Best Small Towns To Visit In Vermont On Your Next Trip
As you embark on your New England adventure, the charming state of Vermont, known for its idyllic landscapes, should be at the top of your must-visit list. This state is sprinkled with quaint small towns that exude classic Americana and are laden with picturesque beauty, friendly locals, and ample outdoor activities. Let’s explore the five best small towns in Vermont for your next trip!
Five Awesome Small Towns To Visit In Vermont
Woodstock – A Quintessential New England Experience
Renowned as the “Prettiest Small Town in America,” Woodstock is a quintessential New England experience. This charming town, nestled in the heart of the Green Mountain State, offers a captivating blend of pastoral beauty, rich history, cultural allure, and outdoor adventures.
As you saunter down the streets lined with elms and maples, the town’s vibrant downtown area leaves you spellbound. Historic buildings dating back to the 19th century house a variety of boutique shops, art galleries, and artisanal food joints. Lose yourself in the F.H. Gillingham & Sons General Store, which has been serving the community since 1886, or explore the picturesque Woodstock Village Historic District, replete with architectural gems like the Woodstock Town Hall Theatre.
For history buffs, the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park offers an excellent insight into the town’s rich heritage. This well-preserved site includes the mansion of Frederick Billings, a pioneer in conservation. At the same location, the Billings Farm & Museum offers a riveting glimpse into Vermont’s rural past. Here, you can witness Jersey cows being milked, engage in interactive exhibits, and take part in various hands-on farm programs.
Where to Stay
Quechee / Pine Valley KOA Holiday is a fantastic RV-friendly campground located a short drive from Woodstock. With full hookups, Wi-Fi, and dog parks, your stay will be comfortable and convenient. Set in a beautiful valley, this campground offers ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
The Quechee Gorge, often dubbed “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” is also just around the corner, making this the ideal base for your Woodstock adventures.
Stowe – Vermont’s Outdoor Recreation Paradise
Brimming with natural beauty and adventure at every turn, Stowe is undeniably one of the best small towns to visit in Vermont. Often dubbed the “Ski Capital of the East,” Stowe is much more than its renowned ski slopes, providing year-round attractions that blend outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and Vermont’s distinct charm.
Surrounded by mountains and forests, Stowe is an adventurer’s paradise. The town lies in the shadow of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, which provides trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbers during warmer months. In winter, these trails transform into some of the best ski runs in the Northeast.
For those seeking a more relaxed exploration, the Stowe Recreation Path is a 5.5-mile paved trail offering a panoramic view of Stowe’s landscape. Wander this path on foot, by bike, or on rollerblades, while taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding mountains, meadows, and streams.
Where to Stay
Stowe’s Smuggler’s Notch State Park has beautiful, RV-friendly campgrounds. Nestled in a pass between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, the campground is a sanctuary of peace and tranquility. Despite its remote feel, it offers modern amenities, including restrooms, showers, and a dumping station.
The park is a gateway to the best of Stowe’s outdoor activities, including hiking, bird-watching, and fall foliage viewing. In winter, it turns into a snowy wonderland, perfect for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. With its natural beauty and amenities, Smuggler’s Notch State Park ensures a comfortable stay amidst nature.
Shelburne – A Cultural Hotspot on Lake Champlain’s Shores
Set along the beautiful shores of Lake Champlain, Shelburne is an enchanting blend of New England charm, vibrant culture, and idyllic landscapes. Renowned for its significant cultural and historical offerings, this small town is a treasure trove of experiences that cater to visitors of all ages and interests.
One of Shelburne’s most prominent attractions is the Shelburne Museum, an outstanding, unconventional museum sprawling over 45 acres. Housing 39 exhibition buildings, this museum offers a diverse and unique collection ranging from American folk and decorative art to vintage carriages and even a historic steamboat. You can easily spend an entire day exploring the art, history, and breathtaking grounds.
Equally captivating is the Shelburne Farms, a 1,400-acre working farm, education center, and National Historic Landmark. Here, you can connect with Vermont’s agricultural heritage through farm tours, cheese making demonstrations, and educational programs that promote sustainability. The children will love meeting the farm animals, making it a perfect family outing.
Where to Stay
The Shelburne Camping Area, located just a short distance from the town center, offers a delightful RV camping experience. This family-owned campground offers amenities like a swimming pool, Wi-Fi, a game room, and even a dog park. Set on the shores of Lake Champlain, the campground provides visitors with a serene setting to relax and enjoy Vermont’s natural beauty.
You can engage in water activities, hiking, or simply sit back and soak in the stunning lake views. With its superb facilities and convenient location, Shelburne Camping Area is an ideal base for your Shelburne adventures.
Grafton – Step Back in Time
Widely regarded as one of the prettiest towns in Vermont, Grafton’s charm lies in its impeccably preserved 19th-century buildings, tranquil surroundings, and small-town hospitality. This charming town is like a living museum, providing visitors with a tangible connection to Vermont’s past.
A walk through Grafton’s streets feels like a journey back in time. The town’s historic homes, church, and inn are beautifully maintained, showcasing the New England architectural style of yesteryears. The Grafton History Museum further immerses visitors in the town’s past, featuring exhibits that tell the story of Grafton’s rise as a significant center for cheese production, among other aspects of its history.
Speaking of cheese, a trip to Grafton would be incomplete without a visit to the famous Grafton Village Cheese Company. Here, you can watch as artisans handcraft cheese, sample a variety of cheeses, and even take some home as edible souvenirs.
Where to Stay
Just a short drive from Grafton, the Camping on the Battenkill campground is the perfect place to park your RV. Here, you’ll find a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern conveniences.
The campground offers numerous spots for RVs, all set in a peaceful, wooded landscape. Enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors while staying connected with free Wi-Fi. The campground also provides easy access to the Battenkill River, making it a great spot for fishing and boating.
Middlebury – Educational Excellence Meets Natural Beauty
Middlebury, a vibrant college town, seamlessly merges intellectual fervor, youthful energy, and the quintessential New England charm. Home to the prestigious Middlebury College, this town offers a blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that appeal to all types of travelers.
Start your exploration at the Middlebury College Museum of Art, which houses an impressive collection of art from around the world. Then, step back in time at the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History, where exhibits bring the state’s rich history to life. Don’t forget to wander around the beautiful college campus, often buzzing with concerts, lectures, and sporting events.
The town’s location near the Green Mountain National Forest opens a world of outdoor adventures. Hiking, biking, and bird-watching are popular activities in the summer, while the winter draws enthusiasts for skiing and snowshoeing.
Where to Stay
Set up your RV at Lake Dunmore Kampersville, just a short drive from Middlebury. This campground offers an array of amenities, including full hookups, lake access, an on-site store, and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake, rent a canoe for a peaceful paddle, or simply relax and soak in the spectacular surroundings. With its comfort and convenience, Lake Dunmore Kampersville serves as the perfect base to explore Middlebury and its environs.
Final Thoughts
Venture off the beaten path and make the most of your Vermont trip by visiting these charming small towns. Each one has its own unique flavor and offers a slice of the tranquil, picturesque, and friendly spirit that characterizes Vermont. Your New England adventure awaits!
Don’t forget to secure your RV rental for small towns to visit in Vermont today!