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8 Ideal Vermont Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2024

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8 Ideal Vermont Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2024


Vermont is the go-to destination for a quick getaway to relax and unwind from the stresses of work. Tucked away in New England, Vermont has a mix of charming small towns, vibrant arts scenes, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast eager to hike and ski or a foodie craving farm-to-table dining, Vermont has something to keep guests engaged and entertained. With its cozy inns, bustling farmers’ markets, and serene mountain views, Vermont promises a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, making it the ideal spot for a quick yet fulfilling 3-day weekend.

Stowe

Aerial view of Stowe, Vermont, and the Green Mountains adorned with autumn colors.

Stowe offers a blend of outdoor adventure and local charm, making it an ideal spot for a 3-day weekend in 2024. Stowe Mountain Resort provides not only lodging but also both winter sports and summer hiking, along with a gondola ride for spectacular views. The 5.3-mile trail that makes up the Stowe Recreational Path is perfect for biking and walking. For a bit of history, the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum displays exhibits on the evolution of skiing and snowboarding. Hike or ski Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, for some adventure and to wind down. Don’t miss the Alchemist Brewery, renowned for its Heady Topper IPA, where you can enjoy tours and tastings.

Woodstock

Early autumn foliage scene featuring houses in the mountains of Woodstock, Vermont.

Houses in the mountains of Woodstock, Vermont.

Woodstock is a must-visit destination, combining historical exploration with natural beauty. Billings Farm & Museum is a working dairy farm with interactive exhibits that offer a glimpse into rural life. A visit to Sugarbush Farm includes cheese and maple syrup tastings, providing a true taste of Vermont. The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park provides both mansion tours and beautiful hiking trails, and for water activities, the Ottauquechee River presents fishing and kayaking opportunities. The Woodstock Farmers’ Market is a great place to find local produce and artisanal goods. To top off a visit, the Middle Covered Bridge delivers an iconic spot for great photo opportunities for social media and family memories.

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Middlebury

Middlebury Falls in Middlebury, Vermont.
Middlebury Falls in Middlebury, Vermont.

Middlebury is a town where there is always something to do, making it perfect for a weekend escape. Middlebury College hosts campus tours and houses the Middlebury College Museum of Art, featuring various exhibits. The Henry Sheldon Museum offers local history exhibits and archives for those interested in the town’s past. For a taste of the outdoors, visitors can spend time at Otter Creek for kayaking and fly fishing. While strolling through downtown Middlebury, visitors can enjoy a variety of boutiques like Elli Parr Boutique for beautiful jewelry or Buy Again Ally for antiques, cafes, and restaurants. For accommodations, Swift House Inn offers historic decor with modern amenities, fireplaces, and a gourmet dining experience at Jessica’s Restaurant. At the UVM Morgan Horse Farm, take a guided tour to learn about the history of this historic farm. The Trail Around Middlebury (TAM) provides a 19-mile loop for hiking and biking for those who enjoy spending time outdoors and “no rest days” even when on vacation.

Brattleboro

Aerial view of Brattleboro, Vermont, USA on a partly cloudy day.
Aerial view of Brattleboro, Vermont, USA. Editorial credit: SEALANDSKYPHOTO / Shutterstock.com

Brattleboro sets itself apart from other Vermont towns with its vibrant local scene. The Brattleboro Farmers’ Market is a bustling spot for fresh produce and unique local crafts, perfect for a Saturday morning stroll. The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center features contemporary art exhibits and hosts various events, providing constant opportunities for cultural enrichment. The historic site of Harris Hill Ski Jump hosts an annual ski jump competition that is thrilling to watch. Book your stay at the local Bed and Breakfast, the Inn on Putney, which is perfect for romantic getaways for couples. To get active, the West River has canoeing and tubing options, and Retreat Farm is a family-friendly destination with farm animals, hiking trails, and educational programs. Catch a movie or a live performance at the Latchis Theatre for nighttime activity. The list of activities is endless in Brattleboro.

Montpelier

Montpelier town skyline in autumn, Vermont, USA.

Montpelier town skyline in autumn, Vermont, USA.

Montpelier, the state capital, has just the blend of history and outdoor activities to provide a fulfilling weekend for family and friends. Get a taste of the town’s past at the Vermont State House, which hosts guided tours that delve into the state’s legislative history and exhibits of historical artifacts. The Vermont History Museum offers an engaging look into the state’s past with interactive exhibits. With its trails, picnic areas, and stone observation tower, Hubbard Park is great for leisurely hikes. North Branch River Park has many trails for hiking and cross-country skiing in the winter. For nightlife, Langdon Street Tavern is a local hotspot featuring live music.

