Have you ever wished to step into the mythical world of Game of Thrones?
These enchanting Vermont locations offer a touch of Westeros, blending natural beauty with a sense of fantasy.
1. Wilson Castle (Proctor)
Holy merlons and machicolations, Batman!
Wilson Castle in Proctor is the real deal when it comes to medieval-inspired architecture.
This 19th-century mansion looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairy tale and plopped down in the Vermont countryside.
With its red brick exterior, conical towers, and arched windows, you half expect to see Rapunzel letting down her hair from one of the turrets.
As you approach the castle, you might find yourself instinctively checking for a moat or a drawbridge.
Spoiler alert: there isn’t one, but don’t let that dampen your spirits.
The interior is just as impressive, boasting 32 rooms filled with period furnishings and artwork from 14 countries.
It’s like a global tour wrapped up in a castle-shaped package.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But where are the jousting tournaments and feasts of roasted boar?”
Well, you’ll have to bring your own lance and suckling pig, but the sprawling grounds do offer plenty of space for medieval-inspired shenanigans.
Just don’t go declaring yourself King in the North – the locals might look at you funny.
2. Shelburne Farms (Shelburne)
If Highgarden had a Vermont cousin, it would be Shelburne Farms.
This 1,400-acre working farm and National Historic Landmark is so picturesque, it makes you want to don a flower crown and frolic through the fields like a Tyrell on a good day.
The farm’s crown jewel is the grand Inn, a former 19th-century country house that now welcomes guests with open arms and jaw-dropping views of Lake Champlain.
The building’s stone facade and turreted roofline give it a distinctly castle-like appearance, minus the sieges and dragon attacks.
But Shelburne Farms isn’t just a pretty face.
It’s a nonprofit organization dedicated to education and sustainable agriculture.
You can tour the property, meet the farm animals, and even sample some of their award-winning cheddar cheese.
Because let’s face it, even Lannisters would agree that cheese beats gold any day.
3. Glimmerstone Mansion (Cavendish)
Nestled in Cavendish, Glimmerstone Mansion is the kind of place that makes you wonder if you’ve accidentally stumbled into a portal to Westeros.
This Gothic Revival masterpiece looks like it could house a small army of bannermen – or at least a very enthusiastic book club.
With its pointed arches, ornate trim, and imposing stone exterior, Glimmerstone gives off serious House Stark vibes.
You can almost hear the whisper of “Winter is coming” on the breeze – which, let’s be honest, is pretty much always true in Vermont.
The mansion’s history is as rich as its architecture.
Built in the mid-19th century, it’s seen its fair share of drama and intrigue over the years.
Nowadays, it’s a private residence, so you can’t go inside and claim the Iron Throne for yourself.
But you can admire it from the road and let your imagination run wild.
Just remember: a Vermonter always pays their property taxes.
4. Hildene (Manchester)
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to visit a Westerosi summer home, Hildene in Manchester is your answer.
This Georgian Revival mansion was the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln.
And while Honest Abe might not have been a king, this place is certainly fit for royalty.
The house sits atop a promontory overlooking the Battenkill Valley, providing views that would make even Cersei Lannister pause her scheming to admire.
The formal gardens are a riot of color in the summer, rivaling the beauty of the gardens of Dorne (minus the poisonous flora, we hope).
Inside, the house is a treasure trove of Lincoln family heirlooms and period furnishings.
But the real gem is the 1,000-pipe Aeolian organ.
It’s the kind of instrument that would make the Septons of the Seven jealous – and probably inspire a few epic ballads about the glory of Vermont.
5. Highgate Manor (Highgate)
Perched in the northern reaches of Vermont, Highgate Manor looks like it could be the seat of a minor house in Game of Thrones.
You know, the kind of place where a plucky underdog hero might hail from before going on to save the realm.
This sunny yellow Victorian mansion might not have the imposing presence of the Red Keep, but what it lacks in intimidation factor, it makes up for in charm.
With its ornate woodwork and period details, it’s a feast for the eyes that doesn’t require a small fortune in gold dragons to enjoy.
The manor has worn many hats over the years – private residence, inn, restaurant, and even a purported speakeasy during Prohibition.
These days, it’s back to being a private home, but you can still admire its storybook exterior from the street.
Just resist the urge to declare a blood feud with the neighbors – that sort of thing is frowned upon in modern Vermont.
6. Old Stone House Museum (Brownington)
The Old Stone House Museum in Brownington is what you’d get if you crossed a medieval keep with a New England schoolhouse.
This four-story granite building looks like it could withstand a siege from the Dothraki horde – or at least a particularly rowdy class of third graders.
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Built in 1836 as a dormitory for the Orleans County Grammar School, this place has serious staying power.
Its thick stone walls and simple, sturdy design give it an air of indestructibility that would make the Night’s Watch nod in approval.
Today, the Old Stone House serves as a museum, offering a glimpse into 19th-century Vermont life.
