Vermont Family Vacations

My own memories of traveling to Vermont as a child are as fond as any I have -- camping under the stars in the Green Mountains. Norman Rockwell Christmases at my grandparents' horse farm in Woodstock, where the snow drifts were so high we'd tunnel straight through them. Vermont remains a wonderful place to take the family. This great state is kid-friendly, outdoorsy, diverse and remarkably clean -- from the ground to the air. Vermont is one of those places that still feels like a hidden gem, even though it's not. It has nooks, crannies, winding roads and old-fashioned outdoor fun that will take your family back to the good old days.

Traveling Vermont by car is easy and incredibly picturesque -- the state's highways and five designated scenic byways are famously beautiful, particularly during leaf-peeping season. But realistically, a car tour of Vermont isn't on the itinerary for many families traveling with kids. Trains offer a fun alternative, and Amtrak's Vermonter route runs daily from Washington, D.C. to St. Albans, VT, stopping in Burlington and other popular spots.

Also see our Family Ski Vacations section for information on Vermont skiing.