It doesn’t matter what time of year you arrive, Vermont is spending. In winter, snow covers the peaks while lights twinkle in the towns. In autumn – or ‘fall’ as they call it here – the leaves turn russet, red and every shade in-between in a display that attracts people from across the globe. Behind the wheel you’ll wind your way past farms growing produce destined for the tables of local restaurants, past countless artisan breweries and under romantic covered bridges.

As you’re in the US, you’ll need to drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Unlike in the UK, you can make a right turn on a red light if the way is clear but, other than that, most driving laws are similar to home and generally common sense. Speed limits differ, however, and tend to be lower in Vermont than in many other US states. The standard speed limit is 50mph here, reaching a high of 65mph on rural freeways (the US version of motorways).

The state capital, Montpelier, sits roughly in the centre of the state. From here, you can drive on the I-89 (Interstate 89) south-east to the neighbouring state of New Hampshire. The main freeway in Vermont, the I-91, runs the complete length of its eastern border with New Hampshire, leading south into Massachusetts or north into Canada.

In the west of the state, the US-7 runs north to south too, connecting Burlington with Middlebury, Rutland and then on into the gorgeous Green Mountain and Finger Lakes. Vermont is largely rural and bucolic in feel, the perfect place for an out-of-the way journey.

Quaint, friendly, pretty, quirky – all of these superlatives and more apply to the truly lovely state of Vermont. It’s a place where it’s a joy to get lost, whatever the season, with little discoveries waiting for you in every corner of the state.

Not quite cities

All across Vermont you’ll find that towns and cities are, pretty much, village-sized. You don’t come here for metropolises with buildings that scrape the sky, but for places where you pass the ‘you are now entering…’ and ‘you are now leaving…’ signs within 60 seconds. The state capital, Montpelier, is home to fewer than 10,000 people and is the epitome of a classic US town with its Main Street and independent shops. It also, famously, doesn’t have a McDonald’s.

Even the state’s largest and most populous city, Burlington, only has 50,000 residents. It’s a charming university city that fronts on to the serene Lake Champlain. Park up to explore the charms of the Church Street marketplace, a pedestrianised area full of shops, bars, restaurants and performers. Head next for the waterfront with its observatory, aquarium and extensive walks and cycling paths. There are numerous microbreweries here too, in one of the US’ independent brewing capitals.

Get the scoop

Once upon a time, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream captured the hippie vibe of Vermont perfectly. They may since have sold up to a multinational, but their original factory remains a mainstay of the state’s tourist trail. It’s located in Waterbury, itself a lovely place next to the Green Mountains. Here you can visit a cider mill, go snowmobiling or just enjoy the slow pace of life. Back at the ice cream factory, there’s a guided tour, merchandise and a ‘scoop shop’ where you can try the goods. Explore the ‘Flavor Graveyard’, home to those varieties that didn’t last, or book ahead to make some ice cream of your own, available on Saturdays.

Natural beauty

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to leisure activities with a side serving of stunning vistas throughout the Green Mountain State. The mini canyon at Quechee Gorge, for example, deep, long and flanked by beautiful trees and easy walking trails. Nearby is the calm of Dewey’s Pond and the VINS Nature Centre, where you can learn all about wild birds, see the raptors being feed and have encounters with reptiles.

There are mountains everywhere in Vermont, with Mount Mansfield in Chittenden County being the highest of them all. It’s a mixture of forestation and arctic tundra, and some of the more challenging trails require caution during winter. However, there are numerous gentler, scenic trails to wander.

Elsewhere in the state, the ski resort of Mad River Glen does things differently. Proudly old school, with a single-chair ski lift and a snowboarding ban, it’s run by a co-op and, despite the lack of snow making or grooming facilities, a wonderful place to ski. The way it’s run is emblematic of the proud, defiantly different state. With car hire in Vermont you can throw yourself into this unique place for a trip you’ll never forget.