VERMONT
A 3-Day Vermont Itinerary: Burlington, Stowe & Woodstock
Vermont is one of New England’s most charming states, famous for its small towns, covered bridges, maple syrup, and of course, the fiery fall foliage that draws travelers from across the U.S. and beyond.
This 3-day Vermont itinerary is perfect for a long weekend and includes Burlington’s lively lakeside energy, Stowe’s mountain beauty, and Woodstock’s timeless New England charm. Along the way, you’ll discover local foods, scenic drives, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.
This 3-day Vermont itinerary is perfect for a long weekend and includes Burlington’s lively lakeside energy, Stowe’s mountain beauty, and Woodstock’s timeless New England charm. Along the way, you’ll discover local foods, scenic drives, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.
Day 1. Burlington.
Waterfront Adventures, Local Flavors & Vermont Charm
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Burlington, Vermont, may be a small city, but it has all the charm, energy, and scenic beauty you could hope for in a getaway. Nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain and framed by the Green Mountains, Burlington is the perfect starting point for a three-day Vermont adventure. From lakeside walks and outdoor activities to museums, culinary experiences, and cozy accommodations, here’s how to make your first day unforgettable.
Morning: Arrival & Getting Settled
Arriving in Burlington
Most visitors fly into Burlington International Airport. To score the best deals, check Aviasales or CheapOair - early bookings often save a lot, especially during peak foliage season in September and October. Upon arrival, consider renting a car via Rentalcars.com. While downtown Burlington is very walkable, having a car gives you the flexibility to explore nearby parks, scenic drives, or last-minute adventures.
Arriving in Burlington
Most visitors fly into Burlington International Airport. To score the best deals, check Aviasales or CheapOair - early bookings often save a lot, especially during peak foliage season in September and October. Upon arrival, consider renting a car via Rentalcars.com. While downtown Burlington is very walkable, having a car gives you the flexibility to explore nearby parks, scenic drives, or last-minute adventures.
📶 Tip for International Visitors: Grab a Vermont-friendly eSIM from Airalo to stay connected while navigating the city and booking tours on the go.
Accommodation Recommendations
Burlington has a variety of options:
Burlington has a variety of options:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington - modern amenities, centrally located.
- Hotel Vermont Burlington - boutique hotel with local art and cozy rooms.
Late Morning: Waterfront Stroll & Breakfast
Start your adventure with a peaceful stroll along the Lake Champlain Waterfront. The crisp morning air and sparkling water reflecting the Green Mountains make for a rejuvenating start. This is the perfect spot for photos or just soaking in the tranquility of Vermont.
Start your adventure with a peaceful stroll along the Lake Champlain Waterfront. The crisp morning air and sparkling water reflecting the Green Mountains make for a rejuvenating start. This is the perfect spot for photos or just soaking in the tranquility of Vermont.
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Mid-Morning: Battery Park & Early Activities
After breakfast, wander over to Battery Park. This small urban park offers panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains across the water. It’s a perfect spot for a short hike, a quick picnic, or simply relaxing while watching sailboats glide by.
Optional Activity: Book a Lake Champlain boat tour. These tours range from short sightseeing trips to longer cruises with history commentary. It’s an excellent way to see the lake from a new perspective and learn about its significance in Vermont history.
Late Morning Cultural Stops
Burlington is full of culture and history for a mid-morning exploration.
After breakfast, wander over to Battery Park. This small urban park offers panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains across the water. It’s a perfect spot for a short hike, a quick picnic, or simply relaxing while watching sailboats glide by.
Optional Activity: Book a Lake Champlain boat tour. These tours range from short sightseeing trips to longer cruises with history commentary. It’s an excellent way to see the lake from a new perspective and learn about its significance in Vermont history.
Late Morning Cultural Stops
Burlington is full of culture and history for a mid-morning exploration.
- ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: This interactive science and nature museum is great for adults and kids alike. Learn about the ecology, wildlife, and history of the lake and surrounding areas.
- Burlington Historical Society: A small but informative museum showcasing Burlington’s history, architecture, and local legends. Great for history buffs and curious travelers.
