8 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Vermont You Should Visit
Vermont enjoys a proud history. While it was not one of the original 13 colonies, Vermont was the 14th state to be established. As such, it is characterized by historic destinations and sites. It is also characterized by incredible beauty. Bordered by states such as New Hampshire and Massachusetts, Vermont's geography features forests and mountain ranges that arise from the northern Appalachian Mountains. Steepled churches and historic brick homes sit against a rainbow of color in the fall. So, if you are thinking about visiting Vermont, uncover eight of the most beautiful small towns to visit.
Manchester
Among the most lovely destinations in Vermont to enjoy natural beauty is Manchester. The town has a special charm, with one home, Hildene, formerly owned by Abraham Lincoln's son, and built in the Georgian Revival style. The Equinox House Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is recognized for its historic buildings, many of which were constructed in traditional styles, including the First Congregational Church, built in 1871.
The older homes and buildings in the area enhance the city's beauty, but people arriving in Manchester often come for the Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forest. This forest is a destination of significant beauty where hikers can walk along 900 miles of trails and eight major wilderness areas. Among the most beautiful sights is Lye Brook Falls, a 125-tiered waterfall that cascades into the pool below.
Woodstock
Another popular spot for those who enjoy natural beauty is Woodstock. Famed for the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Blue skies rise over the lush green forests that sit along crystalline lakes. Guests to the park can hike Mount Tom Forest, one of the oldest professionally managed forests in the US, which is crossed by carriage roads and trails. Not far away, Quechee Gorge is among the most impressive sights in the state. Formed thousands of years ago by glacial activity, the gorge is the deepest in Vermont and an incredible spot to take photos of the Ottauquechee River that runs through it.
Within town, Main Street is dotted by restaurants and boutiques centered around the Woodstock Inn and Resort, an impressive inn established by Laurance Rockefeller in the 1960s that continues to showcase New England craftsmanship across its impressive façade and meticulously maintained lawns.
Stowe
Stowe is the town to visit when seeking beautiful historic sites and structures. The area is known for its stunning sites, especially the Von Trapp Family Lodge and Resort. Made famous in the musical The Sound of Music, the Von Trapp family escaped Nazi Germany and built their family lodge in Vermont, where it now stands as a European-style resort. Cozy sights are available on the road at Gold Brook Covered Bridge, one of the oldest in Vermont and known as "Emily's Bridge." Ghostly tales surround the bridge, yet the steepled covered bridge is best known as an ideal spot for pictures over Gold Brook.
In the heart of town, the Stowe Community Church has stood since 1863 and remains a prominent landmark. Its high-rising 170-foot steepel looks out over the town, and its Greek columns and white facade make it one of the most prominent sights in the state.
Shelburne
If you are looking for outdoor beauty and quaint historic sites, then look no further than Shelburne. The city of Shelburne sits against the banks of Lake Champlain and Shelburne Bay. From the LaPlatte River Marsh Natural Area, visitors can walk through the marsh along the banks of the lake. Impressive flocks of migratory birds make the area their home, making for an incredible afternoon of birdwatching. Just a little north, the Shelburne Bay Boat Ramp lets sightseers strike out onto the LePlatte River and down into the bay, creating an afternoon of sightseeing. Kayaking is an excellent way to enjoy majestic views where the waters touch the sky, while the distant forests intersect the horizon.
In town, you can walk the streets of the Shelburne Village Historic District. Set against the beauty of the surrounding woodlands, the district is characterized by buildings preserved from the city's past. The Covered Bridge, first constructed in nearby Cambridge, now sits in Shelburne, complete with its two lanes and covered rooftop. Close by, the Stagecoach Inn has stood since 1783 and continues to reflect a long-gone era, complete with its broad porch typical of the time.
Wilmington
Lovely natural sights are what set Wilmington apart. Positioned along the Harriman Reservoir, visitors to Mt. Mills West Picnic Area have plenty to find. Find lines of trees standing against the inviting, clear waters, with the sight of kayakers on the water. Trails cross the area, taking guests along orange carpeted hills that are decorated by endless rows of trees. The surrounding Deerfield Valley reflects that same beauty. Climb the Mt. Olga fire tower for unparalleled views of lush landscapes and an endless sea of trees.
Bennington
Boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes create an attractive main street that is sure to charm visitors to Bennington. As guests walk along the road and through the Old Bennington Historic District, they will find majestic structures on all sides. The Old First Church (1805) and cemetery were home to the first Protestant congregation. Today, it still stands, complete with its bell tower and sloping rooftops.
Towering over the area, the majestic Bennington Battle Monument rises over 300 feet in the air, standing as a tribute to the Revolutionary War battle that helped win America its independence. All this takes place against the backdrop of the Green Mountain, which looms in the distance over stretches of farms and forests that positively glow in the fall.
Burlington
While Burlington is the largest city in the state, it has a small-town feel that offers a change of pace and artistic beauty. The city is renowned for its vibrant art scene, as exemplified by notable institutions such as the Burlington City Arts Center. Yet the big draw to Burlington is the South End Art Hop. This arts festival spans over a hundred locations, where visitors can dash between art exhibits while listening to live music and attending an art show.
Tourists to the area can see street murals throughout town, such as the Clark Derbes Mural, which pops with vivid colors in unique geometric shapes. All this takes place against the backdrop of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains, creating an exceptionally beautiful experience.
Montpelier
No stop in Vermont would be complete without passing through Montpelier, the capital of the state. The city is decorated with lush trees that punctuate the landscape between the vivid red brick façades of nearby stores. The most notable building in the area is the Vermont State House, built in the Neoclassical and Greek Revival style. Its majestic gold dome sits atop a sharply slanted rooftop and columns imitating the original Greek Parthenon. Yet another majestic structure in the area is Christ Episcopal Church, which has stood at the center of downtown for 150 years, just a short distance from the banks of the Winooski River.
Tourists can enjoy these and other incredible historic buildings as they walk the banks of the river. The Montpelier Historic District features many buildings, all set against the backdrop of the surrounding woodlands that make Montpelier so attractive.
Beauty Throughout Vermont
There is great beauty to be found throughout Vermont. Historic sites, such as the Vermont State House, and artistic strips, like the Clark Debes Mural, highlight the state's historic and cultural heritage. However, there is also plenty of natural beauty to be found at destinations such as the Deerfield Valley or the expansive Mount Tom Forest. If you are considering a trip to Vermont, consider making any of these eight small towns your next destination.
