Vermont is a model New England state and a wilderness wonderland. This relatively small state on the Canadian border is known for its stunningly rocky terrain. Excellent skiing can be found in mountains, which have also produced Winter Olympians. Trails for mountain biking and hiking wind through those same areas during the summer. Forested lakes with glassy pools make for foggy, relaxing days. The story of the early American colony and the United States is being told in the small towns of Vermont through their museums, monuments, and historic structures. If you want to learn more, continue reading to find out about some of the things your family will discover when you take a trip to Manchester, Vermont.

Manchester is about as charming as they come, with its pretty steeples and old buildings. There is much more to do in the town than just admire the architecture, even though the town will win your heart with structures like the Bennington County Courthouse and Hildene - The Lincoln Family Home (once the summer residence of Abraham Lincoln's first son). The Hildene, the family vacation home of Robert Todd Lincoln and his wife Mary Harlan Lincoln, is the first location worth visiting. In Manchester, Vermont, you can tour this historic house and enjoy its beautiful grounds, which also feature a peony and butterfly garden. You must take the time to explore some of Manchester's breathtakingly beautiful natural surroundings.

You can easily make plans to spend the day in Manchester learning why it's one of the best small towns in Vermont because there are so many things to do there. With a population of about 4300, Manchester is a sweet and endearing town. Despite its small size, Manchester offers a wide range of activities all year long. The Northshire Bookstore in the city center of Manchester, Vermont, is among the attractions there. For more than 40 years, the bookstore has been a favorite in New England. This independent bookshop offers more than just books and has a homey atmosphere. There is a section for kids that offers eco-friendly apparel as well as enjoyable and unusual mementos.

Chester, a quaint little town where the Hallmark film Moonlight & Mistletoe was filmed, has a lovely downtown and a welcoming atmosphere. Springfield is only a few miles to the northeast of Chester, a town in southern Vermont. The town is located about 10 miles from the border with New Hampshire. Anyone looking for a small piece of New England should visit Chester. The town's main street is lined with charming, old-fashioned stores and homes, making it a pleasant place to stroll through, shop at, and eat. Chester, a small and charming town with about 3,000 residents, is well-known for its "stone village".

Buildings from the 18th century are painted in rich, worn colors along Main Street in Chester's downtown. Chester has a few lovely inns scattered around the small village. The Hugging Bear Inn & Shoppe is the inn shown in this image. A lot of entertaining and distinctive cafes and shops can be found in Chester. After a while of exploring the village, you will start to notice how vivid and colorful some of the structures are. So, Chester is the place to go if you're looking for cute towns to visit in Vermont. Plan a trip to this charming town if you're looking for a small town to visit in Vermont with historic and colorful townhouses and shops, calm and welcoming shopkeepers, and inn receptionists.

Some of the town's more notable buildings, like the elegant Old Train Station or the complex at the Stone Village, can be seen as examples of the town's history; after all, Chester dates back to 1761. It is a fun and interesting place to visit at any time of year thanks to a number of annual festivals like the Big Buzz Chainsaw Carving Festival, the Chester Fall Festival, and the Winter Festival.

That Woodstock, Vermont is regarded as the best small town in the Green Mountain state is not surprising. Woodstock, Vermont, with its population of about 3,000, is the place to go to get a true taste of New England. Woodstock is situated in Windsor Country, in the southern region of Vermont. In addition to having a reputation for being a welcoming small town, Woodstock is a great place to visit for a day trip. When you go, stroll through the town's main square and look at the interesting buildings lining the side streets. When you visit, make sure to explore some of the tourist attractions, including Sleepy Hollow Farm, and spend some time by the river.

Woodstock is an accessible day trip or weekend getaway from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York due to its location in the southern part of the state. When you stroll through the town's center and peruse the shops, you can experience life as a local. You'll run into some intriguing architecture while exploring the town, like the Our Lady of the Snows Church. This distinctive church is located at 7 South Street. Woodstock is unique because there are so many outdoor activities available. The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is included in this.

If you go during the fall, stop at Sleepy Hollow Farm to take in the scenery. Go to 3429 Cloudland Road in Woodstock to find the farm. Don't forget to drive through the Woodstock Middle Bridge on Mountain Avenue. Spend some time by the Ottauquechee River if you need to be reminded of why Woodstock is the best small town in Vermont. However, once you're back in town, there are lots of historical structures to admire. In actuality, the Norman Williams Public Library and other structures from the late 18th and early 19th centuries can be found throughout the Woodstock Village Historic District.

