7 Most Charming Towns In Vermont
The landlocked New England state of Vermont, the "Green Mountain State," is small in size (45th out of the 50 states) and population (49th). However, Vermont is big on both natural beauty and small-town charm. Nestled among the verdant hills, pristine lakes, and flowing streams, Vermont's small towns are great places to relax, recharge, and make friends. Every small town in the state has its charms, but some have extra doses of beauty, friendliness, and fun that make them must-see communities. So, next time you head to Vermont, check out some (or all) of the seven charming towns on our list.
Brattleboro
Brattleboro is situated along the Connecticut River, which forms the border with New Hampshire and is also just a few miles from the Massachusetts border. This town of about 12,000 draws in visitors from these neighboring states and beyond with its reputation for friendliness and community spirit. The downtown area, centered on Main Street, contains stately red brick buildings that house a range of local businesses. The town's Municipal Center, a former high school built in Gothic style, is one of several architectural highlights. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Connecticut River is great for kayaking, while nearby Mount Snow offers skiing in winter. Brattleboro is a year-round destination for small-town charm!
Grafton
Once a busy stagecoach hub for those crossing the Green Mountains, as well as a center for soapstone mining and home to textile mills along the Saxtons River, Grafton is now a quiet town of about 600 residents. Grafton's past is reflected in its many historic buildings, including the Grafton Inn, which has been in operation since 1801. The museum, run by the Grafton Historical Society, is a great resource for learning about the town's past, but the town's dedication to preserving its history also points towards its future. Historical revitalization efforts since the 1960s have made Grafton a popular escape for residents of regional cities who seek a taste of a slower pace of life.
Manchester
Tucked between the Green Mountains to the east and Taconic Mountains to the west in southern Vermont, Manchester has a population of about 4,500. Manchester is a popular regional destination due to the presence of an outlet shopping center, but the town has many tourist draws of its own as well. If you prefer local shopping, downtown Manchester has numerous small retailers situated among three historic districts that are full of architectural charm. The stately Hildene House, built in 1905 as a luxurious summer home, welcomes visitors to stroll its grounds and enjoy its fabulous gardens. For those seeking a more rigorous stroll in untamed nature, nearby Mount Equinox offers hiking trails with stunning views.
Montpelier
Montpelier is unique in that it is both a small town and a state capital; the smallest state capital in the United States, in fact, with only 8,000 residents. The presence of the Vermont State House, Vermont History Museum, and other state-affiliated buildings and institutions add to Montpelier's historic feel and cultural vitality. But Montpelier also maintains a quaint small-town feel along the State Street corridor, with lovely little shops, restaurants, galleries, and more. The town's location along the picturesque Winooski River adds to the charming look of Montpelier, though it causes occasional floods. Meanwhile, public amenities like Hubbard Park provide opportunities to get outdoors, enjoy nature, and meet friendly locals.
Shelburne
Set along the lovely Lake Champlain, and less than ten miles from Vermont's biggest city, Burlington, Shelburne has an enviable location that makes the town of 7,700 a popular tourist draw. With stunning views of the lake (and the Adirondack Mountains beyond) to the west and the Green Mountains to the east, Shelburne is a perfect spot for a nature walk on a crisp, clear autumn day. History buffs should check out the excellent Shelburne Museum, which is the home of the SS Ticonderoga, one of the steamboats that ferried passengers across Lake Champlain. Shelburne is also home to the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, which offers fun factory tours, and Shelburne Farms, a nonprofit education center focused on sustainable agriculture.
Stowe
Stowe is considered by many to be the skiing capital of the eastern United States because of Stowe Mountain Resort, which covers both Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. That said, this town of 5,000 in northern Vermont is a fantastic destination for non-skiers as well. Stowe, for example, is a photographer's paradise; the town itself is full of postcard-pretty buildings that house local shops and restaurants, while the surrounding area has some of the most spectacular fall foliage found anywhere. Painters flock to Stowe as well, and it is home to renowned galleries like the Helen Day Art Center and Northwood Gallery. No matter the season, Stowe overflows with picturesque charm!
Woodstock
Situated along the south branch of the Ottauquechee River, a tributary of the Connecticut River, the town of Woodstock once thrived due to water-powered woolen mills and other factories. The wealth derived from these early industries is apparent in the many historic homes in Woodstock, some of which have been converted into lovely bed and breakfasts. Woodstock has New England staples like a covered bridge and a popular farmer's market, as well as numerous antique stores spread around the town of about 3,000 residents. The annual Harvest Weekend, held at the beautiful Billings Farm and Museum, is a big draw each October, as is the town's Wassail Weekend each December.
The people of Vermont are proud of their state's distinctive character, with its independent streak, connection to nature, and civic-minded spirit. Vermonters also cherish their small towns and strive to maintain their beauty, charm, and welcoming feel. Visitors to Vermont's small towns will not walk away disappointed and will surely find some new additions to their "most charming towns" lists. So be sure to put the Green Mountain State on your travel itinerary!
