Vermont, a shining star of New England, is a nature paradise. This little state on the Canadian border is known for its stunningly rough topography. The mountains are home to some of the best skiing in the country and have even produced Olympic skiers.
The same terrain is also used in the summer by hikers and cyclists on the many paths that wind through the region. Forest-ringed lakes provide crystalline pools perfect for hazy days of lounging. Even yet, the little towns of Vermont reveal a history of the early American colony and the United States in their museums, monuments, and historic structures.
Bennington
The Bennington Action Memorial testifies to the significance of this Vermont town as the location of a pivotal battle in the American War of Independence. This obelisk, standing at a lofty 93 metres, was finished in 1889 as a tribute to the 1777 conflict. It stands as the highest man-made building in the whole state.
The Park-McCullough Historic House is conveniently located nearby and is regarded as one of the finest surviving specimens of Victorian architecture in New England. The public is welcome to visit this home, which features 35 rooms. Historic buildings abound in Bennington’s downtown, many of which date back to the town’s founding more than two centuries and fifty five years ago.
Warren
Located in the Mad River Valley between two mountain ranges in the verdant Green Mountains is the little village of Warren. Since the first ski lift was constructed in the valley in the 1930s, skiing has been a popular sport in the region.
When ski resorts opened in the area in the 1950s, the town suddenly became a popular destination for celebrities and A-listers like the Kennedys. Warren Falls is a popular natural swimming place during the warm summer months for both locals and tourists, thanks to its crystal blue canyon and its location amidst the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains.
Middlebury
Middlebury, located in Addison County, is a great spot to visit if you’re interested in Vermont’s past. Founded in 1882, the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History houses a small but significant antiques and art collection. The Vermont Folklife Center in the city is another excellent resource for discovering the state’s rich heritage.
Lake Dunmore is a peaceful wooded region surrounding a lake that is ideal for bicycling and hiking, and it is located near Middlebury, which is known for its history and old buildings. Battell Park, located closer to town, is ideal for a leisurely stroll in the woods without too much of an adrenaline rush.
Waterbury
In the middle of Vermont, Waterbury is surrounded by the stunning Green Mountains. Fans of the great outdoors will find lots to see and do in the city. In the colder months, you may go skiing or snowboarding on powdery slopes, or you can try something new and exciting like snowshoeing, dog sledding, or a sleigh ride.
Campers and hikers flock to the Green Mountain Forest when spring arrives. It’s not all about the outdoors; you can also try some of Vermont’s finest handcrafted goods right here. Try some of the world-famous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream made right in town at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill or relax with a cup of coffee at the Green Mountain Coffee Shop.
Burke
Burke Mountain, located just outside of town, provides excellent skiing in the winter at the Burke Mountain Ski Area and fantastic hiking in the summer.
Volunteers groomed mountain bike paths that are ideal for the sport of cross-country skiing in winter. Lake Willoughby and Lake Crystal are great for swimming when the weather is nice, while neighbouring Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah provide even more opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Hartford
In 1971, the communities of Hartford, Quechee, West Hartford, White River Junction, and Wilder merged to become the town of Hartford. As one might expect from a town situated at the meeting point of the White and Connecticut rivers, as well as the Ottauquechee River, which flows right through it, the town’s history revolves mostly on these three waterways.
In the 19th century, industry was brought to the region by the construction of mills along the canals, which was followed by the arrival of railroads. Amtrak’s Vermonter train runs daily between New York and Hartford, bringing tourists to see the city’s quaint simplicity.
Main Street Museum and Northern Stage Theater are just two of the many locally owned and operated establishments that keep this town bustling.
Weston
Weston, Vermont, in Windsor County, is a great destination to experience genuine Vermont hospitality and rustic ambiance. Here, you may take a leisurely stroll around town and get lost in its picturesque charm, from the town green and the Old Parish Church (constructed in 1832) to the Village Green Gallery (where you can appreciate art with a cup of coffee) and the small shops in between.
The Weston Priory, home to a tiny group of Benedictine Monks who occasionally put on services for the public in the little chapel, and the clapboard Inn at Weston, which dates back to 1848, are both great places to stop for a good breakfast.
