Top 5 Bucket List Ideas – Vermont

Vermont is a well known state in the New England region of the United States, for a variety of reasons. It’s a great destination on vacation since it has a ton of offerings in any age group or interest range. But, it’s also home for hundreds of thousands of individuals and their families.

If you’re looking for a beautiful state for sightseeing drives, gorgeous hikes, unique covered bridges, changing leaves in the fall, skiing in the winter, and so on; you’ve found the place. But what must you absolutely see or do in Vermont, as a local or as a tourist? What keeps people visiting this state year after year? Here are the top five bucket list ideas for anybody wanting some inspiration while considering or visiting this spot.

Dog Mountain

If you have a furry friend or enjoy dogs, you won’t want to miss Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury Vermont. This location was owned by artist Stephen Huneck and his wife from 1995 until late 2017 when it exchanged hands to the Friends of Dog Mountain non-profit organization composed of family and friends of Stephen. Stephen created a studio and later developed the idea of the Dog Chapel which opened in 2000.

Over 150 acres of land full of trails, dog ponds, and more are on Dog Mountain. Dogs are welcome and no leash regulations are enforced here, the official rules and regulations for dogs visiting Dog Mountain can be found here. You can visit Dog Chapel on site as well, which is where people tend to remember and pay respects to their lost furry friends. Stephen Huneck’s artwork is also available for purchase online and at the location.

Church Street Marketplace

Burlington Vermont is known for its hustle and bustle as well as plenty of destinations, but Church Street Marketplace is a unique way to step away from the busy city life to check out local cuisine, trinkets, and so much more. This marketplace spans across four blocks and hosts over 100 stores, restaurants, year-round events, and entertainment. The best (and sometimes worst) part of it all is that this marketplace is pedestrian only, no cars and traffic to navigate once here.

This can be a great place for those that love to shop while traveling or Vermont locals that want to spend the day wandering a bunch of great shops and eateries. Parking can be a little bit confusing, but luckily Church Street Marketplace’s website helps guide you through the ins and outs of how to park like a pro and at the best rates while you’re visiting and wandering Burlington’s pedestrian market.

Quechee Gorge

I have been here before, but cannot find my photos!! I will update when I can find them.

Quechee Gorge is probably a bit of a cliche for those of you that are Vermont locals, but there’s plenty of good reasons why this destination is a top bucket list for tourists and locals alike year after year. Considered Vermont’s very own Grand Canyon, Quechee Gorge is in Quechee Vermont and can be driven or hiked and offers many cool shops and restaurants right nearby. Whether you enjoy nature, want unique photos of the gorge, or just want a nice hike, this is it.

This gorge is Vermont’s deepest, and it was carved by glaciers years ago. Quechee Gorge is also its own state park, including a play field, campsites, a hiking trail, picnic areas, restrooms, and coin-operated hot showers. You can pay to spend some time camping in this unique location or just visit for the day and see what the gorge has to offer. For more information about the current conditions, costs, and events check Vermont State Parks’ website.

Robert Frost Stone House Museum

Shaftsbury Vermont has a must stop destination for any poetry lovers that know Robert Frost’s works or anyone with interest in historical figures of any kind. The Robert Frost Stone House Museum is owned by Bennington College and was a home for the author that was later turned into a museum based on his life and works. It has faced hardships and tends to face times of closing or exchanging hands, but Bennington College aims to keep it open for the public.

To find more on the hours of operation and when to visit the Robert Frost Stone House Museum, visit this site. There are membership purchase options or a regular lower fee for entrance to the museum, and the location hosts events as well as tours, educational shows, and more. During the years between 1920 and 1929, Robert Frost resided in this home writing some of his top works that are still read to this day. It’s a truly once in a lifetime visit, just 10 minutes from his grave.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

For something that’s a little more of a combination of the outdoors, history of Vermont, museum experience, and beautiful hiking trails; check out the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock Vermont. Over 25 miles of carriage roads and trails are on this park’s land, as well as a unique mansion, unique historical guides and information, and more. This was begun by a select few individuals interested in land and stewardship and continues now.

The land of this national historical park is part of the unsurrendered homeland of the Abenaki people, and the location as well as its website continues to teach on the history and values of this important Native American tribe of people. You can book a ranger tour, visit for one of the many yearly events and programs, or just wander yourself. For visiting options to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park visit this website.

Even if you’re not the biggest fan of traveling, Vermont can be a great experience at some point in your lifetime. It truly showcases a lot of the classic New England wooded charm since there’s so many acres of untouched land, state parks, conservation sites, hiking trails, and more throughout this state. Vermont can be a great destination time and time again, and if you’re a local, chances are you may find something new to do or add to your bucket list with this starter list too!

Hopefully at least one of these great bucket list ideas may have sparked an interest in you to go travel here or travel with your loved ones as a fun experience, vacation destination, or a way to see something new without getting such a culture shock that overseas traveling brings.