7 Best Places to Visit in Vermont during the Summer ...

1. Mount Mansfield

Mount Mansfield is definitely one of the best places to visit in Vermont in the summer. This mountain is the highest mountain in Vermont peaking at 4,393 feet. After a steep drive up the mountain, you can find parking and then begin your hike. With multiple trails to chose from, (depending on your level of difficulty) hiking the mountain is a great experience. I first hiked Mount Mansfield when I was 11 years old, and 6 years later I still remember the excitement I felt the whole way up, and the triumph I felt once I reached the top. This hike is great for all ages and is a wonderful experience with a breathtaking view.

2. Shelburne Museum

Located in Shelburne, Vermont, the Shelburne Museum isn’t just a room filled with art. Different art is displayed throughout the 38 buildings on the museum grounds. Including a vintage operating carousel, covered bridges, a lighthouse, a blacksmith shop, an 1840’s jail, school house, general store and plenty more, the museum can never get boring. You can also walk aboard the Ticonderoga steamboat located on the museum grounds. I’ve been going every Summer for over 5 years and there’s always something new to enjoy for everyone visiting.

3. Burlington

The city of Burlington is located on the eastern shoreline of Lake Champlain and one of my favorite places to visit during the summer. Burlington is a small city with cobblestone roads, filled with a variety of stores, restaurants and and fun sights to see. There’s always something going on in Burlington. Whether it’s a street performer during the day or a concert later that night, there’s never a dull moment. If you don’t want to walk around the city, you can always spend the day relaxing on the beach by Lake Champlain, or even taking a dinner cruise on the lake. Burlington is a very exciting city and I highly recommend visiting it in the Summer.

4. Montpelier

Montpelier is the capital of Vermont. During the summer, the city is filled with people. In the city you can mainly find small self-owned businesses. There are a variety of stores to browse in so you’ll never get bored. Visiting the capital building is also a great experience for people of all ages. Montpelier even has some special events that go on during the summer as well. I feel you can’t go to a state without visiting the capital!

5. Stowe

Every summer when I visit Vermont I stay in Stowe. Stowe is a very friendly town with so much to do. With a bike path that runs throughout the whole town, you can practically get anywhere without a car. There are plenty of great restaurants in Stowe and so many places to shop. Hidden within Stowe there are also many secret swimming holes you can find. It’s a very healthy environment because you’re always on your feet. Stowe is a great place to visit in the summer for anyone of any age!

6. Ben and Jerry’s

What would a trip to Vermont be without visiting the first ever Ben and Jerry’s? At Ben and Jerry’s in Waterbury, Vermont, besides buying ice cream of course, you can go on a factory tour. Guests learn about how Ben and Jerry’s was founded and how the ice cream is manufactured. At the end of each tour you’re also given the opportunity to taste a flavor. After stopping by the gift shop you can head up the back and visit the Flavor Graveyard, where they have the names of flavors they don’t sell anymore. It’s a fun experience for all ages; and it’s delicious!

7. Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival

One of my all time favorites, located in Stowe, Vermont, each summer the Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa hosts their annual Hot Air Balloon Festival. Held for three days in July on the resorts grounds, you can watch more than 25 hot air balloon's blow up and soar through the sky. During the festival there are also children’s activities, food and drink tents and a spa tent for facials and massages. Music is also played during the festival. Setting down a blanket and watching hot air balloon’s blow up and soar through the air is not something you see every day and I definitely recommend going to see it.

Now I can’t stop thinking about the hot weather! Summer, please come quicker! Have you ever been to Vermont? What are some places you can think of that I could’ve added to the list?