▲

Vermont is the smallest state in America, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with variety. Known as the "Green Mountain State," Vermont is a destination marked by beautiful scenery, a landscape of deep gorges and rolling valleys, shimmering lakes and rivers, and picture-perfect towns and villages. Celebrated for its winter ski options, Vermont is also renowned for its spectacular fall, when a blaze of red and gold carpets the land. Couple this with the verdant greens of spring and summer and it's no wonder visitors find four-season bliss in this appealing corner of New England.

Intrigued? Then click through and discover Vermont's idyllic year-round vibe.

▲

Montpelier, the capital of Vermont, is located in the north-central area of the state. This attractive and leafy city is the smallest state capital in the United States. Indeed, it resembles a village rather than an urban seat. But despite its diminutive dimensions, Montpelier is brimming with historic appeal and quirky visitor attractions. It's an ideal destination from which to begin exploring the state.

▲

Commence your Montpelier sightseeing experience with a free tour of the state capitol building. Recognized for its gilded dome topped by a statue named Agriculture, a representation of Ceres, an ancient Roman goddess of agriculture, the state house stands in well-manicured grounds. Inside, a collection of period furnishings and decorative art reflect the building's mid-19th-century origins.

▲

Also in Montpelier, learn more about the state's rich history and heritage by browsing the Vermont Historical Society Museum. This engaging cultural facility is housed in the Pavilion, which in fact serves as the working offices of the governor of Vermont.

▲

Vermont is synonymous with maple syrup. And guess what? One of the best-known manufacturers of this natural and nutritious sweetener is found in Montpelier, at the Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks. Take a tour of the farm and find out more about the production process before sampling the syrup and other maple goodies.

▲

Burlington is a must-see on any Vermont travel itinerary. The city's hub is the appealing Church Street Marketplace (pictured), an outdoor pedestrian shopping and dining mall that's regularly cited as one of the most visually attractive public spaces in America.

▲

Burlington should be explored at leisure for its wealth of neighborhood charm. Buildings like the impressive Williams Science Hall typify the city's older structures, many of which date back to the 19th century and are included on the National Register of Historic Places.

▲

Burlington sits on the shores of Lake Champlain, a natural freshwater lake the northern tip of which edges into Canada. The lake draws visitors for its recreation, wildlife, and historical attractions. A number of lighthouses illuminate Lake Champlain after dark, which freezes over during the often bitter winter months.

▲

The lake's Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area is famous for its thousands of migrating snow geese that gather here in late October to rest before flying off to warmer parts of North America. You can learn more about the ecology and habitat at the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, set on the waterfront in Burlington.

▲

Windsor is the "Birthplace of Vermont." The town is where the Constitution of Vermont was adopted in 1777. The Old Constitution House preserves the site where the historic document was signed, and makes for an interesting diversion for anyone interested in Vermont's political history and that of the United States in general. Image: Adair Mulligan

▲

Picture-perfect Stowe is everybody's image of the "Green Mountain State." Dominating the town's skyline is the white spire of Stowe Community Church. The destination is also known for a covered bridge—one of many found across the state. This one, however, has an infamous reputation.

▲

According to legend, Emily's Bridge is named for a young women who took her life from the rafters of the mid-18th-century structure after being jilted by her paramour. It's said that the ghost of broken-hearted Emily haunts the vicinity.

▲

Stowe is home to one of the best ski destinations in New England: Stowe Mountain Resort. The resort serves Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, both of which offer superb alpine skiing opportunities. A gondola carries winter sports enthusiasts to the summit of Mount Mansfield, a mode of transport equally popular with sightseers in summer and fall.

▲

Mount Mansfield is the highest peak in the state. It summits out at 1,349 m (4,395 ft) and is, quite literally, the highlight of Mount Mansfield State Forest. Besides its reputation as a top-notch skiing destination, the mountain is excellent hiking territory, with trails that include "The Nose" that leads to "The Chin."

▲

In fact, Mount Mansfield boasts all sorts of weird and wonderful place names, the most famous being Smuggler's Notch, one of Vermont's most cherished natural wonders. It's actually a mountain pass named for the illicit American trade with Great Britain and Canada that flourished in the region during the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815). The narrow road that snakes through the pass is edged by numerous giant boulders, a feature that lends further character to Smuggler's Notch State Park, created in honor of the once notorious commercial interchange.

▲

Another park named for a landmark natural feature, Quechee State Park is where to admire the jaw-dropping Quechee Gorge. At 50 m (165 ft), this is the deepest gorge in Vermont. The Ottauquechee River flows through the bottom of the gorge and is a popular whitewater kayak run.

