Fun Adventures and Excursions To Enjoy While Staying in Killington!
One of the best things about staying in Killington is its central location. While there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures, restaurants, and activities right in town, Killington also serves as an excellent home base for exploring more of Vermont’s most scenic destinations.
Guests can travel an hour or so in any direction, and you’ll quickly discover charming towns, beautiful lakes, iconic Vermont attractions, and some of the state’s most memorable landscapes. Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or spending a full week in the Green Mountains, these day trips are well worth adding to your Killington itinerary!
Head West to Lake Bomoseen
Located about 30 minutes west of Killington, Lake Bomoseen is Vermont’s largest freshwater lake and a favorite summer destination for locals and visitors alike.
Spend the day swimming at the public beach, renting a kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon boat, or simply relaxing by the water. The lake’s scenic shoreline and calm waters make it perfect for a family outing or a relaxing afternoon on the water.
When hunger strikes, grab a meal with a view at local favorites like The Lake House Pub & Grille or the Lake Bomoseen Lodge Taproom. Both offer waterfront dining and a laid-back atmosphere that perfectly complements a summer day on the lake.
Travel North to Waterbury
About an hour north of Killington, Waterbury is home to one of Vermont’s most famous attractions: the Ben & Jerry’s Factory.
Visitors can take a factory tour, learn about the company’s history, and sample some of their iconic ice cream flavors. It’s a really fun activity for any ice cream lovers out there! Be sure to visit the Flavor Graveyard, where retired flavors are commemorated with humorous headstones.
Waterbury is also a fantastic stop for food lovers. The area is known for its craft beer scene, local restaurants, and easy access to some of Vermont’s most scenic drives.
Explore Burlington and Lake Champlain
If you’re spending a week in Killington, Burlington is absolutely worth the hour-and-a-half drive.
Situated on the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington offers a completely different Vermont experience. The city combines waterfront recreation, shopping, restaurants, breweries, and cultural attractions into one walkable destination.
Spend the day strolling Church Street Marketplace, renting bikes along the waterfront path, taking a cruise on Lake Champlain, or visiting local breweries and restaurants. On a clear day, you’ll even enjoy views of New York’s Adirondack Mountains across the lake.
For visitors looking to experience both Vermont’s mountain and lake regions during one trip, Burlington is a perfect day trip destination. As the home of University of Vermont, Burlington has a fun college-town feel with true Vermont charm. It’s an especially fun city to visit in the summer or in the fall when the foliage has started to turn.
Discover Machester’s Charming Downtown
An hour south of Killington, Manchester is one of Vermont’s most beloved small towns.
Known for its picturesque streets, historic inns, upscale shopping, and designer outlets, Manchester is ideal for visitors looking to combine sightseeing with a little retail therapy. The walkable downtown features boutique shops, local art galleries, bookstores, and a variety of excellent restaurants.
Whether you’re searching for unique Vermont-made gifts or simply enjoying a leisurely afternoon exploring town, Manchester offers a classic New England experience.
Visit Quechee Gorge and Woodstock
Many visitors make the short drive east of Killington to Woodstock, one of Vermont’s most photographed towns. While Woodstock itself is worth exploring, don’t stop there.
Just a few minutes away you’ll find Quechee Gorge, often referred to as Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon.” At 165 feet deep, it is the deepest gorge in Vermont and offers spectacular views from the bridge above. Visitors can also hike down to the Ottauquechee River below for a closer look at this natural wonder.
Afterward, spend time exploring nearby Woodstock’s charming village center, covered bridges, local shops, and historic architecture. This is a perfect day trip that includes some natural scenery and quaint Vermont vibes.
Spend the Day Exploring the Green Mountains
One of the simplest and most rewarding day trips requires no specific destination at all.
Vermont’s scenic backroads are filled with covered bridges, mountain views, small farms, maple syrup producers, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Pack a picnic, grab a map, and spend the day exploring the countryside at your own pace.
You never know what you’ll find around the next corner!
Don’t Leave Vermont Without Trying a Creemee
No Vermont road trip is complete without stopping for a creemee.
A creemee is Vermont’s beloved version of soft-serve ice cream, known for being richer, denser, and creamier than traditional soft serve. While vanilla and chocolate are always popular, the true Vermont classic is maple, made with real Vermont maple syrup.
During the warmer months, you’ll find creemee stands scattered throughout Vermont, often attached to country stores, roadside snack bars, and local markets. Part of the fun is discovering your own favorite along the way.
Make Killington Your Homebase
From Lake Champlain and Manchester to Waterbury and Quechee Gorge, some of Vermont’s best attractions are within easy driving distance of Killington. Staying in a Killington vacation rental allows you to enjoy mountain adventures during the day while using the town as a convenient base for exploring everything else Vermont has to offer.
Whether you’re planning a summer getaway, fall foliage trip, or family vacation, you’ll find that some of Vermont’s most memorable experiences are just a short drive away.
