VERMONT & NEW HAMPSHIRE
Vermont and New Hampshire are the quintessential New England mountain states, defined by their dramatic granite peaks, pristine forests, and historic villages. They offer year-round outdoor adventure, from world-class skiing to vibrant autumn foliage.
This subregion is a land of scenic contrasts, blending Vermont’s pastoral dairy farms and covered bridges with New Hampshire’s rugged White Mountains and Atlantic coastline. It is a haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Most Popular Attractions
Iconic Mountains & Natural Wonders:
Mount Washington: The highest peak in the Northeastern U.S., famous for its extreme weather and the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway.
Franconia Notch State Park (NH): Home to the stunning Flume Gorge (a deep, natural chasm), the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, and the Basin.
Smugglers’ Notch State Park (VT): A dramatic mountain pass with a winding road, historic smuggling lore, and challenging ski terrain.
Acadia of the Heights (NH): The beautiful area surrounding Cathedral Ledge and Diana’s Baths in the Mount Washington Valley.
Killington Ski Resort (VT): The largest ski resort in Eastern North America, known as the “Beast of the East.”
Mount Mansfield (VT): Vermont’s highest peak, offering excellent hiking and views, accessible via the Stowe Gondola.
Scenic Drives & Byways:
Kancamagus Highway (NH): A 34.5-mile scenic byway renowned worldwide for its spectacular autumn foliage and numerous overlooks.
Route 100 (VT): The “Skiers Highway,” a legendary north-south road running the length of the state, connecting ski towns and historic villages.
White Mountains National Forest (NH/ME): Vast wilderness offering hundreds of miles of trails, including significant portions of the Appalachian Trail.
Vermont’s Covered Bridges: Hundreds of historic wooden bridges, with high concentrations in the Bennington and Windsor areas.
Historic Cities & Towns:
Burlington Waterfront (VT): A vibrant city on the shores of Lake Champlain, featuring the Church Street Marketplace pedestrian mall.
Portsmouth Historic District (NH): A picturesque coastal city with colonial architecture, including the Strawbery Banke Museum.
Montpelier State House (VT): The nation’s smallest state capital city, featuring a stunning gold-domed capitol building.
Hanover & Dartmouth College (NH): A classic New England college town, home to the prestigious Ivy League institution.
Manchester (NH): New Hampshire’s largest city, known for its Millyard Museum detailing the area’s industrial past.
Food, Farms, & Culture:
Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour (VT): An iconic attraction offering tours and samples of the famous ice cream in Waterbury.
Quechee Gorge Village & Gorge (VT): Vermont’s deepest gorge, often called “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” with a nearby historic village.
Sugar Shack Visits (VT/NH): Maple sugaring operations where visitors can see how maple syrup is made, especially in the spring (e.g., Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks).
Shelburne Museum (VT): A vast open-air museum featuring historic buildings, art collections, and folk artifacts.
Hampton Beach State Park (NH): New Hampshire’s most famous beach, known for its long sandy shoreline and lively boardwalk.
Vermont Country Store (VT): A traditional, nostalgic general store in Weston and Rockingham, famous for hard-to-find goods.
Lake Winnipesaukee (NH): New Hampshire’s largest lake, popular for boating, featuring the historic M/V Mount Washington cruise ship.
Activities & Experiences
Hike a Section of the Appalachian Trail (AT): Trek a segment of this iconic national scenic trail that runs through both states, offering challenging ascents and stunning views, especially around the White Mountains (NH) and Green Mountains (VT).
Drive the Kancamagus Highway: Take a scenic drive along this 34.5-mile route through the White Mountain National Forest (NH), known for spectacular foliage in the fall and numerous hiking/swimming holes in the summer.
Tour a Maple Sugar House: Visit a traditional Vermont sugar shack in the spring (or any season for a tour) to learn how maple syrup is tapped and boiled, complete with sampling pure maple products.
Go Skiing or Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at world-class resorts like Killington or Stowe (VT), or Cannon Mountain or Bretton Woods (NH) during the winter season.
Paddle the Connecticut River: Rent a kayak or canoe to explore the natural boundary between the two states, offering calm waters and beautiful riverbank scenery.
Ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway: Ascend the Northeast’s highest peak (6,288 ft in NH) on the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway, an engineering marvel with breathtaking summit views.
Explore a Covered Bridge: Take a road trip specifically to photograph and walk through the historic, picturesque covered bridges that dot the landscapes of both states (e.g., Cornish-Windsor Bridge, VT/NH).
