The Best Places to Visit in Vermont
When you begin to plan your next getaway to one of the most beautiful states in New England, be sure to add these best places to visit in Vermont to your itinerary. Our lovely little state is a four-seasons gem—from temperate summers and verdant springs to autumns awash in fall colors and winters blanketed in powdery white—there’s a reason to head to Vermont all year-long.
The Mad River Valley is one of our favorite destinations in Vermont. Surrounded by the Green River Mountains, many tourists flock to this area for outdoor recreation, but fall in love with the charming villages, artisanal experiences, and the warm and welcoming people that call this space home. Any vacation to Vermont will be memorable, and more often than not, your first visit is rarely your last.
There are many beautiful places to stay in the Mad River Valley, but none quite compare to our Vermont Bed and Breakfast. For a truly authentic lodging experience with thoughtful hosts and extremely comfortable accommodations, the West Hill House B&B is the perfect place to call your home away from home. Not only will you be in the ideal location for all of the best places to visit in Vermont, but you’ll have excellent amenities awaiting your return.
As a guest at our Vermont Bed and Breakfast, you’ll have your pick from nine unique guest suites, all with private luxurious baths, comfortable beds with memory foam for restful nights of sleep, and stunning views of our award-winning garden grounds. You’ll feel tucked away in the secluded wilderness of Vermont, but only minutes away from some of the most popular attractions of the Mad River Valley.
An Amazing Getaway in New England: The 10 Best Places to Visit in Vermont
There are so many wonderful things to do in Vermont in all four seasons. Whether you’re here to hit the slopes at Sugarbush or Mad River Glen, drive the scenic country roads hunting for the covered bridges and bright red barns, or if you’re just hoping for some quiet time to relax, you’re in the right place.
Here are our top ten best places to visit in Vermont on your next getaway:
- Vermont’s Famous Covered Bridges: Along your adventures, you’re bound to encounter the historic covered bridges that pepper our country roads. One of which you’ll discover only five minutes from our Inn, the landmark Warren covered bridge, also known at the Lincoln Gap, spanning the Mad River. All told, there are eight of these iconic wooden structures to explore on your scenic drives.
- The Capital City of Montpelier: While Montpelier is the smallest US capital city, there’s no shortage of exciting sights and activities to experience here. We always suggest that our guests plan to spend the day exploring the charming shops, cafes, and historical landmarks. Be sure to add this to your itinerary as one of the best places to visit in Vermont.
- Vermont History Museum: During your time in Montpelier, plan on paying a visit to this fascinating Vermont museum. You’ll learn more about the history of our area, explore the ever-changing exhibits, and view works from local artists.
- The Picturesque Vermont Waterfalls: Throughout the Mad River Valley, you’ll find many natural wonders and some of the best places to visit in Vermont. The lush mountainous terrain lends itself perfectly for babbling brooks and rushing rivers to evolve into waterfalls—creating a beautiful and diverse landscape. Just minutes from our Inn, Warren Falls is an easily accessed landmark and well worth the view.
- The Rock of Ages Granite Quarry: Speaking of natural wonders, the Smith Quarry, located about 40 minutes east of our Bed and Breakfast, is one of the best places to visit in Vermont for a unique outing. As the world’s largest operating deep-hole, dimension granite quarry, you won’t want to miss the guided tour. The season begins June 1st and runs through autumn, weather permitting.
- Hope Cemetery: To continue admiring the beauty of granite mined from our hills, head into Barre, Vermont, dubbed the “Granite Capital of the World.” This rural cemetery dates back to 1895 and is known for its intricate and remarkable craftsmanship of the memorials and tombstones.
- The Warren Store: While the tagline for this local country store and deli is “Almost World Famous,” the Warren Store should be known across the globe. We always suggest that our guests head here for the scratch-made sandwiches on freshly baked bread, a collection of locally made products and goods, and to get a feel for how the locals live in the Mad River Valley. Thankfully, it’s less than five minutes from our front door!
- Lawson’s Finest Liquids: Before this Vermont brewery had its own brick and mortar space to call home, Sean Lawson got his start with weekly Thursday deliveries of his small-batch ale to the Warren Store. Folks would drive from all corners of the state to grab 22oz bottles of his coveted Maple Tripple. Lucky for us all, the brewery and restaurant opened in Waitsfield, VT, in 2018 and is one of the best places to visit in Vermont for draft beer.
- Catamount Trail: This picturesque 300-mile Nordic ski route spans the length of Vermont and offers miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. The trail is broken up into 31 segments, and section 18, an 11.3-mile portion, runs directly behind our Vermont Bed and Breakfast before heading on to the Sugarbush Golf Course.
