Discover The Best Of Northern Vermont: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Are you planning your next adventure to Northern Vermont? Look no further than this comprehensive travel guide that will help you explore the top attractions, hidden gems, delicious food scene, and outdoor adventures that this region has to offer. From historical landmarks to family-friendly activities, natural wonders to vibrant nightlife, Northern Vermont has something for everyone.
Top Attractions
Start your journey by visiting some of Northern Vermont’s top attractions. The Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury is a must-see for ice cream lovers. Take a tour of the factory and indulge in some of their famous flavors. For a unique experience, head to the Shelburne Museum, a museum of art and Americana set on 45 acres.
Hidden Gems
If you are looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, Northern Vermont has plenty to offer. Visit the Bread and Puppet Theater in Glover, where you can watch a unique puppet show that blends art, politics, and entertainment. For a peaceful retreat, explore the Rock of Ages granite quarry in Barre, where you can witness the impressive quarrying process and take in the breathtaking views.
Food Scene
Northern Vermont is known for its farm-to-table cuisine, craft beer, and maple syrup. Head to Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace for a variety of dining options and locally made beer. For a unique experience, visit the Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks in Montpelier, where you can indulge in maple syrup tastings and learn about the maple sugaring process.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget? There are plenty of affordable activities in Northern Vermont. Take a scenic drive on Route 100, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Green Mountains. For a fun and inexpensive adventure, hike to the top of Mount Philo State Park in Charlotte for panoramic views of Lake Champlain.
Outdoor Adventures
Northern Vermont is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the Green Mountains by hiking, biking, or skiing. Take a kayak or canoe trip down the Winooski or Lamoille River for a unique perspective of the region. For a thrilling experience, try zip-lining at Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Jeffersonville.
Historical Landmarks
Discover Northern Vermont’s rich history by visiting some of its historical landmarks. Visit the Ethan Allen Homestead in Burlington and learn about the famous Revolutionary War hero. Explore the Calvin Coolidge Homestead in Plymouth Notch, the birthplace and childhood home of the 30th President of the United States.
Family-Friendly Activities
Northern Vermont is a great destination for families. Visit the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington, where children can learn about the lake’s ecology and participate in hands-on activities. Take a trip to the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne, where you can create your own teddy bear.
Natural Wonders
Take in the natural beauty of Northern Vermont’s landscapes. Visit the Quechee Gorge, Vermont’s deepest gorge, where you can hike down to the Ottauquechee River. Explore the beautiful Lake Willoughby in Westmore, surrounded by stunning mountains and offering a variety of outdoor activities.
Vibrant Nightlife
Northern Vermont has a thriving nightlife scene. Head to Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace for a variety of bars and live music venues. For a unique experience, visit the Vermont Comedy Club in Burlington, where you can catch a show by some of the region’s best comedians.
Local Markets
Explore Northern Vermont’s local markets for a taste of the region’s local food and crafts. Visit the Burlington Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday from May to October, where you can find a variety of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and crafts made by local artisans.
Beaches and Mountains
Experience the best of both worlds in Northern Vermont by visiting its beaches and mountains. Head to the popular Sand Bar State Park in Milton, where you can enjoy sandy beaches and water sports on Lake Champlain. For a mountain adventure, visit Stowe Mountain Resort, where you can ski, snowboard, or take in the stunning views of the Green Mountains.
Cultural Immersion
Immerse yourself in Northern Vermont’s culture by visiting its museums and art galleries. Explore the Fleming Museum of Art in Burlington, where you can discover a variety of art from around the world. Visit the Helen Day Art Center in Stowe, where you can view contemporary art exhibitions and participate in art workshops.
Walking Tours
Take a leisurely stroll through Northern Vermont’s charming towns and cities. Join a walking tour of Burlington’s historic district, where you can learn about the city’s rich history and architecture. For a unique experience, take a ghost tour of St. Albans, where you can discover the city’s spooky past.
Architectural Marvels
Explore Northern Vermont’s impressive architecture by visiting its historic buildings and landmarks. Visit the Hildene Estate in Manchester, the former home of Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert Todd Lincoln, and marvel at its stunning Georgian Revival architecture. Explore the Old Round Church in Richmond, a unique 16-sided meeting house built in 1812.
Historical Sites
Discover Northern Vermont’s rich history by visiting its historical sites. Visit the Vermont History Center in Barre, where you can learn about the state’s history and culture. Explore Fort Ticonderoga in Ticonderoga, New York, where you can learn about the fort’s role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.
Biking Routes
Explore Northern Vermont’s scenic landscapes by bike. Take a leisurely ride on the Burlington Bike Path, a 7.5-mile paved path that runs along Lake Champlain and offers stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains. For a more challenging ride, head to the Kingdom Trails in East Burke, a network of over 100 miles of trails that wind through the scenic Northeast Kingdom.
Wellness Retreats
Unwind and relax in Northern Vermont’s wellness retreats. Visit the Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa in Stowe, where you can indulge in a variety of spa treatments and wellness activities, including yoga and meditation. For a unique experience, visit the Salt Cave in Montpelier, where you can relax and breathe in the therapeutic benefits of Himalayan salt.
Adventure Sports
For adrenaline junkies, Northern Vermont offers a variety of adventure sports. Try rock climbing at Petra Cliffs Climbing Center and Mountaineering School in Burlington. Take a hot air balloon ride over the scenic Green Mountains with Above Reality Hot Air Ballooning in Stowe.
With so much to see and do in Northern Vermont, this travel guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip that is sure to leave you with lasting memories.