10 Easy Road Trips Near Saint George, Vermont (That Take You Out of Chittenden County)
If you live in or near
Saint George, Vermont, you already know how beautiful this corner of the state is. But maybe you’ve hit all your local favorites and you’re wondering, “Where else can we go for the day without driving forever?”
Good news: you’re surrounded by amazing places in nearby counties like
Addison, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Washington in Vermont, and
Clinton and Essex Counties just across the lake in New York.
All of these ideas are:
- Out of Chittenden County (on purpose!)
- Doable as day trips from Saint George
- Great for couples, families, and solo explorers
Let’s hit the road.
1. Middlebury, VT – College Town Charm & Riverside Strolls (Addison County)
One of the simplest road trips from Saint George is down to
Middlebury in Addison County, about 35–45 minutes away depending on your route.
Walk around the
Middlebury town center, and you’ll find:
- A classic New England downtown with brick buildings and small shops
- Views of the falls on Otter Creek right by the center of town
- Cozy cafés where you can warm up with coffee and a pastry
If you like a gentle walk, follow the paths by the river and through the
Middlebury College campus. In fall, the colors are hard to beat. In winter, the town feels like a snow globe.
Road-trip tip: Plan a late lunch or early dinner. Parking is usually easier then, and you’ll miss the mid-day rush.
2. Lake Champlain Ferries & Waterfront in Port Kent or Essex, NY (Essex County, NY)
If you’re up for a little variety, head west to
Essex County, New York. The drive plus a ferry ride across
Lake Champlain turns this into a mini-adventure.
Two classic stops:
- Essex, NY – A tiny historic lakeside village with old brick and stone buildings, lake views, and a quiet, laid-back feel.
- Port Kent, NY – A mellow lakeshore spot with access to the water and great views back toward the Green Mountains.
You’ll need to:
- Drive from Saint George to a ferry terminal on the Vermont side (check seasonal schedules in advance).
- Walk around town, grab a snack, and enjoy the slower pace.
Ferry rides themselves are half the fun—windows down, wind in your face, and the mountains showing off on both sides of the lake.
Road-trip tip: This makes a nice summer or fall outing. In winter, be sure to confirm which ferries are running.
3. Plattsburgh, NY – Beach Town Vibes & History (Clinton County, NY)
Looking for something with more going on? Head for
Plattsburgh in
Clinton County, New York.
This small city along Lake Champlain offers:
- City Beach in warm weather – a long sandy stretch that feels surprisingly coastal
- Historic sites and museums focused on the War of 1812 and local history
- Plenty of places to grab a burger, pizza, or a sit-down meal
From Saint George, you’ll drive to a Vermont ferry, sail across to the New York side, then head up the shore to Plattsburgh. It feels like a full “out of state” vacation, even if you’re just gone for the day.
Road-trip tip: Pack a small cooler with drinks and snacks. Between the drive and ferry time, you’ll be glad to have them.
4. Vergennes & Lake Champlain Lookouts (Addison County, VT)
Don’t overlook tiny
Vergennes, Vermont’s “smallest city,” in Addison County. It’s less than an hour from Saint George and has a cozy, small-town feel.
Things to enjoy:
- Strolling Main Street with its shops and restaurants
- Heading out to viewpoints along Lake Champlain for stunning sunsets
- Checking out the falls by the bridge for a quick photo stop
This is one of those places where the joy is in slowing down. My favorite kind of visit here is simple: walk, sit by the water, grab dessert, head home feeling reset.
Road-trip tip: Combine Vergennes with another Addison County stop (like Middlebury) for a full day loop.
5. Stowe, VT – Classic Mountain Getaway (Lamoille County)
When people think of a
Vermont road trip, they often picture
Stowe. From Saint George, it’s usually about an hour, depending on traffic and weather.
What you can do:
- Walk through the village with its postcard-perfect church steeple and shops
- Drive along the Mountain Road toward the ski resort for sweeping views
- Visit breweries, bakeries, and cafés for local flavor
In winter, you’ll see people coming and going with skis and snowboards. In summer and fall, it’s all about hiking, biking, and leaf-peeping.
Road-trip tip: Go early in the day during foliage season. Parking fills up fast, and traffic can slow way down.
6. Waterbury, VT – Ice Cream, Coffee, and a Chill Small-Town Feel (Washington County)
Just beyond Chittenden County, in
Washington County, you’ll find
Waterbury, a fun stop you can pair with Stowe or enjoy on its own.
