Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit the state of Vermont. While many travel blogs will tell you the best places to go in Vermont, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do as you search for the best Vermont vacation spot.
Don’t Stop on the Road to Take Photos
Vermont is a very popular place to see fall colors; there are tons of scenic byways lined with colorful leaves. But if you’re leaf-peeping in Vermont, don’t stop in the middle of the road or drive far under the speed limit so you can take photos. Not everyone on Vermont roads is leaf-peeping; some people are just trying to get to work or get home from work. Don’t be that annoying tourist!
Don’t Expect Cell Service Everywhere in Vermont
Vermont is an outdoorsman’s paradise; whether it’s skiing, hiking, biking, or paddling, there are tons of great outdoor activities in Vermont. But don’t count on having cell service when you’re out enjoying the Great Outdoors. It’s never a bad idea to download maps to your phone or even carry paper maps so you’re not totally reliant on a cell signal. You won’t find many billboards or signs to help you find your way, either!
Don’t Expect any Chains in Vermont
If you like to frequent your favorite chain restaurants when traveling, you will soon realize they are few and far between in Vermont. Vermont is all about homegrown businesses, so you’ll see a lot more mom-and-pop places than chains. This applies to Vermont accommodation, too. Outside of the capital city, you won’t find a lot of chain hotels, but there are plenty of inns and bed-and-breakfasts.
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Vermonters have a lot of local pride and they are all for supporting small businesses. This also usually means more restricted business hours than you would find at a big box store. If you have shopping to do, get it done early because a lot of stores may close around 5:00 or 6:00 in the evening.
Don’t Miss the Farmer’s Markets
With such an emphasis on locally produced goods, it’s no surprise that the farmer’s markets in Vermont are outstanding! According to our friend Rusty in Vermont, “Vermont Farmers Markets are a lovely combination of practical local stuff and whimsical local stuff.”
The flea markets and antique markets in Vermont are super cool, too. You’ll find legit antiques as well as some pretty quirky finds, especially at the roadside flea markets.
Don’t Miss Ski Resorts in the Off Season
Vermont has 22 ski resorts, which is pretty amazing considering how small the state is. If you visit Vermont in winter, you should absolutely check out the ski resorts. However, if you’re not visiting in the winter, visiting the ski resorts can still be a lot of fun. Ski towns like Stowe are naturally in the mountains, so summer months have hiking, biking, rafting, and more. Many resorts run chairlifts in summer so visitors can enjoy the views without having to ski. (Just be careful with spring and fall as some resort towns can be pretty quiet in the shoulder season!)
Find Your Perfect Vermont Ski Resort
Don’t Forget to Stock up on Maple Syrup
Something else that Vermont is known for is maple syrup. It’s the perfect souvenir from your trip to Vermont. Just make sure it’s 100% Pure Vermont Maple Syrup. You’ll see a lot more maple products besides syrup: we’ve had maple ice cream, maple candies, maple BBQ sauce, and more! When in Vermont…you must maple!
You also have to try a maple creemee. A creemee is basically a soft-serve ice cream cone that comes in tons of flavors. Every Vermonter can tell you their favorite creemee spot and favorite flavor.
Don’t Miss Out on Vermont Beer
Besides maple syrup, my second favorite Vermont souvenir is the local beer. Going back to the “buy local” attitude of many Vermonters, there are tons of craft brewers in Vermont. You’ll find some of the best beer in the country here. The Vermont Brewers Association has a great list of brewery trails around Vermont!
Don’t Skip the Historic Sights in Vermont
While most Vermont travelers are drawn to the natural attractions, Vermont has a lot of great history as well. Vermont was the 14th state in the nation and was founded in 1791, so it goes back quite a long time! There are also more than 100 covered bridges in Vermont!
Each small town has a unique history, and often a local museum and church. Some of our favorite Vermont sites include:
- Shelburne Farms & Shelburne Museum
- Robert Frost Stonehouse Museum
- President Calvin Coolidge Historic Site
Don’t Expect a Lot of Interaction with Locals
Vermont’s entire population is under 700,000 people so there aren’t that many people here, to begin with. Those that do live here tend to keep to themselves; it’s known as the “New England Shield.” They’re not outright rude, but they’re also not super friendly like you might see in the South or the Midwest.
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Don’t Forget to Make Dinner Reservations in Burlington
If you visit Burlington Vermont, make sure you plan ahead and make dinner reservations. It’s a really popular foodie destination, so the best restaurants can be tough to get into.
Don’t Skip Out on the Burlington Bike Paths
Burlington is a great city for cycling. There are so many fantastic bike trails in town and out in the country surrounding Burlington. There are hundreds of miles of trails around Lake Champlain; you can bike from Vermont to New York and even into Canada if you want! Don’t forget your passport so you can do a quick day trip to Canada!
If you’re driving in Vermont, watch out for those cyclists and motorcycles…there are a lot of them!
Don’t Mess With Snowy Roads in Vermont
If you’re visiting Vermont in the winter, be careful on the roads. A lot of Vermont travel takes place on hilly, narrow roads, and they’re not always plowed right away after a snowstorm. When the snow starts to melt in the spring, you have to watch out for muddy roads, too.
Don’t Underestimate Your Travel Time
Regardless of what season you visit, don’t expect the miles to your destination to equal the minutes it will take. Those winding roads are exactly conducive to fast driving. So it might be just 30 miles from one Vermont vacation spot to the next, but that could easily take an hour or longer!
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with Vermont! It’s a beautiful state, no matter what season you plan your Vermont trip. If you love the great outdoors, quaint villages, and beer, you’ll love Vermont! Want more New England travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts: