The Best Vermont Travel Destination For Retirees
It's finally fall. The leaves are changing color, the days are getting colder, and you can finally wear that comfy sweater and hat. Students have gone back to school, and many are returning to regular work hours. This means that, as a senior, the world is your oyster. New England is famous for its autumn foliage, with the forests turning stunning shades of orange, red, and yellow. But even as the weeks pass and it gets even colder, Vermont still holds onto its beauty right through winter. With popular landmarks like Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, as well as adorable covered bridges, delicious maple syrup, and some of the coziest bed and breakfasts in the nation, it's the perfect place for a weekend getaway. And with its close proximity to New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, and the Canadian province of Quebec, it's an easy trip to make, especially if your driving days are behind you, since there are train, boat, plane, and bus options.
Burlington
Enjoy lakeside strolls and dinner cruises in Burlington, located right on the shores of Lake Champlain and across from the state of New York. Hire a sailing or fishing charter, or take a boat cruise such as the Spirit of Ethan Allen. Walk the pier at sunset or admire the boats docked in the marina. The main harbor is right downtown, so getting from lake activities to fabulous restaurants and shops takes no time at all. Plus, there is a wide range of stores that offer senior discounts, such as the Burlington Coat Factory and Church Street Marketplace. Walk the paths through Waterfront Park, or spend the day at one of the many beaches, including North Beach's sandy shores, Red Rocks Beach, and Texaco Beach. There are also plenty of parks, such as Sand Bar State Park and Rock Point Trails. Take part in activities such as kayaking, fly fishing, paddleboarding, and more, but make sure to dress for the weather as the days get cooler.
For dinner, take the unique route and hop onboard a tiki boat tour or dine in at Splash at the Boathouse, a floating restaurant. There's also Shanty on the Shore with mouth-watering seafood dishes and Foam Brewers, where you can sip on a draft right next to Waterfront Park. Many of these options are adult-only or have adult-only sections, meaning more peace and quiet for your enjoyment. Call it a night with waterside accommodations like Courtyard Burlington Harbor or North Beach Campground if you're traveling by RV.
Woodstock
Embrace history in the sleepy town of Woodstock, where Vermont comes to shine. Tour the three covered bridges or walk the trails along the Ottauquechee River. Learn about the Woodstock Railway, which operated from 1875 to 1933. At the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, wander the grounds, including the gardens and the 550-acre forest, and snap some pictures of the stunning mansion. Other hotspots include the Norman Williams Public Library, built in 1883, Billings Farm and Museum with its 1890 farmhouse, the Old Windsor Constitution House, President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, and the Woodstock Heritage Center. Even just shopping in town, you'll come across decades-old buildings, such as the Clover Gift Shop, established in 1928, and the Yankee Bookshop, which first appeared in 1935. And don't worry; many of the trails and popular hotspots have paved walkways, ramps, and accessible entrances, so even if you're in a wheelchair or walker, you can experience your trip to its full extent.
For dinner, stop in at Barnard Inn Restaurant, located inside a building originally built in 1796! Then check in at either the Village Inn of Woodstock, with its iconic Victorian Era red and yellow exterior, or the Woodstocker B&B inside an old farmhouse.
Stowe
Bring the camera, warm coats, and when the snow falls, some skis because Stowe is a mountain-lover's dream. Here, you can find the Stowe Mountain Resort, home to restaurants such as the Cliff House with panoramic views, sightseeing gondolas, skating, shopping, and, of course, dozens of trails for skiing. They also offer military discounts on lift passes, so Veteran retirees can save their money for the other fun opportunities Stowe has in store. Other popular areas include Moss Glen Falls, Candy Hill Forest, Wiessner Woods, and Sterling Falls Gorge. Look forward to exhilarating activities like snowmobiling, dogsledding, ice fishing, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and even helicopter tours.
In town, enjoy spas, luxury shopping, and delicious eats. Pick up supplies for a picnic at Edelweiss Mountain Deli or something sweet at Stowe Bee Bakery and Cafe. Pamper yourself at the Body Lounge, and afterward, sit down to a drink at either Alpine Hall with a sleek cocktail or some hard cider at Stowe Cider. Let your head hit the pillow at fantastic options like Meadowstone Manor with an outdoor pool or the Austrian-inspired Innsbruck Inn. There's also Stowe Cabins in the Woods for those who really want to escape into nature. There are also cabins without stairs leading up to them, so if you are unable to climb steps, you can still relax in these adorable getaways.
Manchester
It isn't a trip to Vermont without getting lost in the beauty of the outdoors, and Manchester has endless opportunities. Enjoy the bountiful trails at state parks such as Emerald Lake, which has bridges and lush forests, or Lake Shaftsbury, which features camping and a beach. There's also Lowell Lake State Park, where you can sit by the water and relax. Manchester is also extremely close to the state of New York, and a short drive takes you to two state forests, including Eldridge Swamp and Mount Tom. Back in Vermont, check out the stunning Lye Brook Falls or Hamilton Falls. If the leaves still haven't fallen, experience the vibrant colors of fall at Merck Forest or Winhall Municipal Forest. Manchester also has plenty of chances for scenic drives, with roads going through covered bridges and along panoramic viewpoints. For those who have trouble walking for long periods of time or are worried about the state of the trails, you can journey to and close to all of these hotspots in the comfort of your vehicle or enlist the help of a dedicated tour company, such as Catamount Tours and Backroad Discovery Tours with their custom busses.
