The 6 Can't-Miss Towns In Vermont

At just over 9,600 square miles, Vermont may be small—28 times smaller than Texas, to be exact—but its geography is nothing short of impressive. Across the state, you will find all kinds of landmarks, including island towns, lakeside beaches, and 85-foot-tall waterfalls. Many of its small towns are also packed with cultural attractions, including renowned performance venues, rotating art galleries, and even teddy bear factories. If you are looking to explore some of Vermont’s most impressive highlights, these six towns should be on your radar.

Newport

Located along the southern shores of Lake Memphremagog, Newport is a laid-back town known for its water recreation. Travelers can enjoy an afternoon by the lake at Prouty Beach, a 36-acre, downtown park that is located right along the shoreline. In addition to a 75-site campground, the park has tennis courts, a basketball court, and a playground. Those wanting to get out on the water can also rent a kayak from the lower beach building, which offers both boat and bike rentals.

After a few hours at the park, you have most likely worked up an appetite! Head to The East Side Restaurant & Pub for dinner, a family-owned, waterfront restaurant that has been a part of the community for 32 years. A few items on the menu include steamed mussels, swordfish, and lobster ravioli. At the end of the day, unwind at one of Newport’s local inns, such as Cliff Haven Farm Bed and Breakfast, a cozy B&B set in a 19th-century farmhouse, sitting on 300 acres of rolling countryside.

Brattleboro

Surrounded by the Round and Black Mountains and sitting on the banks of the West and Connecticut River, Brattleboro is a shining example of Vermont’s breathtaking countryside. Fort Dummer State Park is an excellent place to explore this scenery, a forested park in the Green Mountain foothills. It is also the site of a historic, 18th-century fort, which was flooded in 1908 following the construction of the Vernon Dam.

Brattleboro’s art scene is a notable part of the town’s appeal as well. The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, for example, was founded in 1972 and hosts all kinds of rotating exhibitions, gallery walks, and performances for visitors to appreciate. For a memorable concert, check out the performance calendar at the Stone Church, which reopened in 2016 as a music venue, hosting internationally touring musicians and other highly acclaimed acts. Upcoming performers include Vision Video, the EDD, and Devendra Banhart.

Grand Isle

Sitting in the middle of the expansive Lake Champlain, Grand Isle offers travelers an island vacation in the heart of Vermont. One of the most popular attractions in town is Grand Isle State Park, which is the state park system’s most visited campground, attracting many campers who will spend the entirety of their vacation here. Swimming, fishing, and boating are also beloved activities, with the park offering kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddle rentals.

For something a little different, stop by the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station. This hatchery teaches visitors about Vermont’s aquatic life and fish-stocking efforts, with a visitor center full of large aquariums and a self-guided tour to explore at your own pace. History lovers, meanwhile, can stop by the Hyde Log Cabin, a historic cabin that dates back to 1783, saved from demolition by the Vermont Historical Society in 1946.

Middlebury

Home to Middlebury College, the small town of Middlebury has a thriving arts and culture scene. Travelers can explore some of this exciting art at the Middlebury College of Art, which has both permanent collection galleries and rotating exhibitions. Visitors can also check out the college’s event calendar for occasional talks and lectures related to the exhibits.

For a performance or show, the Town Hall Theater is another great place to visit. This venue hosts all kinds of talks, shows, and concerts, including sketch comedies, international touring musicians, and film screenings. In addition to Middlebury’s cultural scene, the countryside surrounding Middlebury is extremely beautiful. The Trail Around Middlebury (TAM), for example, extends for 18 miles, connecting several hundred acres of town land, making for the perfect afternoon hike.

Stowe

Surrounded by waterfalls, Stowe should be on every waterfall hunter’s itinerary. Just nine minutes from town, Moss Glen Falls impressively stands as Vermont’s tallest waterfall, plunging 85 feet after a quick quarter-mile hike from the trailhead. Nearby, Bingham Falls drops approximately 40 feet, rewarding visitors with not only the falls themselves but also stunning views of an upper gorge where the river carves through the rock.

After a day of waterfall hikes, you can return to town hungry, dining at one of Stowe’s cozy restaurants. The Bench is a great place for those with a big appetite, serving Vermont comfort food such as mac & cheese, wood-fired nachos, pizzas, New York strip, meatloaf, ribs, Faroe Island salmon, and chicken puff pie, among plenty of other mouthwatering dishes.

Shelburne

Travelers looking for a nostalgic vacation will love visiting Shelburne, home to the renowned Vermont Teddy Bear Factory. The factory offers daily tours where visitors can watch the teddy bear assembly line in action before stopping by the Vermont Teddy Bear Hospital, where bears receive care under the company’s lifetime guarantee.

Shelburne Farm is another beloved attraction in town, a 1,400-acre farm that aims to educate the public about the importance of sustainable farm practices. From mid-May through mid-October, travelers can tour the farm, enjoying a stroll along its nature trails, visiting farm animals, watching the cheesemaking process, and sampling some of its famous cheddar cheese. Conclude your visit with a stop at the Shelburne Museum, the largest art and history museum in the northern New England region. Spread across 45 acres, the museum features 39 buildings, 25 of which are classified as historic.

Final Thoughts

While Vermont has plenty of other small towns worth seeing, these six are a great starting point for your vacation. Towns like Stowe are perfect if you want to spend your trip outdoors, while other destinations, like Middlebury, are filled with unbeatable cultural landmarks. Want to spend your vacation on the lake? Newport and Grand Isle will provide you with the perfect setting. So take advantage of the remaining summer season and get ready to have a memorable trip!