Vermont is one of the smallest and least populated states in America, tucked into New England just south of Quebec. It’s best known for small towns, rural mountains, long winters, and some of the best fall foliage in the country. Despite the cold, Vermont is a great destination year-round. Winter brings skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing, while summer is ideal for hiking, camping, and exploring the countryside. Fall might be the best time of all, when the mountains and valleys explode with color.
Explore Burlington
Burlington is Vermont’s largest city, although by national standards it still feels more like a large town. Despite its small population, Burlington is lively and easy to explore, with restaurants, shops, museums, and a beautiful setting along Lake Champlain. Church Street Marketplace is the heart of downtown, while the waterfront offers boating, walking paths, and views toward the Adirondack Mountains in New York.
Explore Montpelier
Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the United States and feels much more like a quiet New England town than a government center. The compact downtown is easy to explore on foot, with the Vermont State House, small shops, cafes, restaurants, and museums all close together. The surrounding countryside also makes a great base for exploring central Vermont, and the Ben & Jerry’s factory near Waterbury is an easy side trip.
Explore Mt. Mansfield
Mt. Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak at 4,393 feet (1,339 meters). Its northern location and exposed terrain give it real winter conditions despite the relatively low elevation. The mountain is a great destination for snowshoeing, skiing, mountaineering, and nearby ice climbing during winter, while summer brings excellent hiking and camping. In fall, the surrounding mountains are some of the best places in New England to see changing foliage.
Explore Bennington
Bennington is a small historic town in southwestern Vermont near the borders of New York and Massachusetts. It’s best known for the Bennington Battle Monument, which commemorates an important American victory during the Revolutionary War. The surrounding countryside also has historic covered bridges, old New England architecture, and beautiful fall scenery, making Bennington an easy stop while traveling through southern Vermont.
