Gay Vermont – Ultimate Travel Guide, Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Activities (Updated 2024)
Gay Friendly Travel Guides 03rd Mar, 2022
Why Gay Vermont? Traveling is difficult, especially if you don’t know where to go, and searching the internet for ideas on where to go next is exhausting.
It’s difficult to travel and visit some destinations as a gay couple or as an LGBTQ+ member, knowing that you can be discriminated against and hated as a couple.
The majority of gay couples desired a safe environment to visit and enjoy, as well as spend time with their partners. The majority of gay couples and LGBTQ+ people want to be in a place where they can be loved and treated well, and where they can travel around the world with their partners without having to worry about anything.
Think no more – Gay Vermont is a place to go!
Gay Vermont or also known as Green Mountain State is the second least populated U.S. state with a population of about 640,000. It is the only state from the New England region that does not border the Atlantic Ocean.
It is bordered on the south by Massachusetts, on the east by New Hampshire, on the west by New York, and the north by the Canadian province of Quebec.
Having the opportunity to spend time with your partner as a gay couple here in Gay Vermont can help you free your mind from worries, and if you’re unsure about coming here as a gay couple, that’s not a problem because most of the people here are gay-friendly, and both of you have the freedom to express your love for each other.
Vermont is not only known for its beautiful scenery and welcoming environment, but they also welcome visitors from all over the world regardless of who you are and what you are. Visiting this destination is well worth it because of the meals and activities available to gay couples in Vermont.
Gay travellers to Vermont come for a variety of reasons, including sports and recreation. Everyone knows that the ski resorts here offer world-class skiing, but in recent years, the resorts have opened up new avenues of interest.
The majority of ski resorts offer extensive snowboarding facilities, and many of them transform their terrain to mountain biking paths in the summer. Vermont has some of the best golf courses in the country, as well as fantastic riding, swimming, and hiking opportunities.
You’ll find everything you need to enjoy your Gay Vermont getaway.
If you are thinking about going somewhere else you can try other Gay Travel Guides.
Remember to always check out the latest rules and restrictions before you leave.
Gay Vermont – the Scene
Vermont was the first state to legalise same-sex marriage, and the state’s new governor, Peter Shumlin, was one of the original signers of the bill, so the state is in excellent hands.
The state has seen a rise in gay tourism since same-sex marriage became legal, with hundreds of couples traveling to the state to marry. The practice of welcoming gay couples to Vermont has developed into an entire industry, resulting in a multitude of LGBTQ+-friendly options for all gay travellers.
People in this state are ecstatic to welcome you, whether they are hosting you at a bed & breakfast or serving you food at a restaurant. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more welcoming, pleasant, and sociable group of folks.
There is no specific gay centre in Vermont because the state is generally welcoming and gay-friendly, but Burlington hosts the majority of LGBTQ+ events, bars, and clubs. Burlington is a small city in Vermont with a modest but welcoming gay community.
It also features a lovely, picture-perfect city. Burlington, on the eastern beaches of Lake Champlain, is a progressive, inviting, and diverse city where everyone can find their place and feel at home. It is located only slightly south of the LGBTQ-friendly hotspot of Montreal.
The city offers a wide range of activities dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community, you’ll be able to enjoy the Vermont Pride Parade and Festival, the traditional Winter is a Drag Ball and so much more.
Whatever you prefer to do – Gay Vermont has so much more to offer.
Is Gay Vermont Safe?
You must be thinking about how safe Vermont is as you plan your trip? According to Law Street’s Crime Report, Vermont is the safest state in the United States.
Traveling in Vermont poses a low overall risk. It depends on the activities you choose and where you go, but it is generally safe.
There is still a risk of petty crime in this area, just as there is in any other part of the world, therefore precautions should be made to avoid unfavourable circumstances.
LGBTQ+ couples, individuals, and families will find Vermont to be a comfortable destination to visit. It is safe to visit Vermont; in fact, it has the lowest crime rate of any state in the New England region.
This is the safest place in the New England region for gay couples, LGBTQ+ members, and LGBTQ+ families to visit because the people are so warm and sociable, and you might make some new friends too.
