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10 Stops to Make on a Vermont Road Trip

By U.S. News & World Report

Don’t skip checking out these must-see attractions across the Green Mountain State.

For such a small state, Vermont offers enticements for families, couples and budget travelers alike. Whether you want to make your own teddy bear at Vermont Teddy Bear Company, sample some of the best apple cider donuts in the country at Cold Hollow Cider Mill or hike to the Stowe Pinnacle Trail’s summit for incredible views of the Green Mountains, there are plenty of reasons to plan a trip. And, of course, you can’t skip taking in striking foliage displays or sampling maple-flavored concoctions in autumn. If you’re ready to embark on a road trip to remember across the Green Mountain State, make sure to hit these can’t-miss stops.

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory

Shelburne, Vermont

Kids and adults will both love stopping in Shelburne to explore the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory. The 30-minute tour with a Bear Ambassador costs just $4 for adults (kids ages 12 and under can tag along for free), but be ready for loads of bear puns. The behind-the-scenes tour shows visitors how the teddy bears are made, dressed and even repaired at the on-site teddy bear hospital. There are bears dressed up for every profession and special occasion, including current events-inspired teddy bears, like Team USA bears wearing Olympic medals.

Lake Champlain

Burlington, Vermont

From biking to hiking to exploring the coastal wine trail by way of a self-guided driving tour, there’s a lot to experience in the Lake Champlain region. On the lake itself, there are plenty of opportunities to get out on a stand-up paddleboard, a sailboat or a canoe. Popular pastimes include island hopping, taking the ferry to Burton Island and kayaking to North Hero Island. Enjoy a 90-minute cruise with Spirit of Ethan Allen Lake Champlain Cruises to admire the stunning fall foliage or an evening sunset.

Ben & Jerry’s Factory

Waterbury, Vermont

Of course, no Vermont road trip is complete without stopping in the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury, especially for first-time visitors. Take a free 30-minute tour of the factory to learn how the ice cream is made before scooping up a full-size sample at the end of the tour. Before you leave, snap a selfie with the “Cowmobile” parked out front. In winter, add on a 45-minute snowshoe tour to work up an appetite, before finishing up with a sample or visiting the Scoop Shop for a scoop or two of a variety of crowd-pleasing flavors.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Waterbury Center, Vermont

For apple cider donuts, Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury Center is the place to go, with warm donuts that Gourmet magazine once rated as among the best in the country. You’ll also want to sample the apple cider and the array of mustards set out upfront with oyster crackers. For lunch, walk across the driveway to the Apple Core Luncheonette. Order “Vermont to the Core,” a grilled panini topped with local bacon, cheddar, cider jelly and apple slices for a mouthwatering dish.

Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa

Stowe, Vermont

When you’re ready to hang up your hat, check into the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa. Here, you can enjoy hiking, biking and swimming in the warmer months and skiing and snowshoeing in winter. If you’re traveling with younger ones in tow, check out the Stoweflake Discovery Programs, which include llama walks and farm tours. The casual Charlie B’s Pub & Restaurant is a great pick for on-site dining. And if you’re looking for lively atmosphere, walk down the street to Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge for pizza and pasta. What’s more, Stoweflake is a short drive to Stowe Golf Park, where you can enjoy mini golf and bowling.

Stowe Pinnacle Trail Summit

Stowe, Vermont

For incredible 360-degree views, take a break from exploring scenic roads to hike the 2.8-mile Stowe Pinnacle Trail. It’s a relatively short, but steep, hike up to the summit, but you’ll be awed by the views of the Green Mountains, especially when fall foliage is at its peak. Take a picnic and sit on the rocks to revel in the sweeping vistas. If you’re eager to get to the top, you can take off about a mile from the hike by parking at the Pinnacle Meadows parking lot further up the trail.

Bragg Farm Sugarhouse and Gift Shop

East Montpelier, Vermont

When driving through Vermont, you can’t skip visiting a sugarhouse, even if it’s the off-season (sugaring season usually lasts for about six weeks sometime between February and April). At Bragg Farm Sugarhouse in East Montpelier, you can taste maple syrups, take an educational tour and hike along the maple walking trail. There’s also an on-site ice cream parlor where you can get a milkshake or a maple creme (a soft-serve cone). After satisfying your sweet tooth, check out the adjacent petting farm filled with ponies, goats and rabbits.

Vermont State House

Montpelier, Vermont

The smallest state capital in the country may have one of the most beautiful state capitol buildings. The gold-domed Vermont State House in Montpelier offers guided tours from July to October, but you can also explore the legislative chambers and visitor galleries on your own. Wander the streets of this quaint, historic town, including the Vermont History Museum, which is next door to the Vermont State House. But, whatever you do, don’t go looking for fast food. Montpelier is the only state capital without a McDonald’s outpost. Instead, make your way to a trendy coffee shop or artisanal bakery when you need a break to refuel.

Killington Resort

Killington, Vermont

No matter the season, there’s plenty to do at Killington Resort. When the weather is warm, you can enjoy for all kinds of outdoor activities at the Adventure Center, including an alpine coaster, zip lines, scenic lift rides and a ropes course. Plus, there are plenty of trails for hiking and mountain biking. In winter, there’s skiing and snowboarding, of course, but there’s also fat biking, snow tubing, sleigh rides and snowmobile tours. When you’re ready to unwind and soothe aching muscles, indulge in a warm maple sugar scrub at the Killington Grand Spa — the perfect way to end a day spent outdoors or on the road.

Downtown Rutland ArtWalk

Rutland, Vermont

In Rutland, loads of oversized murals decorate buildings all across this small town, primarily along Merchants Row. Murals range from a beautiful garden of flowers to a colorful depiction of the town and prominent buildings, including Christ the King Church. There’s even a giant mural of Batman. Before you go, print out thumbnail images and locations of each mural from the Downtown Rutland website so you know where to find the exact mural site, and map out your itinerary accordingly.

More from U.S. News

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10 Stops to Make on a Vermont Road Trip originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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