Midday: Church Street Marketplace & Lunch
Around noon, head to Church Street Marketplace, Burlington’s lively pedestrian street. Stroll past colorful storefronts, artisan shops, street performers, and local cafés. This is also a great area to pick up souvenirs, local crafts, or Vermont-made maple products.
Around noon, head to Church Street Marketplace, Burlington’s lively pedestrian street. Stroll past colorful storefronts, artisan shops, street performers, and local cafés. This is also a great area to pick up souvenirs, local crafts, or Vermont-made maple products.
Activity Option: After lunch, consider renting a bike to explore the Burlington Bike Path along the waterfront. Bikes are available via local rental shops.
Late Afternoon: Coffee Break & Cultural Discovery
After outdoor adventures, treat yourself to a coffee break at Onyx Tonics, a specialty café with an emphasis on locally roasted beans and artisanal pastries.
If you’re interested in more culture:
After outdoor adventures, treat yourself to a coffee break at Onyx Tonics, a specialty café with an emphasis on locally roasted beans and artisanal pastries.
If you’re interested in more culture:
- Fleming Museum of Art at the University of Vermont offers rotating exhibits of regional and international art.
- Local Art Galleriesalong Church Street showcase Vermont artists and photographers. Many allow photography and small purchases.
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Early Afternoon: Outdoor Adventures
Burlington offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in the early afternoon:
Burlington offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in the early afternoon:
- Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Rent gear or join a guided tour on Lake Champlain. Paddle along the calm waters while taking in mountain views.
- Scenic Drive: Take a short drive along North Avenue or Waterfront Drive. Your rental car from Rentalcars.com allows flexibility for stops at scenic overlooks, parks, or small side streets to discover hidden gems.
- Local Parks & Gardens: Visit Oakledge Park or Waterfront Park for scenic views, picnic spots, or just some quiet time in nature.
Evening: Dinner & Nightlife
Optional Evening Activity:
Optional Evening Activity:
- Book a sunset cruise on Lake Champlain for a relaxing end to your day. Watch the sun dip behind the mountains while enjoying local cider or wine.
Day 2. Stowe.
Mountains, Adventure & Local Charm
Morning: Getting to Stowe & Breakfast
Getting There:
After breakfast in Burlington, hop into your rental car and drive approximately 45 minutes to Stowe. The drive itself is scenic, with rolling hills, charming farmhouses, and stunning views of the Green Mountains - perfect for a few quick photo stops.
Getting There:
After breakfast in Burlington, hop into your rental car and drive approximately 45 minutes to Stowe. The drive itself is scenic, with rolling hills, charming farmhouses, and stunning views of the Green Mountains - perfect for a few quick photo stops.
Late Morning: Outdoor Adventures & Nature Walks
Begin with a walk or light jog along the Stowe Recreation Path, a scenic 5.3-mile trail weaving through forests, along rivers, and past picturesque bridges. Perfect for photography, stretching your legs, or just soaking in Vermont’s natural beauty.
✔️ Optional Activity: Rent a bicycle or join a guided bike tour, which takes you along the hidden corners of the trail and shows scenic overlooks you might otherwise miss.
✔️ Water Adventure Option:
For a more aquatic morning, consider kayaking or paddleboarding on the Little River.
Begin with a walk or light jog along the Stowe Recreation Path, a scenic 5.3-mile trail weaving through forests, along rivers, and past picturesque bridges. Perfect for photography, stretching your legs, or just soaking in Vermont’s natural beauty.
✔️ Optional Activity: Rent a bicycle or join a guided bike tour, which takes you along the hidden corners of the trail and shows scenic overlooks you might otherwise miss.
✔️ Water Adventure Option:
For a more aquatic morning, consider kayaking or paddleboarding on the Little River.
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Midday: Mountain Excursions & Scenic Views
Mount Mansfield - The Peak of Vermont:
No trip to Stowe is complete without visiting Mount Mansfield, the tallest peak in Vermont. Hike the marked trails for a moderate adventure, or take the gondola ride at Stowe Mountain Resort to reach the summit with minimal effort.
