Alpine adventure at Vermont vacation home rentals
Covered in forests and topped with snowy mountains, Vermont is a real outdoors destination, whether it's discovering foliage in the fall, or enjoying the powdery ski slopes in the winter. The USA's largest producer of maple syrup, stay in Vermont vacation rentals and you can explore rustic maple syrup factories, as well as cider mills and small farms spread around the state. Montpelier, the capital, is small and compact, with a charming downtown area full of artisanal shops, cozy cafes and upscale restaurants.
Historic sites near Vermont vacation rentals
Vermont has numerous historic sites and museums to explore. Vacation rentals are available near places like Shelburne Museum, a vast museum with folk and decorative art within historic buildings, and Shelburne Farms, an education center and historic landmark on a working farm. You’ll also enjoy the Billings Farm & Museum, a working farm and museum with exhibits on scientific-farming history.
Tourist attractions near Vermont vacation rentals
Vermont is famous for making maple syrup, and there are several farms where you can observe production and try different varieties. At Sugarbush Farm, you can take a walk through the sugar maple trees, before exploring the house for a history tour and indulging in a syrupy sampling session. Finally, head for the farm shop for some bottles to take home. Another state specialty is cider, so visit the Cold Hollow Cider Mill to see it being made the old-fashioned way. Pick apples from the orchard, then try using a press, before sampling some locally-made cider.
Things to do near Vermont vacation homes
Vermont has many mountains and, with heavy snowfall in winter, has become a popular ski destination. Many Vermont vacation rentals cater for skiers, with easy access to the trails to enable more time on the slopes. Killington Ski Resort is one of the largest ski areas on the east coast, with 155 trails and a 6-mile beginners' run, known as the Juggernaut, which takes you down gentle, pine tree-lined slopes. Stratton Mountain has 97 trails and a popular terrain park for snowboarders, and, at its base, there's a charming small town, with a cozy apres-ski scene and boutique shops.
Climate for your stay in Vermont vacation homes
Vermont tends to have long, cold winters – the temperature at high elevations is even colder. This is great news for skiers, with plenty of powder on the slopes. Many Vermont vacation rentals have open fireplaces, so you can enjoy cozying up in the cold weather. Fall is also a popular time to visit, with crisp air and colorful foliage, making it ideal for long country walks. There are short summers that can reach up to the low-80s, and mild springs with lots of showers, giving the state a fresh feel.
Explore Vermont's forest and mountain landscape
Vermont has several state forests, with mile upon mile of unspoiled scenery. Green Mountain National Forest is great to visit in the spring, when it's lush and green, or in the fall, when it has a blanket of orange-hue foliage. Hiking trails take you past serene lakes and waterfalls, and, during the winter months, the trails are covered in snow, ideal for snowshoeing or Nordic skiing. Reach the state's highest point via a 5-mile trail up Mount Mansfield. Through rocky trails, you'll see Atlantic tundra, covered in hardy year-round florals, before working your way to breathtaking summit views.
How to get to and around Vermont
Fly into Burlington Intl. Airport (BTV), the closest airport, located 32.1 mi (51.6 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could book a flight to Montpelier, VT (MPV-Edward F. Knapp State), which is 3.8 mi (6.2 km) away.
If you're traveling by train, Montpelier Station, Waterbury Station and Randolph Station are the main stations in the city.
Sample regional cuisine in Vermont
Vermont’s culinary culture is all about farm-to-table and a local dining scene. The state is filled with brewers, fermenters, distillers, and farmers who provide a range of products to local eateries. Meat, vegetables, and herbs are typically sourced from the local agricultural community, and there are year-round farmers markets and tasting events. You can experience this unique culinary culture in restaurants and eateries near your vacation rental.