Welcome to Vermont, a state where adventurous spirits are drawn to the distinct local flavor and the allure of the Green Mountains. A state where you’re pretty much guaranteed lush forested peaks as backdrop for your vacation photos. And a state where sustainability isn’t a buzzword — it’s a way of life.

So nature enthusiasts, rejoice! Vermont’s got your back year-round with a range of eco-friendly activities. Whether you’re shredding the slopes in winter, leaf-peeping in fall, or kayaking the state’s many waterways under the summer sun, Vermont promises unforgettable adventures, all served with a side of environmental stewardship. The same goes for accommodations. From cozy farm stays where you can milk a cow before breakfast to quaint village inns and swanky hotels in the center of town, you’ll find plenty of spots that prioritize the planet without skimping on comfort or style.

Pack your bags and get ready to experience the best of Vermont while keeping the environment top of mind.

Enjoy year-round outdoor recreation, intentionally.

Photo: Adam Wilding/Shutterstock

No matter the season, Vermont is an ideal destination for outdoor recreation, but what really makes it shine is communities’ commitment to the natural world. Take Craftsbury Outdoor Center. This non-profit in the Northeast Kingdom isn’t just focused on outdoor fun like cycling, sculling, and cross-country skiing — it’s all about eco-conscious practices, too. The organization’s Activity Center, opened in 2014, was constructed using locally sourced materials and features solar panels and passive solar heating, making a visit to this facility a perfect mix of adventure and green living.

Vermont’s ski resorts also get in on the eco-action. Jay Peak, near the Canadian border, is one great example. The resort recently underwent a major overhaul, executing one of Vermont’s most ambitious carbon-reduction projects and one of the largest in the ski industry. It involved installing a three-megawatt electric boiler to reduce carbon emissions from heating. Jay Peak’s expanded partnership with ECOLAB will also save millions of gallons of water annually.

And let’s not forget about Vermont’s incredible trail organizations. The Green Mountain Club maintains the Long Trail system of backcountry hiking trails, and the Catamount Trail Association promotes stewardship for a network of world-class backcountry ski terrain. Meanwhile, the Vermont Huts Association is busy building the most innovative hut-supported mountain-biking trail system in the country. These organizations are committed to keeping Vermont’s trails pristine while protecting vital ecosystems and wildlife habitats, striking a balance between outdoor fun and ecological preservation. With others following their lead, Vermont’s natural beauty will remain intact for generations to come.

Try your hand at farm-hopping…

While in Vermont, dive into the state’s lively regenerative agriculture scene. Each farm offers a peek into sustainable agriculture with hands-on fun, tours, and farm-to-table treats.

Head to Vermont’s verdant Upper Valley where Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center, located along the Connecticut River in East Thetford, welcomes you with organic goodies and a friendly vibe. Beyond growing all sorts of veggies and berries, Cedar Circle has a farmstand, retail greenhouses, an on-site farm kitchen, a coffee shop, a unique Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, and workshops. Don’t miss the chance to pick your own seasonal strawberries, blueberries, flowers, and pumpkins. This isn’t just a farm — it’s a place to connect with your food and the people who grow it.

On the western side of the state, Larson Farm and Creamery in Wells is a delightful spot where you can meet grass-fed cows and sample fresh dairy products. Enjoy the Vermont sunshine while tasting raw milk, butter, yogurt, and more at the farm store. Or, for a more in-depth look at everything Larson Farm has going on, call ahead for a tour.

Over in Northfield near Montpelier, Green Mountain Girls Farm is another operation that’s all about regenerative agriculture. There’s fresh meat, eggs, veggies, and goat milk for sale at the farm, but for a truly memorable visit, keep an eye out for events at the Barn Guesthouse. Try your hand at milking, egg collecting, or being a farmer-in-training — it’s the perfect way to embrace farm-to-table living while doing your bit for the planet.

…or even stay at one!

Photo: Photo: Hill Farm Inn

Why settle for a quick farm visit when you can stay overnight? Green Mountain Girls Farm opens the doors to its Farmhouse Inn for overnight stays, and it’s not the only farm in Vermont that offers this intriguing option.

