The 9 Friendliest Little Towns In Vermont
One of the most rural states in America, Vermont is known for its small towns and gorgeous landscapes with rolling green mountains and pristine lakes. Indeed, once you drive around, you will understand why it has been dubbed “The Green Mountain State.” Vermont’s small towns are home to many friendly locals who welcome visitors with open arms. While big cities have their appeal, Vermont’s rural areas are the epitome of community, colonial history, and unspoiled natural beauty. In this article, we explore nine of the friendliest little towns in Vermont that should be on every traveler’s list.
Stowe
One of the most well-known small towns in Vermont, Stowe has become one of the most popular destinations in New England for leaf-peeping. While it can get pretty busy in the fall, locals are friendly and welcoming and are happy to give visitors an overview of their hometown.
The Stowe Community Church, with its iconic white steeple, draws many people to this place as it creates a gorgeous panorama against the backdrop of the fall foliage. The Trapp Family Lodge, founded by the family that inspired “The Sound of Music,” adds a touch of Austrian charm to the mountainside. Stowe Mountain Resort is another property with a storied past where you can stay for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. In October, the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival brings artists and craftspeople from around the region to celebrate fall with locals and visitors alike.
Manchester
Manchester is a gateway to the Green Mountains and boasts a charming downtown with colonial-era buildings where streets are lined with boutique shops and locally owned cafés. The American Museum of Fly Fishing showcases the area's connection to the sport, while the Hildene estate, the former home of Robert Todd Lincoln, offers aninsight into the Lincoln family’s legacy.
Manchester is also a great place to explore the outdoors. Equinox Mountain, the highest peak in the Taconic Range, provides excellent outdoor opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and mountain biking. It’s a perfect place to visit if you want to learn about the area's storied past in the Manchester Village Historic District and enjoy the outdoors. In the fall, the Manchester Fall Art and Craft Festival draws artisans and food vendors from around the state.
Chester
Chester, with its vibrant town green and historic Victorian architecture, is a treasure trove of antique shops and artisan galleries. The Stone Village Historic District showcases 19th-century stone houses, while the Chester Railway Station is a nod to the town’s role in Vermont’s railway history.
Don’t miss the annual Chester Festival on the Green, a beloved community event featuring local crafts, food, and live entertainment. Chester's friendly residents make visitors feel like part of the community, whether you're browsing at DaVallia Art & Accents, shopping at the Stone Village Farmers’ Market, or simply enjoying the relaxed pace of this scenic town.
Middlebury
Middlebury, a cozy college town that’s home to Middlebury College’s picturesque campus, is one of the best small towns to learn Vermont’s history and experience New England hospitality.
The town boasts the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History along Lake Dunmore, an 1882 landmark where you can find artifacts related to the town’s history. The Vermont Folklife Center is an excellent place to learn all about Vermont's culture.
Want to get some exercise? Head to Lake Dunmore, where you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, take a casual stroll in Battell Park, or admire the view of Middlebury Falls. Each March, the Middlebury Chili Festival fills the streets with live music, community energy, and spicy local flavor.
Waitsfield
Waitsfield is known for its artistic spirit and recreation opportunities in the Mad River Valley between Stowe and Middlebury. Famous for its colonial bridges, such as the Great Eddy Covered Bridge, Waitsfield has an unmistakable rustic charm and laid-back atmosphere.
The Mad River Glass Gallery showcases local artisans' craftsmanship, and nearby Sugarbush Resort is a hub for skiing and mountain biking, so no matter what time of the year you visit the area, you will never be bored. In early September, the Mad River Valley Craft Fair brings the community together with dozens of local makers, food vendors, and live entertainment.
Dorset
Dorset is a New England town in southern Vermont with white clapboard homes and lush greenery. Dorset’s claim to fame is the Dorset Quarry and its role in founding the republic in Vermont. The Dorset Theatre Festival is one of the main events that draws thousands of visitors who want to see performances in a historic playhouse.
Dorset Quarry, the oldest marble quarry in the U.S., which has ceased its operations is now a popular swimming spot for months. One of the best places to get to know locals and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the area is the Dorset Farmers’ Market which offers a taste of local flavors and artisanal products year-round.
Bristol
Set between Middlebury and Burlington, Bristol is a small town with classic Main Street and a friendly atmosphere. Bristol is known for its annual Bristol Fourth of July Parade, one of the largest in Vermont, but if you visit during a different time of the year, there’s still plenty to do. The Bristol Historical Society and Museum offers insight into the town's past, and Mount Abraham is a hiking paradise with sweeping views. The Bristol Falls (or Bartlett Falls?) swimming hole is a local favorite during the summer.
The town sits at the foothills of the Green Mountain National Forest. If you visit in winter, check out the nearby Mad Glen Ski Area, one of the most popular places for skiing in Vermont.
Peacham
Peacham is a quintessential village in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Peacham is known for its breathtaking views of the White Mountains and its historic character. This destination is particularly popular with photographers during fall, and if you walk around with your camera, there’s a good chance one of the locals will greet you and ask where you are from. The Peacham Corner Historic District is home to 19th-century architecture, providing a glimpse into the town's early days. The town also hosts the annual Peacham Acoustic Music Festival, a lively celebration of folk and roots music that draws both locals and visitors.
Woodstock
Woodstock, often called one of the prettiest towns in America, combines historic architecture with an inviting, small-town atmosphere. The Billings Farm & Museum offers insight into Vermont’s agriculture history, while the Middle Covered Bridge spanning the Ottauquechee River is a symbol of the area’s craftsmanship and history.
You can also explore Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park, the only national park dedicated to conservation history, or stroll through Woodstock Historic District, where most architecture dates to the 18th and 19th centuries. Every December, Wassail Weekend transforms the town into a winter wonderland with parades, concerts, and horse-drawn wagon rides.
Embracing Vermont's Welcoming Communities
Vermont is home to some of the most beautiful towns in the northeast and a perfect spot to experience New England hospitality. Whether you want to go hiking, learn the rich history of the state, starting from Vermont’s independence movement to recent years, or try Vermont’s home-made produce, you will come across many friendly locals who will welcome you to their state and will be glad to share the insights about local history and culture during conversations.
