Vermont
Photo of AI-Magellan
AI-Magellan
07 Apr 2025
Share
Edit Trip Edit
Bookmark TripSave

7 Best Places for Day Trips From Colchester, VT

Day Trips from Colchester, VT: An Overview

Venture out from Colchester, VT, and immerse yourself in the beauty and variety of the surrounding area with these captivating day trips. Each destination offers its own unique charm and opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and exploration. Begin with Burlington, a vibrant city on the shores of Lake Champlain, renowned for its lively arts scene, eclectic dining options, and stunning waterfront views. Just a short drive away lies Shelburne Farms, where you can wander through historic landscapes and learn about sustainable farming practices.

For nature enthusiasts, Smugglers' Notch State Park awaits with its dramatic mountain vistas and excellent hiking trails. Stowe, known for its quintessential Vermont charm, invites visitors to enjoy its outdoor adventures and quaint village atmosphere, providing both winter sports and summer leisure activities. Discover the tranquility of the Lake Champlain Islands, offering picturesque settings for boating, fishing, and relaxation.

In Montpelier, the smallest state capital in the U.S., immerse yourself in history and culture, with its charming architecture and vibrant arts scene. Waterbury, the perfect blend of outdoor excitement and culinary delights, boasts attractions like the famous Ben & Jerry’s factory and local breweries, along with opportunities for hiking and exploring nearby natural sites.

Each of these destinations provides a unique glimpse into the lifestyle and natural beauty of Vermont, making them ideal for an unforgettable day trip from Colchester.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Burlington

    Burlington offers a vibrant arts scene, excellent local dining, and beautiful waterfront views of Lake Champlain, making it a lively and scenic destination.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin2

    Shelburne Farms

    Shelburne Farms is a historic estate on the shores of Lake Champlain, providing visitors with stunning landscapes, walking trails, and an insight into sustainable farming practices.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin3

    Smugglers' Notch State Park

    This park is renowned for its dramatic mountain pass, offering breathtaking natural scenery, hiking opportunities, and a chance to experience the outdoors in a pristine Vermont setting.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin4

    Stowe

    Stowe is a charming village known for its picturesque mountainous backdrop, offering excellent skiing in winter and scenic hiking and biking trails in summer.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin5

    Lake Champlain Islands

    The Lake Champlain Islands provide a serene escape with stunning lake views, charming small towns, and recreational activities like boating and fishing.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin6

    Montpelier

    Montpelier, the nation’s smallest state capital, boasts a rich history, architectural charm, and a vibrant arts scene, along with a variety of local shops and eateries.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin7

    Waterbury

    Waterbury is a hub for outdoor recreation and food lovers, famous for the original Ben & Jerry’s factory, local breweries, and access to hiking trails and natural attractions.
    Open Google Maps Button

Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    The Skinny Pancake, Burlington, VT

    4.4
    $$$$

    The Skinny Pancake, Burlington, VT

    A creperie offering both sweet and savory options, known for its local ingredients and unique flavor combinations.
    4.4
    $$$$
    Picture for The Skinny Pancake, Burlington, VT
  • Restaurant Icon

    Prohibition Pig

    4.5
    $$$$

    Prohibition Pig

    Known for its delicious BBQ and craft beer selection, this restaurant offers a unique twist on classic Southern dishes.
    4.5
    $$$$
    Picture for Prohibition Pig
  • Restaurant Icon

    Hen of the Wood

    Hen of the Wood

    Celebrated for its farm-to-table philosophy and refined New American cuisine in a rustic, yet elegant setting.
    Picture for Hen of the Wood
  • Restaurant Icon

    Pizzeria Verità

    4.7
    $$$$

    Pizzeria Verità

    A gourmet pizza place known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas made in a wood-fired oven.
    4.7
    $$$$
    Picture for Pizzeria Verità
  • Restaurant Icon

    Doc Ponds

    4.6
    $$$$

    Doc Ponds

    With a laid-back atmosphere and eclectic menu, this spot is popular for its craft beers and creative comfort food.
    4.6
    $$$$
    Picture for Doc Ponds

Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    Hotel Vermont, Burlington, Vermont

    4.6

    Hotel Vermont, Burlington, Vermont

    A boutique hotel that blends rustic charm with modern luxury, offering locally-sourced fare and unique local experiences.
    4.6
    Picture for Hotel Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
  • Hotel Icon

    Edson Hill

    4.7

    Edson Hill

    A luxurious country inn in Stowe, featuring elegant rooms and suites, perfect for a retreat with picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.
    4.7
    Picture for Edson Hill
  • Hotel Icon

    The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa

    4.3

    The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa

    Known for its culinary school and world-class spa facilities, it offers a unique experience focused on relaxation and gourmet meals.
    4.3
    Picture for The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa
  • Hotel Icon

    Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT

    4.5

    Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT

    A mountain resort featuring Austrian-inspired architecture, offering stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities.
    4.5
    Picture for Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT
  • Hotel Icon

    Lake Champlain Inn

    4.5

    Lake Champlain Inn

    An intimate bed and breakfast with beautiful views of Lake Champlain, offering a cozy, personalized experience.
    4.5
    Picture for Lake Champlain Inn

Local Events & Happenings

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    13 votes, 24 comments. Hi everyone! My birthday is coming up this week and I am trying to play a day trip this weekend. I am looking to go somewhere

    Day trips from Burlington, VT

    13 votes, 24 comments. Hi everyone! My birthday is coming up this week and I am trying to play a day trip this weekend. I am looking to go somewhere

    /r/burlington
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Hi all! I&#x27;m searching for some ideas on what I could do for a day <strong>trip</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong>. Any fun towns or attractions for a d...

    r/vermont on Reddit: Looking for Montreal to Vermont day trip idea's

    Hi all! I&#x27;m searching for some ideas on what I could do for a day <strong>trip</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong>. Any fun towns or attractions for a d...

    /r/vermont
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Hey there! Im driving from Jersey up to Stowe for a long weekend, on the way back down I want to make a little day trip to different distilleries

    Vermont day trip recs?

    Hey there! Im driving from Jersey up to Stowe for a long weekend, on the way back down I want to make a little day trip to different distilleries

    /r/roadtrip
    View on RedditView on Reddit