Dorset, a small Vermont town with a population of about 2,000, is situated in Bennington County. If you're looking for a unique place to explore while you're in Vermont, this small New England town has plenty to offer despite its sparse population. This entails exploring the neighborhood quarry, going to a few historical sites, eating some delectable local fare, and much more. Take Vermont 30 North or South to get to Dorset. About 10 minutes north of Manchester is the town. Spend some time perusing the charming New England shops as you stroll through the tiny town.

Visit the Dorset Historical Society to find out more about the past of this tiny Vermont town. Currently, the museum is accessible Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. If you're in Dorset during a scorching summer day, stop to cool off at the neighborhood quarry. When you're ready to refuel, stop by the Dorset Bakery for a decadent treat or a filling sandwich. During your day trip to this picturesque area of Vermont, you can also spend some time in East Dorset and go to Emerald Lake State Park.

Plan to spend some time kayaking and unwinding on the beach while at the nearby state park. This swimming area is well-liked in the summer and offers several places to jump in. In addition, there are many hiking trails in the vicinity. Anyone looking for some time in the great outdoors should visit the nearby Dorset Mountain.

Grafton, one of the most beautiful villages in New England, is tucked away in the southern Vermont mountains. The Windham Foundation and its residents have restored many of the town's lovely and historic buildings, giving it a much-preserved appearance today. Because Grafton is a genuine village and not a recreation created for a museum, its residents are its most precious asset. The 600 residents of this thriving community still attend the customary Town Meeting, which features a wonderfully diverse population. The splendor and peace of Grafton emerge as winter draws near. Wander through the snow-covered village, which looks like a real-life snow globe. While sitting by a fire and taking in the beauty of the season, warm yourself.

One of Vermont's loveliest towns, Grafton, acquired its name in an unusual manner. The right to change its name was put up for auction in 1791, and the winning bidder paid $5 and some rum to have it renamed after his hometown of Grafton, Massachusetts. The private Windham Foundation was started in the 1960s to aid in the restoration of the village, and it is largely to thank for Grafton's graceful beauty. All electrical and telephone lines were buried as part of the foundation's projects, which contributes to Grafton's vintage appearance.

Their list places Stowe, Vermont, as the sixth-best small town in the country. Stowe is renowned for its first-rate ski resort, charming and charming small downtown, and breathtaking natural scenery. It's challenging to find a location quite like Stowe, given the abundance of locations and natural wonders nearby. Any visitor to Stowe is immediately taken aback by its natural beauty, which includes idyllic rolling hills, classic farmhouses, small-town churches, and barns. Some of the East Coast's best skiing and riding can be found at Stowe Mountain Resort. You can choose from a wide variety of varied terrain, parks, glades, and cutting-edge amenities, including their opulent ski village.

In Stowe, taking a stroll down Main Street is a charming side trip. Shaw's General Stowe and other small boutiques and eateries can be found throughout the charming downtown. There is no better place in Vermont to combine swimming holes and waterfalls than at Bingham Falls in Stowe. At this well-liked location, one can find lovely, deep natural swimming holes as well as a sizable, expansive waterfall. The former home of the Austrian family that The Sound of Music portrays, Trapp Family Lodge, is now an inn and lodge situated in the pastoral and beautiful fields of Stowe. At the Trapp Family estate, the hills are resonant with music.

Stowe is frequently disregarded. But Stowe is a fantastic place to live. The mountains and the forest all around you are a sight to behold. You will see a burst of red, orange, and yellow during the fall, creating a variety of vibrant scenery. Due to the slower pace of small-town life and lack of population, the town won't feel crowded or rushed.

The population of Shelburne, a small town in Vermont, is just under ten thousand. Shelburne, a charming town off Lake Champlain, is well-known for its museum, farms, winery, and a variety of other things. Shelburne may be small, but there is still a lot to do and enjoy with family and friends there. As a result, it's the perfect place to go on a relaxing vacation with your loved ones. Even without anything else, the sunsets from this lakeside location are spectacular. However, it goes without saying that Lake Champlain is ideal for water activities, yachting, and simply dipping your toes in the water at the beach—all of which are best enjoyed during the summer.

