If you're planning a trip to Vermont, figuring out where to start can be surprisingly difficult.

Vermont may be one of America's smallest states, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in mountains, historic villages, working farms, covered bridges, local food, outdoor adventures, and some of the most beautiful scenery in New England.

And I don't say that simply as a travel writer.

Vermont is my home.

I've spent years exploring the state—hiking its mountains, wandering its small towns, visiting its farms and museums, and returning to many of these places with my own family. Some are famous Vermont attractions. Others are places I've simply grown to love.

So rather than trying to include everything there is to do in Vermont, I've narrowed this guide down to 10 Vermont experiences I think every first-time visitor should consider.

You can also watch the complete Divine Eye Adventures Top 10 Vermont video here:

Whether you're coming from Montreal, Boston, New Hampshire, New York, or even New York City, Vermont makes an incredible New England road trip destination.

Let's explore the Green Mountain State.

10. Explore Montpelier and the Vermont State House

Vermont's capital makes a great introduction to the history and character of the state.

Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the United States, and dominating its compact downtown is the beautiful Vermont State House, instantly recognizable by its golden dome.

Don't just photograph it from outside.

Go in.

The building dates to 1859 and remains one of America's oldest state capitols still used by a legislature.

Inside, look for some of the details that are easy to walk past—including an ancient fossil embedded in the stone floor, the ceremonial Governor's Office, historic legislative chambers, and the Speaker's chair made using timbers from the USS Constitution.

One of the most impressive works inside is Julian Scott's enormous painting depicting the Battle of Cedar Creek, commemorating Vermonters who fought in the Civil War.

Don't miss: Vermont History Museum

While you're in Montpelier, walk over to the nearby Vermont History Museum. It's an easy addition to your State House visit and provides much more context about the people, industries, events, and ideas that shaped Vermont.

Divine Eye Tip: You don't need an entire day for Montpelier. Combine the State House and museum with another central Vermont stop such as Ben & Jerry's or use Montpelier as part of your drive toward Stowe.

9. Visit Hildene: The Lincoln Family Home

Manchester is home to one of V

ermont's most fascinating historic estates—and one that many visitors don't realize exists.

Hildene was built in 1905 as the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, the only one of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln's four sons to survive to adulthood.

The Georgian Revival mansion sits in a spectacular location overlooking the Battenkill Valley and surrounding mountains.

But don't come only for the house.

Walk through the formal gardens, explore the grounds and trails, visit the working farm, and seek out one of Hildene's most unusual attractions: a beautifully restored Pullman railcar.

Robert Todd Lincoln served as president and later chairman of the Pullman Company, connecting Hildene to another fascinating chapter of American history.

Divine Eye Tip: Give yourself time to explore outside. Hildene's setting is as much a part of the experience as the mansion itself.

8. Slow Down at Shelburne Farms

Some places become part of your own story.

For me, Shelburne Farms is one of those places.

Set along the shores of Lake Champlain, this extraordinary working farm and National Historic Landmark encompasses roughly 1,400 acres of fields, forests, walking trails and historic buildings.

You can sample Vermont cheddar, visit the farm animals, explore the trails, browse the farm store, and simply enjoy one of the most peaceful settings on Lake Champlain.

But my connection to Shelburne Farms goes beyond recommending it as a tourist attraction.

Years ago, during my summers away from teaching, I would bring my oldest son here. We'd spend hours exploring the farm, and I still remember him running around near the chickens, completely absorbed in the experience.

Eventually, I brought both of my sons here.

Those simple summer days became memories I cherish, and they're part of why Shelburne Farms remains one of my favorite places in Vermont.

Don't miss: The Inn at Shelburne Farms

Even if you're not staying overnight, walk toward the historic inn and waterfront.

The views across Lake Champlain toward the Adirondack Mountains are spectacular, and it's one of those places that seems to invite you to stop moving for a while.

Divine Eye Tip: Don't rush Shelburne Farms. Walk. Taste some cheese. Find the cows. Sit beside the lake. This is a place best experienced slowly.

7. Take the Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour

There are certain things you simply have to do in Vermont at least once.

Eating Ben & Jerry's ice cream at the factory is one of them.

Ben & Jerry's began in Vermont in 1978 when Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield opened their first scoop shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington.

Today, the company's factory in Waterbury has become one of Vermont's most recognizable attractions.

Take the factory tour to learn about the company and see how the ice cream is produced, sample a flavor, and then head outside for one of my favorite quirky Vermont attractions:

The Flavor Graveyard

Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like.

Discontinued Ben & Jerry's flavors are memorialized with individual gravestones and appropriately ridiculous epitaphs.

RIP, Vermonty Python.

You were taken from us too soon.

And whether you take the factory tour or not, there's really only one appropriate way to finish this stop:

Get some ice cream.