Best Time to Visit Gay Vermont
Vermont offers countless options for fun and adventure throughout the year. Although summers can be hot and humid, and winters can be bitterly cold, a visit to Vermont will surely entice you.
As you plan your trip, you must be wondering when is the best time to visit Vermont. You can visit this magnificent state all year round.
A visit during Autumn is best for leaf-peeping, Gay Vermont is known for its fall foliage, which is a rainbow of hues created by hardwood forests before the maples, oaks, birches, and other trees drop their leaves for the winter.
During Winter, it is the best time for snow sports, with 26 alpine ski resorts spanning the state’s northern to southern borders, Gay Vermont is the top destination for downhill skiers in the Northeast, so if you’re an adventurous and outdoorsy type, you might want to visit during this season.
During Summer, it is the best time for a sweet tooth, Maple syrup runs in Vermont in the spring, and sugar houses boil the sap to make maple syrup. Many locals open their doors to guests who want to sample their products directly from the boiler or try sugar on snow and syrup-drizzled pancakes.
It’s also the season when the wildflowers carpet the woods and the blossoming trees transform Vermont’s towns and cities into botanical rainbows. Lastly, during the Summer, it is the best time for festivals and water activities, summers in Vermont can be hot and humid.
You can dip into Lake Champlain to cool off, or visit Vermont’s waterfalls and unique swimming holes, such as Bolton’s naturally carved potholes and Ludlow’s Buttermilk Falls.
Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in Vermont
Here are some Gay-Friendly Hotels to try during your visit to Gay Vermont:
The Grafton Inn
For over 220 years, the historic Grafton Inn has been a beacon of comfort and luxury in Vermont. With 42 individually-decorated rooms, including suites and guest houses, guests are sure to find the perfect retreat.
Dine on locally-inspired cuisine at the Phelps Barn Pub or the 1801 Tavern. Other amenities include dog-friendly lodging, a renovated fitness center, Tesla charging stations, a game room, and a seasonal swimming pond.
| Activities | Bar Seasonal Swimming Pond Trails Tennis and Pickleball Courts Game Room Kona Bicycles |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | The Grafton Inn 92 Main Street Grafton, VT 05146 |
| Contact | Call (802) 843-2248 info@graftoninnvermont.com |
| Website | Historic Southern Vermont Hotel | Accommodations in Grafton (graftoninnvermont.com) |
Basin Harbor
Nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain, a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life awaits at the end of a winding Vermont country road.
This idyllic retreat invites guests to unwind and create lasting memories in a peaceful setting. With a focus on slowing down and finding space, guests can relax and establish traditions in this tranquil environment.
| Activities | Golf Swimming Boating Fishing Trails Camping Canoeing Biking |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | Basin Harbor 4800 Basin Harbor Road Vergennes, VT 05491 |
| Contact | Call 800.622.4000 or 802.475.2311 stay@basinharbor.com |
| Website | Lake Champlain, VT Hotel & Resort – Basin Harbor |
Stratton Mountain Resort
Stratton Mountain Resort offers a variety of lodging options in the Green Mountains that can accommodate any size family or group. Located at the heart of the resort, guests can experience the perfect Vermont vacation in any season from the comfort of their cozy lodge or condominium neighborhood.
Whether you’re planning a ski trip, summer vacation, fall foliage getaway, family reunion, or wedding venue in Vermont, Stratton Mountain lodging is a limitless option with endless views.
| Activities | Biking Fitness Center Heated Pool Bar Spa Ski in/Ski Out Restaurant Sauna Golf |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | Stratton Mountain Resort 5 Village Lodge Rd. Stratton Mountain Vermont, 05155 |
| Contact | Call 802-444-8750 feedback@stratton.com |
| Website | Best Ski Resort Near NYC | Stratton Mountain |
Recommended:
Gay Massage in Vermont
Gay-Friendly Dining in Vermont
Vermont values its agricultural heritage and working landscape as a leader in the farm-to-table movement.
The state is rich with foods that are raised, crafted, caught, and foraged locally, from maple sugarhouses to hillsides speckled with black-and-white cows.
Although no dedicated gay restaurant exists in the area since Vermont is a gay-friendly state, here are some listings of gay-friendly restaurants in Gay Vermont:
1. Cornerstone Pub & Kitchen
Cornerstone Pub & Kitchen is a welcoming gay-friendly, modern American pub with delicious food and artisan brews.
