Ultimate Guide to a Weekend in Vermont
Crisp, cool weather and gorgeous shades of red, yellow, and orange foliage make Autumn the perfect time to travel. Vermont, known for its breathtaking foliage, maple syrup, cozy cabins, serene farms, and renowned restaurants and breweries, is a favorite vacation destination among Fly Louie charter travelers. To help you take a break from life’s hustle and bustle, we’ve compiled our top recommendations for where to stay, what to do, and where to eat for the Ultimate Guide to a Weekend in Vermont.
Getting to Vermont
Slip into vacation mode even before you leave the tarmac. Fly to Vermont via private charter to avoid 14 hours of driving (and longer if you’re stuck in traffic). Getting from the Greater New York area into the Burlington airport only takes about an hour. There is no better way to experience the colorful, changing foliage than from the birds-eye-view of a private charter.
And looking ahead to ski season, flying to Vermont via private charter is best to avoid hectic airports and long security lines associated with flying commercial. There’s no easier way to get all your gear up there.
Flying private by charter is quick, easy, and customizable with Fly Louie. Fly Louie’s charter team leverages the Fly Louie Alliance of almost 2,000 aircraft to get you the most competitive price on your choice aircraft on your schedule. For more information, Click Here.
Where to Stay in Vermont
In Vermont, where you stay isn’t just a place to rest your head at night. Vermont offers a wide variety of hotels, cabins, and unique outdoor accommodations, which offer amenities and activities to keep you entertained during your stay. Here are our three top recommendations for where to stay.
If you’re dreaming of cozying up to the fireplace with a glass of wine or spending hours relaxing in the soaking tub, Twin Farms is the place for you. Located about an hour outside of Burlington, Twin Farms is one of Vermont’s most well-known inclusive resorts due to its unique lodging options and ability to customize your experience. The property’s vast 300 acres boasts luxurious cottages and suites designed by leading architects and interior designers and elevated by their museum-quality collection of contemporary art. Choose from a wide range of amenities and services to make your stay as adventurous and social or serene and private as you wish. One of our favorite activities is a gourmet picnic lunch anywhere on the property. They also offer activities such as biking, hiking, tennis, canoeing, kayaking, fly fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and all other on-site activities, along with all necessary equipment and instruction. Of course, some of these activities are dependent on the weather.
If your Vermont getaway is a family vacation, Basin Harbor Club is calling your name. Located less than an hour outside of Burlington, the red roof of the Basin Harbor Club is a landmark on the edge of Lake Champlain. The Beach Family has been running Basin Harbor since 1886, and you’re almost guaranteed to meet a Beach during your stay. Stay in one of 74 cottages on the resort's 700 acres, each decorated like classic lakeside cabins. The club is equipped with a wide range of activities for families to do together, or let your kids explore Kid’s Camp while you take some time for yourself. Basin Harbor Club is a no-brainer if you plan on bringing your children or, better yet, if you are looking for the perfect place to bring out your inner kid.
And if classic elegance is more your scene, the Woodstock Inn and Resort is worth the long drive from the airport. This resort has been dubbed “Vermont’s Most Beautiful Address” and is home to a uniquely curated Vermont experience, all centered around the current season. Established by Laurance and Mary Rockefeller, today’s Inn features fine craftsmanship accented with elegant, artisanal amenities that reflect s full of elegant, timeless rooms designed in historic New England style. Woodstock, Vermont, is one of the last truly non-commercialized destinations in New England. The town has maintained its commitment to preserving its character for over 200 years with streets lined with Church steeples, local shops, farm-to-table eateries, and galleries displaying works from resident artists.
What to do in Vermont
In addition to the amazing activities and amenities offered at our favorite hotels and resorts, a weekend getaway to Vermont must include eating, drinking, and hiking. Luckily, Vermont is full of breweries and restaurants situated between hiking trails, scenic drives, and breathtaking views.
Get Hoppy at Some of Vermont’s Best Breweries
There is no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than “hopping” around some of New England’s best breweries. Taking population into account, Vermont has the most breweries per person than any other state. Vermonters love their craft beer and are passionate about supporting the small local and family brewers. Many spots even feature local Vermont cuisine and food vendors, so you are guaranteed to have your afternoon seamlessly transition into a fun-filled evening. Follow our suggested beer tour of Vermont and get ready to take in the sights with a cold, locally brewed beer in your hand.
Stop 1: Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski
Start your beer adventure at Four Quarters Brewing. Founded in 2014, Four Quarters Brewing is a 10 barrel brewery located in Winooski, VT, specializing in sours, stouts, and hoppy beers. Prepare your tastebuds for an out-of-this-world experience -- Four Quarters is known for its experimental and creative flavors, such as Fluffernutter Chocolate Drop and stouts made from locally made apple cider donuts. Stop by to pick up a few cans or growlers or make private group reservations for a more thorough tasting experience.
