Vermont

The Best Small Towns in Vermont to Chill Out In 2024

Published

2 years ago

July 30, 2024

The Best Small Towns in Vermont to Chill Out In 2024

We can be thankful that our founding fathers decided to be more creative and changed their minds from initially calling this picturesque state New Connecticut. With some of the country’s most magnificent landscapes, Vermont more than deserves an identity all its own. While you think of skiing, maple syrup, and red clapboard barns, the Green Mountain State offers so much more. Serenity settles in, and your blood pressure instantly lowers as you cross the state line. So much so state troopers set up checkpoints. Ok, not really, but no one would ever deny Vermont’s effortless ability to blissfully hypnotize. Find out why it is home to some of the best places to chill in 2024.

Norwich

A classic barn in West Norwich, Vermont.

Established in 1761, this tiny hamlet is one of the most affluent areas in Vermont.

The Montshire Museum prides itself on its ability to teach while allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the exhibits. Stroll along the Planet Walk, a three-mile route that recreates the distances of the planets in our solar system.

Take a cooking class at King Arthur Baking Company, founded in 1790; this mainstay has worldwide recognition for any novice or master baker. Learn how to make your sourdough base or tour the original buildings. The Norwich Farmers Market is one of the oldest continuously operating in New England. It supports the local agricultural industry by visiting stalls that offer baked bread, churned butter, and fresh produce.

Hazen Trail provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing hike. Breathtaking views abound all year round. Chill out as you become one with Mother Nature and marvel at Hanover Esker, which was formed over the centuries by glacier melt. Book a weekend at the Norwich Inn for an extended stay. Built in 1797, this colonial residence offers New England heritage at its finest.

Stowe

When most people hear of Stowe, they, of course, think snow. Known as the “Skiing Capital of the East,” Stowe has over 120 ski trails spread across 25 resorts, offering options for the novice to the black-run expert. Sandwiched between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, winter sports lovers can try a bit of everything. While, of course, its resorts are unmatched, there is so much more to this charming town all year long. It is the perfect backdrop for any type of chill you want.

During the warmer months, these ski resorts become some of the best hiking and fishing on the East Coast. The Green Mountain Inn, established in 1833, provides families with a full roster of activities for the entire family. The Spa at Stoweflake uses natural minerals from nearby springs to offer over thirty treatments to unwind and rejuvenate.

Fishing is available from the spring through the fall. Cast your reel with experts at Catamount Fishing Adventures, who will help you find the best trout in Stowe.

Middlebury

Chartered in 1761 by New Hampshire Governor Benning Wentworth, who was responsible for founding numerous cities in the region, Middlebury is the county seat of Addison County. Parts of the town were damaged during the Revolutionary War, and its rebuilding in 1783 is the basis of today’s modern-day hamlet.

Over half the town is professionally or personally connected to Middlebury College. Home to The Middlebury College Museum of Art, the campus is the ideal place to chill. Peruse the endless shelves of the two libraries and find a quiet corner to relax.

Lake Dunmore spans approximately 985 acres. At the visitor center, rent a rowboat and enjoy 360-degree views of neighboring towns Salisbury and Leceister.

Tour the vineyards at Lincoln Peak. Founded in 2001, it has quickly become a budding sommelier’s favorite stop in Vermont. With award-winning Chardonnay, this family-run business offers tastings and informative seminars on the region’s history.

Woodstock

Founded in 1761, Woodstock was home to some of the nation’s first entrepreneurs and business people. Named one of the prettiest American towns to visit in the winter, it is among Vermont’s top tourist destinations during the holidays. Wassail Weekend in December recreates an immersive Dickens experience. Period costumed entertainers adorned in holly and ivy line the streets. Best of all, Woodstock is the perfect place to chill all year round.

Home to three covered bridges, it’s the ideal backdrop for your Instagram. Middle Covered Bridge is in the center of town. Stroll the nearby shops that line The Green. Find local artisans and farm-to-table cuisine.

Billings Farm and Museum is a short drive away. This working dairy farm, on over 200 acres, provides a great afternoon of fun. Pick fruit, ride the tractors, and tour the historic barns.

Chester

Famed for its Stone Village Historic District, Chester was incorporated in 1754 by Governor Benning Wentworth. With multiple listings on the National Historic Registry, it has become a much-wanted stop for colonial enthusiasts.

The historic village came about with a bit of divine intervention, literally. The Congregationalists and the Baptists had differing views on where to build their places of worship, so they finally settled their respective chapels on the North and South sides of the district. The historic downtown is between the two.

Stone Village is home to unique shops and pubs, all along 18th-century mason masterpieces. The buildings alone are worth visiting, but stop at Stone Village Farmers Market for fresh farm offerings.