- Sugarbush Soaring: Starting in the Spring, head to the Warren Sugarbush Airport for one of the most extraordinary experiences in the Mad River Valley. You’ll be taken above the hills in a glider with an experienced pilot, flying over the forests and mountains. Sugarbush Soaring is by far one of the best places to visit in Vermont for an unforgettable adventure.
While the list above profiles our top ten attractions in the Mad River Valley, continue reading to learn more about the two best places to visit in Vermont for fantastic skiing!
Head to Sugarbush Resort and Mad River Glen for All Seasons Activities
Of course, the amazing ski resorts in our state are some of the most popular and best places to visit in Vermont in the wintertime. Thankfully, our Bed and Breakfast is in very close vicinity to two of the best. Sugarbush, one of the largest ski resorts in the state, is only five minutes away from our Inn, and Mad River Glen is just a quick 15-minute drive. Interestingly, many guests are surprised to hear that these resorts also offer an array of fun recreation even after the snow melts.
Here are more details on the ski resorts near our Bed and Breakfast—two of the best places to visit in Vermont with outdoor recreation in mind:
Sugarbush Resort
By the numbers, Sugarbush is one of the biggest ski resorts in our area, with two mountains, six peaks, and three terrain parks covering 4,000 acres of wilderness. Skiers and snowboarders will find 111 ski trails, 16 lifts, and a summit elevation of more than 4,000 feet. The Sugarbush ski and riding school is known for its hands-on teaching and seasoned coaches for novice or beginner skiers. Sometimes a little personalized attention from an expert is just what you need to take your skill to the next level.
The other seasons at Sugarbush are just as action-packed! Head for the 18-hole golf course, the 28 lift-served downhill mountain biking trails, or try your hand at the professional disc-golf course. For those looking for a relaxing outing, head to Sugarbush in the fall for one of the most scenic lift rides in our area. It’s the perfect way to take in the glory of the beautiful fall colors in the Mad River Valley. It’s one of the best places to visit in Vermont to witness the changing of the leaves!
Mad River Glen
The tag line for this ski resort in Vermont is “ski it if you can,” which is fitting since it’s ranked by Ski Magazine as one of the more challenging terrains on the East Coast, with a 2,000-foot vertical drop. Expert skiers agree this ski resort is one of the best places to visit in Vermont, primarily due to the wildness of the trails. Many of the runs still maintain their original design, cut decades ago by the first skiers who braved the steep slopes of the Green Mountain range.
In the warmer months, the snow melts on General Stark Mountain, transforming Mad River Glen into a hiking mecca. There’s a fantastic network of trails for hikers of all skill levels and abilities. The Stark Mountain Trail is a favorite, clocking in at 2.5-miles to the summit. It follows the ski trails, heads under the infamous single chair lift, and cuts by a large waterfall. While this trail is well maintained, there is about a 2,000-foot vertical gain, so be prepared to break a sweat.
Fantastic Lodging at our Classic Vermont Bed and Breakfast
We may be a bit partial, but we genuinely believe that one of the best places to visit in Vermont is the West Hill House B&B. It’s the ideal lodging choice to explore the gorgeous and rugged wilderness of the Mad River Valley—all the better when you have a relaxing and comforting space to call home. We pride ourselves on our warm and welcoming hospitality, bountiful homemade breakfast served each morning and our meticulous attention to detail.
Our nine comfortable suites are designed for a cozy getaway with our guests’ needs in mind. All rooms have gas fireplaces, fine linens and bedding, fluffy towels, luxury toiletries, and private en suite bathrooms—each equipped with a jetted tub and/or a refreshing steam shower. You’ll find pleasant seating areas, perfect for putting your feet up and relaxing with a good book or watching a film.
We also encourage our guests to take advantage of our shared spaces at the Inn, which we refer to as “The Commons.” Made up of three welcoming and spacious rooms with activities and exceptional amenities. The living room is the heart of our Inn with a beautiful wood-burning fireplace and our unique Quaich Single Malt Scotch bar. We also serve beer and wine by the glass or bottle. The Library room has over a thousand titles to peruse and holds our much-adored pool table. And lastly, our Sun Room, wrapped in windows, is exceptionally cozy all year long.
Our stunning, award-winning gardens and wooded grounds contribute to our status as one of the best places to visit in Vermont. The West Hill House B&B sits on nine peaceful acres with many tranquil areas for relaxing outside, either in the shade of the canopied patio or gazebo, stretched out in the hammock in dappled sunlight, or by one of the several ponds on the property. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a treat and the much-needed rejuvenation we all deserve.
Check out our upcoming availability at one of the best places to visit in Vermont and book your stay today!
