Dating or just going out in Vermont is a refreshing experience, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and laid-back vibes. Vermont is perfect for those who appreciate outdoor activities, cozy atmospheres, and a slower pace of life. Whether you’re into hiking, exploring local breweries, or enjoying intimate dinners, Vermont provides plenty of options for an enjoyable outing. Here’s a guide to what you can expect from dating or going out in Vermont:
- Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Dates
Hiking & Outdoor Exploration: Vermont’s natural beauty is perfect for outdoor dates. Whether it’s hiking, skiing in the winter, or just taking a scenic walk, the Green Mountains offer countless trails for all levels. Camel’s Hump, Mount Mansfield, and Stowe Mountain Resort offer fantastic views and great hiking spots. You can even explore the Appalachian Trail that runs through Vermont.
Lake Champlain: If you love being near the water, Lake Champlain offers opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and even scenic boat rides. You can also take a ferry ride across the lake to visit the Adirondack Mountains or explore the historic city of Burlington on the lake’s shore.
Fall Foliage: Vermont is famous for its stunning fall foliage. Taking a scenic drive along Route 100 or through Smugglers’ Notch in the fall is a perfect date option for nature lovers. The colorful landscapes provide a picturesque backdrop for a romantic outing. - Charming Towns and Cozy Spots
Burlington: Burlington is Vermont’s largest city and offers a mix of vibrant, laid-back culture with beautiful views of Lake Champlain. You can take a stroll along Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian street lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. It’s perfect for a casual date. You could also visit Waterfront Park or grab a drink at one of Burlington’s cozy breweries or rooftop bars like The Farmhouse Tap & Grill.
Stowe: Known for its ski slopes in winter, Stowe is equally charming in the off-season. You can explore the charming town, enjoy a cozy dinner at The Whip Bar & Grill, or take a ride up the Stowe Mountain Resort Gondola for breathtaking views. Stowe is also home to beautiful hiking trails like the Sterling Pond Trail.
Middlebury: This charming college town offers a relaxed vibe and plenty of local shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can visit Middlebury College’s beautiful campus or enjoy a quiet stroll by the Otter Creek. - Farm-to-Table Dining and Local Breweries
Vermont’s food scene is focused on local, sustainable ingredients, making it a great place for food lovers. You can enjoy farm-to-table dining at places like Hen of the Wood in Burlington or The Inn at Shelburne Farms. These restaurants offer local, seasonal dishes and a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
Craft Breweries: Vermont is home to some world-renowned craft breweries, making it perfect for a laid-back date. You can visit The Alchemist (home of the famous Heady Topper), Hill Farmstead Brewery, and Fiddlehead Brewing Company. If you like craft beer, Vermont offers plenty of local breweries to explore.
Cideries & Distilleries: If you prefer cider or spirits, Vermont also boasts some great cideries and distilleries. Try visiting Woodchuck Cider or Whistlepig Whiskey for a tour and tasting experience. - Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
The Vermont Symphony Orchestra and the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington offer a great opportunity for a classy date with live performances ranging from classical music to theater and comedy shows.
Shelburne Museum: For art lovers, the Shelburne Museum near Burlington features a mix of art exhibitions, historic buildings, and outdoor installations. It’s a great place for a quiet afternoon date, especially in the spring or summer.
Theater & Cinema: You can also catch a performance at the Seventh Generation Theater or enjoy a movie at the cozy Merrill’s Roxy Cinema in Burlington, a great spot for a low-key date night. - Winter Wonderland: Skiing, Ice Skating, and Cozy Cabins
Skiing & Snowboarding: Vermont is famous for its ski resorts, and if you’re dating in the winter, you can’t go wrong with a ski trip. Stowe Mountain Resort, Killington, and Sugarbush Resort offer great slopes for skiing and snowboarding. Afterward, cozy up in a cabin or lodge with a warm drink by the fire.
Ice Skating: Gutterson Ice Arena in Burlington offers a fun, more relaxed activity, or in the winter, many towns like Stowe and Montpelier set up outdoor ice skating rinks.
Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing: For something a little different, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at Camel’s Hump State Park or Smugglers’ Notch can be a fun and peaceful way to spend time together in nature. - Unique and Quirky Date Ideas
The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory: For something quirky and fun, you can visit the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne for a tour and see how these iconic bears are made. It’s a cute and lighthearted date activity, and you can even create your own custom bear!
Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour: A classic Vermont experience, the Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour in Waterbury is a must if you and your date love ice cream. The tour ends with a tasting of some of their unique flavors, and it’s a fun, casual date.
Hot Air Balloon Ride: For a truly memorable experience, take a hot air balloon ride over Vermont’s rolling hills and farmland. Companies like Sugarbush Ballooning offer breathtaking views of the landscape, making for an unforgettable date. - Festivals and Events
Vermont hosts many festivals throughout the year, from The Vermont Maple Festival in St. Albans (celebrating maple syrup season) to The Green Mountain Film Festival in Montpelier. These are great opportunities for a fun day out while enjoying local culture.
The Vermont Brewer’s Festival in Burlington, or Stowe’s Winter Carnival, offer unique opportunities to enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment while celebrating Vermont’s culture. - Wine & Vineyard Tours
Vermont is also home to a growing wine scene, and there are several vineyards where you can spend an afternoon sampling local wines. Shelburne Vineyard offers wine tastings with beautiful views of Lake Champlain. You can also explore Brandon’s Sugarbush Winery for a more intimate setting.
Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just enjoying a quiet evening at a cozy cafe, Vermont offers an abundance of options for a memorable date. The state’s natural beauty, small-town charm, and rich local culture create the perfect setting for a laid-back, romantic time out.
