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The Draw
• Spectacular vistas. In autumn, explosions of gold, orange, and red take over the ubiquitous foliage, while winter sees the Green Mountains blanketed in white.
• An abundance of activities. Killington and Stowe are some of the northeast's most challenging slopes--and the cross-country Catamount Trail is America's longest, 300 miles--but this is a decidedly four-season destination, with options like llama trekking and, further east on Lake Champlain, sailing.
• Gastronomic adventure. Besides being America's leading maple syrup producer, Vermont is also home to the New England Culinary Institute. Dig in.
The Scene
Embrace the country life: Vermont Mad River Valley still clings to a pace that's as traditional as any you'll find in America. Forget about traffic lights and drive unencumbered by such modern roadblocks through historic villages, over covered bridges and past white timber houses into the "monts verts," or Green Mountains. But this is no backwater area: in fact, it's catching fire as an upscale destination. And to prove it, the Stowe Mountain Lodge, opening fall 2007, is offering a glimpse into its grandiose future: on-mountain, 3,000-square-foot, multi-level cabins for rent, paired with highly personalized concierge services (and these open in winter 2006). The Green Mountain state's popularity is no surprise--the gorgeous landscape makes for an ideal getaway. The fall colors and the ski season are clearly the highlights, but each season has its charms. And if your urban side gets homesick, hip Burlington offers year-round city nightlife and a chance to view works by Manet, Monet, and Degas at the Shelburne Museum.
To Be Seen
• Sugarbush. Located at the heart of the state, and a bustling resort year round, Sugarbush is a great place to stay. Explore its new Lincoln Peak Village, a 133,000-square-foot on-hill structure featuring 61 luxury residences, or stay at the quaint Pitcher Inn, a member of Relais & Chateaux, and try their award-winning wine list.
• Killington and Stowe. Stretching across seven mountains and with 200 trails that add up to 87 miles of killer terrain and 33 lifts, Killington is one of the best winter resorts in the east. With a 3,719-foot vertical drop and enough snowfall to spare, Stowe is not far behind.
• Manchester's Village. Explore its Dorset marble paved streets; splurge on the city center's many designer-brand shops (Baccarat, Coach, Giorgio Armani, and others); or visit the 237-year old Equinox Hotel learn all kinds of survival techniques--from trout fishing and hawk handling to off-road driving, winching and vehicle recovery--through the resort's many schools.
For The VIP
• Flake Out. Treat yourself to an overnight package at the AAA Four-Diamond Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa and enjoy their spa featuring an ancient Indian healing system.
• Experience an intimate dining experience with your own personal chef at The Inn at Essex. A customized tasting menu will be created and prepared by an expert from the New England Culinary Institute.
• Private History. Book a private tour of Manchester's Hildene Estate, a Georgian Revival mansion built by Robert Todd Lincoln in 1905. This 412-acre property is a microcosm of Vermont, offering history, scenery, and skiing, all in one place.
Overrated
Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour. No matter how you feel about the ice cream, let's face it: you can find it everywhere from Aruba to South Korea. Instead, search the nearest country store for maple treats.
Underrated
Montpelier. Smaller is sometimes better. The smallest state capital in the country is crammed with architectural and historical riches, as well as a lively cultural life. Its atmosphere is as intimate as it was in the 1890s--it certainly helps that the practically franchise-free city is the only state capital without a McDonald's.
Don't Miss
• Jay Peak. Not only will you find some of the best skiing in the east, but from the 4,000-foot summit of its aerial tramway (the only one in Vermont), you'll get a chilling view of four states, plus Quebec--and it's also open in summer.
When To Go
Fall and winter. Yes, Vermont's slopes are congested on weekends from January through March, but unlike the Rockies (where April brings some of the season's best powder), the snow here dissipates with the crowds. Fall is even busier. There's just no way around the crowds, so book in advance.
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