Darn Tough's Guide to Vermont: Local Favorites from the People Who Know It Best

Vermont holds a special place in our hearts at Darn Tough. It is not just where we knit our socks; it's our home. The Green Mountain State's rugged landscape, tight-knit communities, and independent spirit are woven into all the socks we make.

When our customers visiting Vermont asked us for recommendations, we had the thought… who better to provide authentic Vermont experiences than the people who live and breathe Vermont every day? So, we surveyed our employees to discover their favorite spots across the state to help you create the quintessential Vermont experiences.

Our Vermont Favorites

Whether you are planning your first visit or your fiftieth, here's our insider's guide to Vermont, as chosen by the Darn Tough family.

Best Vermont Hike: Camel's Hump

Towering at 4,083 feet, Camel's Hump isn't just a mountain; it's a Vermont icon. With its distinctive hump-like profile visible throughout much of central Vermont, this peak offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the state.

Many of our employees tackle this challenging but rewarding hike annually, and several of our sock designs draw inspiration from its unique silhouette.

The Monroe Trail from the Duxbury side offers a moderately challenging route, while the more difficult Burrows Trail from Huntington provides a steeper ascent. Regardless of the path you choose, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views that on clear days stretch from the Adirondacks to the White Mountains.

Local Tip: Start early to avoid crowds (especially during fall foliage season) and always pack extra layers (avoid cotton) including an extra pair of Darn Tough hiking socks, as the summit can be significantly cooler than the trailhead!

Best Place for July 4th Fireworks: Burlington Waterfront

When it comes to celebrating Independence Day, our team overwhelmingly recommends the Burlington Waterfront. The combination of fireworks reflecting off Lake Champlain with the Adirondack Mountains in the background makes for a magical experience.

 The city's celebration includes live music, local food vendors, and a festive atmosphere that draws people from across the region.

Local Tip: Arrive early to claim a spot at Waterfront Park or consider watching from a boat on the lake for a truly spectacular view.

Best Vermont Camping: Stillwater Campground

For overnight outdoor adventures, our team’s top pick is Stillwater Campground in Groton State Forest. With waterfront sites on peaceful Lake Groton, it offers the quintessential Vermont camping experience.

The surrounding state forest provides miles of hiking trails, paddling opportunities, and abundant wildlife. It is the perfect base camp for exploring one of Vermont's most beautiful regions.

Local Tip: Reserve well in advance for summer weekends and bring extra layers; even summer nights can get cool in Vermont!

Most Underrated Vermont Town: Waitsfield

Waitsfield is a true Vermont gem that many visitors miss while heading to more well-known destinations in the state. This charming town offers the perfect balance of outdoor recreation, local culture, and small-town charm.

Waitsfield has no shortage of stunning farm views, a thriving arts community, and vibrant culinary scene. Home to the Mad River Glen ski area, one of the few remaining ski cooperatives and one of three ski areas that doesn’t allow snowboarding. Ski it if you can!

It is also home to American Flatbread at Lareau Farm, a beloved Vermont pizza institution. Take a half day to visit Knoll Farm which has the most picturesque location for blueberry picking with mountain views.

The list goes on and on, but one last mention of what makes this town special is the Waitsfield Saturday AM farmers market, which is not to be missed. It is no coincidence that this town is home to our favorite brewery. Many employees call this special place home.

Local Tip: Visit during autumn for breathtaking foliage views along Scenic Route 100, or during winter for some of the best skiing in the East.

Best Vermont Brewery: Lawson's Finest Liquids

In a state known for exceptional craft beer, Lawson's Finest Liquids stands out as our team's favorite. Nestled in the Mad River Valley in Waitsfield (which has already made an appearance on our list), Lawson's combines exceptional brewing with a welcoming taproom experience that perfectly captures Vermont's hospitality.

Their Sip of Sunshine IPA might be their most famous offering, but don't miss their rotating seasonal brews. The taproom features a beautiful outdoor beer garden where you can enjoy your drinks and a menu with locally sourced food. We especially appreciate their commitment to giving back to the Vermont community through their social impact program.

