Things To Do
"Things to Do" from Levi and Sarah's list of favorite places, activities, foods, and drinks.
Recommendations are grouped by location to assist in adventure planning for those of you looking to explore. *Note* Vermont has a solid reputation for good breweries all around the state. Make sure to check some out!
Foliage Season in Vermont
While the South will still be basking in the warmth of summer, Vermont will be entering it's fall season mid- to late-September. Days will be warm, nights will be cool, and leaves will likely be turning.
Make sure to drive back roads! >50% of roads in Vermont are gravel. AND you might see a moose!
Also, covered bridges.
1. Stowe and Waterbury (touristy)
Ben and Jerry's ice cream: Just south of Stowe is the original B+J! Lots of ice cream options, playground for kids, and a tour option. Stowe Mountain Resort Gondola Ride: Ride to the top of Mount Mansfield for a spectacular view. Purchase tickets in advance and expect to arrive at least 1+ hour early to wait in line for the gondola. Restaurant at the top requires reservations. Stowe Scenic Drive - fee to drive to the top of Mt. Mansfield. Saturday morning Stowe Farmer's Market: Check out local stands for farm produce, local artists' wares, and more! Maple syrup demonstrations/Sugar Farms: Sugaring season is late winter, but you can still learn about the process and purchase local syrup. Biking: There are paved and single-track paths all over, soo bring or rent a bike to check out town. Hiking trails: Pull up your AllTrails app to find a hike. You won't go wrong checking out one of the waterfalls.
Stowe: Mount Mansfield State Forest
Mount Mansfield is Vermont's tallest mountain. The forest has multiple trails to ponds, waterfalls, or along the ridge. The ridge trail is not easy, can be technical. Super rad views on a clear day. Part of the Long Trail (the trail that runs the length of VT North-South). I've hiked it with Darla in a backpack and another time pushing Bosun and Darla up scramble sections. Lots of options on how to get up there. Lemme know if you have questions. You can access from Stowe or Cambridge, VT. There is a seasonal road that connects both sides of the mountain via Smuggler's Notch (also a pretty drive and popular climbing area).
2. Morrisville and Elmore State Park
Elmore State Park is just outside of Morrisville. You can go hiking up Mount Elmore or swimming at Elmore Lake beach! Entry fees for both. Thank you for supporting the local community!
Elmore Store
Breakfast sandwiches and other supplies.
Thompson's Flour Shop
Solid sandwiches and stellar cookies.
3. Hardwick and Riverside Cycles Bike Shop
Visit Levi's bike shop, Riverside Cycles, in Hardwick, VT for bike rentals and recommendations based on your desired riding experience! We may host a Sunday group ride pending interest, TBD (updated January 2026).
Front Seat Coffee
Coffee and treats. Local artists' wares including pottery, prints, leather bags, scarves, earrings.
Village Restaurant
Diner with a river view.
The Cork & Fork
Gooood food, great owners.
4. Duxbury and Montpelier: Camel's Hump State Park
One of Sarah's favorite local hikes. Bald summit for a fantastic 360-degree view. On a clear day, you can see Lake Champlain, NY's Adirondack Mountains, NH's White Mountains, and Canada. Plan on a minimum 4-hour adventure, roughly 6 miles roundtrip, 2500ft elevation gain, out-and-back via Monroe Trail. Rated "hard" on AllTrails. Probably not for small children unless you wanna put 'em in a backpack.
Red Hen Baking
Sandwiches for any time of day.
Bohemian Bakery
Best pastries. Good coffee.
Barr Hill by Caledonia Spirits Distillery
Must try: Bar Hill Gin and every single one of their cocktails.
5. ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
Cool science museum. On the lake. Biking and walking paths. Causeway Park.
Citizen Cider
Levi's fave.
Four Corners of the Earth
Nothing short of fantastic sandwiches. One-man show.
6. Danville for the Great Vermont Corn Maze
Corn maze (levels hard and easy), kid's play area (it's like a mini town?), indoor/covered kid's biking area, and goats! Full disclosure: Levi has never and will never do this haha.
Three Ponds
Full menu, local arts stuffs.
Bentley's Bakery & Cafe
Foods stuffs = Great! Coffee = fine.
7. Glover, Lake Willoughby, Burke
The first hike I convinced Levi to do with me is at Lake Willoughby. It's a super cool glacier-made lake. The lake also has a beach and is a technical climbing area.
Bread & Puppet Theatre
The famous Bread & Puppet! Unfortunately, September is out-of-season for their outdoor and theatre shows, but the Museum is accessible most daytime hours and houses a massive collection of puppets, masks, paintings, etc dating back to the 1970s in a 150-year old barn.
The Museum of Everyday Life
Ya gotta see it to believe it.
The Parker Pie Company
Solid zah.
Kingdom Trails in Burke
THE place for mountain biking. Trails range from green (casual) to double black (death).
Libbey's Meat Market
Genius at work. Usually has a couple light lunch options. Buy. The. Meats.
