“So… now is not a good time to come here,” the Vermont native told me, trying to break the news gently.
“What are you talking about?” I retorted. “I love Vermont! I’m sure any time of year is lovely.”
“See, the thing is…” the gal tried again, “April here is not like our beautiful Winter, Fall, or Summer. It’s just kind of… brown.”
“Pshaw!” I scoffed. With that, Colin and I piled our suitcases into the car for one of our famous New England Getaways. “Brattleboro, Vermont, here we come!” I hollered as we sped down the highway out of Boston.
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We checked into a cute Brattleboro Bed and Breakfast (click to see where we stayed) and bounded right out to hike around the lake created by West River. The B&B owner had told us of a lovely path right along the water, and we eagerly trudged down to it.
“Yipes,” whispered Colin as we became engulfed in a tortured frizzle of bony brown trees, “This is kind of like Mordor. It’s like one of those wastelands after Sauron zaps it. Can’t you just see some old man hobbling out, grunting, ‘This used to be a lush green village, I tell you, until the Dark One’s power began to take over!’?”
I giggled and snapped a dead gray twig.
“Yeah…” I sighed, “I guess I see what that Vermont woman was trying to tell us.”
See Hotel and Home Rental Deals for Vermont:
Curious about staying in Vermont in April, despite this mud situation? Allow me to recommend the following, in addition to the spot we stayed:
- Click to see Vrbo home and condo rentals in Vermont. I love this site!
- See Expedia hotel deals and recommendations for VT
- Browse Booking.com suggestions for Vermont
Suddenly, Colin cried out: “Is that a cheese factory?!”
“YES!” I hollered. “Let’s sample the heck out of it! Er, I mean, tour it!”
We ate our way through the cheese factory for a good hour, finally purchasing some 5-year aged cheddar and a spicy mustard that I now slather on everything possible. A friendly cheese fellow popped out of his station to talk us through the various stages of fancy cheese preparation, including my personal favorite: shoveling the cheese nuggets into silver squares, then squiiiishing it all down with the fists!
Back on the trail, we walked into town and scarfed a Brookie: a cookie baked inside a brownie!!!
“Vermont may be brown this time of year,” I said through mouthfuls, “but it sure is fun. And delicious!”
Next, we headed to scale Mt. Wantastiquet, an activity which had been recommended by a friend. It was there that we realized the other problem with visiting Vermont in April. I’ll give you a hint: SPLASH!
You see, in Vermont in April, the snow (and much snow there was) has all melted, but the ground has not had the chance to absorb the liquid. Meanwhile, no grass or leaves have grown. The result of these ingredients is soup: a stew of mud, dead old leaves, and dirty water. Don’t wear your best shoes hiking in Vermont in April! Our tootsies got quite the bath.
The top of the mountain was nice! It was sunny and breezy and a comforting gray-brown, like a fuzzy rabbit.
Walking back down the mountain, we were so sick of hopping stones to avoid the puddles that we began cutting through the trees instead, praying all the while to avoid poison oak (not that either of us knew what it looked like). Due to this improvised shortcut, we made it down in half the time it took to hike up.
So here’s the bottom line:
Is Vermont in April brown, muddy, and a little strange? Yes.
Did we still have a really awesome mini-vacation there, despite getting a little wet in the toes? YES!
People have their reasons to tell you not to visit places during certain times of year, but in general, you can find your fun whenever and wherever you desire.
So what about YOU? Which destinations do you think are worth visiting, even during “bad times of year” for them? Which ones are not?
Tips for a Great Vermont Trip:
- Explore the recommendations for Vermont on Expedia
- Check out TripAdvisor reviews of the best hotels and B&Bs in Vermont here.
- Consider renting a house or condo with Vrbo, a site I love.
- To avoid mud, explore indoor activities like Vermont wineries!
Vermont Getaways
Looking for great places to visit and stay in VT? Check out these destinations!
Woodstock, VT: Covered Bridge and Falconry Fun
One of the most fabulous towns to visit in central Vermont is Woodstock. See why, here -- including having birds of prey land on your hand.
Smugglers' Notch: Vermont Family Resort Fun
Smuggs is known for being a ski destination, but we had a wonderful stay with our young kids during summer.
