9 Vermont Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life

Vermont banned roadside billboards in 1968 and the small towns ahead show why. In Bennington, the covered bridges are still in daily use today. Montpelier has a small downtown anchored by the State House. Killington has ski lifts in winter and quiet streets the rest of the year. Bristol holds onto a working downtown around its town green. These are nine of the slowest-paced small towns in Vermont.

Bennington

Bennington was originally chartered in 1749, and the spirit of simpler times still echoes there today. Sitting snug inside the Green Mountain Region, Bennington is a visually beautiful town, boasting some of the richest foliage in the US, as well as historically important architectural sites such as the Silk Road Covered Bridge and the Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion in nearby North Bennington. The Bennington Battle Monument is one of the most significant landmarks of the Revolutionary War, and the Bennington Museum is home to the largest public collection of paintings by the preeminent artist of classic Americana, Grandma Moses.

Bristol

The relaxed rhythm of life in Bristol almost feels like it’s set by nature itself. Which makes sense, considering the town is flanked by the beautiful New Haven River. This tranquil waterway eventually leads to Bristol Falls, a natural haven favored by locals and tourists alike as a spot for calm reflection. Back in town, Bristol’s village area is complemented by small local producers such as Farmhouse Chocolates, known for chocolate-covered salted caramels and chocolate bars, and Hogback Mountain Brewing, whose Bristol taproom is stocked with an array of mouth-watering craft brews.

Montpelier

Montpelier is the state capital of Vermont, but it is also the least populous state capital in the entire US, so you know the slow-paced vibes are in place. The Greek Revival State House stands at the head of downtown, where a brisk stroll will lead you to a variety of small local businesses, as well as the Vermont Historical Society Museum. Within Montpelier, Hubbard Park offers exceptionally relaxing hiking trails just north of the State House, and you can also swing by the family-run Bragg Farm Sugarhouse in nearby East Montpelier to get yourself some genuine Vermont maple syrup.

Brighton

If you’re looking for peak meditative scenery, look no further than Island Pond, a serene lake lying at the heart of Brighton, the waters of which reflect the dazzling colors of nearby Red Maples and American Beech trees. The surrounding village of Island Pond has local food stops such as Essex House & Tavern and Three Branches Café & Bakery, while the broader Northeast Kingdom offers more places to linger over a meal or a drink. In the warmer months, Brighton State Park is another favorite for day trippers, a place that is simultaneously tranquil and packed full of things to see. Under the shade of red pine trees, you can stroll, enjoy the park’s nature museum and interpretive programs, and potentially spot wildlife such as moose, birds, and other woodland species.

Richmond

For those who prefer to move through life not at a run but a stroll, Richmond has you covered for all seasons. In the fall, the colors bloom spectacularly at Huntington Gorge, while in the winter, Cochran’s Ski Area offers scenic, powdery slopes for all ages and experience levels. In late summer and fall, take a drive out to Farr Farms, a working Richmond farm where the seasonal Sunflower Stroll and Pumpkin Patch pair beautifully with its laid-back, self-serve farm stand.

Derby

Pressed up against the Canadian border, Derby offers some of the most robust and lush forest lands in all of Vermont, which is no small feat, considering the competition. Waterways such as Lake Memphremagog, Clyde Pond, Derby Pond, Salem Lake, Cobb Pond, and Brownington Pond bring the town plenty of room for quiet views, paddling, fishing, and wildlife watching, or you can take your furry best friend to the PetSafe Kingdom Dog Park to roam in the sprawling fresh grasslands. Near Lake Memphremagog, the Lindsay Beach area adds another quiet lakeside pocket to Derby’s borderland scenery.

Grand Isle

A laid-back way of life is native to Grand Isle, and much of that owes to the example set by the expansive Lake Champlain. Locals claim its status as the unofficial sixth great lake, and both its geography and resources are vast, offering travelers boating in the summer and ice fishing in the winter. History buffs or the history-curious alike will enjoy Hyde Log Cabin, one of the oldest standing buildings in the state. For animal lovers, Breakaway Farm offers a full equine experience, from boarding and training to lessons and trail riding through calming forested trails.

Wilmington

Wilmington has a population of less than 2,500, but there’s nothing modest about its natural splendor or its local charm. Set near the wooded expanse of the Green Mountain National Forest, this sleepy town thrives by its proximity to Mount Snow, where there are active mountain biking communities in the summer and a strong skiing and snowboarding scene in the winter. In and around Wilmington, local stops include the seasonal Wilmington Antique & Flea Market on Route 9 East and the famous Dot’s Restaurant on West Main Street, where hot coffee and blueberry pancakes remain part of the appeal.

Killington

Killington is one of the best places to behold the autumnal extravagance Vermont is renowned for in the fall months. There are spots aplenty in which to behold the brilliant red and orange foliage, from Coolidge State Forest to the more secluded Gifford Woods and nearby Lefferts Pond in Chittenden. For those seeking physical activity, the Sherburne Pass Trail offers great hiking in the summer, and the Green Mountain National Golf Course is a truly majestic setting to play a few holes in.

Coziness and a slow pace of life is in the air in Vermont, which is why I suggest taking your journey there slowly. A road trip down Route 100 or Route 9 will lead you to dozens of towns worth getting lost in. Whether you’re looking for autumnal splendor, serene winter landscapes, or just a brief moment where the world seems to say, “Take a deep breath. It’s alright.”, Vermont will find you.