japan without having to hop on a plane.

A man walks up a grassy hill towards a child sitting on a chair, with a stone pagoda structure nearby.
Google/Sarah Roy

From this vantage point, you can see the charming little bridges and chairs scattered around the zen garden. This makes the setting ideal for relaxing and meditating.

A serene landscape featuring a stream, rocks, wooden bridges, and chairs on grassy banks.
Google/Nick Arduini

If you visit the garden on a clear day, take notice of the clouds reflecting in the water. I'd suggest having your camera on hand too!

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A serene landscape featuring a pond, large rocks, and lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
Google/Monica Lloyd

As you can see, the contrast of a Japanese setting surrounded by lush greenery makes this one of the best gardens in Vermont.

A wooden bridge crosses a grassy area with trees and rocks under a partly cloudy sky.
Google/Monica Lloyd

If you're in Vermont and wondering where to find the best gardens near me, take a look at Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park to learn more about these Japanese Gardens.

After you've visited this tucked-away treasure in the Green Mountain State, I recommend checking our guide to the best parks and gardens in Vermont too. I also suggest referencing AllTrails to learn of more unique hikes in Vermont.

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

There’s A Garden And Sculpture Park In Vermont, And It’s One Of The Quirkiest Places You’ll Ever Go

Seven Springs Garden and Sculpture Park in Manchester, Vermont, offers a unique blend of art and nature with spectacular views and quirky sculptures.

Updated Mar 29, 2024

Written by 

Marla S.

Seven Springs Garden and Sculpture Park is one of the most unique places in Vermont to spend time outdoors. Based in Manchester, this one-of-a-kind destination is a dream for art and nature lovers. When you visit, get ready for spectacular views of the Green Mountains and Taconic Range as you explore the manicured gardens and quirky art scattered throughout the grounds. Read on to learn about the memorable time you'll have when you visit one of the unique parks in Vermont.

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Seven Springs Garden and Sculpture Park is a true gem in the heart of the Green Mountain State.

Aerial view of a landscaped garden with stone structures and neatly trimmed hedges, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains.
Seven Springs Garden and Sculpture Park

To reach this quirky destination, head to Route 7A South in Manchester.

While there is no fee to visit the gardens and sculptures, donations are more than welcome.

A large tree casts shadows on a grassy landscape, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.
Seven Springs Garden and Sculpture Park

It's one of the most interesting things to do in Vermont.

In the late 1990s, the property where the current gardens and sculpture park is displayed was bought by Stan and Sylvia Stroup.

A bronze sculpture with flowing shapes sits on a stone base, surrounded by lush green grass and distant mountains.
Seven Springs Garden and Sculpture Park

Since then, they developed the grounds to highlight their love of art and nature.

As you meander around this quirky garden and sculpture park, you'll come across art such as "The Traveler" by artist Curt Brill.

A bronze sculpture of a standing figure with outstretched arms, surrounded by vibrant flowers and greenery.
Seven Springs Garden and Sculpture Park

We prefer the modern flow of this symbolic piece by Royden Mills of Canada called "Inner Key."

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A colorful abstract sculpture in a lush garden, surrounded by greenery and mountains in the background.
Seven Springs Garden and Sculpture Park

Artist Roger Di Taranto used bronze and copper to make these unique goats on display at Seven Springs Garden and Sculpture Park.

Two bronze goat sculptures covered in textured foliage, standing on a rock in a lush green garden.
Seven Springs Garden and Sculpture Park

Aside from enjoying the change of scenery while you visit this quirky sculpture park, you'll feel as if you've escaped to another world when you wander through the Japanese garden.

Lush garden with colorful trees, shrubs, and a wooden gazebo surrounded by greenery and a winding path.
Seven Springs Garden and Sculpture Park

Reservations are required to visit one of the loveliest parks in Vermont.

A serene landscape featuring neatly trimmed hedges leading to a lush green field and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.
Seven Springs Garden and Sculpture Park

Book your reservation online with availability reopening in May.

Seven Springs Garden and Sculpture Park offers more information on the website. Have you already been to this quirky park in Vermont? If so, please tell us about it in the comments below.

Find out why Manchester is one of the best small towns in the state. And while you're there, reserve a nice place to stay on Booking.com.

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