With summer break just a few weeks away, I am looking forward to spending my summer vacation living and working in Vermont, as I have for the past nine summers. My time frolicking around middle Vermont has given me a sort of expertise in the area. There is no wrong way to spend a day in the Green Mountain State, but if you want an expert opinion, look no further.
Begin your day in Woodstock, VT. Woodstock is your quintessential, rural, New England town, fit with covered bridges, a town green, and unique shops. To start your morning, take a hike up Mt. Tom via the Faulkner Trail– which is where I took the cover image. If you need a quick coffee before you hit the trails, stop by Abracadabra Coffee Company, located on the banks of the Ottauquechee River, just down the road from the trailhead. The Mt. Tom hike takes about an hour and a half, to the summit and back. Once reached the top of the trail, you’ll be greeted with beautiful views of the rolling green mountains and the town of Woodstock.
After the hike, enjoy breakfast at Mon Vert Cafe, just along the main street in Woodstock. When you’re done eating, spend some time walking and shopping around Woodstock. Some of my favorite shops include Unicorn: a knick-knack store with all kinds of things you never knew you needed, 121 Home: selling log cabin-esque home decor, Vermont Flannel Company: where you can find all things flannel, Yankee Bookshop: a classic family-owned small bookstore, and Vermont Eclectic Co: a small store with a variety of different Vermont-themed t-shirts. If you’re into thrifting (like me), try out Mashu, a small thrift store nestled in an old mill.
Once you’ve shopped up an appetite, head over to Woodstock Farmers Market and grab some sandwiches. I personally recommend #28, The Italian Flag. Wash down the sandwiches with ice cream from the White Cottage (pro tip: bring cash, they don’t take credit cards), and take a dip in the Ottauquechee River. If it’s Wednesday between 3-6 pm, stop by the Woodstock Town Green (lovingly dubbed The Grn) for the Farmers Market. If you go, you have to get some of Ana’s Empanadas, but beware: they run out quickly.
If it’s not Wednesday, don’t fret. That means more time in Quechee. Drive just 20 minutes towards the border and spend your afternoon at the Quechee Gorge. Created by glaciers 13,000 years ago, the Quechee Gorge is Vermont’s deepest gorge. There’s hiking trails, and a swimming area at the bottom of the gorge. If you’re not into millennias-old rock formations, reconnect with aviary friends at VINS, a bird sanctuary with a variety of hawks and owls as well as an above tree-level walkway.
Finally, finish your day at Trail Break Taps and Tacos. The building is painted bright green with neon accents, so it’s not hard to miss. Enjoy some horizontal eats (tacos), vertical eats (burritos), or tacky tortillas (quesadillas). Alongside their variety of Vermont draft beers (your parents will definitely enjoy), the lemonade is exceptional. You may even get seated by yours truly.
No matter how you spend your day in Vermont, you’ll be spending it surrounded by stunning scenery, lovely people, and great vibes.
Image Source: Emmy Williams