10 Best Things to Do Near Orleans, Vermont (Orleans County)

on

10 Relaxing Things To Do Near Orleans, Vermont (Perfect For A Laid‑Back Getaway)

If you’re dreaming about quiet back roads, mountain views, and small-town charm, Orleans, Vermont in **Orleans County** is the kind of place that sticks with you. Tucked into Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Orleans is small, friendly, and surrounded by rolling hills, farms, lakes, and covered bridges. It’s the kind of town where you still wave to people as you drive by, and no one thinks that’s strange. Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip from Boston, Montreal, or anywhere in New England, here are 10 relaxing things to do near Orleans, VT that will make you fall in love with this corner of Vermont.

1. Stroll Main Street Orleans & Feel The Small-Town Vibes

Start simple: park the car and walk around downtown Orleans. You won’t find big chains here. Instead, you’ll see local shops, a few places to grab a bite, and neighbors chatting on the sidewalk. It’s quiet, but that’s part of the charm. What to do in town:
  • Pop into a local general store for a coffee or maple treat.
  • Chat with shop owners – they’re often lifelong locals with great tips.
  • Check out community boards for local events, yard sales, or church suppers.
If you like seeing “real” Vermont instead of tourist traps, Orleans is the real deal.

2. Paddle, Fish, or Just Chill at Lake Willoughby

About 15–20 minutes south of Orleans, Lake Willoughby in Westmore is one of the most beautiful lakes in Vermont. Some people even call it “the fjord of the Northeast” because it’s long, deep, and framed by steep cliffs. You’ll find:
  • North Beach: A family-friendly public beach with parking and calm water.
  • Kayaking and canoeing: Bring your own or rent nearby and explore the shoreline.
  • Fishing: The lake is known for trout and salmon.
On a hot July afternoon, the water feels cool and refreshing. You can spread out a blanket, watch the loons, and forget about your email for a while.

3. Hike The Trails Around Willoughby State Forest

If you like hiking, you’ll want to check out Willoughby State Forest, which surrounds Lake Willoughby and lies an easy drive from Orleans. Popular hikes include:
  • Mount Pisgah: A moderate hike with stunning overlooks of Lake Willoughby. The views feel like something out of a postcard.
  • Mount Hor: Another great option with cliffside views and fewer crowds.
Trails can be rocky and steep in spots, so good shoes are a smart idea. On clear days, you can see for miles across the Northeast Kingdom. If you’ve ever wanted to understand why Vermonters love their mountains so much, this will do it.

4. Explore Craft Shops, Cafés, and Art in Newport

Just about 15 minutes north of Orleans is Newport, Vermont, a small city right on Lake Memphremagog and a great place for a half-day trip. Things to do in Newport:
  • Walk along the lakefront path and enjoy the water views.
  • Grab a coffee or ice cream downtown and people-watch.
  • Browse local shops for Vermont-made gifts, crafts, and maple products.
Newport has a relaxed, slightly artsy feel. It’s a nice contrast to Orleans’ quiet back roads and gives you a chance to stretch your legs, try a new café, and maybe pick up some local cheese or maple syrup to bring home.

5. Swim, Picnic, or Snowshoe at Crystal Lake State Park

Just down the road in Barton, only a few minutes from Orleans, you’ll find Crystal Lake State Park. It’s one of those places where families come back year after year. In summer, you can:
  • Swim in the clear, cool water.
  • Enjoy a sandy beach and picnic tables.
  • Launch a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
In winter, the park takes on a quiet, peaceful feel. Locals use the area for walking, snowshoeing, and enjoying Vermont’s snowy landscape. If you’re traveling with kids, this is an easy, no-stress stop near Orleans with bathrooms, parking, and lots of space to spread out.

