10 Best Small Towns in Vermont

It only makes sense that a state with more forest than development and a population well under a million people has some of the best small towns around. Imagine streets lined with small businesses, communities served by a general store, and bed-and-breakfasts tucked away in dense groves of trees, and you’ll basically have summed up life in small-town Vermont. Surrounding these little hubs of action are dense forests — which boast some of the most vibrant fall colors in the nation — and 19th-century wooden bridges crossing waterways.

And then there’s the food — in agricultural communities like these, much of it is local. Roadside stands sell veggies, eggs, and berries in the summer. Maple syrup and syrup-infused products (don’t miss a maple creemee!) are everywhere, as are dairy products, including the award-winning cheeses and locally made ice cream. 

The flavors of Vermont are often found in general stores, which Matt Canning, the general manager of Hotel Vermont in Burlington, says are “the cornerstone of small communities.” Inside these tiny stores, he told Travel + Leisure, “you can find local produce, award-winning cheeses, sought-after beer, and no-nonsense conversations.” 

Here are 10 of the best small towns in Vermont, according to locals.

Stowe

If you like to ski, you’ve probably heard of Stowe, a little town of under 800 people that welcomes thousands of pow-hungry skiers each winter. But there’s more to Stowe than skiing. The community is set near Mount Mansfield, which can be summited via the Auto Toll Road for scenic views, and the paved Stowe Recreation Path runs through town. Plus, there’s plenty of hiking, biking, and camping in the nearby Smugglers’ Notch State Park.

Jamen Yeaton-Masi, the vice president of operations for VBT Bicycling Vacations and Country Walkers, two Vermont tour operators, lived in Stowe for many years, and it remains one of her favorite small towns in the state. “The classic Main Street is lined with flower boxes in summer and white lights in winter. Stowe is nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains and within minutes you can be skiing, biking, hiking, or swimming,” she said in an email interview with T+L.

Bristol

Bristol, located between Burlington and Middlebury, is the epitome of small-town Vermont, with a cute downtown that includes eateries like Smoke and Lola’s, a breakfast and lunch spot where the soup of the day is always free. Bristol borders the Green Mountain National Forest and sits just 20 minutes from Mad River Glen Ski Area, one of the best ski spots in New England.

“In the summer and fall, Bristol has access to some of the best gravel cycling in the state and the iconic Bartlett Falls swimming hole,” said Canning. “In the winter months, a four-wheel-drive-required commute over the Appalachian Gap will land you at the foot of Mad River Glen, the region’s only publicly owned co-op ski resort.”

Woodstock

Woodstock is one of the best-known towns on this list, yet it remains surprisingly small (with around 3,000 residents). It was once voted “America’s Prettiest Town,” a moniker it still uses today, and it’s considered to be one of the best fall destinations in the U.S. thanks to its vibrant fall foliage and quaint, small-town feel.

Yeaton-Masi confirms that “Woodstock is one of those picture-book New England villages you expect to see when driving through Vermont.” She recommends checking out the covered bridge over the Ottauquechee River and hiking the trails that lead to the top of Mount Tom.

Greensboro

As Canning says, this little town of around 800 people is literally “in the middle of nowhere.” But “nowhere” in Vermont is also where some of the state’s best beer and cheese is made. The former is supplied by Hill Farmstead Brewery, whose microbrews are best enjoyed during summer in the ample outdoor seating, while the latter can be found at Jasper Hill Farm, whose brie-like Harbison variety has won “Best American Cheese” at the World Cheese Awards four times.

Canning notes, “This small town in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont has influenced how American cheese and beer is seen on the world stage. Dirt roads, rolling hills, and limited cell reception are all a part of the charm.”

Middlebury

Middlebury is one of the larger small towns on this list, but at just over 9,000 residents, it retains a cozy village spirit. It’s best known as the home to Middlebury College, a well-regarded private liberal arts college, so it has a youthful feel in addition to all the small-town charms found in its walkable downtown shopping area and quaint village green. “Middlebury offers eclectic restaurants, an impressive observatory, a network of trails, a mixture of young and elder intellectual residents, and a fun vibe,” said Yeaton-Masi.

Brownsville

A stone’s throw from the New Hampshire border in southeast Vermont, Brownsville is a tiny burg that boasts two covered bridges and a wealth of natural beauty.

Though it’s often overshadowed by the aforementioned Woodstock 15 miles to the north, Canning warns that you won’t want to miss this small Vermont town. He notes that Brownsville “is far more accessible to the rest of New England than the destinations in and around Burlington. Ascutney ski area has the feel of ski resorts from yesteryear, [and] the mountain bike trail network is endless.” But if nothing else, he says, the burger at Brownsville Butcher & Pantry “is worth the trip alone.”

Vergennes

With just one square mile of area and a history dating back to 1788, Vergennes is an easy pick if you’re looking for a town that’s both walkable and has retained a historic charm.

While tiny in size (and home to under 3,000 people), Vergennes has a handful of boutiques and art galleries, along with plenty of food-focused attractions, including food trucks in the town square and a great farmers market. 

Yeaton-Masi particularly recommends the town, which is located in northwest Vermont between Burlington and Middlebury. “Tucked in between two college cities, surrounded by farmland, and just minutes from Lake Champlain, Vergennes is both a great place to live and visit,” she says.

Elmore

Elmore may be the quietest town on this list. It’s 20 minutes from Stowe but has a much calmer feel, with no restaurants, cafes, or hotels of its own. Those who love nature, though, will feel right at home. Elmore is located on a lake (Lake Elmore) and has a state park (Elmore State Park) with great camping, hiking, and swimming.

Yeaton-Masi, who currently lives in Elmore, says, “Elmore is tiny but a real gem!” Like any true Vermont small town, Elmore has a general store, where Yeaton-Masi says you “can buy anything from local cheese and maple syrup to fishing tackle. Delicious wood-fired pizza can be enjoyed on the back deck overlooking the lake, and during summer months music from live concerts held behind the store wafts over the water.”

Winooski

Most Americans have heard of Burlington, which, with 45,000 residents, a commercial airport, and a number of resident colleges, is Vermont’s largest city. But most don’t know about the quieter, smaller community of Winooski, which sits just outside the city to the northeast.  This suburb of just over 8,000 people has access to the amenities of Burlington, while retaining its small-town charm.

“[Winooski] is known as the Brooklyn to Burlington,” said Canning. “This city is one square mile and has one of the youngest and most diverse populations in New England. In the center of town is a roundabout, colloquially known as the Winooski speedway, which hosts live music, farmers markets, and is surrounded by exciting and innovative restaurants.” 

Montpelier

The fact that the Vermont state capital falls on this list really says something about the culture of small-town Vermont living. Montpelier is the only U.S. state capital without a McDonald’s, and while it houses the seat of state government, it’s only home to about 8,000 residents.

“What this tiny capital does offer is a ‘small-town’ feel, great farm-to-table cuisine, lively cafes, and frequent festivals on the front lawn of the capitol,” said Yeaton-Masi, who notes that “It’s not uncommon to drive by and see cows grazing on the grass in front of the gold-domed building.”

Ah, Vermont.