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11 Stunning Attractions In Vermont That Bring Game Of Thrones To Life


Forget dragons and white walkers – Vermont’s got its own brand of fantasy.

From towering castles to mysterious forests, the Green Mountain State is serving up a feast for your inner Stark (or Lannister, we don’t judge).

1. Wilson Castle (Proctor)

Turrets and trees: Wilson Castle's fairy-tale facade invites you to live out your royal fantasies, Vermont-style.Turrets and trees: Wilson Castle's fairy-tale facade invites you to live out your royal fantasies, Vermont-style.
Turrets and trees: Wilson Castle’s fairy-tale facade invites you to live out your royal fantasies, Vermont-style. Photo credit: Heather Demar

Holy turrets, Batman!

Wilson Castle in Proctor is the closest thing to Winterfell this side of the Wall.

This 19th-century red brick beauty looks like it was plucked straight out of a medieval fairytale and plopped down in the Vermont countryside.

With its soaring towers and arched windows, you half expect to see Sansa Stark peering out, plotting her next move.

But fear not, dear traveler – no dire wolves or scheming Lannisters here.

Just 32 rooms of pure architectural eye candy.

Wilson Castle: Where Downton Abbey meets Vermont charm. This red-brick beauty could make even the Crawleys jealous!Wilson Castle: Where Downton Abbey meets Vermont charm. This red-brick beauty could make even the Crawleys jealous!
Wilson Castle: Where Downton Abbey meets Vermont charm. This red-brick beauty could make even the Crawleys jealous! Photo credit: Ken Crites

The castle’s eclectic mix of European styles will have you feeling like you’ve stumbled into a time-traveling design show.

Victorian, Queen Anne, Scottish Baronial – it’s like the castle couldn’t decide what it wanted to be when it grew up, so it chose “all of the above.”

As you wander the grounds, keep an eye out for the peacocks.

Yes, you read that right – peacocks.

Because nothing says “I’m fancy” quite like having living lawn ornaments strutting about.

It’s the perfect touch of whimsy to remind you that while this place might look like it belongs in the Seven Kingdoms, it’s got a sense of humor all its own.

2. Shelburne Farms (Shelburne)

Shelburne Farms: Where cows have lake views! This stone castle-turned-farm is Vermont's answer to Highclere.Shelburne Farms: Where cows have lake views! This stone castle-turned-farm is Vermont's answer to Highclere.
Shelburne Farms: Where cows have lake views! This stone castle-turned-farm is Vermont’s answer to Highclere. Photo credit: Stephanie Benner

If Highgarden had a love child with a sustainable agriculture project, it would be Shelburne Farms.

This 1,400-acre working farm and National Historic Landmark is what happens when you combine Gilded Age opulence with a passion for cheese (because let’s face it, even Tyrion Lannister would approve of that combo).

The farm’s crown jewel is the grand Inn, a former Webb family home that looks like it could comfortably house the entire Tyrell clan.

With its stone walls and turreted roofline, it’s giving serious “medieval castle meets country estate” vibes.

But instead of plotting political intrigue, guests here are more likely to be plotting their next farm-to-table meal.

Farm meets fancy at Shelburne. Who knew sustainable agriculture could look so regal?Farm meets fancy at Shelburne. Who knew sustainable agriculture could look so regal?
Farm meets fancy at Shelburne. Who knew sustainable agriculture could look so regal? Photo credit: Edible Manhattan

Speaking of food, Shelburne Farms isn’t just a pretty face.

It’s a cheese-lover’s paradise, producing some of the finest cheddar this side of the Narrow Sea.

Their award-winning cheddars are aged to perfection, much like a fine Dornish wine (but significantly less likely to be used as a murder weapon).

As you explore the property, you might stumble upon the Farm Barn.

This architectural marvel looks like it could house a small army – or in this case, a very pampered herd of Brown Swiss cows.

It’s probably the fanciest barn you’ll ever see, unless you’ve been hanging out in Margaery Tyrell’s stables.

