31 Unique Things Vermont is Known For

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What is Vermont known for?

Believe it or not, but there are many things the Green Mountain State of Vermont is known for.

Despite being a small state, Vermont packs a lot of punch with everything from nation-famous hikes to tasty maple syrup and everything in between!

I’m a born and raised Vermonter, and one of my favorite things is to share my love for this state. Some of these famous attributes might even surprise you because they’re only facts a local would know.

So buckle up and get ready to learn all bout what Vermont is famous for!

Next Up: Vermont’s Best Things to Do

Things Vermont is Known For

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup bottles lined up.

Vermont is known for producing some of the best maple syrup in the United States! The state’s maple syrup is so well-known that people come from all over the country to try it out. 

For some of the best maple syrup, be sure to grab some on the side of the road. Many small farms and locals who make their own maple syrup will sell it right in front of their homes, and you just leave the money for it in a small tin can.

If you want a real treat, do it like the locals do: put some maple syrup on your ice cream or snow!

Green Mountains

You may have heard VT is referred to as the “Green Mountain State.” Well, that’s because it’s home to the Green Mountains!

The Green Mountains are one of the most iconic sights in Vermont. These stunning peaks stretch for miles and provide an awe-inspiring experience for anyone who visits them. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they are also a perfect place for hikers and nature lovers alike.

In the mountains themselves, there are many opportunities for outdoorsy activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, and more. The views from the top of the mountains are truly breathtaking, so it’s worth hiking at least once during a trip to Vermont. More on that in our next point…

Incredible Hikes (The Long Trail)

Many locals love hiking, so it’s no surprise that Vermont is home to some of the best trails in New England. Whether you’re looking for a long or short hike, there are plenty of options. There are dozens of other trails scattered across Vermont, offering everything from half-day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. 

One of the most famous trails in Vermont is The Long Trail, which is 272 miles long (no, that’s not a typo). It begins in Bennington and goes all the way up to the Canadian border, taking, on average, around a week to complete.

Wineries

If you’re looking to get truly immersed in the area’s wine culture, then make sure to visit a few of the many wineries around Vermont—and don’t forget to bring along a picnic lunch!

One of the best is Boyden Valley Winery in Cambridge. Other great wineries include Shelburne Vineyard, Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery, and Maquam Barn & Winery.

Cheddar Cheese

Painted sign that says "Vermont Cheeses" behind an old truck outdoors in the snow.

Vermont cheddar cheese has a unique flavor that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. It’s often sharp, making it the perfect complement to any meal. 

Luckily, VT cheddar cheese can be purchased all throughout the state, especially at grocery stores. Many local restaurants will also have dishes on the menu (like burgers or sandwiches) made with this special cheese. With its distinctive taste and texture, this is one cheese you don’t want to miss out on!

Lake Champlain

Vermont is known for many things, but one of its most beloved and iconic attractions is Lake Champlain. This beautiful lake is full of activities for locals and visitors alike. Visitors can explore the lake by kayak or canoe, go fishing, and more.

With so much to do, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this incredible spot every year. In addition to all the fun activities, visitors can also find plenty of picturesque views around the lake. 

Hildene

Hildene is another iconic landmark in Vermont known for its fascinating history. Located in Manchester, Vermont, Hildene was the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln! 

The estate is a popular destination for visitors to explore the grounds, learn more about the family’s history, and soak in the gorgeous views of the surrounding area. This is one of the fun day trip attractions in Vermont that is perfect for families.

Burlington

Cobblestone street lined by shops.
Editorial credit: Louisen / Shutterstock.com

Burlington is the largest city in Vermont and is a vibrant hub for culture, history, and outdoor activities. This beautiful city situated on Lake Champlain has been ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States. Since it’s home to the University of Vermont (UVM), it’s also a big college city. 

Visitors can find plenty of things to do, such as exploring local shops, tasting delicious food at restaurants, and shopping along Church Street. Art galleries and popular music venues make Burlington a great place to explore Vermont’s vibrant cultural life.

Calvin Coolidge

Vermont is also the birthplace of Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States. Visitors can visit his childhood homestead and learn more about him. To this day, he’s one of the most famous people from VT.

Marble

Vermont state is one of the leading producers of marble in the United States. Each piece of Vermont marble has unique colors and patterns that make them stand out from other materials. Learn more about the rock quarries in the state later on in this post!

Farmer’s Markets

One of the best things about Vermont is shopping locally. In fact, many places throughout the state (like Bennington) heavily push only having local shops on the main streets. So, VT is pretty well known for its incredible farmer’s markets.

Most towns or counties have their own farmer’s markets that are open between late spring and early fall. Visiting these can allow you to shop locally, meet people who live in the area, and you’ll even get to enjoy some tasty produce or buy crafts.

Covered Bridges

Red covered bridge in the fall.

Did you know that Vermont is famous for having the highest concentration of covered bridges per square mile in the USA? It’s true! In fact, many of the covered bridges in Vermont are actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

There’s a mix of modern and traditional bridges throughout the state. Many people love going on a road trips through Vermont to try to stop at as many covered bridges as possible.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Pretty much everyone who lives in New England heads to Vermont to enjoy the winter by skiing and snowboarding. That’s because the Green Mountain State is filled with tons of incredible ski resorts all over the state.

