8 Most Charming Cities in Vermont
Sandwiched between Canada to the north and Massachusetts to the south, Vermont is that state where those interested in wandering through the woods and experiencing the sylvan charm of forested landscapes will particularly get a blast. The fourth most forested state in the country, however, boasts other appeals. Many, for instance, love Vermont’s empty roads, swimming holes, rugged peaks, thunderstorms — and the lush greenery poking through the cold earth. Boasting a culture that strikes the sweet spot between solitude and community, a vacation in Vermont will feature the much-desired elbow room flavored with just the right dose of friendliness. Then again, the largest producer of maple syrup in the United States plays host to a cornucopia of charming small towns ideal for those who will need to get away from the nerve-wracking cacophony of big cities.
Middlebury
Set in the backdrop of the Green and Adirondack Mountain landscapes, Middleburry is curled up in the middle between Salisbury and New Haven—hence the name Middleburry. Home to around 7,100 residents, this Vermont charmer is framed by lush meadows, green farmlands, cascading hills, and a downtown that is among the most gorgeous in the state. Boasting one of the finest dining scenes in the northeast, wine and beer connoisseurs, for instance, will want to go on the Middlebury Tasting Trail, regarded as one of the most comprehensive tasting trails in the state. For some unique gifts with local flavor, avid shoppers will want to check out Vermont's Own Gifts & Goods located right on Main Street. Also, the University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm — is the breeding site for Morgan horse, one of the first American-bred horse breeds. Beach bums, on the other hand, can enjoy a wide, shallow beach at Branbury State Park, just about 10 miles away. Finally, the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History styles itself as the oldest community-based museum in the country — and one of America's first history museums.
Burlington
Rarely do you get a state capital recognized among the most charming. Well, Burlington effortlessly bucks this trend. Boasting a population of bout 44,500, Vermont’s largest city holds the bragging rights for the best public square in the United States. That honor, according to USA Today, goes to Church Street Marketplace, particularly the three-block stretch between Pearl Street and Main Street. This Vermont gem is an open-air marketplace exclusive for pedestrians (that means no whirring cars) and features more than 100 stores and restaurants, enjoyable live music (especially during the annual Festival of Fools), and lots of walking room. Then again, this charming street is a short walk to the Lake Champlain shore where one can dash for a gorgeous sunset glimpse.
Brattleboro
If you should step on Brattleboro on a yawning, empty stomach, a detour to the Superfresh! Organic Cafe, conveniently located at 30 Main Street—will offer the ideal start to what will be a memorable adventure. After savoring the taste of some finely-prepared quesadillas, or any other delicacy, in a restaurant that has previously won an award for “Best Vegetarian Food,” it will be time to explore this Vermont charmer. Home to about 7,300 residents, Brattleboro is the quintessential Vermont town with just the right dash of quirkiness. Nestled on the banks of the Connecticut River—where New England’s longest river meets the West River, Brattleboro is home to some of nature’s finest scenes. And with the Green Mountains looking over in the backdrop, few Vermont towns have the bucolic charm and grandeur that will best Brattleboro.
Montpelier
Curled up in the foothills of the Green Mountains, Montpelier holds the bragging rights for the smallest capital city in America. This sweet haven is home to just about 7,800 residents, the smallest number of any state in the country. Also, and perhaps as a testament to its size, Montpelier is the only state capital that does not have a McDonald’s. For some, especially those who love the chain stores, the skyscrapers, and the glass-filled glamor of big cities, Montpellier, with these “insufferable” conditions, is not worth setting eyes on. On the flip side, those who can’t resist the charm of open spaces, and exciting outdoors, and fresh, crisp air — and a smorgasbord of other nature-packed offerings — will not let pass the opportunity to set foot on this gem. One can sample some history of Vermont at the Vermont History Museum, watch a good movie at Capitol Theatre in a nice, retro ambience, or wander at a tributary of the Winooski River as it meanders right through the town.
Chester
The Williams River twists through the town, lending it an appeal that is alluringly serene and bucolic. In the backdrop, the hills of the Green Mountains look over the residents, seemingly acting the part of nature’s sentinels. Not far from downtown, Okemo State Forest breaths in and out—and acts as the lungs of the region's ecosystem. Within the city’s precincts, about 1,100 residents live a slow-paced life, four hours away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. While Chester has several attractions, nothing comes close to Stone Village, the largest concentration of stone buildings in Vermont. Using stones up to 24 inches thick, which are uniquely reinforced with moss and horsehair, Scots masons from Canada, according to legend, introduced this one-of-a-kind building technique to local masons while constructing a mill in Cavendish in 1832. Today, ten of these unique buildings, arguably the highest concentration anywhere in the country, attracts visitors to Chester’s Stone Village.
Woodstock
While Woodstock is home to just about 1,000 residents, it is the 19th largest city in Vermont. This speaks to the size of Vermont’s cities. Texas’s Ore City, for instance, with a similar population, is the 752nd largest city in the state. Yet as many will agree, charm and population often travel in opposite directions. There are many allures to Woodstock. A city with “wood” as part of its name, is going to feature an abundance of cool shades and awesome greenery. Woodstock, however, is primarily famous for its covered bridges. Incidentally, Vermont boasts the highest concentration of covered bridges per square mile in the United States. Woodstock’s four covered bridges span the Ottauquechee River, the most photographed of which is the 139-foot-long Middle Covered Bridge. In case you are detained by the downtown’s irresistible charm, check out Woodstock Town Crier, a public chalkboard whose name speaks to the time a person would stand in a public space, and shout out random occurrences.
Bennington
Art and history constitute part of the charm of this Vermont stunner secreted in the southwest corner of the state. If you have a single nerve that is responsive to American history, you’ll want to check out Bennington Battle Monument, a 306-foot masterpiece that commemorates the Battle of Bennington, considered by historians as the turning point in the American Revolutionary War. Besides the gasp-inducing foliage that encircles this gorgeous property, visitors to this historic monument will want to ride the elevators to the top — and inhale some of the best views of the 14th state. Aside from the tallest man-made structure in the state, Bennington boasts some of the best antiquing scenes in the country. If in doubt, check out the town’s 25,000-square-foot Antique Center. Also, if you love beautiful buildings, you will need to see Park-McCullough Historic Governor's Mansion, regarded among the best-preserved Victorian mansions in New England.
Shelburne
A list of Vermont’s most charming cities can never be complete without a mention of Shelburne. Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Champlain, this Vermont allurer is home to about 6,300 residents. The town’s charming downtown is lined by gorgeous buildings that feature red-brick facades and a decent shopping and dining scene. Other attractions include the 102-year-old Shelburne Museum’s Round Barn, one of only 24 such museums ever built in Vermont, which is conveniently located right in the heart of town. Yet the show-stopper in Shelburne remains Shelburne Farms, a stellar exhibit of beauty that can easily steal a whole day. Then again, aside from the beauty of this 1,400-acre fairytale property, visitors will want to enjoy a meal at the on-site Inn at Shelburne Farms — while looking over Lake Champlain’s blue curtain, and on a clear day, even the foggy outline of the Adirondacks.
The Takeaway
Sandwiched between Canada to the north and the Old Bay State to the south, Vermont’s fairytale landscape is home to some of the most heart-melting sceneries in the state. Boasting vistas that can be painfully beautiful, Vermont also plays host to a cornucopia of cities that act as bases from which to steal some of the best views nature ever spread out. While Vermont’s cities are not big, and nothing compared to cities in such states as Texas, their pen-defying charm is not easily rivaled. From Burlington to Shelburne, Vermont’s cities will leave a fist time visitor completely blown away.
