Outdoor Enthusiasts Will Love a Romantic Vermont Honeymoon

A Vermont honeymoon is a wonderful romantic getaway regardless of the time of year. The state is full of beautiful coastal towns, and the water sparkles like a diamond come spring and summer. As the months pass, fall foliage sweeps across the New England state, making the mountain views extra colorful. And when the weather gets chilly, those mountains become prime real estate for winter activities like skiing and snowboarding.

Plan the perfect honeymoon to Vermont with this guide.

Is Vermont Good for a Honeymoon?

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The Green Mountain State is a road trip for many in the northeast (Boston is just a three- to four-hour drive). Southerners and couples living on the West Coast will want to travel by air, and it'll be a longer trek. It'll take at least seven hours by plane to get from San Francisco to Burlington, and about five hours from Houston.

Pros of a Vermont Honeymoon

Vermont will appeal not only to outdoor enthusiasts, but also foodies. The maple syrup tastes sweeter in these parts, and many farm-to-table restaurants serve food that's as fresh as the breezes coming off Lake Champlain.

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Speaking of fresh air, the state is ideal for honeymooners who love the great outdoors. Each season brings opportunities for al-fresco adventures, like walking or biking along hiking trails, skiing and snowboarding. In the winter, ski resorts offer cozy accommodations and easy access to the slopes.

Cons of a Vermont Honeymoon

Although there's plenty to explore indoors, Vermont is best suited for couples who prefer outdoor excursions. While you'll find museums, art galleries and theaters throughout the state, the best itineraries won't be heavy on those activities.

The winter chill brings out top-notch ski conditions, but temperatures often dip into the 20s and below. Couples who prefer warm-weather conditions will want to fly south come winter.

The Best Times of Year to Go on a Vermont Honeymoon for Good Weather

Vermont boasts fun honeymoon itineraries for all four seasons, but those who want to experience the mildest temps should book trips in May–June or September–October. The latter is ideal for leaf peepers.

Places to Visit During a Vermont Honeymoon

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Woodstock

Nestled on the Ottauquechee River, Woodstock exudes historic charm at every turn. The Green, Woodstock's central square, is full of quaint buildings like Norman Williams Public Library, notable for its pink sandstone exterior. Billings Farm & Museum is within walking distance from the town center. About 10 minutes away, newlyweds can satisfy their sweet tooth by tasting maple syrup at Sugarbush Farm.

Woodstock is also a good home base for a day trip to Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow. A 40-minute drive from Woodstock, it's lauded for its skiing and scenic bike trails.

Burlington

Burlington is a small city with plenty to do. Once again, outdoor activities take center stage. The Burlington Bike Path will take you through beaches and parks, offering stunning views of Lake Champlain along the way. Church Street Marketplace is a four-block open-air mall with more than 100 places to shop and dine. History buffs will enjoy exploring the home of a Revolutionary War hero at the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum.

Manchester

Manchester is a southern Vermont town situated in the heart of the Green Mountains. Merck Forest has hiking trails catered to beginners. Take a trip back in time with a tour of Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home. The former estate of President Abraham Lincoln's son, Robert, boasts beautiful gardens, a cheesemaking facility, a goat farm and plenty of room to roam. Come winter, downhill skiers hit the slopes at Bromley and Stratton Mountains, located within driving distance of Manchester.

Things to Do During a Vermont Honeymoon

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Vermont is a romantic honeymoon destination with plenty of fun items to put on your itinerary. It offers opportunities to both relax and enjoy the view and get your hands dirty as you explore.

Go Skiing in Stowe

Stowe is a small town with a big name. Stowe Mountain Resort boasts access to Vermont's highest peak, Mount Mansfield, which is home to the "Front Four" double-black-diamond runs that draw expert skiers. But even beginners can hit slopes like Lower Spruce Peak. After you ski, visit nearby Cork, a romantic wine shop and bar offering tapas.

