When out-of-town guests come to visit, it’s only natural to want show them the best attractions in Vermont that are a bit different from the red barns and covered bridges they are probably expecting.  The Green Mountain State is filled with fun, exciting and offbeat places to entertain people of all ages – and leave them wanting more. Here are some of our favorite places to visit in Vermont and take visitors to show them another side of our amazing state.  Happy trails!

1. Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home - 1005 Hildene Rd, Manchester
Tripadvisor/Banjo60
Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home of Robert Lincoln, son of President Lincoln, offers walking trails, a working farm, a 1903 Pullman car and the historic mansion. Tours are offered daily and you'll get a tour of the mansion, which is perched on top of a beautiful hill with gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside.
2. VINS Nature Center - 6565 Woodstock Road, Route 4, Quechee
Tripadvisor/prmac
VINS affords its visitors the unique opportunity to see the type of birds they would rarely see otherwise. Many of the birds have been permanently injured through accidents and they are housed in huge cages that recreate their natural habitat as best they can. You can tell the birds are treated with the utmost care and attention. It is very impressive to witness the dedication of the caretakers while they work.
3. Shelburne Museum - 6000 Shelburne Road, Shelburne
Tripadvisor/Kevin B.
Only 4 of the museum's buildings are open in the winter, but you'll enjoy the heavily discounted admission price. The variety of items on display in the winter is amazing. From Cassatt paintings to waterfowl decoys to horse-drawn carriages to Tiffany pieces. You'll find an incredible collection and your guests will surely want to come back in season to see more. For more info about Shelburne Museum, visit their website HERE.
4. Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center - 700 Trapp Hill Rd, Stowe
Tripadvisor/management
The hills are alive in Stowe! Cross country skiing at the Trapp Family Lodge is always a crowd pleaser to see the outdoors if your guests aren't looking for a downhill experience. The Center has a friendly and knowledgeable staff who will outfit you with all the necessities and give a lot of great pointers. After a day of cross country skiing head over to the main lodge for a wonderful meal and great bar and enjoy a truly a magical experience.
5. Sugarbush Farm - 591 Sugarbush Farm Rd, Woodstock
Tripadvisor/SPARKS11211
If you're looking for something to do besides skiing, the Sugarbush Farm is a great destination. The staff is always friendly and you can try free cheese and syrup tastings before walking through their country store. Both the syrup and cheese are out of this world and you can't get more authentic than this. The farm itself is quaint and sits on a scenic backdrop of rolling hills and farms with the Green Mountains in the background. Perfect for couples or families and they love dogs so make sure not to leave the pup at home.
6. Quechee Gorge - Route 4, Quechee, Hartford
Tripadvisor/nursesar
Whether you view the breathtaking gorge from above on the bridge, or take a beautiful walk across the snow covered field, you'll love the amazing sights. Good winter walking gear a must. Bring your camera, you never know what nature has in store.
7. Bennington Battle Monument - 15 Monument Circle, Bennington
Tripadvisor/neilbluebell
The Battle Monument is definitely worth visiting, along with a stop by the Bennington Museum just a few minutes drive away. There you can see an ammunitions room with weapons, along with battle maps and history. It's well worth the price to take the elevator to the top (the stairs are closed). It's a short ride and once at the top, you're fully enclosed so even those with a fear of heights feel secure. The views of the surrounding mountains and vistas are stunning!
8. Cabot Visitors Center & Tour - 878 Main St., Cabot
Tripadvisor/Kara S.
This is a great tour where you'll want to take all your guests. The amount of delicious cheese Cabot makes every year is astounding and the fact filled tour tells you about it and shows you how it's made. Don't miss the tasting room and be sure to take home a few of your favorites.