Stop 2: Burlington Beer Company, Burlington
Next up is the Burlington Beer Company. Learn the nitty-gritty behind the brewing process itself. Burlington Beer Company is the spot to gain a truly immersive experience of beer making. Here, you will drink among all of the fermentation tanks and other brewing equipment. Be sure to take a look at their food menu. Burlington Beer Company supports local eateries and vendors, offering products and dishes that complement their beer.
Stop 3: Foam Brewers, Burlington
As the sun begins to set over Lake Champlain, head over to Foam Brewers. As a beer company, these guys are known for their hoppy ales and sours. However, as a restaurant and brewery, Foam Brewers is known for its breathtaking patio view overlooking Lake Champlain. Therefore, even if beer isn’t for you, this brewery is still a must-see for a picturesque scene. It’s also an ideal spot to watch the sunset.
Bonus Stop: Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Waitsfield
Lawson’s Finest Liquids is an optional last stop of the brewery hopping because it is a distance away from Burlington, but we consider it a must-visit location. Once only known by native Vermonters, Lawson’s Finest Liquids’ products are becoming a staple on liquor store shelves outside of the area. We are fans of their unique maple brews and well-known classics such as Sip of Sunshine IPA. You can also feel good about giving Lawson’s your business due to their dedication to charitable organizations and instilling environmentally conscious practices in their brewing process.
Experience the Beauty of Vermont’s Foliage on a Hike or Drive
There is no better way to spend a Sunday morning than with a leisurely hike or drive among picturesque scenes of nature that are nearly exclusive to Vermont. According to the USDA, Vermont is made up of 76% forested land, nearly 4.5 million acres, making it the fourth most forested state in the US. At the end of September and early October, the leaves that adorn the trees in these dense forests sport their most vibrant and full colors.
We understand that hiking isn’t for everyone. On Smuggler’s Notch scenic drive, the only exercise you’ll be doing is opening and closing your jaw as you are baffled by the beauty surrounding you outside of your car window. The tour begins in Stowe and ends in Jeffersonville. This 18-mile road only takes about an hour to drive and offers a variety of breathtaking photo-ops and an overall perfect snapshot of everything Vermont has to offer. One of our favorite moments is when you pass over the shoulder of Mount Mansfield, which is an unbeatable view of the landscape.
If you feel adventurous after your drive, head over to the Long Trail State Forest for a hike. The Long Trail State Forest stretches 272 miles, all the way from Canada, through Vermont, and to the Massachusetts border. The forest offers spectacular scenery. While this entire trail would take days to traverse, many small sections and sub trails make the perfect spot for a daytime hike and are easily customizable for your skill level.
Taste the Unique Flavors of Vermont
After your hike, you are going to need to spend Sunday afternoon fueling up with some of Vermont’s classic and one-of-a-kind treats.
If you don’t go apple picking, does it really count as a Fall getaway? Apples are the official fruit of Vermont. Head to Vermont’s Shelburne Orchards, a beautiful spot to walk amongst the apple trees and pick your afternoon snack straight off the tree! After you get your fix of apples, be sure to get your hands on some cider donuts and fresh-pressed apple cider. Make your visit to the orchards an all-day affair and spend the evening at the Dead Bird Brandy Distillery.
We hope you have a sweet tooth! Next up is Morse Farm Maple SugarWorks. This quaint family maple syrup shop provides a fun afternoon of maple syrup tasting and learning. Take a free tour of their sugar house to learn about the history of maple syrup, its production, and its importance to the state. Also, try Vermont’s famous frozen dessert, the maple creemee, a swirling tower of maple-flavored soft serve piled high upon a cone. Once you experience fresh maple syrup, maple candies, and maple ice cream, it is going to be hard to enjoy the store-bought ever again.
It might be difficult to save room for dinner during your afternoon of tasting, but before flying home, end the weekend in a memorable fashion by securing a reservation at Hen of the Wood. Hen of the Wood is one of our favorites and one of Vermont’s most celebrated restaurants. The stunning, comforting interior of the restaurant is rivaled only by the plates of innovative food. Hen of the Wood’s James Beard-nominated chef-owner, Eric Warnstedt, is so passionate about using fresh and local ingredients that they switch up their menu daily to give a wide range of ingredients their chance to shine.
We know you have been working hard and deserve some time to rest and recharge. Book a private charter and enjoy a week amongst Vermont’s jaw-dropping scenes. Fly Louie makes getting to Vermont quick and stress-free, leaving you with little reason not to book today!
If you’d like to learn more about on-demand charter with Fly Louie, the Fly Louie team is standing by and ready to help!