The Shelburne Museum, a sizable space stuffed with everything from impressionist paintings to Americana curios, is notably located in this town. One of the two remaining side-paddle-wheel passenger steamers can even be seen here being explored. Spend some time exploring the Ticonderoga steamship on the grounds in addition to The Shelburne Museum's exhibits. Make time to stroll through the Shelburne Museum's gardens as well. The Inn at Shelburne Farms is a lovely place to stay and a fantastic place to spend an afternoon. When you visit the Shelburne Orchard while on vacation in Vermont, treat yourself to some delectable regional treats.

In Washington County, Vermont, there are about 2,000 people living in the small town of Waitsfield. Waitsfield is one of Vermont's friendliest towns and is situated in a beautiful area of the Green Mountain State. This is a result of its strong sense of belonging, friendly atmosphere, and safety. Waitsfield is a friendly town for travelers interested in unwinding here when they need a break from the slopes because it is close to several well-known ski resorts. The Mad River Valley in Vermont is where Waitsfield is situated. Additionally, it is located along Route 100 and close to the Green Mountains.

The Pine Brook Covered Bridge is a component of Waitsfield's classic New England charm. The atmosphere at American Flatbread, a well-known eatery in Waitsfield, is warm and welcoming, as you can see from this picture. Please feel free to visit the Town Office while you are here to learn more about this welcoming region of Vermont. You can extend your stay in Waitsfield over the course of a weekend and take advantage of the warm atmosphere at The Round Barn Bed & Breakfast. You can't help but notice the strong sense of community when visiting Waitsfield. This covers events like the autumnal gathering held by Hartshorn Organic Farm & Maple Sugar House.

Waterbury certainly has a lot going on for a 19th-century, classic Vermont village with only two stoplights along its main downtown corridor. This tiny town has a lot to offer in any season. With easy access to some of the best skiing and snowmobiling trails in the eastern United States, winters are sure to please ski and snowmobile enthusiasts. With Mt. Mansfield and Camel's Hump as its immediate neighbors, winter offers a wealth of outdoor pursuits. The autumn season here is also nothing short of a visual feast. The reason why you will love Waterbury is that it rounded out by its abundance of restaurants, hiking trails, and state parks, making it a must-stop location on any road trip through Vermont.

The center of the city's downtown, Waterbury Village, is home to a variety of eateries, art galleries, and shops. In the heart of Vermont, the picturesque Green Mountains surround the town of Waterbury. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the town offers a lot to see and do. It's not just about the outdoors here; you can also sample some of the locally produced food in Vermont. Stop by the Cold Hollow Cider Mill or the Green Mountain Coffee Shop for a cool drink, and then visit the nearby factory to sample the famous Ben & Jerry's ice cream.

The story of Ben and Jerry is one not to be missed, starting in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, back in 1978, and ending in a fully operational factory producing millions of pints of oddly and humorously named frozen treats. Along with producing miniature works of art, the team's dedication to "doing the right thing" has been a cornerstone of their business strategy. These two businesspeople are known for improving farmer lives, fighting for GMO-free food, and even showing their support for non-dairy and vegan ice cream lovers around the globe. They are also passionate about global issues. These non-dairy euphoric flavors, in their opinion, deliver everything but the cow. After your tour, don't forget to pay a visit to the flavor graveyard outside, where Ben and Jerry honor their "dearly de-pinted" flavors that are no longer produced. Each flavor has a gravestone that cleverly and humorously depicts its demise.

A completely unappreciated small town called Bennington can be found in Vermont's southwest, close to the borders with New York and Massachusetts. This stunning location is brimming with history, indie stores, and top-notch dining options. In this charming Vermont town, whatever your interests, you can find something to do. Additionally, it's genuinely among the best places in Vermont to spend the winter, and it's a top destination for northeastern leaf peepers. The Bennington Battle Memorial in this historic Vermont town serves as a reminder of a significant American War of Independence battle that took place nearby. This 93-meter-tall obelisk, which was finished in 1889, honors the actual battle of 1777. In actuality, it's the state's tallest man-made structure!

There is no better location to go hiking than in Bennington if you enjoy being outside. An 11-mile route called the Bald Mountain Trail will take you to the top of the entire town. You'll pass by wildlife, flowing rivers, and a variety of topographies along the way. Remember that this hike in Bennington, Vermont, is moderate to difficult. The trail is relatively simple in the beginning, but it gets more challenging as you ascend.

The preferred park in Bennington for locals is Willow Park. The best place to go for outdoor activities like Bennington sledding is here. In addition to a few grills, this area has a few large pavilions with plenty of space for gatherings. For a fun adventure if you enjoy biking, visit one of Willow Park's many bike tours!

