7 of the Most Hospitable Towns In Vermont
Over the years, the Green Mountain State of Vermont has gained a reputation as a Northeastern state to visit for its ski resorts, bountiful farms, and refreshing lake shores. Indeed, Vermont abounds in natural beauty and farm-to-table goodness, but there’s something else that makes this state extra special: its hospitable towns.
From an Austrian Alpine family tradition that found a new home in New England, to the all-American small town that rolls out a warm welcome for visitors just down the road from some of the state’s coolest ski areas, Vermont has plenty of small towns that are always happy to entertain guests.
Whether you seek a more down-home kind of ski trip or an upbeat country-style getaway, here are eight of the most hospitable towns in Vermont.
Waitsfield
Located in Vermont’s Mad River Valley, Waitsfield is a very short drive away from two of the region’s top ski resorts, Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, making this a convenient homebase during winter ski season. But even when you stop by during the warmer months, there’s plenty more to see and do. Just steps away from the town’s iconic covered bridge, the Madsonian Museum of Industrial Design is chock full of striking works by world-famous designers like Frank Lloyd Wright, Eero Saarinen, and Frank Gehry. And just across the Mad River from the central village, the Wu Ledges Trails let you wander into a glorious array of rich woodlands and high cliffs sporting incredible views of the mountains and the valley.
After spending the day wandering around town, settle down for the evening at the historic Waitsfield Inn that’s provided classic Vermont-style hospitality to guests since 1825.
Bennington
Situated near the southwestern corner of the state, around 38 miles northeast of Albany (New York), Bennington is a small town with big historic value. Start out at the Bennington Battle Monument, a 306-foot-tall blue-grey magnesium limestone tower commemorating the 1777 Battle of Bennington that sparked a major turning point in the American Revolutionary War. Just a short stroll away, Bennington Museum showcases original works from many of the region’s acclaimed artists, including the largest public collection of paintings by the 20th century folk artist Grandma Moses.
Heading into North Bennington, discover even more local gems, including the Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion that’s welcomed dignitaries to town since 1865, and the Sage Street Mill where a former industrial building evolved into one of Southern Vermont’s premier arts and wellness-centered community centers. Once you’re done exploring, head back towards the monument and enjoy a truly legendary stay at the stately and romantic Four Chimneys Inn.
Shelburne
Directly south of Vermont’s largest city of Burlington, Shelburne is a tiny town with some of the region’s biggest attractions. At Shelburne Museum, you will find a plethora of historic treasures, including the 1906 steamboat Ticonderoga and a vast collection of vintage firearms dating as far back as 1790. In addition, this is one of Vermont’s most esteemed art museums, featuring works by French Impressionist greats like Claude Monet and Mary Cassatt, along with works by American modernist artists like Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth.
For even more fantastic finds, make your way to Shelburne Farms, an incredible working farm and nature preserve along the shores of Lake Champlain featuring walking trails, a children’s farmyard featuring many of the farm animals (like sheep, goats, cows, and horses), and a fully stocked farm store offering homegrown organic produce, maple syrup, and cheddar cheese. If you crave even more homegrown goodness, head down to Shelburne Vineyard for genuine Vermont-made wines and ciders. And to complete your ideal Shelburne getaway, book a stay at the Shelburne Farms Inn (open from mid-May to October) and dine at their fantastic in-house, farm-to-table restaurant.
Grafton
Situated along the Saxtons River, just upstream from the Connecticut River and the New Hampshire state line, Grafton looks and feels like the quintessential New England village. This town tends to be most famous for its cheese, and you can shop their selection of award-winning cheeses at Grafton Village Cheese's storefront in town. Just a short walk or drive away, the Nature Museum has all sorts of interactive exhibits sharing the stories of Vermont’s ecosystem, as well as its own meadow and forest trails.
For another iconic Vermont treat, go to Plummer’s Sugar House to see a real maple syrup farm and buy some homemade maple syrup as the ultimate souvenir. Back in town, you can enjoy some local hospitality at The Grafton Inn, a wonderful boutique hotel that features fully renovated rooms and suites alongside the famously good eats at the Phelps Bar Pub and 1801 Tavern.