Waitsfield
Located in a valley between the Green and Northfield Mountains, Waitsfield is surrounded by lush green fields and rustic farmhouses. A pleasant community, it was established in an agricultural region that now attracts many tourists for its proximity to excellent skiing. To that end, several of the 19th-century farmhouses have been transformed into family-friendly B&Bs where visitors can unwind amidst the stunning natural scenery.
There is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from in Waitsfield, from Mexican to vegetarian to French, and even an IPA produced in town to wash it all down.
Shelburne
The town of Shelburne rests on the banks of the massive Lake Champlain, which spans 514 square miles and extends into the Canadian province of Quebec. If nothing else, the sunsets here on the lake are spectacular. But of course, the summer months are the finest time to enjoy water sports, boating, or just putting your toes in the water at the beach on Lake Champlain.
The Shelburne Museum, a vast facility housing anything from impressionist art to Americana curios, can be found in this town. A vintage steamboat, one of just two side-paddle-wheel passenger steamers still in existence, may be explored here.
Stowe
Stowe, Vermont, is a popular ski destination because of its proximity to Mount Mansfield, the state’s tallest mountain. The downtown section of this charming 19th-century town is full of historic structures that have served the local population for years.
The General Store has been in business in Stowe since 1895, and the Stowe Theater Guild puts on excellent productions. The Stowe Community Church, with its distinctive white tower, was built in 1963. Stop by Stowe Public House for some locally produced beer after a day of sightseeing.
Grafton
One of Vermont’s most picturesque communities, Grafton, was given its name in an unusual fashion. In 1791, the right to rename the town, then known as Thomlinson, was auctioned off for $5 and some rum, and the winning bidder, who was from Grafton, Massachusetts, rechristened the town after his hometown. The private Windham Foundation, created in the 1960s, was instrumental in reviving Grafton and contributing to the village’s current state of elegant beauty.
A key endeavour of the foundation was the burial of all electricity and telephone wires, which contributes to Grafton’s time-warp vibe.
Dorset
Dorset, a town that played a significant role in the formation of the brief Vermont Republic, has been inhabited since the late 17th century. There is also the oldest marble quarry in the United States here.
The New York Public Library really used some of the stone mined here. Dorset Quarry is closed, but that doesn’t mean the land is abandoned. In the warmer months, many people go to this area to cool off in the water. In addition, there are a plethora of hiking routes in the neighbourhood. Dorset Mountain, also close by, is a wonderful destination for nature lovers.
Woodstock
Woodstock’s attractions extend beyond its preserved structures, however, since the city is also home to the lush Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.
The park is home to the Billings Farm and Museum, a pioneering dairy farm that has been around since 1890 and was previously owned by Laurance Rockefeller. However, as you return to the city, there are a plethora of historic sites to explore. The Norman Williams Public Library is only one of several buildings in the Woodstock Village Historic District that goes back to the late 18th or early 19th century.
Chester
Chester’s main street is lined with attractive, historic stores and buildings, allowing for a pleasant day of wandering, visiting, and dining for anybody seeking a taste of New England’s quaintness.
Chester was founded in 1761, and the town’s history can be observed in landmarks like the Stone Village’s collection of historic buildings and the charming Old Train Station.
It’s a great spot to come at any time of year because to the abundance of exciting yearly festivals, such as the Big Buzz Chainsaw Carving Festival, the Chester Fall Festival, and the Winter Festival.
Manchester
Manchester is about as picturesque as it gets, what with all of its gorgeous steeples and antique buildings. While the Bennington County Courthouse and Hildene – The Lincoln Family Home (the old vacation home of Abraham Lincoln’s first son) are sure to win your heart, there is much more to do in town than simply gawk at historic structures.
In the winter, skiers will enjoy the slopes at nearby Bromley Mountain, while in the summer, thrill seekers will enjoy one of the longest ziplines in the state. Just about 400 thousand acres of pristine wilderness await hikers, cyclists, and stroller-pushers in the adjacent Green Mountain National Forest.
What is the prettiest town in Vermont?
Grafton. Architectural Landmark.
Manchester. Natural Feature.
Montpelier. Architectural Landmark.
Shelburne. Architectural Land.
Stowe. Architectural Landmark.
Waitsfield. Architectural Landmark