▲

Vermont's political heritage extends to Hildene, the sumptuous former summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln—the eldest son of President Abraham Lincoln—and his wife, Mary. The property, located in Manchester and built to a Georgian Revival style of architecture, stands in formal gardens and is furnished almost entirely with Lincoln family furniture and artifacts, items that include President Lincoln's signature stovepipe hat. Most buildings on the estate are open to the public.

▲

One of the more incongruous attractions on the estate is a restored 1903 wooden Pullman palace car, Sunbeam. The carriage was a gift to Robert Todd Lincoln during his tenure as president of the Pullman railroad car company.

▲

Commemorating the 1777 Battle of Bennington during the American Revolutionary War is a 93-m (306 ft) obelisk, the central focus of the Bennington Battle Monument and Museum. The action marked a turning point in the conflict, with British forces scattered by New Hampshire militia forces, thus making the final American victory possible. Able-bodied visitors can negotiate the 412 steps to the top: an elevator is available for the less inclined.

▲

Shelburne, located south of Burlington on Lake Champlain, features one of the finest open-air museums in New England. Designed to reflect Vermont's diverse history and the country's fine art and folk traditions, the various exhibition buildings clustered within the village site house Impressionist paintings, folk art, quilts and textiles, decorative arts, furniture, and vintage carriages and wagons. Pictured is an extraordinary and highly detailed reconstruction of a 19th-century emporium.

▲

Among the houses, barns, workshops, and general stores open for exploration is one stand-alone attraction, the lake steamer SS Ticonderoga. The vessel, now on dry land, served on Lake Champlain in 19th century.

▲

A little bit of literary history can be absorbed at Naulakha, also known as the Rudyard Kipling House. Located at Dummerston, just outside Brattlboro, it's in this property that English author Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936) wrote 'The Jungle Book' (1894), among other novels and short stories. The fully-furnished house is a National Historic Landmark and is available for rent, making it one of the most unique accommodation options in the state.

▲

This National Historical Park in Woodstock is named for railway magnate Frederick Billings (1823–1890), diplomat George Perkins Marsh, and various members of the wealthy and influential Rockefeller family. Billings and the Rockefellers were dedicated to land conservation, and this park was originally established as a managed forest and progressive dairy farm. It is the only unit of the United States National Park System in Vermont (except for a portion of the Appalachian Trail). Tours are conducted in the former Rockefeller-owned properties, and throughout the grounds.

▲

Did you know that American ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet company Ben & Jerry's was founded in Vermont? Better still, are you aware that you can tour their factory premises in Waterbury? And, of course, a sample of the day's flavor is included.

▲

The world's largest deep-hole dimension granite quarry just happens to be located in America's smallest state, at Barre. Known as the Rock of Ages, it's possible to tour this colossal industrial site, which includes taking in a breathtaking panorama from a viewing platform.

▲

The granite quarried from Rock of Ages is used in the construction of most of America's granite headstones. Indeed, it's the biggest manufacturer of memorials and mausolea in the country. You can admire examples of the famous Barre Gray Granite at Hope Cemetery, filled with elaborate carvings by early-20th-century stonecutters.

▲

This venerable museum complex in St Johnsbury should not be overlooked. Combining a natural science museum, history museum, and planetarium, the facility's exhibits include Native American stone tools and artifacts, Civil War memorabilia, mounted bird and animal specimens, and assorted flora. The planetarium produces public astronomy shows and immersive films on subjects as diverse as dinosaurs and extreme weather.

▲

And there's more science-themed displays to marvel over at the Montshire Museum of Science, in Norwich. Here, a colony of leafcutter ants (pictured) number among the live animal and insect exhibits.

▲

Carpeting Vermont's scenic Green Mountains is the vast Green Mountain National Forest. This wild and untamed habitat is crossed through its southern section by part of the Appalachian Trail. Another designated trail, the Long Trail, is also contained within the forest, and follows the entire length of the state from the Canadian to the Massachusetts borders.

▲

The forest is a world of wilderness, and features several picturesque waterfalls. The Texas Falls, especially, is a noted Instagram favorite.

▲

The forest supports a variety a wildlife. If you're lucky, you'll spot a ruffed grouse, a handsome bird the male of which is known for its elaborate courtship display (pictured).

▲

Look out, too, for this medium-sized passerine. Actually, you may well hear it before you see it. Its song has been described as "the finest sound in nature." The hermit thrush's other claim to fame is that it's the state bird of Vermont!

▲

And among the other animals hiding in the forest is the magnificent white-tailed deer. The male, or buck, is recognized by its branching antlers.

Sources: (Stowe Country Homes) (The Landmark Trust USA) (New Scientist)