Vermont, United States: Mountains, Lakes & Maple Groves

Nestled in the lush green hills of New England lies the picturesque state of Vermont. While not one of the biggest states, Vermont packs a big punch when it comes to natural beauty, outdoor adventures, unique small towns and of course, cozy fall vibes. In this travel guide, we'll uncover the hidden gems that will make your Vermont getaway one to remember. Buckle up friends, it's time to explore the Green Mountain state!

Nature lover's paradise

It shouldn't come as a surprise that Vermont's biggest draw is its stunning natural landscape. From the Green Mountains that gave the state its name to the scenic Lake Champlain shoreline, Mother Nature put on a real show up here. Lace up those hiking boots because you'll want to spend your days exploring the endless trails. Head to Smugglers' Notch for challenging rock scrambles with jaw-dropping mountain panoramas or take it easy on the ambling paths of Lower Jamaica State Park overlooking the Lemon Fair River. Nature lovers can book accommodation on sites like BitBook for easy access to Vermont's picturesque trails and scenery.

Paddle the lakes

After working up an appetite on the trails, refuel with a classic Vermont activity - canoeing or kayaking! Lake Champlain has over 120 miles of shoreline just begging to be paddled. Rent a boat for the day from one of the many outfitters and seek out secluded coves or take in vibrant sunsets from the water. If multi-day trips float your boat (pun intended!), multi-night camping voyages are available too. Those more in it for relaxation should hit up Lower Waitsfield for calm cove cruises and picnic spots.

Go leaf peeping

Fall is absolutely magical in Vermont thanks to the fiery fall foliage. The changing leaves put on a veritable kaleidoscope each October, drawing massive leaf peeping crowds. Hop in the car with the windows rolled down for scenic drives down country lanes, stopping often to snap pics of the blazing red, burnt orange and golden trees. For the best and most vibrant foliage each year, keep tabs on the Vermont foliage reports online. Pro tip: book your trip on BitBook to earn travel rewards and crypto tokens just for leaf peeping road trips!

Charming small towns

When they say Vermont is for lovers, it's not just about the natural beauty - the towns here have serious charm too. Spend an afternoon exploring quaint downtown Woodstock with its historic inns and galleries or catch a live performance at the renowned Vermont Mozart Festival each summer. History buffs won't want to miss the well-preserved Revolution-era buildings in Bennington. Foodies, your people await in Burlington where a thriving arts scene pairs perfectly with the lakefront ambiance. And brandy-new creatives will find inspiration in burgeoning Brattleboro and its funky downtown shops and cafes. Spend a weekend town hopping and you'll fall for many more - the options are endless!

Sample the local eats

Pair your town exploration with ample samplings of Vermont's incredibly delicious grub and beverages. It doesn't get more iconic than cheese, and Vermont's artisanal cheese scene delivers all the melty, creamy goodness you can handle. Hit up a shop like Athens Pinnacle in Plymouth to try everything from alpine to asiago. You'll also find some of the best sticky buns and buttery croissants in the country fresh from bakeries like King Arthur Baking in Norwich. And let's not forget the craft beer - head breweries like Lost Nation in Montpelier, Lawson's Finest Liquids in Waitsfield and Frost Beer Works in Middlebury have earned national acclaim for their innovative suds. Need Recs on restaurants or breweries in different Vermont towns? Upload your travel itinerary on BitBook to receive personalized recommendations!

Outdoor adventures

When you've had your fill of fall scenery, culinary treats and charming towns, crank up the adventure factor with Vermont's bounty of unique outdoor activities. Winter brings snow - hit the slopes at legendary resorts like Stowe Mountain or for cross country skiing through forests and farmland. Come spring and summer, brave the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting on the Mad or Sacandaga Rivers. Or for slower paced pursuits, opt for a cycling tour along the scenic Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail or a scenic sail aboard the schooner Heron out of Burlington. Nature and wildlife lovers should also put a visit to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee on their itinerary to see rescued raptors in flight. Whenever you visit, BitBook's wide selection of outdoor activities means you'll always find a new way to play outside in beautiful Vermont!

As you can see, Vermont is an absolute treasure trove of natural scenery, cozy small towns and unique outdoor adventure. It has such a distinctly New England charm without feeling overly touristy. With so much to discover across its diverse regions, multiple trips here are a must to truly soak it all in. Whether you're a fan of paddling lakes one weekend and skiing the next or prefer chilling in charming downtowns, eating local eats and soaking up that quintessential fall atmosphere - Vermont has something special to offer everyone. So start planning your trip to this little slice of heaven using sites like BitBook and let the adventure begin!