Highlights include:
- A lively downtown with restaurants, bars, and local shops
- Nearby food and drink spots (think craft beer and comfort food)
- Easy access to trails and river views just outside town
Waterbury has a relaxed, friendly feel that makes it a great place to wander with no firm plan. It’s the kind of town where you park once and just see where the day takes you.
Road-trip tip: This is a good “rainy day” choice—plenty of indoor places to hang out even if the weather isn’t perfect.
7. Montpelier, VT – The Nation’s Smallest Capital City (Washington County)
Drive about an hour southeast from Saint George and you’ll reach
Montpelier, the capital of Vermont, also in Washington County.
What makes Montpelier special?
- A gold-domed State House that looks straight off a postcard
- A walkable downtown with bookstores, cafés, and local restaurants
- Tree-lined streets and a very mellow, friendly vibe
It’s fun to wander, peek into shops, and maybe grab a window seat at a café to people-watch for a bit. If you like small cities that still feel like big towns, Montpelier fits the bill.
Road-trip tip: If you’re visiting on a weekday, meter and lot parking can fill up. Aim for earlier in the day for less stress.
8. Island-Hopping in the Champlain Islands (Grand Isle County, VT)
Northwest of Saint George lies
Grand Isle County, a string of islands in
Lake Champlain linked by bridges and causeways. It feels like a different world, but it’s still an easy drive.
As you drive through places like:
- South Hero
- Grand Isle
- North Hero
you’ll find:
- Lakeside pull-offs with wide-open views of the water
- Roadside farm stands in season
- Picnic spots perfect for a slow afternoon
Rolling down the car windows and cruising along the lake is half the fun here. It’s a peaceful, low-effort road trip that still feels special.
Road-trip tip: Pack a picnic and a blanket. There are plenty of spots where you’ll want to stop and linger.
9. Swanton & the Northern Lake Shore (Franklin County, VT)
Head north into
Franklin County and you’ll reach
Swanton and the northern reaches of Lake Champlain. This area feels a little quieter and less touristy than spots farther south.
You can:
- Explore small parks and lakeside viewpoints
- Check out the village area for a quick snack or coffee
- Drive along back roads to discover your own favorite views
This is a great choice if you like unplanned exploring. I’ve had some of my best drives just turning down a side road “to see where it goes.”
Road-trip tip: Download directions before you go if you like to wander—cell service can be hit or miss on some back roads.
10. Morrisville & Back Roads Near the Lamoille River (Lamoille County, VT)
Just beyond Stowe, or reached directly from the Saint George area by back roads,
Morrisville in Lamoille County makes a relaxed final stop on this list.
Here you’ll find:
- A small, down-to-earth downtown
- Easy access to the Lamoille River and nearby trails
- Pretty views of rolling hills and farm country
It doesn’t try to be a tourist hotspot—and that’s part of its charm. You can grab a coffee, wander a bit, and use it as a base to explore the surrounding countryside.
Road-trip tip: Consider looping: Saint George → Waterbury → Stowe → Morrisville → back home. It makes for a satisfying full-day circle drive.
Planning Your Road Trips from Saint George
To keep your out-of-county adventures from Saint George fun and stress-free, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Check the weather – Mountain and lakeside areas can feel cooler and change faster than you expect.
- Know ferry schedules – If you’re heading to Clinton or Essex County in New York, confirm times before you leave.
- Bring layers – A light jacket or hoodie in the car never hurts in Vermont and upstate New York.
- Fill the gas tank first – Some stretches between towns can feel pretty rural.
You don’t need a complicated plan. Pick one or two spots, leave some room for detours, and see where the day leads you.
Where Will You Go Next?
Living near
Saint George, Vermont means you’re in a perfect launching spot for quick journeys into:
- Addison County for historic towns and river views
- Franklin & Grand Isle Counties for quiet lakeside drives
- Lamoille & Washington Counties for mountain scenery and classic Vermont villages
- Clinton & Essex Counties, New York for a fun “out-of-state” day without a long drive
Which of these 10 out-of-county road trips are you most excited to try first?
Share Your Favorite Road Trip from Saint George
Have you done any of these drives from Saint George? Do you have your own go-to day trip in Addison, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Washington, Clinton, or Essex Counties?
Tell us about it in the comments—your ideas can help other travelers plan their next getaway.
And if you found this guide helpful, please:
- Share it with friends and family who live in Vermont or visit often.
- Post it to your social media or travel groups so more people can discover these easy road trips.
The best Vermont adventures often start with a simple question: “Want to go for a drive?”
Comments
Post a Comment