And while you won’t find any dragon eggs or Valyrian steel swords in the exhibits, you will find plenty of fascinating artifacts that tell the story of the state’s hardy pioneers.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most impressive castles are the ones built not by kings, but by ordinary people with extraordinary vision.
7. Park-McCullough House (North Bennington)
If the Tyrells decided to summer in Vermont, the Park-McCullough House is where they’d stay.
This Second Empire-style mansion in North Bennington is the kind of place that screams “old money” – or in Game of Thrones terms, “we’ve been nobility since before the Targaryens rode dragons.”
Built in 1865, this 35-room behemoth is a testament to the wealth and taste of the Victorian era.
With its mansard roof, wraparound porch, and manicured grounds, it’s giving serious “I’m rich, but in a tasteful way” energy.
You can almost picture ladies in bustled dresses sipping tea on the veranda, gossiping about the latest scandals in King’s Landing.
The house is open for tours, allowing you to peek into the lives of Vermont’s 19th-century elite.
And while you probably won’t find any secret passages or hidden caches of wildfire, you will find plenty of period furnishings and architectural details to ooh and aah over.
Just remember to mind your manners – the ghosts of etiquette-obsessed Victorians might be watching.
8. Justin Morrill Homestead (Strafford)
The Justin Morrill Homestead in Strafford is what you’d get if you crossed a Westerosi lord’s manor with a Vermont farmhouse.
This Gothic Revival gem was the home of Justin Morrill, a senator who probably did more for education in America than all the Maesters of the Citadel combined.
With its pink exterior and ornate trim, the house looks like it was decorated by someone who said, “I want it to look dignified, but also like a fancy cake.”
And you know what? They nailed it.
The steep gables and pointed windows give it a castle-like silhouette, while the color scheme keeps it from being too intimidating.
It’s the architectural equivalent of a knight in pink armor.
Inside, the house is a time capsule of 19th-century life, filled with original furnishings and personal items belonging to the Morrill family.
It’s a glimpse into the life of a man who helped shape American education – and had impeccable taste in houses.
Who says you can’t fight for land-grant colleges and live in a fairy-tale cottage at the same time?
9. Camel’s Hump State Park (Duxbury)
Okay, so Camel’s Hump isn’t exactly a castle, but hear me out.
This distinctive mountain in the Green Mountains range is Vermont’s answer to the Eyrie.
Minus the Moon Door, thankfully – we Vermonters prefer our guests to leave via the trail, not by sudden descent.
Rising to 4,083 feet, Camel’s Hump offers views that would make even Littlefinger pause his scheming to admire the scenery.
On a clear day, you can see as far as New Hampshire’s White Mountains and New York’s Adirondacks.
It’s the kind of vantage point that would make any self-respecting lord feel like the king of the world.
The hike to the summit is no joke – it’s steep, rocky, and can be treacherous in bad weather.
But the payoff is worth it.
At the top, you’re treated to a 360-degree panorama that’ll have you humming the Game of Thrones theme song.
Just resist the urge to shout “The King in the North!” – your fellow hikers might not appreciate it.
10. Mad River Glen (Fayston)
If the Night’s Watch traded their furs for ski gear, they’d probably feel right at home at Mad River Glen.
This legendary ski area in Fayston is known for its challenging terrain and old-school vibe.
It’s the kind of place where you half expect to see Jon Snow carving turns down a black diamond run.
Mad River Glen prides itself on its natural snow and lack of snowmaking on most trails.
This means that when winter comes (and in Vermont, winter is always coming), you’re in for a wild ride.
The single-chair lift – one of the last in North America – adds to the time-warp feel.
It’s like stepping into a skiing time machine, minus the risk of accidentally becoming your own grandfather.
But don’t let the rustic charm fool you – this mountain can be as unforgiving as the lands beyond the Wall.
With steep, narrow trails and plenty of natural obstacles, it’s a true test of skill.
And when you’re done, you can warm up in the iconic Basebox Lodge, swapping tales of your adventures like wildlings around a campfire.
11. Retreat Tower (Brattleboro)
Last but not least, we have the Retreat Tower in Brattleboro.
This 65-foot-tall stone tower looks like it was plucked straight out of Westeros and plonked down in southern Vermont.
It’s the kind of structure that makes you think, “Yep, someone definitely used to watch for White Walkers from up there.”
Built in the 1880s as part of the Brattleboro Retreat (a mental health facility), the tower was originally intended as a recreational spot for patients.
These days, it’s open to the public, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
It’s like the Wall, but with fewer ice zombies and more fall foliage.
Climbing the tower’s spiral staircase might leave you a bit winded, but the view from the top is worth it.
On a clear day, you can see three states – Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
It’s the perfect spot for pretending you’re a member of the Night’s Watch, scanning the horizon for threats.
Just try not to startle the other visitors with cries of “The Lannisters are coming!”
So there you have it, folks – Vermont’s very own tour of Westeros.
From castles to mountains, we’ve got enough fantasy-worthy locations to fill a whole season of Game of Thrones.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go polish my armor and feed my dire wolf.
Winter is coming, after all – and in Vermont, that’s not just a saying.