What happens in Vermont, stays in Vermont… but nothing ever happens in Vermont.

Well, not exactly.  Some things happen in Vermont, but they are definitely worth mentioning.

Last week my mom and I visited northern Vermont for the second time.  Our first trip was last August for three days before I started my final year of college.  We stayed for nearly a week this time and we were able to do much more… especially walking!

So that saying up top is somewhat true, there really isn’t much to do in parts of Vermont.  Driving up to the Burlington/Stowe area the only sights are cows, farms, silos, trees and more cows.  However, once there, there are quite a few places that are worth visiting… in fact, if you’re ever in the Burlington/Stowe area you have to visit these places!

 

Ben & Jerry’s Factory

Vermont is all about that Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream… and they should be!  It was born in Vermont and still is still based there.  Though you can find Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream shops all around, the factory located in Waterbury is a must visit so you can take the factory tour and try a sample of the flavor of the day!

The Tiny Acorn

If you’re a fan of small, local businesses then The Tiny Acorn is definitely a shop you have to visit in Vermont.  It’s location in Waterbury is right near the Green Mountain Coffee headquarters, so grab yourself a coffee and browse around this store to find a gift for someone back home!  I sure did!

Lake Champlain Chocolate Factory

Calling all chocolate lovers!  If you ever get the chance to go to Burlington, VT, you need to make sure you find the chocolate factory – and don’t worry, no kids have been harmed here.  You get to learn all about the company’s history and how their chocolate is made.

Church Street Marketplace

Imagine Diagon Alley, but more modern.  That’s Church Street Marketplace in Burlington, VT.  With a good selection of shops, both local and franchised, as well as restaurants, this is definitely a hot-spot when visiting Vermont.  Keep your eyes open though, there are some hidden shops that have a lot of great stuff that just might be what you’re looking for!

Barnes & Noble

I know, I know… there are Barnes & Noble stores everywhere, but this is the first one I’ve ever been to that has two floors!  I don’t know how many two-floor Barnes & Noble’s are out there, but if you are a true bookworm, you won’t pass up this store.

Depot Street Malt Shop

Of course there are tons of good, recognized restaurants in Vermont, but there are a few that are local only and catch your eye.  One that caught my eye last year was the Depot Street Malt Shop in Stowe.  It’s styled like a classic 50’s diner and offers some classic items from that time, including egg creams!

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory

Ever want to see the behind-the-scenes of how a stuffed animal is made?  Well, you can do just that with the one and only Vermont Teddy Bear company at their factory in Shelburne.  It was very cool to learn how the company started in 1981 and how the VT Teddy Bear evolved into what it is today.  You can also learn some neat secrets about the bears made in this factory.

 

Have you ever been to Vermont?  What are some of your favorite things to do there?