7 Of The Quietest Vermont Towns

Since joining the Union in 1791, Vermont has built a reputation for historic communities and a slower, more scenic way of life. Woodstock captures that feeling with Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, where forest trails and rich greenery make the town feel wonderfully tucked away. Windsor offers its own version through Paradise Park, where hiking and riverfront wildlife add a playful side to the calm. These seven quiet towns show that side of Vermont especially well.

Woodstock

Woodstock is a wonderful colonial-era town chartered in 1761, and today, a humble population of 3,000 resides here. An intriguing place of discovery, guests will certainly encounter an old-world charm here, and exploring a number of preserved landmarks helps create a special sense of stepping back in time. Spend time in the Historic District and see such attractions as the First Congregational Church (1807), the Lincoln Covered Bridge (1877), and the Marsh Billings Mansion (1805), to name just a few that create a postcard-like backdrop. And, of course, one cannot overlook the awesome Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, which is breathtaking with its splendid greenery and sylvan environment. Enjoy hiking trails, rocky cliff vistas, rich foliage, and marvel at the boyhood home of George Perkins Marsh, a 19th-century politician and conservationist.

Additionally, Woodstock hosts cultural events throughout the year that add to its appeal for visitors of all ages. These include the Bookstock Festival of Words and Harvest Weekend, two annual events that keep the town active beyond its historic landmarks.

St. Johnsbury

Founded in 1790, the pretty town of St. Johnsbury has a modern population of over 7,300 residents and serves as the seat of Caledonia County in the northern part of the State. Peacefully situated along the Passumpsic River (a tributary of the Connecticut River), guests will certainly find plenty of quiet to enjoy here, while intriguing local history and a quaint natural environment never disappoint.

Enjoy warm summer and cool winter temperatures, as an exploration of several prominent landmarks makes a day in town always unique. Among the properties of note in St. Johnsbury that are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places are the Franklin Fairbanks House (1860), the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum (1871), which serves as a library and gallery, and the Railroad Street Historic District. And do not forget about the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, where learning about space, natural history, and even the growth of the State of Vermont has never been more fun and informative.

Windsor

Known as the “Birthplace of Vermont”, the town of Windsor is the site where the Vermont Constitution was adopted in 1777, even before its Statehood. Today, this charming historic community of some 3,600 residents maintains a friendly, inviting ambience, making it a great place for a tranquil New England sojourn. Enjoy quiet afternoons at the welcoming Paradise Park, where opportunities to cycle, hike, and even snowshoe remain ever popular; add scenic picnic sites and the chance to see wildlife such as beavers, otters, deer, and fox, and this will quickly become a favorite spot to return to.

Meanwhile, a number of fascinating historic landmarks can be explored here, including the Cornish Windsor Covered Bridge (1866) and the Old Constitution House. And be sure not to forget the annual Autumn Moon Festival, a fun community event featuring vendors, food trucks, live music, magicians, and even mini golf, sure to delight the young and old alike!

Manchester

A modest population of just under 4,500 calls the historic town of Manchester home, one of two seats of Bennington County in southern Vermont. Perfect for a scenic getaway, the town is situated near the Green Mountain National Forest, which has breathtaking backdrops for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. Amongst the animals to be spotted are beavers, moose, black bears, coyotes, and even turkeys. With a climate characterized by moderately warm summers and cool winters, spending time outdoors can be enjoyable throughout the year.

In town proper, historic allure awaits at the Manchester Village Historic District, where several preserved landmarks continue to create a unique sense of time and place. Travel to the late 18th and 19th centuries and explore such buildings as the County Courthouse (1822), Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home, and the First Congregational Church, amongst others listed on the National Register of Historic Places. End the day with a meal at the Copper Grouse or international fare at The Silver Fork, rounding out the town’s historic atmosphere with a strong dining scene.

Burke

Founded in the 1780s and named for the British philosopher Edmund Burke, the mountain community of Burke will definitely leave visitors with loads of scenic memories. With a population of nearly 1,700, warm summers and cool winters are the norm here, and the town is situated near Burke Mountain, which rises to an elevation of 3,267 feet. Enjoy awesome alpine recreation at the Burke Mountain Academy and Burke Mountain Resort, or in summertime, go hiking, cycling, and mountain climbing, where the views never disappoint. A short drive away, Crystal Lake and Lake Willoughby feature public beaches and easy access for fishing a variety of species, including rainbow trout.

Add in some great cultural events like the Fall Foliage Festival, as well as cute local businesses, and Burke surely leaves its mark. These include the Burke Publick House Restaurant and Aldrich's General Store, which add to the feel of classic small-town New England.

Warren

A prime destination for alpine sports enthusiasts, the resort town of Warren offers a scenic setting for outdoor recreation in every season. Home of the Sugarbush Ski Resort and the Long Trail, Warren is scenically situated in the Mad River Valley within the Green Mountains, where summers are mild and winters are cool. Hit the slopes of the aforementioned Ski Resort, where more than 53 miles of awesome ski and snowboard slopes await, while the Long Trail (which runs the length of Vermont) shines as an example of undisturbed nature for a most peaceful outdoor excursion. From there, be sure to visit the pretty Warren Falls, where the truly courageous even cliff jump into swimming holes!

Back in town proper, local businesses like the Deco Restaurant & Bar and the Warren Store add another layer of small-town appeal. And do not forget the Warren Covered Bridge (1880), a quaint link to the past that beautifully spans the Mad River.

Montpelier

The least populous state capital in the United States, just 8,000 inhabitants call Montpelier home, making it a calm and appealing destination for those visiting Vermont. Established in the 1780s, Montpelier offers plenty of historic insight, while its quiet, rustic natural environment makes it a great place to enjoy a low-key vacation. Adjacent to the Winooski River, peaceful excursions to the water are always popular, while the stunning Hubbard Park (1899) offers picturesque picnic sites, hiking and cycling trails, sports fields, and stunning panoramic views from the 54-foot-tall observation tower that remind one why Vermont is called the “Green Mountain State”.

Additionally, history lovers will not want to bypass the lovely Vermont State House (1859) and Montpelier City Hall (1909), two landmarks that reflect the city’s civic history. Finally, community events throughout the year, including the outdoor concert Do Good Fest, the Montpelier Fall Festival, and Montpelier Mudfest in April, give this small capital an energetic local calendar. That mix of civic history, green space, and small scale gives Montpelier a fitting place among Vermont’s quieter communities.

Vermont is a wonderful holiday destination for those in the northeastern United States, and as an important center of the New England region, it shines with its stunning natural beauty and historic intrigue. Indeed, a number of small and quiet towns can be found here, and all ages will certainly have something to remember by the time the vacation is over. From the living history in communities like Windsor and Montpelier, to the natural beauty of Burke and Warren, these pretty and relaxing Vermont places invite all, no matter what time of year. The state may be small, but time spent in these calmer communities offers a memorable look at Vermont’s scenery, history, and slower pace.