The 11 best things to do in Vermont

Vermont’s tallest structure, a 300-plus foot stone obelisk commemorating the Battle of Bennington during the American Revolutionary War, is also its most popular state historic site. You’ll get fabulous views when you climb to the top, and you’ll learn how an ill-equipped New England militia defeated the British soldiers. There are several events held at the monument, including a reenactment and celebration on Bennington Battle Day in August. 

Set in a restored 19th-century mill and hydro-electrically powered by the Ottauquechee River, Simon Pearce’s showroom in Quechee is an idyllic setting for browsing his glass and pottery works. In the basement is the workshop, where you’ll see craftsmen in action, blowing the glass pieces for sale above. Be sure to have a meal at the restaurant overlooking the falls - the menu is brimming with local products and ingredients. 

Put together your own tour of the state’s top breweries, or head to Burlington to take an organized tour. In addition to edible delights, Vermont produces some of the best craft beer in the Northeast. You’ll find concentrations of craft breweries (plus distilleries and artisan purveyors) in many parts of the state including Stowe, Burlington, and Middlebury. 

The Covered Bridges are mostly mid-19th century wooden bridges dotting the landscape throughout the state. Bridge-loving photographers rejoice: Vermont has more than 100 covered bridges, more per square mile than any other U.S. state. Middlebury is home to the oldest - Pulp Mill Bridge from 1820. Bennington has five within a short drive. The others are well-marked on road maps. The crown jewel, however, is the Windsor-Cornish Covered Bridge. Drive it from Vermont to New Hampshire over the Connecticut River and experience the longest two-span covered bridge (465 feet) in the world. 

This is the former summer home of Abe Lincoln’s son, featuring Lincoln memorabilia and more. This Georgian Revival estate in Manchester is more than just a beautiful, 24-room historic mansion. Inside, you’ll find original family furnishings, one of President Lincoln’s famous top hats, and an intricate pipe organ. The grounds include a working dairy farm, gardens and research-focused greenhouses, a restored 1903 Pullman train car, a pollinator sanctuary, and a boardwalk through the property’s preserved wetlands.

Ben & Jerry’s hippie vibe and social consciousness is a product of its Vermont roots. Find out more about the company’s origins on a tour of the factory in Waterbury. Learn how they make their amazing ice cream, then sample whatever flavors are being made that day. Pass through the Flavor Graveyard, where actual headstones honor retired flavors. Be sure to pick up a tie-dye t-shirt and other far out souvenirs in the funky gift shop. 

The Shelburne houses more than 150,000 works, including Impressionist paintings, quilts, furniture, and 17th- to 20th-century artifacts. The museum is comprised of 39 different buildings, 25 of which are historic and were moved to the property. You’ll also see vintage wagons, a lighthouse, and beautiful gardens as you stroll the property. There are plenty of events, talks, and workshops throughout the year. Spend all day here and get lost in this diverse collection of art and objects. 

Wanna get cheesy? This 1000-farm dairy cooperative produces some of the world’s best cheddar. An informative video tour is available for real enthusiasts, but the highlight is tasting the full range of Cabot’s regular cheeses and dips plus samplings of limited edition cheddars and a range of artisan products from Vermont. 

This weekly farmers market features more than 50 vendors selling Vermont’s finest local foods. Taste all the delicious bounty that Vermont has to offer, from cheese, maple syrup, veggies and fruit to free-range lamb and beef. Everything at the market is fresh and local. Find homemade breads, pastries, and other prepared dishes while you enjoy music and people watching. Bonus Vermont points: it’s located next to the historic Creamery Covered Bridge. 

Established in 1871 by Frederick Billings as a model of sustainability, Billings Farm offers a unique way to experience Vermont’s rural history and heritage. Home to more than 60 Jersey cows, it’s a working farm, and visitors can participate in farm chores while learning agricultural history and land stewardship. With daily activities like ‘Meet Our Sheep’ and ‘Intro to Milking’, you’ll get an up close and personal look at farm life. Reward yourself with a visit to the Dairy Bar for fresh cheese and ice cream. 

This is the world’s largest deep-hole, dimension granite quarry. Watch from a distance as massive blocks of granite are extracted from the quarry. It’s a stunning visual, with towering granite walls and milky green pools - an alien landscape used as a filming location for a Star Trek movie. Take a self-guided tour through the plant and you’ll see the granite transformed from giant blocks into gravestones and statuary. Check out the granite bowling alley (just the lane is granite, not the balls or pins), then pick up a chunk of scrap granite as a souvenir.