10 Best Towns In Vermont For A Two-Day Recharge

In northeastern America, the picturesque state of Vermont has several ideal towns for escaping one’s hectic work week and relaxing for a few days. From the quaint village of Waterbury and Camel’s Hump State Park to pastoral Dorset and picturesque Emerald Lake State Park, these great small towns evoke a calming sense of quiet tranquility. Whether one wishes to camp in the rugged wilderness, try a new delicacy served in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, or stroll through a village steeped in history, there is something phenomenal about spending a weekend in these ten idyllic Vermont towns described below.

Waterbury

Thirteen miles northwest of Montpelier, Waterbury is known for Camel’s Hump State Park and Little River State Park. Both parks provide camping, though it is primitive (without electric hook-ups) at Camel’s Hump. Both state parks also offer some great outdoor amenities like hiking the Camel’s Hump Loop trail at Camel’s Hump or the Dally Loop trail at Little River.

The town of Waterbury also has several attractions, including Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, the only factory open to the public, and Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard, which has gravestones dedicated to flavors of the past. There are also some great lodging choices in Waterbury. The Old Stagecoach Inn, built in 1826, offers wi-fi, free parking, and free breakfast the next morning.

Shelburne

Along the banks of Lake Champlain, the quaint town of Shelburne is home to the Shelburne Museum. This museum is ideal for anyone who wishes to experience history, culture, or a subtle blend of both. Some excellent attractions are available there, like the S.S. Ticonderoga, built in 1906, and the Colchester Reef Lighthouse, which was moved to the museum grounds in 1956.

Several inns in Shelburne, including Heart of the Village Inn, offer excellent service and comfortable rooms. Shelburne is also the home of the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, which offers daily tours of teddy bear assembly lines, information detailing the company's history, and a visit to the Vermont Teddy Bear Hospital. From a cart in downtown Burlington in 1981 until now, the Vermont Teddy Bear has been an ideal gift for any child.

St. Johnsbury

Just north of the Connecticut River, the town of St. Johnsbury possesses a variety of natural, cultural, and historic attractions that encourage visitors to return again and again. Along with Dog Mountain and the Dog Chapel, both works from dog-lover Stephen Huneck, the town of St. Johnsbury is also home to the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium.

The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, founded in 1890 by Franklin Fairbanks, is situated on Main Street in downtown St. Johnsbury. With various exhibits, this museum is a tribute to natural science, space exploration, and history. If you are planning on staying overnight in St. Johnsbury, the Cherry House B&B Inn is quite close to the museum.

Chester

Forty miles southeast of Rutland, the tiny town of Chester has around three thousand residents. Even though it is pretty small, this picturesque town has many great attractions that urge visitors to return repeatedly. One standout destination is the Lost Mine Hiking Trail in the Chester Town Forest. This moderately challenging loop trail spans about two miles and offers scenic views, peaceful woodland surroundings, and a glimpse into local geological history. The trail passes by an old mine that once sourced a rare mineral called chesterite, making it a unique experience for hikers and geology enthusiasts.

If you plan on staying for the entire weekend, Inn Victoria on Main Street offers large, comfortable suites and rooms and a gourmet breakfast each morning. Antiquing is another excellent attribute of this tiny town, drawing in people from all over New England. With several options, like Vermont Picker Antiques, the Bargain Corner, and Stone House Antique Center, it is no wonder people choose to visit Chester regularly.

Brattleboro

Best known for the Creamery Covered Bridge, built in 1879, the town of Brattleboro is home to several great attractions that showcase a subtle blending of nature, culture, and history. It is also home to several B&B inns, including Covered Bridge Inn and the 1868 Crosby House. Brattleboro is the perfect town to escape for a weekend retreat with a loved one.

There are also a variety of phenomenal activities in downtown Brattleboro, like the Brattleboro Farmers Market. With food vendors offering delicious fare and arts & crafts vendors offering everything from pottery to homemade trinkets, this is not just any farmers' market. Visiting Fort Dummer State Park is also a must. They offer a history that goes back to 1724 and even several great camping options.