Local Tip: After enjoying Lawson's, explore Waitsfield's charming downtown, get a creemee at Canteen Creemee, and take a dip in the Mad River!

Best VT Swimming Hole: Warren Falls

Vermont's swimming holes are one of our most treasured natural assets, and Warren Falls tops our list. Located on the Mad River in Warren, just south of Waitsfield, this series of cascading pools and waterfalls offers refreshing relief on hot summer days.

The clear, emerald-green water and smooth rock formations create natural pools perfect for swimming, and cliff jumping for the brave!

Local Tip: Visit on weekdays or early in the day to avoid crowds. Always practice swimming hole etiquette: pack out what you pack in and respect this beautiful natural space.

Best Vermont-Made Brand (Besides Us!): Cabot Creamery

When we asked our team about their favorite Vermont-made brands (besides Darn Tough, of course), Cabot Creamery was the runaway winner. This farmer-owned cooperative has been producing award-winning cheese since 1919.

They have Visitors Centers in Hardwick and up the road from our Mill in Waterbury Center where you can taste and sample a variety of cheeses.

Photo Credit: David Moore, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Like us, Cabot is deeply committed to family values, quality, hard work, and community. While Darn Tough’s owners, Marc and Ric Cabot, might share the same name as this other beloved Vermont brand, they are not related (just another typical Vermont coincidence).

Local Tip: The Seriously Sharp Cheddar is a classic, but don't miss their Alpine-style cheeses and specialty flavors that are harder to find outside Vermont.

Best Spot for a Vermont Creemee: Dairy Crème 

For the uninitiated, a "creemee" is Vermont's version of soft-serve ice cream and is distinguished for being creamier, often made with local dairy, and simply delicious. Our team's favorite place to get one is Dairy Crème in Montpelier.

This seasonal roadside stand has been a central Vermont institution for decades. Their maple creemee, made with real Vermont maple syrup, is the stuff of legend.

Local Tip: Dairy Crème typically opens in April and closes in September, so plan your visit accordingly! And yes, it's worth standing in line on a hot summer day.

Best Vermont Coffee Shop: Carrier Roasting Co.

Located right here in Northfield where our primary Mill operates, Carrier Roasting Co. is more than just our local coffee shop; it's practically an extension of our Mill! We love Carrier so much that we named one of our conference rooms after it.

Their commitment to ethically sourced and perfectly roasted beans results in exceptional coffee that fuels many of our workdays. They are located right next door to Good Measure Pub & Brewery, where you will also often find many of our employees enjoying a cold beer or tasty burger (we named a conference room after them too… the one right next door to Carrier).

Local Tip: Try Carrier's Vermont Maple Latte for a perfect blend of local flavor and exceptional coffee craftsmanship. They also offer shipping, so you don’t need to visit Vermont to enjoy their coffee!

Best Vermont Bakery: Red Hen Baking Co.

Just outside Montpelier, conveniently located right off exit 9 on interstate 89 in the small town of Middlesex, Red Hen Baking Co. has been baking artisanal bread and serving delicious, locally sourced eats since 1999. Their commitment to quality is something that perfectly aligns with our philosophy at Darn Tough.

 Their sandwiches, featuring their famous bread, are a favorite breakfast and lunch choice for many of our employees. The café's cozy atmosphere and dedication to sustainable practices make it a quintessential Vermont dining experience.

Local Tip: Grab a loaf of their Mad River Grain bread to take home; it makes incredible toast for your pre-hike breakfast and/or sandwiches to enjoy at the summit! Their bread is also available across Vermont if you can’t make it to their Middlesex location.

Come Visit Vermont

Whether you are hiking Camel's Hump in your Darn Tough socks, enjoying a maple creemee, or camping under the stars, we hope this guide helps you experience Vermont like a local.

These special places reflect all the things that we love about our home state. The next time you are visiting the Green Mountains, we hope you can check out some of our favorites, and if you spot any Darn Tough employees in the wild (we're often wearing our socks or a company hoodie), be sure to say hello. 

Vermont has shaped who we are as a company and the socks we make here. We are proud to call it home, and we are happy to share our favorite corners of it with you.