The Vermont Country Store at Christmas in Grafton, Vermont. Image credit James Kirkikis via Shutterstock.com

Why This Vermont Town Deserves More Attention

When people picture a quintessential New England village, Grafton, Vermont, is likely what comes to mind. With a population of around 600 residents, this charming village definitely deserves more attention. It is home to historic inns and farms that have been in operation since the 19th century, miles of hiking trails that wind through the mountains of southern Vermont, and maple syrup plants passed down through generations. If you are seeking an authentic, relaxing New England village experience for your next vacation, Grafton is sure to steal your heart.

Agricultural Scene

The way to Grafton, Vermont, in fall. — A road into Grafton, Vermont, in fall.

Grafton is home to a tight-knit farming and agricultural community. In order to experience the town’s community culture, visiting some of these farms and dairy companies is a must. A great place to start is the Grafton Village Cheese Company, a cornerstone of the community for over a century. Founded in 1892 by a group of dairy farmers who formed a cooperative to turn surplus milk into cheese, the company continues to honor its roots by sourcing raw milk from local family farms and supporting rural communities across Vermont. Travelers can visit the company’s storefront on Townshend Road and purchase these award-winning cheeses for themselves.

After sampling the town’s delicious cheeses, visitors can head to Plummer’s Sugar House, a third-generation, family-owned maple sugar production plant that has been operating since the 1940s. Travelers who visit the farm can take a free tour of the facilities and purchase maple syrup, maple candy, maple cream spread, and gift boxes from the farm's gift shop.

In the summer, visitors should make sure to stop by the Milk Shack, a farm stand that is operated by Rushton Farm. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the stand serves freshly made ice cream in dishes, cones, and ice cream sundaes. As the town’s only dairy farm, visitors can also purchase fresh eggs and raw milk.

African American Heritage Trail

As part of the African American Heritage Trail, Grafton is home to the Turner Interpretive Center, a significant historical site that has been open since 2017. The center tells the story of Alec Turner, an escaped slave who eventually found his freedom in Grafton. His daughter, Daisy Turner, became a renowned storyteller, preserving her family's legacy through powerful oral histories. Alec shared his experiences nightly at the dinner table, ensuring his children understood their heritage—from life on a plantation and the brutality of slavery to escape, resilience, and eventually owning land in Vermont. As a result, Daisy’s retellings became some of the most compelling ever recorded.

Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center

Mr. Williams Bridge, a historic covered bridge in Grafton, Vermont.

The Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center, near the Grafton Inn, offers an extensive network of trails for hiking, biking, and skiing. All guests staying at the Grafton Inn have complimentary access to trails and equipment rentals. During the summer, trail access is free for all visitors, regardless of where they stay.

Christmastime gazebo in Grafton, Vermont.

Meanwhile, in the winter, non-guests can still enjoy the groomed trails by paying a daily fee. Set on roughly 2,000 acres, the area offers miles of hiking and mountain biking trails with routes ranging from beginner-friendly to more difficult. Other summer activities include a nine-hole disc golf course and a swimming pond with a floating dock, perfect for cooling off.

The resort’s winter activities are just as diverse. With a snowy hill, snow tubing is a popular activity, along with ice skating on the frozen-over pond. Trails are well-groomed in the winter for snowshoeing, fat tire biking, and cross-country skiing. Starting in December, travelers can reserve a sleigh ride, with departures every half hour.

Culinary Scene

Downtown Grafton, Vermont. Image credit Doug Kerr, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While Grafton may not have a giant selection of restaurants, the ones it does offer are exceptional. MKT: Grafton is a favorite for breakfast and lunch, as a modern-style general store that emphasizes locally sourced, organic ingredients. Each morning, the market offers hot breakfast sandwiches, followed by hot pressed sandwiches and soups for lunch. Travelers can also check out the market’s dinner specials or pop-up dinner menus that MKT: Grafton uploads to Instagram, for something different.

Main street in Grafton, Vermont, USA. Grafton, Vermont. — Main Street in Grafton, Vermont. Image credit Bob LoCicero via Shutterstock

For classic pub fare, Phelps Barn Pub is a great dinner spot. This cozy restaurant, part of the 19th-century Grafton Inn, is housed in a former carriage house that once sheltered the inn’s guests’ horses. Just a few of the dishes that visitors can try here include Fish & Chips, Chicken Paillard, and Faroe Island Salmon.

These Towns Are Vermont's Best-Kept SecretsFrom mountainous towns like Stowe and Dorset to destinations like Montpelier and Manchester that bear cultural and historic significance to Vermont, you will be entrusted with Vermont’s best-kept secrets.

Grafton, Vermont, Deserves More Attention

River in Grafton, Vermont. — Homes in Grafton, Vermont. Image credit Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Grafton may be small, but it offers all kinds of experiences. In addition to exploring the local agricultural scene, travelers will also have the chance to explore its connection to the African American Heritage Trail and learn about the powerful story of Alec Turner. There are plenty of ways to enjoy nature as well, with free trail access for all in the summer months. If Grafton is not yet on your radar, it is worth adding to your New England itinerary this year.

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