For those who like a bit of exercise, explore the Lost Mine Trail. Due to some tricky elevation, it is not ideal for small children, but adventurers are rewarded with magnificent views of the lakeside. Locals recommend going in the fall for unobstructed panoramic fall foliage.

Dorset

This quaint village is where Vermont officially became a colony. After numerous protestations from the New York delegations, the Green Mountain region was granted statehood in 1791. With an active theatre playhouse and proud heritage association, it is a must-see for any American history buff.

The Dorset Historical Society Museum is a treasure trove of Americana. Tour exhibits feature artifacts and memorabilia from over 300 years of Dorset life.

A favorite summer spot for notable families, Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln, set roots here at Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home. Built in the late 1800s and overlooking the Taconic Mountains, this architectural masterpiece hosts various events throughout the year.

Wilson House is a historic hotel that was once home to Bill Wilson, the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Designated on the historic registry, this colonial style Inn welcomes everyone to find serenity as part of their community.

The Dorset Theatre Festival aims to build an inclusive society through art and performance. It’s based on two pre-revolutionary barns, the perfect environment to relax. The company showcases plays, musicals, and seminars all year round.

Montpelier

The smallest state capital in the USA, Montpelier, founded in 1787, was recently voted one of USA Today’s 10 Best Towns in the Northeast for 2024. It is rich in the founding fathers’ history. Independently owned specialty boutiques are one of the reasons Montpelier has been continually recognized as the number one best small-town shopping destination in America. You can find everything from lavender-milled soap to hand-hammered copper pots along Main Street.

Maple is a staple in this town. In fact, some of the locals claim they have equal amounts of sugar as water in their bodies. One of the best ways to experience this yourself is to chill out at one of the many family-run farms. The Braggs have owned and operated the Maple Sugarhouse for eight generations. Open year-round, it offers tours and tastings.

Coburn Covered Bridge is Instagram story-worthy. Extended along the banks of the Winooski River, this 19th-century bridge is the last remaining in the town.

Book a relaxing stay at the over-two-century-old Inn at Montpelier. This boutique hotel has nineteen uniquely heritage-inspired decorated rooms with all the modern amenities. Within walking distance of shopping, dining, and activities, visitors can travel back in time without sacrificing the comforts of today.

Waitsfield

Named after Revolutionary militia General Benjamin Wait, this tiny hamlet sits in Washington County. Known for its two ski resorts, Waitsfield is a less hectic alternative to Stowe.

Known for its proximity to major ski resorts, Waitsfield offers a less hectic alternative to Stowe. Nearby, Sugarbush Resort in Warren is one of the largest in New England, offering extensive skiing and outdoor activities. Despite its modest beginnings in 1951, it employs over 30% of the town’s residents year-round.

Additionally, Waitsfield is home to Mad River Glen, a skier’s haven famous for its challenging trails and unique cooperative ownership. Both resorts offer a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year, making Waitsfield an excellent base for exploring the Mad River Valley.

During the warmer months, this area is ideal for fishing, swimming, and hiking. An ecological reserve, it is home to twenty-five different species.

The Mad River Path showcases crystal-blue falls and rock formations that locals believe hold indigenous spirits. The Round Barn Farm, built in 1910, is the perfect place to sit back and chill with a warm mug of cider. Throughout the year, it hosts numerous weddings and events, and guests can book extended stays in its wood-paneled, vaulted-ceiling accommodations.

Experience Vermont’s Timeless Charm

I doubt that anyone would argue with Pearl S Buck when she wrote that “all in all, Vermont is a jewel state, small but perfect.” One of the earliest settlements in the nation provides the ideal setting to chill and unplug. All year long, it falls under the trance of its cornucopia of color and its proud heritage. Relax against the backdrop of the Green Mountains and Winooski River. Compact but plentiful, Vermont offers endless opportunities to chill and so much more in 2024.

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Vermont

Vermont postal worker allegedly threw away mail she was supposed to deliver for months

Published

5 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Vermont postal worker allegedly threw away mail she was supposed to deliver for months

Crime

During a search of a dumpster where the worker allegedly discarded the mail, police found several packages and holiday cards.

A Vermont postal worker was cited and suspended for allegedly throwing away mail that was supposed to be delivered to other people, according to police.

Natasha Morisseau, 34, of North Troy, was cited on nine counts of petty larceny and five counts of unlawful mischief, Vermont State Police said in a statement. She works as a mail carrier for the town’s United States Postal Service (USPS) office.

Officers were first alerted to the discarded mail on the afternoon of Jan. 23, according to police. Upon finding the mail in a dumpster on Elm Street in North Troy, they determined that none of it was for that address.

Police identified Morisseau as a person of interest and learned that she was a postal employee. They confirmed that she had regularly been throwing away a small amount of mail under her care since at least October 2025, according to the statement.

