Look no further than Stowe’s Black Cap Coffee & Beer to get your caffeine fix alongside a homemade pastry for good measure. While you’re there, peek into their fridge for a who’s who of craft beer spanning coveted local producers like Stowe’s very own The Alchemist (of Heady Topper fame) and Shelburne’s Fiddlehead Brewing Company.

With the Green Mountains towering in the background, you can roam around the gorgeous grounds while picking up a carton of freshly pressed cider and traditional treats like apple pies and cider donuts. And if you’re looking for something more substantial, the onsite Luncheonette offers lovingly prepared breakfast and lunch comforts everyday from 8 am to 3:30 pm.

Still hungry? Dating to 1985, the official Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury has been a fan favorite among local and traveling dairy fiends, cranking out over 350,000 pints of ice cream each and every day. Although the factory is currently closed for tours, with plans to open back up in the fall, you can still pay homage to the birthplace of Chunky Monkey with a walk around the property before stopping by the Scoop Shop to grab a dip to-go.

After the hellscape that was 2020, you never need to talk yourself into a spa day again—anybody who survived that mess obviously deserves it. So why not swing by this self care oasis for an hour-long rubdown or invigorating facial? The Spa at Essex offers everything from massages to pedicures to keep you feeling fresh on your travels.

It wouldn’t be a true Vermont vacay if it didn’t include at least one hike. Spanning 100 acres-long on the bank of Lake Champlain, Red Rocks Park in South Burlington is equipped with majestic overlooks plus 2.5 miles of lush walking trails—not to mention a refreshing swimming area perfect for cooling off after all that leg-stretching.

Downtown Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace is an open-air mall with plenty of cute shops and awesome places to dine. For pasta and wine, try Pascolo Ristorante or head to El Cortijo Taqueria Y Cantina for a bounty of tacos, salads, nachos, and zesty margaritas. There’s also New England favorite The Friendly Toast in case you’re craving something unconventional or American bistro Sweetwaters for prime patio people-watching.

If you’re rolling with the family, Burlington’s ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, located right on the lake’s breathtaking waterfront, has your whole crew on lock with over 100 interactive exhibits covering 70 species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Open Friday to Monday and Wednesday, you can plan ahead and reserve your tickets online with 2.5-hour time slots offered twice daily.

Craft outfit Foam Brewers is arguably one of the finest endpoints for your long day’s journey. Whether you opt for a growler to-go or a pour of one of their renowned New England-style IPAs onsite, you won’t walk away disappointed. Also try the puckery Soft Machine sour ale as well as hard cider from Burlington’s own Citizen Cider.