Culture Trips Guide To Vermont

Step outside and bask in the natural beauty of Vermont with Culture Trip’s hand-picked selection of the best things to do, places to stay and spots to eat and drink.

The idyllic mountainous region of Vermont is perfect for nature lovers, and foodies will also love the cuisine of this American state. Famous for mouth-wateringly sweet maple syrup, delightfully smooth Vermont cheddar cheese, delicious local ales and, of course, the one and only Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, the second-least populated and sixth smallest state in the US is not to be overlooked. Book a place to stay and something to do from our collection to make the most of your trip to the Green Mountain State.

Places to stay

1. Field Guide Lodge

Budget Hotel

The outdoor pool with loungers and shaded cabanas at the Field Guide Lodge

This affordable hotel provides a cozy yet modern base camp from which to go out and explore the stunning Stowe, or the nearby Mount Mansfield. Mountain biking and hiking trails can be easily accessed from the hotel, and the Stowe Vermont ski slopes are only a 15-minute drive away. There’s even a free shuttle ride on offer to take you and your equipment to the slopes. After a day of adventure, unwind in the on-site heated pool or hot tub, or meet fellow travellers in the large communal lounge.

2. Kimpton Taconic Hotel

Hotel

This unique boutique hotel is surrounded by mountains in the picturesque village of Manchester. The Kimpton Taconic is ideally located to walk or cycle to all the nearby attractions such as Hildene, Bromley Mountain, Lye Brook Falls and Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests. Although you will want to be out exploring as much as you can, you’ll enjoy kicking back in the hotel with luxury services such as an on-site fitness center, luxurious in-room spa, complimentary coffee and tea and, in some rooms, a fireplace – along with overnight laundry, dry cleaning and shoeshine services.

3. Topnotch Resort

Resort, Hotel, Luxury

Outdoor pool area at Topnotch Resort features deck chairs and umbrellas

Treat yourself to a stay in this luxury country resort and spa set against the breathtaking backdrop of New England’s Green Mountains, hidden within the 120-acre forested foothills of Mount Mansfield. The adventure begins when you arrive, with skiing at the Stowe Mountain Resort, volleyball in the world-class Topnotch Tennis Academy, fishing in the Lamoille River or perhaps a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the beautiful Vermont countryside. Perhaps you’d rather relax with a shiatsu massage in the spa, or sip a glass of wine by the fire. Whatever your preference, you’ll find it all at Topnotch Resort.

What to do

4. Sip of Burlington brew tour

Tours, Activities

On this Burlington brew tour, one on the most popular tours in Vermont, you’ll taste your way through the state’s world-class beers and enjoy a beer-focused meal at a local restaurant. The tour also provides the chance to learn about the thriving craft beer scene and meet the owners and brewers behind Burlington’s most iconic tipples. It’s a perfect activity to enjoy with a group of friends. Bottoms up!

5. Montpelier Scavenger Hunt: Small Capital, Big Charm

Activities

Use your smartphone on this two-hour scavenger hunt around all the best landmarks and hidden gems in Montpelier, Vermont. You will have to answer trivia questions and solve challenges, either working with your teammates or competing against them, while learning new facts and creating memorable experiences. It’s ideal for bachelorette parties, birthday parties and corporate team-building events.

6. Two-hour sunset sailing tour for up to Four Adults

Tours

Lie back and enjoy the ocean views from a 36ft yacht. Captain Mike’s Sailing offers sailing trips on Lake Champlain, Charlotte, Vermont. All sailing trips are private, so pick your party and enjoy the open seas with your nearest and dearest. Captain Mike will even let you take a turn at the helm yourself. The hundreds of bays and coves to discover make this cruise a real treat, whilst the captain shares his wealth of information about the geography and history of Lake Champlain and the surrounding area of Vermont.

Where to eat and drink

7. The Downtown Grocery

Cafe, Contemporary

For the freshest seasonal cuisine head to The Downtown Grocery in Ludlow, where the menu changes daily depending on the organic produce in the kitchen. The specialty drinks accompany the meals perfectly, and the staff are super-helpful and friendly.

8. Simon Pearce (‪the Mill at Quechee)

Restaurant, Contemporary

This is a unique dining experience during which you can watch artisans blow and create glass objects, while also taking in the beauty of the charming New England setting. The Mill is next to a stunning waterfall, which provides the perfect backdrop to your wining and dining. The cocktails are just as impressive, with the caper berry martini one of the most popular.

9. The Farmhouse Tap and Grill

Gastropub, American, Pub Grub

The Farmhouse Tap and Grill is a farm-to-table gastropub in Burlington serving local burgers, charcuterie, cheeses and innovative specials. The gastropub offers award-winning local beers and the full menu offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available to enjoy in the bar and outdoor beer garden. It also hosts events such as its own version of Oktoberfest for the community to come together and celebrate.

Additional reporting by Chloe Byrne.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.