7 Picture-Perfect Towns in Vermont
Vermont's small towns are picture-perfect delights, and the scenery in the state includes serene lakes, mountains, and farm fields. This is especially true in the fall, when Vermont's foliage, with its warm autumnal hues, adds to the natural beauty. Also adding to the landscape are the more than 100 covered bridges in the state. In winter, the snowy mountains of Vermont are ideal for downhill or cross-country skiing. More than 70% of Vermont is forested, and with the highest concentration of maple trees in the U.S., the state produces the most maple syrup in the country. Dairy is also a major export of Vermont, with award-winning cheeses produced at the state's dairy farms. Visitors to the towns of Vermont will experience welcoming and visually stunning locales.
Bennington
Bennington in southwestern Vermont looks lovely in photographs and also boasts a historic downtown with unique shops that feature Vermont-made products, crafts, and antiques. The downtown hosts events, like the Annual Harvest Festival every October. Near downtown, Bennington Museum connects visitors to area culture with 14 galleries, a research library, and the George Aiken Wildflower Trail. The town is also home to Bennington College, with its pristine campus. In nearby Shaftsbury, the Robert Frost Stone House Museum, a part of Bennington College, celebrates Frost's life and poetry. The Pulitzer Prize-winning poet was involved in the college in the 1930s.
The Bennington Battle Monument is one of the tallest man-made building in Vermont and commemorates the Battle of Bennington. American forces fighting on the New England front of the American Revolution were victorious in the battle. President Benjamin Harrison dedicated the monument in an 1891 ceremony before tens of thousands of spectators.
Dorset
About 30 miles north of Bennington is Dorset, Vermont, and like other towns in the state, its historic buildings and surrounding natural beauty are striking in equal measure. In town, there are local gems, such as the Dorset Union Store. Founded in 1816, it is one of Vermont's oldest country stores. The Dorset Historical Society's Bley House Museum displays Dorset artists and highlights the town's history. Each year, the Dorset Theater presents both new plays and classics at the historic Dorset Playhouse.
For outdoors enthusiasts, the summer brings a chance to swim in what was once the country's first commercial quarry. The Dorset area became known for its marble quarries by the early 19th century. Opened in 1785, The Dorset Quarry is now a massive 60-foot-deep freshwater swimming hole. Nearby Emerald Lake State Park features 20-acre Emerald Lake, an ideal spot for swimming and paddling. Visitors to the region can enjoy the majesty of a Vermont winter while downhill skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing.
Middlebury
Middlebury, Vermont, is a college town with a picturesque downtown that looks even better, cloaked in snow. With its brick buildings and Middlebury Falls running through the downtown, it is perfect for soaking up history and culture. The Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History in downtown Middlebury is the oldest community-based museum in the country and has welcomed guests since 1884. Middlebury College, founded in 1800, hosts events such as the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference and includes institutions such as the Middlebury College Museum of Art, with extensive collections and diverse temporary loan exhibits to inspire students and visitors.
Just outside the town of Middlebury is the University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm, a 200-acre, 150-year-old working horse farm. Open each summer from May to October, visitors can take a guided tour, view educational displays, and meet the horses. The area foothills of the Green Mountains are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, birdwatching, and fishing in the summer. Snowshoeing is a popular winter pastime.
Montpelier
Montpelier, the state capital of Vermont, resembles a picture on the front of a postcard. Though it is the smallest of the U.S. state capitals, there is much to see and do. The Winooski River flows through the walkable downtown, where the Vermont State House, with its distinctive gold dome, features a statue of Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen on its grounds. Downtown is the Vermont Historical Society Museum, where visitors can learn more about the state's history.
Vermont maple syrup is famous, and area farms like Bragg Farm Sugarhouse & Gift Shop, a family-run institution for eight generations, and 200-year-old Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks offer tours. Montpelier's Siboinebi Recreation Path follows the Winooski River through downtown and is ideal for walking, jogging, biking, and more.
Stowe
Sitting at the foot of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, the town of Stowe is a popular skiing destination. The historic downtown welcomes visitors with specialty stores, including country stores, galleries, and specialty markets. Downtown also hosts seasonal festivals, such as the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival and farmers' markets. For outdoor activity, the Stowe Recreation Path winds 5.3 miles through downtown.
With so much breathtaking natural scenery in the region, guests have many choices when it comes to enjoying the views. Hikers can find waterfalls, such as Moss Glen Falls and Bingham Falls, along the trails. Stowe Mountain Resort is a four-season resort and home to the nation's oldest Ski Patrol. Visitors can take in the mountain surroundings through alpine or cross-country skiing in the winter or ride the resort's Gondola SkyRide for views of Stowe Valley. To learn more about skiing, the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum celebrates the rich history of skiing in Vermont.
Waterbury
About 10 miles south of Stowe is Waterbury, Vermont. This small yet vibrant town is home to the only Ben & Jerry's factory location open to the public. The ice cream company started in Burlington, Vermont, in 1978 when the founders opened their first shop in a renovated gas station. Downtown Waterbury offers visitors both historical and cultural experiences. The Waterbury Historical Society History Center contains historical artifacts pertaining to the town in the setting of the two-story historic home of Civil War surgeon Dr. Henry Janes. Public artworks are also on display around the town. For instance, at the downtown roundabout, "The Waterbury Special" is a rail art project depicting historic Waterbury buildings and industries as train cars.
Waterbury State Park provides areas for picnicking, a nature trail, a swimming beach, and a boat ramp. Nearby, Waterbury Reservoir is an ideal place for fishing enthusiasts. For hikers, views from Camel's Hump State Park, recognizable for its double-humped profile, are stunning in the summertime.
Weston
In the southern portion of Vermont, Weston in Windsor County sits within the Green Mountain National Forest. Founded in 1799, the town includes the Weston Village Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Since 1946, the Vermont Country Store has welcomed visitors to explore their inventory of unique and hard-to-find goods. The store also has a nature trail for visitors to experience natural beauty in surrounding woods and meadows. Weston is also home to Vermont's oldest professional theatre company, and during the summer season, the company presents musicals and dramas for theater lovers to enjoy.
In addition to hiking trails, Weston is also popular during the winter months because of nearby downhill ski areas, Bromley Mountain, Stratton Mountain, Magic Mountain, and Okemo Mountain. Also located in the area are several cross-country skiing centers and snowmobile trails.
Whether hiking, biking, or skiing, the trails, mountains, and scenic countryside of Vermont have a variety of activities to suit visitors who love the outdoors. Well-preserved downtowns feature cultural events and historical sites that allow guests to the region to learn more about Vermont's rich heritage. The Green Mountain State and its impressive scenery, activities to enjoy during all seasons, and friendly locals make Vermont a welcoming destination for all.
