When the thermometer starts creeping toward triple digits, the first instinct in Vermont is usually to jump into a lake. But what happens when you’re far from a body of water, the beach is overcrowded, or you just want something different? Whether you’re a local looking for creative relief or a visitor without easy lake access, there are still plenty of ways to cool off across the Green Mountain State.
With temperatures today in the upper 90s and even hitting 100 in some parts of Vermont, here are 15 tried-and-true tips to stay cool, without needing to dive into a lake.
1. Head for the Hills
One of the best ways to beat the heat in Vermont is to head to higher elevations. Mountain air is naturally cooler, and with enough shade and a breeze, it can feel downright comfortable.
Try these spots:
- Mount Mansfield Toll Road for a scenic drive and cooler summit
- Lincoln Gap or Appalachian Gap for a breezy mountaintop lookout
- Hiking trails in the Northeast Kingdom, where crowds thin and trees are thick
Early morning or late afternoon hikes are best. Avoid midday exposure when the sun is strongest.
2. Explore a Shady Forest Trail or Waterfall Walk
Not every trail ends in a swimming hole, and that’s okay. Shaded trails and waterfall walks offer natural air conditioning through mist and tree cover.
Recommended trails:
- Wiessner Woods (Stowe) – family friendly and well shaded
- Moss Glen Falls (Granville or Stowe) – stunning, misty cascades
- Lye Brook Falls (Manchester) – a longer hike but worth it for the refreshing atmosphere
Bring a hat, bug spray, and a cool towel to dab on your neck as you go.
3. Grab a Maple Creemee in an Air-Conditioned General Store
Is there anything more Vermont than cooling down with a maple creemee? Even better when you can enjoy it inside a general store with good air conditioning.
Local favorites:
- Bragg Farm Sugarhouse (Montpelier)
- The Warren Store (Warren)
- Sweet Scoops (Morrisville)
These small-town gems often double as gift shops or cafés, so you can linger and browse in the cool air.
4. Chill Out in a Mountain Cave or Gorge
Nature’s architecture has a way of staying cool year-round. Certain caves and gorges across Vermont offer a surprising chill, even on the hottest days.
Check out:
- Smugglers’ Notch caves – scattered along Route 108 between Stowe and Jeffersonville
- Quechee Gorge – go early in the day or in the evening for best comfort
- Dorset Marble Quarry – technically not a lake, but it is a unique and refreshing dip if you don’t mind a crowd
Wear proper footwear and be cautious around slippery rocks.
5. Visit a Local Museum or Historic Site
When the heat’s too much, ducking inside for a few hours is a smart move. Vermont’s museums aren’t just educational — they also offer consistent air conditioning.
Top indoor picks:
- Vermont History Museum (Montpelier)
- American Precision Museum (Windsor)
- Shelburne Museum – lots of shaded buildings and galleries indoors
These are great options for kids, adults, and anyone looking to escape the mid-afternoon scorch.
6. Seek Out Vermont’s Hidden Swimming Holes
You don’t need a lake to splash around. Vermont’s rivers and streams hide magical little spots where you can wade, dip your toes, or even float.
Local go-tos:
- Bingham Falls (Stowe)
- Warren Falls (Warren)
- Bolton Potholes (Bolton)
These places can get crowded during peak hours, so try to go early or late. Always pack out what you bring in.
7. Grab a Cold Drink in a Shady Beer Garden
Vermont is known for its craft beer, but in summer, it’s the shady seating and refreshing sips that really stand out.
Try these chill hangouts:
- Prohibition Pig (Waterbury) – shaded patio and craft cider
- Lawson’s Finest Liquids (Waitsfield) – breezy outdoor space with frozen drinks
- Stone Corral (Richmond) – shaded and dog friendly
Not a beer drinker? Most breweries also serve kombucha, sodas, or mocktails.
8. Cool Off at a Farmstand or Cider Mill
Many of Vermont’s best farmstands and cider stops offer more than just produce. You’ll find cold drinks, shaded picnic tables, and sometimes even misting fans.
