Best Places To Visit In Vermont Summer

So you’re thinking Vermont in summer? Good call. It’s green, it’s friendly, and the maple creemees are basically a food group.

Fair warning: the weather has opinions. Pack a hoodie, sunscreen, and bug spray. You’ll use all three in one afternoon.

Burlington & Lake Champlain

Start in Burlington. Church Street Marketplace is the people-watching capital of the state. Grab a coffee and pretend you’re a local.

Then hit the waterfront. The Island Line Trail takes you out over Lake Champlain. Yes, you’re biking on water. Kind of.

Sunset at North Beach is non-negotiable. Bring cheese, crackers, and maybe a sweater. The lake breeze doesn’t mess around.

Stowe & Smugglers’ Notch

Stowe is the Vermont postcard. Mount Mansfield for hiking. The view is worth the huffing and puffing.

Drive through Smugglers’ Notch. It’s narrow, twisty, and dramatic. Watch for boulders. They’re not moving.

Stop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Cider donuts are mandatory. I don’t make the rules.

Waterbury & Ben & Jerry’s

Waterbury is a snack tour disguised as a town. Start at Ben & Jerry’s factory. Take the tour, then visit the flavor graveyard.

Next, Cabot Cheese Annex. Free samples. Your inner child is screaming with joy.

Hungry for real food? Prohibition Pig. Get the brisket. You’re welcome.

Woodstock & Quechee Gorge

Woodstock is almost too charming. Covered bridges, a village green, and shops that smell like candles.

Quechee Gorge is called Vermont’s little Grand Canyon. Okay, maybe little. Still impressive.

Hike down to the water or just stare from the bridge. Both are valid summer activities.

Manchester & The Green Mountains

Manchester has outlets if you need retail therapy. Hildene, the Lincoln family home, is worth a wander.

Drive the Green Mountain National Forest. Windows down, music up. That’s the vibe.

Emerald Lake State Park is perfect for a swim. Cold? Yes. Refreshing? Absolutely.

Lake Willoughby & The Northeast Kingdom

Lake Willoughby looks like a fjord. Vermont has fjords? Apparently.

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Hike Mount Pisgah for the best view. It’s steep, but your legs will forgive you.

The Northeast Kingdom is quiet. Like, hear-your-own-thoughts quiet. Bring a book.

Middlebury & Bristol Falls

Middlebury is a classic college town. Good coffee, good bookstores, good people-watching.

Bristol Falls is a local swimming hole. Go early. Parking is a competitive sport.

Robert Frost’s grave is nearby. Pay your respects. He’d probably approve.

Brattleboro & Southern Vermont

Brattleboro is artsy and a little weird. In the best way.

Float the Connecticut River. Kayak, tube, or just dangle your feet.

Route 100 is the scenic drive of your dreams. It’s the spine of Vermont. Do it.

Killington & Rutland

Killington in summer is a playground. Ride the gondola, hike, or just nap in a hammock. No judgment.

Rutland has a surprising food scene. Try a maple latte. You’re in Vermont, after all.

Nearby, Thundering Brook Falls is an easy walk. The name is dramatic. The falls are lovely.

Montpelier & Barre

Montpelier is the country’s smallest state capital. It’s cute, walkable, and full of coffee shops.

Barre has the Rock of Ages quarry. It’s a giant hole in the ground. Weirdly fascinating.

Grab a creemee and stroll. That’s the whole plan. Perfect.

Shelburne & Charlotte

Shelburne Museum is part art, part history, part “why is there a steamboat here?” Go with it.

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Charlotte Beach on Lake Champlain is a locals’ spot. Quiet, pretty, and great for a picnic.

Stop at Shelburne Farms for cheese and views. Your camera roll will thank you.

Wilmington & The Deerfield Valley

Wilmington is a sweet mountain town. The Deerfield River is perfect for tubing.

Hike to Hogback Mountain for a panorama. It’s a short climb with a big payoff.

In town, grab a sandwich and sit by the river. Summer done right.

Grafton & Chester

Grafton is a preserved village that looks like a movie set. But with real people.

Chester has a charming Main Street and the Stone Village. Brick houses, old trees, zero rush.

This is the Vermont you imagined. Slow down and enjoy it.

Bennington & The Shires

Bennington has the Bennington Battle Monument. You can climb it. Or just admire it from a bench.

The Robert Frost Stone House Museum is nearby. Poetry, apple trees, and quiet.

Drive Route 9 for winding views. Stop at a farm stand. Buy too many tomatoes.

Practical Vermont Summer Tips

Summer weekends are busy. Book lodging yesterday. Seriously.

Cell service is a suggestion. Download a map. Bug spray is your best friend.

Leave no trace. Vermont is pretty. Keep it that way.

So there you go. Vermont in summer is green, laid-back, and full of maple creemees.

Go. Eat. Hike. Repeat. Your future self will thank you.