Discover Green Mountains, Vermont - Your Alpine Adventure Awaits

Day 1: Southern Charm & Mountain Views

• Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Arrive in Manchester, Vermont, nestled in the scenic Battenkill Valley. Begin your exploration with a leisurely stroll along Main Street, browsing the charming boutiques and art galleries. Visit the historic Orvis Flagship Store (4180 Main St, Manchester) to explore their fishing and hunting exhibits. This area offers ample free street parking. Budget 1-1.5 hours for browsing. Consider grabbing a coffee and pastry from a local cafe like Up For Breakfast (4935 Main St, Manchester) for a quick bite (estimated cost: $15 for two).
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Embark on a moderate hike up to Lye Brook Falls. The trailhead is about 2 miles from Manchester’s town center (East Manchester Rd). This 4.4-mile out-and-back trail (moderate difficulty) leads to one of Vermont’s tallest waterfalls, offering beautiful forest scenery. Allow 2.5-3 hours for the hike. Afterward, visit Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home (1005 Hildene Rd, Manchester), Robert Todd Lincoln’s historic estate, for a self-guided tour of the mansion, gardens, and grounds. Admission to Hildene is approximately $23 per person (total $46 for two).
• Evening Enjoy a delicious dinner showcasing local ingredients in Manchester. For a classic New England experience in a historic setting, dine at Ye Olde Tavern (5183 Main St, Manchester, estimated cost: $70-100 for two). Alternatively, for a more upscale, Mediterranean-inspired meal, consider The Silver Fork (4220 Main St, Manchester, reservations recommended, estimated cost: $90-130 for two).
  • Estimated Accommodation Cost for the night (Manchester area): $200-300.
  • Daily Budget Check: Activities $46, Food $85-115, Accommodation $250 (mid-range) = ~$381-411.

Day 2: Weston’s Nostalgia & Scenic Route 100

• Morning (8:30 AM - 12:30 PM) After breakfast, drive approximately 25 minutes (14 miles) north to the charming village of Weston. Your first stop is the iconic Vermont Country Store (657 Main St, Weston), a nostalgic step back in time offering practical goods, local foods, and unique gifts. Allow 1-1.5 hours to browse. Parking can be busy, so an early start is beneficial. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque village green and admire the exterior of the historic Weston Playhouse (703 Main St, Weston).
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:30 PM) Depart Weston and drive north on a scenic stretch of Route 100, often called “Vermont’s Main Street,” offering stunning views of the Green Mountains as you head towards Ludlow (approx. 30 minutes, 17 miles). Stop for lunch at Goodman’s American Pie (150 Main St, Ludlow) for delicious pizza and salads (estimated cost: $30-40 for two). After lunch, explore the town of Ludlow, home to Okemo Mountain Resort. You can take a short, easy walk along the Buttermilk Falls trail (off VT-103, Ludlow), a 0.5-mile loop featuring three scenic waterfalls (free, allow 45 minutes).
• Evening Enjoy dinner in Ludlow, a lively ski town with a good selection of restaurants. Consider Mr. Darcy’s Bar & Grill (118 Main St, Ludlow) for upscale pub fare in a popular setting (estimated cost: $60-90 for two) or Stemwinder (44 Pond St, Ludlow) for a casual yet innovative menu (estimated cost: $50-80 for two).
  • Estimated Accommodation Cost for the night (Ludlow/Plymouth area): $180-280.
  • Daily Budget Check: Food $80-120, Accommodation $230 (mid-range) = ~$310-350.

Day 3: Mountain Adventures & Artisan Flavors

• Morning (8:30 AM - 1:00 PM) After breakfast, drive to Killington Mountain Resort (15-20 minutes, 10 miles from Ludlow). Take the K-1 Express Gondola to the summit of Killington Peak for incredible 360-degree views of the Green Mountains, White Mountains, and Adirondacks. From the summit, embark on a moderate loop hike (e.g., a section of the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail, or the less strenuous Nature Trail loop, 1-2 hours) to explore the alpine environment. K-1 Gondola tickets are approximately $35-40 per person (total $70-80 for two).
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Descend Killington and head for a local culinary experience. Drive 15 minutes south to the Plymouth Cheese Factory (1411 VT-100A, Plymouth), America’s second-oldest cheese factory. Enjoy samples and purchase artisan cheddar (free entry, purchases extra, allow 1 hour). For lunch, grab a casual bite at the Plymouth Cheese Factory or a deli in Killington. Alternatively, for craft spirits, visit Appalachian Gap Distillery (88 Main St, Middlebury, 35 min north of Killington, tastings typically $10-15/person).
• Evening Enjoy a dinner emphasizing fresh, local Vermont ingredients. Long Trail Brewery Pub & Restaurant (5764 US-4, Bridgewater Corners, 15 min north of Killington) offers casual pub fare and craft beer in a scenic setting (estimated cost: $50-80 for two). For a fresh, local, and healthy option in Killington, consider Liquid Art Coffeehouse & Eatery (3722 US-4, Killington, estimated cost: $40-70 for two).
  • Estimated Accommodation Cost for the night (Killington/Rutland area): $200-350.
  • Daily Budget Check: Activities $70-80, Food $80-120, Accommodation $275 (mid-range) = ~$425-475.

Day 4: Maple Sweetness & Fond Farewells

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Start your day with a hearty Vermont breakfast. Then, immerse yourself in Vermont’s maple culture with a visit to a local sugar house. The Vermont Sugar House at Killington (6063 US-4, Killington) or nearby Gifford Woods State Park (38 Gifford Woods Rd, Killington) offers historic sugar houses (check operating hours for tours/demonstrations, often seasonal, but products are always available). Enjoy samples and learn about maple syrup production. Allow 1-1.5 hours. Stock up on maple syrup and treats (estimated cost for purchases: $40-60).

• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM) Enjoy a final Vermont lunch. For a casual, classic American pub experience, try Casey’s Caboose (2947 Killington Rd, Killington, estimated cost: $30-50 for two). Alternatively, Fireside Adventures (3133 Killington Rd, Killington) offers healthy and hearty options (estimated cost: $30-50 for two).

• Evening Depart from the Green Mountains, carrying sweet memories and perhaps some delicious Vermont maple syrup.

  • Estimated Daily Budget Check: Food $70-110, Maple purchases $50 = ~$120-160.
  • Total Estimated Gas for the trip: $80-120.

• Overall Budget Summary (Approximate for 2 People):

  • Accommodation: $250 + $230 + $275 = $755
  • Food: $100 + $100 + $100 + $90 = $390
  • Activities: $46 + $0 + $75 + $50 = $171
  • Gas: $100
  • Grand Total: ~$1416 This leaves a comfortable buffer of over $380 within the $1,800 budget for additional souvenirs, coffees, or splurging on a more upscale meal or accommodation option.