7 Bizarrely Named Towns In Vermont

Vermont, a state renowned for its beautiful landscapes, historic charm, and rich culture, seems to also be a haven for tiny towns with peculiar names. With a population of just under 650,000 people spread across hundreds of rural communities, the inspiration for community titles comes from several sources, some more official than others. These town names reflect practical descriptions, humorous insights, or local folklore. Let's visit seven bizarrely named towns in Vermont.

Tinmouth

Tucked into the rolling hills of Rutland County, Tinmouth has a name that is as unique as quaint. Most will tell you the community is named after Tynemouth in Northumberland, England, or after Teignmouth in Devonshire, England, pronounced like this variation in Vermont. Because it was so well known for iron smelting, this was also believed to be a connection with the name. History is easy to spot in town, beginning with Tinmouth Old Firehouse, a lively community space that hosts concerts, town meetings, and events. The Tinmouth Community Church is a quaint landmark and a place of worship for locals, as well. Nature lovers will appreciate Tinmouth Pond (aka Chipman Lake), ideal for kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water.

Podunk

Long understood to mean "in the middle of nowhere," Podunk truly is an out-of-the-way, quiet corner of the state. People visit this area because of its charm; it is old and uncomplicated. It's also close to Mount Snow, with its all-season attractions, including a snow skiing area. In a literal sense, the inhabited portions of Podunk stretch out into nearby towns, including Wardsboro, making the map point for the town as appropriate as its name's common meaning: the middle of nowhere. A favorite stop on your journey would be the Wardsboro Country Store for local crafts and all your necessities for your stay, making this country shop just right for some rustic buys.

Dummerston

Dummerston is one of those names that might make you stop and snicker. It's named after William Dummer, a colonial governor of Massachusetts, but the kooky name makes this quaint Vermont town particularly popular among passing travelers. Despite attempts to change the name in the mid-1700s to Fulham, the townspeople still only called it by its original name. The stubborn folk of Dummerston ultimately forced officials to confirm the true name in the legislature in the 1930s. It is home to the Scott Farm Orchard, with its heirloom apples and beautiful location from the movie "The Cider House Rules." History buffs will appreciate Fort Dummer State Park; Fort Dummer was the first permanent European settlement in Vermont. The area features hiking trails and panoramic views of the Connecticut River Valley. Naulakha, the former residence of Rudyard Kipling, has been preserved for literary enthusiasts to tour, where he authored several works, including "The Jungle Book." Today, this historic house provides insights into his creative world.

Bread Loaf

Bread Loaf is a quaint village near Middlebury. It is named after a nearby mountain: Bread Loaf Mountain, which itself is presumably named for its appearance. It is a pretty village renowned for its literary heritage and serenity. Since 1926, this town has been home to the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference, held annually at the Bread Loaf Inn; it's a program of nearby Middlebury College, and it attracts writers worldwide during the summer months. Those attending the conference appreciate the unique attraction of seeing Robert Frost’s summer home and trekking the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, which winds through the Vermont wood and is somewhat symbolic of the poet’s famous work. The trail is adorned with plaques. The Bread Loaf Mountain Trail is not too far away, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Green Mountains. For a quiet and rustic place to experience the conference, the scenery, or nature itself, check out The Vermont House at Bread Loaf.

Eden

With a name like Eden, you might expect this small town in northern Vermont to be a utopia — and that is what it was meant to be when Gov. Thomas Chittenden gifted it to 72 veterans of the American Revolution in 1781. However, none of these Green Mountain Boys chose to settle in their gifted "garden of Eden," but the name stuck. Eden is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town’s centerpiece, Lake Eden, offers kayaking, fishing, and swimming in the summer and ice fishing and skating in the winter. Nearby, Belvidere Mountain provides a challenging hike with panoramic views of the surrounding Green Mountains. Local businesses play into the community's name, such as The Snake and Apple, a popular eatery with acclaimed food. For a quirky local event, the Eden Harvest Festival celebrates the town’s agricultural roots with hayrides, cider pressing, and a pie-eating contest.

Blissville

The legend goes that this town was named by settlers — jokingly — due to its severe winters and rough terrain. A more reputable story goes that the town is named for the Bliss family. In any case, Blissville is now a tranquil retreat not far from Lake Bomoseen. It's becoming a destination for recreation and nature exploration. While the area might not be more than predominantly residential, there is plenty to do around the community, with spots like the Pond Hill Ranch less than 10 minutes away boasting weekend rodeos from July to Labor Day. If hunger strikes, try the Fireside Café, where friendly service and hearty food are always on the menu. The eatery is popular and usually bustling with activity because it is close to the Vermont State University Castleton Campus.

Winooski

Winooski is one of Vermont's more lively small cities; its name comes from the Abenaki for "land of the wild onion" or "onion river land" for the abundance of that plant along the Winooski River. The plant was so thick along the banks of this river that most of the settlers would refer to it as the Onion River instead. Today, Winooski has become a mecca of cultures. The beauty of the Winooski Falls grants excellent views along the river, with trails in store for outdoor aficionados. For the history buffs of the group, check out the Heritage Winooski Mill Museum, a reminder of the region’s industrial past and a fascinating look backward through the many changes that occurred over the centuries. Downtown, restaurants like Waterworks Food + Drink serve creative dishes with locally sourced ingredients, making them renowned far beyond the borders of this small community.

Final Thoughts

Vermont is filled with small towns, many of which have peculiarly memorable names with stories behind them. From the homestyle humor in the name Bread Town to the literary legacy left by Dummerston, quirky towns pepper the Green Mountain State. Whether you are looking for history, natural wonder, or just a name that will not soon be forgotten, Vermont's bizarrely named towns have something to offer almost anyone. So, pack your bags and hit the road. You never know what treasures you will uncover in these delightfully odd destinations.