Vermont · 23 Places · Best September–October
Vermont is a small New England state of extraordinary natural beauty, famous for fiery fall foliage, world-class ski resorts, covered wooden bridges, and a thriving farm-to-table food culture. Burlington, its largest city, sits on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain and buzzes with craft breweries and independent shops. From the rolling Green Mountains to maple-syrup farms and award-winning cheese dairies, Vermont rewards travelers who seek authenticity over spectacle.
Vermont sits tucked between New York and New Hampshire, stretching from Massachusetts to Canada. The Green Mountains bisect the state north-to-south, providing a spine of ski resorts, hiking trails, and scenic byways. Lake Champlain defines the western edge and offers beaches, sailing, and ferry crossings. The Connecticut River forms the eastern border. Small cities like Burlington, Montpelier, and Brattleboro punch above their weight in arts, food, and culture. Vermont's farms produce more maple syrup per capita than any state in the nation, while its dairy heritage underpins both Ben & Jerry's ice cream and artisan cheese makers. The Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking path in the US, runs 273 miles from Massachusetts to Canada along the Green Mountain ridgeline.
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
The 23 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Stowe is Vermont's flagship ski resort, spread across Mount Mansfield (the state's highest peak) and the adjacent Spruce Peak. It's known for long, varied trails and genuine New England terrain rather than manufactured groomers, and the surrounding valley has built up around skiing since the 1930s. In summer the same slopes host the Stowe Mountain Gondola ride and an alpine slide, so it's a year-round destination, not just a winter one.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
This is Vermont's flagship farm-to-table restaurant, set in the old Burlington Mill building with exposed brick and a view onto the waterfall on the Winooski River from the sister location, though the Burlington room itself leans dim and industrial with reclaimed wood. The kitchen builds menus around what nearby farms and foragers deliver that week, plating it simply rather than fussily.
The original Hen of the Wood, housed in a converted 19th-century grist mill next to a working brook in Waterbury. It's a smaller, more intimate room than the Burlington outpost, with stone walls and candlelight, and the same seasonal, ingredient-led approach to New England cooking.
A long-running French bistro on Church Street Marketplace with a zinc-topped bar, art nouveau posters, and sidewalk tables that make it a fixture of downtown Burlington people-watching. The menu sticks to classic bistro plates rather than reinvention.
A gastropub near Church Street built around a serious craft beer list and a burger made from beef sourced from local Vermont farms. The room is wood-heavy and casual, geared toward a beer-and-burger crowd rather than a quiet dinner.
A small, high-turnover breakfast and brunch spot on Cherry Street known for lines out the door on weekend mornings. The food is diner-adjacent but with a distinct Southwestern lean, served in a cramped, cheerful room.
A small-plates and wine bar across the river in Winooski, focused on shareable, technique-driven contemporary American cooking rather than large entrees. The space is compact and low-lit, built for grazing over a few dishes and a bottle of wine.
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A rental car is essential for exploring Vermont beyond Burlington. Burlington International Airport (BTV) is the main gateway. Amtrak's Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express trains connect to New York City. Green Mountain Transit provides local bus service in Burlington and surrounding Chittenden County.
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $50 | $150 | $400 |
| Food (per day) | $30 | $65 | $130 |
| Transportation | $10 | $20 | $50 |
| Activities | $10 | $35 | $80 |
| Daily total | $100 | $250 | $600+ |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for United States.
September–October (foliage) and December–March (skiing)
Late June through August offers warm, pleasant weather ideal for hiking, kayaking, and lake swimming. Shoulder seasons (May–June, November) bring low prices and few crowds, though mud season (late March–April) and stick season (November) have limited charm.
In winter, always carry tire chains or use 4WD/AWD on mountain roads — mountain passes can close suddenly in snowstorms
Check Vermont 511 road condition reports at 511vt.org or call 511 before driving in winter
Black bears are common in Vermont; never leave food in an unlocked car or unsecured at a campsite
Summer thunderstorms develop quickly over the Green Mountains; descend from exposed ridges at the first sign of lightning
Vermont is consistently ranked among the safest states in the US for visitors and residents alike. Violent crime rates are among the lowest in the nation. The primary hazards are weather-related: winter driving conditions, mountain weather changes, and occasional summer flooding. Travelers exercisin
The best time to visit Vermont is September–October. Vermont has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, making it one of the best skiing destinations on the East Coast. Summers are warm and pleasant with cool
Entry requirements follow United States federal rules. Visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries may enter for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA (apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov). All others require a US visa from the nearest American consulate. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Vermont is the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Vermont: English, French (Northeast Kingdom border communities). In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Vermont include Stowe Mountain Resort, Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour, Shelburne Museum, Church Street Marketplace & Burlington Waterfront, and Quechee Gorge. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
