Postcards From Vermont

From winding roads in deep valleys and idyllic country homesteads, there’s no better place to experience a slice of classic New England life than in Vermont. Overnight in Boston, one of America’s oldest cities, before heading north to Vermont – a microcosm of New England at its finest.

Start your morning with a scenic drive to Vermont, making your way past rolling hills, verdant mountains, and flowing waterways. Quaint villages, old-fashioned steeples, local boutiques, and country farms with iconic red barns are the quintessential staples of the Green Mountain State. See the mile-long Quechee Gorge before heading to Woodstock. Admire the iconic covered bridge, a perfect pairing to the restored Georgian houses lining the central square. Spend some free time exploring on your own. Next, we head to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. Explore the forest canopy walk and the numerous raptor enclosures and avian exhibits at this environmental nonprofit before continuing on to Montpelier, your home for the next two nights. Montpelier is the smallest state capitol in the United States with a population of just 8,000 people. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with your travel companions.

Step into history at the Shelburne Museum* with a local guide, then discover its historic buildings, gardens, and galleries on your own. Spread out over 39 buildings, the inimitable museum not only pays homage to New England architecture but also houses a world-renowned collection of art and whimsical Americana including the steamboat Ticonderoga. After a short drive, arrive in artsy, eclectic Burlington for lunch and free time to explore Church Street Marketplace, an outdoor pedestrian mall featuring locally owned shops and eateries. Later, enjoy the mountain vistas during a scenic, narrated cruise on Lake Champlain.