by Greg Winkler

Created on: January 10, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Lord Bryce, the British ambassador and historian, once called Vermont "the Switzerland of America" 1 for its scenic mountains and vistas. This article explores some of the principle scenic, social, and historical sights in the Green Mountain State. This list does not contain purely commercial sites, unless they have some scenic or other importance. Finally, this list is not comprehensive, in that it represents some tourist favorites.

Ethan Allen Homestead: Burlington Visitor's center, garden, and farmhouse where the Revolutionary War hero and patriot lived.

Chester A. Arthur Birthplace: St. Albans No, it's not much to look at. But he was our 21st president, so show a little respect.

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory: Waterbury Center Ok, so this is a purely commercial site. Still, it's such a fun trip for the kids, very informative for the adults. And they do seem to be having a great deal of fun making some very good ice cream.

Bennington Museum: Bennington Most noted for its popular gallery of Grandma Moses paintings, the museum also contains a ten foot ceramic piece created for the 1853 Crystal Palace Exhibition in England, as well as memorabilia from the Revolutionary War Battle of Bennington.

Bingham Falls: Mountain Road, Stowe Off Route 108, a pretty cascade of water down a mountainside.

Brookfield Very pretty, though small community near I-89 in the Montpelier area. Near Sunset Lake and its floating bridge, and a very old library.

Burke Mountain Scenic Drive: E. Burke A 2-1/2 mile drive to the top of this mountain in the northeastern part of the state affords commanding views of the surrounding countryside. Picnic and camping areas and a large state park are adjacent to the mountain.

Craftsbury Common Serene and orderly New England village. Little to do but relax.

Dorset Village: Dorset Quaint town on a New England Green, featuring a writers' colony, the Dorset Inn, the Dorset Playhouse, and pristine colonial architecture. Near Manchester Center on Route 30.

Grafton Village: Grafton Home of two covered bridges, various art galleries, and assorted shops, Grafton also boasts the splendid 1788 Old Tavern, a place to stay and eat traditional New England cooking. But go to Grafton for the beautiful streetscapes.

Hood Museum of Art: Dartmouth Green Wide-ranging and high-caliber collection of art, including American 18th and 19th century artists and Italian masters.

Londonderry An old mill town that has remade itself into a scenic spot with restaurants and shops. Located

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