10 Easy Road Trips From South Barre, Vermont: Iconic Things To Do Nearby
If you’re based in
South Barre, Vermont and craving a change of scenery, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can hit lakes, mountain views, small towns, and some pretty great food.
In this guide, we’ll look at
10 short out‑of‑county road trips from South Barre, focusing on things to do in:
- Addison County, VT
- Caledonia County, VT
- Chittenden County, VT
- Lamoille County, VT
- Orange County, VT
Each idea is a realistic day trip, perfect for a free Saturday, a long lunch, or a low‑key weekend drive.
1. Middlebury & Lake Champlain Overlooks (Addison County)
Middlebury is about an hour southwest of South Barre, and the drive alone is worth it. Rolling farms, distant peaks, and those classic red barns you picture when you think of Vermont.
Once you get there, you can:
- Stroll through downtown Middlebury – small shops, coffee spots, and views of the falls right in town.
- Walk around Middlebury College – a pretty campus with open green spaces and mountain views.
- Head west toward Lake Champlain – follow Route 125 or 23 and you’ll find quiet spots with big lake and Adirondack views.
If you like photography, this area is a dream, especially in late afternoon light. I once pulled over three times in 10 miles just to snap photos of one barn and a single curious cow.
2. Vergennes & Button Bay State Park (Addison County)
A little farther north in Addison County,
Vergennes is Vermont’s smallest city by population, but it packs a lot into a few blocks.
Here’s how to turn it into a full day trip from South Barre:
- Explore downtown Vergennes – grab coffee, poke into local shops, and check out the falls near the center of town.
- Drive to Button Bay State Park – just a short hop west, right on Lake Champlain.
- Walk the shoreline trails – easy, family‑friendly, with wide‑open water views.
Bring a picnic and a blanket. On a clear day, you can see the Adirondacks in New York rising straight up from the other side of the lake. It feels like you’ve gone way farther than about an hour from South Barre.
3. Burlington Waterfront & Church Street (Chittenden County)
If you want a little “city” vibe without leaving Vermont,
Burlington is your go‑to road trip from South Barre. It’s usually around an hour away, depending on your route and traffic.
Once you arrive:
- Walk the Burlington Waterfront – paved paths, benches, and long views over Lake Champlain.
- Visit Waterfront Park – great for kids to run around or just people‑watch.
- Head up to Church Street Marketplace – a pedestrian‑only street with shops, restaurants, and live music in warmer months.
Burlington is one of those
“something for everyone” places. You can grab ice cream, browse outdoor gear shops, or just sit with a coffee and watch street performers. It’s a classic
day trip from South Barre if you want energy and options.
4. Shelburne Museum & Shelburne Farms (Chittenden County)
Just south of Burlington,
Shelburne feels like the countryside but still has major attractions.
Two big stops here:
- Shelburne Museum – a huge, open‑air museum with historic buildings, folk art, gardens, and even a big old steamship. You can easily spend half a day wandering around.
- Shelburne Farms – a working farm and historic estate with walking trails, lake views, and farm animals. The drive in alone, with the long lane and trees, is something special.
If you have kids, this is a terrific place to let them explore. If you’re just a big kid at heart, same thing. Pack comfortable shoes – there’s a lot of ground to cover.
5. Stowe Village & Mountain Views (Lamoille County)
Ask folks around Vermont about the best
scenic drives near South Barre, and
Stowe comes up almost every time. It’s about an hour or so north, but the drive feels shorter with all the mountain views.
In Stowe, you can:
- Walk through Stowe Village – cute shops, a classic white church, and a laid‑back vibe.
- Follow the Stowe Recreation Path – a paved path perfect for walking or biking, with streams and bridges along the way.
- Drive toward the ski area – the road up offers big views, especially in the fall.
On one fall visit, I stopped “just for a quick photo” and ended up standing on a bridge for 20 minutes just watching the leaves fall into the stream. That’s Stowe for you – it slows you down in the best way.