Newport

Off the southern banks of Lake Memphremagog, which can be located along the international border, with half in America and the other half in Canada, the small town of Newport is home to several excellent attractions, including the Newport Bike Path, which runs from downtown Newport to the Canadian border.

Along with the activities available along the banks of Lake Memphremagog, like cruises, boating & kayaking, and fishing, the Newport Bike Path allows for rigorous exercise and a great time on bicycles with friends, family, or solo. There are also a variety of great lodging choices in Newport. Little Gnesta Bed & Breakfast on Prospect Street offers a Swedish experience and a breakfast buffet of delicious fare the next morning.

Dorset

The tiny town of Dorset, with just over two thousand permanent residents, is home to several great bed & breakfast inns for that perfect two-day recharge. From the Dorset Inn, on Church Street, to the Barrows House Inn & Restaurant, on VT-30, there are some phenomenal places to stay in comfort in the town of Dorset. The Barrows House even offers a delectable menu, featuring Red Snapper, Tiger Shrimp, and Filet Mignon, as well as burgers and sandwiches.

The town of Dorset is also less than a half-hour drive from Emerald Lake and Emerald Lake State Park. This fabulous park offers some picturesque attributes, including fishing for the elusive Northern Pike, swimming, kayaking, and hiking. Some trails include the Emerald Lake Vista Trail, which is two-and-a-half miles long and promises some excellent photo opportunities.

Grand Isle

North of the city of Burlington, on the waters of Lake Champlain, lies Grand Isle. This island, which is situated in Grand Isle County, is also home to the quaint town of Grand Isle. Grand Isle State Park, which features many water-based activities, including crabbing, kayaking, boating, fishing, and swimming, is also located on the island.

There are ample options to hike. Less than a mile long, the Ironwood Nature Trail is easy enough for practically any family member. Plus, if you wish to stay close to town while still getting away, Crescent Bay Farm is only seven miles south of downtown Grand Isle, in the tiny village of South Hero, and offers a quaint bed & breakfast inn, comfy rooms, and delicious fare throughout each day.

Bristol

Thirty miles south of Burlington, the tiny town of Bristol is best known for Bristol Falls and the Tillerman Inn, which used to be the Inn at Baldwin Creek & Mary’s Restaurant. The Tillerman offers fine dining in one of three locations - the parlor, the dining room, and the patio. They also provide rooms and suites for the night and a luxurious wedding venue for those ready for the first wonderful day of the rest of their lives.

Along with the pleasures to be experienced at the Tillerman Inn & Restaurant, the town of Bristol also offers several downtown attractions, including the Bristol Harvest Festival, which has taken place for over 25 years on the town green. Like many such festivals in northern New England, this event offers visitors and residents the chance to taste some delicious food while listening to great local music.

Brighton

The tiny towns of Brighton, with just over a thousand residents, and Island Pond, with around 600 residents, are ideal places to relax while still possessing enough attractions to entertain the family for the entire weekend. From Brighton State Park, which offers everything from hiking, fishing, boating, and kayaking to camping overnight, to the Island Pond Covered Footbridge, nature and history come alive in this tiny town.

There are also several places to lodge for the evening or even the weekend if you prefer to stay indoors. The Island Pond Country Inn, formerly Lakefront Inn & Motel, offers ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing in the winter and boating, kayaking, and ATV riding during the spring, summer, and fall.

From beautiful Waterbury and Camel’s Hump State Park to gorgeous Newport and Lake Memphremagog, the majestic state of Vermont has a plethora of incredible natural attractions. Whether you are planning a solo trip to do some fishing in the mountains of northern New England, or want to take the family to a great state park, or wish to spend some one-on-one time with that someone special in a cozy bed & breakfast, these ten picturesque small towns in Vermont are perfect for that two-day recharge.