Northern Vermont presents contrasts: in the northwest corner is Lake Champlain and Burlington, a cosmopolitan university city of dynamic cultural attractions. Opposite is the Northeast Kingdom, a forested area of proud small towns, outdoor sports and natural grandeur. Jay Peak, has a fabulous ski area an indoor water park. Stowe is a 200-year-old village near Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. Stowe has an elegant character reminiscent of European mountain resorts, with celebrations all year and family-friendly deals. It is consistently rated tops by international travelers.
Burlington's Church Street Marketplace is a leafy pedestrian mall of great shopping and restaurants. The city's waterfront park hosts public events and festivals year-round. Gorgeous Lake Champlain is busy with every kind of water and winter sport. Shelburne has the marvelous Shelburne Museum, including a decommissioned steamboat, and the beloved Vermont Teddy Bear factory. Take a drive around the town of Montgomery, which has the most historic covered bridges of any town in the state. The Trapp Family Lodge at Stowe is developing extensive mountain biking trails. The Northeast Kingdom is a haven of outdoor sports and small, unusual museums.
If it is winter, the first answer to What to Do in Northern Vermont is: ski or snowboard at some of the state's top ski areas, like Stowe or Jay Peak. Or go ice skating or ice fishing on Lake Champlain. Feeling shivery? Many luxurious day spas and resort spas can give your body the finest treatment. In warm seasons, enjoy swimming, fishing or boating on the many lakes and swimming holes. Tasty adventures include tours at Cabot Cheese visitor center in Cabot or the Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory in Waterbury. Northern Vermont is bursting with great things to do.
Lodgings in Northern Vermont cover a great range, from rustic summer cottages aside a lake to lavish condos at ski resort areas, and everything in between. Some people enjoy bed-and breakfast inns, which are often in historic buildings and old homes. And don't forget the option of a farm stay -- a farm breakfast is a revelation. Cabins, cottages, and campground near outdoor adventures can be a great option for family groups and kids. Many visitors love intimate inns and many choose mountain resorts to enjoy the peaks of Northern Vermont beauty and scenery. The choice is entirely up to your taste.
Vermont has a long agricultural history (especially dairy farming) and strong principles of local, healthful food production. This wholesome farm-to-table ethic leads to wonderful dining opportunities in Northern Vermont, often with seasonal ingredients. Visitors can dig deeper into the experience by taking tours and cooking classes in places like King Arthur Flour in Norwich and the Essex Culinary Resort & Spa in Essex, which is building a reputation for great cuisine and which offers one-day or weekend-long hands-on cooking classes for guests. Another jewel of fine dining is Solstice at the Stowe Mountain Lodge. Visitors also love the smaller, down-home restaurants and diners.