7 Vermont Small Towns With Unmatched Friendliness

Admitted to the Union in 1791, Vermont forms an important part of the famed New England region of the Northeastern United States. Lovingly known as the “Green Mountain State,” plenty of natural splendor and cultural allure will be discovered here, and guests looking for a most unique vacation experience will certainly not be disappointed. From fascinating historic centers to scenic mountain towns, the beauty of Vermont and its inviting communities stand out as some of the finest in the country. Get ready for a holiday filled with cultural charm, historic intrigue, and natural beauty, and come see the great State of Vermont through a stop in one of its wonderfully friendly towns.

Stowe

Chartered in 1763, Stowe, or the “Ski Capital of the East,” is a lovely community beautifully nestled within Vermont’s Green Mountains. Home to just over 5,000 residents, Stowe is a fantastic destination where you can enjoy a relaxing holiday in a comfortable climate throughout the year. Featuring cool summer temperatures and plenty of lush greenery, spending time outside is always popular here. Enjoy time along the Stowe Recreation Path, where hiking, cycling, and watching wildlife never go out of style. And do not forget about the awesome views of Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak), which is sure to take one’s breath away. In the winter, Stowe is naturally a very busy spot, and with its splendid alpine slopes and the famed Stowe Mountain Resort, fun in the snow has never been easier!

In the town’s historic district, browse through a charming array of restored 18th and 19th-century landmarks, while cute shops and restaurants dot the landscape. Among Stowe’s most famous cultural attractions is the Von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort, which lovingly celebrates Austrian mountain life in a special chalet setting. This unique European treat was founded by members of the Von Trapp family, who were famously portrayed in the hit Broadway musical and film “The Sound of Music."

Montpelier

Vermont’s capital city, Montpelier, breaks records as the country's least populated State Capital with just some 8,000 residents. Yet this does not stop the town from being one of Vermont’s friendliest and fascinating places, where history and stunning nature come together. Established in the 1780s, an inviting sense of the old world continues to be felt in Montpelier, and several landmarks continue to transport guests to the 18th and 19th centuries. These include the Vermont History Museum (1838), the imposing Vermont State House (1833), and the Christ Episcopal Church (1840), amongst others listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Meanwhile, with a climate known for hot summers and cool winters, spending time outside in Montpelier can be an exciting proposition throughout the year. Explore the beautiful Winooski River, which flows through the city’s southside, while an afternoon at the impressive Hubbard Park never disappoints. Covering an area of more than 200 acres, hiking, cycling, camping, picnicking, and even skiing activities make this a welcome area for all ages. Add in great cultural events, including Independence Day Celebrations, the Montpelier Mayfest, and Winterfest, and being in this special capital city with a small-town feel will certainly create memories to last a lifetime.

Windsor

Known as the “Birthplace of Vermont,” the town of Windsor was established in the mid-1700s. It is the place where Vermont’s Constitution was drafted in 1777. Home to fewer than 4,000 residents, this charming historic community is a great destination to get acquainted with Colonial America and experience a unique vacation. Full of several preserved landmarks, explore important sites like the Old Constitution House (1777) and the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge (1866), amongst others also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Enjoy a quiet afternoon at the pretty Paradise Park, where relaxation is always on hand. Here, welcoming camping and picnic areas, scenic cycling and hiking trails, the tranquil waters of Lake Runnemede, and chances to see local wildlife truly delight the young and old alike. Add in cute local businesses like the Georgetown Tavern and Boston Dreams for food, drink, and live performances, and a most memorable outing filled with historic ambience awaits.

Bennington

Bennington is a most intriguing colonial town with a modern history dating to the 1740s. Home to a population of just over 15,000, history lovers can certainly appreciate Bennington’s ambience, where experiencing a bit of the 18th and 19th centuries has never been easier. Explore such landmarks as the Park-McCullough Historic Governor's Mansion (1864), the Silk Road Covered Bridge (1840), and the Henry House (1769), amongst others listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And of course, do not forget about the Bennington Battle Monument (1889), which at 306 feet tall is the highest structure in all of Vermont!

Finally, those who crave time spent in nature will also love Bennington. Enjoy afternoons at Willow Park, where activities including cycling, picnicking, and even disc golfing remain ever popular. Then there is the nearby Lake Shaftsbury State Park, where swimming, boating, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching can be enjoyed in a tranquil environment. Finish the day with a meal in town proper at one of the local eateries like Kelli’s Tavern, and one will certainly be glad they took the time to sojourn in Bennington!

St. Johnsbury

Situated along the Passumpsic River (a tributary of the larger Connecticut River), the town of St. Johnsbury is a most friendly community with a modest population of just over 7,300 residents. Established in the 1780s, this quiet river town is a great place to enjoy a slower pace of life filled with loads of historic intrigue and small-town charm. Spend time along the River banks where summers are mild, while several cultural and historic attractions continue to delight all ages. These include the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum (1871), the Railroad Street Historic District, and more.

Browse through the unique goods at the Moose River Lake & Lodge Store or find fine American-style dishes at the 98 Mill and the Wandering Vine restaurants. Indeed, spending time in St. Johnsbury will prove to be a most pleasing experience, where a historic side of Vermont combines with the friendly ambience only a river town can offer.

Burke

Just 25 minutes from St. Johnsbury, Burke is a lovely community where enjoying the outdoors is a true delight no matter what the season. Founded in the 1780s, just over 1,600 call this scenic place home, where a fun experience is sure to be had in both summer and winter. Hit the slopes of the popular Burke Mountain Ski Resort on the famed Burke Mountain that rises over 3,000 feet. Enjoy beautiful cycling and hiking trails in a most exquisite and panoramic ambience when the snow is gone. From there, enjoy the views at Mount Pisgah and Hor. Finally, swimming and lounging along the banks of Crystal Lake and Lake Willoughby never disappoint.

Back in town, enjoy a homestyle American meal at joints like the Burke Publick House, where tasty food and a welcome smile highlight Burke as one of Vermont’s friendliest small towns.

Manchester

Just under 4,500 reside in Manchester, Vermont, which was founded in the 1760s. This historic colonial town immerses guests in 18th and 19th century history, and visitors will certainly never find a shortage of intrigue here. Explore the Manchester Village Historic District (listed entirely on the National Register of Historic Places), the Bennington County Courthouse, and even Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home (1905).

Meanwhile, the great outdoors is always ready to be enjoyed in Manchester, and activities like biking and hiking are ever in demand. Spend time at Bromley Mountain and get athletic with such sports as skiing, snowboarding, and even ziplining. Additionally, a tranquil afternoon awaits at the Green Mountain National Forest, where chances to see local wildlife in an expansive area make for quite a special experience. And with Manchester’s cute array of local shops and diners, a friendly smile is always close by, while inviting cultural events, including Fourth of July Fireworks and the Vermont Summer Festival, create a perfectly charming snapshot of New England.

Vermont's Small-Town Charm Awaits

Vermont, or the “Green Mountain State,” is one of New England’s most charming components, and any visitor to this part of the United States will certainly not want to miss time spent in this delightful destination. A historically intriguing, naturally stunning, and culturally attractive place, Vermont and its friendly small towns are definite treasures that the young and old alike can appreciate. From the historic centers of Bennington and Windsor to the river community of St. Johnsbury and the alpine treats of Stowe and Burke, Vermont is full of stunning locales ready to be discovered firsthand. Here, the special ambience of Americana, the Northeast, and New England come together to create a memorable experience filled with friendly smiles and loads of charm!