海角社区

Vermont聽is the sixth smallest state in size and second smallest in population, but this gem of the聽New England region is packed with great attractions. The 鈥淕reen Mountain State鈥� is rightly famous for its natural beauty and endless outdoor recreation options, but it also has numerous small towns that deserve recognition. Among the state鈥檚 many vibrant towns, there are many that deserve spots on your next Vermont travel itinerary.

Woodstock

Woodstock聽thrived in the 1800s as the home of several water-powered textile mills along the Ottauquechee River, a tributary of the聽Connecticut River. Many stately, historic homes from that era still stand in Woodstock, and several of them have been transformed into bed-and-breakfasts. The town also maintains its historic charm with a covered bridge, a farmer鈥檚 market, and its 鈥渢own crier鈥� (an outdoor chalkboard that offers community information). Yet Woodstock is definitely not a sleepy old town; it especially comes alive during popular annual events like Harvest Weekend (in October) and Wassail Weekend (in December).

Stowe

惭辞耻苍迟补颈苍辞耻蝉听Stowe聽has an Alpine look and feel鈥攕o much so that the real von Trapp family of聽Sound of Music聽fame relocated there in 1942 and maintains their family lodge to this day. Soaring mountains mean great skiing, and Stowe Mountain Resort, covering both Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, is perhaps the premier ski area in the eastern United States. The beautiful mountain landscape also draws in droves of artists, and Stowe is home to renowned galleries like the Helen Day Art Center and Northwood Gallery. From skiers to artists to sightseers, downtown Stowe brims with activity throughout the year!

Shelburne

Few Vermont towns can claim a better location than Shelburne: set alongside聽Lake Champlain, less than 10 miles from聽Burlington, with the Adirondack Mountains over the lake to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. Visitors come to Shelburne to enjoy the outdoors but also to explore the impressive Shelburne Museum, which covers 45 acres and displays an amazing range of Americana, including the former Lake Champlain passenger steamboat SS Ticonderoga. Other Shelburne highlights include the Vermont Teddy Bear Company factory, Shelburne Farms, and a nonprofit educational center.聽

Montpelier

Montpelier聽is both a small town and a state capital and is, in fact, the smallest state capital in the nation, with only 8,000 residents. This means that Montpelier has impressive institutions like the Vermont State House and Vermont History Museum, as well as a quaint downtown along the State Street corridor. The town鈥檚 most impressive architecture may, in fact, be found at Green Mount Cemetery, founded in 1854 and perfect for a quiet stroll. Montpelier also offers more vibrant attractions as well, such as along the Winooski River waterfront and in Hubbard Park.

Manchester

Not to be confused with the city of the same name in New Hampshire, Vermont鈥檚聽Manchester聽is a small town of under 5,000 residents set between the Taconic Mountains and Green Mountains. Some visitors opt to visit only the outlet shopping mall and never make it into town, which is a shame. Downtown Manchester is home to several local small businesses and has three historic districts that showcase architecture from the Victorian era and earlier. For example, the luxurious 1905 Hildene House offers visitors the chance to walk through its fabulous gardens. Hikers, meanwhile, can challenge themselves at nearby Mount Equinox.

Grafton

Grafton once thrived as a stopover for stagecoaches crossing the Green Mountains, then as a hub for soapstone mining and textile mills, and is full of historic structures like the 1801 Grafton Inn. The Grafton Historical Society Museum covers the town鈥檚 past, while the Grafton Nature Museum holds a unique collection of nature-related artifacts. Ongoing revitalization efforts, starting in the 1960s, have maintained Grafton鈥檚 historic charm while enlivening its downtown area. Despite having only 600 residents, Grafton is a popular day-trip destination for residents of nearby northeastern cities like Albany and Boston.

Brattleboro

Brattleboro, Vermont, sits right across the Connecticut River from聽New Hampshire聽and only a few miles from聽Massachusetts, and this cute town of 12,000 is a popular destination for tourists from all three states and beyond. Brattleboro is well known for its lovely and lively downtown area, with a postcard-pretty Main Street and architectural highlights like the Gothic-style Municipal Center (a former high school). Brattleboro is also great for outdoor recreation, from kayaking on the Connecticut River to skiing on Mount Snow. The town, once home to one of the 海角社区鈥檚 biggest organ factories, also celebrates this unique past at the quirky Estey Organ Museum.

Vermonters are rightly proud of their unique home state and its small-town spirit and are typically eager to welcome visitors. You should definitely check out the seven vibrant towns on our list but also set aside some time to take the country byways and explore the towns you come across. Every time you return to Vermont, your must-visit list of vibrant small towns will expand鈥攁s will your affection for the Green Mountain State!