Travel Like a Local in the Green Mountain State: The Ultimate Vermont Travel Bucket List

When you think of Vermont, what comes to mind? Most likely, the famous New England fall colors that cover the entire state. Vermont is known as the Green Mountain State, and is famous for it’s ski resorts, maple syrup, Mount Mansfield and Green Mountain National Forest. We had to pleasure of exploring Vermont in the late summer. We are here to tell you, there is so much more to Vermont than just its fall colors. Here is journal of our 5 day adventure in the great state of Vermont!

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Lodging Experience: The Green Mountain A Frame

Whether you want to be tucked away in the mountains to see the beautiful green, long to be near a ski resort or want the ultimate fall color view, The Green Mountain A Frame has it all. Located in Jamaica, south of Stowe and Burlington, this A Frame is both secluded & near the charming town of Jamaica. The Green Mountain A Frame can house up to 10 guests, complete with 4 bedrooms. Our favorite bedroom is the charming loft area looking down into the living room.

This lovely cabin has a 7 person hot tub, along with an insane wrap around deck and fire pit. It’s the perfect combination of vintage with modern charm. The cabin is only minutes from the famous Honey Pie restaurant, Stratton Ski Resort, and Jamaica State Park (a must see park with Salmon Swimming Hole and Hamilton Falls!).

Lodging Experience: Shaker Mountain Refuge

If you are looking for something along the lines of glamping, or wanting to be completely immersed in nature, the Shaker Mountain Refuge gives one of the most unique experiences! We rented both the Coyote Lean-To and Conifer Cabin since we had 2 couples on our road trip. Both sit on the Shaker Mountain Refuge, which is 300 acres of mostly wooded acres at the foot of the Green Mountains.

With outstanding views of Camel’s Hump (Vermont’s second tallest peak), the refuge is a wonderful place to sit back, relax and enjoy the natural world. I enjoyed my morning swims in the pond right underneath Camel’s Hump. Also, the sunrise is incredible!

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The Ultimate Vermont Travel Bucket List

1. Jamaica State Park in Jamaica

Jamaica State Park is famous for it’s iconic views and water activities. The West River is perfect for white water rafting during water releases from Ball Mountain Dam. You can walk a bridge over the Ball Mountain Dam for stunning views of the West River cutting through the mountains. We hiked 2 miles to the amazing Hamilton Falls, which also has a swimming hole at the very top. The trail leads along the West River and is gorgeous any time of year.

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2. The Workhorse Cafe

I had to add Jamaica’s Workhorse Cafe here because it’s one of the best places to get a “taste of Vermont”. Vermont is famous for it’s farm to table cuisine. This includes their famous ice cream bars, Whoopie Pies and anything maple syrup. Workhorse Cafe has it ALL. They also have a lovely sitting area out back, adorned with picnic tables along the river. It’s one of the most scenic places to eat in Jamaica!

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3. Buttermilk Falls

Located in Ludlow, you will find a series of waterfalls and swimming holes along the Black River. If you are visiting in the warmer months, make sure you bring a swimsuit & towel! A short .5 mile walk will lead you to both the upper and lower Buttermilk Falls. At the top of the lower falls, there are even swimming holes to dip your feet in. As always, remember you are swimming at your own risk in any of the swimming holes.

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4. The Hatchery & Downtown Ludlow

We enjoyed walking downtown Ludlow, and visiting all the local gift shops selling local maple syrup, Vermont knitted sweaters and anything Green Mountain related. One place we fell in love with is The Hatchery, a breakfast & lunch spot (I still crave this place).

! Nothing says farm to table like hand squeezed orange juice, which is what you can get with any meal. I had the Maryland Crab Cake Sandwich, and it was unbelievable. The pancakes, grilled banana bread and pontine is also unreal! One of my favorite breakfast spots ever! Please note they are closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

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5. Covered Bridges in Woodstock

When you think of Vermont, do you also think of covered bridges? Take a drive through Woodstock, Vermont to see some of the best! Not only is Woodstock a classic, charming New England-style town, but it also is home to classic covered bridges. We were able to see the Taftsville, Lincoln and Middle-Covered Bridge. Some of them had parking areas where you can picnic or walk along the river.

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6. Downtown Stowe & The Black Cap Cafe

If you have to pick one town to visit in Vermont, Stowe should be it! This charming town is surrounded by the mountains, and has some of the most scenic views and downtown stores. We suggest you grab a cup of coffee (and a delicious pastry) from Black Cap Cafe, and head to the shops & bookstores downtown.

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7. Bingham Falls

While you’re in Stowe, make sure to hike the 1 mile round trip trail to the 40 foot Bingham Falls. While the distance is short, the hike becomes steep closer to the waterfall. It can be slick, especially after recent rainfall. However, the view to this turquoise waterfall is well worth it! We couldn’t believe the hues of blue, and the overall mossy areas surrounding the falls. This was my favorite waterfall in Vermont.

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8. The Honey Pie

If you are in Jamaica, you can’t miss The Honey Pie, which is now offering dine in. They offer burgers, sausages, sandwiches and some of the best shakes you will ever try! If you love beer or wine, they also offer some local brands to try. We love the outdoor seating, and this clever conversion from a gas station to a tasty restaurant!

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9. Ben & Jerrys (including the Graveyard)

A visit to Vermont wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory! Open from 10 am to 7pm, visitors can take a tour of the factory to see where it all started. My personal favorite activity is walking through the Ben & Jerry’s Graveyard, featuring flavors that didn’t make the cut. You can also try some one of a kind flavors only found on site here (I loved the chunks of honey flavor!).

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10. Cold Hollow Cider Mill

A must visit spot in Waterbury is the Cold Hollow Cider Mill. There is a delicious restaurant, as well as the BEST cider slushie I have ever tasted. You can get free samples of cider here, as well as purchase any local Vermont item you can dream of. Make sure to also pick up some Apple Cider donuts! If you are visiting during fall time, this places should be at the top of your list!

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11. Moss Glen Falls

Located in Stowe, Moss Glen Falls is a must-see waterfall. The hike to the falls is an easy, 20 minute hike. There is also a swimming hole. I would suggest hiking the trail to the top of the falls, and hiking it along the gorge. You will get the most stunning view, as well as peace and quiet. To find the falls, follow the brook upstream (the start of the trail has something similar to a boardwalk). Make sure to download the map to Moss Glen Falls.

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12. Church Street in Burlington

A trip to Vermont would be incomplete without exploring Burlington. Right away, we knew we wanted to park and walk the pedestrian Church Street. Church Street Marketplace runs through the center of downtown, the entire district is full of small, locally-owned boutiques, restaurants, bars and creatives.

If there is one place I want you to visit, it’s The Cosmic Grind coffee shop. It doubles as a local art shop & is out of this world. No matter who you are, Church Street has something for everyone. Parking is available in the Marketplace Garage, the Downtown Garage, and on the street using the parkmobile app.

I also encourage you to go down to the marina. Park and walk the gorgeous bay area. There are also restaurants around this area. We tried some fish and chips at Splash at the Boathouse, which was delicious!

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