Vermont
Mountains, maple and more than just fall foliage.
USA > Vermont
Vermont is the kind of place that makes you want to trade your phone for a flannel shirt and just be outside. It punches way above its weight when it comes to charm, especially if you're into the outdoors, food that didn't come off a truck, and small-town Americana that feels authentic instead of staged.
The best time to visit really depends on what you're after. Fall is peak foliage season and yes, it’s as ridiculous in person as it looks on Instagram. Book early—places fill up fast and prices climb with the leaves. Summer’s all about swimming holes, farmers markets, and quiet mountain hikes. Winter?
If you ski or snowboard, the Green Mountains are your playground. Stowe and Killington are big names, but smaller mountains like Mad River Glen offer a no-frills, old-school vibe that’s perfect if you’re allergic to corporate resorts.
Driving is essential. Public transportation is limited and towns are spread out. Rent a car, ideally something with AWD if you’re coming in winter. Base yourself in Burlington if you want a small city feel with easy access to Lake Champlain, craft beer, and a surprisingly good food scene.
For a more rural stay, Woodstock and Manchester offer boutique inns and strong cozy-cabin energy. Don’t come to Vermont expecting nightlife. This is a state where things wind down early and nobody’s in a rush. Instead, think local cheese boards, campfires, and slow drives through covered bridges.
Skip the chain restaurants and go straight to the roadside diners and general stores. You’ll eat better and meet the kind of locals who’ll tell you where the real swimming spots are. And whatever you do, don’t leave without trying maple creemees.
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