Exploring the sites: unique places to visit in Vermont

Vermont is beautiful country! From the ever-lasting green mountains to historical communities there are activities with things to see and do during your next visit to Vermont. Join guest contributor Linda Wallace as we explore and share some highlights of the top places to stop and explore.

The Shelburne Farm

The Shelburne Farm is a sprawling 1,400-acre property nestled on the shore of Lake Champlain, just a stone's throw away from the vibrant town of Shelburne. This farm isn’t just a place; it’s a living piece of history and a testament to sustainable agriculture. Shelburne Farms, founded in the late 1800s by the famous Vanderbilt family, was once a grand estate where the upper-class lifestyle met the rugged beauty of Vermont's landscape.

As you drive into the grounds, you’re greeted by pastures, towering trees, and beautiful gardens—a feast for the senses. The farm is famous for its commitment to education, focusing on environmental stewardship and community involvement. You can wander through their working farm where everything aligns perfectly with the season. The buildings on the property, many as old as the farm itself, illuminate the lifestyle enjoyed by the family.

One of the highlights of a visit is the cheesemaking facility. Staff craft some incredible artisanal cheeses using milk from their own herd, and you can often catch a whiff of fresh cheese lingering through the air. And yes, there’s tasting involved!

But Shelburne Farms is not just about the delicious treats. It's also a hub for learning. They offer programs for families and kids, teaching them about farming, sustainability, and the environment. Whether it’s through hands-on workshops, school visits, or summer camps, the goal is to inspire a love for the land and its resources.

And if you’re seeking a little adventure, there are miles of trails for hiking or biking, all showcasing breathtaking views of the lake and the distant Adirondack Mountains. Walk by the plethora of farm animals and no doubt, you’ll catch a glimpse of wildlife as well. 

If you’re looking for housing during your visit to Vermont, during spring/summer months you can stay at the Inn and enjoy rustic accommodations where you’ll feel as though you’re stepping back in time when the house was used as a summer vacation home for the Vanderbilt descendants. But hurry, it fills-up quickly!

Hope Cemetery

It may be strange to visit a cemetery when you don’t have anyone’s gravestone your looking for, however, this cemetery nestled just outside the town of Barre Vermont, is home to some magnificent headstones and mausoleums created out of granite. (If you’re wondering why there would be such a cemetery here? Barre is known as the Granite Center of the World).

As you stroll through the cemetery, it becomes clear that Hope Cemetery is more than just a burial ground; it’s a canvas showcasing the artistry of granite carving, a skill that Barre is known for. The gravestones range from simple markers to elaborate monuments that tell stories of love, loss, and legacy. You might pause at a stone carved to resemble a tree, its bark textured and lifelike or notice the way the sun catches the inscriptions. Each monument reflects not just the personality of those interred but also a glimpse into the history of the community that surrounds it. It’s hard not to feel a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship that honors these lives.

But what truly sets Hope Cemetery apart is its connection to the living. Locals often come here to reflect, find peace, or take a moment away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You might see a visitor quietly reading a book beneath a sprawling oak, or a small family placing flowers on a grave, their laughter mingling with the whispers of the wind. This blend of remembrance and everyday life gives Hope Cemetery a unique vibrancy. It's a place where the past meets the present, reminding us all that while life moves forward, the echoes of those who have come before us remain forever etched in our hearts and the stones that bear their names.

St. Johnsbury: A small town, huge legacy.

Nestled in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, St. Johnsbury is a charming small town that feels like a page straight out of a storybook. Rolling hills, picturesque views, and a close-knit community that really embodies that classic small-town vibe.

St. Johnsbury is steeped in history, too. Founded in the late 18th century, it played a key role in the railroad era. The town was a hub of commerce, and it’s fascinating to see how history has shaped the culture today. You can feel that historic essence when you stroll down the streets lined with well-preserved buildings, some dating back to the 1800s. And don’t forget to check out the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium! It’s not just a museum; it’s a treasure trove of fascinating exhibits and a great place to learn about the region’s history and natural wonders.

Much of the attractions to see and visit are thanks to the Fairbanks Family, so let’s take a sidestep to learn a little more about how they were able to build such a community:  St. Johnsbury would rise to prominence in the 19th century, thanks in large part to the Fairbanks family. The Fairbanks’s weren’t just any ordinary family; they were visionaries and entrepreneurs who would leave an unforgettable mark on the town and beyond.

Starting out in the mid-1800s, the Fairbanks family established a scalable and efficient way to produce scales—yes, those weighing devices we see everywhere! The family’s business, known as Fairbanks Scales, flourished. They took something as simple as a scale and turned it into a thriving enterprise.

Fairbanks Scales became the largest manufacturer of platform scales in the United States. Their scales were known for their precision and reliability, which made them highly sought after in various industries—from agriculture to shipping. Think about how essential it is to have accurate weights when transporting goods; this family really made a difference.

But the Fairbanks didn’t just keep their success to themselves. They understood the importance of giving back to the community that supported them. They invested in St. Johnsbury's infrastructure, helping to build roads, schools, and parks. Their philanthropy helped shape the cultural and economic landscape of the town.

If you stroll through St. Johnsbury today, you no doubt find remnants of their contributions in the vibrant public spaces and institutions that still stand: from museums, to churches, to buildings on the Academy’s property, in every turn you make you’ll see the famous “F”.

Shelburne Museum

Join us as we step into a living museum of American arts, history, and culture. Nestled close to Lake Champlain, just a stone’s throw from Burlington, this museum is definitely one of those hidden gems you’ll rave about after your visit… and more than likely, you’ll make more than one visit.

The museum spans over 45 acres!! It’s really a combination of various exhibits that feature everything from folk art to vintage cars. But what makes it particularly special is the way it’s laid out. It feels a bit like a quaint village where you can wander through historic buildings, including barns, a lighthouse, and even a steamboat!

They have some amazing outdoor displays too—imagine strolling through gardens while gazing at iconic pieces of history, like a carousel with intricately carved wooden horses. It’s a feast for the eyes, and every corner holds something intriguing.

But how did the museum come to be? This one may be a surprise! Electra Havemeyer Webb (married into the Vanderbilt family… yes the same one who started the Shelburne Farm) started the museum in 1947. Her original goal was to preserve the horse carriages which her family owned—think of the Farm and the mass amounts of horse related equipment that would be needed to venture from New York to Shelburne for those summer visits.

From there, it quickly evolved into a place where she would purchase items (as in buildings, steamboats, locomotives, and buildings) and have them dismantled and sent back to the Museum. Her philosophy was pretty simple, she recognized how fortunate she and her family were and wanted to ensure the things she was able to see and enjoy were made available to those who may not have been able to travel abroad to learn.

The Museum is one of a kind and a great destination for children and adults alike!