This creative independence-prizing state unfurls dreamy beauty at every turn, from snowy mountains to emerald fields, and the bright kaleidoscope of fall foliage behind white church spires, not to mention scarlet barns and the country’s densest patch of covered bridges. The romance of small-town New England lies around every bend. Soaking up the scenery remains a huge draw in Vermont. But visitors also ski in Stowe, Killington, and Mad River Glen. Cross-country fans and snowshoers can hit the 300-mile Catamount Trail and one of the East Coast’s premier recreational networks, the Kingdom Trails, stretching over private lands. In warmer seasons, the route remains popular among hikers and horseback riders. Make sure to stay fueled up with some of the state’s outstanding specialties, which range from cheese to craft brews.

Locals like to joke that northern New England has just two seasons: winter and August. That said, May to mid-October brings pleasant temperatures, while avoiding winter’s snow and the worst of the mud season in April. Fans of snow sports should book one of the state’s cabin rentals for February, when the Stowe Derby pits downhill skis against cross-country ones (the route requires both, but participants must pick just one). Spring also shepherds in the Vermont Maple Festival, while July showcases the state’s cheesemaking prowess (expect samples of chocolate, beer, wine, and spirits too). Catch acclaimed chamber musicians during summer’s Marlboro Music Festival and the state fair in mid-September. Leaf-peeping kicks off from then and runs through October: check a foliage forecaster for the peak splendor.

Brookfield Floating Bridge

Since 1820, one of America’s only floating bridges has spanned Sunset Lake here, 53 miles southeast of Burlington. Now in its eighth iteration, it forms part of Route 65, is fully accessible, and relies on modern materials like durable fiber-reinforced polymer pontoons. Timber decking preserves its historic look and makes for a picturesque stop.

Dog Chapel

A folk artist built this celebration to man’s best friend in 2000, following a grave illness and two-month coma. Styled like an 1820 white-steepled village church, it sits among the pastures and rolling mountains of St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Light from canine-themed stained glass spills across dog carvings, as well as notes and photos of visitors’ beloved pups. It also provides treats for any dogs tagging along, who can run, swim, and explore the property’s obstacle course sans leashes. Volunteers maintain this free attraction, which welcomes “All creeds, all breeds. No dogmas allowed.”

The Robert Frost Interpretive Trail

Take the road less traveled — or rather this National Recreation Trail in the Green Mountain National Forest. Poems by Robert Frost feature along this easy, flat 1.2-mile loop, running through woods, fields, and berry patches. Wheelchair users can access the first third of a mile, where a boardwalk crosses a beaver pond.