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The people you meet in Vermont bring the experience to life

The people you meet in Vermont bring the experience to life
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Vermonters have a long tradition of respect for the land and are committed to preserving and sharing their appreciation of the environment. Two centuries of agricultural traditions have created open, working landscapes amid a backdrop of mountains, whose ridgeline is the course of the Long Trail, the nation’s first through-hiking long-distance trail.

As mountain ranges go, the Green Mountains are very old and have been sculpted to their present form during several ice ages. The state stones – granite, marble and slate – as well as the state mineral, talc, continue to be mined. Vermont has more than 220 mountains exceeding 600 meters in elevation, with Mount Mansfield the highest, at 1340 meters. The mountainous areas of the state are primarily forested. In fact, although Vermont’s 251 towns were virtually clear-cut of timber during the late 19th century, more than 75 percent of the state's land area is now forested.

Beneath the mountains and rolling hills are fertile valleys that support extensive dairy, crop, vegetable and fruit production, along with horses, cattle, goats and the occasional emu. Vermont, which has long been in the vanguard for local food, farm-to-plate restaurants, fine artisan cheese-makers and farmer’s markets, has the most craft breweries per capita of any state in the USA. In recent years, numerous vineyards and several distinctive distillers have been established.

While it’s easy, and highly recommended, to spend days simply taking in the scenery, even more rewarding is becoming part of it. Explore back roads and well-maintained trails by bicycle or on foot. Go for a run or walk in historic downtowns or through quiet villages and covered bridges. Visit the studios of the many world-class artisans and discover their creations. Catch up on history at well-interpreted historic sites and museums. Cast a line in a lake or stream, or relax beachside at a pristine state park. In the snow season, drop into a half-pipe on skis or snowboard and share the trails with former, and likely future, Olympians.

Whatever the day brings, the night is sure to deliver a blissful night’s slumber – whether you choose to camp under the stars, cozy up under a quilt at an inn or indulge in the thread count at a luxurious resort. Above all, relax and stay awhile. In Vermont, one thing is certain: The seasons will change. And with that change, so does the landscape, the recreation, the footwear and the way of life. With every season comes new opportunities to explore the world around you. 

The people you meet in Vermont bring the experience to life

The people you meet in Vermont bring the experience to life
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Contact the Travel Trade Team

We inspire tourists to visit and work with the travel industry to promote this destination worldwide.

Fun Fact

Maple syrup in Vermont
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The “Maple King:” Vermont produces 35 percent of all maple syrup made in the USA.

Must see places

Killington Ski Area

Killington Ski Area

Killington, which calls itself “the biggest ski town in New England,” has seven mountains, 200 trails from easy to expert and five terrain parks. There’s also a snow tubing area, sleigh rides and plenty of après-ski activities.

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Aerial view of Bennington Battle Monument in Vermot

Bennington Battle Monument

This limestone monument commemorates the 1777 Battle of Bennington, considered a turning point in the Revolutionary War. Ride the elevator to the top and enjoy views of Vermont, New York and Massachusetts.

Shelburne Farms

Shelburne Farms

In addition to being a fun place for a family outing – you’ll find a petting zoo and walking trails – this 560-hectare working farm on Lake Champlain is an environmental education center with a focus on sustainability.

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Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Vermont

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

This conservation-oriented park contains the country’s oldest sustainably managed forest and a 19th century mansion that was once home to three prominent families. Go in the fall to see the changing leaves paint the countryside red, orange and yellow. 

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Mount Mansfield

Mount Mansfield

Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest mountain, is a favorite of hikers and climbers. The most popular of the four summit trails is the Mansfield Mountain-Sunset Ridge-Long Trail Loop, which passes by a beautiful waterfall.

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Church Street Marketplace in Burlington, Vermont

Church Street Marketplace

Visitors flock to this open-air pedestrian mall in the heart of downtown Burlington, where they find historic architecture, street entertainers, family-friendly festivals and more than 100 shops and restaurants.

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Vermont State House

Vermont State House

Take a free guided tour of this Montpelier monument and discover one of the best-preserved state capitols in the USA. The Renaissance Revival-style building, which dates to 1859, is framed by picturesque wooded hills.

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Trapp Family Lodge

Trapp Family Lodge

This Stowe lodge is where the famous singing family settled in the 1950s after immigrating to the USA. Set on 1,000 hilltop hectares, the lodge offers mountain biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, concerts and wine tastings.

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Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain

Find out why this pristine lake and its surrounding basin are so popular. Take a cruise, go fishing or bird-watching, explore a bike trail and attend the Maritime Festival, then stay overnight in a charming lakefront bed-and-breakfast.

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Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory

Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory

Waterbury is home to the tastiest place in Vermont – the factory where Ben & Jerry’s make its famously eclectic ice cream flavors. The 30-minute tour includes samples and a trip to the Flavor Graveyard.

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Explore Vermont destinations

The Ace Hotel Rooftop in downtown Los Angeles, California
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Explore Vermont destinations

Ask a Local

Showing off farm-fresh produce in Stowe, Vermont
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Showing off farm-fresh produce in Stowe, Vermont
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