Five Days in Idyllic Northern Vermont

June 14, 2023

Five Days in Idyllic Northern Vermont

Vermont has it all. Those gorgeous Green Mountains, stunning Lake Champlain, hiking, waterfalls, craft breweries, Norman Rockwell towns and even a quirky winery or two. And I couldn't love it anymore than I do. Admittedly, the first time I visited the Green Mountain State it was in mud season. We encountered snow, mud, rain and even more mud that visit in March. So I was determined that my next visit would be in summer in all its splendor.

We spent five days in the northern part of this idyllic state in the summer and I enjoyed every minute. Perfect summer weather - no humidity! - and so much fun. Here are a few of those fun things we did - and beauty that we saw:

A Stroll through Burlington

Vermont's largest city would be considered tiny in other states but its walkable downtown, bike paths, farmers markets and perch on the shores of that stunning Lake Champlain make it one of the most charming cities in the US. And one of the greenest and most livable cities, too.

We took a wander down Church Street and it's marketplace on a sunny afternoon. A stop for an adult beverage and a little bit of shopping - have to buy a few things for the grandson, doesn't one? - along with some of the best people watching around made for a pleasant afternoon. We weren't staying in Burlington - our accomodations were in Stowe - but we had one other reason for visiting as well.

A Sailboat Ride on Lake Champlain

Our friend that we were with is a cancer survivor. And when I say she is a survivor, I mean it. She survived surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and came out the other side - a survivor. There is a group that honors cancer patients and survivors with sailboat rides on Lake Champlain. We were invited to tag along on the boat ride and I have to say it was quite the magical night.

Lake Champlain is a natural freshwater lake in the states of Vermont and New York plus additional frontage in Quebec. It contains 587 miles of shoreline, 70 some islands, 6 trillion gallons of water and all 125 miles of the lake flows north. When I say it's big, I mean it. And it's absolutely stunning.

Our sailboat ride started at sunset and our friend provided a charcuterie plate for the four of us plus the captain and first mate. We drifted along the lake taking in the sunset, trading travel stories and just enjoying the scenery. And the bonus was a full moon reflecting on the lake - so incredible that I probably took a million photos.

If you are interested in boating, sailing, swimming or just enjoying views of the lake, there are many options from schooners to The Spirit of Ethan Allen which hosts daily cruises, dinner cruises, and even weddings and swimming beaches for those who just want to take a dip. If you're in Burlington, you just can't miss Lake Champlain.

Riding a Gondola at Stowe Mountain Resort

In the winter, Stowe Mountain Resort is home to some of the best skiing in Vermont. So what is one to do for a summer visit? Ride the gondola up for some Green Mountain views and an adult beverage in an adirondack chair? You got it. The views from the top of Mount Mansfield - Vermont's highest peak - were fabulous and the aforementioned adirondack chairs hit the spot. In fact, this was one of my favorite things we did on our visit. ( Advance reservations are recommended)

Visit the Trapp Family Lodge & Brewery

Most Americans know the story of The Sound of Music. And, more than likely, have seen the heartwarming movie.(The movie was definitely "Hollywood-ized) But most don't know that the Trapp family settled in Stowe, Vermont after touring the world as the Trapp Family Singers and purchased land there to build an "Austrian style" resort.

You can stay in the European inspired accommodations at The Trapp Family Lodge. Or you can purchase your very own vacation home here. You can dine at four different restaurants. You can host your wedding here. And you can visit Van Trapp Brewings very own Bierhall for " A Litte of Austria, A Lot of Vermont". Which is what we did. Twice. That's how much we liked it!

They serve Vermont made beer at the Bierhall along with Bavarian pretzels, grilled Bratwurst, Spaetzle, and Schnitzel. Not to mention some "to die for" desserts such as Apfelstrudel, Linzertorte and Sachertorte - I highly recommend you forget the diet and splurge on one of these.

Driving Vermont's Route 100

Scenic Route 100 Byway runs along the eastern edge of the Green Mountains and at 216 miles, is the longest state highway in Vermont. It is recognized by Yankee Magazine as one of the best summer road trips in New Engand and is considered the most scenic road in Vermont.

Meandering through the Green Mountains, it takes in all the quintessential charm of Vermont including it's small villages and stops for recreational opportunities or a meal and cold brew.

We started our drive in Stowe - which is where we stayed - with our first stop being there also. We had some hot apple cider donuts and perused the goods at the store at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. The donuts are so good! Fresh off the fryer - you just can't beat it.

Next up was a quick walk to Moss Glen Falls, which is right on Route 100. Then we enjoyed a beverage by the river at the very Vermont style brewery, Long Trail Brewing. There were kids playing on the rocks of the river, parents sitting in chairs and dogs frolicking on the lawn- perfect afternoon stop. (The patio is dog friendly)

And then we stopped at the uber cute, Norman Rockwellesque town of Woodstock, Vermont. Unfortunately, everything was closing up for the day so we didn't get to visit much but what I saw made me want to return someday.

Now our stomachs were rumbling so a dinner stop at Harpoon Brewery Taproom and Beer Garden Windsor location was in order. The food and beer were good and I finally realized one of my Vermont quests - a maple cremee. A Vermont maple syrup flavored soft serve ice cream. I enjoyed it but don't think I would put it in my regular dessert rotation - it was very sweet ( and coming from me that's saying a lot)

One more stop to go - Quechee Gorge. At 165 feet deep, Quechee Gorge is the deepest gorge in Vermont and can be viewed from the bridge on Route 4 or from trails on both sides of the gorge. We did all of the above. ( A bit of a detour off of Route 100 but it was our last stop of the day)

Where We Stayed

We rented this log cabin just outside Stowe from Air BnB. It was located in a residential neighborhood on a gravel road with plenty of room for parking. Two bedrooms - one downstairs and one up - full kitchen, one bathroom, and a small living room were perfect for what we needed it for. The cherry on top was the very nice hot tub to soak in after a day of cruising around Vermont.