Bennington

Downtown district of Bennington, Vermont, USA.
Downtown district of Bennington, Vermont, USA. Editorial credit: James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com

Being rich in historical significance and artistic attractions, Bennington is an inviting destination. The Bennington Battle Monument shows panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visit the Old First Church, known for its historic cemetery and well-preserved architecture. Explore the creative spirits of the town by visiting the Bennington Museum, which showcases artworks by Grandma Moses and various local history exhibits, and the Robert Frost Stone House Museum provides insight into the life of the famous poet, complete with exhibits and beautiful gardens. Bennington Potters offers handcrafted pottery and fascinating factory tours. Downtown Bennington is full of charming shops, galleries, and restaurants, perfect for an afternoon of shopping and getting to know the town. Finally, visitors can find a warm welcome at The Four Chimney Inn, a charming bed and breakfast, where a full country breakfast is served each morning at private tables.

Waitsfield

Aerial view of Waitsfield, Vermont, and the Mad River along Scenic Route 100 in autumn.

Aerial view of Waitsfield, Vermont.

Mad River Glen is famous for its single-chair lift skiing and scenic hiking trails. This is just one of the things that makes the town of Waitsfeild well worth a weekend visit. Visitors should take the time to check out the Artisan’s Gallery, which showcases local arts and crafts, making it a great place to find unique souvenirs, or the Waitsfield Farmers Market, a must-visit for local produce and handmade goods. For a farm-to-table dining experience, head to the Lareau Farm Inn, which also provides cozy lodging and a delicious meal. The Madsonian Museum of Industrial Design features a unique collection of design artifacts, adding an educational twist to any trip. Don’t forget to explore the historic covered bridges in the area, which provide a glimpse into Vermont’s past and are great for group photos.

Manchester

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, in Manchester, Vermont.
The Lincoln Family Home in Manchester, Vermont. Editorial credit: Theresa Lauria / Shutterstock.com

Manchester is the location of Hildene, the home of Abraham Lincoln’s son, which presents tours of the historic mansion and its beautiful gardens. The Southern Vermont Arts Center hosts art exhibits and performances, enriching the cultural experience. Shopaholics will love the Manchester Designer Outlets, which provide access to brand-name stores at reduced prices. For another touch of luxury, visitors can stay at the Barnstead Inn, where 23 beautiful rooms and suites await with modern amenities. Nature lovers can explore the Equinox Preservation Trust, which has trails for hiking and bird watching. The Orvis Fly Fishing School has classes and guided fishing trips catering to both beginners and seasoned anglers. Finally, drive up Mount Equinox’s Skyline Drive for panoramic views and hiking trails that showcase the area’s natural beauty.

Why Vermont Should Top Your Weekend Getaway List

Visitors understand why Vermont is a gem of New England, and is the ultimate escape for 2024. Vermont seamlessly blends relaxation with adventure. Whether its indulging in artisanal cheese, exploring historic sites, or simply soaking in the breathtaking mountain views, Vermont provides a slice of tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere. This charming state promises not just a trip, but a memorable experience. Discover why Vermont should be at the top of everyone’s weekend getaway list.



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Vermont seeks dynamic pricing for state park access

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Vermont seeks dynamic pricing for state park access


MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – The state of Vermont wants more flexibility in how it charges for access to state parks.

Right now, fees are determined by location, size, and type of camping.

However, leaders say parking at state parks and ponds is seeing more foot traffic, and costs of maintaining them have gone up.

The Department of Forest Parks and Recreation wants to be able to price campsites and day-use parks more dynamically.

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There’s no proposal to raise fees now, but if approved, some state parks could see increased fees depending on their popularity, the date, and location.

“It is trying to find that balance of covering costs, providing the service parkgoers have come to expect and making sure we aren’t creating unintentional barriers for people who want to enjoy our fabulous state lakes,” said Julie Moore, Vermont Natural Resources Secretary.

She adds that last year’s Vermont ‘Parks Forever’ initiative, which allows for people who receive three squares benefits free entry to parks, meant an additional 30,000 visits last year.

Copyright 2026 WCAX. All rights reserved.



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Hundreds of housing units in the works at closely-watched project in Burlington’s South End – VTDigger

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Hundreds of housing units in the works at closely-watched project in Burlington’s South End – VTDigger


A rendering of the South End Coordinated Redevelopment Project, courtesy of Andrew Foley, development director at Jonathan Rose Companies. Credit: GOA Architecture.

This story, by Report for America corps member Carly Berlin, was produced through a partnership between VTDigger and Vermont Public.

A long-awaited housing development that could bring hundreds of new apartments to a series of empty lots in Burlington’s South End neighborhood is beginning to come together.

The first phase of the major public-private deal, called the South End Coordinated Redevelopment Project, got official sign-off from the Burlington City Council last month. The project’s backers have also scored key funding commitments from Treasurer Mike Pieciak’s office and state housing funding agencies. 

The project on Lakeside Avenue is the beginning of “a neighborhood being born out of a big parking lot,” Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak told city councilors in May.

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City officials and developers hope the project could eventually include over a thousand homes, making it one of the largest developments in Vermont – and putting a considerable dent in the Queen City’s housing shortage. Regional planners estimate that Burlington needs to add between 3,500 and 10,500 homes by 2050 to get the housing market to a healthy state. 

The development is possible, in part, because of a 2023 zoning change in the formerly industrial area that allows for some of the densest housing development in the state, according to local planners. 