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9. Montshire Museum of Science - 1 Montshire Rd., Norwich
Tripadvisor/management
This museum, now celebrating it's 40th anniversary, has been in this beautiful wooded but easily-accessible from I-91 (Hanover/Norwich exit) spot since 1989. The main structure is a glorious, light-filled open post-and-beam building that has two main levels and a tower that offers great views of the grounds (with many outside exhibits and trails), the Connecticut River, and the Ledyard Bridge to Hanover, NH. The museum caters to both school children and adults, and the exhibits are first-rate.
10. Dog Mountain & The Dog Chapel - Spaulding Road, Saint Johnsbury
Tripadvisor/NewYorkBulldog
If you or your friends have four legged friends, this destination is a must. Bring the pups with you to explore this 150-acre mecca which is fun for people, but the dogs are ecstatic. Nice trails to walk on, benches to sit on while dogs play. Definitely visit the chapel. Check them out online.
11. Catamount Film & Arts - 115 Eastern Ave, Saint Johnsbury
Tripadvisor/management
Always an interesting place with many activities available - some for a fee, some not. Films, art gallery, coffee shop and many other things. Many good evening activities as well. Visit Catamount Film & Arts online to learn more information as well opening hours and events.
12. St. Albans Historical Society - Church Street, Saint Albans
Tripadvisor/Gaseoustania
If your guests fancy a bit of local Vermont history, this is a great stop. The staff is very knowledgeable, local, and able to make the place seem like a trip to your grandmother's attic. Before visiting, please visit them online to view current information about the museum and events.
13. Northeast Kingdom Tasting Center - 150 Main Street, Newport
Tripadvisor/NEKBOY
Show your friends a sampling of local flavor, and enjoy inexpensive tastings of local cider, vodka, gin and rums. The cider options are quite unique - oak aged, interesting infusions and tasty dry options. The gins were over the top - unique and made for sipping. A great way to try a variety of local tastes. Check them out online before visiting to see current hours and operation.
14. Moss Glen Falls - Granville
Tripadvisor/wisebugg
The Moss Glen Falls can be seen from the road and there is a parking pull-off. They are one of the prettiest falls your guests could see while visiting Vermont. Don't miss the other falls on the right before you walk down the boardwalk- they are beautiful, too!
15. Visit a farmers market! All over, every season.
Tripadvisor/JMVermont
Whether you're in the market for fresh, organic, local produce, fresh baked bread, meats, locally made granola, cheese, wine and more or looking for a great place for lunch....this is the place to go on a cold day! It is a social experience with great food. For a list of winter farmer's markets in Vermont there is a link at the end of the article.
16. Church Street Marketplace - Main St., Pearl St., Burlington
Flickr/Axel Drainville
Checking out the local and boutique shops on Burlington's Church Street is always guaranteed to please. The hustle and bustle of people is fun day or night, and a great destination in all seasons.

Looking for more places where to take an out-of-towner in Vermont? Check out this list of 12 lesser-known attractions in Vermont that are great to show out-of-staters.

Add your favorite things to do in Vermont to show guests the best of Vermont in the comments below. For a complete list of farmers markets in Vermont click here. Have fun entertaining!

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More to Explore

best attractions in Vermont

Luke | October 08, 2020

What are the best little known attractions in Vermont?

Perhaps few know about these interesting, little-known attractions in Vermont: 1) Mount Independence in Orwell. Visit this place to learn more about Vermont history and see a beautiful old Vermont town. 2) Norman Rockwell Exhibit in Arlington. Stop by this little roadside attraction and learn about the famous modern painter who lived in Vermont. 3) The Chapel at the von Trapp Family Lodge. This quaint chapel is located on one of the walking paths at the gorgeous Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe.

What are the oldest attractions in Vermont?

Vermont has a long a fascinating history. With restaurants established in the 18th century, 19th-century townhouses, historic general stores, wooden covered bridges, and old towns that have stood the test of time, Vermont’s oldest attractions are everywhere! For more information about specific attractions, take a look at this article of the eight oldest and most historic towns in Vermont. And if you are interested in dining at the oldest restaurant and tavern in all of Vermont, make a reservation at the Ye Olde Tavern, founded in 1790.

What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Vermont?

If you are on the hunt for more hidden gem restaurants in Vermont, take a look at this list of 11 wonderful and lesser-known restaurants throughout Vermont. For a quick overview: list includes the Black Sheep Bistro in Vergennes, Mad Taco in Waitsfield, Black Krim Tavern in Randolph, and many more. Check out the article for more hidden restaurants.

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Featured Addresses
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home- Welcome Center, 1005 Hildene Rd, Manchester, VT 05255, USA
VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Wy, Quechee, VT 05059, USA
Shelburne Museum, 6000 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482, USA
Trapp Family Lodge, 700 Trapp Hill Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, USA
Sugarbush Farm, 591 Sugarbush Farm Rd, Woodstock, VT 05091, USA
Quechee Gorge, Hartford, VT 05001, USA
15 Monument Cir, Bennington, VT 05201, USA
878 Main St, Marshfield, VT 05658, USA
Montshire Museum of Science, 1 Montshire Rd, Norwich, VT 05055, USA
Dog Mountain, Home of Stephen Huneck Gallery, 143 Parks Rd, St Johnsbury, VT 05819, USA
115 Eastern Ave, St Johnsbury, VT 05819, USA
Church St, St Albans City, VT 05478, USA
150 Main St, Newport, VT 05855, USA
Moss Glen Falls, Granville, VT 05747, USA
Church Street, Church St, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
Vermont, USA