Saint Albans is one of the cities within Franklin County and is also known as the “Maple Syrup Capital of the World.”
This quaint town in Vermont is characterized by Victorian-inspired architecture that dates back to the mid-1800s.
Various festivals, events, and celebrations also take place in this city, making it one of the most visited cities by tourists worldwide.
Saint Albans is steeped in rich history, which you can learn in their museums, state parks, and iconic establishments.
Whether you’re dropping by to explore this city or looking to escape the hustle and bustle of your daily life, this city has much to offer.
Here are the best things to do in the historic Saint Albans, VT:
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Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Saint Albans that weaves through the different cities and towns in Franklin County.
It’s best known for its scenic route and a long trail that stretches as long as 26.3 miles.
At this rail trail, you’ll get spectacular views of the natural landscape of Saint Albans while you get your steps in for a great workout.
In addition to hiking, this trail is also perfect for walking, jogging, running, and biking.
If you’re looking for more adventure, you can try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and horseback riding.
You may also spot wildlife that has made this trail their home, so keep an eye out for them.
Initially constructed in 1861, Saint Albans Museum teems with historical value.
However, it has only been open to the public since 1966.
Formerly, the museum was the Franklin County Museum, named after its county.
Then, they changed its name to the St. Albans Historical Society & Museum, since shortened to the St. Albans Museum.
This museum collects, preserves, and showcases various historical and cultural artifacts that aim to tell visitors and tourists all about the history of this city.
You can get the chance to view their exhibits and displays that seek to preserve and share the rich past of Saint Albans.
They also feature podcasts, testimonials, educational presentations, and more that pique the interest of all who visit here, regardless of age.
There is so much to learn and see at Saint Albans Museum, so drop by on your trip to this city.
If you’re looking for a great recreational center with many amenities, then check out Hard’ack Recreation Area.
You’ll have a great time playing indoor or outdoor sports with the entire family.
Their most famous attraction is their 18-hole disc golf course, where you can practice your aim and challenge your loved ones to a friendly competition.
They also have more adventurous activities such as skiing in the winter, trekking in the summer, and skating and cross-country skiing year-round.
If you get hungry, you can drop by their snack bar for a light meal and some drinks.
They even offer some hot cocoa to keep you warm during the winter season.
Hard’ack Recreation Area provides fun, excitement, and leisure activities for all who visit, so try adding this place to your itinerary.
Taylor Park is Saint Albans’ most spacious park that is often the venue for various festivals, events, and celebrations such as the Summer Concert Series.
This annual celebration takes place between June and August, and is free to the public.
Local and international bands and musicians perform at this event, providing entertainment for all who attend.
You may catch performances from the incaHOOTs, Rushmore, Mad Mojo, and plenty others.
Their schedule also features different events and activities for all ages, so check it out.
Beyond the concert series, Taylor Park is a peaceful and vast park perfect for relaxing, enjoying the outdoors, soaking up the sun, and taking a leisurely walk.
There’s nothing better than strolling through a farmer’s market under the sun while on vacation.
Northwest Farmers Market is open to the public every Saturday in Taylor Park.
This market features various local vendors and sellers, promoting their goods and services that range from freshly picked fruits and vegetables to pastries and sweets.
They also have live music and entertainment.
When you get tired from all the shopping, you can lay out a picnic blanket and enjoy the warm sun.
You can also catch artists selling their artworks, food trucks parked by the side, and stalls that offer samples of their food.
Drop by and see what the Northwest Farmers Market is about!
The Eloquent Page is one of the bookstores in Saint Albans that sells a variety of books, from preloved copies to fresh releases.
From vintage editions to the latest releases, kid’s books, and even collectibles, you might find the book you’ve been looking for right here.
They also carry many genres, including your favorite romcoms, mysteries, and more.
Every book lover would enjoy an afternoon in this place.
The bookstore also holds over 35,000 books in their selection.
You can purchase your favorite copy for a great price.
This shop also offers a cozy, relaxing atmosphere that lets you grab a book off their shelves and read it on one of their comfortable chairs.