Visit the Ben & Jerry’s Factory: Take a tour of the original ice cream factory in Waterbury, Vermont, to see where the magic happens and visit the flavor graveyard.
Go Craft Beer or Cider Tasting: Tour and sample the thriving craft beverage scene, particularly in Vermont (known for its IPAs) and New Hampshire (known for local breweries and distilleries).
Cycle the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (VT): Rent a bike and ride a portion of this scenic 93-mile path that follows an old railway line through charming towns and pastoral landscapes.
Attend a Local Farmers Market or Festival: Visit a Saturday market in towns like Hanover (NH) or Burlington (VT) for fresh produce, artisan goods, and a taste of local community life.
Swim in a Mountain Lake or Gorge: Cool off in the pristine waters of a natural swimming hole like the icy-cold waters of the Flume Gorge (NH) or a lake in the Northeast Kingdom (VT).
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential (Especially Outside City Centers): While cities like Burlington (VT) and Manchester (NH) have public transport, a personal vehicle is the best way to explore the mountain ranges, visit small towns, and access hiking trailheads. The most scenic drives, like the Kancamagus, are only accessible by car.
Driving in Winter: Be prepared for snow and ice from November through April, especially in the mountains. Four-wheel drive or All-wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended, and you should check road conditions before heading out, particularly for passes like the Mount Washington Auto Road, which may close.
Tolls: New Hampshire has several major toll roads and bridges (like portions of I-93, I-95, and the Spaulding Turnpike). Consider acquiring an E-ZPass if you plan on frequent driving, though cash or card options are available. Vermont generally does not have tolls.
Buses: Regional bus services (e.g., Greyhound, Megabus, and local services like the free Manchester Transit Authority) connect major population centers, but they are not practical for deep mountain exploration or accessing small villages.
From Airports: Both Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) and Burlington International Airport (BTV) offer rental cars and airport shuttle services. Taxis and ride-sharing are primarily limited to the immediate vicinity of these major cities.
The Three Seasons (and Mud Season): The region is famous for its Fall Foliage (late September to mid-October), which is peak tourist season. However, also be prepared for:
Winter: Long and cold (November-March), but perfect for snow sports.
Summer: Beautiful and warm (June-August), ideal for hiking and swimming.
Mud Season (Spring): Late March to early May is notorious for melting snow creating very muddy conditions, often causing the closure of higher-elevation hiking trails to prevent erosion. Check trail status before you go.
Dress in Layers for Hiking: Weather in the mountains, especially in the White Mountains, can change rapidly. Always carry extra layers (including rain gear) and be aware of the “World’s Worst Weather” on Mount Washington.
Tax Differences: New Hampshire is famous for being tax-free (no general sales tax and no income tax), making it a popular spot for shopping. Vermont has a 6% state sales tax (with higher local rates in some areas). Factor this into your shopping plans.
Embrace the Small Town Feel: Most of the local flavor is found in the smaller, independent businesses. Skip the chains and seek out local general stores, diners, and creameries. “Vermont-ese” is a distinctly friendly, slightly reserved, and understated demeanor.
Hidden Gems:
Franconia Notch State Park (NH): Home to the Flume Gorge and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. While popular, it contains some of the region’s most iconic mountain scenery.
Lake Champlain Islands (VT): North of Burlington, this string of islands offers a relaxed, waterfront escape with vineyards, apple orchards, and excellent cycling.
The Northeast Kingdom (VT): This rural, quieter corner of Vermont offers unspoiled natural beauty, often overlooked by tourists rushing to the major ski resorts. It’s home to pristine lakes and a true sense of remoteness.
The Shaker Village at Canterbury (NH): A fascinating historic site that preserves the history and culture of the Shaker religious community, offering tours and workshops.
Food to Try: Don’t leave without tasting real Vermont cheddar cheese, a creemee (Vermont’s soft-serve ice cream), a maple creemee, and fresh local cider, especially in the fall.
Top Restaurants
Handy’s Lunch [$10-$20] – A classic, no-frills, multi-generational diner in Burlington, VT, famous for its big breakfasts, the ‘Chuck Norris’ sandwich, and an authentic local feel.
Worthy Burger [$15-$25] – A popular spot in South Royalton, VT, celebrated for its grass-fed Vermont beef burgers, local craft beer selection, and a commitment to farm-to-table sourcing in a rustic setting.