6. Smugglers’ Notch & Scenic Mountain Drive (Lamoille County)
If you love twisting mountain roads and dramatic cliffs,
Smugglers’ Notch is a must‑do road trip from South Barre. It’s near Stowe but feels wilder and more rugged.
Plan to:
- Drive the Notch road (seasonal) – narrow, winding, and packed with rock walls and boulders. Not recommended for large vehicles.
- Pull off at overlooks – there are spots where you can park, stretch your legs, and soak in the views.
- Try a short hike – there are trails of different lengths if you want to get off the road for a bit.
If you’re into fall foliage, this area is like driving through a postcard. Just remember, this road usually closes in winter, so check conditions before you go.
7. Peacham & Classic Vermont Backroads (Caledonia County)
Looking for a quiet, slow‑paced trip? Head to
Peacham in Caledonia County, east of South Barre. It feels like the Vermont you see on calendars: white church, rolling fields, and big hills in the background.
Things to enjoy:
- Wander the village – small, peaceful, and very photogenic.
- Explore nearby dirt roads – you’ll find barns, farm stands, and wide views.
- Pack a picnic – there are many spots where you can pull over and just sit in the quiet.
If you like taking Sunday drives just for the fun of it, this is your kind of place. Don’t rush it – half the charm is just slowing down and seeing what you find.
8. St. Johnsbury’s Culture & Trails (Caledonia County)
Also in Caledonia County,
St. Johnsbury offers more to “do” while still giving you that small‑town Vermont feel.
Plan your visit around:
- Downtown St. Johnsbury – historic buildings, local shops, and a walkable main street.
- Local arts and museums – the town has more culture than you’d expect for its size.
- Nearby walking trails – great for stretching your legs after the drive from South Barre.
This makes a nice
day trip from South Barre if you want a mix of indoor and outdoor options, especially on days when the weather is a bit iffy.
9. Rural Orange County Drives & Farm Stands (Orange County)
Orange County lies just east of South Barre, and while it doesn’t have big cities, that’s exactly the charm. It’s perfect for a low‑key afternoon when you don’t want to drive too far.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Follow the backroads – let yourself wander. Take turns you wouldn’t normally take and see where they go.
- Look for farm stands – in season, you’ll often see small stands selling maple syrup, veggies, or flowers, often on the honor system.
- Stop for photos – you’ll find pastures, old barns, and quiet hilltop views.
Think of this trip as a reset button. No big agenda, just a slow drive, maybe a coffee in a small village, and the kind of quiet you can’t buy.
10. Orange County Covered Bridges & River Views (Orange County)
If you love old‑school New England charm, a
covered bridge road trip through Orange County is a fun way to spend a day.
You can:
- Map out a few covered bridges – there are several scattered around the county.
- Follow the rivers – many bridges cross streams or rivers, so you get water views too.
- Pack a simple lunch – find a pull‑off by the water and enjoy a sandwich with a view.
Covered bridges are kind of like snowflakes – they all look similar at first, but once you start paying attention, each one has its own character.
Tips For Easy Road Trips From South Barre, VT
To keep your
Vermont day trips simple and fun, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check the weather – mountain roads and lakes look very different in fog or rain.
- Bring layers – even in summer, evenings can get cool near lakes and in higher elevations.
- Fill up your gas tank – some backroads don’t have many stations.
- Download maps – cell service can drop in rural and mountain areas.
- Give yourself extra time – you’ll want to stop for photos and views along the way.
Ready To Hit The Road From South Barre?
Living in or visiting
South Barre, Vermont puts you within easy reach of lakes, mountains, farms, and small towns. Whether you’re heading to Burlington’s waterfront, Stowe’s mountain views, or the quiet backroads of Orange and Caledonia counties, there’s a
short road trip that fits your mood.
Have you taken any of these drives? Do you have a favorite stop I didn’t mention?
Share your tips and stories in the comments – and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a Vermont getaway. The more ideas we all swap, the better our next road trip from South Barre will be.
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