6 Picturesque Small Towns in Vermont for a Weekend Retreat
Drenched in maple syrup, spoiled by nature, and steeped in history, Vermont is a sweet mountainous state. Its picture-perfect, charming capital of 8,000 residents needs no further accolades! Vermont is easy to discover as a scenic weekend retreat or a full-blown vacation, blending its New England charm into each town's unique local lifestyle.
From the staple Vermont fall foliage that drowns the whole state in a sea of colors to plenty of farms, rolling hills, and meandering rivers, Vermont is unforgettable from every side. The Fall foliage-ridden Underhill State Park speaks to this. Stowe is your skiing destination in the state, with its Stowe Mountain Resort overlooking Mt. Mansfield.
Brattleboro
Drawing tourists from near and far, this wonderful town with an attractive backdrop is home to the Creamery Covered Bridge right by Brattleboro Outdoor/Summer Farmer's Market, both top-rated attractions in the state. Nestled against the Connecticut River and the state border with New Hampshire, the flourishing Wantastiquet Mountain Natural Area and Madame Sherri Forest are just across the sparkling waters. The wealth of outdoor attractions is a great way to get out of the house and go out on the town, with its quaint downtown area delighting the eye for your lovely experiences in historic buildings with stores and farm-to-table eateries.
From the Retreat Tower, a historical landmark, to the Stone Church, a live music venue, art galleries dot all along the Main, while the annual Brattleboro Brewer Festival takes place in May. Do not miss the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center or the Marina, a top-rated seafood restaurant. Families can visit the beautiful historical farms and, for deeper hikes, the impressive woods of Pisgah State Park, accessible from its Kilburn Pond Trailhead, 17 minutes east. With all-level hikes, riverside strolls, rolling hills, and wildlife sights in the summer, these landscapes in their fall attire make you want to sit down with an easel at the magnificent vista points for photoshoots.
Dorset
The historic town of Dorset, in the southwestern corner of the state, is one of the best for weekenders. Emerald Lake State Park is full of amenities for a whole summer's day spent, like fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, picnicking, and even camping, to make this a budget trip in nature. Just off Route 30, the nation's oldest marble quarry from 1785 features stones and small cliffs for clambering, with a nearby swimming hole to set up a picnic in the shade. Families will also enjoy the Dorset Farmers Market and the popular H. N. Williams Store, a clothing store in an old red barn.
With a ton of mountain streams and trails, like the Bromley Mountain long trail for strolls and bike rides, the views of the Green Mountains and Bromley Mountain follow you around. It is easy to lose track of reality and time in all sights, but it is also worth looking at the Barrows House Inn, the Dorset Theater Festival, and the Dorset Union Store, while Bromley Mountain Ski Resort is minutes to the east!
Manchester
There's truly no other town like Manchester, mounted in Vermont's southern Green Mountains. Offering a whole lot of amazing glamping spots, visitors flood Manchester in the summer for an express recharge on a budget getaway. The lush landscape slowly transitions into the best fall foliage in the state against gorgeous mountains and covers up the town. The rolling hills sport a magnificent display of different colors, leading your gaze up to the mountainous backdrop for a photoshoot.
Hiking a stretch along the woodland trails to Mount Equinox for spectacular landscape views; even if you don't reach the top, it is a fun hike for a whole summer's day in the outdoors, while scenic drives take on a whole new meaning around Manchester, weaving along the ridges. From the Manchester Riverwalk to scaling the Taconic Mountains, this all-season destination is also home to an outdoor sculpture garden and the Southern Vermont Arts Center. Manchester also offers fascinating historical points of interest to discover, such as Robert Lincoln’s estate. The Hildene is a memorable and beautiful sight to see. The American Museum of Fly Fishing exhibits artifacts along with tips to catch your own for a campsite cookout.
Montpelier
Capital cities can be charming in their own way, but Montpelier, one of the US's smallest capitals, charms like a real small town with a population of around 8,000. With all the armor of a big city, it makes for an epic weekend getaway, especially if you are looking to discover the best of Vermont over the weekend. Along the quiet snake of the Winooski River through the heart of the city, visitors can enjoy riverside strolls, quaint shops, and a foodie scene to behold. Steeped in history and replete with cultural sites, the vibrant town center houses the Vermont State House and its golden dome, with free tours. And what a picturesque sight it is, with the steeples peeking through nature's seasonal decorations.
Spot the statue of Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen in the gorgeous gardens, begging for a stroll to look up and see the Roman goddess Ceres topping the dome. With endless praise and a hint of French in its name, Montpelier is a multifaceted city to discover, with its heritage on display at the Vermont Historical Society Museum. Just behind the State House, Hubbard Park offers the best trek along a wooded path to an observation tower from the 1930s with a sweeping view from the top. Montpelier is also a maple syrup city with farms, tasting tours, sugarhouses, creameries, and a farm-life museum. Montpelier's Lost Nation Theatre has great concerts and stage performances as well.
Shelburne
This enchanting town offers a sensational blend of New England charm and its own vibrant style in culture and idyllic landscapes—some of the state's best. The Shelburne Camping Area is a great idea for a comfortable budget weekend escape to commune with nature. With quick access downtown, its family-owned RV and camping sites feature a swimming pool, Wi-Fi, and a nearby dog park. On the shores of Lake Champlain, you can step out into a serene morning sunrise, relax during the day, and host picnics, or take post-hike dips and enjoy the water in scenic beauty.
With experiences for all ages and interests downtown, don't miss the unconventional, outstanding Shelburne Museum, which spans over 45 acres of breathtaking grounds. Its 39 buildings reveal a multifaceted town through American folk, decorative art, vintage carriages, and historic steamboats. Equally engaging for families, Shelburne Farms is a whopping 1,400-acre working farm spread, a National Historic Landmark with education opportunities, a welcome center, and natural sights. From cheese-making demonstrations to sustainability programs, kids love face-to-face animal interactions.
Stowe
Welcome to Stowe, with its great skiing opportunities at Stowe Mountain Resort and its beautiful hiking opportunities. In the summer, take a hike to the gorgeous Sterling Gorge Falls, with a picturesque Red Covered Bridge just a stroll north. Another well-regarded covered bridge is the historic Gold Brook Covered Bridge.
Are you looking for a relaxing weekend? From casual strolls through the nearby Morrisville and Hyde Park, unwind in nature. Topnotch Stable is great to explore on horseback, with its exquisite views and beginner trail rides. You can prowl the shopping scene of galleries and restaurants downtown, sample maple syrup, and stock up on products from family-run sugar makers. Vermont's ultimate ski town offers plentiful, lovely rentals for any season to get into whatever holds your interest and recoup over local craft brews at bars and breweries.
As the second-least-populous state in the USA, you can enjoy a real rural retreat with nature, mountain vistas, architecture, and low crowds. Stowe lends a real feeling of historic settler-era experiences with modern comforts, vibrant attractions, and a whole lot of camping in the summer and skiing in the winter. Discovering Vermont's significant cultural and historical offerings feels like a retreat for all your senses and is well worth a visit any time of year.
