Updated July 21, 2020.

Vermont is an absolutely beautiful state. Some people go for the fall foliage, others go for the epic skiing or even the ultimate white Christmas! Our recent trip took us up to Stowe, Vermont, and we learned a few things along the way. No matter your reason for visiting Vermont, here’s a quick list of things to know before you go!

Terminology

Vermonter

This is the Vermont demonym. Someone from Vertmont is called a “Vermonter”!

Green Mountain Boys

You will see plenty of references to “Green Mountain” all over the place. It’s the name of the state coffee brand, it’s the color of their evergreen mountains, and it’s the name of their militia established in the 1760s!

French Influence

You may notice while you’re there that you’ve come close enough to French Canada to hear and see some French-Canadian influence! You’ll notice it in place names (i.e. Lake Champlain), on signage (in French and English), in the newscasters on TV, and in the food (I love crepes)!

Fun Facts

Maple Syrup

Never use the fake stuff. It’s not appropriate. And not as incredible. Real maple syrup will blow your mind! You can visit maple syrup farms, try the candies, get maple-flavored anything, and of course, get some to take home with you!

Ben & Jerry’s

It was invented and founded right here in Burlington, VT. You can visit their factory in Burlington, and enjoy a scoop just about anywhere in the state! Don’t forget to pay your respects at the Flavor Graveyard! The factory can be incredibly crowded, so go early!

Keep eating: What to Eat in Stowe

Montpelier

Montpelier is the capital city, and it’s the smallest state capital in the country!

The Sound of Music

You can visit the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT, even if you’re not staying there! You can get a day pass for the grounds, and participate in their many scheduled activities, too! And don’t forget to try out all their restaurants!

More here: Staying at the Trapp Family Lodge

Getting Around

Driving

You will likely want a car in Vermont, unless you are staying in one town the entire time. Please stop for pedestrians waiting at the crosswalk! Also, I don’t love driving, but Vermont in the fall is one of the most beautiful drives I’ve ever made.

Walking

If you’re walking, Vermonters are really great about stopping for you at the crosswalk. This is not the case where I live in the D.C.-area, so this was a pleasant surprise! However, it seemed to us as though the norm is to speed to a stop for you! So it looked like they would not stop, but they did. My recommendation is to always make sure they stop first, even if you’re fairly confident they will!

More here: 10 Reasons to Visit New England in Fall

Weather and Climate

Peak Fall Foliage

Many people visit Vermont for the fall colors, but if that’s your goal, you’ll need to know when that happens! Mother Nature can do whatever she wants, of course, but in general, you will find fall colors in Vermont from mid-September to late October. “Peak” colors generally happen around the first or second week of October.

Snowfall

The first snowfall will vary from year to year, but it will likely be mid- to late November and can continue through the beginning of April. We were there the second weekend in October this year and got to see the first snow, so it really varies quite a lot!

Mud

I was warned by Vermonters that spring is “mud season” because of all the melting snow! Be prepared!

Packing

Pack layers. Even in summer, you may find yourself needing a light jacket! Also remember that the weather in Vermont is highly changeable. We had rain, hail, cold, clouds, clear skies, and snow all in one whirlwind weekend!

Need help packing?
What to Pack for New England in Fall: Ladies Edition
What to Pack for New England in Fall: Men’s Edition

Are you ready for a trip to Vermont? Tell me below! Check out my United States Page for everything you need and more!

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