Brattleboro may appear to be a city by Vermont standards with its several blocks of Main Street structures and businesses and a population of about 12,000 people. However, it isn't because it has a town form of government with a yearly town meeting. What's more, it exhibits a small-town ethic. It is also one of the few places in the state where industry has played a significant role in its history. There were several manufacturers as well as mills for textiles, paper, and machinery by the middle of the 19th century. The idealistic (and liberal) back-to-the-landers who moved here in the 1960s and 1970s stood in contrast to this blue-collar heritage; over time, the two merged to give Brattleboro a vibe that is unlike anywhere else in the state.

There are many active craftspeople, musicians, and artists in this area, along with small working farms, some of which are now run by third generation back-to-the-landers. Small shops, galleries, bookstores, coffee shops, tiny ethnic cafes, and a resale consignment center that occupies an old department store can all be found in the city's bustling downtown. Notices of performances, concerts, classes, social action meetings, and community events are posted on bulletin boards (which include the annual Strolling of the Heifers, when local kids parade their livestock down Main Street).

Spend a Saturday morning at the Brattleboro Farmers' Market to find a microcosm of everything mentioned above. Here, locals and visitors mix while shopping for fresh produce, handmade soaps, pottery, maple syrup, garden plants, handspun yarns, woodenware, farm cheese, fine chocolates, breads baked in wood-fired ovens, and an international selection of lunch foods from all five continents. From May through October, when it relocates to a location on Main Street for the winter, it is the social event of the week. Local musicians play, kids play in the sandbox, and picnic tables are full by 11 a.m. This is the place to go if you want to learn more about Brattleboro.

It's difficult to imagine a more picture-perfect New England townscape than Weston's, which revolves around its village green and has a bandstand in the middle. The Vermont Country Store's double-decker porches look out onto the narrow main street, and on the other side of the common is a red mill with a water wheel. Many tourists come to Weston for the country store. Since it was reopened in the 1940s by a descendant of the original owner, the original store, with its pot-bellied stove, wooden display cabinets, jars of penny candy, and antique goods hanging from the beams, has grown. However, it keeps the character and a lot of vintage goods that aren't found elsewhere.

A museum and shop combined, the Vermont Scale Museum at the shop showcases measuring tools from the 19th century. The historical Weston is home to a number of museums, including this one. The grist mill exhibits the complex network of gears and belts that powered the grindstones as one of only a few operational New England water mills. Antique tools can be found elsewhere in the mill, and the tinsmith's shop is typically occupied. The Farrar-Mansur House, which was finished in 1797, has collections of quilts, samplers, costumes, toys, and musical instruments as well as mid-19th-century decor and furnishings. A Concord Coach that served as the band wagon for a neighborhood brass band is housed in a separate structure.

The imposing Weston Playhouse Theatre Company, Vermont's oldest professional theater company, is situated right next to the green and has a year-round schedule that includes concerts, opera, juried arts and crafts shows, and plays and musicals in the summer.

Contrary to Weston, which is nearby, Ludlow is not a picture-perfect village centered around a common, despite having a number of notable older homes and the impressive brick Black River Academy, where a young Calvin Coolidge attended school. The incredible variety of things to do in Ludlow is what makes it so appealing. Okemo Mountain, which rises behind the town, has seven of the East's most cutting-edge terrain parks, including the longest super-pipe, and 655 acres of slopes that are crisscrossed by 121 ski trails. The Jackson Gore Inn is a superb condo-style hotel with on-site dining and easy access to the slopes, making it a great choice for ski vacationers coming to Ludlow.

The two base areas of Okemo Mountain Resort feature the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, an NHL-grade covered skating rink, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. And that's only in the winter; there is also a golf course, mountain biking, chairlift rides, and a jam-packed calendar of events during the summer. Along with the typical sporting goods stores, the small downtown is home to craft shops, a fantastic bookshop, two bakeries, a wool store, a farmers' market, and a variety of restaurants.

Locals can be found at Buttermilk Falls, which is located above town on a side road, on hot summer days. It is a typical country swimming hole with three waterfalls that plunge into two swimming-depth pools. The hamlet of Plymouth Notch, where the 30th US President was raised on his father's farm, is almost exactly preserved by the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, located north of Ludlow. The oath of office was given by his father when word of President Harding's passing reached him. The parlor where it took place, the tiny dance hall on the second floor that served as Coolidge's "summer white house", and various farm structures can all be seen in the tiny village. Visit the farm store to try cheese that is still produced on the premises.