At Fat Sheep Farm & Cabins, set in the hills of Hartland, you’ll find private cabins overlooking sprawling fields and rolling hills, all just minutes from the historic villages of Woodstock and Quechee. It’s a slice of paradise where you can roam the grounds, collect fresh eggs, and maybe even make friends with a goat or two. The family that operates this property is firmly committed to sustainable living.

Farther south in Sunderland, Hill Farm Inn is just a stone’s throw from Manchester and has 70 scenic acres with a history as rich as its soil. It’s been welcoming visitors for over 150 years, offering a luxurious escape and some seriously tasty farm-to-table fare. Ingredients are sourced from both its backyard and neighboring farms, then served at the on-site restaurant.

Take your pick of eco-friendly hotels.

Photo: Isora Lithgow Creations/Basin Harbor Resort & Boat Club/

If farm stays aren’t quite your thing, Vermont has plenty of eco-friendly hotels where you can hang your hat. Take Hotel Vermont, which is centrally located in downtown Burlington. This sleek and stylish property is LEED certified, and rooms operate with an energy-saving system and have refillable toiletries.

Right in the middle of Stowe, the Green Mountain Inn proudly integrates environmentalism into its hospitality. From reducing trash by eliminating unnecessary packaging to sourcing locally grown products and offering in-room recycling, every little bit helps. Guests can also opt to reuse towels and linens to conserve energy.

South of Burlington in Vergennes, the Basin Harbor Resort on Lake Champlain displays a profound commitment to preserving its breathtaking surroundings through eco-friendly construction and waste-reduction strategies like recycling and composting. By conserving natural habitats and protecting wildlife corridors, it ensures the landscape remains pristine for all to enjoy. Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee is also serious about safeguarding the planet, from being big on recycling and energy efficiency to its use of solar panels and electric car chargers (off the property, check out this handy map to see where Vermont’s 400-plus EV charging stations are located across the state).

Over in the Mad River Valley, the Common Ground Center strives to live in harmony with nature. With green building practices and reliance on solar power for all electricity needs, the center maintains a low carbon footprint. Nearby, the lodging options at Sugarbush are leading the charge for a greener future through the use of solar power and energy-efficient lighting.

Check out the sustainable dining and brewing scene.

Photo: Vermont Tourism

For a true farm-to-table dining experience, visit Shelburne Farms, a short drive south of Burlington. This working farm and educational center focuses on sustainable agriculture, and its restaurant serves one of the finest meals in Vermont, with most ingredients sourced directly from its own fields and pastures. It’s a dining experience that’s as nourishing for the body as it is for the planet.

In Essex Junction, find Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling inside a solar-powered building that champions energy-efficient practices. The brewery also uses only recyclable packaging for its outstanding brews, such as the Märzen German-style lager. And you can stay for dinner (food ingredients are sourced from local farms whenever possible) and try one paired with maple roasted cauliflower “steak” frites or chicken and waffles with spiced bacon maple syrup.

Next, head to Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Waitsfield, where beer lovers flock for a sip of the Mad River Maple, a rich ale made with 100 percent pure Vermont maple syrup. Lawson’s has recently invested in a solar roof, a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility, and electric vehicle chargers. Beer aficionados also shouldn’t miss The Alchemist Brewery in Stowe. Try one of its famous hazy IPAs, like Heady Topper, in the summer beer garden with mountain views or at the beer cafe during the colder months. The Alchemist is dedicated to sustainability, working to reduce wastewater and use clean energy to power its cannery. It’s on a mission to become completely trash-free, showcasing its commitment to the environment in every aspect of its operations.

It’s clear that being green isn’t some passing fad in Vermont; it’s ingrained in the very fabric of the state’s communities. That’s why so many Vermont businesses (including big names like Cabot Creamery and Ben & Jerry’s) have earned B Corp Certification, a designation reserved for leaders in environmentalism and equity. So go ahead and soak up Vermont’s eco-vibes with a mix of curiosity and reverence. You’ll be helping to preserve the legendary landscapes of the Green Mountain State for years to come, even as you enjoy them to the fullest on your Vermont vacation.