Divine Eye Tip: Ben & Jerry's pairs extremely well with a Stowe or Montpelier day because Waterbury sits conveniently between the two.

6. Make a Day of Quechee Gorge, VINS and Simon Pearce

One of my favorite things about Quechee is that three completely different Vermont experiences are located within a relatively small area.

Start with Quechee Gorge, where the Ottauquechee River cuts dramatically through the landscape more than 160 feet below.

Walk across the Route 4 bridge for one of the easiest—and most dramatic—views down into the gorge.

If you have more time, explore the trails below.

Visit VINS

Nearby, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) offers something completely different.

VINS cares for non-releasable birds and provides visitors an opportunity to see raptors such as owls, hawks and eagles remarkably close up.

One of the highlights is the elevated Forest Canopy Walk, which lets you experience the forest from an entirely different perspective.

Watch Glassblowing at Simon Pearce

Then head over to Simon Pearce.

Inside the company's flagship location, you can watch artisans transform glowing molten glass into beautiful hand-blown pieces.

Even if you're not shopping, watching the glassblowers work is mesmerizing.

And the setting overlooking the Ottauquechee River and falls makes the stop even better.

Three attractions.

Three completely different experiences.

One excellent Vermont day.

5. Experience the Vermont Everyone Imagines in Woodstock

If you've ever pictured the quintessential New England village, there's a good chance you've imagined something that looks a lot like Woodstock, Vermont.

Historic homes, church steeples, local shops, covered bridges and beautiful streets make simply walking through town worthwhile.

But don't stop with downtown.

Billings Farm & Museum

Begin at Billings Farm & Museum, where Vermont's agricultural history comes to life through its working dairy farm, historic barns, animals, exhibits and demonstrations.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

Right next door is Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, a place that tells an important story about conservation and land stewardship in America.

You can explore the historic grounds or head into the woods.

One of my favorite options is hiking uphill to the Pogue, a quiet mountain pond surrounded by forest.

It's remarkably peaceful considering how close you are to downtown Woodstock.

Drive Through Taftsville Covered Bridge

From there, take the scenic route toward the historic Taftsville Covered Bridge over the Ottauquechee River.

Covered bridges are part of Vermont's visual identity, and this is one of the state's classics.

Finish at Sugarbush Farm

Then head into the hills to Sugarbush Farm, a family-run Vermont farm where you can sample locally produced cheese and pure Vermont maple syrup.

Learn how maple syrup gets from the trees to your table, explore the farm, and leave with something delicious.

Put all of these experiences together and Woodstock becomes much more than a pretty town.

It's one of the best places to actually experience Vermont.

4. Give Yourself Several Hours at Shelburne Museum

Here's something you should know before visiting Shelburne Museum:

This isn't a normal museum.

Not even close.

Spread across 45 acres are dozens of buildings filled with an almost bewildering collection of American art, folk art, historic transportation, architecture, carriages, circus memorabilia and artifacts.

One minute you're looking at historic Americana.

The next you're standing beside a locomotive.

Then you're looking at Impressionist paintings.

Then there's a steamboat.

The Ticonderoga

The Ticonderoga is arguably the museum's showstopper.

The 220-foot steamboat was built in 1906 and once operated on Lake Champlain.

When the vessel was retired, Shelburne Museum undertook the extraordinary task of moving the entire ship roughly two miles over land to the museum grounds.

Today, you can climb aboard and explore it.

And that's Shelburne Museum in a nutshell.

You never quite know what's waiting inside the next building.

Divine Eye Tip: Do not budget an hour here. Give yourself several hours—or longer. This is one attraction where wandering around and getting a little lost is part of the experience.

3. Get Outside: Vermont's Mountains and State Parks

They don't call this the Green Mountain State for nothing.

You can experience Vermont's towns, museums and food, but I'd argue that a trip here isn't complete until you get outside.

Hike Camel's Hump

If you're ready for a legitimate mountain adventure, hike Camel's Hump.

At 4,083 feet, it's Vermont's third-highest mountain and one of the state's most recognizable peaks.

Standing on its rocky summit is an experience you earn—and the panoramic views make the climb worth it.

Explore Mount Mansfield

At 4,393 feet, Mount Mansfield is Vermont's highest mountain.

Depending on the season and your ability level, you can tackle one of its hiking trails or take the Auto Toll Road most of the way up for spectacular high-elevation scenery without quite as much suffering.

Try Mount Philo

For something significantly easier, head to Mount Philo State Park.

You can hike or seasonally drive toward the summit, where you'll find beautiful views across the Champlain Valley toward New York's Adirondack Mountains.

It's one of my favorite high-reward, relatively low-effort Vermont adventures.

Vermont Isn't Just Mountains

Vermont State Parks also protect some fantastic places along Lake Champlain.