6. Drive Vermont’s Country Roads and Hunt for Covered Bridges

One of the best “attractions” near Orleans isn’t a single spot at all – it’s the drive. Orleans County is full of:
  • Rolling farmland.
  • Old barns and silos.
  • Mountain views in the distance.
  • Classic New England churches and village greens.
Set aside a morning or afternoon to just wander. Head toward nearby towns like:
  • Barton
  • Glover
  • Irasburg
  • Brownington
Along the way, keep an eye out for:
  • Historic cemeteries and country churches.
  • Roadside farm stands with fresh eggs, veggies, or maple syrup.
  • Occasional covered bridges and old wooden structures.
It’s the kind of slow, scenic driving that makes you roll down the windows and breathe a little deeper.

7. Discover Local History at the Old Stone House Museum

A short, scenic drive from Orleans takes you to Brownington, home of the Old Stone House Museum & Historic Village. If you enjoy local history, this is a must-see. What you’ll find:
  • A striking four-story granite building from the 1800s.
  • Exhibits on the history of Orleans County and the Northeast Kingdom.
  • Old schoolhouses, farm buildings, and artifacts from daily life long ago.
Walking the grounds, it’s easy to imagine what this area felt like 150 years ago. The museum also hosts special events, so it’s worth checking their schedule if you’ll be in the area.

8. Experience Rural Quirks and Local Flavor in Glover

The little town of Glover, about 15–20 minutes from Orleans, has a creative, slightly quirky spirit that surprises a lot of visitors. Depending on the season and day, you might:
  • Visit a small local eatery or farm-to-table spot.
  • Check out community arts events or performances.
  • Drive quiet back roads with classic farm scenery.
Glover and the surrounding area are a good place to experience rural Vermont culture—not big attractions, but real people, real farms, and real life. If you like “hidden gem” towns, add this to your list.

9. Taste Vermont Maple and Farm Fresh Goodies

You can’t come to northern Vermont and skip the maple syrup. Around Orleans and across Orleans County, you’ll see:
  • Maple sugarhouses (especially busy in March and early April).
  • Roadside stands selling maple syrup, candies, and sometimes homemade pies.
  • Small family farms offering cheese, milk, eggs, and seasonal produce.
If you’re visiting in late winter or early spring, ask around about a local sugarhouse where you can:
  • See how sap is boiled down into syrup.
  • Try “sugar on snow” – hot maple poured over fresh snow.
Even in summer and fall, many farms still sell maple products. It’s one of the tastiest souvenirs you can bring back from your trip to Orleans, Vermont.

10. Enjoy Four-Season Outdoor Fun: Biking, Snowmobiling & More

The area around Orleans is a playground for people who love the outdoors, any time of year. Depending on the season, you can:
  • Bike quiet back roads or local trails.
  • Snowmobile on groomed trails that run through Orleans County (VAST trails are big up here).
  • Snowshoe or cross-country ski on fields, forest paths, and local trail networks.
  • Leaf-peep in late September and early October when the hills explode with fall color.
If you’re not sure where to start, ask at a local store or gas station. In places like Orleans, word of mouth is often better than any app.

Planning Your Visit to Orleans, Vermont

Here are a few quick tips to make your trip smoother:
  • Getting there: Orleans is right off Interstate 91 in northern Vermont, making it an easy stop on a New England road trip.
  • Best time to visit: Summer for lakes, fall for foliage, winter for snow sports, and spring for maple season.
  • Where to stay: Look for motels, small inns, cabins, and vacation rentals in Orleans, Barton, Newport, and nearby towns.
Orleans isn’t flashy. That’s exactly why people love it. It’s a genuine, unhurried slice of Vermont, surrounded by lakes, mountains, and friendly faces.

What Would You Do First Near Orleans, VT?

Would you start with a hike above Lake Willoughby? A lazy afternoon at Crystal Lake State Park? Or maybe a slow drive through farm country with a maple creemee in hand? I’d love to hear what sounds most like your style of getaway.
  • Drop a comment below and share your favorite thing to do near Orleans, Vermont—or what you’re most excited to try.
  • If you know someone planning a New England road trip, share this guide with them to help them discover this quiet corner of the Northeast Kingdom.
Here’s to slower days, scenic drives, and finding beauty in the small towns that most people simply pass by.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment