If you’re looking for some of the best towns to visit in Vermont, you’ve come to the right place. Even though I can’t call myself a local to Vermont, I’m a proud Bostonian and Stowe is one of my favorite places in Vermont! Bordering the beautiful Lake Champlain, Burlington is also popular and one of the biggest cities in Vermont. I’ve traveled to all the places below, so keep reading for all the best Vermont towns to visit, and the best way to get from Burlington Vermont to Stowe Vermont when planning your next trip!
What’s the Best Time to go to Vermont?
The fall foliage autumn brings makes it one of the most popular times to visit Vermont. Summer is also just as popular. The population of Vermont increases not only with tourists but fellow New Englanders on their annual vacations. Winter is very popular for skiing and snowboarding, and Stowe and Killington are two of the most popular and best ski slopes in Vermont and New England.
Here are all the best places to visit in Vermont in the fall, or a comprehensive guide to New England’s ski resorts!
How to get from Burlington Vermont to Stowe Vermont
If you’re looking for all the best things to do in Vermont, it’s best to travel by car. The closest airports to fly into Burlington would be Burlington’s airport, Portland Maine, or Boston Massachusetts. If you want to fly internationally, the Montreal, Canada airport is only a few hours from Burlington, Vermont.
Keep reading here if you’re looking to take a tour of all the best towns in Vermont!
How to get from Burlington to Stowe without a car?
The distance from Burlington Vermont to Stowe Vermont is less than forty miles. The Burlington to Stowe drive time will take less than an hour, but you can travel without a car. The best way to get from Burlington to Stowe without a car is via bus. There is an Amtrak train but no direct stops between Burlington and Stowe. I always find Google maps is very helpful with transport!
Best Places to Stay in Vermont
If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Vermont, here’s a guide to get you started!
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Burlington Vermont to Stowe Vermont: Best Things to Do
Located in northwestern Vermont and bordering the eastern side of Lake Champlain is Burlington. This city is the farthest we’ve ventured in northern Vermont as it’s quite far from Boston. Keep reading for all the best things to see and do in Burlington and Stowe Vermont.
Shelburne Farms: One of the best things to see and do in Burlington
The history of this farm dates back to 1885 when William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb consolidated the farm into a 3,800-acre agricultural estate. Have you heard of NYC’s Central Park? The same architect behind the design of Central Park also designed this farm’s landscape. It wasn’t until the 1950s the farm started raising dairy and beef animals for more financial stability. To maintain this national historic landmark, it’s now run by a nonprofit educational organization.
Vermont is a popular destination during the fall season, and I imagine this spot would be one of the most beautiful in Burlington Vermont in the fall!
The Farm Barn
With 1,400 acres of pastures, woodlands, and gardens, this farm is a working farm focusing on sustainability. Even though it has been renovated through the years, this iconic barn from 1886 is hard to miss. Five stories high, it houses the cheesemaking facility and bakery, administrative offices, and an elementary school! If you take the Farm Trail path from the welcome center, you won’t miss it.
Burlington Vermont Hiking: Lone Tree Hill trail
The Lone Tree Hill trail is the farm’s highest point offering incredible views. You’ll find views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Green Mountains. It’s a very easy trail to hike within the grounds, check out the AllTrails app for additional hikes in the area!
Shelburne Inn and Gardens
Even though the inn on site is solely used for education, you can tour the gardens. Check out their website for additional tours and programs that are also offered. The gardens are stunning and resemble an ocean-side Italian scene, only you’ll find Lake Champlain and not an ocean. The Inn was built as the private residence for the Webb family. The gardens were added later by Lila Webb as a passion project.
There is a separate parking lot close to the gardens in addition to the parking lot at the front entrance. It is quite a walk from the main entrance to these gardens, hence the additional lot. Check out this park map before visiting.
Visit a Brewery: Breweries in Burlington
Foam Brewers: This brewery on the lakefront has the cutest outdoor scene. Make sure to make a reservation, it’s quite a busy place!
Zero Gravity Craft Brewery: Not far from the lakefront is this brewery. This brewery offers even more outdoor seating and an option to order food. We had no trouble finding an outdoor table on the weekend.