Head north to Alburgh Dunes State Park for its long natural sand beach, or visit Kill Kare State Park for a completely different Lake Champlain experience.

Whether you're chasing a summit, walking through the forest, swimming in the lake, or simply finding somewhere quiet to enjoy the view, make time to get outside.

Vermont's landscape isn't something you just come here to see. It's something you come here to experience.

2. Spend a Day in Burlington

If you only have one day in Vermont, I'd seriously consider spending it in Burlington.

Vermont's largest city manages to combine Lake Champlain, mountain views, restaurants, local shops, recreation and one of the state's liveliest downtowns within a very walkable area.

Burlington Waterfront

Start beside Lake Champlain.

Walk or bike the waterfront, relax in Waterfront Park, watch sailboats crossing the lake, or simply enjoy the view toward the Adirondack Mountains.

If you're traveling with kids, check out ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Vermont's science and nature museum.

Then walk uphill toward downtown.

Church Street Marketplace

Church Street is Burlington's pedestrian center, lined with shops, restaurants, cafés and frequent street performers and events.

Grab some food.

Browse the stores.

Find a patio.

People-watch.

If you like the energy of Church Street, check out Burlington's artsy South End District where there are breweries, Lake Champlain chocolates, and other artistic shops worth exploring

Then head back toward the lake.

If the weather cooperates, finish your day watching the sun disappear behind the Adirondacks.

That's Burlington at its best.

Question for my fellow Vermonters: If someone had only ONE day in Vermont, would you send them to Burlington—or somewhere else?

1. Experience Stowe and Smugglers' Notch

If someone asked me to picture Vermont in one town, Stowe would definitely be it.

The white-steepled church.

Historic buildings.

Local shops.

Covered bridges.

Green Mountains rising behind the village.

It's almost unfair how Vermont-y the place looks.

But Stowe earns my #1 spot because the village is only the beginning.

Explore Stowe

Give yourself time to walk downtown rather than simply driving through.

Browse the shops, grab something to eat, explore the village, and spend some time along the Stowe Recreation Path, a beautiful trail winding beside the river and through the surrounding countryside.

Take a Detour to Moss Glen Falls

Just outside town is one of my favorite quick detours: Moss Glen Falls.

It's a beautiful waterfall that delivers a substantial visual payoff without requiring a major hike.

But whatever you do...

Don't turn around yet.

Drive Smugglers' Notch

Follow Vermont Route 108 north from Stowe and the landscape begins to change.

The road narrows.

The mountains close in.

Then suddenly you're winding between enormous cliffs and glacial boulders in

Smugglers' Notch.

Pull over.

Get out of the car.

Explore.

There are hiking opportunities, enormous rock formations and incredible scenery throughout the Notch, but honestly, the drive itself is part of the adventure.

One important note: the narrow section of Route 108 through Smugglers' Notch closes seasonally during the winter, so check road conditions before planning your drive.

Put Stowe and Smugglers' Notch together and you get villages, mountains, waterfalls, hiking, scenic drives and some of the most iconic scenery in New England.

For me, if you want one experience that captures the magic of Vermont—

this is it.

Planning Your Vermont Trip

The biggest mistake I'd avoid when visiting Vermont is trying to see everything.

Vermont rewards wandering.

Leave space in your itinerary for the farm stand you didn't know existed, the covered bridge you spot from the road, the trail you decide to follow, or the small-town café that wasn't part of the plan.

If you're building a first Vermont itinerary, I'd organize your trip geographically rather than attempting this Top 10 in order.

For example:

Burlington & Shelburne: Burlington Waterfront + Church Street → Shelburne Museum → Shelburne Farms

Central Vermont: Montpelier → Ben & Jerry's → Stowe → Smugglers' Notch

Woodstock & Quechee: Woodstock → Billings Farm → Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller → Sugarbush Farm → Quechee Gorge → VINS → Simon Pearce

Southern Vermont: Hildene + Manchester

Then reserve a day—or several—for Vermont's mountains and state parks.

What Did I Miss?

Any Top 10 list is going to leave something out.

That's part of the fun.

So if you're from Vermont—or you've traveled here before—what would you add?

What restaurant, hike, small town, attraction, swimming hole, brewery, scenic drive, farm, or completely overlooked Vermont experience should first-time visitors know about?

Leave your recommendation in the comments on the video. I may use some of your suggestions for a future Vermont Experiences Most Visitors Miss adventure.

And if you're planning your own trip, subscribe to Divine Eye Adventures on YouTube for more Vermont, New England and worldwide travel guides.

COMING SOON: The Divine Eye Adventures Vermont Travel Companion

I'm developing a more detailed planning guide with suggested itineraries, maps, food stops, practical travel advice, photo locations and other tools to help you turn these ideas into your own Vermont adventure.

Because the best trips aren't just about checking places off a list.

They're about the stories you bring home.