Guidebook
Welcome to Vermont & Uncommon Accommodations!
Here’s some amazing stuff to do while you’re here
Hikes
Vermont offers endless trails for every level—from gentle riverside walks to rewarding summit climbs with sweeping Green Mountain views. These nearby hikes showcase the best of the state’s forests, ridgelines, and scenery.
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Nice easy trail with a few hills scattered throughout but mainly pretty flat. Mountain views at trail’s end and views of the falls and river along the way. View on Alltrails here.
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A rewarding 3-mile round-trip hike in Johnson with sweeping views of the Lamoille River Valley and the Green Mountains — a perfect local favorite. View on Alltrails here.
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America’s oldest long-distance hiking trail passes right through Johnson & Jeffersonville. Choose a day hike or tackle a bigger section for a true backcountry Vermont experience. View on Alltrails here.
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Climb through lush forest above Smuggler’s Notch to reach Vermont’s highest alpine pond. In summer, it’s a peaceful swim spot; in winter, strap on snowshoes for a magical frozen trek. Trailhead is 5 minutes from our Smuggler’s Notch property. View on Alltrails here.
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A must-do for panoramic views of Mt. Mansfield and the valley below. Short but steep — and breathtaking in fall foliage season. View on Alltrails here.
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Mount Mansfield is the highest mountain in Vermont. Hiking to the summit boasts spectacular views once you get to the rocky outcrops on the Maple Ridge Trail and will continue to impress on the Long Trail and for most of the descent on the Sunset Ridge Trail. Mount Mansfield is also one of the few places in Vermont where Alpine Tundra can be found. View on Alltrails here.
Rivers, Lakes & Waterfalls
Vermont’s bodies of water offer some of the state’s most peaceful and scenic spots—perfect for swimming, paddling, picnicking, fishing, or simply unwinding in nature. These nearby waters are guest favorites for cooling off and exploring
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Flowing right through our Johnson property, the Lamoille offers excellent trout fishing, kayaking, and peaceful riverside spots to unwind. Vermont Canoe & Kayak (in Jeffersonville) offers guided kayak trips and rentals for easy access.
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Access via the end of the riverside trail at our Johnson property, or via the park off East River Road. A secluded waterfall for swimming, fishing, sunbathing, or just taking in the sounds of rushing water.
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One of the best swimming holes in Vermont! Located along the picturesque Brewster River, which originates high on the Sterling Range, this trail offers multiple swimming holes along the river, with the most popular one located at the base of the falls upstream, just below the Gorge. Directions here.
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Admire these majestic falls from a scenic winding path in the woods that leads to the prime viewing spot. As the highest and most dramatic falls among the three described in our Self-Guided Hikes, this location is perfect for artists and photographers looking to capture exceptional images of nature. Directions here.
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Bingham Falls has quickly become one of the most popular waterfall hikes in Vermont due to its easy access, impressive geology, and photographic nature. The hike itself is only about a quarter-mile down to the falls, but it is steeper at the bottom and often can be wet and slippery, so proper hiking shoes with good tread are highly recommended. Certain sections of the trail traverse close to the edge of the gorge. Directions here.
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A Vermont State Park & a paddler’s paradise — rent a canoe or SUP to explore miles of undeveloped shoreline in this peaceful, no-motor lake. More information here.
Unique Vermont Experiences
From maple sugarhouses and covered bridges to local farms, artisans, and classic Vermont creemees, these experiences capture the charm and character of the Green Mountain State. Explore the traditions, flavors, and small-town magic that make Vermont truly one-of-a-kind.
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Visit Butternut Mountain Farm store in historic downtown Johnson to support local Vermont farms and purchase a variety of products with 100% pure Vermont maple syrup. Click here to visit their website.
Or tour an operational maple sugar shack and learn about how syrup is made at Wyckoff Family Maple. Click here to visit their website.
Try a maple creamee, Vermont’s signature ice cream. Palmer Lane Maple in Jericho has the best creamee in the state.
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Foote Brook Farm in Johnson is a woman-owned farm with a farmstand open every day during the growing season from 10am to 6pm.
Sage Farm Goat Dairy in Stowe offers farm tours to meet their Alpine goats, and a farm store with goat cheese and raw milk!
Percy Farm Corn Maze in Stowe offers a family-friendly corn maze experience every fall.
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Covered bridges in Vermont date from 1820 (the original Pulp Mill Bridge across Otter Creek in Middlebury), with most constructed during the mid– and late 19th century. Vermont’s covered bridges used to be known as “kissing bridges” due to the moments of privacy they afforded courting couples riding through in a horse-drawn carriage.
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Golden Dog Farm and Butternut Goldens bring a whole new meaning to “Happy!” And for a "Happy Hour" you can enjoy a playdate with at least 10 Golden Retrievers in the bucolic setting of Golden Dog Farm. Play ball, snap photos, and cuddle on your way to having the best afternoon of your life! Refreshments provided. Visit their website to learn more.
