10 Easy Road Trips Near Vergennes, Vermont (That Take You Out of Addison County)
If you’re based in
Vergennes, Vermont and itching to get out of town for the day, you’re in a sweet spot. Within about 1–2 hours, you can reach some of the most charming small towns, mountain views, and lakeside spots in the region—without hopping on a plane or driving all night.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Vergennes that take you into nearby parts of Vermont and New York:
Essex County, NY • Washington County, NY • Chittenden, VT • Orange, VT • Rutland, VT • Washington, VT • Windsor, VT.
All are easy day trips or relaxed overnights, perfect if you’re looking for
things to do near Vergennes, VT.
1. Burlington, VT – Waterfront Strolls & Church Street Energy (Chittenden County)
From Vergennes,
Burlington is about a 40–45 minute drive north, but it feels like a different world. Set right on
Lake Champlain, it’s a great mix of college town and laid-back New England city.
Things to do in Burlington:
- Walk or bike the Burlington Waterfront and watch the sunset over the Adirondacks.
- Grab a coffee and people-watch along the Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-only street full of shops and street performers.
- Hop on the Island Line Trail for a longer bike ride if you brought your wheels.
- Taste your way through local breweries and ice cream shops downtown.
If you’ve been craving a little more buzz after quiet days in Vergennes, Burlington is an easy fix. Park once and explore on foot—everything’s close together and very walkable.
2. Bolton Valley & the Richmond Area – Mountain Air Close to Home (Chittenden County)
Head about an hour northeast and you’ll find
Bolton Valley, tucked right in the Green Mountains. This spot is perfect if you want some mountain time without a long haul.
Why go to Bolton & Richmond:
- Hike scenic trails with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.
- In winter, ski or snowboard without the bigger crowds of the major resorts.
- Stop in Richmond on the way for a snack or coffee in its cozy downtown.
The drive up into Bolton feels like a reset button—trees, fresh air, and that slow, winding climb that tells you you’re officially “away,” even if you left home less than an hour ago.
3. Montpelier, VT – The Smallest State Capital in the U.S. (Washington County, VT)
About an hour and 15 minutes from Vergennes,
Montpelier doesn’t feel like a capital city at all—in the best way. No skyscrapers, no traffic jams; just a compact downtown, a gold-domed State House, and a local vibe.
Highlights in Montpelier:
- Walk the grounds of the Vermont State House and snap a photo of the gold dome.
- Browse independent bookstores and local shops along State and Main Streets.
- Grab lunch at a local café or diner with classic Vermont comfort food.
- Stretch your legs on nearby nature trails right outside town.
If you like low-key, walkable towns with character, Montpelier is a must-do day trip from Vergennes.
4. Stowe, VT – Classic Mountain Getaway (Washington County, VT)
From Vergennes, plan about 1.5 hours to reach
Stowe, one of Vermont’s most famous mountain towns. The drive itself is scenic and sets the tone as you climb into the hills.
Things to do in Stowe:
- Walk the Stowe Recreation Path, a paved trail that winds along fields, farms, and the river.
- Drive up toward Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, for views and hiking.
- Explore Stowe’s classic village center with its white church, shops, and galleries.
- In winter, hit the slopes; in fall, come for some of the best foliage around.
If you’ve seen those picture-perfect Vermont photos with a church steeple, mountains in the background, and blazing fall colors—there’s a good chance they were shot in or near Stowe.
5. Woodstock, VT – Picture-Perfect New England Charm (Windsor County)
About 1.5 to 2 hours southeast of Vergennes,
Woodstock is what many people imagine when they think of a “storybook Vermont village.”
Why Woodstock is worth the drive:
- Stroll over the historic Middle Covered Bridge and along the village green.
- Pop into small galleries, general stores, and cafés around the main square.
- Take a short drive to nearby farms and country roads for classic rural scenery.
- Visit in winter for a cozy, snow-globe feel; in fall for some of the best foliage drives.
This is a great spot if you have visitors in town and want to impress them with a “quintessential Vermont” experience outside Addison County.
6. Rutland & Pico Area – Easy Mountains and Downtown Murals (Rutland County)
Head about an hour south and you’ll reach
Rutland and the nearby
Pico Mountain area. It’s a solid choice for a full day of exploring.
