10 Most Relaxing Vermont Towns

Vermont is popular for its New England charm and every year, thousands of visitors travel miles to experience a peaceful escape with crisp mountain air, scenic landscapes, and charming small towns perfect for unwinding. Places such as Stowe, Montpelier, and Woodstock are famous for their rolling green hills, covered bridges, and quiet village streets which create an inviting atmosphere for relaxation. If you are in search of relaxing towns to visit in Vermont, these 10 most relaxing towns in Vermont are a great start.

Shelburne

Located just a few miles off Burlington which is Vermont’s most populous city, Shelburne is a quaint suburban town in Chittenden County that is famous for its shipping and fishing past. Although it's historically a prime spot for fishing, Shelburne is now also a holiday destination for tourists who fancy cute cottages, sweeping forests, and riverine areas. Beginning at the Shelburne Museum, visitors can get a whim of life in Shelburne during its early days. The museum features a large collection of American art, vintage items peculiar to Shelburne, and a host of great staff who are willing to take you on tour across its beautiful grounds.

Shelburne Town Beach and Bay Park are examples of places you cannot afford to miss out on. The Town Beach has open spaces for picnicking and kid-friendly playgrounds that make it a fun attraction for the whole family. At the Bay Park, you can get closer to the river and find spots to sit and relax after walking across the length and breadth of the park. You can also meet locals and hear stories about the town when you take a trip to Shelburne Orchard and Farms or the delightful Vermont Teddy Bear factory.

Montpelier

The capital city of Vermont, Montpelier lives up to its hype and name. The premier attraction is the 1859 Vermont State House which stands tall amongst the pulsing vibe of the area. This government edifice is a Greek Revival-styled structure that has been preserved in all its glory; it houses art collections that are reminiscent of its former days. The Vermont Historical Society Museum contains multimedia exhibits that tell a tale about Vermont’s development and diversity. It also has a gift shop where you can purchase items after visiting. The Lost Nation Theater is one place art enthusiasts will love to see as it stages both classical and modern plays while in a vintage setting. Hubbard Park presents an opportunity to relax and enjoy great views of Vermont thanks to its sprawling meadows and the climbable stone tower that sits at the center of the park.

Woodstock

Woodstock is known for its quintessential New England charm that has prevailed over the years and is still evident in its buildings and parks. The central square otherwise known as the Green is quite the attraction as it is surrounded by age-old buildings such as Norman Williams Public Library. The Library is a public space in Woodstock housed in an 1883 building and it represents and respects the lifelong commitment of the community to learning its culture. For those interested in the events that shaped Woodstock’s development, be sure to check Billings Farms and Museum. The farm is still in operation while the museum shows exhibits that help people visualize how science and agriculture combined to elevate farming operations in the town. While touring the ancient area, use the opportunity to explore the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park which consists of a Victorian mansion, a pond, and forested walking trails which bring you closer to the beauty of the national park. Across town is the Historic Taftsville Covered Bridge which gives a great view of the community and makes it a good space for nature photography.

Stowe

In the heart of the Green Mountains, Stowe is one destination that you can visit all time of the year. The iconic Stowe Community Church built in 1863 is a perfect landmark thanks to its amazing outdoor aesthetics. The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum is ideal for anyone interested in the evolution of winter sports in the region. It was established in the 1990s and it is a great place to visit in the winter, especially with friends and family.

For nature lovers, Smugglers’ Notch State Park offers breathtaking hikes through dramatic cliffs and caves once used by 19th-century smugglers. In winter, the Stowe Mountain Resort transforms into a world-class ski haven, while warmer months invite visitors to explore the Stowe Recreation Path, a picturesque trail perfect for biking and strolling. The Gold Brook Covered Bridge is another great outdoor spot where you can experience nature and take memorable photos.

Chester

Set in the rolling hills of southern Vermont, Chester is a storybook community known for its historic charm and warm hospitality. The town’s Stone Village and Chester Village Historic District are lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century homes like the Chester Academy building which was built from locally quarried granite. The Stone House Antique Center is one of the top attractions and here, you can purchase antique items to beautify your home after the holidays. If you have a liking for history and learning, check out the Whiting Library which looks like a cozy cottage but is filled with books and information about its past. Just across town is the Fischer Arts Gallery where you can embrace the beauty of local artworks and purchase some for your home.