They have combined their fine-dining, pub, and restaurant experience to establish a unique gathering spot in Vermont, with over thirty years of combined fine-dining, pub, and restaurant experience.
It is a gathering area for friends, family, tradesmen, and businesspeople in a non-discriminatory setting.
They offer lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
| Types of Food | Chicken, Soups & Salads, Mac n’ Cheese, Tacos, Burgers and Sandwiches, Seafood, Meat |
| Price | $$ |
| Location | 47 N Main St, Barre, VT 05641 |
| More Information | Cornerstone Pub & Kitchen – Barre, VT – Bar & GrillCornerstone Pub and Kitchen (cornerstonepk.com) |
2. The Gryphon
The Gryphon, like its hometown of Burlington, VT, is a hip, laid-back, classy restaurant without being snobby about it, where you can appreciate and try one of Chef Andre’s fantastic creations while sipping a delicious cocktail or spirit.
It’s all about the cuisine and the experience here.
| Types of Food | Seafood, Soups, Salads, Burgers, Meat |
| Price | $$ |
| Location | 131 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401 |
| More Information | Burlington, Vermont Restaurant | Home | The Gryphon (gryphonvt.com) |
3. The Reluctant Panther Inn & Restaurant
In a quiet yet tastefully refined ambiance, The Reluctant Panther Restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine.
Their chefs offer a sophisticated dining experience that is unrivalled in the northern New England region, with an emphasis on locally produced food.
The elegant food is complemented by a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list.
| Types of Food | Seafood, Soups, Salads, Meat |
| Price | $$ |
| Location | 39 West Rd, Manchester, VT 05254 |
| More Information | Southern Vermont Boutique Hotel – Gourmet Dining | Reluctant Panther Inn |
Gay-Friendly Bar and Clubs in Vermont
Vermont has a diverse range of live music venues, bars, and nightclubs.
Burlington is the state’s largest city and has the most live music venues and bars, but don’t forget Vermont’s smaller towns and cities, which have limited options as well.
Here are some suggestions for gay-friendly bars and clubs where you might spend the night during your visit to Gay Vermont:
1. Red Square Bar & Grill
This gay-friendly venue, located near the heart of Burlington, Vermont, is a popular hangout for the local LGBTQ+ community. This casual mixed-crowd pub offers cocktails, art, and special events.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 136 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401 |
| Contact | +1 802-399-2300 |
| Website | No Website |
2. Three Needs
Three Needs Tap Room & Pizza Cube is a bar and pool hall in Burlington, Vermont, that serves artisan beers, cocktails, event rentals, live music, and more.
The bar has expanded over time, as have the pool tables, which are meticulously maintained and host some of the area’s greatest players.
Three Needs is the place for all seasons, with a large outdoor courtyard filled with comfortable, cushioned couches and lounge chairs, well-known house-infused liquors and craft cocktails, call-named liquors in the well, an affordable selection of high-quality craft beers, and the best pool tables in the area.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 185 Pearl St, Burlington, VT 05401 |
| Contact | +1 802-497-0119 |
| Website | Bar | Three Needs Tap Room & Pizza Cube | United States |
3. The Vermont Pub & Brewery
The Vermont Pub & Brewery, the state’s oldest craft brewery, first opened its doors on November 11, 1988, and has remained a favourite hangout in Burlington ever since.
This Burlington, gay-friendly restaurant serves a variety of award-winning beers as well as conventional pub cuisine. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, you can try the many different beers on tap.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 144 College St, Burlington, VT 05401 |
| Contact | +1 802-865-0500 |
| Website | Vermont Pub & Brewery (vermontbrewery.com) |
4. Rimrock’s Mountain Tavern
Rimrock’s first opened its doors in 2004 as a cozy spot with a full bar. The cuisine was limited, but the atmosphere was rustic and local.
