8 Most Idyllic Small Towns in New England
New England region encompasses some of the most beautiful states in the United States, from the fall foliage of Connecticut to lighthouses and pristine coasts in Maine. Each state has something new to share, with hidden small towns showcasing an untouched insight into their beauty. Tourists can go on an adventure by visiting some of these eight idyllic towns with many attractions and activities for tourists. Whether it is watching a goat doing yoga, eating delicious Mystic pizza, or seeing a bridge get raised, there is something for everyone in these stunning small towns.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport is a lively summer destination with stunning beaches and art galleries. It is known for being the summer home of President Bush and his family. It has also been ranked as Maine’s number-one beach by World Report. The town is most popular around summer when the population booms to 10 times its usual size. Tourists visiting the town often head straight to the popular Goose Rocks Beach, with scenic ocean views. For a more immersive experience, one can take a boat tour of the island with Rugosa Lobster Tours or Pineapple Ketch. Or, take a tour of the pretty art galleries in town, such as Deborah Randall Fine Art.
Nearby, visitors can also check out Kennebunk, a nearby seaside town usually confused with Kennebunkport. The towns are separated by just a bridge, two rivers, and a distance of five miles. In Kennubunk, the Maine Art Hill gallery stuns cultural travelers, while outdoor lovers go for a beach walk at Mother's Beach and Gooch's Beach.
Bennington, Vermont
Bennington is a lively town of 15,000 in Bennington County, Vermont. During the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Bennington ensued, and it was eventually won by the popular Green Mountain Boys and General Stark. This victory commemorated the beginning of the end of the Revolutionary War. There is a 306-foot-high stone obelisk Monument in Bennington built in honor of the battle. The obelisk is a popular landmark in town and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971.
Tourists can get all the information they need from the Bennington Welcome Center, which also provides details on hidden gems and untapped touristy areas in the city. For more in-depth knowledge of local history, tourists should visit Bennington Museum, which features special exhibitions and exciting collections. Those here for a fun day can check out the Walloomsac Farmers' Market for fresh produce or shop the Main Street Antiques and eat vegetarian and Mexican dishes at Blue Benn.
Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit is a cute resort town of about 1,500 people, whose name comes from the Abenaki people’s word for “a beautiful place by the sea.” The white sands of Ogunquit Beach are one of the many reasons why it ranked on Trip Advisor’s top 10 US beaches in 2023. The beach boasts 3.5 miles of soft sand and is an ideal destination for families. Footbridge Beach is another beautiful beach in town with a motel for anyone who wants to stay the night.
Further inland, one can enjoy an array of seafood meals at the different restaurants in town, such as Footbridge Lobster, Jonathan's Restaurant, which doubles as a concert center, Barnacle Billy's, and the Front Porch Piano Bar & Restaurant. Meanwhile, for entertainment after the meal, stop by The Leavitt Theatre for movies and live shows or watch fall art exhibits at Barn Gallery.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is a natural environment with clean air, mountains, and a festive community. The town has a land area of over 70 square miles, one of the largest in Vermont. To this end, Stowe is a great place to be all year round, with plenty of natural areas to explore. During summer, visitors love to camp at Smugglers' Notch State Park Campground solo or with loved ones. Hiking, biking, and driving are also popular activities, and one can choose from Bingham Falls for waterfalls and gorges, Moss Glen Falls for a scenic drive, and Stowe Pinnacle for challenging trails. Those who brave the Stowe Pinnacle are in for a treat, as the view at the peak is worth the challenge.
During winter, the activities change, and most people visit the Gondola Skyride ski resort, which offers the opportunity to ride and see the peak of the highest mountain in Stowe, Mount Mansfield. Alongside Spruce Peak, this mountain surrounds Stowe Mountain Resort, which gives access to great views, rooms, and a steakhouse when you visit. After the outdoor fun, one can gulp down lager beers with friends and locals at von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall, Stowe Cider, or take a tour of the beautiful beer garden at The Alchemist Brewery.
Williamstown, Massachusetts
Williamstown, formerly called West Hoosac, was incorporated as a town in 1765. It was named Williamstown for Ephraim Williams, who gave the town a large amount of money to be named after him and to establish a free school. Williams eventually lost his life in the French and Indian War, but his legacy lives on through the town and the founding of Williams College, a private art school, in 1793. Visitors can attend exhibits in the school’s affiliated Art Museum near Clark Art Institute, a research and art school.
Those looking for an outdoor experience can take a walk along the Taconic Trail State Park, where flora and fauna are abundant. They can also check out Sheep Hill, the expansive farm and greenery that leads to Mt. Greylock. Afterward, it is time to get some eats at Mezze Bistro + Bar or fresh produce at Williamstown Farmers Market.
Chilmark, Massachusetts
The hilly and picturesque town of Chilmark is a farming and fishing area with lots of nature preserves like the Waskosim's Rock Reservation and Great Rock Bight Preserve. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, Menemsha Blues Charters, A Martha's Vineyard Fishing Charter, promises to provide all you need to make a great catch. Beach lovers should check out Squibnocket Beach, Menemsha Public Beach, and Lucy Vincent Beach for fun beach activities.
The town also offers much to cultural enthusiasts, such as the Chilmark Free Public Library for book lovers. If you have never seen a goat doing yoga, check out Native Earth Teaching Farm for some traditional farm lessons. Also, many tourists adore the Island Folk Pottery, Sculpture Trail and Pottery Shop, and Martha's Vineyard Copperworks galleries for their array of artistic displays.
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Stockbridge is a gorgeous town for its residents and a tourist haven. It was named after the town of Stockbridge in Hampshire County, England, and it has prevalent cultural attractions to share. Those interested head straight to Main Street for a complete tourist experience. Norman Rockwell Museum is a popular art museum in Stockbridge with lots of art and design exhibition showcases. Explore jaw-dropping historic homes with otherworldly beauty and rich tales at Historic New England Merwin House and Naumkeag. On the other hand, for a lighter experience, one can go golfing at Stockbridge Golf Club, take a tour of the Berkshire Botanical Garden, or dance to live music at Tanglewood.
Mystic, Connecticut
While Mystic might sound like a name for something mysterious or deep, the name of this town begs to differ. Mystic is a village between Groton and Stonington, given its name by the Pequot Native Americans. The name of the town means “a large river whose waters are driven into waves.” Visitors can explore these waves through a sunset cruise with Argia Mystic Cruises, showcasing islands and lighthouses. Other great options are the Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport Museum, where various marine animals and maritime adventures are waiting to charm. Or, head into town to shop at Olde Mistick Village and enjoy sumptuous pizza at Mystic Pizza. There is much more to do in Mystic, such as playing games and puzzles at Mystified Escape Rooms and attending free studio classes at Mystic Museum of Art.
From the summer attractions of Kennebunkport to the sunset cruise of Mystic, New England has so much more to offer. Go on a tour of these low-populated towns to explore their beauty, serenity, and natural resources and make memories to cherish for a lifetime. Without the hustle and bustle of urban centers, these towns offer a pure view into the idyllic charm hidden throughout New England. No matter what one is into, each town has something unique and exciting to enjoy.
