Part 22 of our 25-part Southeast road trip series takes us to the Green Mountain State — and Vermont is one of the most beloved and dog-friendly destinations in the entire country. From the rolling farmland and covered bridges of the Champlain Valley to the wild peaks of the Green Mountains, the charming villages of the Northeast Kingdom, and the extraordinary farm-to-table food scene, Vermont is a dog-friendly paradise in every season.
🐾 Why Vermont?
Vermont is the least populous state in the Northeast, and that's a big part of its charm. The landscape is extraordinarily beautiful — rolling green hills, red barns, covered bridges, maple forests, and mountain peaks that turn every shade of red and gold in October. The food and drink scene is extraordinary for a state this small: world-class cheese, maple syrup, craft beer, and farm-to-table restaurants. And dogs are welcome virtually everywhere.
🏨 Pet-Friendly Hotels & Stays
Twin Farms — Barnard
One of the most extraordinary country house hotels in all of America, welcoming pets with an all-inclusive experience on a stunning 300-acre Vermont farm.
The Pitcher Inn — Warren (Mad River Valley)
A beautiful Relais & Châteaux property in the Mad River Valley that welcomes pets. Each room is uniquely designed around a Vermont theme.
The Inn at Shelburne Farms — Shelburne
A magnificent historic inn on a working 1,400-acre farm on Lake Champlain that welcomes pets. One of the most beautiful and unique hotel experiences in all of New England.
Kimpton Taconic Hotel — Manchester
Zero pet fees in the heart of Manchester Village, steps from the Battenkill River and the Green Mountain National Forest.
🍽️ Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Cafés
Hen of the Wood — Burlington & Waterbury
One of Vermont's most celebrated farm-to-table restaurants with dog-friendly outdoor seating. Extraordinary local ingredients and a warm, sophisticated atmosphere.
The Prohibition Pig — Waterbury
A beloved Vermont restaurant and brewery with a dog-friendly outdoor area. Great craft beer, excellent BBQ, and a lively atmosphere steps from the Alchemist Brewery.
Worthy Burger — South Royalton
A beloved Vermont burger joint with a dog-friendly outdoor area. Local beef, great craft beer, and a relaxed Vermont vibe.
🍺 Dog-Friendly Breweries
The Alchemist — Stowe
Home of the legendary Heady Topper, one of the most celebrated IPAs in the world. Dog-friendly outdoor space at their Stowe location.
Hill Farmstead Brewery — Greensboro Bend
Consistently ranked among the best breweries in the world, with a beautiful dog-friendly outdoor space on a remote Vermont hillside farm.
Lawson's Finest Liquids — Waitsfield
Home of Sip of Sunshine IPA, one of Vermont's most beloved beers. Dog-friendly outdoor space in the Mad River Valley.
🌲 Dog-Friendly Parks & Trails
Green Mountain National Forest
Hundreds of miles of dog-friendly trails through Vermont's most spectacular mountain terrain, including sections of the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail.
Stowe Recreation Path
A beautiful 5.3-mile paved path through the Stowe Valley with stunning views of Mount Mansfield. One of the best dog-friendly walks in Vermont.
Shelburne Farms — Shelburne
A stunning 1,400-acre working farm on Lake Champlain with dog-friendly trails through fields, forests, and along the lakeshore.
Quechee Gorge State Park
Vermont's "Little Grand Canyon" with dog-friendly trails along the rim of a stunning 165-foot gorge.
🗺️ Suggested Road Trip Route
Start in Burlington (Shelburne Farms + Church Street) → east to Stowe (Alchemist + Stowe Recreation Path) → south to Waterbury (Prohibition Pig + Hill Farmstead) → southeast to Woodstock & Quechee → finish in Manchester (Kimpton Taconic + Green Mountain trails). Best enjoyed over 4–5 days.
🐶 Pro Tips
- Vermont fall foliage (late September to mid-October) is the most spectacular in New England — book accommodations 6+ months in advance.
- Hill Farmstead is remote — plan your visit carefully and check their hours before making the drive.
- Vermont winters are beautiful but challenging for road trips — make sure your vehicle is equipped for snow and ice.
- The Alchemist's Heady Topper is only available in Vermont — stock up before you leave.
Have a favorite dog-friendly spot in Vermont we should add? Drop it in the comments!
🐾 This is Part 22 of 25 in our Southeast Dog-Friendly Road Trip Series.
← Part 21: Massachusetts | ↑ Back to the Series Hub | Part 23: New Hampshire →