Almost all the inns and bed-and-breakfasts are non-smoking properties, and some even prohibit smoking on the front porches and grounds. Some of the smaller facilities do not accept credit cards. All inn and bed-and-breakfast rooms may or may not include phones, internet access, televisions, in-room safes, and other conveniences, though innkeepers are typically hospitable to the point of doing everything they can to ensure you a pleasant stay.

 

Facilities don’t always allow children and pets, so call ahead based on your needs. Prices are inevitably high during peak foliage season, a fact to ask about when you are investigating options. Some inns and bed-and-breakfasts also close for certain weeks during the off-season.

 

Over time the Dutch, and eventually the Brits discovered Vermont’s natural splendor. The English built Fort Drummer in 1724, which became the first official settlement in Vermont. After the French were defeated in the French-Indian war, the 1763 Treaty of Paris officially gave control of the land to the British.

 

Settlers poured into Vermont after the governor of New Hampshire begin giving away land in 1749 to those willing to tame Vermont’s wilderness. A couple of decades later New York State courts declared the land grants void, allowing New Yorkers to invade the land and claim it for themselves.

 

Understandably displeased by this decision, local son Ethan Allen formed an informal militia dubbed the Green Mountain Boys to successfully drive out the encroaching New Yorkers. With the onset of the American Revolution, Allen and his boys turned their attention to defending their newly formed nation. Their efforts were a ultimately a key part in routing the British.

 

After America’s war victory, Vermont continued to self-govern, opting not to immediately join the Union. They succumbed eventually, however, and Vermont became the 14^th state in 1791, the first added after the original 13.

 

In terms of historical offerings, the southwestern town of Bennington has much to offer. The Bennington Battle Monument commemorates the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Bennington. The monument is a 306-foot obelisk made of blue limestone. Nearby is The Bennington Museum, which features displays on local industry and the arts.

 

Bennington’s Blue Benn Diner is famous for blue-plate dinner classics. Breakfast is served all day, and their pies can’t be beat. They don’t take credit cards, so stop by the ATM on your way.

 

Heading north on route 7 (or route 7A for the more meandering and scenic path), you will soon arrive in Arlington, home of The Norman Rockwell Exhibit. Rockwell lived in Arlington from 1939-1953, and his art was clearly influenced by the wonderful everyday-ness of life in Vermont. The exhibit is housed in a 19^th century church.

 

Manchester is the next main city on your route, and it is not to be missed. Formerly a resort town for the rich and famous, Manchester is home to Hildene, the 24-room Georgian Revival mansion built by Robert Todd Lincoln (son of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln). Tours of the home and formal gardens are given daily, in season. Manchester’s sister city, Manchester Center, is slightly to the north and the site of some of New England’s best outlet shopping.

 

Chantecleer is located 3.5 miles north of Manchester Center, and it is considered by many to be Vermont’s finest restaurant. It is known for exquisite dining and service and seasonal game specialties. The Little Rooster Café is located near the outlets; it is a perfect spot for a hearty breakfast before you hit the sale racks.

 

Moving to the southeastern side of the state, Brattleboro is the commercial hub of the area. The Brattleboro Museum and Art Center has exhibits highlighting the town’s history.

 

The Brattleboro Food Co-op is a great spot for deli sandwiches. For dinner, try T.J. Buckley’s, one of Vermont’s finest offerings. It is a tiny spot with a limited menu, but you can count on everything being delicious.

 

Venturing north on the eastern side of the state, you will encounter a string of picturesque Vermont villages, the kind movie sets try to emulate. They are each lovely and worth strolling. The artsy village of Putney is free-spirited and easy-going. Stop by Vermont Shepherd Cheese, where you can tour the caves if you are traveling during the summer or fall. They produce award-winning cheeses, which you will want to purchase while you are there.

 

One of Putney’s best dining offerings is, surprisingly, a barbeque joint. Curtis Bar-B-Q serves up simple southern barbeque in a bare-bones environment. Grab a picnic table and plenty of napkins.

 

The National Historic District in Newfane is a collection of 60 buildings around the town green and down a few of the side streets. The styles vary from Greek Revival to Federal to Colonial Revival. You can pick up a walking-tour brochure at the Moore Free Library or the Historical Society of Windham County (itself a lovely museum to wander through).

 

In this area, Route 30 is home of a couple of dozen antique shops, which are fun to poke around in. Also on Route 30 between Townshend and Jamaica is the Scott Covered Bridge, which dates back to 1870. It is the longest single-span bridge in the state. Townshend State Park is located at the foot of Bald Mountain. There are terrific hiking trails and great views if you make it to the summit.

 

After Putney, Newfane, and Townshend, you cannot leave the area unless you finish your tour with the village of Grafton. You can explore the Grafton Historical Society Museum for interesting information about the town’s history. It is lovingly preserved and feels like a throwback from another era as a result.

 

Woodstock has several great dining choices. Pane Salute is a fabulous bakery located in the village center. Bentley’s offers thick burgers and creative sandwiches at lunch, and all-around great fare during dinner. The Jackson House Inn is Woodstock’s best option for fine dining. The meal is usually a choice between a three-course prix-fixe dinner and a chef’s tasting menu.

 

Five miles east of Woodstock is Quechee Gorge, formed some 13,000 years ago. You can hike to the bottom of the gorge and back in under an hour. A few miles away in Norwich is the Montshire Museum of Science, with great, interactive exhibits kids adore.

 

Killington is the king of Vermont’s ski country. It is large, bustling, efficient, and fun. There is a broad range of slopes for beginners on up. Some find the area to be far too touristy, and opt for ski towns with a more local flavor such as Stowe or Sugarbush.

 

Despite the throngs of tourist themed restaurants in Killington, the city is home to one of Vermont’s finest dining establishments, Hemingway’s. The prix-fixe menu varies according to the season. Ppeppers is a retro-style favorite in the area, serving up classic diner fare.

 

Fans of great dining on the cheap are in luck in Vermont. The New England Culinary Institute operates four (four!) restaurants in the northern part of the state. The Main Street Grill and Bar and Chef’s Table are in the capitol city, while the Inn at Essex is in Essex Junction and the NECI Commons is in Burlington. They are each wonderful. Your selection may be limited based on what happens to be on the syllabus that day, but you can be sure the taste will rate an A+. Ariel's Restaurant & Pond Village Pub serves varied cuisine and fine wines in a handsome setting by a floating bridge in the nearby historic Brookfield.

 

Ten miles west of Montpelier, Waterbury is home to a Vermont legend-in-the-making, the Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory. Tours are fun and include samples. What more could you ask for?

 

Burlington is Vermont’s largest city. It is a thriving college town with plenty of activity and pedestrians to make people-watching a part of your agenda if you so choose. The Church Street Marketplace is full of shops and restaurants. Take a ride on a Lake Champlain Ferry to see the city from the water.

 

The Ethan Allen Homestead is a tribute to one of Vermont’s favored sons and the house is open for tours (by appointment). South of Burlington is Shelburne Museum, a mind-bending collection of artifacts spread out in 37 buildings on 45 acres. There are displays of entire buildings, including a stagecoach inn and railroad station. You could spend hours here, so either allow time or discipline yourself to keep moving.

 

Besides the aforementioned NECI Commons, Burlington offers Bove’s, a classic and inexpensive Italian favorite, and Leunig’s Bistro, with a continental menu offering a little bit of everything.

 

The northern areas of the Champlain Islands and the Northeast Kingdom offer less in terms of organized tourism, but plenty in the way of natural scenery. Consider unfolding a map and just hitting the road for a driving tour.