This is a sponsored post on behalf of Vermont Tourism and Cabot Creamery Cooperative. All opinions expressed are genuinely my own.

Discover Vermont: An Unforgettable Journey Through the Green Mountain State

My partner, Jason, and I recently embarked on a captivating journey to the picturesque state of Vermont, an invitation extended by the wonderful teams at Vermont Tourism and Cabot Creamery Cooperative. This trip marked a long-awaited checkmark on our travel bucket list, as we had consistently heard glowing reviews about Vermont’s unparalleled beauty and charm. The anticipation of finally experiencing the famed Green Mountain State firsthand filled us with immense excitement.

Our adventure began with a flight into Burlington, Vermont’s largest city. Even before landing, the view from the airplane window was breathtaking. Below us, the landscape unfolded into a vibrant tapestry of emerald green, a clear testament to why Vermont is affectionately known as the Green Mountain State. With an impressive 76% of its land covered by forests, this verdant panorama was an incredibly refreshing sight for someone like me, accustomed to the urban sprawl of suburbia where lush greenery often requires a significant drive to find. The scene was akin to a living postcard, instantly igniting our eagerness to explore every corner of Vermont.

Upon landing, we swiftly collected our luggage and headed to the rental car counter. Within minutes, we were on our way, eager to hit the road and delve deeper into the heart of this stunning state.

A Scenic Drive to Enchanting Woodstock, Vermont

Our primary destination was the charming town of Woodstock, Vermont, nestled approximately an hour and a half southeast of Burlington. The drive itself was an integral part of our Vermont experience. One striking feature that immediately caught our attention was the complete absence of billboards along the interstates. Vermont famously banned billboards in 1968, a policy I sincerely wish other states would adopt. This thoughtful decision preserves the natural beauty of the landscape, offering travelers unobstructed views of the rolling hills and majestic green mountains that define the region. The journey was a delight, bathed in brilliant sunshine and a clear blue sky, with a refreshing lack of humidity—truly our ideal weather for exploring.

As we neared Woodstock, a captivating river came into view. We later identified it as the White River through a quick online search. Spotting a convenient pull-off area where a few other cars were parked, we decided on a whim to stop and investigate. It was an absolutely brilliant decision! We descended to the riverbank, and the beauty that greeted us was simply phenomenal. I couldn’t resist dipping my toes into the crystal-clear, refreshingly cold water. It was a serene moment, a spontaneous connection with Vermont’s pristine natural environment. We soon learned that Vermont boasts an incredible array of water bodies, with 808 lakes and ponds and over 7,000 miles of rivers and streams, making our river discovery just a small glimpse into its aquatic richness.

Luxurious Comfort: Where to Stay in Woodstock, Vermont

For our two-night stay in Woodstock, we were graciously hosted by The Woodstock Inn and Resort. From the moment we pulled up to its grand, inviting entrance, we knew we were in for a special experience. The resort exudes an air of classic New England elegance, perfectly complementing the quaint charm of Woodstock. Checking in was seamless, and our room was an absolute delight – adorable and imbued with a cozy cottage vibe that made us feel instantly at home. After settling in and dropping off our bags, we wasted no time in heading back outside to soak up the beautiful weather and explore the resort’s surroundings.

The Woodstock Inn and Resort also offers a delightful amenity: a fleet of charming bikes available for rent, perfect for leisurely rides around downtown Woodstock. While we didn’t get the chance to partake in this activity ourselves, we observed many guests enjoying it, testament to its popularity and the pleasant atmosphere of the town for cycling.

A Culinary Journey: Where to Eat in Woodstock, Vermont

No trip is complete without indulging in the local culinary scene, and Woodstock certainly delivered. Our first stop, and a place we happily returned to twice, was Mon Vert Cafe. Their coffee and food were simply exceptional! What truly set Mon Vert apart was its commitment to local sourcing; nearly everything on their menu was either from nearby farms or prepared fresh in-house. It was wonderful to see them proudly feature local products, including the renowned Cabot cheddar cheese, a true Vermont staple.

For Jason, a true beer connoisseur, Vermont is a veritable paradise. The state proudly holds the title of the nation’s number one brewery state per capita, boasting more than 35 breweries. Given this impressive statistic, a visit to Harpoon Brewery was an absolute must! Despite being bustling upon our arrival, the spacious establishment easily accommodated us. Their menu offered an impressive array of pub favorites, from crispy onion rings and golden fries to savory wings and hearty sandwiches, all perfectly complementing their stellar beer selection. The craft beer was undoubtedly the highlight. I particularly enjoyed their refreshing pink lemonade shandy, and a delightful pineapple beer also captured our taste buds. It’s clear why Vermont’s craft beer scene is so highly celebrated.

One evening, our sweet cravings led us to White Cottage Snack Bar for ice cream. With an extensive selection of flavors, one particular creation instantly called out to me: Blueberry Oat Crumble. It was pure bliss! The ice cream was generously studded with actual oat crumble, each spoonful revealing hints of cinnamon sugar that perfectly laced the creamy base, alongside bursts of fresh, juicy blueberries. It was truly like enjoying a warm blueberry pie, but in a delightfully cold, frozen form. Absolutely incredible!

