10 Fun Things To Do Near Saint George, Vermont (Chittenden County)
If you’re looking at a map of Vermont and spot the tiny town of
Saint George in
Chittenden County, you might wonder, “Is there actually anything to do there?”
The answer is:
absolutely, yes — especially if you’re willing to explore just a few miles in any direction.
Saint George is one of the smallest towns in Vermont, but it’s tucked right between some of the state’s most interesting places, like
Hinesburg, Williston, Shelburne, and Burlington. That makes it a quiet, home base with easy access to food, culture, hiking, and classic Vermont scenery.
Below are
10 great things to do near Saint George, Vermont, all within a short drive. Whether you’re planning a weekend visit or passing through on a New England road trip, these ideas will help you make the most of your time.
1. Explore Local Trails and Back Roads Right in Saint George
You don’t have to leave town to enjoy your first taste of Vermont.
Saint George is small and rural, with quiet roads, open fields, and peaceful woods. It’s perfect if you like slow travel and simple activities.
- Take a scenic drive: Roll down the windows and wander the back roads around Route 2A and north toward Williston or south toward Hinesburg.
- Morning walk or jog: Saint George’s low-traffic roads make it easy to get a relaxed walk in with views of farms and distant hills.
- Photography: Small barns, maple trees, and rolling fields give you that classic “postcard Vermont” feel, especially in fall.
On one of my own drives through this area, I remember pulling over just to watch the light hit the hills before sunset. No crowds. No noise. Just that quiet, calm feeling Vermont is famous for.
2. Visit Shelburne Museum – Vermont’s Outdoor History Wonderland
About 20–25 minutes from Saint George, the
Shelburne Museum is one of the top things to do in all of Vermont — and it’s perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers.
This isn’t your typical museum with only glass cases and plaques. It’s more like walking through a small historic village.
- 45+ historic buildings: Farmhouses, a jail, a covered bridge, and more, all moved to the property and restored.
- Steamboat Ticonderoga: A full-size 220-foot steamship set on dry land that you can walk through.
- Art & folk collections: Quilts, paintings, weathervanes, and Americana that tell the story of early life in New England.
Plan on spending at least a half day here. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great place to let them roam and explore.
Tip: Check their website for hours and seasonal closures. The museum is usually open from spring through late fall.
3. Relax by the Water at Shelburne Farms & Lake Champlain
Just a bit farther down the road from the museum, you’ll find
Shelburne Farms, a 1,400-acre working farm and educational center right on the shores of
Lake Champlain.
This is one of those spots where you can easily spend a slow, peaceful day:
- Walk the trails: Gentle paths take you through fields, along stone walls, and down to the lake.
- Meet the animals: Kids love seeing cows, chickens, and other farm animals up close.
- Sample the cheese: Their farmhouse cheddar is famous in Vermont — don’t skip the tasting room.
- Soak in the views: On a clear day, you’ll see the Adirondack Mountains across the lake in New York.
If you’re coming from Saint George, it’s an easy and scenic 20–25 minute drive — perfect for an afternoon trip.
4. Spend a Day in Downtown Burlington
No visit to Chittenden County is complete without at least a few hours in
Burlington, about 25–30 minutes northwest of Saint George.
Burlington is Vermont’s largest city, but it still feels walkable and friendly. Start at
Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-only street lined with:
- Cafés and coffee shops
- Local boutiques and outdoor gear stores
- Street performers (especially in summer)
- Casual and sit-down restaurants
From there, walk a few blocks downhill to the
Burlington Waterfront:
- Stroll along the bike path by Lake Champlain.
- Grab an ice cream and sit on a bench to watch the sunset.
- In summer, consider a short boat cruise on the lake.
If you like a mix of local food, live music, and lake views, Burlington is your spot.
5. Hike (or Drive) to Views in Nearby Richmond & Hinesburg
Saint George sits close to some great
low-key hiking areas — perfect if you want to stretch your legs without tackling a huge mountain.
Here are a few nearby options:
- Mount Philo State Park (Charlotte): About 25–30 minutes away. Short but somewhat steep hike to a summit with wide views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. You can also drive to the top in season if you’re not up for the hike.
- Hinesburg Town Forest: Just south of Saint George. A network of wooded trails popular with hikers and mountain bikers. Good for a quiet morning walk.
- Cochran’s area (Richmond): The hills and back roads around Richmond and Cochran’s Ski Area offer nice walking and biking, especially in the fall.
Tip: Bring sturdy shoes, a light jacket (Vermont weather changes fast), and some water. Even short hikes feel more enjoyable when you’re prepared.
