10 Coziest Small Towns in Vermont
One of the six US States that make up the New England region of the American Northeast, the sparsely populated landlocked state of Vermont is renowned for its natural splendor. Showcasing panoramic views of luxuriant green undulating hills in the warmer months, the resplendent red-gold hues in the fall, the snow-covered surroundings in winter, and the wildflower-covered meadows in spring, Vermont never fails to amaze travelers, no matter what time of the year they visit. Peppered throughout the state’s scenic terrain are cozy small towns that vacationers must tour for unforgettable experiences. Each adorable town is worth visiting on your next vacation to the Green Mountain State.
Stowe
Affectionately called "The Ski Capital of the East," this Lamoille County town occupies a lush, expansive valley surrounded by the state’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, and other Green Mountain peaks in the west and Worcester Range in the east. Chartered in 1763 by Benning Wentworth – New Hampshire’s colonial Governor, Stowe is a leading four-season resort destination offering some of the finest skiing and snowboarding facilities at the Stowe Mountain Resort and superb cross-country ski trails at Stowe Nordic.
During fall, the surrounding tree-covered mountains burst with colors, making the town a perfect place for impressive photo ops besides additional outdoor recreations like hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking. Stroll down Stowe’s cute Main Street and browse the different unique shops, eateries, the Stowe Visitor Center, and the iconic white-steepled Stowe Community Church. Also, visit the Smugglers’ Notch State Park and Recreation Area, the Trapp Family Lodge, the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, the Gold Brook Covered Bridge, and the internationally-recognized 5.3-mile paved Stowe Recreation Path.
Montpelier
Vermont’s capital and the administrative center of Washington County, Montpelier, rests along the upper Winooski River close to the state’s geographic center. Named after the French city of Montpellier by Colonel Jacob Davis, the modest appearance of the country’s least populous state capital effectively conceals the abundant cultural and recreational activities that this small town offers. Montpelier is home to numerous historical landmarks, of which the gold-domed Vermont State House, Vermont History Museum, Montpelier City Hall, and Kellogg-Hubbard Library are most notable.
The town’s various nature parks, such as Hubbard Park, North Branch River Park, and Mill Pond Park, provide a wealth of outdoor recreation, ranging from mountain biking in warmer months to hiking and cross-country skiing in the winter. Sample local arts at the Lost Nation Theater, visit the TW Wood Gallery & Arts Center, shop for souvenirs at the Capital City Farmer’s Market, and go for wine tastings at the North Branch Vineyards.
Grafton
Initially, a well-known soapstone mining center along the Saxtons River and a significant stagecoach hub for vehicles crossing the Green Mountains, Grafton is a tiny, pretty town in Windham County, home to only 645 inhabitants as per the 2020 US Census. Grafton’s glorious past is reflected in its landmark properties like the Grafton Inn (formerly the Old Tavern), which, along with many of the town’s residences, have been well restored by the Windham Foundation.
Tourists must visit scores of locally-owned businesses like the Grafton Village Cheese Company, Plummer’s Sugar House, Rushton Farm, Phelps Barn Pub, and MKT: Grafton. The Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center offers a variety of year-round activities like mountain biking, canoeing, hiking, swimming, snowshoeing, and snow tubing for all types of adventurers.
Shelburne
A charming Chittenden County town along Lake Champlain’s shores, the town center of Shelburne is about 7 miles south of Burlington’s city center. The breathtaking Green Mountain views, the flourishing valleys, and the surrounding meticulously maintained farms are what vacationers visiting Shelburne cherish the most.
The scenic Lake Champlain is ideal for water-based recreation like fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, and canoeing or for simple relaxation at the beaches. Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Country Store, Shelburne Farms, Shelburne Vineyards, Vermont Teddy Bear Company, and Shelburne Orchards are some of the town’s favorite attractions. Throughout the year, merrymakers can revel in multiple events, including the Shelburne Farmer’s Market, Shelburne Day celebration, and a summer concert series hosted by Shelburne Farms.
Manchester
One of the two county seats of Bennington County, Manchester, sits close to the mighty Batten Kill River, flanked by the Green Mountains in the east and the Taconic Range in the west. Being the state’s quintessential all-season vacation destination, this erstwhile iron-mining town entices visitors with its white steeple churches, antique stores, home-like restaurants, local breweries, art galleries, and historic structures like Hildene – the Lincoln Family Home, and the Bennington County Courthouse.