3. Glimmerstone Mansion (Cavendish)

Glimmerstone's Gothic glory: This mansion's pointy perfection has 'Addams Family summer home' written all over it.Glimmerstone's Gothic glory: This mansion's pointy perfection has 'Addams Family summer home' written all over it.
Glimmerstone’s Gothic glory: This mansion’s pointy perfection has ‘Addams Family summer home’ written all over it. Photo credit: bill repke

Glimmerstone Mansion in Cavendish is what happens when a Vermont farmhouse decides to put on its Sunday best and never take it off.

This Gothic Revival stunner looks like it’s auditioning for a role in a Victorian ghost story – in the best possible way.

With its steep gables and ornate trim, Glimmerstone could easily pass for the summer home of some minor lord from the Riverlands.

You can almost picture Catelyn Stark sipping tea on the porch, judging everyone who walks by (lovingly, of course).

Cavendish's castle in the woods. Glimmerstone Mansion proves Vermont can do 'brooding and mysterious' with the best of them.Cavendish's castle in the woods. Glimmerstone Mansion proves Vermont can do 'brooding and mysterious' with the best of them.
Cavendish’s castle in the woods. Glimmerstone Mansion proves Vermont can do ‘brooding and mysterious’ with the best of them. Photo credit: Glimmerstone Mansion

The mansion’s pale stone exterior gives it an ethereal quality, like it might just disappear into the mist on a foggy Vermont morning.

It’s the kind of place where you’d expect to find secret passages, hidden treasures, and maybe a raven or two delivering cryptic messages.

But don’t let its fairytale appearance fool you – Glimmerstone is as Vermont as maple syrup.

It’s a testament to the state’s rich architectural heritage, proving that you don’t need to cross the Narrow Sea to find a slice of fantasy in your backyard.

4. Hildene (Manchester)

Hildene: Where Honest Abe's son lived large. This Georgian gem puts the 'grand' in Green Mountain grandeur.Hildene: Where Honest Abe's son lived large. This Georgian gem puts the 'grand' in Green Mountain grandeur.
Hildene: Where Honest Abe’s son lived large. This Georgian gem puts the ‘grand’ in Green Mountain grandeur. Photo credit: Deb Musser

Ah, Hildene – the Manchester mansion that puts the “noble” in “noble house.”

This Georgian Revival beauty was the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of old Honest Abe himself.

It’s like the Eyrie of the Green Mountains, minus the moon door (thankfully).

The house itself is a vision in white, perched atop a hill like it’s lording over the peasants below (spoiler alert: there are no peasants, just really enthusiastic tour guides).

With its stately columns and manicured gardens, Hildene gives off strong “I’m important and I know it” vibes.

It’s the kind of place where you’d expect to find lords and ladies sipping tea and gossiping about the latest scandal in King’s Landing.

Manchester's marvel: Hildene's stately silhouette against Vermont's rolling hills is a sight for sore city eyes.Manchester's marvel: Hildene's stately silhouette against Vermont's rolling hills is a sight for sore city eyes.
Manchester’s marvel: Hildene’s stately silhouette against Vermont’s rolling hills is a sight for sore city eyes. Photo credit: Xuan Hu

But the real star of the show?

The Pullman car parked on the property.

That’s right, folks – Hildene comes with its own private train car.

It’s like the medieval equivalent of having a dragon parked in your backyard.

Sure, it doesn’t breathe fire, but it’s probably a lot more comfortable for long journeys.

As you wander the grounds, keep an eye out for the goat farm and cheese-making facility.

Because nothing says “I’m a fancy historical estate” quite like artisanal goat cheese.

It’s probably what Tywin Lannister would serve at his dinner parties if he lived in Vermont and had a sense of humor.

5. Highgate Manor (Highgate)

Highgate Manor: Sunshine yellow and Victorian charm. This cheery château is Vermont's answer to Belle's castle.Highgate Manor: Sunshine yellow and Victorian charm. This cheery château is Vermont's answer to Belle's castle.
Highgate Manor: Sunshine yellow and Victorian charm. This cheery château is Vermont’s answer to Belle’s castle. Photo credit: Very Random Channel

Highgate Manor is what happens when a sunny disposition meets architecture.

