Vermont is known for its quaint downtowns, historic sites, and unspoiled natural beauty.  But which places should be at the top of your bucket list for visiting The Green Mountain State?  Keep reading to find out!

1. The Bennington Battle Monument, Bennington – The tallest man-made structure in the state, The Bennington Battle Monument commemorates the Battle of Bennington, and stands about 306 feet tall.  Visitors can ride the elevator to the top for sweeping vistas of the Green Mountains.

   

2. Stowe – The Ski Capital of the East, Stowe is a quaint, idyllic New England town tucked in Lamoille County.  Known for its wintertime festivities, Stowe is a year-round destination with stunning leaf colors in the fall, and a walkable downtown sprawling with specialty shops and eateries to explore in the summer and spring.
3. Shelburne Farms, Shelburne – Boasting 1,400 acres of farmland, Shelburne Farms offers the quintessential Vermont experience: milking cows, riding a hay wagon to the barn, learning the process of making cheese, and soaking in the property’s gardens and natural landscapes.

   

4. Woodstock – Described as the prettiest town in America, Woodstock reveals itself as a cozy, upscale village steeped with farm-to-table dining and unique finds at the town’s numerous shops.  Woodstock is also home to Billings Farm & Museum, another farm museum offering a taste of rural Vermont life.
5. Mount Philo, Charlotte – Hiking to the top of this nearly-one thousand foot mountain reveals Vermont’s unspoiled natural beauty, providing vistas of rolling farmland, green mountains, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondacks in New York.
6. Church Street Marketplace, Burlington – This pedestrian-only walking strip is packed with shops, restaurants, live music performances, specialty vendors, and more.  Pop into a store or two and find a unique Vermont souvenir to bring home.

   

7. The Northeast Kingdom – This region, comprised of Orleans County, Essex County, and Caledonia County, is where the true essence of Vermont lies.  Largely forested and unspoiled by human habitation, “The Kingdom” is wild and wonderful.  Find small village centers such as Island Pond, Canaan, and Lunenburg, or bask in the region’s numerous campgrounds, waters, and forests.  Prefer bustling downtowns?  Saint Johnsbury and Newport provide main streets bumping with eateries and shops.

   

8. Ben & Jerry’s, Waterbury – Recognized nationally and home to beloved ice cream flavors such as ‘Chunky Monkey’ and ‘Phish Food’, the Ben & Jerry’s factory can be found in Waterbury.  Here, visitors get the chance to learn about the ice cream making process, sample flavors, and browse the store’s gift shop.
9. Santa’s Land, Putney – A Christmas-themed amusement park in southern Vermont?  Unusual, but worth the trip.  Santa’s Land brings holiday magic to Windham County, featuring several rides, a petting zoo, food, and more.
10. Manchester – Another quaint Vermont downtown, Manchester is where history, modern influence, city culture, and natural beauty blend together.  Spend a night at Mount Equinox Resort, amble down Manchester’s marble sidewalks to downtown, and visit Hildene, the former home of President Abraham Lincoln’s son, now a tourist attraction.
11. Middlebury – Where else can you find a 19-foot gorilla holding a Volkswagen?  Located in the nearby town of Leicester, Queen Connie reigns over the roadway in front of Pioneer Used Auto Sales.  Aside from this, Middlebury is a college town hosting a picturesque downtown and the largest candy store in Vermont–Middlebury Sweets.
12. Strafford – Discover the hometown of Noah Kahan and Justin Smith Morrill.  A more off-the-beaten-path destination, Strafford provides a glimpse into small-town Vermont: a historic meetinghouse perched stop a hill over the town green, a general store, and sprawling nature.  While in Strafford, pay a visit to the Justin Smith Morrill homestead to tour the place where the entrepreneur and United States senator grew up.

    

13. Quechee Gorge, Hartford – Vermont’s “mini Grand Canyon”, Quechee Gorge is the deepest gorge in the state, plummeting 165 feet deep.
14. Old Red Mill, Jericho – One of the most photographed sites in the region, the Old Red Mill pays homage to Jericho native Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley, who made the discovery that no two snowflakes are alike.  An exhibit and craft shop are part of the Old Red Mill.