The Woodstock Inn and Resort
This historic inn is a delightful luxury place to stay in central Vermont.
Boyden Valley, VT: Winery and Cheese
We had a fantastic wine and cheese tasting in this northern Vermont store.
Cute Llamas on a Vermont Trek
I had no idea "llama treks" were a thing until I did this activity. Wow, there's a lot to learn about the alpaca vs. llama battle!
Smugglers' Notch VT Vacation Rental Review
Here is a detailed review (with video) of our rental condo at Smuggs in northern Vermont.
A Hike and Cookie-Brownie in Brattleboro, VT
Brattleboro, Vermont (a shorter drive from Boston than other VT towns) impressed us with its hikes and dessert options.
The Berkshires, MA: 14 Ideas for Fresh Air and Fun
Just south of Vermont lies one of the best travel destinations of the northeast: the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts! Did you know there's even a tiny airport you can visit to see small planes? Oh -- and alpacas.
New England Getaways: 34 Ideas for Family Travel or Romantic Trips
Looking to branch beyond Vermont travel? See getaway ideas here for MA, CT, NH, RI, and more!

The author, Lillie Marshall, is a 6-foot-tall National Board Certified Teacher of English, fitness fan, and mother of two who has been a public school educator since 2003. She launched Around the World “L” Travel and Life Blog in 2009, and over 4.2 million readers have now visited this site. Lillie also runs TeachingTraveling.com and DrawingsOf.com. Subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and follow @WorldLillie on social media!
Nathanael
Friday 27th of August 2021
This is interesting, since I’m considering moving to Vermont from a very different climate in the southwest desert. (Though I grew up in a four season climate.)
Every place has its “throwaway” months, and for us it’s mid-June to mid-September. Gets over 100° almost every day, and over 110° quite often. April is our busiest time in terms of tourists, so the complete opposite of Vermont.
But the summer mornings here are beautiful, usually in the low 70s, and the evenings after the sun sets are like being surrounded by a warm blanket (it’s nice for a few minutes). And next to no bugs… since there isn’t much water anyway, and I’m pretty sure the heat kills most of them (except the scorpions).
So every place has its perks, even in their “throwaway” months. Great writeup. Even if I’m 8 years late to the party.
Lillie Marshall
Friday 27th of August 2021
So glad you found this article -- you're not late to the party at all! The party of discussing weather in Vermont is eternal. I like what you point out, that every region has its ups and downs, seasonally. From what you describe, sounds like VT might be an upgrade in terms of pleasant number of days -- at least ones that aren't broiling hot!
Gabe - We Travel and Blog
Friday 31st of May 2013
You still managed to get some awesome shots. I love the one with the yellow leaves on the floor and the reflection. Great snap! But yea in the end places are what you make them. They may be more beautiful at certain times of the year but beauty is all perspective anyways right.
Lillie Marshall
Wednesday 23rd of January 2019
Thank you for your kind and wise words!
Katie
Wednesday 29th of May 2013
We have a 5th season here in Vermont, it is called mud season and you got to experience it! No matter when you come though, Vermont is awesome- whether you are drinking local beers and eating cheese (like you did!) or attempting to hike through the mud- you will have fun! Mud season is especially good for us Vermonters because winter is over and the summer is in our reach! Next time come further north to Burlington!
Lillie
Wednesday 29th of May 2013
Hah! Yes!
Teresa Roberts
Friday 17th of May 2013
I love New England, but having lived in Maine for 32 years, I can say that spring is not the most convenient time of the year to visit. Like Vermont, we have mud season from the deep frosts. We also have black flys, and let me tell you, unless you have experienced these critters firsthand, you have no idea! LOLOLOL
Lillie
Friday 17th of May 2013
Ah yes, I've heard of Black Flies! Yikes!!!
Cat of Sunshine and Siestas
Monday 13th of May 2013
I think there's something to be said about touring any place at an off-peak time - I've been to many places at Christmas when it's snowy or rainy or stormy, but as a teacher, you get what you can get! And, really, any place with a cheese factory is a good place.
Lillie
Monday 13th of May 2013
True on both counts!