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Explore Vermont’s rolling hills on horseback year-round at Lajoie Stables in Jeffersonville with guided rides through meadows and forested trails. Visit their website to book your adventure.
Skiing & Winter Sports
Winter in Vermont is all about adventure—world-class skiing, scenic snowshoeing, quiet Nordic trails, and plenty of ways to play in the snow. These nearby winter sports options let you make the most of the Green Mountains all season long.
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Stowe is Vermont’s crown jewel of skiing — with over 2,300 vertical feet, a charming alpine village, and world-class dining and après-ski. In summer, ride the gondola for sweeping mountain views and hiking access to Mount Mansfield.
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A family-friendly favorite with excellent terrain for all skill levels, plus tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and zipline adventures & water park in warmer months. Right next door to our Smuggler’s Notch property.
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Known for deep powder and a vibrant mountain scene, Jay Peak offers great skiing, indoor waterpark fun, and mountain biking in summer. Just 45 minutes from your stay.
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Bike, walk, or snowmobile the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail just minutes from both of our properties. This scenic rail trail transforms into a groomed winter route for snowmobiling adventures through northern Vermont’s countryside.
Restaurants
Vermont’s dining scene is all about fresh, local ingredients—think true farm-to-table cooking, artisan producers, and chefs who celebrate the seasons. From cozy cafés to elevated eateries, you’ll find warm hospitality and exceptional flavors rooted in the Green Mountains.
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Located across the street from our Smuggler’s Notch property, Full Send Pizza & Provisions offers NY/NJ style pizza with delivery from Thursday to Sunday. Tell them we sent you, please!
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5min from our Johnson property. Casual and fun, Moog’s Joint serves up hearty comfort food and local beers in a lively atmosphere. They often have live music on the weekends too! Tell them we sent you. Click for directions
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Right next to our Smuggler’s Notch property. Known for its fabulous beer brewed on-site, craft cocktails, seasonal dishes, and intimate setting, Lot 6 is perfect for a date night or celebratory dinner. Tell them we sent you! Click for directions
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Casual restaurant serving American dishes alongside local beer, wine, and cocktails, plus live music & outdoor seating.
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Morrisville, Vermont’s historic train station has been transformed into a vibrant & fun gathering place. Where friends can meet up at the comfortable 30 seat brass bar for generous martini's, delicious wines, 12 carefully selected craft beers on tap. The former railway platform has comfortable seating for guests. With creative & savory "made from scratch" menu & attentive staff.
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Family-friendly and an iconic Vermont tradition, this spot specializes in wood-fired flatbread pizzas made with local ingredients. Click for directions
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Classic Vermont upscale dining with a modern twist, offering fresh, locally sourced dishes in a charming mountain setting. Click for directions
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One of Vermont’s finest restaurants. Upscale spot with a woodsy-chic interior offering a changing menu of thoughtfully sourced local fare. Click for directions
Breweries, Cideries & Vineyards
Vermont is renowned for its craft beverages—from award-winning breweries and small-batch cideries to scenic mountain vineyards. These local spots offer great pours, relaxed vibes, and a true taste of the Green Mountains.
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Right at the base of Smuggler’s Notch and right next to our property in Jeffersonville, Lot 6 offers rotating small-batch brews with a relaxed local vibe — perfect for a casual pint after exploring the mountains. Excellent food as well. Tell them we sent you!
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Home of the legendary Heady Topper, this cult-favorite brewery in Stowe is a must-visit for any beer lover. Their modern tasting room pours a rotating lineup of world-class IPAs.
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A local gem in nearby Hyde Park known for creative brews and mountain-view vibes. Try a flight on their patio after a day on the trails.
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A laid-back stop along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail in Morrisville for classic Vermont beers and hearty BBQ plates. Their Gose and Vermont Pilsner are local staples.
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Family-run since 1997, Rock Art Brewery in Morrisville is one of Vermont’s early craft pioneers. Enjoy their wide range of styles from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts in their cozy taproom.
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A truly special spot in Jeffersonville, Red Leaf is Vermont’s first (and only) 100% gluten-free brewery, crafting delicious beer with ingredients like millet, buckwheat, and Vermont-grown maple syrup.
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Refreshing and inventive, Stowe Cider’s tasting room and music-filled patio make it a great year-round stop. Their High & Dry and seasonal small-batch releases showcase Vermont apples at their best.
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Just down the road from our properties, Boyden Valley crafts award-winning wines, ciders, and cream liqueurs in a restored historic barn. Stop in for a tasting, grab a bottle to enjoy back at your stay, and admire the scenic working farm around you.
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Nestled at the foot of the legendary Smugglers’ Notch pass, this father-and-son craft distillery makes small-batch, award-winning spirits—vodka, bourbon, gin, rum and more—using pristine Vermont spring water and time-tested techniques.
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