10 Vermont Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life

Many New England states provide a calm and quiet lifestyle when you get beyond the bigger cities, and Vermont is best known for these serene environments. With small-town charm, this entire territory beckons slow exploration, from its historic villages that existed far before the American Revolution to rural communities that embody the hard-working and hospitable spirit of the farmer. Each of the small towns in this slice of New England showcases its nickname as the Green Mountain State, whether that is the smallest and quietest capital in the country, Montpelier, or the natural wonders you can find in Dorset.

Chester

Having only around 3,000 residents, Chester is one of the many communities in Vermont that genuinely shows a slower pace of life. Chester draws back to its roots with locations like Stone Village, a collection of preserved structures from a bygone American history period. Another piece of architecture bound to slow down your pace so you can admire the grandeur of 1800s construction is the Fullerton Inn. This is still an accommodation to this day, also being the spot for some of the local favorite dishes in a fire-lit, cozy atmosphere.

Nothing says a slower way of life quite like a deep appreciation of the arts, as these trades tend to be time-consuming but add beauty and depth to daily life. Chester's appreciation of the arts is evident in the locally owned galleries and venues like Fischer Arts and Endless Creations, which are small but active spots for local and regional talent to showcase their creations and bring art to the homes of Windsor County.

Dorset

A small town with a unique mining history is Dorset. This community is where nature blends with the rich heritage and traditions of fruitful labors found in iconic locations like the Dorset Marble Quarry. This is one of the oldest quarries for marble that existed in the United States, but now it is a gorgeous spot for swimming, surrounded by beautiful stone. History is also displayed in this sleepy, slow town at the Barrows House, a historic inn with tranquil gardens and fresh, locally sourced dishes.

For nature lovers, Dorset is a great place for relaxation and to slow down from the bustle of everyday life, with attractions like Emerald Lake State Park. With plentiful camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and nature programs, there is something for everyone on your list to enjoy when you step off the paved roads.

Montpelier

A capital city in the United States cannot often be considered one of the most slow-paced and peaceful communities within a state, but that is the case with Montpelier. The city’s tranquil experience begins with its protection and focus on its natural wonders, such as Hubbard Park. This is a nearly 200-acre protected space lush with plant life, wildlife, manicured hiking and walking trails, and ideal locations for birdwatching.

The capital of Vermont also focuses more on small businesses and restaurants than becoming overly commercialized, which is evident in its cozy and welcoming storefronts like Bear Pond Books on Main Street. Even many of the eateries throughout this quaint community have a unique twist or draw, like the delectable treats and meals you can find at The Skinny Pancake right along the Winooski River.

Hardwick

A town with around 3,000 residents, Hardwick has earned a reputation for being an agricultural center of the state. Beyond its renowned Hardwick Farmers Market, which operates through the spring, summer, and fall months, the sustainable lifestyle is evident in popular community-focused stores like the Buffalo Mountain Market Co-op. The co-op's entire business model is offering fresh, locally sourced, organic items for Hardwick residents.

Caspian Lake is a beautiful attraction minutes from the town and a reason so many find their way here. The entire region finds its way to this cozy retreat from the bustle of everyday life to enjoy its premier kayaking, fishing, and picnicking that leaves the real world and its blistering pace far behind. The tranquil water welcomes travelers looking for accommodations to immerse themselves in the natural wonder of Caledonia County with luxury resorts along the shores like the Highland Lodge.

Grafton

Grafton is one of the towns in Vermont that you might not notice right away, as it only has around 600 residents. However, when you take a step off the beaten path to discover the wonders of Grafton, it can feel like you stepped back in time with the community’s initiatives to protect its traditions and history. A great example is the Grafton Village Cheese Company, an artisan in the town renowned for creating delectable, handcrafted Vermont cheddar. Free samples and tours of the intricate crafting process are available to visitors. History is also evident in the preserved architecture of the Grafton Inn, a functioning accommodation for the village dating back to 1801.

For those looking for an even better excuse to slow down and appreciate the splendor of nature in Vermont, many find their way to Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center, which is open every season for a variety of recreational activities, from mountain biking and swimming to skiing and sleigh rides.