This cheery yellow mansion looks like it’s perpetually ready to host the world’s fanciest lemonade stand.

It’s the kind of place that would make even Cersei Lannister crack a smile (okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but you get the idea).

With its Italianate style and ornate details, Highgate Manor is serving up some serious curb appeal.

The wraparound porch practically begs you to sit a spell and watch the world go by.

It’s like the front-row seat to the most relaxing show in Vermont.

A manor of many hats: From speakeasy to B&B, Highgate Manor's sunny facade hides a colorful past.A manor of many hats: From speakeasy to B&B, Highgate Manor's sunny facade hides a colorful past.
A manor of many hats: From speakeasy to B&B, Highgate Manor’s sunny facade hides a colorful past. Photo credit: Renee Aube

The mansion’s tower adds a touch of whimsy, like it’s playing dress-up as a lighthouse that got lost and wandered inland.

You can almost picture Rapunzel letting down her hair from up there – or more likely, a very confused Vermonter wondering how they ended up so high off the ground.

But don’t let its sunny exterior fool you – Highgate Manor has seen its fair share of history.

It’s weathered storms both literal and metaphorical, standing tall as a testament to Vermont’s resilience.

It’s like the Stark family motto come to life: “Winter is coming… but we’ve got a really nice porch to watch it from.”

6. Old Stone House Museum (Brownington)

Old Stone House: Built like a medieval keep, educated like a New England school. History with a side of sturdiness.Old Stone House: Built like a medieval keep, educated like a New England school. History with a side of sturdiness.
Old Stone House: Built like a medieval keep, educated like a New England school. History with a side of sturdiness. Photo credit: Peter Sorrell

The Old Stone House Museum in Brownington is what happens when a building decides to take the phrase “solid as a rock” way too literally.

This four-story granite behemoth looks like it’s ready to withstand a siege from White Walkers, dragons, or overly enthusiastic history buffs.

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Built in 1836 as a dormitory for the Orleans County Grammar School, this place is giving off serious “Citadel of Oldtown” vibes.

It’s the kind of building that makes you wonder if the architect had a grudge against wood and a really good deal on granite.

Brownington's fortress of learning: The Old Stone House proves education can be rock-solid in more ways than one.Brownington's fortress of learning: The Old Stone House proves education can be rock-solid in more ways than one.
Brownington’s fortress of learning: The Old Stone House proves education can be rock-solid in more ways than one. Photo credit: Anna

Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of 19th-century artifacts, each with a story more fascinating than the last.

It’s like stepping into a time capsule, minus the stale air and questionable fashion choices.

Well, okay, there might be some questionable fashion choices – it was the 1800s, after all.

The museum’s collection includes everything from antique tools to vintage textiles, proving that Vermonters have always been a resourceful bunch.

It’s like walking through the prop room for a historically accurate Game of Thrones spin-off set in New England.

“Game of Stones,” anyone?

7. Park-McCullough House (North Bennington)

Park-McCullough House: Victorian opulence meets New England practicality. It's like Downton Abbey's sensible cousin.Park-McCullough House: Victorian opulence meets New England practicality. It's like Downton Abbey's sensible cousin.
Park-McCullough House: Victorian opulence meets New England practicality. It’s like Downton Abbey’s sensible cousin. Photo credit: Park–McCullough Historic House

The Park-McCullough House in North Bennington is what happens when Victorian architecture goes all out.

This Second Empire style mansion is serving up some serious curb appeal, with a side of “I’m fancier than you” attitude.

It’s like the Red Keep, but with better landscaping and significantly less backstabbing.

Built in 1865, this 35-room behemoth is a testament to the “go big or go home” philosophy.

Except in this case, they went big and called it home.

With its mansard roof and decorative brackets, it looks like it’s wearing the architectural equivalent of a top hat and monocle.

