Forget dragons and white walkers—Vermont’s got its own brand of fantasy lurking in plain sight.
Strap in for a journey through the Green Mountain State that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into Westeros, minus the constant threat of beheading.
1. Shelburne Farms (Shelburne)
Holy cow!
And I mean that literally—this place has actual cows.
Shelburne Farms is like the Highgarden of Vermont, if Highgarden made really good cheese.
The sprawling estate, with its turreted Farm Barn, looks like it could house a small army of knights or, you know, a bunch of happy dairy cows.
As you stroll the grounds, you half expect to see Lady Olenna Tyrell sipping tea and dropping sass bombs.
Instead, you’ll find visitors sampling award-winning cheddar and taking in views of Lake Champlain.
It’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, without any poison involved.
Probably.
2. Wilson Castle (Proctor)
If Cersei Lannister decided to summer in Vermont, Wilson Castle would be her go-to spot.
This 19th-century mansion is a hodgepodge of architectural styles that somehow work together, kind of like the uneasy alliances in King’s Landing.
With its red brick exterior and round tower, it’s giving serious Red Keep vibes.
Inside, you’ll find 32 rooms filled with period furnishings and art.
No Iron Throne, sadly, but plenty of other fancy seats to park your royal behind.
Just watch out for any suspiciously placed wildfire.
3. Glimmerstone Mansion (Cavendish)
Glimmerstone Mansion is what you’d get if you asked a Vermont farmer to build Winterfell.
This stone beauty might not have dire wolves roaming its grounds, but it’s got enough charm to make even the grumpiest Stark crack a smile.
The mansion’s Gothic Revival style screams “winter is coming,” even in the middle of July.
With its pointed arches and ornate details, it’s the perfect backdrop for brooding like Jon Snow or plotting revenge like Arya.
Just don’t expect any secret passages or face-swapping magic—this place keeps its mysteries old-school Vermont style.
4. Hildene (Manchester)
Hildene, the Lincoln family’s summer home, is basically the Eyrie of Manchester.
Perched on a hilltop with stunning views of the Taconic and Green Mountains, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stand on the porch and dramatically declare, “I am the Lord of the Vale!”
The Georgian Revival mansion is all about understated elegance, much like the Arryn family before they went all “moon door” crazy.
The formal gardens are a far cry from the harsh mountain landscape of the Vale, but they’re just as impressive.
And hey, no risk of falling through a hole in the floor here!
5. Highgate Manor (Highgate)
If the Tyrells decided to ditch the warm climate of Highgarden for some good old New England weather, they might end up at Highgate Manor.
This sunny yellow Victorian mansion is giving major “grow strong” energy with its ornate trim and tower.
The wraparound porch is perfect for sipping lemonade and plotting political machinations—or just enjoying the view, if you’re not into the whole “game of thrones” thing.
Inside, the period furnishings and decor will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, minus the constant threat of war and dragons.
6. Old Stone House Museum (Brownington)
The Old Stone House Museum is what you’d get if you crossed a mini Castle Black with a New England schoolhouse.
This imposing granite structure looks like it could withstand a wildling attack or, more realistically, a really intense pop quiz.
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Built in 1836 as a dormitory for the Orleans County Grammar School, it now houses a museum filled with 19th-century artifacts.
It’s like stepping into a time capsule of Vermont history, complete with that slightly eerie feeling that the exhibits might come to life when you turn your back.
Night’s Watch, meet Night at the Museum.
7. Park-McCullough House (North Bennington)
The Park-McCullough House is serving serious Tully vibes, minus the fish obsession and the whole “family gets massacred at a wedding” thing.
This Second Empire-style mansion is a 35-room behemoth that screams “old money” louder than Tywin Lannister at a debt collectors’ convention.
With its mansard roof and decorative brackets, it’s like the architects said, “Let’s make this place so fancy, even the Lannisters will be jealous.”
The best part?
You can actually tour the inside without fear of being caught up in any political intrigue.
Probably.
8. Justin Morrill Homestead (Strafford)
The Justin Morrill Homestead is like if the Citadel decided to set up shop in Vermont and got really into Gothic Revival architecture.
This pink gem (yes, pink!) was home to Justin Morrill, a senator who was basically the Maester of 19th-century American education.
The house is a bookworm’s paradise, filled with Morrill’s extensive library.
It’s the kind of place where Sam Tarly would feel right at home, minus the constant fear of White Walkers.
The gardens are a far cry from the desolate landscape around the Wall, but they’re just as impressive in their own, less frozen way.
9. Camel’s Hump State Park (Duxbury)
Camel’s Hump is Vermont’s answer to the Fist of the First Men, minus the whole “constant danger of being murdered by ice zombies” thing.
This distinctive mountain, with its bare, rocky summit, offers views that’ll make you feel like you’re on top of the world—or at least on top of New England.
The hike up is no joke, but unlike Jon Snow, you won’t have to worry about wildlings or White Walkers.
Just watch out for the occasional moose, which, let’s be honest, is probably scarier than most things you’d find north of the Wall.
10. Mad River Glen (Fayston)
Mad River Glen is like the Wall, if the Wall was a ski resort and the White Walkers were replaced with gnarly double black diamond runs.
This old-school ski area prides itself on its challenging terrain and natural snow, making it a haven for ski purists.
The single-chair lift is like taking the winch elevator up the Wall, only with better views and less risk of being pushed off by your wildling girlfriend.
And unlike the Night’s Watch, you can leave whenever you want.
Though, like Jon Snow, you might find yourself saying, “My watch begins” every time you strap on your skis.
11. Retreat Tower (Brattleboro)
The Retreat Tower in Brattleboro is giving serious Oldtown vibes, if the Citadel decided to build a satellite campus in Vermont.
This stone tower, perched on a hill overlooking the town, looks like it should be housing ancient tomes and grumpy maesters.
Built in the 1800s as part of a mental health retreat, it now stands as a silent sentinel over Brattleboro.
You can climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area, perfect for spotting approaching armies or, more likely, checking out the fall foliage.
Just don’t expect to find any dragon glass or Valyrian steel up there.
There you have it, folks—a tour of Vermont that’s more magical than Melisandre’s necklace and less deadly than a Dothraki wedding.
Your road trip starts here.
Use this map to stay on course and create memories at every turn.
Now go forth and conquer… er, explore!