Newport
Nestled on the southern shores of Lake Memphremagog, a freshwater glacial lake that extends across the United States-Canada border into Quebec, the town of Newport easily combines the majestic scenery of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom with a uniquely international twist of small town charm. At the Missisquoi National Fish & Wildlife Refuge’s Eagle Point National Wildlife Area, discover an astounding array of biodiversity, including bald eagles, kestrels, snapping turtles, gray tree frogs, red foxes, and river otters, at this protected parcel of wetlands tucked between the lake and the border. And at Prouty Beach, find a 36 acre park with a lakefront beach for sunbathing and swimming, as well as tennis and basketball courts, a barbeque and picnic area, and connections to the Newport-Beebe Bike Path for hiking and biking.
For a deeper dive into local history and culture, visit the Old Stone House Museum & Historic Village to learn about Alexander Twilight and his history-making journey to becoming the nation’s first Black state legislator, and find a vast collection of local archives and historic artifacts. And for a simply relaxing experience at the lake, check into the lovely White Birch Lakeside Retreat bed-and-breakfast.
Montpelier
Can we really discuss Vermont’s most hospitable towns without mentioning the Green Mountain State’s capital? Montpelier may be the nation’s least populous state capital and the only state capital without a McDonald’s or Starbucks, but that doesn’t mean you will be left wanting. At local establishments like Oakes & Evelyn, The North Branch Cafe, and Buddy’s Famous, enjoy classic Vermont flavors enhanced with the freshest locally sourced ingredients.
Once you’re ready to burn off all those calories consumed at Montpelier’s world-class restaurants, walk over to the Vermont State House to admire its iconic golden dome and tour one of the oldest and best-preserved state capitols that’s still in use. Just steps away from the State House, the Vermont Historical Society Museum has an impressive collection of artifacts, exhibits, and interactive programs that share the many stories of this state. And just a few blocks away from the State House and museum, The Inn at Montpelier is a wonderful 19-room boutique hotel that always provides a very warm welcome to guests.
Stowe
Finally, we reach what may be Vermont’s most famous ski town of Stowe. Perched on Vermont’s tallest mountain (Mount Mansfield), Stowe Mountain Resort has 116 trails accommodating skiers and snowboarders at all levels across 485 acres of skiable terrain. But even when all the snow melts off the mountain, Stowe still has a lot for visitors to see and do. With a host of trails suitable for mountain bikers at all levels, from the easygoing Stowe Recreation Path to the more advanced trails at Sterling Forest and the diverse terrain at Cady Hill Forest, Stowe is the ideal place to explore on two wheels. Or, for something wetter, go for a swim in the refreshing waters of Brewster River Gorge and the West Branch River (at Thompson Park).
In the 20th century, the incredible story of the von Trapp family and their escape from Nazi-occupied Austria just before World War II inspired several movies, including the 1965 musical The Sound of Music. What you didn’t see in that movie was the von Trapps’ eventual arrival in Stowe, and their establishment of what is now the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort. Come for the tasty on-site restaurants and Austrian-style bierhall, stay at the resort’s homestyle rooms and suites, and take advantage of unique on-site amenities like the family farm and the outdoor activities center.
Vermont May Be a Small State, But They’re Big on Hospitality
Vermont might be a small state tucked into the northern reaches of New England, yet this small state goes big in hospitality and offers a wide variety of unique attractions that one can only experience here.
At Stowe, enjoy the warm welcome of the world-famous von Trapp family while exploring the town’s exhilarating mountain activities. At Grafton, take a bite into this town’s most delectable delights and walk into the village’s beautiful wilderness preserves. And at Shelburne, find everything from a historic steamboat to French Impressionist art alongside one of the region’s most impressive working and teaching farms. These are among the most hospitable towns in Vermont, and these are towns where you’re always invited to join in on the fun and games.
