7-Day Vermont Travel Itinerary: Scenic Drives, Mountains & Small-Town Charm
The Ultimate Vermont Family Vacation: Scenic Drives, Mountains & Kid-Friendly Fun
Vermont is a perfect destination for a family-friendly road trip, offering a mix of charming small towns, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and hands-on outdoor adventures that kids and parents alike will love. This 7-day itinerary ensures a kid-friendly blend of exploration, local flavors, and unforgettable experiences across the state.
Start in Burlington, where families can stroll through Church Street Marketplace, bike along Lake Champlain, and enjoy farm-to-table dining. Then, head to Stowe, where kids can visit covered bridges, hike scenic trails, and enjoy fresh cider and apple cider donuts.
The adventure continues in Smugglers’ Notch, where families can drive through stunning mountain passes, hike to Sterling Pond, and watch the sunset at Trapp Family Lodge. In Montpelier and Woodstock, kids can explore historic farms, visit maple sugarworks, and walk through picturesque covered bridges.
For outdoor-loving families, Quechee Gorge offers scenic hikes and waterfalls, while Manchester and Bennington provide Revolutionary War history, charming bookstores, and classic Vermont diners. With easy scenic routes, engaging attractions, and plenty of opportunities for adventure, this Vermont road trip is perfect for families looking to mix nature, exploration, and relaxation into one unforgettable journey.
Pack your bags, hit the road, and experience Vermont’s best family-friendly destinations together! 🚗🍁🏔️
🍁 7-Day Vermont Travel Itinerary – Scenic Drives, Mountains & Small-Town Charm
Theme: A mix of quaint New England towns, scenic mountain landscapes, and delicious local food across Vermont.
Best Time to Visit: Fall (September–October) for spectacular foliage or Summer (June–August) for outdoor adventures.
📍 Day 1: Arrive in Burlington & Explore
✈️ Fly into Burlington International Airport (BTV).
Top Things to Do in Burlington:
- 🌊 Walk Along Church Street Marketplace – A Charming Pedestrian Shopping Area.
- 🚲 Bike the Burlington Greenway Along Lake Champlain.
- 🍺 Try Local Brews at Foam Brewers or Zero Gravity Brewery.
- 🍽 Dinner at Hen of the Wood – Farm-to-Table Vermont Cuisine.
🏨 Overnight in Burlington.
📍 Day 2: Stowe – Covered Bridges & Mountain Views
🚗 Drive from Burlington to Stowe (45 minutes).
Top Things to Do in Stowe:
- 🏔 Drive the Auto Toll Road Up Mount Mansfield – Vermont’s Highest Peak.
- 🚶 Walk or Bike the Stowe Recreation Path.
- 🌉 Visit the Gold Brook Covered Bridge (Emily’s Bridge).
- 🍁 Stop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill for Fresh Cider & Apple Cider Donuts.
🏨 Overnight in Stowe.
📍 Day 3: Smugglers’ Notch & Scenic Drives
🚗 Take a Scenic Drive Through Smugglers’ Notch (Best in Fall).
Top Things to Do:
- 🥾 Hike the Sterling Pond Trail for a Beautiful Mountain Lake View.
- 🍺 Visit The Alchemist Brewery – Home of the Famous Heady Topper Beer.
- 🌄 Sunset at Trapp Family Lodge – Founded by the Real von Trapp Family from The Sound of Music!
🏨 Overnight in Stowe or Montpelier.
📍 Day 4: Montpelier & Woodstock – Vermont’s Classic Villages
🚗 Drive from Stowe to Montpelier & Woodstock (1.5 hours).
Top Things to Do in Montpelier:
- 🏛 Visit the – One of the Smallest & Most Beautiful Capitols.
- 🍯 Stop at Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks for a Maple Creemee (Soft-Serve Ice Cream).
Top Things to Do in Woodstock:
- 🌉 Visit Middle Covered Bridge – One of Vermont’s Most Photographed.
- 🏡 Explore the Billings Farm & Museum.
- 🍁 Try Maple Syrup at Sugarbush Farm.
🏨 Overnight in Woodstock.
📍 Day 5: Quechee Gorge & Southern Vermont
🚗 Drive from Woodstock to Quechee Gorge (15 minutes).
Top Things to Do in Quechee & Southern Vermont:
- 🌊 Hike Along Quechee Gorge – “Vermont’s Grand Canyon.”
- 🛍 Stop at Simon Pearce for Hand-Blown Glassware & Riverside Dining.
- 🍏 Visit an Apple Orchard Near Manchester for Cider & Donuts.
🚗 Drive to Manchester (1.5 hours).
Top Things to Do in Manchester:
- 🏔 Drive or Hike Mount Equinox Skyline Drive for Stunning Views.
- 📚 Visit Northshire Bookstore – A Classic Independent Bookstore.
- 🏛 Explore Hildene – The Lincoln Family Home.
🏨 Overnight in Manchester.
📍 Day 6: Bennington – Historic Towns & Revolutionary War Sites
🚗 Drive from Manchester to Bennington (45 minutes).
Top Things to Do in Bennington:
- 🏛 Visit the Bennington Battle Monument – A Revolutionary War Landmark.
- 🎨 Explore the Bennington Museum – Home to Grandma Moses Paintings.
- 🥞 Try a Classic Vermont Diner Like Blue Benn Diner.
🏨 Overnight in Bennington or Return to Burlington.
📍 Day 7: Final Stops & Depart
🚗 Drive Back to Burlington (2.5 hours) or Spend the Morning Exploring More.
Optional Stops Along the Way:
- 🍁 Visit Shelburne Farms – A Beautiful Lakeside Estate & Cheese Farm.
- 🏞 Explore Green Mountain National Forest for a Short Hike.
✈️ Fly out of Burlington (BTV).
🚗 Total Drive Time:
🛣️ Approx. 12-15 hours of scenic driving across Vermont.
This itinerary blends Vermont’s natural beauty, charming villages, and delicious local flavors!