7 Best Vermont Towns For First-Time Visitors

Vermont may be the sixth-smallest state in the country, but its size does not limit its diversity. In fact, it is chock full of surprises that you might never expect from a small corner of New England, including island towns, teddy bear factories, 85-foot-tall waterfalls, and some of the region’s most impressive museums. Whether you have been planning a trip to Vermont for some time or are simply curious about what it has to offer, these seven towns should be on your radar, each showcasing some of the state’s most interesting characteristics.

Grand Isle

If you have been wanting to explore Lake Champlain, Grand Isle is one of the best places to do so, situated on the largest island in the lake. You will find lots to explore at Grand Isle State Park, the most visited campground in Vermont’s state park system. Travelers wanting to camp will have access to 115 tent/RV sites and 36 lean-to sites, along with four cabin sites for those seeking a little bit more comfort. In addition to camping, swimming, and boating are a few of the other popular activities that parkgoers can enjoy.

Before you head out to the park for the day, consider swinging by one of Grand Isle’s adorable bakeries, such as Bittersweet Bakery, a small, locally owned bakery that serves cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and other sweet treats. The town also has a fascinating history, exhibited in landmarks like the Hyde Log Cabin, which was built in 1783 and later saved from demolition by the Vermont Historical Society in 1946.

Stowe

Known for being the birthplace of alpine skiing in Vermont, Stowe is a must-visit destination for winter recreation. The town is home to the famed Stowe Mountain Resort, which features 116 ski trails and 12 lifts, drawing in skiers and snowboarders from around the world each winter. This area is also a hotspot for waterfalls, known for its cascades such as Moss Glen Falls, the state’s tallest falls at 85 feet.

Travelers only have to drive about nine minutes from the main village to reach this hiking trail, with the falls being just about a quarter mile off the trailhead. Bingham Falls is another beloved cascade, which also requires only about a quarter-mile hike. It leads to a beautiful 40-foot waterfall and views of a winding river and gorge.

Shelburne

Travelers can connect with their inner child at Shelburne, home to the iconic Vermont Teddy Bear Factory. The factory offers affordable public tours that include a peek at an extensive teddy bear collection, a walkthrough of the assembly line, and a stop at the Vermont Teddy Bear Hospital, where injured bears receive care.

While in Vermont, you also have to try some of the state’s famed cheese! You can do so at Shelburne Farms, which provides farm and cheese tours, giving you the chance to watch cheesemaking in action, along with sampling some of this savory treat. Travelers interested in art and history will also want to visit the Shelburne Museum, the largest museum of its kind in Northern New England, spread across a 45-acre campus and 39 buildings.

Newport

Newport sits along the shores of Lake Memphremagog and has developed a reputation for its laid-back atmosphere and water recreation. If you are hoping to take advantage of its lake location, you will definitely want to enjoy an afternoon on Prouty Beach, a centrally-located, 36-acre park that has over 75 campsites, along with a beach-side pavilion, fishing areas, and a hike and bike trail.

To learn more about the lake’s art scene, make sure to visit the MAC Center for the Arts, an arts collaborative that has a rotating calendar of exhibits, classes, workshops, lectures, and performances. You won’t find a more peaceful place to conclude your day than with a night away at the Cliff Haven Farm Bed and Breakfast, an 18th-century farmhouse that lies on 300 rolling acres in Vermont’s countryside.

Brattleboro

Brattleboro is a wonderful example of Vermont’s artistic and historic heritage, with music venues, old fort sites, and museums that preserve its culture. The Stone Church is one of the most interesting landmarks in town, housed in a Victorian Gothic church that has been renovated and restored into an iconic music venue, hosting concerts throughout the year.

You can experience even more of the town’s cultural scene at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, which hosts rotating exhibits, educational programs, live performances, and more. Heading outdoors, you’ll find Fort Drummer State Park, which sits atop a fort that is now submerged, with trails winding through the forested foothills of the Green Mountains.

Middlebury

Middlebury, home to the prestigious Middlebury College, is a lively college town filled with markets and galleries to explore. The Middlebury College Museum of Art is an artistic pillar in the community, featuring an impressive permanent collection, rotating exhibits, and occasional lecture series for visitors to enjoy.

For souvenirs or locally made goods, visit the Middlebury Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, where you’ll find over 20 vendors offering products and crafts, along with live music performances. You can find plenty of ways to appreciate the outdoors while in town, as well! The Trail Around Middlebury, or the TAM, has roughly 18 miles of trails to wander along, circling the village area and connecting to various public and private lands.

Montpelier

Concluding the list of towns is none other than Vermont’s capital, Montpelier. With fewer than 8,000 residents, it also holds the distinction of being the smallest state capital in the country. Don’t let its small population fool you, however! There is still plenty to see and do. The Lost Nation Theater, for example, puts on some pretty spectacular shows each year that explore the uplifting possibilities of human interaction.

The green spaces around Montpelier are remarkable as well. You will love visiting Hubbard Park, the town’s largest park at over 200 acres, offering over 7 miles of hiking trails, a pond, picnic areas, and a 54-foot stone observation tower. For even more natural tranquility, head out to North Branch Nature Center, a 28-acre preserve with fields and forests that is just two miles from Montpelier’s downtown.

Vermont's Appeal Is Clear

If Vermont’s appeal was not clear before, these towns make a strong case for why it should be. Not only do they offer a glimpse into its icons, like its cheese and ski resorts, but they also showcase lesser-known aspects of its identity, such as its thriving art scene and lakeside vacation opportunities. So get ready to shake things up this year and discover just how much Vermont has to offer!