Waterfall Stop:
Mount Mansfield - The Peak of Vermont:
No trip to Stowe is complete without visiting Mount Mansfield, the tallest peak in Vermont. Hike the marked trails for a moderate adventure, or take the gondola ride at Stowe Mountain Resort to reach the summit with minimal effort.
Waterfall Stop:
- On your way down, visit Moss Glen Falls, a 40-foot waterfall just 15 minutes from the Stowe town center. Easy to reach and incredibly picturesque, it’s a perfect spot for a short hike and stunning photos.
Afternoon: Adventure, Museums & Local Culture
Scenic Drives:
Use your rental car to explore Mountain Road Scenic Byway, stopping at viewpoints, small farms, and charming country shops. Rental from [Rentalcars.com] makes it easy to hop between locations on your own schedule.
Art & History:
If you still have energy, try a zipline or canopy tour. Flying above the treetops with fall colors all around is an unforgettable Vermont experience.
Scenic Drives:
Use your rental car to explore Mountain Road Scenic Byway, stopping at viewpoints, small farms, and charming country shops. Rental from [Rentalcars.com] makes it easy to hop between locations on your own schedule.
Art & History:
- Visit Helen Day Art Center, which features contemporary exhibitions by Vermont artists.
- Stop by Stowe Historical Society to learn about local heritage and architecture.
If you still have energy, try a zipline or canopy tour. Flying above the treetops with fall colors all around is an unforgettable Vermont experience.
Evening: Dinner & Night in Stowe
✔️ Optional Sunset Activity:
Book a sunset gondola ride or guided photography tour. Capture the colors of the Green Mountains as the sun sets, creating an unforgettable memory.
Accommodation Recommendations:
✔️ Optional Sunset Activity:
Book a sunset gondola ride or guided photography tour. Capture the colors of the Green Mountains as the sun sets, creating an unforgettable memory.
Accommodation Recommendations:
- The Lodge at Spruce Peak, Part of Hyatt - For a luxury mountain experience
- Topnotch Resort - The ideal location for getaway.
Day 3. Woodstock.
Quaint Villages, Scenic Beauty & Local Experiences
After exploring Burlington and Stowe, it’s time to experience the charm of Vermont’s small towns. Woodstock, often called one of the prettiest towns in the state, offers historic streets, covered bridges, local farms, and nearby natural wonders like Quechee Gorge. Day three is a mix of culture, outdoor adventures, culinary delights, and relaxation.
Getting There:
From Stowe, take your car for a scenic 1-hour drive to Woodstock. The journey winds through rolling hills, farmland, and small villages, offering multiple photo opportunities along the way.
Getting There:
From Stowe, take your car for a scenic 1-hour drive to Woodstock. The journey winds through rolling hills, farmland, and small villages, offering multiple photo opportunities along the way.
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Late Morning: Explore the Town & Cultural Stops
Historic Downtown Woodstock:
Wander the streets lined with white-steepled churches, boutique shops, and galleries. Don’t miss the Billings Farm & Museum, an authentic Vermont dairy farm and heritage site where you can learn about the state’s farming history.
Local Art & Museums:
Historic Downtown Woodstock:
Wander the streets lined with white-steepled churches, boutique shops, and galleries. Don’t miss the Billings Farm & Museum, an authentic Vermont dairy farm and heritage site where you can learn about the state’s farming history.
Local Art & Museums:
- Visit the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park to explore historic gardens, hiking trails, and museum exhibits about conservation and Vermont’s legacy.
- Woodstock Artists Association & Gallery showcases local artists, perfect for a quick stroll or souvenir purchase.
Afternoon: Outdoor Adventures & Scenic Spots
Quechee Gorge:
After lunch, drive about 15 minutes to Quechee Gorge, Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon.” The gorge offers multiple hiking trails, lookout points, and opportunities for photography. A short hike leads to a bridge overlooking the gorge, where the Ottauquechee River rushes below.
✔️Optional Adventure:
Quechee Gorge:
After lunch, drive about 15 minutes to Quechee Gorge, Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon.” The gorge offers multiple hiking trails, lookout points, and opportunities for photography. A short hike leads to a bridge overlooking the gorge, where the Ottauquechee River rushes below.