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Vermont is known for “Creemees,” which are essentially soft-served ice creams – only better.
Toby’s Treats sell these iconic desserts with over 100 flavors for you to choose from.
You can find this ice cream shop along the main street in downtown St. Albans.
Toby’s Treats attract locals and tourists with its delicious creemees.
You can also customize the flavors by adding toppings, sauces, swirls, and more.
In addition to their creemees, you can also grab a cold milkshake, a sundae, and regular ice cream to beat the heat.
Your trip to Vermont won’t be complete without a taste of these sweet treats, so try and stop by.
Mimmo’s Pizzeria & Restaurant is a community favorite restaurant that sells all your favorite Italian dishes.
Situated right at the heart of Saint Albans, this eatery uses its top-notch recipes that have made its pizzas one of the best sellers in the entire city.
They’re best known for their marinara, made only from high-quality and fresh ingredients that make all their customers’ mouths water.
From classic Italian pizza to New York-style deep dishes, Mimmo’s Pizzeria & Restaurant does not disappoint.
They also ensure freshly-cooked, made-to-order meals to provide only the best quality and tastiest flavors to make you and your family happy.
Drop by Mimmo’s Pizzeria & Restaurant and order from their menu to see why this restaurant has become a staple and local favorite.
Catalyst Coffee Bar is a quaint, aesthetic cafe along the main road that attracts coffee lovers of all kinds.
Touring and exploring the beautiful city of Saint Albans is tiring.
However, this coffee bar can give you the caffeine boost you may need to keep you going.
The Pacific Northwest’s tradition of vacuum-brewed coffee inspired the founders.
They decided to bring those flavors and traditions to Saint Albans.
Serving the community since 2016, this cafe has since garnered a loyal following from locals with its delicious coffee.
Whether you’re a fan of dark roast, sweet coffee, or strong espresso shots, this cafe has the coffee that best caters to your palate.
Saint Albans is also known as the “Maple Syrup Capital of the World.”
They have an event dedicated solely to their locally made maple syrup.
The Maple Festival of Vermont takes place every year on the last weekend of April.
This festival began in 1967, and the community of Saint Albans has continued to celebrate this tradition by hosting various activities for all ages.
Bring your kids to their face painting workshops, clown shows, and even a treasure hunt.
Adults can participate in their Sap Run, join the festival parade, compete in the photography competition, and more.
There’s so much fun and excitement in this weekend-long festival, so drop by the Maple Festival if you are in town.
Red House Sweets is a bakery and patisserie in downtown Saint Albans that sells the best treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.
This bakery specializes in French techniques and traditions to uplift the flavors of their pastries.
You can find classic French desserts and treats such as croissants, soft and airy cream puffs, eclairs, baguettes, and more.
They also offer vegan options for those with dietary restrictions or who wish to watch their sugar and dairy intake.
Red House Sweets ensures freshly baked pastries to provide customers with only the most delicious treats.
Initially named after a summer camp for boys known as Kill Kare, this state park has since been open for the public to enjoy.
Spanning over 17 acres in size right next to Lake Champlain, this spacious park is the perfect place to wind down and enjoy the outdoors!
You can also find the preserved Rocky Point House at the center of this park,
Built in the 1870s, the house was a residence for tourists visiting Saint Albans.
They have since converted Rocky Point House into a museum that preserves and treasures the historical past of Kill Kare State Park.
Visitors stopping by this park can play sports on their land, take a nice swim in their outdoor swimming pool, or get out on the open waters of Lake Champlain.
14th Star Brewing Co. is one of the best and favorite breweries in Saint Albans, located within the heart of the city.
This brewery is also veteran-owned and sells freshly-crafted, world-class beers for those looking for a refreshing beverage.
They’re known for incorporating creativity and various flavors into their beers for different tastes, yet all equally delicious.
14th Star Brewing Co. has consistently attracted beer lovers since 2012.
People love the brewery because they only use natural ingredients.
You can visit their taproom and taste a lineup of their beers of different flavors before purchasing a can (or two) of your own.
