Vermont possesses all of the charm, adventure and beauty of New England at its finest. Plummet down the slopes of its mountains on skis in winter or hike up them in summer for spectacular views. Its delightful towns and cities can also be visited at any time of year, promising niche museums and historic centers.
Visit Chimney Point State Historic Site and the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum to learn about the Abenaki nations who lived in the region for almost 10,000 years before Europeans arrived. French explorers arrived in 1609 and named the region after the green mountains in the north.
The state may be small but it packs in over 220 mountains of elevations over 2,000 feet (610 meters). Trek to the top of Mount Mansfield, the highest point in the state, or follow the Long Trail, an old hiking route that follows the ridges of the Green Mountains. Return to the slopes in winter and enjoy the pistes at Killington Ski Area, Sugarbush Resort and Stowe Mountain.
Relax by the shores of Lake Champlain or bike around the edge of this 120-mile (193-kilometer) long lake. The main point of access is the welcoming town of Burlington. Stay here to enjoy a colorful market on Church Street and to visit the family-friendly ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center.
Stroll around scenic towns such as Stowe and Woodstock. Stowe features the Vermont Ski Museum, which charts the history of the sport. Amble between the farms and markets of Woodstock, sampling fresh and local produce as you go.
Manchester is popular with foodies, shoppers and mountaineers. Here, explore Hildene, the family home of Abraham Lincoln’s son, and attend crafts festivals in fall.
Fly into Burlington International Airport from major cities around the U.S. or drive here from the busy neighboring states of Massachusetts and New York. Vermont holds different appeals across the seasons. Come in fall, however, to witness the trees changing colors into fiery reds, yellows and oranges.