9 Small Town Getaways In Vermont Perfect For Families
The state of Vermont, concealed in the northeastern corner of America, is home to well over 200 towns. Vermont is also home to several activities that encourage people to return to these towns over and over. While some of these communities offer romantic getaways for young couples, or peaceful, quiet weekend getaways for retired couples, other towns in Vermont are ideal for families looking to bond over relaxing and fun-packed getaways. Below are several small towns in the Green Mountain State that cater to the family dynamic by burning off stress caused by the hustle and bustle of ordinary life.
Stowe
The town of Stowe, located in Lamoille County in the middle of the upper half of the state, is most notable for its close proximity to several skiing opportunities. A variety of ski resorts, such as Stowe Mountain Resort, accommodate the preferences of every family member, either through indoor activities, such as at Stowe Rocks, an indoor climbing center, or on the ski trails in the area. Stowe Mountain Resort, one of the best resorts in the area, also offers a variety of ski trails and zip-lining, rock climbing, and excellent views of the fall foliage.
Middlebury
Further south along the western border of the state, in Addison County, the quaint town of Middlebury is known best for its historic downtown district, which includes the Henry Sheldon Museum, which is free to anyone under 18. This historical museum, established in 1882, offers the chance to peruse several art galleries, as well as a variety of household items, artwork, and furniture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Middlebury is also near the UVM Morgan Horse Farm, located just outside of the center of town, which caters to kids of all ages, passing along the wealth of knowledge about horses, and the Morgan breed, in particular, to the next generation.
Grafton
Hidden almost in the southeastern corner of Vermont, in Windham County, the pretty town of Grafton is a haven for family getaways. Along with the Nature Museum at Grafton, which provides events for children as well as camping opportunities, Grafton is also home to the Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center, and Plan B Stables and Green Mountain Railroad are both in nearby Chester. The Green Mountain Railroad provides rides for the entire family through the Vermont wilderness, while Plan B Stables offers horseback riding prospects for anyone six and up to ride along predestined trails. There are also several other activities near Grafton to enjoy with the family, including Timber Quest Park and Lowell Lake State Park; both are in Londonderry, less than 15 miles away.
Woodstock
The town of Woodstock, 40 miles north of Grafton, in Windsor County, has a plethora of activities aimed toward families, including Billings Farm & Museum, one of the finest outdoor history museums in the country, and, across Barnard Road, the Marsh-Billings National Park. The Mount Tom Loop hiking trail also provides excellent scenic views of the fall foliage. Afterward, check out Sugarbush Farms, where the kids can taste fresh maple syrup, and the VINS Nature Center in the nearby town of Quechee, which provides the next generation with education and experience in the feeding and care of a variety of different reptiles and amphibians.
Alburgh
In the opposite corner of the Green Mountain State, in Grande Isle County along the upper end of the beautiful Lake Champlain, the town of Alburgh is a hidden gem when it comes to successfully entertaining the entire family. Famous for the Alburgh Dunes State Park, which possesses one of the longest beaches along the coast of Lake Champlain, the area offers swimming, fishing, picnicking, boating, chartering a fishing boat, and canoeing. Alburgh is also known for several airplane options, so the whole family can see the isles of upper Lake Champlain from the sky, offering a view that is particularly spectacular in the fall.
Essex Junction
In Chittenden County, right outside the city of Burlington, the town of Essex Junction is a haven for exciting adventure for every member of the family. There is Sand Hill Park Swimming Pool, located on Sand Hill Road, offering guests a nine-acre park, and the Maple Street Pool, in 38-acre Maple Street Park, both with two outside pools, to the Essex Driving Range and the Essex Country Club. The driving range is open until dusk, and the Country Club offers stunning countryside views. There are also several activities for the whole family to enjoy in nearby Burlington, including North Beach and Lake Champlain.
Waitsfield
The underrated town of Waitsfield, located in Washington County in the middle of the state, rests on the banks of the Mad River in the Northfield Mountain Range. Along with all the outdoor activities associated with the Mad River, including swimming, fishing, and boating, Waitsfield is also home to Mad River Glen, the Hartshorn Organic Farm & Maple Sugar House, and Joslyn’s Round Barn Farm. While Mad River Glen offers pastoral sights all year long, especially during the changing of the foliage in autumn, the Hartshorn Farm dishes out tastes of maple syrup right out of the tree, and Joslyn’s Round Barn Farm is the best spot for great sleep, accompanied by a delicious breakfast in the morning.
Springfield
Hidden between the towns of Brattleboro, Vermont, and Lebanon, New Hampshire, along the eastern border in Windsor County, Springfield is an oasis of outdoor activities for the entire family. Famous for being one of a multitude of Springfields in America and for being home of the Eureka Schoolhouse and Baltimore Covered Bridge, Springfield, Vermont, also boasts the nearby Wilgus State Park, providing guests with canoeing and kayaking opportunities along the Connecticut River, which flows for over 400 miles, covers four states, and presents some of the best views.
Dorset
The town of Dorset, located in Bennington County in the southwestern corner of the state, is most famous for being the home to the Emerald Lake State Park, the Dorset Farmer’s Market, and the Dorset Union Store. Along with all the amenities of the Emerald Lake State Park, including camping, fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, and picnicking, the town of Dorset is also known for its proximity to the Green Mountain National Forest and White Rocks National Recreation Area, dedicated to Robert T. Stafford, a former governor of the state of Vermont.
From the idyllic town of Stowe and its opportunities to enjoy nature in all its glory, no matter the season, to the quaint town of Dorset and its multitude of colors during autumn, the state of Vermont is full of towns that cater to families, activities to provide that awe-inspiring wonder as well as attractions that will entertain even the toughest critic in the family.
