Stowe, Vermont

9 Secluded Towns in Vermont

Located right where the Appalachian Mountains reach the US-Canada border, the Green Mountain State of Vermont abounds in natural beauty and homestyle charm. It’s also a state with a plethora of incredible small towns to visit. Throughout Vermont, you will find sporty ski towns and laid-back river towns, yet you will also find the United States’ oldest marble quarry and perhaps New England’s premier hub for artisan cheesemaking. No matter where you go, you will stumble upon some exceptional small towns that can only exist in a state like Vermont. On that note, let’s take a closer look at nine secluded towns in Vermont.

Stowe

Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, Vermont. Editorial credit: Don Landwehrle / Shutterstock.com

Though Western states like Colorado and Utah may have many of the United States’ most famous ski towns, don’t sleep on Vermont’s own Green Mountains. Rather, make sure to check out the stupendous slopes of Stowe. Home to Vermont’s tallest mountain, Mount Mansfield, which soars almost 4,400 feet above sea level at its summit. Stowe Mountain Resort has 485 acres of skiable terrain, 116 trails serving skiers at all levels, and the most mile-long lifts of any East Coast ski resort. And during the summer season, you can take the toll road that leads directly to Mount Mansfield, hike the trails on and around Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, and try some rock climbing at Stowe Rocks Climbing Center. Year-round, you can enjoy elevated comfort food and Vermont’s own WhistlePig craft whiskey at the WhistlePig Pavilion at Spruce Peak, and you can try some truly local craft beer and Austrian-inspired cuisine at von Trapp Brewing Bierhall & Taproom. Once you’re ready to settle somewhere warm and cozy, stay at the Trapp Family Lodge farm resort, or you can ski right into the luxury slopeside digs at The Lodge at Spruce Peak.

Chester

Chester, Vermont
Chester, Vermont. By Kenneth C. Zirkel - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.

Chester has a special air about it that you can immediately sense upon arrival. At galleries and boutiques like DaVallia Art and Interiors, Endless Creations Pottery Studio, Wisdom River Designs (jewelry), and DyakCraft (knitting supplies), you can experience Chester's artistic spirit. If you seek more vintage vibes, head to the Stone Village Historic District to discover Vermont’s most robust collections of stone masonry; these 1830s and 1840s structures were constructed in a special manner rarely found beyond Ireland, Scotland, and Quebec and Ontario in Canada. When you feel like stretching out in the open woods, you can pop over to Chester Town Forest and hit the trails for a scenic stroll in nature. Once it’s time to turn down for the night, check into the romantic Inn Victoria boutique bed and breakfast in town, or try the Stone Hearth Inn for a lovely hotel by the forest.

Woodstock

Quechee State Park near Woodstock, Vermont
Quechee State Park near Woodstock, Vermont. Editorial credit: Marti Bug Catcher / Shutterstock.com

While New York has its own Woodstock that has its own lore, don’t overlook Vermont’s Woodstock and its own New England-style bucolic beauty. Woodstock serves as the gateway to Quechee State Park. Here is where you will find natural wonders like Quechee Gorge, Vermont’s deepest gorge that drops as much as 165 feet to the base of the Ottauquechee River, and this is a prime destination for hiking, fishing, and camping. Closer to town, you’ll also find Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, a surprising oasis of working woodlands that you can hike and ride (horseback) during the summer, and ski cross-country during the winter. With one of the nation’s oldest continuously operated ski schools and one of the few remaining locally run ski areas, Saskadena Six is a perfect place to embark on your skiing journey, hone your skills on the slopes, and enjoy mountain biking and fly fishing during the summer season. Whenever you’re ready to finally go inside, you can revel in the magnificent luxury of the Woodstock Inn & Resort, or you can kick back in the uniquely artsy grandeur of the 1795 farmhouse turned five-star Twin Farms boutique resort and spa.

Middlebury

Middlebury Falls
Middlebury Falls

Middlebury is a unique college town where learning and growth happen far beyond the lecture halls. On the Middlebury College campus, head to the Chip Kenyon ‘85 Arena to catch the men’s and women’s ice hockey games, discover a wide world of art (from ancient all the way to postmodern) at the Museum of Art, and hit the links at the Ralph Myhre Golf Course. In the town itself, make sure to catch a glimpse of Middlebury Falls. Just beyond town, explore 110 acres of skiable trails and up to 1,020 feet of vertical drop at the historic Middlebury Snowbowl (which has operated since 1934), and try everything from cross-country skiing to snowshoeing and FatBiking at Rikert Outdoor Center. For even more unique experiences, head to the nation’s oldest community history museum (since 1882) at the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History, catch a show at the Town Hall Theater, watch an exquisite performance at the Opera Company of Middlebury, and create your own works of art at Middlebury Studio School. When you feel like retiring for the evening, book a perfectly crafted stay at The Stone Mill, or enjoy the historically stately vibes at the Swift House Inn.