In and around Rutland:
- Walk through downtown Rutland and check out its growing collection of outdoor murals.
- Head over to the Pico and Killington area for hiking, scenic drives, or winter sports.
- Follow backroads to discover small towns and farm stands along the way.
If you like mixing a little outdoor time with a simple downtown stroll, this road trip gives you both without a long, tiring drive.
7. White River Junction – Artsy Vibes at a Historic Crossroads (Windsor County)
Just under 2 hours from Vergennes,
White River Junction has quietly turned into an artsy hub at the intersection of major roads and rivers.
What to do in White River Junction:
- Wander its historic downtown, once a busy railroad center, now full of galleries and studios.
- Catch a show or exhibit if your timing lines up with local events.
- Visit nearby river access points for a peaceful break by the water.
This is a fun pick if you enjoy slightly offbeat places where old brick buildings now house creative spaces and quirky shops.
8. Barre, VT – Granite, Murals, and Working-Class History (Washington County, VT)
About 1 hour and 20 minutes from Vergennes,
Barre offers something a bit different: a look into Vermont’s granite history and a town with a strong working-class backbone.
Reasons to visit Barre:
- Explore the city’s granite heritage through local landmarks and cemeteries known for incredible stonework.
- Walk downtown and check out public art, murals, and small shops.
- Combine this visit with nearby Montpelier in a single day if you’re up for a little extra driving.
If you’re curious about the stories behind Vermont’s stone quarries and immigrant communities, Barre adds a deeper layer to your Vermont road-trip experience.
9. Crown Point & Ticonderoga, NY – History on Lake Champlain (Essex & Washington Counties, NY)
Head west from Vergennes, cross Lake Champlain into New York, and you’ll reach a pair of historic spots:
Crown Point (Essex County) and
Ticonderoga (Washington County). Figure about 45–60 minutes, depending on your route.
Why this NY road trip is special:
- Visit the ruins and grounds of historic forts near Crown Point, with sweeping lake views.
- Continue on to the Ticonderoga area to explore more Revolutionary War history and local museums.
- Enjoy the drive itself, which takes you from Vermont farmland to New York hills.
If you love American history, this out-of-state trip from Vergennes is hard to beat—and you still get home by dinner.
10. Bethel & Royalton Backroads – Quiet Rivers and Country Drives (Orange & Windsor Counties)
For a peaceful day of meandering, head about 1.5 hours southeast into the
BethelRoyaltonWhat you’ll find there:
- Slow, scenic drives along rivers and backroads lined with old farmhouses.
- Small-town centers with classic New England churches and general stores.
- Plenty of spots to pull over, stretch your legs, and just listen to the water and wind.
This is a good choice when you’re not chasing one big attraction and just want to relax, explore, and see where the road takes you.
Tips for Planning Your Vergennes-Area Road Trips
To make the most of these short getaways from Vergennes:
- Keep it flexible: Many of these towns are close together. You can easily combine places—like Montpelier and Barre, or Rutland and Pico—into one loop.
- Check the seasons: Ski areas like Stowe, Pico, and Bolton feel totally different in summer vs. winter. Each season has its own charm.
- Pack basics: Water, snacks, layers, and maybe a blanket. In Vermont and upstate New York, a “quick stop by the lake” can easily turn into a full afternoon.
- Use Vergennes as your base: One of the best parts of living in or visiting Vergennes is how many other places you can reach in under two hours.
Share Your Favorite Road Trip from Vergennes
If you’ve been wondering about
things to do near Vergennes, VT that take you beyond Addison County, these 10 road trips are a great place to start. From mountain towns like Stowe and Bolton to historic New York sites around Crown Point and Ticonderoga, there’s a lot within easy driving distance.
Now it’s your turn:
- Have you taken any of these drives from Vergennes?
- Do you have a favorite hidden spot in Chittenden, Rutland, Washington, Orange, Windsor, or across the lake in New York?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments—locals and travelers alike are always looking for new ideas.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are planning a trip to Vermont or looking for simple weekend getaways from Vergennes. The more we share, the more little towns and backroads get the love they deserve.
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