Skiing in the Green Mountains, driving down winding lanes while orange and red leaves fall softly before you, sampling fresh maple syrup over fluffy pancakes, and swimming in Lake Champlain—this is the beauty of Vermont. Lush and green in spring and summer, cool in the heart of fall, and cold, but sparkling white, in winter. The small state is a haven for liberals and progressives, home to excellent universities like Middlebury and the University of Vermont, and has a surprisingly diverse landscape from Quechee Gorge to the Taconic Mountains and the city of Burlington on Lake Champlain.

Whether you’re looking for easy scenic drives, a nice day hike, good skiing, or outdoor adventures, Vermont has it all. Most any country road in Vermont offers trees, maybe a few mountains, or a few colonial-style buildings to capture your attention. But with a little research, you could plan a driving trip through the mountains and along the most scenic by-ways to reach your destination.

Suicide Six, a ski resort in Woodstock Vermont, is (despite its name) one of the best ski areas for families. Its small with lots of beginner trails for the kids and enough advanced trails for adults to enjoy while you pass the kids off an a ski instructor for awhile. Other excellent mountains for skiers at a variety of skill levels are Stowe, Sugarbush, and Smugglers’ Notch.

The beauty of Vermont creates a naturally romantic atmosphere. Vermont is one of those places that is beautiful all year long. In the winter, consider a ski vacation. Race each other down the slopes of Killington and then curl up in the lodge with your significant other at night. Share a hearty dinner and a bottle of red wine or mugs of hot chocolate by the fire.

In the summer, a lakeside vacation might be in order. Rent a cabin and get away from your day-to-day responsibilities for a while. Swing on the porch swing with glasses of sparkling wine, go for a moonlight swim, or rent a boat to take on a cruise for two.

More of a city couple? Book a stay in Burlington. You can still enjoy the natural beauty of Vermont with walks along Lake Champlain, but you can follow that with shopping or a movie. Burlington also has many eclectic coffee shops, independent bookstores, and fine dining restaurants that make for an excellent date.

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