6 Most Overlooked Vermont Towns For 2025

In 2023, Vermont received an estimated 15.8 million visitors, which, put into perspective, is nearly three times the population of Ireland! So, where can Vermont locals go if they are hoping to avoid the crowds? The following six towns aren’t necessarily the state’s most well-known, but they are filled with hidden treasures. Teddy bear factories, local orchards and farms, and riverside hiking trails are just a few of the experiences that await. If you are ready to explore a different side of Vermont, you will love what the following towns have to offer.

Milton

Located near mountains, rivers, and lakes, Milton has a long list of recreational activities to enjoy in the area. Travelers craving a hike can head over to the Eagle Mountain Natural Area, home to the 560-foot-tall Eagle Mountain. Arriving at the summit, hikers will be able to appreciate panoramic views of Lake Champlain from above. The Lamoille River Walk offers a more relaxed hike, featuring a 1.5-mile nature trail that winds along the Lamoille River. At the trail’s eastern end, you’ll find the first dam to be constructed on the Lower Lamoille. After a day outdoors, travelers can head back into town to lodge at one of Milton’s local inns. The Sampler House Bed and Breakfast offers a cozy place to stay, serving a full breakfast each morning, which features items like freshly ground coffee, scones, muffins, and an egg or protein dish.

Essex Junction

Burlington may get a lot of attention in Vermont, but just a short drive away, several smaller towns offer just as much to enjoy. Essex Junction is the perfect example, located just 20 minutes east and home to festival grounds, orchards, and breweries. The Champlain Valley Exposition hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Champlain Valley Fair, Green Mountain Roller Derby, and the Gigantic Indoor Flea Market. In the fall, travelers can also stop by the Chapin Orchard to pick their own apples or watch the orchard make cider with its antique press. Travelers can unwind at the end of the day with a cold beer at Black Flannel Brewing Co., a local brewery with 40 varieties of beer that are brewed onsite. The brewery also hosts occasional events and live music performances, so make sure to check out their calendar!

Colchester

Just a 10-minute drive from Essex Junction, travelers will reach Colchester, another charming alternative to Burlington. This town is known for its sporting events, including the Lake Champlain International Fishing Derby in summer and the Lake Champlain Pond Hockey Championships in winter. The fishing derby brings in thousands of anglers each year, while the hockey championships attract hundreds of teams from all over the Northeast and Canada to skate on the frozen bay. Even if you can’t make it to one of Colchester’s beloved competitions, you can enjoy its natural beauty at Niquette Bay State Park. Covering 584 acres, the park offers several hiking trails that overlook the Green Mountains to the east, Mallets Bay to the South, and the Lake Champlain Islands to the west. The park also has spots to swim in the warmer months!

Brattleboro

Situated along the banks of the Connecticut and West Rivers, Brattleboro has a rich art and history scene. The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center should be on every visitor’s itinerary, a contemporary art museum that showcases 15 to 20 contemporary exhibitions each year. The Stone Church is another interesting landmark, a fully renovated Victorian and Gothic church that dates back 140 years, now serving as a prime music venue in the community. Upcoming performers include Dean Johnson & Erin Rae, Ducks Ltd, and The Motet. For a wholesome afternoon on a farm, consider visiting Retreat Farm, which has a local artisan market, nature trails, and frequent events on the premises. You may also be able to spot some of the farm animals, including oxen, donkeys, and goats!

Springfield

With three major ski resorts nearby, there is plenty of potential for outdoor recreation in Springfield. Just a 20-minute drive from town, Okemo Mountain Resort offers skiers a full day of fun with 120 trails and 20 chairlifts. Travelers wanting to spend the night can also choose between several different lodges on the resort property, including townhome-style lodging and hotels. Beyond the area’s ski resorts, there are all kinds of attractions in downtown Springfield. Visitors can catch a play put on by the Springfield Community Players, a beloved theater group in town that dates back to 1920 and is the state’s oldest continuously operating amateur play company. For a souvenir, stop by the Gallery at the Vault, a local art gallery that sells photography, pottery, jewelry, paintings, glass, paper art, fiber art, and other art mediums.

Shelburne

If you or your children love stuffed animals, you must plan a visit to Shelburne this summer! This town is home to the iconic Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, which offers daily tours where visitors can see the teddy-making process in action. The factory also features an on-site bear hospital that provides repairs to the bears with a lifetime guarantee. Make sure to check out the factory’s calendar before your visit, as they also frequently host special events, like teddy bear making workshops and face painting days. In addition to the teddy bear factory, Shelburne has a robust agricultural industry. Shelburne Farms is the perfect place to begin, a local farm that aims to educate the community about the importance of sustainable farming. From mid-May through mid-October, travelers can visit the farm, meet some of the farm animals, watch the cheesemaking process, and sample some of the cheese. Continue your agricultural tour of town at the Shelburne Vineyard, where you can try locally produced wines and ciders in a cozy vineyard tasting room.

Final Thoughts

Vermont may be small, but it still has plenty of hidden corners to explore. Towns like Springfield have exciting ski resorts to visit, while other towns, like Essex Junction, host some of the state’s most exciting events. If you prefer to spend your vacation sipping wine, towns like Shelburne have some beautiful vineyards to check out. So get ready to venture off the beaten path this year and explore some of Vermont’s most underrated towns!