A percentage of their sales also goes to various charities and associations to give back to the community, so your purchase will also support these non-profit organizations.
If you’re looking for a place to shop cute apparel for great prices, then Vermont Clothing Company might have just what you’re looking for.
Established in 1991, this clothing store sits west of the city center and houses men’s and women’s clothing, including children’s clothes.
This company also uses natural energy and resources to fuel their shop, and their clothes are made from eco-friendly materials and organic cotton.
You can even find various accessories such as hats and scarves to complete your look.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself, buying a gift for friends and family, or looking for a souvenir of your trip to Saint Albans, Vermont Clothing Company has the piece for you.
Artist In Residence Gallery offers a different kind of art showcase.
This gallery hosts several featured artist programs monthly alongside an outstanding collection of art pieces.
From ceramic art and sculptures to paintings and photos, there’s so much for you to take inspiration from.
Come by yourself or with a loved one, and find your every visit more magical than the last.
Artist In Residence Gallery welcomes you on South Main Street.
Spice up your parties by hosting them at The Depot.
This private event center is famous for a lot of reasons.
One, it has a well-rounded set of amenities to keep you and your guests entertained.
With a fully-stocked bar, a pool table, and a stage, you are now ready to make new memories with every milestone you’re celebrating.
Secondly, the place offers catering, both onsite and off-site.
And for the ultimate reason, you’ll find the site hosts a multitude of live events.
These include Drag Shows and Murder Mystery Theatre, which you shouldn’t miss out on.
The Depot is on Kingman Street.
Saint Albans’ Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse is a famous local brewpub known for its wide assortment of drinks and beverages.
Opened in 2017, it specializes in a collection of homemade dishes and Vermont-grown hops.
Whether you prefer to savor flavored drinks in cans and growlers, this place has your beer-tasting preferences satisfied.
And when you’re down for a heavy meal, you can just order a meat-filled dish from its smokehouse.
It’s an adventure of taste and scent when you come to this family-operated brewery.
Head over to Beauregard Drive to reach Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse.
Christmas in Saint Albans is extra special.
This is because of the city’s annual Vermont Festival of Trees.
This event brings together the holiday cheer with a variety of programs centered on downtown Saint Alban’s tree celebration.
One of its program highlights is the Downtown Tree Walk, which features an array of well-lit trees lining storefronts and merchant windows.
Taylor Park opens its gates for fancy sleigh rides and a laser light show before the yearly lighting of the trees.
Feel like you’ve traveled to Paris with an elegant art auction and a showcase of French cuisine.
The Vermont Festival of Trees takes place from late November to early December and is an admissions-free event.
While in Saint Albans, experience full-body wellness when you drop by Mystic Waters Day Spa & Yoga.
This local spa has been serving the community since 2007.
It takes pride in its organic treatments and yoga sessions.
Get the kinks and knots out of your body with a much-needed body massage or even aromatherapy.
Reduce muscle tension with a Swedish massage or even some hot stone treatments.
And if you’ve got a lot of time to spare, connect with your inner self with a yoga session.
Mystic Waters Day Spa & Yoga is on North Main Street.
Champlain Country Club is one of the largest golf courses in the entire city, spanning a total of 6,287 feet.
You’ll find it in Swanton, Vermont, seven minutes from St. Albans.
It’s also the oldest golf course in the region, celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2015.
Its 18-hole, 71-par course has attracted golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned players.
Their challenging layout can help polish your aim and putting skills as you soak in the fresh air and scenic views.
You can also purchase golf equipment at their Pro Shop, with staff ready to assist you and your needs.
Whether you’re stopping by for the afternoon or a whole day, Champlain Country Club will be more than happy to have you.
Saint Albans is a thriving city packed with much fun and adventure.
Its friendly and welcoming community is sure to make you feel right at home.
You’ll never run out of things to see and do with their tourist attractions and events that take place year-round.
From peaceful museums to spacious greens to crowd-favorite eateries and everything in between, you’re sure to create long-lasting memories here.
Its location next to the beautiful Lake Champlain also makes it an ideal place to spend your getaway with all the water activities they offer.
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