10 Easy Road Trips Near Websterville, Vermont (Outside Washington County)
If you’re staying in or around
Websterville, Vermont and you’re itching to explore a little farther, you’re in the perfect spot. Within about an hour or so, you can reach mountains, swimming holes, covered bridges, breweries, and classic small towns—all without setting foot in Washington County.
Every trip on this list heads into one of these nearby Vermont counties:
Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, or Orange. Think of Websterville as your home base for a bunch of short, scenic road trips.
1. Burlington & Lake Champlain (Chittenden County)
Burlington is the kind of place you can visit any time of year and still find something fun to do. It’s about an hour from Websterville, depending on the route and traffic, and the drive itself gives you those classic Vermont views—rolling hills, barns, and long stretches of open road.
Once you’re there, don’t miss:
- Church Street Marketplace – A pedestrian-only street filled with shops, cafés, and street performers. It’s great for people-watching and grabbing a coffee.
- Waterfront Park – Stroll along Lake Champlain, sit on a bench, and watch the sailboats. On a clear day, you can see the Adirondacks across the water.
- Sunset at the lake – Bring a light jacket, find a spot by the water, and enjoy one of the best sunsets in Vermont.
If you’re wondering where to start a road trip from Websterville, Burlington is an easy first choice—city vibes, lake views, and good food, all wrapped into one.
2. Stowe & Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Drive (Lamoille County)
From Websterville, head north into
Lamoille County, and you’ll land in
Stowe, one of Vermont’s most famous mountain towns. It’s roughly an hour away by car, but you’ll probably want extra time for photo stops.
Here’s what makes this road trip special:
- Stowe Village – A postcard town with white steeples, small shops, and cozy cafés. It feels like walking onto a movie set.
- Stowe Recreation Path – A flat, paved trail about 5.3 miles long. Great for walking, biking, or just taking a short stroll with mountain views.
- Smugglers’ Notch – A narrow, winding road through huge boulders and steep cliffs. In fall, the foliage here is incredible.
If you like scenic drives and mountain air, this is the kind of day trip that makes you think, “Yep, this is why people love Vermont.”
3. Ben & Jerry’s, Cold Hollow Cider & More in Chittenden & Lamoille
If you’re traveling with kids—or you just really love ice cream—this loop will make your day. You’ll dip into both
Chittenden and
Lamoille Counties.
Make this your food-and-fun road trip:
- Ben & Jerry’s Factory (Waterbury, Chittenden County side of the area) – Take a factory tour (seasonal, so check ahead), grab a fresh scoop, and visit the quirky “Flavor Graveyard.”
- Cold Hollow Cider Mill (nearby) – Hot cider, fresh cider donuts, and shelves full of local Vermont products.
- Drive up toward Stowe – Even if you don’t go all the way to town, the views from the road are worth it.
This is an easy, low-stress day trip from Websterville, Vermont, with short drives between each stop and plenty of snacks along the way.
4. Middlebury’s College Town Charm (Addison County)
Head southwest into
Addison County and visit
Middlebury, a classic New England college town set along the falls of Otter Creek. The ride from Websterville usually takes a little over an hour, depending on your route.
Things to check out:
- Downtown Middlebury – Small shops, bookstores, and cafés line the streets. It has that relaxed, walkable feel.
- Otter Creek Falls – Right in town, you can see the rushing falls from several viewpoints.
- Middlebury College campus – Open lawns, old stone buildings, and nice walking paths.
If you like mellow towns with a bit of history and a lot of charm, Middlebury makes a great out-of-county road trip from Websterville.
5. Lake Dunmore & Branbury State Park (Addison County)
If you’re visiting in late spring, summer, or early fall, a day by the water might be exactly what you need.
Lake Dunmore and
Branbury State Park sit in Addison County, about an hour or so from Websterville, depending on the roads you choose.
What you can do there:
- Swim or relax on the beach – There’s a sandy area with spots to spread out a towel or set up a chair.
- Picnic – Pack a cooler with sandwiches and snacks and find a table with a lake view.
- Hiking nearby – Short trails head into the woods and up the hills around the lake.
The combination of mountains and water makes this one of the more peaceful day trips you can take from Websterville, Vermont.
6. Montpelier’s Neighbors to the East: Orange County Back Roads
While Washington County is off-limits for this list, you can still explore just beyond it into
Orange County. A short, scenic drive east from the Websterville area puts you into quiet countryside that feels a world away.
