These Towns In Vermont Come Alive In Winter
Vermont is a landlocked state in the New England region of the United States, sharing its border with three American states and one Canadian province. Although it is the sixth smallest and second least populated state in the country, it offers a host of diverse experiences for travelers in all seasons, especially in the winter. Snow-covered Vermont turns into a magical wonderland where many tourists get to experience the world of fairytales. From white mountain slopes and frozen lakes to bedazzling light festivals and captivating music festivals, numerous small towns in Vermont come alive in the winter and make for the perfect snow season getaway.
Bennington
Bennington is the second-largest town in Vermont and is near multiple ski resorts, making it the perfect winter getaway. As the town begins to gather an abundance of snow, cover up and take a walk to Old Bennington, where the Bennington Monument, 18th-century homes, and the Old First Church begin to dazzle in the white. Then, head to Greenberg Headwaters Park for a skiing or snowshoeing excursion. The forest and wetlands there offer an excellent meadow landscape that the brave can witness even in the snow by hiking up in the snow as well. For more sheltered activities, take a tour of Bennington County's covered bridge or explore the multiple antique shops in town to take a souvenir of the trip.
Woodstock
Woodstock is the shire town of Windsor County, Vermont that offers historic homes, festive holiday decorations, and incredible outdoor activities in the winter season. The Saskadena Six Downhill Ski Area, only a few minutes' drive from downtown Woodstock, invites skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the thrill of its downhill slopes and intriguing terrain. The 28 trails in this resort are serviced by 3 chairlifts, making it easily accessible for everyone. The Killington Mountain Resort is a more family-friendly resort nearby where tourists can enjoy outdoor fun with the addition of horse-drawn sleighs and the Quechee Ski Hill for children and beginners. Around Christmas, the town celebrates its annual Wassail Weekend, where locals and tourists can ride in carriages pulled by horses, take part in craft workshops, sing Christmas carols, visit Santa, enjoy live music, and more, making it the ideal time to visit Woodstock.
Manchester
Manchester is a popular tourist destination for visitors from New York or Connecticut because of the numerous factory outlet stores of national retailers that it is home to, but the town has much more to offer as a winter resort destination. December turns the Hildene mansion into a winter wonderland as it celebrates the annual "Christmas Eve in 1912," allowing visitors to enjoy snowshoeing and hiking across the grounds and meadows of the Lincoln Family Home. For those who want a more challenging experience, the Equinox Preserve is a great site for a magical winter hike. Nearby Bromley, Magic, and Stratton Mountains offer all the fun of skiing and snowboarding, while the statewide VAST trail in Manchester allows for a unique snowmobile route. Head to the Riley Rink for indoor ice skating when the weather gets too harsh.
Stowe
Stowe, also known as the "ski capital of the East," is the ideal place to revel in the beauty and fun that the winter season brings. The famous Stowe Mountain Resort, which is located on two separate mountains, Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield, offers a premium skiing facility that offers Nordic and Alpine ski trails for enthusiasts. After a snowy excursion, take a trip to the multiple craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cider houses around town to enjoy the ideal après ski experience. Those looking to learn a new skill can uncover the fun of dog sledding in captivating scenery. Fishing enthusiasts can catch the Northern pike, landlocked salmon, and trout guided by Local Outfitters.
Shelburne
Shelburne is located on the shores of Lake Champlain and lights up as the nights begin to get darker. Every year, during the months of November and December, the Shelburne Museum adorns itself with a bedazzling display of lights and music. Museumgoers can witness iconic structures and gardens decked in extravagant decorations and 18 special installations all over the area. For an outdoor excursion, head to Shelburne Farms, which hosts horse-drawn sleigh rides throughout the winter season. Ski or snowshoe the trails of LaPlatte Nature Park that loop around an open meadow and travel along captivating views of the river. Finally, stop by the Falls Overlook, constructed in 2012, which offers a mesmerizing view of Shelburne Falls.
Brattleboro
Brattleboro is located at the convergence of Vermont's West River and Connecticut River, allowing it to be in close proximity to a frozen water body and offer a unique winter experience. At the place where the two rivers meet, the town hosts the Artful Ice Shanties exhibit that displays artistic interpretations of ice fishing shanties. The area also doubles as an ice-fishing region for enthusiastic fishermen. The best time to visit Brattleboro is in February, when it hosts the Brattleboro Winter Carnival, which allows tourists to enjoy indoor sports competitions and multiple games outdoors. Downhill ski and snowboarders at nearby Mount Snow or explore the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center for a more indoor activity. Make sure to catch a live performance at the Vermont Jazz Center before leaving.
Montpelier
Montpelier is the capital city of Vermont, located north of the Winooski River, warmly inviting tourists in the cold season. The abundance of snow the city receives covers downtown paths with a blanket of pristine white and casts a glow on the historical buildings, such as the State House. Visitors can also enjoy the concerts hosted in this building in the winter. Attend the Spice on Snow music festival to indulge in a celebration of the roots of Montpelier and contemporary folk music. Go skating on State House Lawn Skating Rink, which hosts regular skating parties in the winter, complete with hot cocoa and music. End the trip by taking home a souvenir from one of the holiday craft festivals.
Killington
Killington is located in the heart of the Green Mountains, in central Vermont, and is famous for the downhill ski resorts on Killington and Pico Mountain. As such, the town is the perfect place to revel in cross-country or regular skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding. Tourists can also enjoy the thrill of snowmobiling and tubing down the beautiful snow-covered landscape all around town. Hop on a sled on your own or sit back and enjoy the various dog sledding opportunities offered in the mountains. A unique activity to try when in town is ski biking, offered by Alpine Bike Works, which is good for beginners or experienced bikers as the company offers an orientation and training session before each rental.
In conclusion, Vermont comes alive as a magical winter wonderland as soon as the days begin to shorten and puts forth a myriad of enchanting experiences for those who are brave enough to venture into the small towns in this state. From the historical charm of Bennington and the festive ambiance of Woodstock to the artistic ice shanties in Brattleboro and the ski haven of Stowe, there is a thrilling winter adventure waiting for every traveler. Whether you're looking for the fun of winter sports or simply a tranquil getaway, there is a town on this list that is bound to be perfect for every wanderer searching for the perfect winter getaway.
