9 Best Small Towns In Vermont For A Crowd-Free Summer
When planning a summer vacation in America's Northeast, one usually thinks of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, or Portland, Maine. But the great state of Vermont also has easy-going places to kick back, take in the heat, or explore. The New England gem also has bustling hotspots. But if you are looking for something crowd-free, regularly unnoticed treasure towns are calling your name. Whether you are chasing cool waterfalls, scenic bike paths, or sleepy towns with the right amount of summer charm, these under-the-radar Vermont escapes are perfect for a quieter getaway.
Newport
California isn't the only state to have a Newport. However, Vermont's Newport is decidedly less flashy and busy in the summertime. This Vermont town sits on the southern shore of Lake Memphremagog, just a few miles from the Canadian border, and summer here means nonstop lake life. Rent bikes downtown or paddleboats at Gardner Memorial Park, cruise South Bay, or take a sailing lesson at the Newport Community Sailing Center.
Hike or bike the Memphremagog Trails just outside of town, then cool off at Prouty Beach, where you can also fish for bass or rainbow trout. About 25 minutes from the center of Newport, Jay Branch Gorge has popular deep, clear swimming holes ringed by cliffs.
Stowe
At the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's tallest peak, Stowe is the kind of town where summer shows up in full force. While there are busier parts during July and August, pockets of Stowe can be enjoyed without the crowds. Just five minutes from the main village, you can start your hike to Moss Glen Falls. About 30 minutes away, you can paddle across the Waterbury Reservoir. In town, you can walk the scenic 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path, which winds past working farms and leads you to Gold Brook Covered Bridge (aka "Emily's Bridge"), one of Vermont's most storied spots.
Downtown, grab handcrafted chocolate from Lake Champlain Chocolates or sip a crisp cider flight at Stowe Cider's lively taproom, where there's live music on deck. Outside of town, Stowe Mountain Resort is usually a winter destination, but in the summer, you can ride the gondola, hike, or catch a concert.
Shelburne
On a warm evening in Shelburne, you might hear music drifting over open fields coming from the Annual Town of Shelburne Concert Series, hosted at Shelburne Farms Farm Barn. The farm, which is just west of the village, is not only a National Historic Landmark but also a working farm and nonprofit with 10 miles of trails, gardens, a children's farmyard, and lake access. Just outside is the LaPlatte River Marsh Natural Area, a 150-acre marsh and floodplain with numerous species of birds. A short walk away is Shelburne Bay Park, where you can load your boat into Shelburne Bay or go for a swim.
For another good swimming spot, head 10 minutes out of town to Charlotte Town Beach, a local favorite with a long, rocky shoreline and clear water. Shelburne is also home to vineyards, ice cream shops, and the Kwiniaska Golf Course for those who think summer is about more than just hiking and swimming.
St. Johnsbury
At the southern edge of the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, where the Passumpsic and Moose Rivers meet, St. Johnsbury strikes a rare balance. It's part cultural hub and part railhead town. In summer, it hums with farmers markets, art, music, and just enough wild around the edges. From May to October, the St. Johnsbury Farmers Market features local produce and an array of food trucks. Around the corner, the St. Johnsbury Distillery pours house-made cocktails in its speakeasy-style tasting room. Up the hill, Dog Mountain stretches 150 leash-optional acres of open meadows, forest paths, and dog-friendly ponds. Up top, there is also Dog Chapel, which is lined with thousands of handwritten notes to beloved pets, making it one of the most personal destinations around.
Just outside of town, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail begins its 93-mile course across northern Vermont. For quick access to nature, the 97-acre St. Johnsbury Town Forest (off Almshouse Road) offers hiking and new mountain biking trails with views over the river and the town's rooftops.
Grafton
In Grafton, historic homes are wrapped in white clapboard, the central village is lush and green, and a network of trails begins where the sidewalks end. At the heart of town is the Grafton Inn, which has been continuously welcoming travelers since 1801. Just behind it sits Phelps Barn Pub, once a horse-drawn carriage house, now serving Vermont beer and hearty tavern fare beneath exposed beams and hayloft rafters.
For a little fresh air between bites, wander the trails at Grafton Village Park or stroll the community gardens on Main Street. But the real draw for summer days is the Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center, located just outside town. With more than 2,000 acres of woods, fields, and forested ridges, it's one of the state's best-kept secrets for mountain biking and hiking.
Manchester
Framed by the Green and Taconic Mountains, Manchester is a southern Vermont destination where summer mornings should probably start with a bagel from The Works Cafe, the very first location of the Vermont-grown chain. As for how the day continues, there is an assortment of options, including casting fly rods on the Battenkill River or having a cocktail on the porch of the Equinox Resort.
When it's time to stretch your legs, Prospect Rock Trail offers a quick climb with wide valley views, while the 5.2-mile Skyline Drive winds up Mount Equinox to the 3,848-foot summit. From the top, on a clear day, you can see four states and even a sliver of Canada. Just beyond, a short path leads to Lookout Rock for one of the best vistas in southern Vermont.
Woodstock
In summer, Woodstock, Vermont, delivers the perfect New England experience with sunny days spent wandering a charming village, cooling off with a maple creemee, and soaking up live music against rolling green hills. For outdoor lovers, the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park offers varied hiking trails, including Mount Tom, which overlooks the village and Pogue.
For a quicker hike, Mount Peg's 45-minute round-trip hike rewards with sweeping views of Billings Farm and the Ottauquechee River valley. In town, Billings Park is a perfect spot to picnic, toss a frisbee, or relax under tall maples.
Montpelier
Despite being Vermont's capital, Montpelier is still a fairly sleepy town where nature is always close. Hubbard Park, the town's crowning jewel, backs right up to the State House and stretches into nearly 200 acres of forest. The stone observation tower at the summit gives you a clear view over the town canopy. North Branch Nature Center and the adjoining North Branch River Park add another 160+ acres of wildflower meadows and wooded paths just a mile from downtown.
Then there is the Montpelier Pump Track, a favorite for kids and cyclists looking to test their skills. Midweek, you can catch the Hunger Mountain Co-op Brown Bag Lunch Concert Series every Wednesday in the Christ Church Courtyard, running from July through early September. Just across town, Bar Hill distillery and tasting room are open for summer cocktails, and behind the scenes, you can see their gin and vodka-making process using raw Vermont honey.
Peacham
The village of Peacham is a quiet grid of historic homes and narrow roads that haven't changed much in a century, and that's the appeal. The trail to one of Peacham's great hiking spots, Cow Hill, cuts through the Peacham Town Forest, a patchwork of hardwood stands and quiet ridgelines just outside the village. For more elevation and less commitment, Devil's Hill offers a rugged, lesser-traveled summit route tucked in Groton State Forest a few miles away.
And for the kind of day that moves at lake speed, there is Peacham Pond. The pond's public launch makes canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding easy. But locals gravitate to Harvey's Lake Beach, which is about 15 minutes outside of Peacham. You won't find a ton of restaurants in Peacham, as it is one of the quietest towns in Vermont. And that is precisely why it is ideal for beating the crowds this summer.
Vermont's small towns offer a range of genuine summer experiences, from rugged hikes and quiet swimming holes to historic sites and farm-fresh food. Each place holds its distinct rhythm, shaped by history and remarkable landscapes. Whether you are seeking an outdoor challenge, a peaceful or even glamorous retreat, or a mix of both, these communities give you everything to enjoy the summer without dealing with hordes of out-of-towners.