A rendering of the South End Coordinated Redevelopment Project, courtesy of Andrew Foley, development director at Jonathan Rose Companies. Credit: GOA Architecture.

The South End project’s backers include Champlain College, Champlain Housing Trust and Ride Your Bike LLC, the investors behind the nearby Hula coworking campus. They have brought on Jonathan Rose Companies, an affordable housing developer with projects from New York to California, as the lead developer. The South End project is the company’s first in Vermont.

The development agreement signed by city councilors in May greenlights the South End project’s first 204 units, estimated to cost roughly $100 million. 

Per Burlington’s inclusionary zoning policy and state rules, at least 20% of the first round of apartments will be set aside as affordable. But the developers hope to secure enough funding to allow them to earmark a third of the 204 apartments with income restrictions, said Andrew Foley, director of development at Jonathan Rose Companies, in an interview. The development agreement offers the developers reduced city fees if the affordable units are priced even more modestly than required.

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The lion’s share of the new apartments will be studios and one-bedrooms, Foley said. The building would include common social spaces for neighbors to gather, he added.  

Like any large-scale housing project, the developers of the South End apartments are piecing together financing from a wide array of sources. They recently scored an $8 million low-interest loan from Pieciak’s 10% for Vermont program, along with a $6.7 million award from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board to support 67 affordable apartments – including 10 reserved for people experiencing homelessness. 

To build out new roads – along with wastewater connections and stormwater infrastructure meant to cut down on sewer overflows into nearby Lake Champlain – city officials are going after funding from a new state program. The Community and Housing Infrastructure Program, a tax-increment financing tool created by the Legislature last year, would allow the city and the developers to borrow the funds needed to build out the infrastructure against the development’s future property tax revenue.

Mayor, developers unveil plan that could bring 1,100 housing units to Burlington’s South EndAdvertisement


City officials and the developers are working together to submit an application for this CHIP financing. The South End development could be the first project in the state to utilize the program after its launch in January.

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“I think a lot of other potential applicants are kind of saying, ‘I wonder how that South End project works out’ – for us to maybe go first,” Foley said.

With an eye toward lowering the project’s carbon footprint, the development will be all-electric, Foley said. The developers are looking to use mass-timber construction techniques, he added – essentially using large, prefabricated wood panels in place of steel or concrete. They also want to construct a rooftop solar array, employ a geothermal heating and cooling system and promote a “car-light” neighborhood in close proximity to bike paths and transit routes.

The developers hope to close on their construction financing by the end of the year.

“Everyone’s eager to see the construction start and housing built, so we’re trying to move as fast as we can,” Foley said.





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VT Lottery Mega Millions, Gimme 5 results for June 2, 2026

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Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win

Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.

Just the FAQs, USA TODAY

The Vermont Lottery offers several draw games for those willing to make a bet to win big.

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Those who want to play can enter the MegaBucks and Lucky for Life games as well as the national Powerball and Mega Millions games. Vermont also partners with New Hampshire and Maine for the Tri-State Lottery, which includes the Mega Bucks, Gimme 5 as well as the Pick 3 and Pick 4.

Drawings are held at regular days and times, check the end of this story to see the schedule.

Here’s a look at June 2, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Vermont Mega Millions numbers from June 2 drawing

15-26-43-48-60, Mega Ball: 12

Check Vermont Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Gimme 5 numbers from June 2 drawing

03-05-16-32-37

Check Gimme 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 2 drawing

Day: 2-5-2

Evening: 5-8-6

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Pick 4 numbers from June 2 drawing

Day: 6-9-7-0

Evening: 3-4-1-3

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 2 drawing

16-33-41-50-52, Bonus: 01

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

For Vermont Lottery prizes up to $499, winners can claim their prize at any authorized Vermont Lottery retailer or at the Vermont Lottery Headquarters by presenting the signed winning ticket for validation. Prizes between $500 and $5,000 can be claimed at any M&T Bank location in Vermont during the Vermont Lottery Office’s business hours, which are 8a.m.-4p.m. Monday through Friday, except state holidays.

For prizes over $5,000, claims must be made in person at the Vermont Lottery headquarters. In addition to signing your ticket, you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID, and a completed claim form.

All prize claims must be submitted within one year of the drawing date. For more information on prize claims or to download a Vermont Lottery Claim Form, visit the Vermont Lottery’s FAQ page or contact their customer service line at (802) 479-5686.

Vermont Lottery Headquarters

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1311 US Route 302, Suite 100

Barre, VT

05641

When are the Vermont Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
  • Pick 3 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
  • Pick 4 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
  • Pick 3 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
  • Pick 4 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
  • Megabucks: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily

What is Vermont Lottery Second Chance?

Vermont’s 2nd Chance lottery lets players enter eligible non-winning instant scratch tickets into a drawing to win cash and/or other prizes. Players must register through the state’s official Lottery website or app. The drawings are held quarterly or are part of an additional promotion, and are done at Pollard Banknote Limited in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Vermont editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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