After a day of exploring, head back into town for some shopping at retailers like the Vermont Flannel Company and Northshire Book Store, or pick up something for dinner at the Italian Market of Manchester. Then, check-in at the Wilburton Inn so you can recharge for another day of adventuring tomorrow.
Ludlow
If you're in need of a self-care trip or just want an excuse to pamper yourself, Ludlow is the place to go for endless chances at relaxation and serenity. Here, you'll find the Okemo Mountain Resort, with 120 ski trails and 20 chairlifts in the winter and scenic chairlift rides in the summer. Just like Stowe, they offer military discounts for veterans as well. It is also home to Summit Cafe, with panoramic mountaintop views, Coleman Brock Tavern, with farm-to-table choices, and the Fox Run Golf Course. It also features the Spring House, with a pool, hot tub, and yoga classes so you can feel all that tension slowly leave your body. There is also plenty of parking, with options right near the doors, and dedicated to those needing a handicap spot.
Another area to consider is Jackson Gore Village, with the Jackson Gore Inn. Here, you can find a heated outdoor pool, firepits, and in-room jacuzzis. This part of the resort is also less popular amongst families and more aimed at seniors, so you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
In town, reserve a slot at the Calm Moments Massage Studio or at Jasper Forest, where you can take part in red light therapy, an oxygen bar, yoga, and holistic health. Castle Hill Resort and Spa features stunning New England charm, as well as long-term rental condos if you just can't bring yourself to leave. Their spa also offers full body massages, scalp massages, hot stone massages, deep tissue massages, facials, and peels. After, sit down to some French-inspired fine dining at the Castle Dining Room, or sit down for a chat in the Castle Library.
Killington
If you love to golf, Killington is a great place to get in a game or two while enjoying the area's natural beauty. Book a tee time at Green Mountain National Golf Course, rated #1 in Vermont for public courses. It's been carved into the mountains, providing a challenging yet thrilling game with endless viewpoints, a secluded feel, and 18 holes to conquer. They also have a golf shop, beverage cart, and Gracie's Grill for an after-game meal. Another course is the Killington Golf Course, with club rentals, tournaments, a beverage cart, a pro shop, and a 12,000 sqft putting green. They also have the Clubhouse Bar and Grill, where you can tally up your score and sip on some Vermont draft. Both courses are highly respected and not aimed towards younger crowds, requiring a dress code to be followed and a certain prestige to be upheld so that older golfers who want to enjoy the luxury of the game can feel at ease.
After a day of golfing, consider taking a trip to one of the must-see spots around town, such as the scenic gondola ride up Killington Peak. Then, sit down to dinner at The Wobbly Barn for some amazing steaks or Prestons for a fine dining experience. Accommodation options include the Killington Grand Hotel, which is located right next to the golf course and has a heated outdoor pool for your enjoyment. They offer accessible rooms, as well as rooms that accommodate service animals. Other senior-friendly amenities include valet parking, pool lifts, and accessible saunas, and valet parking. There's also Inn at Long Trail, featuring McGraths Distillery and Irish Pub.
Middlebury
Looking to relax and enjoy sampling new wines, craft beers, or spirits? Middlebury is the perfect spot for seniors looking to take it easy while exploring Vermont’s delicious drink scene.
Vermont is known for its cider, and Woodchuck Cider lives up to that, with 20 flavors to choose from and an accessible entrance and tours. Windfall Orchard Market also carries some yummy cider options, as well as pizza, apples, and veggies. If you prefer wine, check out Lincoln Peak Vineyard, which has ten wines, tastings, charcuterie options, grape picking, and live music. For the mead drinkers, head to Golden Rule Mead, which currently has 13 options available. For beer lovers, try Drop-In Brewing Company, featuring a tasting room and six brews on tap shown on their website, with many of them available for purchase while you're there. Other options include Two Brother's Tavern, Morgan's Tavern at the Middlebury Inn, Mister Ups Restaurant and Pub, and Hare and the Dog, which has craft beer, wine, and spirits.
Sleep it off at Swift House Inn or The Stone Mill Lodgings, with the Shops at the Stone Mill for some fantastic shopping. If you're up to it, head to the Ralph Myhre Golf Course in the morning, where you can stop by Tavern on the Tee afterward for some amazing brisket.
Montpelier
If you enjoy festivals, fairs, performances, or local events, Montpelier has plenty to offer for seniors looking to explore at their own pace. As Vermont’s capital city, Montpelier is full of life all year long, and one of the perks of retirement is the freedom to plan visits around these exciting happenings.
Enjoy delicious eats at the Taste of Montpelier in September, or take part in some Christmas shopping at Moonlight Magic. Sign up for the Autumn Onion Costume Race, or brave the Enchanted Forest around Halloween. There's also the Barr Hills Fermentation Festival, Ice on Fire with a Christmas Tree Bonfire, Do Good Fest, which raises money for cancer, and FurFest for the humane society.
That's not all! There's also Poem City, plays at the Lost Nation Theater, arthouse films at the Savoy Theater, and art walks throughout the year. The Green Mountain Film Festival is a must for movie lovers. For music lovers, check out concert series like Parkapalooza, Brown Bag Concert Series, Capital City Concerts, and Farmers Night Series. You can also catch some live music at The Three Penny Taproom or Bent Nails Bistro.
Hopefully, by now, you're fully convinced you need that Vermont vacation, and with such amazing options for every category of travel, how could you not? Seniors from all corners of the US will love the luxury resorts and spas, championship golf courses, breweries, and so much more. Vermont isn't just covered bridges, apples, and syrup, though make sure to experience those as well, and maybe bring home a flannel or two for safe measures.
