Vermont. Maple syrup, moose, and skiing. That’s about all I knew about Vermont before we moved to the northeast. We saw a tiny piece of Vermont, but were really impressed with the parts we saw on our weekend trip. While Northern Vermont is very popular, Southern Vermont is gorgeous, great for solitude, and has so much to offer.
Places to Go in Southern Vermont
Green Mountain National Forest
Big Branch Wilderness Area: Baker Peak
I have grown to love National Forests, and this one is no exception. We went in the winter which gave us more limited access to some parts of the national forest. The Green Mountain National Forest is spread out vertically throughout Vermont. More information on all parts of this national forest can be found on the National Forest website.
Since we wanted to visit for a weekend trip, we decided to visit the lower section of the national forest. We spent a full day hiking in the Big Branch Wilderness portion of the national forest. We use an app called AllTrails and the trail we chose can be found on AllTrails.
And boy did this trail pack a punch. Especially in the wintery conditions, it was beautiful. We had beautiful sunny weather accompanying the snow and ice. Part of the trail even covered part of the Appalachian Trail.
The hike starts along a beautiful pine-laden creek area with the smell of sweet pine needles and ice rocks to hop. After a flat area, the trail goes up onto the mountain, at one point crossing a narrow bridge along an icy cliff-face (that I can assume is waterfall-esqe in the summer). The trail continues to crawl up the mountain, passing beautiful streams with small waterfalls in many areas.
The last summit push is very rocky, but not quite a scramble until you reach the summit and can see the beautiful green rolling hills with smatterings of snow for miles upon miles. There are different options to descend, but we chose the longer way which approached a frozen lake surrounded by pine trees (if you have read to this point, you have probably realized that I love pine trees). From there you connect back to some original parts of the trail (making it a lollipop route) and descend down.
In the winter and colder months, micro spikes are a must and snowshoes would have honestly been helpful to us since we were slowed by post-holing several feet deep for several miles in the middle of the trail. In the summer, I believe this trail would be very doable and not too strenuous especially with the length and the rewards of beautiful views. We would definitely like to visit here during the summer season.
Haystack Mountain
We hiked Haystack Mountain on our second trip to southern Vermont. This hike was short and pretty easy, but quite rewarding. Round-trip the trail is about 5 miles. The hike is a straight shot out and back hike to the top of Haystack Mountain. Most of the hike you will walk through a deciduous forest pretty typical of the northeast until you reach the area near the top that is more of a pine forest. At the top you can see for miles towards the east. This hike would be great in the fall with views of the fall leaves.
I’d recommend wearing waterproof shoes or shoes that can handle mud since part of this trail was pretty muddy in parts when we visited.
Equinox Pond
We decided to hike the short trail to Equinox Pond after our plans to take Skyline Drive fell through and boy are we glad that we went here. Equinox Pond is a gorgeous pond in the Equinox Highlands. Some of the area surrounding the Equinox Pond is part of the Equinox Preserve which leads up to Mt. Equinox. Mount Equinox towers over the lake and creates a beautiful reflection in the water. The trail to Equinox Pond is almost completely flat and is a trail doable for all ages.
One important thing to note: when driving to Equinox Pond, your GPS will take you a way that is restricted to only residents of the area. Instead, have your GPS take you to “Red Gate Trail” as there is a parking lot available here for non-residents.
Bennington, Vermont
Bennington is a cute little town in the very southwest of Vermont. If entering southern Vermont from New York, you will likely drive through Bennington. In Bennington there are various places of historical significance including Robert Frost’s House and the Bennington Battle Monument.
Places to Eat in Bennington
Your Belly’s Deli
On our first evening in Vermont, we ate at Your Belly’s Deli in Bennington, VT. This restaurant was so cute and had delicious food. We both got sandwiches that were delicious. We also tried the cheesecake which was also splendid. They had so many other desserts that looked so tempting.
Bringing You Vermont
We stopped at Bringing You Vermont in the historical part of Bennington to grab a snack. I of course got some coffee and we both got dessert. I tried a chocolate raspberry square dessert and Luca tried something with chocolate. Both desserts were super good. They also had a lot of souvenirs here with local goods, so we picked up some raspberry jam to take home as well.
Sunny Side Diner
We stopped at Sunny Side Diner after a cold hike and we were not disappointed. I got their pancake dish complete with locally made maple syrup. Luca got an omelet (that was packed full of delicious stuff) and the most amazing cinnamon muffin.
Stewart’s Ice Cream
We love Stewart’s Ice Cream. Stewart’s is actually a gas station chain throughout NY (with some locations in neighboring states). In Bennington there is a Stewart’s along the main strip of town. Essentially this brand also makes their own ice cream, sodas, and other foods.
There are so many different flavors to try and every one that we have tried has been phenomenal. They have seasonal flavors and flavors that they have all year round. We usually buy several pints any time we see Stewart’s. We bought some new flavors and brought it back to our Airbnb to relax after a long day of hiking.
Manchester, Vermont
Manchester is a cute little town that has alot to do. There are many shops in Manchester as well as cute cafes and bookstores. My favorite place that we stopped at in Manchester was Northshire Books. Northshire Books is a huge bookstore with both used and new books. We picked up some books and Christmas gifts for family here and loved the ambiance.
Places to Eat in Manchester
Sam’s Wood Fired Pizza Co
Sam’s Wood Fired Pizza Co has delicious pizza that you can buy by the slice or by the entire pizza. They have picnic tables outside to hang out at in the warmer months. When we were there they had a deal where you could get two pieces of pizza and a drink for $5 (and I love a great deal). We got just plain pizza (which was super good), but all their other flavors sounded great as well!
Bonnet and Main Café
Bonnet and Main Café is located inside the Northshire Bookstore. They have many different drinks, cakes, and pastries to choose from. I tried their maple latte and Luca tried their maple ice cream and we both loved our choices. All of their cake choices (some cakes over 6 inches tall!) were super tempting though.
Hoosick Falls, NY
I know, I know, this isn’t Vermont, but Hoosick Falls is so close to Vermont that we always visit on our way to southern Vermont, so I thought I’d include it for you here, just in case you’re just passing through like us.
Places to Eat in Hoosick Falls
Lumber Jack’s Coffee and Snacks
We got breakfast at this little drive thru coffee shack right before crossing the border into Vermont. This coffee was AMAZING. I tried the Maple Latte and Luca tried the apple cider donuts. 10/10.
Falls Diner Restaurant
This adorable restaurant is located near Hoosick Falls, NY and it was fantastic. It’s just a typical diner, but delicious food and kind people.
Places to Stay In Southern Vermont
Bennington, VT
There are many adorable motels, bed+ breakfasts, and Airbnb’s here. We have not stayed in any here, but here are some that we would love to stay at in the future: This romantic cottage, Rollin Cottage, and this southern Vermont home. We stayed in an Airbnb technically in New York, but right on the border of Vermont close to Bennington called State Line Bunks. It was super cute and had many animals to see. If you love unique stays (like we do) this is definitely one to consider.
Manchester, VT
Some cute AirBnbs near Manchester are the Boho A-frame, Big Green Barn, and this unique stay.
Have you been to Southern Vermont before? What was your favorite part?
Thanks for reading!
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In awe…as usual!