7 Best Towns in Vermont for a Winter Getaway
Vermont is favored for its rugged mountainscapes, such as Mount Mansfield, and outdoor recreation, not to mention its rich culture and storied past, offering year-round interest and adventure. Winter in Vermont offers visitors the chance to appreciate the changing of the seasons. Visitors may watch the snow sprinkle from the ski as they take on the slopes, wander the historic districts of its many towns, or keep warm in a museum or gallery throughout the state. From stunning vistas to exciting days skiing and unforgettable cultural experiences, the small towns of Vermont offer plenty to experience on a winter getaway.
Waterbury
Waterbury is one of the most beautiful small towns in Vermont, a history lover's paradise, home to the Waterbury Village Historic District. Visitors will find the United Church of Christ, built in 1824, as well as the Dr. Henry Janes House, which was once home to a Civil War surgeon and is now a public library. The town also offers easy access to the Green Mountains, as well as the scenic Green Mountain Byway and Mad River Byway, ideal for scenic drives, which are especially astounding with a sprinkling of snow. When visiting in winter, be sure to stop by the Waterbury Winterfest, where visitors and locals alike enjoy live music, artisanal goods, and more. For a weekend stay, visit the Old Stagecoach Inn.
Shelburne
Shelburne is one of the most charming destinations in Vermont, settled along the shores of Lake Champlain and just a few miles south of the city of Burlington. Popular attractions include the Shelburne Museum, which displays a variety of art and design, as well as Shelburne Farms, where visitors partake in educational workshops. The Winter Lights at Shelburne Museum is a dazzling display of lights ideal for families or romantic getaways, while Village Coffee and Wine is a great spot to warm up and enjoy a refreshing beverage. Visitors may enjoy a weekend stay at Shelburne Farms Inn or Heart of the Village Inn.
Middlebury
One of the top-rated small towns in Vermont, Middlebury sits along the shoreline of Otter Creek and houses a historic and stately downtown, alongside access to the Green Mountain National Forest. Visitors may snowshoe through Vermont's Long Trail or even the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, as the author once lived in the area. Plus, the Middlebury College Snow Bowl is a great place to try out skiing or snowboarding. Enjoy the town's quaint atmosphere with a stay in one of its bed and breakfasts, such as Swift House Inn or Middlebury Inn.
Woodstock
Woodstock is one of the most adorable small towns in the Northern United States, home to a central Square surrounded by historic buildings, such as the 1880s Norman Williams Public Library. There are plenty of trails for visitors to peruse through Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, either skiing or snowshoeing in the winter months. Visitors may also enjoy ice skating at the indoor rink at Union Arena or even try their hand at ice fishing at the 84-acre Silver Lake. Woodstock Inn & Resort or the 506 on the River Inn are ideal locations for a winter weekend getaway.
Brattleboro
Just an hour from Woodstock, Brattleboro is one of the most welcoming towns in Vermont. On the banks of the Connecticut River, the town boasts a historic downtown area, which hosts important events and venues such as the Women's Film Festival, the Latchis Theatre, and the Hooker-Dunham Theater and Gallery. The Brattleboro Museum is a cozy spot to visit on snowy days, while the Brattleboro Words Trail is easily explorable via snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The Inn on Putney Road offers a chance to indulge in the town's cozy atmosphere and experience all of its winter activities.
Warren
Though it is a four-season town, Warren, settled in the heart of the Green Mountains, is especially picturesque in the winter months. The Sugarbush Ski Resort is one of the top winter destinations, doubling as both an exciting daytime activity and a toasty warm place to stay, boasting views of the Mad River Valley. Travelers may also enjoy a scenic drive along the VT Route 100, which crosses the Mad River at the Warren Covered Bridge in Warren. There are also several breweries and wineries nearby, ideal for warming up, such as Lawson's Finest Liquids, Prohibition Pig, and Bent Hill Brewery.
Stowe
Stowe is one of the most scenic towns in Vermont, nestled between Mount Mansfield Forest and CC Putnam Forest, featuring breathtaking woodland scenery that is especially awe-inducing when coated in a layer of fresh snow. The town earned a spot on the list of "Top 10 Best Ski Towns in America" by Forbes, popularized for its access to Nordic skiing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling. Travelers may also enjoy ice climbing in Smugglers' Notch or ice fishing with Catamount Fishing Adventures. There are even sleigh rides at the Trapp Family Lodge, which also offers a cozy place to stay, as well as massages and freshly fluffed beds at Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, ideal for a rejuvenating trip.
Enjoy Winter in Vermont!
Winter in Vermont allows visitors to make the most of the season, indulging in the snowy slopes, exploring the vast mountainscapes and their scenery, and taking in the excitement and tradition of the small towns. From the stunning Waterbury Reservoir to the old buildings along Whetstone Brook in Brattleboro, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the best small towns in Vermont for a winter getaway.
