6 Best Downtowns In Vermont

Vermont’s best downtowns are shaped by the state’s Green Mountain geography and nineteenth-century village planning. Along the Connecticut River, Brattleboro stands out for the Art Deco Latchis Hotel and Latchis Theatre. In Middlebury, Otter Creek and Middlebury Falls flow past long-standing downtown landmarks like the Town Hall Theater and Middlebury Inn. Farther northwest, Burlington brings Lake Champlain, Perkins Pier, and the Flynn into the mix, showing how Vermont’s downtowns range from quiet river towns to larger cultural hubs.

Brattleboro

Sitting on the Connecticut River and the New Hampshire state line, the town of Brattleboro is renowned for its thriving arts scene, historic downtown, and strong outdoor scene. In the heart of downtown, the Latchis Hotel has provided its guests with artistic charm and comfort during their weekend stays in the community since 1938. The rooms are luxurious and have an Art Deco feel in some and is within walking distance of everything in downtown. Just next door is Sages Pub, an eclectic local bar serving small bites, draft beers, and imaginative cocktails. The pub also hosts events like Disco Nights to keep the night fun and memorable.

Nearby is the Latchis Theatre, an Art Deco theater showcasing first-run and indie movies, as well as live performances and comedy shows. Up the street and past the historic downtown district is the Stone Church, a former church now a local live music and event venue. Be sure to double back to the historic downtown to appreciate more than 60 buildings with architectural styles ranging from Greek Revival and Victorian to Modernistic. Very few post-20th-century buildings exist in this area, lending the town its charm that feels frozen in time.

Montpelier

In the north-central region of the state is the capital city of Montpelier, the smallest state capital in the United States, a hub for stunning outdoor scenery, and home to a vibrant arts and cultural scene. Within walking distance of the State Capitol Building is the Vermont Historical Society Museum, which showcases the state's history through paintings, artifacts, and an open research gallery. Just across the street from the museum is the Capitol Plaza Hotel Montpelier, a luxurious hotel established in 1932, which is within walking distance of downtown restaurants, museums, and shops, as well as the seasonal farmers market that offers fresh fruit, vegetables and artisan crafts.

Just near the corner of Barre Street is the T.W. Wood Museum, one of the oldest art museums in the state. It has showcased a collection of timeless art and displayed the work of local artists since 1895. Paintings, sculptures, 20th-century art, and artwork created by local talent bring the exhibits to life for visitors who enjoy immaculate art. On Langdon Street is the Langdon Street Tavern, a local hidden gem serving locals and tourists craft beer, wine, cocktails, and grub in a warm, welcoming bar setting in town.

Middlebury

The town of Middlebury is a New England community full of history, home to Middlebury College, and with an amazing downtown to explore. The Henry Sheldon Museum, the oldest community-based museum in the country, has been welcoming visitors since its inception in 1884 to view its magnificent artifacts, furniture, paintings, and more. The museum also hosts local events, such as a traveling book club and a basket-weaving workshop. In the heart of downtown and right on the Otter Creek is Middlebury Falls, a naturally stunning place to see and explore, with especially good views from the Marble Works Memorial Bridge.

On the opposite side of the creek is the Town Hall Theater, a wonderful place in town to enjoy a local play, live performances, and musicals. The theater also hosts educational classes on theater and its history, as well as classes for people who want to get their foot in the door for a career in acting. Near the theater is Morgan's Tavern at the Middlebury Inn, a warm, welcoming inn and tavern that has provided guests with a comfortable stay and incredible local cuisine since 1827. The Tavern serves tasty meals like Champlain Valley French Toast and Middlebury Inn Ruben for patrons to enjoy. The Inn can also accommodate weddings, meetings, and private events, making for a memorable experience.

White River Junction

Further up the Connecticut River is the quaint town of White River Junction, a bustling upper valley hub with a lively arts and culture scene and a railroad scene. Right on Main Street is Hotel Coolidge, an Art Deco hotel offering an incredible stay in rural America, and it is within walking distance of the train station, restaurants, and shops in town. The hotel serves as a railroad hub, with trains passing through town via the station across the street. The town served five railroads back in the day, and currently serves two railroads (the New England Central Railroad and the Vermont Railway).

Right next to the banks of the White River is the Main Street Museum, a downtown museum and event space that displays offbeat and unique items for all to see. The museum hosts events such as birthdays, poetry readings, concerts, and drag shows for the community to enjoy. On the southern end of downtown is the River Roost Brewery, serving the community locally crafted beers like the "Hammerbean" and the "Northern Dusky." The brewery can host local events, such as mixers and live music by local artists, in an upbeat setting.

Waterbury

About 12 miles west of Montpelier is the town of Waterbury, a community that has an immaculate culinary scene and a diverse outdoor scene. Right on Main Street are the Reservoir & Big Tree Brewing, a local restaurant established in 2009 that celebrates the state's emerging craft beer scene.

Further up the street is the Old Stagecoach Inn, a hotel that has provided guests with a luxurious, comfortable place to spend the night or weekend since its inception in 1826. The rooms offer a sense of old charm, a freshly made breakfast is served each day, and it is a central place in town to gather for events. Down the street is the Phoenix Gallery and Music Hall, a local art gallery with incredible paintings on display for pleasure and for sale. The venue also hosts local music from artists who play jazz, electronic, indie, folk, and more.

Burlington

On the northwestern end of the state, right on the banks of Lake Champlain, is Burlington, the state's largest city, with a population of over 44,000. In the center of downtown, American Flatbread Burlington and Mothership Brewery serve the city incredible artisanal flatbread pizza and house-brewed beer.

Down the street is the Flynn, a local music venue hosting various local artists and big names in a fully restored Art Deco theatre that was built in 1930. The Flynn also hosts events ranging from plays and education programs to the annual Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, held every June. Right on the lake is Perkins Pier, an incredible downtown park providing people with a spot to unwind and relax for the day, stunning views of Lake Champlain, and a ramp for boaters to embark on a memorable day on the water. The pier is also a three-minute walk away from the local seafood restaurant, Shanty on the Shore, serving fresh Maine lobster, oysters, salmon, and crab.

Downtown Adventures In Vermont

Vermont's downtowns are incredible, offering plenty of amenities and activities, whether in large cities like Burlington or in quieter communities like Brattleboro and White River Junction, which display local charm absent in bigger cities. These downtowns are highly walkable, rich in history, and dotted with well-preserved historic buildings. They also highlight the state's outstanding craft beer, culinary scene, and vibrant arts and music communities, with events like the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival and the T.W. Wood Museum in Montpelier. "The Green Mountain State" is always ready to create memories and host unforgettable adventures.