Switchback Brewing Company: Located on the more industrial side of town, this brewery scene was a bit disappointing. This brewery is quite a bit smaller than the others and doesn’t offer much outdoor seating.
Stroll around downtown Burlington
Church Street Marketplace
This historic spot is described as a pedestrian mall, and even though it’s usually listed as one of the best things to do in Burlington it’s slightly underwhelming. Don’t leave without visiting the original Ben and Jerry’s store!
Best Restaurants in Burlington
Burlington and Vermont are known for their cuisine, some of the most popular spots are Hen of the Wood, and Luenig’s Bistro & Lounge. Both of these restaurants have been named by Culture Trip and Thrillist as some of the top ten restaurants in downtown Burlington.
Waterfront Park
Stroll around Waterfront Park at sunset, or find a spot On the Dock or Splash at the Boathouse to enjoy a drink on the water. The views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains are incredible!
Is Stowe Vermont worth visiting?
Stowe, Vermont is absolutely worth visiting as it’s one of the most beautiful towns in Vermont. Stowe is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts, the topography offering plenty of hikes and trails. It also has wonderful and delicious restaurants and really is beautiful during all four seasons. Keep reading for all the best things to see and do in Stowe.
Best Things to Do in Stowe Vermont
Boston to Stowe VT: Take a road trip through Vermont
If you want to drive from Burlington Vermont to Stowe Vermont, Boston would be a great place to base yourself. This will allow you to see the beautiful city of Boston and the best of the surrounding areas! Keep in mind it’s at least a three to four-hour drive from Boston to Burlington depending on traffic.
There are so many beautiful places to visit in Vermont, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best places to visit in Vermont.
The Gondola Skyride
The Gondola Skyride is one of the best things to do in Stowe, especially since Stowe offers some of the best snow skiing in Vermont. Even though I haven’t skied at Stowe my husband has and it’s one of his favorite ski spots in New England. This ride would also be beautiful in the fall, you could admire an endless amount of Vermont’s beautiful fall foliage.
Bike Stowe Recreation Path in Downtown Stowe VT
There’s a hidden path behind the iconic Stowe’s Community Church. You can bring your bike or walk it. If you’ve seen photos of fall in Stowe VT, you’ve most likely seen this church.
Best Hikes in Stowe
Sunset Rock is a moderately challenging trail that rewards you with beautiful views of Stowe and its downtown area. The fall foliage in Vermont rivals others in the world. Visitors flock to Vermont during this time of year because of it. Here’s a comprehensive guide to hiking in Stowe Vermont. If you’re traveling from Burlington Vermont to Stowe Vermont, there’s Shelburne Museum and Orchards in between. The museum and its estate offer plenty of scenic trails. It also borders Lake Champlain which has many trails and hikes as well.
Best Restaurants in Stowe
Butler’s Pantry offers some of the most delicious breakfast options and is located in downtown Stowe. Cold Hollow Cider Mill has some of the best cider and cider donuts you will ever taste! They also have a large shop where you can take home all their wonderful products!
Best Hotels in Stowe
The Trapp Family Lodge really is one of the best places to stay in Stowe Vermont! Check out some of the other best places to stay in Vermont.
A Day trip to Woodstock
If you’re continuing your road trip from Burlington Vermont to Stowe Vermont, stop in Woodstock. Woodstock is probably one of the most popular places to visit in Vermont, especially during the autumn season. It’s always rated as one of the best small towns in America and it’s easy to see why. When you’re in Woodstock make sure to visit or stay at the Woodstock Inn. You should also visit Billings Farm and Museum. My favorite restaurant in the area is the nearby Simon Pierce shop and restaurant.
The Woodstock Inn is really one of the best hotels in Vermont. They even have a wonderful pool and spa, if you don’t have time to stay or are just passing through for the day!
Vermont Skiing Areas
Vermont has some of the best skiing in New England, here’s a comprehensive guide to all the best ski resorts in New England!
Here are a few other posts you may enjoy:
14 Things to Do in New England in the Fall
Vermont in the Fall Ultimate Guide: 50+ Best Things to Do
Best Boutique Hotels Vermont: 10+ Best Places to Stay in Vermont
Where to find New Hampshire Fall colors: A Weekend Itinerary
Top New England Ski Resorts: A comprehensive guide skiing the Northeast!
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