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It is for good reason that the French named the region we now know as Vermont after its lush rolling hills. Translated from the original French as "green mountain" - a name it wears proudly as its official nickname - Vermont continues to be popular for its picturesque countryside. Sandwiched between New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York state, and the Canadian province of Quebec, Vermont continues to impress with its stunning New England scenery.

Vermont is also home to many attractive small towns that are worth visiting. Among them, standouts like Woodstock, Stowe, Shelburne, Manchester, Montpelier, and Grafton provide travelers an excellent way to get to know the state better. Find out more with the help of this list of six of the most scenic small towns in Vermont.

Grafton

Located in southern Vermont and easily accessible from the I-91 highway, Grafton is famous among day trippers and road trippers alike for its New England charm. Unchanged down the years and more akin to a village, this scenic community of only a few hundred souls is a delight to wander on foot. Top tourist attractions in Grafton include the elegant old Grafton Inn. This historic hotel has welcomed guests since it opened in 1805 with its classic Vermont architecture and cozy, antique-filled rooms.

Just a short stroll from the inn, the Grafton Village Cheese Company beckons with its artisanal cheeses, while the Grafton Historical Society and the Grafton Brick Meeting House offer a glimpse into the town's fascinating history. Nature enthusiasts will want to explore the Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center, a year-round recreation area featuring cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter and hiking, mountain biking, and swimming in summer.

Manchester

Manchester is another scenic small town in Vermont that should be included on any New England travel itinerary. Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, is one of the prettiest places to visit in Manchester and was the summer residence of Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of President Abraham Lincoln. Today, visitors can tour the museum to learn more about the Lincolns and wander the exquisite gardens and walking trails. An added dose of culture can be enjoyed at the Southern Vermont Arts Center with its collections of works by regional and national artists.

Manchester is also a popular destination for shoppers. For them, the Manchester Designer Outlets is a must-visit with its high-end brands and boutique shops set against the town's charming New England architecture. Enjoy great views? Head out to Equinox Mountain and Skyline Drive for a hike or scenic drive to the summit for incredible panoramic views of the Green Mountain state. Located at the base of the mountain, the Equinox Golf Resort & Spa serves as a historic landmark offering luxurious accommodations to guests since it was built in the 1760s as a private residence (the golf course itself dates back to 1927).

Montpelier

Although Montpelier is Vermont's capital, it's managed to retain its small-town feel. The smallest state capital in the United States, Montpelier is fun to explore on foot, with highlights like the Vermont State House, one of the country's oldest and best-preserved state capitols, being a great place to begin. Built in 1859, its stunning gold dome and elegantly detailed interior can best be appreciated as part of a tour providing a fascinating look into the legislative process as well as the state's rich history. Allow time for a stroll around the meticulously maintained grounds, too.

It's easy to explore the rest of Montpelier Historic District from here. Some of the most interesting buildings are located close to the Winooski River, once the center of the town's industry and now home to numerous old buildings from the 1800s. Art aficionados should include the T.W. Wood Gallery & Arts Center on their list of attractions, too. Highlights include a significant collection of artwork from the Vermont-born artist Thomas Waterman Wood.

Shelburne

Shelburne's location along the shores of Lake Champlain certainly adds to its scenic appeal. If you're here for the water views, Shelburne Bay Park offers stunning lake vistas (especially nice at sunset), walking trails, and watersports such as kayaking. The Shelburne Museum is a must-visit for those wanting to learn more about the region's rich history and features over 39 unique structures set on 45 acres. In addition to these old buildings, the Ticonderoga can be toured and offers a glimpse into Lake Champlain's steamboat era.

Other top things to do include visiting Shelburne Farms. Part working farm and part educational center, this National Historic Landmark enables visitors to experience fun activities, including traditional cheese-making workshops and sustainable agriculture practices.

Stowe

Stowe is a name that's undoubtedly well-known among winter sports enthusiasts. This exceedingly picturesque town in Vermont's Green Mountains is home to Stowe Mountain Resort, a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding with challenging slopes and superb mountain views. In the warmer months, the resort attracts hikers and mountain bikers with its extensive network of trails (there's also a top-notch 18-hole golf course).

The Trapp Family Lodge is another popular spot to visit in Stowe, especially if your travel plans include a night or two stay. This European-style mountain resort offers a range of outdoor activities and a glimpse into the history of the Austrian family made famous by the hit musical, The Sound of Music. It also serves as a great base to explore the Stowe Recreation Path, a scenic five-mile path that winds through the town, passing fields, forests, and rivers along the way.

Woodstock

Woodstock is, for good reason, considered the quintessential New England town (it's also easy to get to, thanks to its location near the New Hampshire border just off the I-91). A highlight of a visit includes seeing the Billings Farm & Museum, an operational dairy farm, and a museum dedicated to Vermont's rural heritage. It's especially fun for families traveling with kids because of its cute farm animals, including Jersey cows, draft horses, and sheep, as well as its seasonal events.

The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is another must-visit. Located adjacent to the Billings Farm, this 550-acre park tells the story of conservation history and the stewardship of the land along with guided tours of the Marsh family mansion and gardens. Staying the night? Check the rates at the classy Woodstock Inn & Resort, popular for its proximity to the Ottauquechee River, which runs through the town.

The Final Word

As one of the oldest states in the USA, Vermont offers no end of great reasons for folks to want to visit. As this list of charming communities attests, there's no better way to truly experience the Green Mountain State than by visiting its prettiest small towns. From the historic streets of Woodstock and Montpellier to the ski slopes of Stowe and the lakeside splendor of Shelburne, these six most scenic small towns in Vermont will inspire travelers to want to visit.