9 Most Welcoming Towns In Vermont's Countryside
Vermont brings to mind classic New England scenery: bright autumn leaves, snow-capped mountains, and peaceful lakes. Bordering Canada to the north and three other New England states, Vermont itself became a state in 1791 — the fourteenth, immediately following the group of early US states formed from the Thirteen Original Colonies. These days, Vermont's Green Mountains, not to mention its forests and cultural richness, make it a popular year-round destination. Just like these small towns suggest, Vermont's tourist motto, "Vermont, Naturally," implies a state ready to welcome visitors in all seasons.
Arlington
Unlike the identically-named towns in Texas and Virginia, Vermont's Arlington, in the state's southwest corner, represents the local scenery at its best. Many come here for a look at the Historic Arlington Covered Bridge, a red-painted structure spanning the Batten Kill River that is classic New England. Other natural draws include the Arlington State Forest and, just south of the town limit, Lake Shaftsbury State Park, a popular place for boating and swimming in warm weather. Prior to statehood, Arlington actually served as the capital of this area, then called the Vermont Republic, beginning in 1777.
Arlington's cultural heritage runs deep. The town was once home to Norman Rockwell, considered to have painted some of the most vibrant scenes of 20th-century American life. His house, now converted into an inn called Rockwell's Retreat, welcomes travelers hoping to feel some of the icon's singular, creative spirit.
Brattleboro
On the Connecticut River in south-central Vermont, the small town of Brattleboro holds a wealth of interests for the culture-minded visitor. Local sites include the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center and the Estey Organ Museum, which celebrates the town's eclectic past and honors the legacy of the company that made reed organs, pump organs, pipe organs, and melodeons. Music fans also seek out the Vermont Jazz Center, an internationally recognized institution that hosts workshops, community events, and, of course, concerts.
Fort Dummer State Park sits on 217 acres of forest land along the Connecticut River, with hiking trails and camping in a historic, natural setting. Being just over the New Hampshire state line, and also close to Massachusetts, Brattleboro serves as a great jumping-off point for regional exploration of central New England.
Dorset
In southwest Vermont, near the New York state border, the tiny town of Dorset feels and looks like quintessential New England. Its menu of nature-focused areas is a long one, and is especially popular with hikers: Dorset and Bromley Mountains, and Emerald Lake State Park all sit nearby.
Like Arlington and Brattleboro, Dorset's local history is rich. The town hosted a number of landmark gatherings that built momentum toward Vermont's passage into statehood. Formerly a quarry site, Dorset delivered marble for the New York Public Library and other US buildings of note. It is the hometown of William Griffith Wilson, who founded Alcoholics Anonymous, in 1951. The worldwide network of support groups has helped lift millions of people out of addiction. Wilson's house, sitting east of downtown Dorset, is now a retreat and recovery center with a focus on personal growth and healing in community.
Manchester
Manchester, in Vermont's southwest, has history aplenty. Tourists come here to visit Hildene, the home of Robert Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln. The estate includes a mansion built in the Georgian Revival style, drawing architecture fans from all over. The town likewise hosts the American Museum of Fly Fishing, a must-see for anglers passing through the area. Manchester is also the headquarters of Orvis — the classic fishing and clothing brand. Orvis is also the oldest mail-order retailer in the United States.
Nature fans should head to Mount Equinox, as well as the Green Mountain National Forest, which lies south of town. The Southern Vermont Arts Center also blends creative pursuits with outdoor activities, like taking a walk through its wooded sculpture garden.
Newport
Newport, at Vermont's northeastern edge, offers a view to one of the state's best lakes. The town itself sits along Lake Memphremagog, which forms a part of the US-Canada border. The lake, and the town's proximity to its northern neighbor, have made Newport a place of commerce for generations. The town's industrial past includes everything from lumber production, to manufacturing ski clothing and even teddy bears.
Prouty Beach and Campground is a popular spot for swimming and fishing, and Jay Peak, known for it's incredible skiing in winter, boasts a full range of summer activities, from disc golf and mountain biking, to an indoor water park and tram rides to the summit for panoramic views of the Northeast Kingdom.
Rutland
Rutland combines culture and history from its location in the georgraphic center of the state. The Rutland Historical Society, located in a former 19th-century firehouse, illuminates aspects of local history, while the youngster-focused Wonderfeet Kids Museum fuels children's imaginations and celebrates the power of play.
For a moment outdoors, Pine Hill Park has forested trails for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking, while golf fans can head to the Rutland Country Club for a round on the 18-hole championship course. In wintertime, skiiers flock to Killington, the resort east of town, with a reputation as one of the best snowsports destinations on the East Coast.
Stowe
Like Rutland, Stowe makes a strong claim as having Vermont's best ski slopes. This town is home to Stowe Mountain Resort. Since 2002, Stowe has welcomed visitors to the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum and, until his death in 2019, Stowe was the home of Jake Burton Carpenter, who founded the Burton Snowboards company. Carpenter's vision for the sport made it a global phenomenon and, since 1998, an Olympic event.
Music lovers will find much to enjoy here as well. Stowe was home to the von Trapp family, whose escape from Europe during World War II inspired the film and musical, The Sound of Music. The von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort still operates today, and boasts a brewery as well as a range of accommodations and dining options with sweeping mountain views.
Winooski
Winooski lies just north of the Winooski River. Once a mill town and a hub for wool production, the area offers visitors the Winooski Historical Society, as well as the Mill Museum, both of which detail the early days and industries of Winooski. Larger attractions, including Lake Champlain and Burlington, await just to the west and the south, making Winooski a cozy and convenient base for exploring the region.
Winooski's cultural menu combines old and new influences. Saint Michael's Playhouse, east of here, organizes performances of various kinds, while green spaces like Memorial Park allow for walking on the riverbank and a moment of peace in a lovely natural setting. Daredevils of all ages should check out Landry Park Skateboard Park in Winooski's north end.
Woodstock
In southeastern Vermont, the town of Woodstock — which bears no relation to the New York town and 1969 cultural moment — is a natural draw for fans of historic architecture. Woodstock's gems include the First Congregational Church, erected in 1807, whose original bell was cast by Paul Revere, the legendary figure of the American Revolution. This town also offers visitors the Norman Williams Public Library, built in 1884, with a brick facade and collegiate-style columns.
For a blissful moment in the local outdoors, the Mount Peg trail system features winding trails to stunning vistas, while the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is a testament to the families' combined legacy of land conservation and responsible farming. The park is managed by the National Park Service and is the only part of the US National Park system inside Vermont, not counting the state's portion of the Appalachian Trail.
A Warm Welcome Awaits in Vermont's Small Towns
These towns make a strong case that Vermont knows how to welcome visitors. Beyond its larger cities, smaller places are home to some of the state's best things to see and do. Arlington has pretty landscapes, both from nature and from history-making art, like that of Normal Rockwell. Dorset's fans include hikers and those looking for a place to retreat and reconnect. Rutland and Stowe have been inviting skiiers and snowboarders for generations. And from Winooski to Woodstock, small-town cultural gems in architecture and the dramatic arts keep tourists coming back. Vermont's habit of welcoming visitors is an experience for all.
