Vermont, United States

Vermont, United States: Leaf-Peeping, Cheese Curds, and Proper Wilderness

Why Your Group Will Love Vermont

You know that feeling when you're scrolling Instagram and everyone's posting the same overdone beach trip? Vermont is the opposite of that. This is the state where your friend group can actually disconnect, eat ridiculous amounts of cheese, and hike without fighting for elbow room on the trail. The top things to do in Vermont revolve around what grows here—maple trees older than your grandparents, craft breweries in converted barns, and farm stands selling cider donuts that'll ruin grocery store donuts forever.

Fall is obviously the poster child (those crimson maples don't photograph themselves), but summer brings swimming holes that feel like secret clubs, and winter turns the whole state into a proper ski destination without the Aspen price tag. Spring is mud season—locals will warn you, and they're not joking. Plan accordingly.

Getting There & First Steps

Burlington is your landing spot if you're flying in—it's Vermont's biggest "city" (population 45,000, which tells you everything). Most groups drive up from Boston (3.5 hours) or fly into Burlington International, then rent a van or two SUVs because you'll need wheels. Public transit exists in Burlington, but this trip with friends works best with your own transportation.

Base yourself in Burlington if you want walkable breweries and Lake Champlain access, or pick Stowe for mountain proximity and that classic Vermont village vibe. Rutland works if you're hitting Killington or exploring the southern half. Download offline maps—cell service gets spotty once you're between towns.

Top Group Activities in Vermont

Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour in Waterbury sounds touristy because it is, but the flavor graveyard (RIP Wavy Gravy) and fresh samples make it worth the stop. Go before 11am or you're waiting 45 minutes with every other group getaway in New England.

Church Street Marketplace in Burlington is where things to do in vermont burlington actually happen—it's a pedestrian strip with local shops, street performers, and enough cafes to fuel a morning wander. Hit Outdoor Gear Exchange if anyone forgot layers (they will).

Lake Champlain sunset paddle is non-negotiable if you're there June through September. Rent kayaks or a giant paddleboard that fits four people (badly, but hilariously). Waterfront Boat Rentals hooks you up. The Adirondacks across the water in New York look unreal at golden hour.

Hiking Camel's Hump or Mount Mansfield depends on your group's fitness level. Camel's Hump is the four-hour moderately-hard option with 360-degree views at the summit. Mansfield is taller, tougher, and you can cheat part of it via gondola if someone's nursing a hangover.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury Center is where you taste 12 cider varieties, buy a gallon jug, and eat cider donuts until regret sets in. The mill's been operating since 1974 and they're not messing around with quality.

Shelburne Farms is 1,400 acres of working farmland on Lake Champlain—walking trails, a farm store with aged cheddar that'll change your life, and barn tours if your group's into that. It's beautiful without trying too hard.

Where to Eat & Drink

Hen of the Wood in Waterbury does farm-to-table without being precious about it. The mushroom toast is mandatory. Reservations required for dinner—book two weeks out for a group of 8+.

The Alchemist Brewery in Stowe makes Heady Topper, the IPA that beer nerds lose their minds over. Outdoor seating, food trucks, and a vibe that's more "parking lot hangout" than "craft beer temple." Cash only for merch.

Skinny Pancake on Church Street in Burlington serves crepes until late and has a full bar. It's the spot after hiking when your group's too hungry to wait for a fancy dinner.

Prohibition Pig in Waterbury does BBQ and bourbon in a renovated 1850s building. The brisket's legit, and they have 100+ whiskeys if someone wants to get sophisticated about it.

Outdoor farmers markets run Wednesday and Saturday mornings in Burlington. Grab Vermont maple syrup, local honey, and those cider donuts for the drive home.

Where to Stay Together

Airbnb cabins or farmhouses work best for groups traveling with friends—look for places between Stowe and Waterbury for central access. Expect $80-120 per person per night for a decent place that sleeps 8-10.

Made INN Vermont in Burlington is a boutique hotel that can handle smaller groups (4-6) with connecting rooms. Walking distance to everything on Church Street.

Camping at Smugglers' Notch State Park or Little River State Park runs $25-35 per site if your crew's down to rough it. Book months ahead for September weekends.

Budget Breakdown

Low-end ($70-90/day per person): Camping or hostel in Burlington, grocery store picnics, free hiking, one brewery visit, cooking group dinners.

Mid-range ($130-170/day): Airbnb split 8 ways, mix of restaurants and home cooking, Ben & Jerry's tour, lake kayaking, a nice dinner or two.

High-end ($220-280/day): Boutique lodging, all meals out including Hen of the Wood, craft brewery tour, guided hikes, cheese tasting at Shelburne Farms.

Money-saving insider moves: Buy your maple syrup and cheese directly from farms (half the price of grocery stores, triple the quality). Visit in June or early September for shoulder-season lodging rates that drop 30-40% compared to peak fall foliage.

Worth the splurge: One proper Vermont dinner at a farm-to-table spot. The ingredients actually taste different here.

Ready to Plan? Use BangerTrip

Planning things to do and see in vermont for a group of eight means coordinating who wants the serious hikes versus who's here for the breweries and cheese plates. BangerTrip handles the group trip logistics—preferences, bookings at places like Hen of the Wood that need early reservations, and access to local operators for guided experiences your friend group actually wants. You orchestrate the adventure. We handle the spreadsheets.