What makes VT such a great skiing and snowboarding destination is that the season is usually pretty long, thanks to the state’s weather. Sometimes it goes all the way from November until the beginning of April!

Distilleries

There are so many great distilleries throughout Vermont. The industry is really popular in the state (and successful), and you can find everything from maple-infused liquor to local vodkas. What could be better?

One of the best places to go is Smugglers’ Notch Distillery. You can even try some samples here or do a tasting to see what types you’d want to buy.

Maple Creemees

One thing Vermonters love is maple creemees. This is essentially just a soft serve maple syrup flavored ice cream. They can be purchased at lots of small ice cream shops throughout the state.

Our favorite? Tastee Freez in Bennington, VT. They have a tasty black raspberry maple twist that will knock your socks off.

First to Abolish Slavery

A little-known fact about Vermont is that it was the first state to abolish slavery back in 1777. Other states started to work towards this after the state of Vermont did.

John Deere

Green and red tractors lined up on the grass.
Editorial credit: Steve Lagreca / Shutterstock.com

The founder of John Deere (yes, the John Deere) was born in Rutland VT in 1804. He was raised in Rutland by his mom because his father was actually lost out at sea. He later became the one to invent the John Deere tractor.

Farms

There are a multitude of farms throughout Vermont, and all of them are incredible at providing produce, meat, dairy, and more to the state. Many of the farms are open to visit, so you can stop by and learn more about them and even visit some of the animals.

Bernie Sanders

US Senator Bernie Sanders is one of the most well-known people in Vermont. Though he was born in the 1940s in Brooklyn, he’s spent a lot of his life and work in the state of Vermont. Many Vermonters have even had the opportunity to meet him (especially the younger elementary-age students).

Fall Foliage

Red farm building surrounded by mountains with fall foliage.

Vermont is known for its beautiful fall foliage, with shades of orange, yellow, and red drawing tourists from all over the world. Every autumn, people (“leaf peepers”) come to enjoy the vibrant colors that make Vermont a picturesque destination. 

The luscious landscapes created by the changing leaves are an iconic part of Vermont that both locals and visitors can take in each season. This is one of the best times to enjoy a road trip in the state.

Corn Mazes

Now that you know how epic fall in Vermont is, it’s important to mention the state is pretty well known for its great corn mazes that pop up throughout the fall season. Stop by one of them to see if you can escape the maze, and then relax with some cool apple cider and donuts!

Country Stores

There are so many incredible country stores throughout Vermont, especially in the central part of the state. These country stores sell everything from fun foods (with taste testing) to clothing and even children’s toys. Visiting them can be a whole day affair!

Charming Small Towns

Empty street lined by brick buildings.
Editorial credit: jenlo8 / Shutterstock.com

When you think of Vermont, we’re sure you think about the quaint small towns throughout the state. With towns like Brattleboro, Manchester, and Stowe, there’s no shortage of small towns that are worth visiting in this state.

Apple Pie

One of the best activities in Vermont is going apple picking (the state is home to some of the best apples), so it’s no surprise that the state is known for its apple pie. In fact, many local restaurants will serve up a tasty apple pie on their menu for dessert.

For a fun hands-on experience, visit Vermont during the fall and pick apples to make your own apple pie at home. That’s a fun activity for all ages!

Local Breweries

VT is home to a multitude of local breweries all over the state. Craft beer is all the rage among locals and visitors alike. No matter where in the state you’re visiting, there’s definitely a local brewery somewhere nearby. Many of them also serve food in addition to drinks at pub restaurants!

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory

Situated in Shelburne, the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory is one of the biggest teddy bear producers. You can actually stop by their location during the day! Head to the bear shop to create your own bear to take home or go on a tour to learn more about how the bears are made.

Rock Quarries

As mentioned earlier, marble is heavily produced in the state, and that’s why VT is also known for its rock quarries. One of the most-visited is the Rock of Ages which you can visit and tour.

Ben & Jerry’s

Purple arch sign that says "Flavor Graveyard."
Editorial credit: andysartworks / Shutterstock.com

Okay, now it’s time for one of the most well-known things Vermont is known for… Ben & Jerry’s ice cream! You can visit the actual factory in Waterbury and go on a factory tour when visiting. (And yes, it’s free.) You’ll even get a fun taste sampling at the end!

When visiting, we highly recommend stopping by the unique Flavor Graveyard. Here, you can learn more about the flavors of Ben & Jerry’s past.

State Parks

Though all the states in NE have tons of state parks, the ones in Vermont are particularly amazing. Many of them feature lakes, spots for camping, hiking trails, and more. If it’s a warm summer’s day in VT, there’s nothing better to do than to head to one of the state parks to get outdoors.

Shelburne

One of the most scenic spots in Vermont that many people think of when thinking of the state is Shelburne! Located in Chittenden County, this picturesque town is situated right along Lake Champlain and has a charming feel.

Bennington Battle Day Monument

Last but certainly not least is the Bennington Battle Day Monument! Situated in the southern part of the state, this monument stands tall over the town of Bennington. It’s a reminder of the Battle of Bennington from the Revolutionary War.

Well, there you have it! These are all the things Vermont is known for. We hope you learned something new while reading this post!


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