Engaging Activities and Sights Around Woodstock, Vermont

As a devoted fan of farmers’ markets, I always make it a point to explore local markets and discover unique regional products. Woodstock Farmers’ Market was a treasure trove of Vermont’s finest. Every corner of the store was brimming with local delights – from artisanal cheeses and authentic maple syrup to freshly baked pastries and seasonal produce. It’s a fantastic spot to experience the rich agricultural heritage of the state and pick up delicious souvenirs.

A visit to Vermont would feel incomplete without a stop at King Arthur Flour. For any baking enthusiast, the quality of flour makes an immense difference in the final product, and King Arthur Flour consistently delivers top-tier results. It was fascinating to watch their skilled bakers at work, a true testament to their motto: “All sorrows are less with bread.” Indeed, the aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air, creating a truly comforting and inspiring atmosphere.

Our next stop was an absolute dream for any food blogger or lover of artisan crafts: the renowned Farmhouse Pottery. If you’re involved in food photography and sourcing unique props, this name will certainly resonate. Their store is every bit as enchanting as their exquisite products. I was utterly captivated and could have easily spent an entire day admiring the handcrafted pottery, each piece a work of art.

It was incredibly mesmerizing to watch the skilled artisans create pottery right on-site in their workshop. The precision and dedication involved in shaping each piece by hand were truly impressive, offering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and craftsmanship of their work.

The famous Quechee Gorge was another highlight on our itinerary. Due to some earlier rain, we strategically saved this visit for when the weather had cleared, and it was absolutely worth the wait. The sight of Quechee Gorge is truly jaw-dropping. Standing on the bridge, which spans directly over the gorge, offered a breathtaking perspective. For someone with a fear of heights, it was also a bit knee-buckling; I had to actively avoid looking straight down! Nevertheless, the grandeur of the gorge and the sheer power of nature’s artistry made it an unforgettable experience. While we didn’t venture onto the trails due to lingering mist, Vermont boasts over 1,000 miles of hiking trails, and I can only imagine the incredible views and wildlife sightings that await.

A quick stop at a Cabot retail store was essential. Here, we stocked up on an array of delicious cheeses, spreads, and butter – many of which are unique to Vermont and unavailable back home in Virginia. It was a perfect opportunity to bring a taste of Vermont back with us.

An Unforgettable Adventure: Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Vermont

Prepare yourselves, because the absolute highlight of our trip was an incredible hot air balloon ride! This experience was truly beyond unreal. Surprisingly, despite my fear of heights, being “contained” within the basket somehow mitigated my usual anxieties, allowing me to fully embrace the magic of the moment.

We chose Chris from Quechee Balloon Rides, and he made the entire experience worry-free. Initially, the idea that you can’t truly steer a hot air balloon and are simply carried by the wind was a bit nerve-wracking. However, after speaking with Chris, hearing about his extensive experience, and his profound scientific knowledge, I felt 100% safe and completely at ease.

The morning of our flight began early, with Chris texting us at 5:30 AM to provide weather reports and confirm that conditions were safe for our ascent. Thankfully, all reports were favorable, so we were set to go at 6:30 AM! We met him on the Village Green, where he conducted a thorough safety briefing before the awe-inspiring process of inflating the massive balloon began. After a final wind check, which involved releasing a small test balloon to gauge speed and direction, we received the all-clear. With eager anticipation, we climbed into the basket, ready to embark on our aerial adventure.

Up, up, up we soared! The ascent was surreal, a gentle lift that carried us above the waking world. The entire flight was incredibly peaceful and serene, offering unparalleled panoramic views of Vermont’s stunning landscape. We found ourselves floating faster than anticipated due to rising winds, which meant we had to land a little sooner than planned, but it was all part of the adventure! We gently touched down in an open field, an experience that was quite unique and memorable.

Upon landing, we were driven back to our cars, and much to our delight, Chris’s mom had prepared fresh blueberry muffins, which we enjoyed alongside a celebratory bottle of champagne and orange juice. The hospitality was incredibly sweet and a perfect conclusion to an extraordinary experience.

From high above, it became abundantly clear why Vermont is affectionately known as the Green Mountain State. The endless expanse of verdant forests stretching to the horizon was a sight I will never forget.

This particular photograph, capturing the heart-shaped shadow of our balloon amongst the treetops, quickly became my favorite from the ride. It not only beautifully illustrated our elevation and the grandeur of the view but also added a charming, whimsical touch to an already magical moment.

Beyond the Mountains: A Taste of Vermont’s Dairy Heritage

Our Vermont adventure didn’t end there! In my upcoming post, I’ll be sharing details of our visit to a Cabot dairy farm, complete with a delicious recipe featuring Cabot cheese. We had the incredible opportunity to visit the Richardson Family Farm one evening, where we met the most darling Jersey milking cows and the sweetest family who passionately cares for them. I cannot wait to introduce you to these lovely cows and share more about Vermont’s rich dairy heritage in my next update!