Red Arrow Diner [$10-$20] – A 24-hour New Hampshire institution in Manchester, NH, serving up classic comfort food, Blue Plate Specials, and legendary homemade pies in a retro diner car atmosphere.
The Covered Bridge Farm Table Restaurant & Bar [$15-$30] – Located in Campton, NH, this restaurant overlooks a historic covered bridge and offers elevated comfort food with a farm-to-table attitude, including raw bar specials.
Gilley’s Diner [$10-$20] – A tiny, classic, cash-only diner car in Portsmouth, NH, beloved by locals for its cheap, juicy, hand-packed burgers and late-night eats.
Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant [$15-$30] – A sprawling, old-fashioned, family-owned restaurant in Meredith, NH, serving every possible iteration of turkey dinner, a New England classic since 1954.
The Mill at Simon Pearce [$25-$45] – Located in Quechee, VT, this restaurant offers seasonal American cuisine with stunning views of a covered bridge and the Ottauquechee River waterfall, operating within the famous glassblowing workshop.
Ye Olde Tavern [$20-$40] – An historic, colonial-style tavern in Manchester, VT, established in 1790, offering traditional New England fare in a charming, time-honored setting.
Phelps Barn Pub at The Grafton Inn [$15-$25] – Housed in the original carriage house in Grafton, VT, this cozy pub offers a delicious menu of elevated pub fare with a distinct Vermont twist, using local ingredients.
Country Girl Diner [$10-$20] – A classic, unassuming stop in Chester, VT, serving up all-day comfort food, huge breakfasts, and a real slice of small-town Vermont life.
Ramunto’s Brick & Brew Pizza [$15-$25] – A local favorite with several locations, including Bridgewater, VT, offering delicious, authentic New York-style pizza and an extensive selection of craft beers.
Molly’s Restaurant & Bar [$15-$30] – A popular, lively spot in Hanover, NH, near Dartmouth College, known for its creative pub food, big portions, and a wide array of craft beers and cocktails.
Toast and Eggs [$10-$20] – A cozy, locally-loved breakfast and lunch spot in Waitsfield, VT, offering classic American fare with picturesque Vermont views and a warm atmosphere.
The Village Butcher [$15-$25] – A fabulous deli and bakery in Woodstock, VT, offering hearty sandwiches, quality prepared foods, and a great selection of meats, cheese, and wine.
Mon Vert Cafe [$10-$20] – Located in Woodstock, VT, this cafe focuses on locally sourced and organic ingredients for its fresh breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and excellent coffee.
J.J. Hapgood General Store & Eatery [$15-$25] – Located in Peru, VT, this is a refined take on the classic general store, offering great sandwiches, local products, and a casual, high-quality cafe experience.
Hen of the Wood [$40-$70] – With locations in Burlington and Waterbury, VT, this highly-acclaimed spot is a leader in Vermont’s farm-to-table movement, known for its creative, wood-fired dishes and exceptional charcuterie.
Local Eatery [$25-$45] – The Lakes Region’s premier farm-to-table restaurant in Laconia, NH, crafting menus based on fresh, hyper-local produce, meats, and cheese from area farms.
The Stage Restaurant [$30-$50] – Located in Keene, NH, this spot features contemporary American cuisine in an artistic setting, with a menu that ranges from classic comfort food to unique, elegant creations.
Worthy Kitchen [$20-$40] – Sister restaurant to Worthy Burger in Woodstock, VT, this spot expands on the farm-to-kitchen concept with a more diverse, creative menu of elevated American dishes and a huge craft beer selection.
The Prince & The Pauper [$45-$75] – A classic, charming restaurant in Woodstock, VT, delighting guests for decades with superb food, creative cocktails, and inspired dishes from classic to contemporary.
Homestyle Hotel [$35-$60] – A cozy and well-loved spot in Ludlow, VT, offering refined dishes and cocktails that can compete with big-city spots, with an intimate atmosphere.
Santé [$30-$50] – A stylish new addition to Woodstock, VT, featuring seasonal small plates crafted with local ingredients and hand-crafted cocktails.
Mystico [$25-$45] – Located in Manchester Center, VT, this restaurant celebrates the rich and vibrant flavors of authentic Italian cuisine with a modern touch.
The Copper Grouse Restaurant & Bar [$30-$50] – Serving authentic local fare in Manchester, VT, with an inspired menu rooted in the traditions of American craft cooking, elevating classic dishes.