Shelburne

For an escape from the sometimes-brutal pace of urban life, many Vermont residents indulge in the natural wonders of its greatest and most renowned body of water, Lake Champlain. Some towns exist on the borders of this massive body, including the slow-paced Shelburne, which is known for its deep agricultural roots. Visitors to the community can explore the life of a Vermont farmer by visiting Shelburne Farms, which has become a national landmark, and stroll through pastures, woodlands, and barns at whatever pace you choose.

With its smaller population and commitment to supporting small businesses, Shelburne has become home to some popular and peculiar shops and eateries, including the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, where visitors can handcraft nostalgia in the form of a cuddly teddy bear or at O Bread Bakery, the premier destination for fresh baked goodness for Shelburne and beyond.

Canaan

Some Vermont towns are best known for their connections with nature, and Canaan is one of these communities. With less than 1,000 residents, the village has a miniscule footprint. The area surrounding the community, however, is massive, with expansive natural reserves and attractions. Begin your dive at a slower pace along the Canadian border by stopping by the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, a destination for watching all manner of wildlife and taking scenic walks on remote trails and paths. You can find even more nature to explore at the Canaan Town Forest, a designated hiking area free of distractions and featuring multiple overlooks of the gorgeous Vermont landscapes.

Agriculture is a way of life here, so seasonal farmers markets and locally sourced produce are staples on the tables of restaurants serving Canaan. One great example of a long-standing local farmstead is April’s Maple, a farm producing maple syrup, serving up delicious desserts, and eager to explain this syrup production process to any interested visitors.

Wardsboro

With only about 900 people, the village of Wardsboro is quintessential rural Vermont. It is slow and calm, and the people here know each other and look out for one another, evident in the abundance of small businesses like the Wardsboro Country Store, a general shopping experience offering multiple types of goods to save residents a drive to the larger Bennington or Brattleboro.

The community's small size allows visitors and residents alike to get a closer look at nature surrounding the village, such as the Wardsboro Brook, a prime spot for fly fishing and lined with manicured paths for tranquil walks.

Patriotism is also strong in Wardsboro, and the village slows down even more to celebrate Independence Day with an annual parade featuring floats, candy, and the attention of the entire town.

Killington

To truly escape the rat race of life, Vermont natives like to take the seasonal opportunities available to hit the slopes across the state and ski, snowboard, and tube their cares away. Slowing down and appreciating this exhilarating offering of nature is easy in Killington, one of the premier destinations for skiing slopes throughout the Green Mountain State. One of the biggest attractions and accommodations for the entire town is the Killington Ski Resort, which offers vacation packages for families who desire a perfectly slow getaway.

Another attractive feature of Killington for those looking for a hearty helping of Mother Nature is Kent Pond. Abutting the Gifford Woods State Park and lined with plush accommodations like the Mountain Meadows Lodge, the water is perfect for kayaking, swimming, fishing, and more.

Weston

Weston is considered by many to be a sanctuary of sorts for those seeking a slower way of life. Everything about this community is done on a local community scale. People support the local shops and restaurants here, with places like the Vermont Country Store getting steady business as the predominant general goods location for the quaint community and offering a very nostalgic shopping experience overall.

While work is a big part of the lives of those living in this rural community, relaxation matters, too. Entertainment takes many forms in the sleepy village, but perhaps its greatest version is the Weston Playhouse Theatre. This venue sees many stage performances throughout the year to the delight of the entire county. Cold Spring Brook Park is another popular relaxation destination for the town’s residents, featuring miles of walking trails and charming picnic spots.

Whether you are looking to unwind by hitting the slopes at an incredible recreation spot like Killington or wanting to explore nature in its grandeur, as you can only see in Canaan, the Green Mountain State has no shortage of small towns offering a slower pace than what you might be used to living. Despite being one of the smaller states in the country, the villages and low-population communities of Vermont are big with colonial history, traditions, industrial spirit, and patriotism. Take your own chance to decelerate with some of these slow-paced towns when you get the chance.