Ideas for your Orange County wander:
- Back road drives – Just cruising along winding roads, you’ll find classic farm views, red barns, and wide-open fields.
- Roadside farm stands – In season, look for small stands with fresh veggies, maple syrup, or homemade baked goods. Bring cash—many are honor-system style.
- Photo stops – This isn’t about one big attraction; it’s more about slowing down and enjoying the scenery.
If you like unplanned exploring, Orange County is perfect. Sometimes the best “things to do near Websterville” are simply turning down that side road just to see where it goes.
7. Caledonia County: St. Johnsbury & the Fairbanks Museum
Drive northeast from Websterville and you’ll eventually reach
St. Johnsbury in
Caledonia County. The ride usually takes around an hour to an hour and a half, depending on your route.
Make time for:
- Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium – A historic building packed with natural history displays and a charming small-town planetarium.
- Walks around town – St. Johnsbury has that old New England feel, with churches, older homes, and tree-lined streets.
- Local cafés – Stop for coffee or a simple lunch before you head back.
This road trip is great if you want a mix of learning, indoor activities, and a relaxed small-town vibe.
8. Kingdom Trails & Burke Mountain Area (Caledonia County)
If you enjoy being active outdoors, consider heading a bit deeper into Caledonia County toward the
Kingdom Trails and
Burke Mountain area. This can stretch into more of a full-day adventure from Websterville, but it’s worth the drive.
You don’t have to be an extreme athlete to enjoy this region:
- Scenic drives – Even if you don’t hit the trails, the roads around East Burke and Burke Mountain are beautiful.
- Hiking – Look for shorter hikes if you’re not up for something intense. You’ll still get big views.
- Village visits – Small towns in this part of Vermont have a “hidden gem” feel—quiet, friendly, and very local.
If you’ve ever wanted to see what people mean by “The Northeast Kingdom,” this road trip from Websterville is a good introduction.
9. Smuggler’s & Craft Beer in Chittenden County
Chittenden County isn’t just about Burlington. If you’re into craft beer, local food, and scenic rides, it makes for a fun and flexible day on the road from Websterville.
Try building a relaxed loop that might include:
- Local breweries – The greater Burlington area is known for its beer scene. Look for taprooms and tasting rooms where you can try a flight.
- Food trucks or casual restaurants – Many brewery areas have easy places to grab a burger or tacos.
- Side roads with views – Combine your tasting stops with a slow drive along back roads to soak in the Green Mountains.
Just remember to plan ahead for a safe driver if you’re sampling beer. The goal is to enjoy Vermont’s flavors, not race through them.
10. Morrisville & the Quieter Side of Lamoille County
If you like the idea of visiting the Stowe area but want something a bit more low-key, point your car toward
Morrisville in
Lamoille County. It’s a smaller town that often gets less attention, which is exactly what makes it relaxing.
Here’s why this makes a nice little road trip from Websterville:
- Less crowded – Fewer people than the busier resort towns, so it’s easier to slow down.
- Local diners and cafés – Grab a simple breakfast or lunch and chat with the locals.
- Easy side trips – From Morrisville, you can explore nearby country roads and find plenty of classic Vermont scenery.
This is a great “no-rush” day: drive, eat, wander, repeat.
Tips for Making the Most of Road Trips from Websterville
To keep your trips fun and stress-free, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check the weather – Mountain and lake areas can feel cooler than Websterville, even on the same day.
- Bring layers – A light jacket or sweatshirt helps, especially near Lake Champlain or in higher elevations.
- Fill your gas tank early – Some rural areas don’t have many gas stations.
- Download maps – Cell service can be spotty on certain back roads.
- Pack snacks and water – Even if you plan to eat out, it’s nice to have something on hand.
From lakes and mountains to small towns and farm stands,
Websterville, Vermont is surrounded by easy road trip options in Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, and Orange Counties. You can head in almost any direction and find something worth exploring.
Share Your Vermont Road Trip Ideas
Have you taken a favorite day trip from Websterville or somewhere nearby? Maybe you discovered a tiny town store, a quiet swimming spot, or a lookout you almost didn’t stop for.
- What was your best short road trip from this area?
- Which county do you enjoy exploring the most?
Drop your stories and tips in the comments—your ideas can help other travelers plan their own Vermont adventures. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a trip to Websterville, Vermont. The more we share, the easier it is for everyone to discover those special, out-of-the-way places.
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