Let’s start our journey of exploring small towns in Vermont from Woodstock, which is considered the prettiest small town in America. The beauty of Vermont is not limited to woodstock that also has some of the most scenic mountain towns such as Grafton, Stowe, Manchester and many more. Every town in Vermont is full of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, historic magic and spiritual culture. Whether you plan a trip to Vermont then ready to explore picturesque towns in Vermont, explore 19th-century architecture and enjoy world-class outdoor activity. Take a break since that time to experience a peaceful and relaxing village or the best small town in Vermont.
Best Small Towns in Vermont
Woodstock
Woodstock is located beside the Ottauquechee River. Reach the charming towns in Vermont after driving three hours from Boston and 400 km away from New York City. Its beauty, history and culture attract visitors, which you will also experience after visiting its top Attractions. These attractions are the Norman Williams Public Library, the Billings Farm & Museum dairy farm, the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site and many more.
Let’s know some major attractions in Woodstock
- Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park: it is one of the most famous attractions which is famous for its iconic 19th-century Queen Anne-style brick mansion features.
- Norman Williams Public Library: It is known for its charming history, Romanesque architecture, and community space. If you like to spend time with books then the place is heaven for you.
- Billings Farm & Museum: It is a must-visit place in Woodstock and the museum’s themes are based on dairy farming, agriculture and rural lifestyle. Here, we explore Wagon & Sleigh Rides, Falconry, experience beautiful gardens, Hiking and much more.
- Calvin Coolidge Historic Site: Here, chance to cover a 19th-century village where the 30th U.S. President spent his formative years. This site opens in a specific season, is may to October. Its opening time is 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Monday).
Best Time to Visit: Spring to fall
Stowe
Stowe is located in Mount Mansfield (the highest peak in Vermont), which is known as the “Ski Capital of the East”. Here, do snowfall in the winter season and creates the best skiing area, which is considered one of the world’s premier ski destinations. So let’s make this winter some adventures in Stowe as the best premium winter destination.
Things to Do in Stowe
- The place offers family-friendly adventures from hiking to the highest point of Mount Mansfield to enjoying panoramic views.
- As suggested, explore Stowe Recreation Path where visitor do jogging, cycling and take photographs. You never disappoint at this place.
- If you are ambitious to experience a classic New England atmosphere, then visit Downtown Stowe. It’s the environment, natural resources and top attractions that feel like New England vibes.
- Must-See Vermont’s Covered Bridges is the best photography landmark in Stowe.
Best Time to Visit: September to October or December to March
Manchester
Manchester’s pretty atmosphere, brave history, and luxury resort with a village vibe make it a well-liked Vermont travel Destination. The place is a portion of southwestern Vermont that is located around twice mountain such as the Green Mountains and the Taconic Mountains.
Things to Do in Manchester
- From Robert Todd Lincoln to Pullman train cars attract visitors as the best example of royal achievement, attractive surroundings and advanced agriculture.
- Plan a drive or a hiking trip to the highest peak mountain, i.e Equinox Mountain. The mountain has a 5.2-mile paved toll road
- Your Vermont trip is incomplete without discover 125 foot waterfall that is also considered the tallest waterfall in Vermont. Yes, we talk about Hike Lye Brook Falls, that popular for photography, wading, picnicking and wildlife watching.
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Tips: if you plan to stay 3 to 4 days in Manchester, comfortable to cover all highlights from the American Museum of Fly Fishing, Northshire Bookstore, to Southern Vermont Arts Center. If you know a more beautiful place in Vermont. Then read about our place to visit in Vermont page.
Middlebury
Interest to academic atmosphere, then visit Middlebury, that present in Champlain Valley of central Vermont, surrounded by the Green Mountains and near by Lake Champlain. It is noted for prestigious Middlebury College, downtown history, beautiful waterfall and river, outdoor creation, Arts, culture and museums.
Middlebury is rich in art and nature due to its geographical location which is located between the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain. If you know more about Middlebury’s art and culture, then see Middlebury College’s exhibitions, events, Theater and dance.
Things to Do In Middlebury
- Visit Middlebury Falls, which is the most iconic landmark in Vermont. See the waterfall is falling 20 feet to the center of town and creates a scenic view.
- Tour the Henry Sheldon Museum, which is the country’s oldest community-based museum. Its 19th-century period rooms, art exhibition and delightful garden attract the visitors.
- Come to Middlebury with a loved one for an experience of hiking and biking during the fall foliage’s magical scenic environment; then Trail Around Middlebury is a reliable place for you.
- This place is a perfect destination for every type of traveler. There are several places for different purpose’s traveler such as a short drive in the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, winter sports in Middlebury Snow Bowl & Rikert Nordic Center, and events and concerts in Town Hall Theater.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to fall.
Waitsfield
Can you experience natural and peaceful village life? Must-visit Waitsfield, where you get a picturesque village vibe and a charming and relaxing climate, and open-air activities. This place carries several attractions where you know waitsfield’s historic 19th-century architecture and iconic structures.
Things to Do In Waitsfield
- During the Vermont trip, look a place where explore scenic drives, hiking trails, rivers and breathtaking mountain views. Then must visit the Mad River Valley.
- If you visit this place in the winter season, you must visit Sugarbush Resort where enjoy excellent skiing, snowboarding and many outdoor activities.
- Visit Big Eddy Covered Bridge which is the oldest operating covered bridge and the best place to represent 19th-century architecture and a perfect place for photography.
