Fall colors, elegant church steeples and cider served up in cozy inns — the stereotypes of Vermont all are true, but there’s more to the Green Mountain State then pretty postcard scenery. This trip introduces travelers to the dynamic history, poetry and food that have put Vermont on that map. Oh, and there’s plenty of great scenery as well.

1. Bennington

Starting Point

Start your tour of Vermont in Bennington, home of the Bennington Battle Monument, which memorializes the battle from the Revolutionary War. If that piques your interest, you can learn more about the region’s history as well as it’s art over at the Bennington Museum. Speaking of art, Bennington is famous for its pottery. Check out some of the local work over at Bennington Potters, and shop at the rest of downtown’s charming boutiques while you’re at it. Vermont loves its covered bridges and Bennington boasts five. Learn all about them at the Covered Bridge Museum before you go and check them out. Just be sure to pay your respects before you leave town at Robert Frost’s gravestone in the cemetery of the Old First Church.

2. Brandon

Drive 71 miles, 1 hour, 32 minutes

If you love art, Brandon is for you, boasting the nickname, “art and soul of Vermont.” Check out the Brandon Artists Guild to view the works of 50-plus local artists. If nature is more your speed, Moosalamoo National Recreation Area is nearby in the Green Mountain Forest. Here, you can hike and bike or snowshoe and cross-country ski depending on the season. Either way, enjoy its miles of trails and secluded lakes and waterfalls as you retrace the steps of Robert Frost and visit his last summer home at the edge of the area. When you’re ready to come in from the cold or heat, grab a pint at Foley Brothers Brewing before dinner at Cafe Provence, a French Restaurant featuring local ingredients.

3. Burlington

Drive 51 miles, 1 hour, 16 minutes

As Vermont’s largest city, there is an endless list of things to do in Burlington, no matter your interests. For shopping and dining, take a stroll down the Church Street Marketplace. If you’re a sports fan, catch a hockey or basketball game at UVM, or a minor league baseball game at Centennial Field (Go Lake Monsters!). If you want to check out some nature, take a ride on the Burlington Bike Path, a spectacular 14-mile ride along Lake Champlain or hop on the Spirit of Ethan Allen cruise ship to explore more of the lake. For even more art, attend a show the Flynn Center for Performing Arts or head over to ArtsRiot! for music, arts and food. If it’s summer, don’t miss the Burlington Farmers Market for local goods and if it’s July, you’ll want to make it to the Vermont Brewers Festival at Waterfront Park. Bonus: If you want to take the 45-minute trip to Waterbury from here, it’s the home of the Ben & Jerry’s Factory.