Destinations

7 Overlooked Vermont Towns to Visit

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No matter what season you’re visiting Vermont in, every town and city is worth a visit for the unique sights, restaurants, breweries, cafes, shops, and experiences within them that define them. Here are 7 over-overlooked towns for an authentic Vermont afternoon visit… And what to do in each of them from a local’s perspective.

Often Overlooked Vermont Towns to Visit for an Authentic Experience

1. Jeffersonville, Vermont

Situated in northern Vermont, Jeffersonville has a charming small-town, ski-town ambiance and abundant outdoor adventures, including skiing and hiking in the nearby Smugglers’ Notch Resort. This little village sits within the town of Cambridge is the gateway to Smugglers’ Notch. Here are things to do within Jeffersonville, Vermont:

  • Enjoy a coffee at The Farm Store Vermont (paired with an exceptional confetti or chocolate chip cookie).
  • Sample small-batch spirits at Smugglers’ Notch Distillery’s flagship store. Don’t leave without trying their barrel-aged maple syrup.
  • Have one of the best, most wallet-friendly burgers in your life at the Burger Barn with a huge menu of burger options.
  • Check out the Brewster River Gorge and Grist Mill bridge, before driving over Smugglers’ Notch for a beautiful ride to Stowe.
  • Pick-your-own blueberries and apples and enjoy cider donuts from Stony Grove – just outside of downtown.

2. Johnson, Vermont

Johnson, a charming college town of only 1,400 residents, boasts a variety of shops, attractions and outdoor recreation for visitors. It’s also home to Northern Vermont University. Here are things to do in Johnson, Vermont:

3. Hardwick, Vermont

Hardwick, Vermont, known for its pivotal role in Vermont’s granite industry, invites visitors and locals alike to explore its cute downtown, rugged landscapes, and outdoor recreation in the gateway to the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Here are things to do in Hardwick, Vermont:

4. St. Johnsbury, Vermont

St. Johnsbury, Vermont, a small town in Caledonia County, boasts historical charm, cultural vibrancy, and a rich arts community. Here are things to do in St. Johnsbury, Vermont:

  • Visit the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, the state’s only planetarium and New England’s most extensive natural history display.
  • Make a stop at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, a public library with a dedicated art gallery.
  • Explore the 150 acres of trails, art gallery, and oh-so-special dog chapel at Dog Mountain – home of the late Stephen Huneck’s artwork.
  • Stop in Whirligig Brewing and St. Johnsbury Distillery to sample some local beer and spirits.
  • Don’t miss the little shops downtown, including Moose River Lake & Lodge, and the Northeast Kingdom’s Artists’ Guild gallery.
  • For outdoor recreation, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail starts (or ends) in St. J and is a four-season path for easy access to outdoor activities.

5. Barre, Vermont

Barre, Vermont, known as the “Granite Center of the World,” is a Vermont city with a rich history of granite quarrying and sculpting, with many famous landmarks made from its stone. Here are things to do in Barre, Vermont:

  • See the largest zipper in the world right downtown, made of granite of course. It is 74-feet long down an alley off of Main Street. Artist Chris Miller named it “Unzipping the Earth.”
  • Tour Rock of Ages, with its beautiful blue water and stunning views from above. At nearly 600 feet deep, it is the largest operating deep-hole, dimension granite quarry in the world.
  • Visit the Vermont Granite Museum, which is located in a turn-of-the-century granite manufacturing plant. The museum uses interactive exhibits to teach about geology, history, and the unique granite industry in Vermont.
  • Explore Hope Cemetery just outside of downtown, known for its granite craftsmanship on memorials and tombstones. It’s often referred to as a “museum of granite sculptures” for the stunning granite work.
  • Have one of the best sandwiches in the state at Morse Block Deli, amazing pizza at Pearl Street Pizza, or a sophisticated grilled cheese at The Meltdown.
  • Sip an espresso at Espresso Bueno, a popular Barre coffee shop known for its espresso drinks, friendly staff, and cozy atmosphere.

6. Chester, Vermont

Chester is a charming town with a rich history dating back to the 1700s. It’s known for its two historic districts, Stone Village and Chester Village, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Chester is what I like to call the antique capital of Vermont as a hub for Victorian homes and antique shops. Here are things to do in Chester, Vermont:

  • Browse antique stores and the Stone House Antique Center.
  • Eat maple cream pie at Country Girl Diner, an authentic Silk City Silver dining care built in 1944.
  • Hike the Lost Mine trail, a 2.1 mile loop that’s open year-round and popular for cross-country skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing.
  • Photograph the Victorian homes downtown.

7. Proctorsville and Cavendish, Vermont

Cavendish, Vermont is home to the village of Proctorsville, which is known for its charming village green and historic buildings. Here are things to do in Cavendish and Proctorsville:

  • Stay at Castle Hill Resort and Spa, which is included in the Historic Hotels of America and the National Register of Historic Places. Their Aveda Concept Spa is the only full-service spa in the Ludlow region.
  • Grab one of the best sandwiches in the state from Singleton’s General Store. Take some of their smoked bacon to go!
  • Sample beers at Outer Limits Brewing (temporarily closed due to the July 2023 flooding).
  • Have a farm-fresh dinner in a welcoming pub space at Murdock’s on the Green.

Be part of the conversation! What is a Vermont town that’s under-rated in your opinion?

 

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