Woodstock, Vermont

This well-kept community, which is centered on an English town green and surrounded by whitewashed homes, is even more lovely when covered in a thin layer of fresh snow. Independent stores and eateries like the Vermont Eclectic Company, which offers T-shirts with graphic decals created by Vermont-based artists, line Center and Elm Streets. Another old-fashioned general shop in the area is FH Gillingham & Sons, which is close by and is supplied with plenty of maple syrup, Vermont's greatest elixir. On the outskirts of town, don't miss Farmhouse Pottery. The store, which is housed in a former Bible bindery, sells everything from traditional pie dishes to cocktail beakers and also provides clay dates and wheel lessons for crafty types.

This quaint southern Vermont village may be reached from New York in less than five hours by taking I-91 through Connecticut and the Berkshire Mountains. Take a little detour to Brattleboro on your way north for a photo pitstop: The charming town is home to the National Register of Historic Places-listed wooden Creamery Bridge from the 19th century.

Location: Woodstock, Vermont