✔️Optional Adventure:
- Ziplining or aerial tours above the gorge.
- Horseback riding through nearby farms or forest trails - many local stables offer guided tours.
Late Afternoon: Local Shopping & Relaxation
Woodstock Village:
Return to the village for a gentle stroll. Explore local boutiques, bookstores, and artisan shops. It’s also a good time to grab coffee or a Vermont-style ice cream from a local creamery.
Woodstock Village:
Return to the village for a gentle stroll. Explore local boutiques, bookstores, and artisan shops. It’s also a good time to grab coffee or a Vermont-style ice cream from a local creamery.
💡 Drive along Route 12 through Quechee and Woodstock for small covered bridges, farms, and scenic lookouts. Perfect for autumn photography.
Evening: Dinner & Departure
Evening Activity:
Evening Activity:
- If you’re staying another night, enjoy a sunset walk along the Ottauquechee River or a short night hike through the National Historical Park.
- Alternatively, head back toward Burlington or your next destination, listening to the quiet serenity of Vermont’s countryside.
- Woodstock Inn & Resort: Comfortable, historic, centrally located.
Conclusion: Your 3-Day Vermont Adventure
After three days exploring Burlington, Stowe, and Woodstock, you’ve experienced the perfect mix of Vermont’s natural beauty, local culture, and small-town charm. From lakeside strolls and mountain hikes to waterfalls, historic farms, and cozy village streets, this itinerary shows the best of what the Green Mountain State has to offer.
After three days exploring Burlington, Stowe, and Woodstock, you’ve experienced the perfect mix of Vermont’s natural beauty, local culture, and small-town charm. From lakeside strolls and mountain hikes to waterfalls, historic farms, and cozy village streets, this itinerary shows the best of what the Green Mountain State has to offer.
🥞 Must-Try Vermont Foods
Vermont is as much about food as it is about scenery. Don’t miss:
Vermont is as much about food as it is about scenery. Don’t miss:
- Maple syrup – try it fresh in spring.
- Cider donuts – hot and sugary, perfect with coffee.
- Vermont cheddar cheese – famously sharp.
- Craft beer – Vermont has one of the highest breweries per capita in the U.S.
- Ben & Jerry’s ice cream – the original factory is in Waterbury.
🛣️ Best Scenic Drives in Vermont
- Route 100 – Known as Vermont’s “skier’s highway,” runs north–south through stunning valleys.
- Smugglers’ Notch – Narrow, winding, unforgettable in fall.
- Green Mountain Byway – Links Waterbury, Stowe, and Morrisville.
- Route 4 – Passes through Woodstock and Quechee.
✨ Travel Extras – Plan Your Trip Smart
Hotel booked? Perfect! Don’t forget the travel essentials that make your journey smooth and stress-free.
✈️ Flights: Aviasales | CheapOair – find the best airfare deals.
🏨 Hotels: Trip.com | Hostelworld – book top-rated hotels, resorts & hostels worldwide.
🎟️ Tours & Activities: GetYourTrip | Klook | Tiqets – skip-the-line tickets and unique experiences.
🚗 Car Rental: Rentalcars.com – compare prices & rent cars anywhere.
🚍 Transport: 12Go – compare & book buses, trains, ferries.
📱 eSIM: Airalo – stay connected in 190+ countries.
🍽️ Food Experiences: Eatwith – unique dinners, cooking classes & local culinary tours.
✈️ Flights: Aviasales | CheapOair – find the best airfare deals.
🏨 Hotels: Trip.com | Hostelworld – book top-rated hotels, resorts & hostels worldwide.
🎟️ Tours & Activities: GetYourTrip | Klook | Tiqets – skip-the-line tickets and unique experiences.
🚗 Car Rental: Rentalcars.com – compare prices & rent cars anywhere.
🚍 Transport: 12Go – compare & book buses, trains, ferries.
📱 eSIM: Airalo – stay connected in 190+ countries.
🍽️ Food Experiences: Eatwith – unique dinners, cooking classes & local culinary tours.
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