In winter, the downhill slopes of the nearby Bromley and Stratton Mountains are perfect for skiing, whereas, during summers and spring, hikers can choose to trek through the Merck Forest & Farmland Center or hike the Prospect Rock Trail. When in town, spare time to witness the displayed collections at the Southern Vermont Arts Center, visit the Northshire bookstore, North Meadow Farm, the American Museum of Fly Fishing, Earth Sky Time Community Farm, Lye Brook Falls, Equinox Preservation Trust, and Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park.
Woodstock
Windsor County’s shire town, Woodstock, lies along the south branch of the Ottauquechee River, about a three-hour drive from Boston, Massachusetts, and 250 miles away from New York City. Referred to as the "Green," this idyllic New England town’s central square is surrounded by many carefully restored buildings in different architectural styles. Woodstock’s additional points of interest include the Billings Farm & Museum, Norman Williams Public Library, Woodstock History Center, F. H. Gillingham & Sons, Taftsville Covered Bridge, and the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. The town hosts the Bookstock Literary Festival in June, Harvest Weekend in October, and Wassail Weekend in early December.
Brattleboro
Originally called Brattleborough, this small town in Windham County sits in the Connecticut River Valley, at the meeting point of Connecticut and West Rivers, about 10 miles north of the state boundary with Massachusetts. Being Vermont’s most-liked commercial and touristic gateway, Brattleboro offers a blend of rural ambiance and modern urban amenities, with retail stores, coffee shops, art galleries, bookstores, entertainment venues, and farm-to-table restaurants mostly concentrated in the downtown area.
Considered one of "America’s Best Small Art Towns," Brattleboro has a lively arts scene and houses many arts organizations like the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, Hooker-Dunham Theater & Gallery, Windham Art Gallery, and New England Youth Theater. The town manages the Gibson-Aiken Center along with innumerable parks and outdoor recreation centers, such as the Living Memorial Park, and Fort Dummer State Park. Throughout the year, Brattleboro hosts a number of festivals like the Brattleboro Women’s Film Festival, Brattleboro Free Folk Festival, Brattleboro Literary Festival, Maple Open House Weekend, Winter Carnival, and many more.
Waitsfield
Waitsfield, named in honor of General Benjamin Wait, occupies the heart of the Mad River Valley between the Green Mountains and Northfield Mountains in the state’s Washington County. The Mad River Valley region, due to its awe-inspiring scenery, is a hotspot for tourists, in addition to being home to the amazing Mad River Glen ski area, whose terrain is considered to be the most challenging on the East Coast. Along with Mad River Glen, the adjacent Sugarbush Resort also provides significant support to the town’s economy.
Waitsfield’s other remarkable attractions include the Artisans’ Gallery, Mad River Glass Gallery, the Big Picture Theater & Café, Hartshorn Organic Farm & Maple Sugar House, the Round Barn Farm, Mad River Path, Lawson’s Finest Liquids Brewery, Skinner Barn, and the Madsonian Museum of Industrial Design.
Weston
This Windsor County town, encircled by the verdant Green Mountain National Forest, provides a serene setting for approximately 623 residents as per the 2020 US Census. Weston is admired for its captivating blend of scenic beauty and ancient heritage, with the National Register-listed Weston Village Historic District boasting many beautifully preserved 19th-century structures such as the Old Mill (Weston Mill Museum), the Farrar-Mansur House, and the Weston Playhouse.
Founded in 1935, the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company is the state’s longest-running professional theatre that hosts a myriad of performances throughout the year. The Vermont Country Store selling traditional goods, the Weston Village Green serving as a venue for various entertainment events, and the tranquil Weston Priory are some of the town’s interesting attractions.
Peacham
Primarily inhabited by settlers from Massachusetts and Connecticut, Peacham is one of New England’s most photographed towns, located in Northeastern Vermont’s Caledonia County. The Peacham Corner Historic District encompasses a significant portion of the town’s historic village center and extends further to the west, where the Congregational Church, Peacham Academy, and other buildings currently stand.
Some of Peacham’s fascinating points of interest include the Elkins Tavern, Josiah & Lydia Shedd Farmstead, and the Ashbel Goodenough Blacksmith Shop. Every year, the community hosts the Fourth of July festivities, the Peacham Acoustic Music Festival in mid-August, and the Fall Foliage celebration in early October.
From the ski town of Stowe to the colonial settlement of Woodstock, each small town in the nation’s 6th smallest and the 2nd least populous state draws thousands of holidaymakers all year around, providing exclusive insights into the state’s rich heritage and breathtaking natural wonders. So, the next time you get a chance to visit the Green Mountain State with your loved ones, include these coziest towns in your itineraries.