Grafton

Located in Windham County, Grafton is a charming holiday destination that feels like a taste of the past. The town’s lovingly restored buildings transport visitors to the 19th century with landmarks like the Grafton Historical Society Museum, which showcases artifacts from the town’s early days as a stagecoach stop and farming hub.

Food lovers will love a stop at Grafton Village Cheese, where award-winning cheeses are made using traditional methods. The Grafton Inn established in 1801 is a historic lodging option that once hosted literary greats like Rudyard Kipling and still exudes old-world charm. The inn stands as a cornerstone of the essence of the town and how it has stayed true to its roots over the years. The nearby Nature Museum at Grafton provides an interactive way to learn about Vermont’s diverse ecosystems with interactive exhibits that children will enjoy.

Burke

Burke is a dream destination for adventure seekers. Established in 1782 and best known for Burke Mountain which is a famous ski resort in the northeastern region of Vermont, this town is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders in the winter and mountain bikers in the summer thanks to the world-renowned Kingdom Trails. For a peaceful retreat, visit Lake Willoughby, often compared to a Norwegian fjord, where crystal-clear waters are perfect for kayaking, swimming or simply enjoying the view.

You may visit Burke Meeting House, an early 19th-century landmark that once served as the town’s center for gatherings and events. Built in 1826, the meeting house served as a religious space for congregations while also being used for public meetings. Burke sure is one of the most scenic towns to visit in Vermont and with a lot of outdoor spaces to see especially during the winter, you are in for a great time.

Dorset

Dorset is a picturesque area in the rolling hills of southern Vermont. Its Dorset Village Historic District features well-preserved 18th and 19th-century homes such as the Dorset Union Store and the iconic Dorset Inn which is the longest continuously operating inn in Vermont since 1796. Dorset’s history is closely tied to marble and a visit to the Dorset Quarry, which was the country’s first commercial marble quarry, offers a chance to swim in crystal-clear waters surrounded by impressive stone formations.

For a deeper look into the area's heritage, the Dorset Historical Society and Bley House Museum showcase artifacts, photographs, and stories from Dorset’s early days. Art lovers will enjoy the Dorset Theatre Festival which hosts critically acclaimed performances in the historic Dorset Playhouse. Nature enthusiasts can explore nearby Emerald Lake State Park where they can engage in activities like hiking and kayaking.

Killington

Famous for its world-class skiing, Killington is a vibrant town where outdoor adventure meets New England charm. Killington Resort, known as the "Beast of the East," offers the largest ski and snowboard terrain in the region. During the warmer months, the resort transforms into a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and golf enthusiasts. The Appalachian Trail runs through the area, providing breathtaking hiking opportunities with stunning mountain views while bringing you closer to the Gifford Woods State Park where you can get closer to fall foliage during peak fall months. The historic Thundering Brook Falls is one of Vermont’s tallest waterfalls and its hiking trail runs through Vermont making it easily accessible for hikers. For a scenic drive, Route 100 provides sweeping views of the Green Mountains, especially during fall foliage season.

Ludlow

Known as a charming mountain town, Ludlow is best known as the home of Okemo Mountain Resort which is a year-round destination for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. In the resort, you can enjoy skiing adventures and get great views of the town while having the time of your life. History lovers will appreciate a visit to the Healdville Trail, leading to the historic fire tower atop Okemo Mountain where panoramic views of Vermont’s landscape await. While atop the mountain, you can explore the Okemo State Forest with family-friendly facilities and a lake that you can swim in or use as a backdrop for pictures. For a scenic retreat, Buttermilk Falls is a must-visit as this three-tiered waterfall creates a thrilling feeling and is perfect for a refreshing summer swim or a picturesque autumn hike.

The quintessential New England charm that Vermont is famous for never failing to be a place of serenity and comfort to visitors. From cozy cottages to Greek revival-style buildings and age-old museums, there are enough attractions to go around for the whole family. Fans of history, art, or wildlife will have more than enough to fill their itinerary. All you have to do is relax and enjoy yourself. Take pictures, sip a cool drink, and soak yourself in the wonders of nature that these communities have to offer. You will become rejuvenated in no time when you visit one of the 10 most relaxing towns in Vermont.