Mangalitsa [$40-$65] – Located in Woodstock, VT, this fine-dining spot focuses on small plates and homemade pastas with incredible food and phenomenal service, sourcing locally.
Peyton Place Restaurant [$35-$55] – A small, family-owned restaurant in Orford, NH, that makes its entire menu from scratch, offering a creative confluence of French, Thai, Italian, and American cuisines.
The Crooked Ram [$25-$45] – Located in Manchester, VT, this spot features a beautiful menu and a small-but-mighty craft beer and wine bar with excellent charcuterie and light bites.
Starry Night Café [$40-$60] – A chef-driven spot in Ferrisburgh, VT, known for its technique-driven style of cooking that heavily favors locally sourced, seasonally driven products.
The Wayside Restaurant, Bakery & Creamery [$15-$30] – An iconic New England diner in Montpelier, VT, famous for its homemade pies and classic American fare, balancing tradition with fresh, quality ingredients.
Michael’s on the Hill [$70-$120] – Located in Waterbury Center, VT, this is considered the ultimate Vermont farm-to-table experience, offering the highest level of quality and service in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Castle Dining Room [$70-$120] – Located in Ludlow, VT, this elegant, wood-paneled dining room offers French-influenced American cuisine on a seasonal prix-fixe menu, perfect for an intimate and opulent setting.
Cloudland Farm [$60-$90] – A truly unique on-farm dining experience in Woodstock, VT, featuring a multi-course, pre-fixe menu that changes daily, using ingredients grown directly on the farm.
Junction [$60-$100] – Located in the historic Marble Works district in Middlebury, VT, this restaurant provides a modern, high-end American dining experience rooted in craft cooking traditions.
Peter Havens [$60-$90] – A charming, intimate restaurant in Brattleboro, VT, known for its seasonal New American cuisine, wine list, and romantic atmosphere.
The Carriage House Restaurant at Castle in the Clouds [$50-$80] – A seasonal spot in Moultonborough, NH, offering classic favorites and original recipes with panoramic, unforgettable views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the mountains.
The Coach House at The Equinox [$70-$110] – A fine dining experience in Manchester, VT, offering sophisticated, seasonal American cuisine within the historic Equinox resort.
Simon Pearce Restaurant at The Mountain [$50-$80] – Located in Grafton, VT, this elegant dining room offers refined, seasonal dinners with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, housed within the historic Rowell’s Inn.
Timber Hill Family Farm Dining [$70-$120] – A unique farm-to-table experience near Gilford, NH, offering special dining events with hyper-local ingredients in a true countryside setting.
Baja Burrito Co. [$10-$20] – A local favorite in Killington, VT, offering a mellow cantina atmosphere with great burritos and margaritas, popular with skiers and snowboarders.
Whetstone Station Restaurant & Brewery [$15-$30] – Located in Brattleboro, VT, this spot offers a full, locally focused menu (including great vegetarian options) alongside its own craft beer, with river views.
Thai Basil [$15-$30] – A well-regarded spot in Manchester, VT, serving consistently good, traditional Thai food that is a local go-to for Asian cuisine.
Moonwink [$20-$40] – A hidden gem in Manchester, VT, offering a unique and authentic Burmese food experience, a rare find in the region.
Southern Pie Cafe [$10-$20] – A sweet little spot in Chester, VT, known for its flaky, rich, Southern-style pies, but also offering excellent breakfast and lunch menus.
Al Ducci’s [$10-$20] – A classic Italian market and deli in Manchester, VT, offering high-quality, authentic Italian sandwiches and prepared foods with a New York vibe.
The Black Line Tavern [$15-$25] – A really fun dive bar in Londonderry, VT, known for its lively atmosphere, classic bar food, and frequent live music.
Union Underground [$20-$35] – An underground gastropub in Manchester, VT, earning high marks all around for its elevated pub fare, craft cocktails, and unique setting.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Slow Burn Lounge (Portsmouth, NH): A modern speakeasy located beneath the cobblestone streets in downtown Portsmouth, boasting the largest selection of fine bourbon, whiskey, and scotch in New England, along with craft cocktails. Cigar smoking is permitted, though they feature a state-of-the-art air filtration system.
Devil Takes a Holiday (Burlington, VT): A vibrant cocktail lounge in downtown Burlington, known for its irreverent drink names and thoughtfully curated, boozy cocktails that often incorporate local Vermont spirits and maple syrup.