North Bennington's crown jewel: The Park-McCullough House, where 19th-century wealth meets 21st-century charm.North Bennington's crown jewel: The Park-McCullough House, where 19th-century wealth meets 21st-century charm.
North Bennington’s crown jewel: The Park-McCullough House, where 19th-century wealth meets 21st-century charm. Photo credit: Miroslaw Wierzbicki

The house’s sunny yellow exterior is a cheerful contrast to its imposing size, like a golden retriever that suddenly grew to the size of a horse but kept its sunny disposition.

It’s the kind of place that makes you want to practice your curtsy, just in case you run into a time-traveling Victorian lady on the grand staircase.

As you explore the meticulously preserved interiors, keep an eye out for the original furnishings and decor.

It’s like stepping into a time machine, but with better upholstery and fewer paradoxes.

Who needs the Iron Throne when you can have a perfectly preserved Victorian settee?

8. Justin Morrill Homestead (Strafford)

Justin Morrill Homestead: Pink, pretty, and full of history. It's the architectural equivalent of a smart person in a party dress.Justin Morrill Homestead: Pink, pretty, and full of history. It's the architectural equivalent of a smart person in a party dress.
Justin Morrill Homestead: Pink, pretty, and full of history. It’s the architectural equivalent of a smart person in a party dress. Photo credit: Jim Bowen

The Justin Morrill Homestead in Strafford is what happens when Gothic Revival architecture meets New England practicality.

It’s like someone took a quaint Vermont farmhouse and said, “You know what this needs? Pointy bits. Lots of pointy bits.”

Built by Justin Morrill himself (because apparently being a U.S. Senator wasn’t keeping him busy enough), this pink gem stands out like a flamingo in a flock of pigeons.

It’s the architectural equivalent of wearing a fancy hat to a casual barbecue – unexpected, but you can’t help admiring the confidence.

Strafford's rosy retreat: The Justin Morrill Homestead proves you can fight for education and live in a fairy tale.Strafford's rosy retreat: The Justin Morrill Homestead proves you can fight for education and live in a fairy tale.
Strafford’s rosy retreat: The Justin Morrill Homestead proves you can fight for education and live in a fairy tale. Photo credit: Jan Kovarik

The house’s steep gables and ornate trim work give it a storybook quality, like it’s waiting for a fairy godmother to come along and turn it into a pumpkin carriage.

Or maybe not – I’m pretty sure Senator Morrill would have some strong words about transforming his carefully designed home into produce.

Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of 19th-century political memorabilia and period furnishings.

It’s like stepping into a time capsule of American history, but with better wallpaper.

Who needs the Small Council chamber when you can debate policy in a perfectly preserved Victorian parlor?

9. Camel’s Hump State Park (Duxbury)

Camel's Hump: Vermont's natural skyscraper. The view from up here? Pure Green Mountain magic.Camel's Hump: Vermont's natural skyscraper. The view from up here? Pure Green Mountain magic.
Camel’s Hump: Vermont’s natural skyscraper. The view from up here? Pure Green Mountain magic. Photo credit: C. S

Camel’s Hump State Park is Vermont’s answer to the Frostfangs, minus the wildlings and with 100% more maple trees.

This rugged wilderness is what happens when Mother Nature decides to flex her muscles and show off a bit.

The park’s namesake, Camel’s Hump, stands proud at 4,083 feet.

It’s like the Mountain That Rides, if the Mountain was made of rock and had significantly better views.

From the summit, you can see clear across to New Hampshire and New York on a good day.

It’s the kind of vista that makes you want to plant a flag and declare yourself King in the North (but please don’t – the park rangers frown on that sort of thing).

Hiking Camel's Hump: Where the air is thin, but the views are thick with beauty.Hiking Camel's Hump: Where the air is thin, but the views are thick with beauty.
Hiking Camel’s Hump: Where the air is thin, but the views are thick with beauty. Photo credit: Rachel Erotika

The trails leading up to the summit are no joke.

They’re like the Kingsroad, but steeper and with more roots to trip over.

