I try to not rank states I love because no one likes a biased travel blogger but if I am being honest, Vermont makes it was to the top. Always and forever. There are so many things to do in Vermont that I always find myself daydreaming of our next vacation and on some extra hopeful days I dream about moving. Running a b&b and serving tea sandwiches or maybe having a tiny house on a bunch of land and making homemade cheese.
Things to do in Vermont
There are some things to do in Vermont that you cannot miss. No matter what time of year or who you are with, these are the things you absolutely must do for a true Vermont vacation.
Visit the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory & Bear Shop.
The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory & Bear Shop is one of the things to do in Vermont that everyone should experience. During your visit, you’ll get to see how the famous Vermont Teddy Bears are made! On a tour of the factory, you’ll see first hand as these famous bears take shape, how they are sewn, stitched, and what makes a Vermont Teddy so special.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour.
The original Ben & Jerry’s factory is in Waterbury and opens for tours! On the 30-minute guided tour you get to learn about Ben & Jerry, the companies history, and maybe even see the production team in action. The best part of the tour? You get to sample ice cream at the end!
Check out a Lavender Farm.
In northern Vermont on top of a mountain is a place that sleepy dreams are made of. Lavender Essentials of Vermont is a working farm that allows you to pick your own lavender. The farm also has a number of events like high tea on Sunday afternoons, wine and cheese pairings, yoga classes, and even star gazing!
Get outside and explore.
When it comes to things to do in Vermont we would be doing you a disservice if we didn’t include something about exploring and spending time outside. From camping to hiking and from water sports to winter sports, there is so much to do in Vermont’s great outdoors that you could plan a whole vacation around its parks and natural wonders.
Meet Vermont’s covered bridges.
My first visit to Vermont I was beyond excited to see the historic covered bridges that I knew peppered the landscape. Vermont has over 100 covered bridges including the Arlington Bridge in Arlington. Each of these has a unique history and they are all beautiful making them a great location for a family photo.
Visit some of Vermont’s breweries and wineries.
Vermont has made a name for itself in the craft beer world and with good reason too! It was one of the first states to embrace craft brew culture in the early 2000s and has grown to more than 50 breweries! Vermont favorites include Magic Hat and Woodchuck Cider as well as include Otter Creek, Long Trail, Harpoon, and Rock Art.
If wine is more your style Vermont has quite a bit to offer too! More and more vineyards are popping up throughout the state. When it comes to wine in the Green Mountain State you’ll find amazing hand-crafted varieties of reds, whites, and dessert wines. This unique wine region is full of great wines.
Vermont’s wineries are also stepping outside the traditional grape box by making fruit wines with blueberries, rhubarb, apples, and raspberries. And don’t miss out on the dessert ice wines that are made from grapes that are harvest after winter! These wines showcase the flavor of grapes with super-concentrated juice and extra sweetness which gives them their name. If you’re wanting to experience Vermont’s wines make sure you visit some wineries around the state for tastings and tours.
Get your cheese on.
Cheese isn’t just for Wisconsin, guys! Vermont is home to more than 45 cheesemakers that have taken their trade and turned it into an artisan craft. Using milk from sheep, goats, and a number of cow breeds (not all cows are created equal but happy cheese does come from happy cows), the varieties of cheese you’ll find in the state are endless and it has put the state on the cheese map.
If you’re in town during the Vermont Cheesemakers’ Festival, we’re jealous because we’ve heard it is a great event! If you aren’t able to visit during the Cheesemaker’s festival there are plenty of other ways to enjoy Vermont’s cheese culture. On the Vermont Cheese Trail, you’ll find Cabot Creamery, shops, and a number of other farms where you can see what life on the farm is like! And if you’re looking for the full experience consider staying at one as many of the farms are also Bed & Breakfast Inns!
Explore the towns.
Vermont’s downtowns are the center of life and a perfect place for visitors to appreciate the state’s special sense of community among the local businesses and historic buildings. A big part of the state’s identity comes from the charm you’ll find in its towns. With amazing food, great shopping, and character you won’t find anywhere else, exploring this side of Vermont is a must.
See how syrup and cider are made.
When it comes to things to do in Vermont seeing how syrup and cider are made is a must! The state is known for its maple syrup and its apple orchards are a perfect place to try apple pies, apple cider doughnuts, apple cider, apple butter…
Vermont produces 47% of the country’s maple syrup from over 1,500 sugarhouses across the state. Visiting one of the sugarhouses will give you the opportunity to take home a little piece of Vermont and allow you to see how the states agricultural tourism and heritage are a part of the state’s identity.
Pick your own.
If you’ve never known the joys of going to a pick your own farm, Vermont is the perfect place to change that! Throughout the summer and fall, you can find the perfect fruits and vegetables at pick-your-own farms and stands all over the state. Fall is one of the best times for going since many of the pick-your-own places also have hayrides and hot cider.
Sure, Vermont is a small state but it has a lot to offer visitors! As one of my favorite places to visit, I can honestly say that no matter what time of year you visit you won’t run out of things to do. Who knows, maybe Ben and Jerry’s is hiring and you won’t even have to leave!