Go Shopping in Waterbury

Quite simply, this central Vermont village is a quintessential New England town brimming with famous attractions. Ben and Jerry's Factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill and Prohibition Pig are all located in the downtown area and draw locals and tourists alike. There are also plenty of unique mom-and-pop restaurants and shops.

Go Hiking

For a quiet, relaxing day, head to Camel's Hump State Park. At 21,224 acres, Vermont's largest state park has plenty of elbow room and space to take in views of the Green Mountains.

Enjoy the Fall Foliage

Leaf peepers will want to visit Rutland, the third-largest city in Vermont. You'll find it on the western edge of the Green Mountains, and it's home to some of the state's best fall foliage. Green Mountain National Forest boasts a fair share of scenic spots to drive and hike.

Two miles away from Stowe, you'll find the single-lane Gold Brook Covered Bridge, which is a beautiful place for a stroll and offers breathtaking fall foliage views each October.

Get Artsy

Feel like spending a little bit of time indoors? The Norman Rockwell Museum in Rutland houses the world's largest collection of Rockwell art, and nearby Paramount Theater is a historic spot to take in a show.

Best Hotels and Resorts in Vermont for a Honeymoon

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Woodstock Inn and Resort

Woodstock Inn and Resort gets high praise for its luxe and modern amenities inside old-world digs. Elegantly decorated guest rooms include king- and queen-size beds, and some have fireplaces and porches. There's also an on-site spa, tennis courts and a farm-to-table restaurant serving food made with local ingredients.

Castle Hill Resort and Spa

An upscale retreat in Ludlow, Castle Hill Resort seamlessly blends modern elegance and historic beauty in a variety of accommodations. Condominiums offer honeymooners a chance to cook their own romantic dinner in a fully equipped kitchen and then enjoy it by a gas fireplace. The guest rooms are cozy and quaint, with period-style furnishings like four-poster beds and Victorian chairs juxtaposed against flat-screen TVs.

The Lodge at Spruce Peak

This lodge offers easy access to the alpine skiing action in downtown Stowe. During warmer months, guests of The Lodge at Spruce Peak have access to an 18-hole golf course. The spa and farm-to-table restaurant are open year-round, and the guest rooms offer breathtaking mountain views.

Green Mountain Inn

If you believe location is everything, Green Mountain Inn epitomizes prime real estate. It's situated in downtown Stowe, offering easy access to local eateries. Plus, it's a mere 8 miles from Stowe Mountain Resort. Consider springing for a suite to enjoy whirlpool tubs and fireplaces.

Mountain Top Inn and Resort

Mountain Top Inn and Resort is nestled on 350 acres of land between Rutland and Killington. Honeymooners can choose between guest rooms, larger guest houses and cozy cabins. Many have lake and mountain views. An on-site tavern boasts a rustic dining room and an approachable farm-to-table menu. Guests have access to a hot tub, as well as kayak and canoe rentals.

Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor

Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor is located right within Church Street Marketplace, giving couples easy access to all of the unique shops and restaurants. It's also a 10-minute stroll from Waterfront Park, where the views of Lake Champlain are simply breathtaking. The rooms are more contemporary than many of the historic hotels in the Green Mountain State.

What to Pack for a Vermont Honeymoon

When visiting Vermont, you'll want to pack for the season. Spring and fall are transitional periods. Bring cardigans and light jackets for layering. Polos, T-shirts and pants are all appropriate. On warmer days, you may be able to get away with shorts, dresses and skirts. Comfortable shoes for walking, like sneakers or hiking boots, will also come in handy.

Lighter clothes like sundresses, tunics, tanks and thin tees work well for summer honeymoons. Although closed-toe walking shoes are still best for days spent hiking and biking, sandals are great for romantic dinners and strolls through small towns.

If you're heading to Vermont for ski season, prepare to layer up. Cozy sweaters, thermal and moisture-wicking tops, down coats, hats, scarves, waterproof gloves, ski pants and wool socks are essential. A thermos will keep your coffee warm.

Regardless of the season, you'll want to pack sunscreen, a waterproof jacket and an umbrella.