7 Of The Most Eccentric Towns In Vermont
Many people are familiar with Vermont’s farms and agritourism, but the state has plenty of unusual sights as well, such as chapels for dogs, puppet theaters, and the world’s tallest filing cabinet. Perhaps the most surprising part of it all is that many of these attractions are found in towns with just a few thousand residents! If you are looking to venture into some of the most eccentric corners of the Green Mountain State, the following seven towns should be on your radar.
St. Johnsbury
Even the wildest imagination might not conjure up St. Johnsbury’s quirkiest landmark: the Dog Chapel. Built in 2000 by artist Stephen Huneck, the chapel on Dog Mountain was designed as a place to honor man’s best friend, offering a space to celebrate a dog’s life or grieve one that has passed. Dog Mountain also hosts three dog parties each year, with the final one of the year scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 4th! Activities during this event include the Doggie Walk of Fame with Pup-arazzi, a pup pie eating race, dog contests, a doggie agility course, hot dogs and chili dogs, and much more! If you are looking to get some exercise with your furry friend or simply want to enjoy the great outdoors, you will also enjoy an afternoon on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, a 93-mile trail that extends from St. Johnsbury through Northern Vermont.
Burlington
Burlington has taken office supplies to new heights with its world’s tallest filing cabinet, rising 38 drawers high. Created in 2002 by artist Bren Alvarez, each drawer represents a year’s worth of paperwork from a local street project. While in Burlington, travelers can explore Lake Champlain aboard a cruise with the Spirit of Ethan Allen, which offers a variety of public cruises, such as scenic narrated cruises, sunset cruises, lunch on the lake cruises, and brunch cruises. Several breweries call the town home as well, such as the popular Burlington Beer Co., which uses local and international ingredients to make its flagship IPAs, pale ales, and pilsners.
Waterbury
Calling all ice cream lovers! In Waterbury, travelers can visit the Ben and Jerry’s Factory, which is the company’s only factory site open to the public. This factory, which has been operating since 1985, manufactures around 350,000 pints of ice cream every day, with visitors able to explore the manufacturing process on a guided tour. Following the tour, visitors can sample some of their favorite ice cream flavors or perhaps try one of the company’s new additions! The sweet treats, however, do not stop with ice cream. After a Ben & Jerry’s tour, make a stop at Lake Champlain Chocolates, where you can enjoy hot chocolate, browse a full chocolate bar selection, and grab a cup of espresso. Complete your food-filled day at Prohibition Pig, a restaurant and brewery with mouthwatering smoked meats and craft beers to try.
Glover
Glover is home to the Bread and Puppet Theater, a renowned company that has staged eccentric puppet performances since 1963! The farm where it now resides continues to entertain the public, consisting of a museum of larger-than-life veteran puppets and hosting live shows at various times of the year. After visiting the theater and farm, head to the Museum of Everyday Life, a self-service museum that celebrates ordinary objects and experiences, inviting guests to appreciate the beauty in the everyday. If exploring town has worked up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at the Parker Pie Co., which serves an extensive menu of salads, sandwiches, and specialty pizzas.
Stowe
Earning the nickname as the “Ski Capital of the East,” Stowe has become a favorite for skiers in New England. The Stowe Mountain Resort is one of the best places in town to experience the winter wonderland, featuring 485 skiable acres, 116 trails, and about 314 inches of annual snowfall. The state’s tallest waterfall is also in the town limits. Moss Glen Falls, which cascades 85 feet, is just slightly northeast of town and can be accessed via a short hike. Believes in the paranormal, meanwhile, can visit Emily's Bridge, an eerie covered bridge that people from all over come to visit for its supposed paranormal activity.
Chester
In Chester, visitors may feel as though they have been transported to Ireland, Scotland, or Quebec, thanks to its renowned Stone Village District. Spanning just half a mile, the village contains the state’s densest collection of stone buildings, all constructed in styles typical of the places noted above. Following a stroll through this historic village, travelers can grab a vintage souvenir from the Stone House Antique Center, which is housed in a nearly 20,000 square foot facility, featuring the antiques of over 90 dealers. Hungry travelers can grab some lunch at The Country Girl Diner, which serves homestyle American dishes in a Silk City Silver dining car from 1944.
Hancock
It may sound like a Lone Star State landmark, but Texas Falls is actually in Hancock, Vermont! Part of the Texas Falls Recreation Area, these falls can be seen from a footbridge near the parking lot. Visitors looking for a bit of exercise can also hike a 1.2-mile trail loop. In the winter, the town attracts countless skiers to the Middlebury Snowbowl, a skiing area with over 600 acres of terrain, 28 trails, and four lifts. For a bite and some live music, conclude your day at The Heart of Hancock, a restaurant housed in the old Hancock Hotel that hosts periodic performances on its porch.
Final Thoughts
Despite being the sixth smallest state in the US, Vermont is filled with surprises. For a taste of somewhere different, visitors can head to Hancock, home to Texas Falls, or Chester, celebrated for its Stone Village District that feels straight out of Europe. If you are seeking some interesting local art, St. Johnsbury and Glover both have art installations or performance venues unlike any other! So get ready to shake up the routine for your next weekend away and plan a visit to one of these small offbeat towns.
