7 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In Vermont

Feel like you want to escape to some beautifully undisturbed town to recharge and come back renewed? The Green Mountain State, known for its lush landscapes, covered bridges, and pastoral backdrops, will transport you to a slower, saner, and sweeter world, where almost every open space looks like a page plucked from a fairytale. The truth is that you deserve these occasional treats, if just to unwind and decompress. We don't guarantee this, but you can bounce back with ruddy cheeks, sparkling eyes, and a more sprightly gait. For tailored recommendations, discover the 7 undisturbed towns to visit in Vermont.

Grafton

If seeking the quiet beauty of a quintessential New England village, Grafton has exceptional credentials. Grafton is tucked away in southeastern Vermont, about an hour and a half south of Montpellier, the capital of the state. The peaceful landscape features beautiful covered bridges, including the Historic Kidder Covered Bridge, one of a handful of covered bridges in Vermont to have been built on a skew. It has been a while since USA Weekend named Grafton “One of America’s Top Ten Most Beautiful Destinations.” But the town, which in the late 1800s and early 1900s showed no signs of prominence, would later get much-needed relief through the restorative efforts of the Windham Foundation and New Jersey banker and philanthropist Dean Mathey. Today, Grafton is a beautiful, delicious, and lovely place to visit. Grafton Inn, right on Main Street, is among the oldest operating inns on the continent. It has hosted names like Ulysses S. Grant, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Theodore Roosevelt. Check out the nearby Grafton Village Cheese, which serves award-winning cheeses along with beer, snacks, wine, jellies, and other fun stuff in a warm, cheery environment.

Woodstock

Woodstock has often been called “the Prettiest Small Town in America,” and we better pay attention. This serene, postcard-ready destination is ideal for a weekend of leisurely exploration and slow-paced adventures, especially because Woodstock is not a place to be rushed. Although swimming, hiking, and skiing are all within easy reach, there is a reason to linger a bit in Woodstock’s jaw-dropping downtown, especially to admire its historic architecture, wander through cozy storefronts, and appreciate the timeless Village Green. Pop inside F. H. Gillingham & Sons on Elm Street, a slightly brightened-up version of a traditional Vermont country store celebrated as among the oldest general stores in the nation. There is the nationally famous Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, which boasts plenty of shaded hiking trails and an incredibly beautiful Queen-Anne-style mansion to tour. Marsh-Billings is Vermont's only National Park. Afterwards, visit the nearby Quechee Gorge. But with a steady heart. The gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder that features heart-stirring views on every side, especially from the bridge.

Weston

The photogenic Weston is a relaxing, undisturbed place in the beautiful Green Mountains. It is associated with the iconic Vermont Country Store, the most famous general store in America. It is conveniently located on Main Street and keeps hard-to-find food, home, and beauty items, many of which you will remember seeing as a little child. The store is in an old cow barn. Just up the road from the Vermont Country Store is the Weston Theater Company, a nice, medium-sized theater with very comfortable seats that shows matinees during the week. Meanwhile, the Old Mill Museum provides the step-back-into-time experience and is always a lovely spot to visit. Even if you don't find it open, the on-site waterfall will still be a fitting reward. With the West River singing around, one is never short of rustic views and recreational opportunities.

Waitsfield

When you visit Vermont’s Mad River Valley, scintillating fall colors are typically at the back of the mind. Although a magical foliage mecca, Waitsfield is fond of unleashing several other interesting surprises. For one, it boasts a well-preserved 19th-century historic district featuring a collection of predominantly wood-frame buildings with a sprinkle of 20th-century additions. The Historic Waitsfield Covered Bridge, which predates the Civil War by almost 30 years, is one of Vermont's oldest covered bridges. It is right on the east side of the village and features a pedestrian walkway on the side. Now that you are at the bridge, nab a chair at Scrag & Roe, preferably a seat by the window overlooking the river, and sit down to some dry-fried Shitake, along with a delectable variety of vegetarian options. Further along is Knoll Farm, where every pore rings with the word “undisturbed.” It is a magic incarnate that offers 360-degree views of the Mad River Valley and the surrounding hills.

Dorset

Although content to be overshadowed by high and honoured names such as Woodstock, Dorset is an adorable four-season destination that punches above its weight. It is hidden in the heart of the Vermont Valley in southwestern Vermont, where the Taconic Mountains, which boast grand vistas at every break, meet the Greens. Norcross-West Marble Quarry, today a beautiful cliff-jumping and swimming hole, has the distinction of being the first commercial marble quarry in the United States. The quarries around Dorset supplied high-quality marble used in major structures nationwide, including the New York Public Library and Harvard Medical School. Although small, the Dorset Theatre Festival is an intimate space with comfortable seats and high-quality performances. If you happen to swing by, remember to grab some scandalously delicious matcha latte at Dorset Bakery, which you can pair with the equally delectable espresso chip cookie.

Craftsbury

The rolling hills around Craftsbury are pockmarked by white picket fences and peaceful family-run farms, creating rustic vistas that look every bit undisturbed. But that is to be expected. Craftsbury is tucked north in Orleans County, just 25 miles south of the Canadian border. Willoughby State Forest is just east of town, and is a vast, woodsy area that features another incredible outdoor gem: the beautiful Lake Willoughby. But you don't even need to dash out of town. The swoon-worthy Craftsbury Outdoor Center features nice cross-country trails, views that are out of this world, and delicious food. If spending the night, the hillside cabins will work like a charm. Stop by the Thompson Family Farm, a nice, hidden secret known for Wagyu-ground beef and great maple syrup. Keep in mind that beautiful places, just like delicious meals, should seldom be enjoyed alone.

Montgomery

Montgomery is a secluded Mountain town in northern Vermont, affectionately referred to as the Covered Bridge Capital of Vermont. Several covered bridges dot the area, including six within the town's limits. Not just that, Montgomery has the most covered bridges of any town in the United States. There is the Historic Hopkins Covered Bridge, a photo-worthy venue that offers a serene backdrop of Vermont's scenic countryside. There is also the Historic Fuller Covered Bridge, conveniently located right in town. Meanwhile, Trout River flows along Montgomery's eastern rims, carrying memories of families and homesteads that have used its waters. If spending the night, the unpretentious Black Lantern Inn offers a classic Vermont atmosphere, although it is a less-known alternative to the nationally famous Jay Peak Resort.

The Takeaway

If there's a mistake that people make, it is to think there's some better, more appropriate time in the future to enjoy the best of life and the best of adventures. The truth is that you should always make it a habit to escape to some beautiful, slow-paced, and unhurried location, if just to admire wildflowers, catch sunsets, and explore small-town theatres. These seven towns are not only beautiful but also invite you to slow down and savor Vermont’s historic legacy and much-vaunted natural elegance.