It is the only Premier Sports Bar & Restaurant in Stowe, Vermont.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 394 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672 |
| Contact | +1 802-253-9593 |
| Website | Rimrock’s Mountain Tavern (rimrocksmountaintavern.com) |
5. Mule Bar
Mule Bar, in Winooski, Vermont, serves a wide range of cocktails and wines. They are exclusively open for indoor seating and are open from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 38 Main St, Winooski, VT 05404 |
| Contact | +1 802-399-2020 |
| Website | Mule Bar | Winooski, Vermont (mulebarvt.com) |
Gay-Friendly Activities and Attractions in Vermont
Throughout the year, Vermont provides a plethora of opportunities for fun and adventure.
Vermont’s natural beauty, active mountain lifestyle, local food, and dynamic arts and music scene ensure that there is always something to do, regardless of the season.
Here are some suggestions for gay-friendly activities and attractions to see during your visit to Gay Vermont:
1. Vermont Pride Parade & Festival
The Vermont Pride Parade and Festival is held in Burlington every year and is attended by LGBTQ+ locals and travellers. You’ll find it all here, whether you like parties, parades, family-friendly events, networking opportunities, or all of the above.
It’s an occasion you’ll want to mark on your calendar.
| Activities | Parade, Events, Parties |
| Location | Burlington, VT |
| Price | Free |
| Availability | September |
| More Information | Home – LGBTQ Community Center (pridecentervt.org) |
2. Winter is a Drag Ball
The annual Winter Drag Ball is a unique LGBTQ+ Burlington event that always promises to be a night of fun, with music, dancing, drag queens and kings, and more.
| Activities | Watching, Dancing, Party |
| Location | Burlington, VT |
| Price | Free |
| Availability | February |
| More Information | 26th Annual Winter is a Drag Ball – (pridecentervt.org) |
3. NEK Adventures Snowmobile Tour
While snowmobiling, you may explore miles of Vermont backcountry beauty, encounter wildlife in its natural habitat, and socialise with your friends.
More than 3,100 miles of wide routes and thousands of miles of minor trails will take you to open fields, high mountain peaks, secluded farmyards, and welcoming villages.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Snowmobiling |
| Location | 1763 Memorial Dr, St Johnsbury, VT 05819 |
| Price | $$$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | nekadventures.com |
4. A sip of Burlington Brew Tour
Vermont has a long tradition of brewing beer, and this tour provides a detailed overview of Burlington’s growing craft beer culture.
Visit four distinct craft beer breweries or brewpubs around Burlington to learn more about the art of beer-making and sample a range of regional beers while meeting the brewery owners.
Finally, settle in for a delectable beer-tasting lunch or dinner.
| Activities | Brew Tours, Sightseeing |
| Location | Burlington, VT |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Sip of Burlington Tour – Burlington Brew Tours – All-Inclusive, Guided Brewery Tours & Craft Beer Events in Burlington, Vermont (citybrewtours.com) |
5. Morse Farm
The Morse Farm experience includes free sugar house tours, multimedia displays in a real woodshed theatre, a nature walk, a country store, and an outdoor Vermont farm life museum, as well as quirky carved folklife characters designed by Burr Morse.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Sugar House Tours, Nature Walk |
| Location | 1168 County Rd, Montpelier, VT 05602 |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks – Montpelier, Vermont | Maple Syrup Farm Store |
How to get to Vermont?
From Canada
Vermont and the Canadian province of Quebec share a 90-mile border with 15 border crossings. The Derby Line/Stanstead and Highgate Springs/Saint-Armand are two of the most heavily traveled border crossings between the countries.
If you plan to drive from Canada to Vermont, use the Border Travel Calendar to discover if the day you plan to travel will be troublesome. If you choose to travel by plane, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Air Canada all provide flights. These airlines offer direct flights to Vermont’s local airports.
From the United Kingdom
If you are visiting Vermont from the United Kingdom, the best way to get there is to fly to Heathrow Airport. The average flight time from London to Vermont is 11 hours and 54 minutes. American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, KLM, and other airlines fly from the United Kingdom.
From the United States
Flying into Washington Dulles International Airport is the easiest way to travel to Vermont if you are coming from another US state that is far away. It will take 1 hour and 15 minutes to fly from Washington to Vermont.
From Australia
Tourists visiting Vermont should look for flights to Burlington International Airport. Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, JetBlue Airways, Porter Airlines, United Express, and US Airways Express are among the airlines that fly here.