Best Time to Visit: Visit the place for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
Grafton
If you start your trip from the southeastern part of Vermont then must-see the Grafton which is surrounded by rolling hills and forests. Most visitors are attracted to this place since they experience a deep sense of peace and luxury, and nature outing opportunities. The place provides several attractions where you can enjoy a small-town trip with family and friends.
Things to Do In Grafton
- Visit Grafton Village Cheese Company, Vermont’s most famous cheesemaker, where visitors get the chance to to learn awared winning cheddar cheeses making process.
- Go to Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center which is expanded to 2,000 acres of scenic land. Here, visitors come in every season. If you come in the summer season, explore water & beach activities, nature adventures, picnics, and other outdoor activities. Or in the winter season, enjoy winter sports.
- Explore the Nature Museum at Grafton, it’s popular for it resource of nature, science, and environmental education in Vermont. Here, you can enjoy many seasonal programs and events that are hosted by the museum authorities for both local citizens and visitors.
Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall.
Dorset
Dorset is one of the best places to visit in Vermont for those travelers who love nature, creation, relaxation activities, and traditional charm. These feelings will be experienced in a marble quarry, a theater performance in the Dorset Theatre Festival and many more.
Must-Visit Attraction
- Dorset Quarry: it is America’s oldest marble quarry but now people known its as a premium swimming spot with clear water and dramatic marble cliffs.
- Merck Forest and Farmland Centre: The main attraction point of this centre is its spread across a 3,200-acre working farm and centre. Here, visitors explore a 30-mile trail, organic berry patches and visit farm animals.
- Dorset Theatre Festival: must-visit this place if you love to live acting and dance performance. This theatre is one of Vermont’s premier performing arts organisations since its high-quality productions attract both the local community and visitors. If you know event details or are booking tickets for upcoming shows, then visit the Dorset Theatre Festival official site.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall.
Montpelier
The capital of Vermont and also a small state capital in the USA by population is Montpelier. It is part of central Vermont along the Winooski River. The town is small but its golden timeline, architecture, creativity and quiet environment encourage you to visit the place again.
Don’t Miss Top Attractions In Montpelier
- Vermont State House: it is the oldest and best state capitol building where visitors explore the galleries, 1850s architecture, Cedar Creek Reception Room, the Governor’s Office and the Hall of Inscriptions.
- Vermont History Museum: This museum holds the state’s rich heritage and traditions. Here, visitors see the Bennington Battle Flag, which is the oldest surviving American flag, visit Leahy Library where store a genealogical records, town histories, rare maps and walk on Hubbard Park which is presented in the museum.
- Hubbard Park: This park is covered 185 arcs area that offers hiking and skiing trails, picnic shelters. And a 54-foot stone tower that provides an experience of Green Mountains views.
Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall.
Shelburne
Shelburne’s natural resources, advanced agriculture, and world-class museums make it a popular small town in Vermont, along the shore of Lake Champlain. If you are planning to visit the place then know some attraction points in Shelburne.
Top Must-See Attractions In Shelburne
- Shelburne Museum: It is the largest and most unique museum in Vermont, that spread across 45 acres. Here, visitors see over 150,000 items of American folk art, quilts and carriages that were collected in the museum.
- Shelburne Farms: It is a working farm and education center situated on more than 1,400 acres along Lake Champlain. Visitors get opportunities to walk scenic trails, tour the farm, meet animals, learn about agriculture and enjoy beautiful lake views.
- Lake Champlain: This lake is consider as top lakes in Vermont. If you know about this lake then follow the Best Lake in Vermont blog page. Here, you have opportunities for boating, kayaking, fishing, photography and enjoying a stunning sunset view of Lake Champlain.
Best Time to Visit: May to October.
Newport
Newport is situated near the Canadian border which attract the visitor to its stunning lakes, outdoor recreation, relaxing and refreshing atmosphere and small-town charm. Make your weekend getaways special with family or friends in Newport.
Top Attractions
- Lake Memphremagog: it is a main attraction in Newport, the lake across both the USA-Canada border and a huge number of visitors come here to experience boating, kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding and sightseeing in summer.
- Newport Bike Path: This place is a perfect option for those people who love to ride and also enjoy spending time with nature. Here, visitors get a stress-free and traffic-free ride with coastal beauty.
- Prouty Beach: along the shores of Lake Memphremagog, you get this beach. Its counted most famous beach for its large swimming beach with a family-friendly holiday camp.
Best Time to Visit: Summer for lake activities and fall for foliage.
Vorment’s Best Small Town Based on Travel Style
Travel Tips for Visiting Vermont
- Consider the right season for travel, such as summer, winter, fall, etc
- Rent a vehicle as a charter bus in Vermont since the small town of Vermont is a rural area where local transportation is limited.
- Fall is Vermont’s peak tourist season. So reserve your hotel, rental car as well as travel tickets early. For more information regarding the fall season in Vermont, visit our Places in Vermont for Fall Foliage page.
- Be prepared for quick weather changes during the packing. Pack lightweight clothes, a sweater for cool evenings in addition to Comfortable walking shoes.
- Don’t miss trying Vermont local food including Vermont maple syrup, Cheddar cheese, Apple cider donuts, Farm-to-table cuisine, Craft beer and cider.
Final Words
From Colorful fall Foliage to white snow beauty in winter, the experience can only be gotten in Vermont’s small towns. What are you waiting for? Let’s start planning for a Vermont adventure. We hope our guides make it easy to find a small town in Vermont and its attractions.