Many visitors to Vermont make a beeline straight to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury before discovering what other charms the region has on offer. A trip to the ice cream factory can be combined with a stay of several days in the mock-Tyrolean Stowe village, with its eponymous ski resort and village full of restaurants and outdoor activities. (Like other towns in the area, some Stowe restaurants serve only dinner in the less-touristed summer season. In all cases, it pays to call ahead in planning.)

Alternatively, stay in the magical Mad River Valley, which boasts its own ski area, Mad River Glen, which has righteously earned a fanatic following for its challenging trails and uncompromising attitude. The capital city of Montpelier has grown into a delightful city full of art galleries and independent businesses; next door the city of Barre is a living legacy to the granite industry, with working quarries and the work of the master carvers on display in Hope Cemetery.

In the far corner of the state, a minimum of three days is necessary to explore the vast Northeast Kingdom, a state within a state. On the way into the area, plan a stop at the Cabot Creamery to view its award-winning cheddaring operation. Also worth an afternoon is downtown St. Johnsbury, a tribute to the Victorian Age with an art gallery and an outstanding natural-history collection at the wonderfully eclectic Fairbanks Museum.