The Whiskey Room (Burlington, VT): Situated on College Street in Burlington, this spot offers an extensive menu of whiskey, scotch, and bourbon from around the world, complemented by creative cocktails and a tapas-style menu in a warm, relaxed setting.
The Linehouse (Stowe, VT): Hidden among the Spruce Peak Village buildings, this exclusive speakeasy offers a retro-speakeasy experience with a dramatic flair and uniquely inspiring cocktails.
815 Cocktails and Provisions (Manchester, NH): A stylish bar in Manchester operating on a first-come, first-served basis, offering a cozy spot for craft cocktails and a limited selection of elevated provisions.
The Archives (Burlington, VT): Found in Burlington, this adults-only haven combines craft brews and unique cocktails with the nostalgic fun of vintage arcade games.
Eastside Bar Bites (Stowe, VT): Blends Vermont’s mountain charm with a relaxed resort atmosphere on Mountain Road, serving delicious craft cocktails and local beer alongside a menu curated from nearby farms.
Hepcat (Montpelier, VT): A small, intimate jazz bar in Montpelier that exclusively spins all-vinyl records. It offers a selection of beer, wine, light snacks, and a cozy atmosphere for conversation.
The Library Restaurant Lounge (Portsmouth, NH): Located inside a historic building in Portsmouth, its lounge is known for a sophisticated beverage program featuring fine wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails curated by adept mixologists.
Ondis (Montpelier, VT): An intimate spot on Barre Street in Montpelier, known for its small-batch seasonal menu and carefully crafted cocktails, perfect for a refined dinner and drink experience.
Hotel Vermont Lobby Bar (Burlington, VT): Offers expertly made cocktails featuring local spirits and ingredients in a stylish, comfortable setting right in the heart of downtown Burlington’s waterfront area.
The Foundry Restaurant & Tavern (Manchester, NH): Located in the heart of Manchester, this spot offers an extensive list of cocktails and fine wines alongside a menu focused on American cuisine.
Brick & Feather Brewery Taproom (Turners Falls, VT): While primarily a brewery, their taproom often features unique small-batch spirits and experimental beer cocktails, offering a great local vibe just across the border from Southern New Hampshire.
Vida Cantina (Portsmouth, NH): Known for its vibrant, modern Mexican food, this spot also features a top-notch cocktail menu with creative margaritas and tequila/mezcal-based drinks.
Black Mountain Burger Co. (Lincoln, NH): Located near the White Mountains in Lincoln, this popular pub-style spot offers a range of classic cocktails and a lively atmosphere perfect after a day of hiking or skiing.
Red Square (Burlington, VT): A massively popular, high-energy nightclub right on Church Street in the heart of Burlington. It features a rotating roster of local DJs and live bands, often with multiple rooms offering different music genres for dancing.
Club Metronome (Burlington, VT): A premier nightclub located directly above the famous Nectar’s music hall in downtown Burlington. It hosts dance parties with local and regional DJs, known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Higher Ground (South Burlington, VT): While technically in South Burlington, this is a renowned venue featuring three bars and a main ballroom. It hosts national and local music acts, DJ nights, and is a major hub for large-scale live entertainment.
Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (Portsmouth, NH): A sophisticated venue in Portsmouth designed for live music, offering an upscale experience with world-class jazz and blues artists. It has a full bar and a refined, club-like atmosphere.
The Press Room (Portsmouth, NH): The longest-running bar, restaurant, and live entertainment venue in downtown Portsmouth. The upstairs area is known as an intimate music venue with a dance floor, hosting local and national acts most nights.
Portsmouth Gas Light Co. – 3rd Floor Nightclub (Portsmouth, NH): Located in the heart of Portsmouth, this venue features the city’s only dedicated nightclub on its third floor, offering a place to dance with live DJs and VIP sections.
Bonfire Country Bar (Manchester, NH): Located downtown, this is Manchester’s original country bar, offering signature drinks, a whiskey and beer selection, and live country music and dancing on weekends.
Nectar’s (Burlington, VT): A legendary pub and music hall in Burlington with a long history of hosting iconic musicians. It provides a dark, close-quartered setting perfect for catching live bands and late-night shows.
The Goat (Portsmouth, NH): Located in downtown Portsmouth, this spot is known for its fun atmosphere, live music, and occasional dancing, making it a lively gathering place.
Club Canadian (Manchester, NH): A large hall with a stage platform in Manchester, often used for live entertainment and private events, offering a classic local club feel.