Favorites include:
- Cold Hollow Cider Mill (Waterbury Center) – cider slushies and apple donuts
- Champlain Orchards (Shoreham) – grab a chilled hard cider
- Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks (Montpelier) – creemees and maple lemonade
Check for open hours before visiting, especially on weekdays.
9. Relax at a Bookstore or Library
Book lovers, rejoice. Vermont’s indie bookstores and public libraries are perfect for lingering on a hot day.
Worth the visit:
- Bear Pond Books (Montpelier) – cozy seating, great A/C
- The Galaxy Bookshop (Hardwick) – small-town charm and a welcoming vibe
- Your local library – most have comfy seating and free Wi-Fi
Bring a drink, find a corner, and enjoy the quiet cool.
10. Go Underground at a Cavern or Mine Tour
While not widespread in Vermont, a short trip across the border can land you in naturally air-conditioned spaces below the earth’s surface.
Day-trip ideas:
- Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves (New Hampshire) – shady boardwalks and underground trails
- Polar Caves (New Hampshire) – family friendly and cooler than the outside air
If you’re already planning a road trip, these make excellent detours on a hot day.
11. Replace Coffee Shops with Ice Cream Stops
It’s too hot for lattes. Vermont’s creameries and scoop shops offer creative alternatives like affogatos, maple milkshakes, and espresso chip cones.
Cool suggestions:
- Sisters of Anarchy Ice Cream (Shelburne) – farm fresh ingredients
- Village Scoop (Colchester) – creative sundae options
- Lake Champlain Chocolates Café (Burlington) – rich ice cream and cold brews
Make it your mission to try one new ice cream shop each weekend.
12. Enjoy Indoor Fun at Activity Centers and Arcades
Keep the kids (and yourself) entertained with fun, air-conditioned spaces around the state.
Good indoor options:
- Jay Peak Pump House – indoor waterpark and lazy river
- Spare Time (Colchester) – bowling, arcade games, and food
- Petra Cliffs (Burlington) – indoor rock climbing and cool walls
These spots are lifesavers when the heat gets too intense for outdoor play.
13. Wake Up Early for the Farmers Market
Farmers markets are magical in the summer, but by noon they can feel like a hot skillet. Go early for the best produce and the coolest air.
Best early-bird markets:
- Burlington Farmers Market (Saturday)
- Montpelier Farmers Market (Saturday)
- Stowe Farmers Market (Sunday)
Grab a cold lemonade or fresh fruit popsicle and stroll while the air is still tolerable.
14. Cruise a Scenic Route in Your Air-Conditioned Car
Turn up the A/C, roll the windows down once you hit the higher roads, and take in the views.
Recommended drives:
- Route 100 (Waitsfield to Killington) – classic Vermont scenery
- Route 108 (Stowe through Smugglers’ Notch) – epic switchbacks and shady cliffs
- Route 30 (Manchester to Middlebury) – historic villages and open farmland
Pack snacks and make a few shady stops along the way.
15. Find Your Chill at a Spa or Wellness Center
Sometimes the best way to cool off is to pamper yourself. Many spas offer treatments designed to cool the skin and relax the body.
Treat yourself to:
- Topnotch Resort & Spa (Stowe) – mountain views and chilled eucalyptus towels
- The Essex Resort & Spa (Essex Junction) – cool stone massage and relaxation rooms
- Stoweflake Spa (Stowe) – indoor pool and whirlpool access
Call ahead for appointments, especially during weekends.
Final Tips for Staying Cool in Vermont
- Drink water constantly, even if you don’t feel thirsty
- Dress in loose, light-colored clothing and a wide-brim hat
- Take breaks in shaded or indoor areas whenever possible
- Keep your pets indoors or let them rest in the shade with plenty of water
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity from 11 AM to 4 PM if possible
Share Your Cool Spots
Got a favorite non-lake way to cool off in Vermont? Drop a comment below or tag your summer adventures with @greenmountainpeaks on Instagram!!
Staying cool in Vermont doesn’t always mean diving into a lake. Sometimes it means a maple creemee in the shade, a misty forest trail, or a breezy ride through the mountains. No matter how hot it gets, there’s always a Vermont-approved way to chill.
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