Burke

Burke Mountain
Burke Mountain

Nestled in the Northeast Kingdom, Burke is a beautiful mountain village full of exhilarating year-round adventures. At Darling State Park, you will encounter Burke Mountain (rising about 3,270 feet above sea level) and the Burke Mountain Ski Area for skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking. In addition, you’ll find prime territory for wintertime backcountry skiing and the gorgeous Lake Willoughby for summertime swimming at Willoughby State Forest. After a long day of playing outside, treat yourself to a comfy stay inside at the Burke Mountain Hotel by the ski area. Or, if you prefer something cozier in town, check into a boutique farmhouse inn at The Village Inn.

Manchester

Manchester, Vermont
Manchester, Vermont. Editorial credit: James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com

Tucked in the Taconic Mountains, Manchester not only has hidden gems, but quite possibly the most stunning crown jewels of Southern Vermont. Start at Hildene, the historic home built by Robert Lincoln (the last remaining child of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln) in 1905 that remains one of the region’s finest Georgian Revival estates, and it’s now open to the public for tours inside and trails outside for hiking and skiing. For more expansive ski areas, hit Bromley Mountain for 47 trails across 178 acres with up to 1,334 feet of vertical drop, and try Stratton for over 670 acres of skiable terrain and up to 2,003 feet of vertical drop. If you’re visiting during the summer season, take the Mount Equinox Skyline Drive toll road for a gorgeous drive up Mount Equinox to its summit, the highest peak of the Taconics at 3,848 feet above sea level. For another kind of journey, keep driving to Seven Springs Garden for a tranquil green space full of thought-provoking contemporary sculpture art, and head to Southern Vermont Art Center for an eclectic array of exhibitions featuring artists from near and far. Once it’s time for a break, kick back in the charming yet chic Kimpton Taconic Hotel, or enjoy the grand grounds of the elegant Equinox Golf Resort & Spa.

Montgomery

Montgomery, Vermont
Montgomery, Vermont. Editorial credit: Robophoto1 / Shutterstock.com

Montgomery may not attract the large crowds of Vermont’s more famous ski towns, yet it has all the natural thrills you crave and then some. Just minutes away from the town center is Jay Peak Resort, which boasts 385 acres of skiable terrain with nine lifts, up to 2,153 feet of vertical drop, and the most snow you’ll find anywhere on the East Coast. If you are up for some steeper challenges, hit Jay State Forest for backcountry skiing during winter and hiking during the warmer months. And as you drive back to town, don’t miss out on Montgomery’s abundance of photogenic covered bridges, such as the Comstock, Fuller, and Longley covered bridges. Whether you’re looking for some local après-ski or a simply fun night out, head to The Snowshoe Lodge & Pub for Vermont-style tavern fare and live entertainment, and Bernie’s for a real chef-owned and operated neighborhood restaurant. After all your fun and games, check into a relaxing stay at Grampa Grunts Lodge for a no-frills ski dorm experience, or book a room at the Phineas Swann Inn & Spa for more creature comforts and romantic vibes.

Rochester

Rochester, Vermont
Rochester, Vermont

Nestled right by Green Mountain National Forest, the village of Rochester functions as the ideal gateway to a plethora of outdoor adventures. Speaking of the forest, Green Mountain has plenty of challenging yet scenic hiking trails worth exploring, including those at Rochester Mountain, Bear Brook, and Chittenden Brook. Just beyond the forest, there’s even more to explore: Stop at Sunshine Valley Organic Berry Farm for the freshest fruit and tastiest raw honeys, visit BigTown Gallery to dive into the amazing local arts scene, and discover some incredible glass art from local artist Michael Egan at Green Mountain Glassworks. For even more fully immersive countryside stay, check into Liberty Hill Farm & Inn to enjoy a quaint bed and breakfast on a real working farm.

Grafton

Grafton, Vermont
Grafton, Vermont

Situated in Southern Vermont, Grafton is not just a pretty New England village, but it’s mighty tasty, too. For the ultimate Vermont food tour, head to Plummer’s Sugar House for real Vermont maple syrup made right at the family farm, then stop at Rushton Farm for fresh milk, eggs, meats, and baked treats. Of course, no visit to Grafton feels complete without a pilgrimage to Grafton Village Cheese for their award-winning cheddars and small-batch cave-aged cheeses. When you feel like stretching out and burning off some of that good grub, go to the Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center for a thorough network of hiking, biking, and ski trails right in town. Once you’re ready to kick back after running (and eating) your way through the town, treat yourself to a stately stay at The Grafton Inn, and save room for even more incredible meals at the inn’s on-site restaurants.

Final Thoughts

These none secluded towns in Vermont offer all the peace and quiet you need — and all the adventures. For a Northeastern state, Vermont in general feels quite secluded. But when you really need a great escape, the Green Mountain State provides maximum solitude, especially in quaint villages like Rochester and Burke. When you’re up for more action, you can embark on all kinds of amazing adventures without major risk of getting lost in a huge crowd, including at scenic ski towns like Middlebury and Manchester. No matter the reasons why you want some seclusion, you'll find it — and much more — in Vermont’s naturally beautiful small towns.

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