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Are you planning a trip to Vermont but only have three days? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
This itinerary takes you to the highlights of Vermont, from Burlington to the food stops of Waterbury, the mountain town of Stowe, the state capital Montpelier and the quaint village of Woodstock.
It’s a great mix of city, mountains, food spots and small-town charm.
Here’s how to spend 3 days in Vermont. You’ll find below my recommended itinerary as well as the map.
đ Good to know: A car is essential for this trip. Public transport will simply not get you what you need. If you are flying and need to hire a car from the airport, I recommend using Discover Cars to find the best deals.
đ Day 1: Burlington & Waterbury
Burlington is the largest city in Vermont and home to the main international airport, making it the ideal starting point for this itinerary.
Waterfront Park
First, head to the waterfront park. Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, it boasts wonderful views of the lake and the Adirondacks on the other side.
There is a short boardwalk so you can have a nice walk around.
If you are into science or traveling with kids, I would highly recommend visiting ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. It’s interactive which makes it really fun.
Once you’re done, drive up towards downtown and park there. You can also walk through downtown if you wish to do so please note that it goes up.
Church Street
Church Street is a pedestrian street in downtown Burlington. It’s the one you see on all the photos.
There are loads of shops, coffee shops and restaurants, making it a great place for a browse.
You can walk all the church at the top (First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington) and have a wander.
There are loads of places where you can eat so this area is a great option for lunch.
Drive to Waterbury
Once you’re done with your lunch, it’s time to head out and go to Waterbury. It will take you about half an hour.
It’s a small town and a bit spread out but the main street is pretty so it’s worth stopping for a bit.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory
Once you’re done in Waterbury, keep driving a few minutes and you’ll reach the Ben & Jerry’s Factory.
This is one of the most famous attractions in Vermont and it’s well worth your time.
There is a large parking lot at the entrance. You can then walk up to the factory and shop.
You will need to book a tour if you want to see how it is inside the factory. I personally think it’s well worth it because it’s only $6 and on top of the guided tour, you get some frozen cookie dough and a taste of the flavor of the day.
There are several tours running per hour so you never have to wait that long.
That having been said, I would recommend booking in advance if you are visiting during the fall.
The shop, the playground and the flavor graveyard (where the retired flavors are buried) are free to visit.
It’s a fun thing to do for kids and adults alike.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
From Ben & Jerry’s, hop back on Route 100 and drive about 5minutes to Cold Hollow Cider Mill.
It’s the most famous cider mill in Vermont, and it’s right on your way to Stowe.
There are several things here. Firstly there is a bar restaurant where you can grab food and drinks.
But the highlight is the shop as itâs dedicated to the apple cider and thatâs where youâll be able to get one of their famous apple cider donuts.
I would recommend getting warm apple cider donuts (they are so good) with hot mulled cider in autumn or a dreemee if you are visiting in summer (thatâs a creemee inside a donut).
Make sure to also browse the shop for maple syrup and local treats.
If you go to the back of the shop youâll find a tasting tank where you can taste the cider too.
There is also a bakery and an outdoor space where you can play cornhole and relax.
Stay in Stowe
End your day by driving the short distance up to Stowe, which is where you’ll base yourself for the next couple of nights.
âȘ Day 2: Stowe
Day 2 is all about Stowe, one of the best small towns in Vermont (as well as one of my favorite places).
Downtown Stowe
Start your morning in downtown Stowe.
Park at the Recreation Path parking lot just behind the Stowe Community Church.
From there you can walk up to the church and then along Main Street, where you’ll find the coffee shops and stores, including the old-fashioned Shaw’s General Store and Stowe Mercantile.
Then head to the âWelcome To Stoweâ mural and the Giles W. Dewey Memorial Bridge, a cute little pedestrian covered bridge.
Keep walking until you reach the viewpoint to see the Stowe Community Church with the mountains in the background.
You can then complete the loop by walking along the Stowe Recreation Path back to your car.
von Trapp Family Lodge
Next, drive just outside town to the von Trapp Family Lodge, the estate run by the Sound of Music family.
It truly looks like a lodge you would find in Austria, which makes this place so unique and unexpected.
They have a lot of walking trails but youâll need a property pass for this which would be better with a bit more time ahead of you.
You can still check out the lodge, say hi to the highland cows near the café and stop at the von Trapp Bierhall for an Austrian-style lager.
Stowe Mountain Resort & the SkyGondola
Once youâre done, drive up to Stowe Mountain Resort.
If you’re visiting between mid-June and mid-October, take the SkyGondola up Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont, for the views from the top.
Smugglers’ Notch
Finish the day driving Smugglers’ Notch (Route 108), the mountain pass just past the resort that squeezes between huge boulders and cliffs.
It’s one of the best drives in New England especially during the fall foliage, but remember it’s narrow and closes in winter.
You can then complete the loop back to Stowe or drive back the same way you came.
If you’d like a more detailed plan for Stowe, I’ve got separate 1-day and 2-day Stowe itineraries too.
đïž Day 3: Montpelier & Woodstock
On day 3, drive from Stowe to Montpelier which takes about 30 minutes.
Montpelier
Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the US but it has a lot to offer.
First, head to the State House to see the gold dome. Itâs absolutely beautiful.
If you are interested in learning more about the State House and Vermontâs politics, you can also go on a free tour inside. Itâs very interesting.
You can then have a wander downtown, which is full of vintage shops, cafes and restaurants, then, if you fancy a walk, hike up through Hubbard Park to the stone observation tower for views over the city and mountains.
Woodstock
In the afternoon, drive down to Woodstock, one of the prettiest towns in Vermont and a lovely place to end your trip.
Park near the green and walk over to the Middle Covered Bridge, then browse the independent shops along Central Street.
There are loads of food options here so itâs a good place to grab a bite. I particularly recommend Mon Vert Cafe.
If you have time, visit the Billings Farm & Museum, a working dairy farm and museum just outside the center.
Quechee Gorge
If you still have a bit of time to spare, I would recommend driving to Queechee Gorge which is only 15 minutes from Woodstock.
Itâs a beautiful gorge and the views from the bridge are breathtaking. Itâs the deepest gorge in Vermont hence why itâs nicknamed Vermontâs Little Grand Canyon.
There are some hiking paths here that you can go on but bear in mind youâll need extra time for this.
đșïž Map of this Vermont 3-Day Itinerary
đĄ A few practical tips
- A car is essential, and the Waterbury-to-Stowe stretch follows the scenic Route 100.
- The SkyGondola and Smugglers’ Notch are seasonal, so check they’re open before you go.
- Book Stowe accommodation and the Ben & Jerry’s tour ahead in peak season (especially in the fall).
- Fall is the most popular time to visit, so plan ahead if that’s when you’re going.
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