In One Week in Vermont

A good taste of Vermont can be enjoyed in less than a week. This trip involves about 2 or 3 hours of driving daily, if you don't linger (though I wholeheartedly recommend it). You can also scout out places to which you'd like to return and explore in depth.

Days 1 & 2: Burlington

Burlington is Vermont's biggest, most diverse, most cultured city. It's certainly worth spending a couple of days here. After checking into your room, head out to explore. Depending on the weather, rent bikes or in-line skates -- or strap on walking shoes -- and spend some hours cruising the city's excellent waterfront pathway.

Make sure to budget plenty of time for exploring the pedestrian-only Church Street Marketplace (keep an eye out for the popcorn guy hawking sugared kettle corn in summer), as well as the University of Vermont campus just up the hill.

Each night, have dinner at one of Burlington's many excellent midpriced restaurants. Don't forget to catch a minor-league ballgame at the city's ballpark. The local team has a name that reflects the mythical sea monster plying the waters of Lake Champlain.

Day 3: Shelburne & Middlebury

Depart southward in the morning to Shelburne and spend most of the day exploring the remarkable Shelburne Museum. If you are so inclined, go see the splendid horses at the Morgan Horse Farm, operated by the University of Vermont.

Afterward, drive south to the classic town of Middlebury and spend the night at a country inn. The town waterfall, visible from the bridge right on Main Street, makes a great photo spot. If you're an art lover, explore the campus and art museum of little Middlebury College, walking distance from downtown.

For dinner, I prefer American Flatbread, though it's only open 2 nights a week.

Day 4: In & Around Dorset & Manchester

From Middlebury, drive south on Route 7, detouring over to Proctor (just north of Rutland) to visit the Vermont Marble Museum. You'll be amazed at the famous sculptures and edifices that are carved, built, enhanced, or faced with the local stone.

Later, continue east on Route 4 almost to the New York border, then go south on Highway 30 through Dorset and Manchester, both classic Vermont small towns with scenic vistas. If you're a history fan, you'll love Hildene, the former estate of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of the assassinated president.

Spend the night in Manchester, Dorset, or Arlington -- being sure to leave time late in the day for outlet shopping in Manchester and a stop at the flagship Orvis outdoors shop.

Day 5: Grafton & Woodstock

Today, head east on Highway 30 into the Green Mountains, then follow Highway 35 north to the village of Grafton. Wander around this lovingly preserved town, and buy some cheese at the local cheese factory before heading northward toward the town of Woodstock. (Break out those maps if you crave the back roads.)

Be sure to sit a spell on Woodstock's lovely town green, taking some photographs of the covered bridge beside it. You can walk from the center of town to the underrated Billings Farm and Museum. Drop in to a local pub or coffee shop for a pint or a cup, and try to stay overnight here or nearby.

Day 6: The Mad River Valley

After exploring Woodstock in the morning, head west on Route 4 with a detour to Plymouth to visit the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, which is also the site of yet another cheese factory. Hey, you can't get enough Vermont cheddar, right?

Continue through Killington and up scenic Route 100 to the Mad River Valley. If it's winter and you're a skier, you may be in heaven, as the ski hill here is Vermont's most laid-back.

Overnight in Warren or Waitsfield -- dropping in the cute Warren General Store for souvenirs -- and, if time permits, rent a bike or take a tour on Icelandic ponies.

Day 7: Back to Burlington

Spend your final day of this tour working your way back to Burlington.

On the way, spend an hour or two in the lovely little capital city of Montpelier -- grab a coffee, browse the used books, and glimpse the handsome capitol dome. If you're interested, check out the immense working quarries in Barre.

You may be pressed for time, but your kids won't let you miss the Ben & Jerry's factory tour in Waterbury. There's plenty of shopping around here too, so give in.

End your trip with dinner in Burlington at one of the restaurants you missed on your first visit -- even if it's just Al's in South Burlington.