All Things Vermont, All in One Day
What do you love about Vermont? Its charming general stores? historic covered bridges? cascading waterfalls? fabulous food? scenic vistas? If so, this must-do daytrip will check off all these boxes!
We’ll begin this adventure in Burlington, since it is usually our home base when visiting our son at the University of Vermont. There is no shortage of incredibly delicious places to eat in Burlington, but today we will start the day getting fueled at Cafe Hot, where the staff is spirited and welcoming and the atmosphere has a quirky classic diner vibe.
This unique breakfast spot is known for their scratch made griddled cheese and egg sandwiches made with harissa, fresh herbs and a special sauce on a seeded milkbun. The flavors are intense and the breakfast sandwiches are HUGE!
Cafe Hot also specializes in “Bonuts”…donuts made with biscuit dough! With options like Blueberry Hibiscus, Cider Basil and Espresso Glaze, these treats are bursting with flavor…one of each please!
Full from this fabulous breakfast, take scenic Rt 100 South and make your way to the town of Warren, a 50 minute drive from Burlington. Meandering down this beautiful road will take you through quaint villages, farmstands and stunning scenery.
TIP: Along the way, you will travel into charming Waitsfield, and if you have time I recommend making a quick stop at the Waitsfield Covered Bridge or the Mad River Taste Place.
Once you start driving in Vermont, it becomes abundantly clear that general stores grace almost all of these idyllic towns. There is something so comforting and nostalgic to browse through these classic shops that have remained true to their roots and offer one stop “Vermont goodness” shopping.
One of my most favorite general stores in Vermont is the Warren Store.
This gem offers freshly prepared, locally sourced sandwiches and homemade baked goods…but you will also find local maple syrup, wine/beer, handmade toys, specialty foods, clothes and maple candy!
TIP: Pick up some lunch for your hike later and be sure to snag some apple turnovers if they are still available when you arrive!
The Warren Store is perfectly situated next to the Mad River and offers a sizable deck and adirondack chairs where you can relax and enjoy the serene sounds and sights of the river while you indulge in your turnover or wait for your sandwiches to be prepared.
After packing up your lunch for later, head south where you will quickly find the historic Warren Covered Bridge.
Spanning 60 feet across the Mad River, this bridge is open to vehicles via the aptly named Covered Bridge Road. Vermont does such a great job of preserving their covered bridges and I always love walking through these local treasures to witness their intricate craftsmanship and get a glimpse of their history.
Your next stop is a 5 minute drive south to Warren Falls. TIP: Visit this waterfall in the morning since the parking lot is small and will likely fill up by noon.
If you follow the short, wooded path from the parking lot, you will come to an overlook where you can view the rushing cascades and its spectacular crystal clear emerald pools.
Here you can enjoy refreshing swimming holes, natural rock water slides or…if you are brave enough to cross a suspended log or climb up boulders… jump 9-15 feet into deep pools!
TIP: Be sure to bring water shoes if you are planning to cliff jump or walk in the water.
For a leisurely visit, take the windy path down the hill where you can sit along the creek, wade in the river or continue to explore the shallow rapids downriver.
Now that you are refreshed from a swim in Vermont’s crisp water, it is time to head to nearby Lincoln Gap Road. The Lincoln Gap Road is the highest vehicle-accessible mountain pass road in Vermont and connects the towns of Warren and Lincoln. Since this is an extremely steep, twisty and narrow road, due to weather it closes mid October and does not open again until May.
If you take the road from Warren, you will come to a very busy parking lot on your left and the trailhead for Sunset Ledge. This tree covered trail is only 1.3 miles round trip but VERY steep and tricky in spots with many roots and rocks to maneuver around and over.
But the spectacular view at the top makes this hike a must…and the perfect spot to reward yourself with your Warren Store lunch! Eating and relaxing on these cliffs with expansive views of lush woods and silhouetted mountains is perfection!
Tired from the hike up, Maisy found a nice shaded spot for a quick nap
TIP: We ended our day with this hike, but if you have time and would like to keep exploring, continue along the Lincoln Gap Road for an afternoon snack at The Lincoln General Store or another quick swim in beautiful Bristol Falls!
I hope you enjoy this “All Things Vermont” daytrip as much as we did!