6. Go Shopping and Dining in Williston
Just north of Saint George,
Williston offers a handy cluster of stores and restaurants. It’s not a tourist attraction in the classic sense, but it’s a very practical stop — especially on a longer trip.
You’ll find:
- Big-box stores if you need gear or supplies
- Chain and local restaurants for a quick meal
- Grocery stores to stock up on snacks or picnic items
What makes it useful for travelers is the location. Williston sits close to I-89, Burlington, and Saint George, so it’s an easy place to pause, refuel, and plan your next move.
If you’re staying in a nearby rental or campground, Williston is likely where you’ll do most of your “everyday” shopping.
7. Taste Vermont at Local Breweries and Cideries
Vermont is known for its
craft beer, and Saint George is a convenient base for exploring some of the region’s breweries and cider spots.
A few popular stops within about 20–30 minutes include:
- Foam Brewers (Burlington): Great beer right on the waterfront with views of Lake Champlain.
- Zero Gravity (Burlington): Relaxed taproom, food trucks, and a nice variety of beers.
- Citizen Cider (Burlington): For those who prefer cider over beer — fun, casual spot with food and flights.
If you’re visiting in fall, sipping a local cider after a day of leaf-peeping feels especially on-theme.
Important: Always drink responsibly and plan a safe ride back to Saint George. Rural roads can be dark and winding at night.
8. Visit a Vermont Farm Stand or Pick-Your-Own Orchard
One of the best ways to experience Vermont is through its
local food. Around Saint George, you’ll find:
- Roadside farm stands selling seasonal produce
- Pick-your-own apple orchards in late summer and fall
- Maple syrup stands and sugarhouses, especially in spring
Depending on the season, you might pick:
- Strawberries: Early summer
- Blueberries: Mid-summer
- Apples & pumpkins: Late summer into fall
Ask locals or check Google Maps for orchards and farm stands in nearby towns like Hinesburg, Shelburne, and Charlotte. Many places are family-run, and a short chat with the owner can turn into a highlight of your trip.
9. Enjoy Winter Fun: Skiing, Snowshoeing & Cozy Nights In
If you’re visiting Saint George in winter, don’t worry — you’re in a great spot for cold-weather activities.
Within an hour or less, you can reach several popular ski mountains:
- Bolton Valley: Around 45–50 minutes from Saint George. Smaller, family-friendly mountain with night skiing.
- Smugglers’ Notch: Roughly an hour away. Known for its terrain and family programs.
- Stowe Mountain Resort: Just over an hour, depending on roads. Iconic Vermont ski destination.
Closer to Saint George, you can:
- Snowshoe around local forests and back roads
- Cross-country ski at nearby centers (check Hinesburg, Richmond, or Williston)
- Warm up with hot chocolate at a café in Burlington or Williston
Winter in Vermont can be cold, but if you bundle up and lean into it, it feels like stepping into a snow globe.
10. Take a Classic Vermont Foliage Drive in Fall
If you’ve ever seen photos of
golden hills, red maples, and winding roads, there’s a good chance they were taken in a place very much like the area around Saint George.
Fall is when this small town and the surrounding countryside really shine.
Here’s a simple loop you can drive in a few hours:
- Start in Saint George.
- Head south toward Hinesburg and then over to Charlotte.
- Drive up to Mount Philo for a short hike or just the views.
- Continue north toward Shelburne and maybe stop at the museum or farms.
- End the day in Burlington with a sunset over Lake Champlain.
Bring a camera — or just your phone — and take your time. In peak foliage season (usually late September to mid-October), every bend in the road feels like a new postcard.
Planning Your Trip to Saint George, Vermont
A few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
- Getting around: You’ll want a car. Public transit is limited, and many of the best things to do are spread out.
- Where to stay: Look for lodging in Williston, Shelburne, Burlington, or South Burlington for more hotel and rental options.
- Best time to visit:
- Summer: Lakes, hiking, farms, and long evenings.
- Fall: Foliage, crisp air, cider, and iconic Vermont scenery.
- Winter: Skiing, snowboarding, and cozy indoor time.
- Spring: Maple sugaring season and quieter roads.
Saint George itself may be quiet and small, but that’s part of its charm. It sits right at the heart of so many of the best
things to do in Chittenden County, from lakes and mountains to museums and breweries.
What Would You Add to the List?
Have you spent time in or around
Saint George, Vermont?
- Do you have a favorite hiking spot nearby?
- Is there a farm stand, café, or hidden view you love?
Share your experiences in the comments — your tips can help other travelers plan their own Vermont adventure.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are thinking about visiting Vermont. The more people discover these small-town gems, the better.
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