But fear not, intrepid hiker!

The views from the top are worth every huffing, puffing step.

Plus, you get to say you conquered a camel, which is probably not something Daenerys Targaryen can claim.

In the winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland that would make the Night’s Watch feel right at home.

Except instead of fighting off wights, you’ll be battling the urge to make snow angels every five feet.

10. Mad River Glen (Fayston)

Mad River Glen: Where skiing goes old school. No frills, just thrills on nature's own snow.Mad River Glen: Where skiing goes old school. No frills, just thrills on nature's own snow.
Mad River Glen: Where skiing goes old school. No frills, just thrills on nature’s own snow. Photo credit: Tyler McCord

Mad River Glen is what happens when a ski resort decides to embrace its inner wildling.

This place is as untamed as the lands beyond the Wall, but with significantly better après-ski options and a distinct lack of ice zombies.

Known for its challenging terrain and “Ski It If You Can” motto, Mad River Glen is the Tormund Giantsbane of ski resorts – wild, unapologetic, and with a beard that puts most lumberjacks to shame.

Okay, maybe not that last part, but you get the idea.

The single-chair lift is like the ski equivalent of riding a dragon – it’s a solo journey that’s equal parts exhilarating and terrifying.

Ski like it's 1949 at Mad River Glen. Who needs modern amenities when you've got mountains of character?Ski like it's 1949 at Mad River Glen. Who needs modern amenities when you've got mountains of character?
Ski like it’s 1949 at Mad River Glen. Who needs modern amenities when you’ve got mountains of character? Photo credit: Michael Smith

As you ascend, you half expect to see Jon Snow brooding at the top (spoiler alert: it’s just other skiers, looking significantly happier than Jon ever did).

In true Vermont fashion, Mad River Glen is cooperatively owned by its patrons.

It’s like if the Night’s Watch decided to run Castle Black as a democracy, but with more hot chocolate and fewer vows of celibacy.

The result is a fiercely independent mountain that feels more like a community than a resort.

11. Retreat Tower (Brattleboro)

Retreat Tower: Brattleboro's stone sentinel. Climb for the view, stay for the 'I'm king of the world!' moment.Retreat Tower: Brattleboro's stone sentinel. Climb for the view, stay for the 'I'm king of the world!' moment.
Retreat Tower: Brattleboro’s stone sentinel. Climb for the view, stay for the ‘I’m king of the world!’ moment. Photo credit: kyle smith

Last but not least, we have the Retreat Tower in Brattleboro – Vermont’s very own mini Castle Black.

This stone sentinel stands guard over the town like a watchful… well, watch.

It’s what happens when you cross a lighthouse with a medieval tower and sprinkle in a dash of New England charm.

Built in the 1800s as part of the Brattleboro Retreat (a mental health facility, not a yoga studio), the tower has a history as colorful as Mance Rayder’s cloak.

It’s been everything from an observation point to a water tower, proving that even in Vermont, towers can have identity crises.

Climbing to the top feels like scaling the Wall, minus the ice and with significantly less danger of being pushed off by your evil uncle.

A tower with a view: Brattleboro's Retreat Tower offers three-state vistas and a dash of Victorian charm.A tower with a view: Brattleboro's Retreat Tower offers three-state vistas and a dash of Victorian charm.
A tower with a view: Brattleboro’s Retreat Tower offers three-state vistas and a dash of Victorian charm. Photo credit: Lindsay Johnson

The views from up there are spectacular, offering a panorama of Brattleboro that would make even Bran Stark’s Three-Eyed Raven visions jealous.

The tower’s sturdy stone construction looks like it could withstand a siege from the Army of the Dead.

Or, you know, a particularly rowdy group of leaf-peepers.

In Vermont, you never know which is more likely to show up.

So there you have it, folks – Vermont’s very own tour of Westeros, minus the dragons and with 100% more maple syrup.

Who needs the Seven Kingdoms when you’ve got the Green Mountain State?

Winter may be coming, but in Vermont, we call that “Tuesday.”





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