After searching the dumpster and Morisseau’s mail vehicle, officers found opened and unopened packages, along with several holiday cards, one of which contained money. Morisseau was later cited Feb. 14 and is due to appear March 17 in Vermont Superior Court, police said.

Since Jan. 23, Morisseau has been suspended by USPS, and all recovered mail has been given back to them for delivery, according to the statement. The case has been forwarded to the USPS’ Inspector General for further review.

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Vermont

Vermont Air National Guard joins Iran campaign – The Boston Globe

Published

17 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Vermont Air National Guard joins Iran campaign – The Boston Globe

On a typical day, some of the 20 stealth fighter jets based in South Burlington, Vt., take off from tiny Burlington International Airport for training runs near the northern border. In recent months, they’ve flown much farther afield.

The Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing was deployed in December to the Caribbean, where it took part in the US campaign to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Shortly thereafter, the squadron joined a military buildup in and around the Middle East to prepare for US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran.

Though both deployments had been widely reported, the military remained mum about the whereabouts of Vermont’s F-35A Lightning II jets. Even Governor Phil Scott, technically the commander of the Vermont Guard, said he only knew what he’d read in the news, given that US military leaders were directing the missions.

On Monday, General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed the deployments at a Pentagon press conference about the war on Iran. Caine praised National Guard members from Vermont, Wisconsin, and elsewhere.

“In the case of the Vermont Air National Guard and the 158th Fighter Wing, they were mobilized for Operation Absolute Resolve,” Caine said, referring to the Venezuela campaign. “And then were tasked to take their F-35As across the Atlantic instead of going home, to be prepared to support this operation” in the Middle East.

Much remains unknown about the Vermont Guard’s recent missions, including the precise role they played in Venezuela and Iran, where the jets are currently based, and how long they’ll remain.

The Guard did not immediately respond to requests for comment., Its recently elected leader, General Henry “Hank” Harder, said in a statement that the force was “proud of the dedicated and professional service of our Airmen” and pledged to support their families in the meantime.

“We will continue to carry out our commitment to these Vermont Service Members until, and long after, they return from this mission,” Harder said.

Vermont’s three-member congressional delegation, meanwhile, has praised Vermont Guard members for their service in Venezuela but has criticized President Trump’s campaigns there and in Iran, particularly absent congressional authorization.

“The people of our country, no matter what their political persuasion, do not want endless war,” said Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent, echoing similar remarks from Senator Peter Welch and Representative Becca Balint, both Democrats. “We must not allow Trump to force us into another senseless war. No war with Iran.”

Paul Heintz can be reached at paul.heintz@globe.com. Follow him on X @paulheintz.

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Vermont

In Vermont, small town meetings grapple with debate on big issues

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

In Vermont, small town meetings grapple with debate on big issues

Tuesday is town meeting day in Vermont. Municipalities in New England and elsewhere are increasingly grappling with major national and international issues at the local level.

JOSEPH PREZIOSO/Getty Images

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JOSEPH PREZIOSO/Getty Images

If you haven’t lived in certain New England towns, it can be hard to fathom their centuries-old direct democracy-style Town Meetings, where everyday residents vote on mundane town business such as funding for schools, snow plows and road repairs.

These days, voters are also being asked to weigh in on national and international issues, for example, demanding the de-funding of ICE, and condemning “the unprovoked attack and start of an illegal and immoral war against Iran.” It’s all fueling a separate – and fierce– debate on what towns ought to be debating.

“When you have people sleepwalking into an authoritarian regime, it’s up to us to sound the alarm,” insists Dan Dewalt, an activist in Newfane, Vermont, one of several communities where residents scrambled to draft a resolution against the Iran war in time for their annual Town Meeting on Tuesday.

Local resolutions are a uniquely effective tactic, activists and experts say, and they’re being used increasingly around New England and beyond, especially as national politics have become so polarized.

“People feel isolated, helpless and hopeless. And when you hear about other people who are just like you taking a stand and representing something that you believe, that gives you not only hope, but it gives you power,” said Dewalt.

Several other Vermont towns will be considering resolutions Tuesday calling for the removal of the president and vice president “for crimes against the U.S. Constitution,” while many others will vote on a pledge to ” to end all support of Israel’s apartheid policies, settler colonialism, and military occupation and aggression.”

A similar divestment resolution passed 46 -15 in Newfane last year, following hours of heated argument over the plight of Palestinians, the security of Israelis, the “inflammatory” language of the resolution – and whether such problems half-a-world away even belong on the agenda of the tiny town of just about 1,650.

“It’s a Town Meeting for town issues,” Newfane resident Walter Hagadorn declared at a recent Select Board meeting, where residents pressed board members to block any future resolutions not directly related to town business.

“You shouldn’t be subject to hours and hours of people virtue signaling” and trying to “hijack Town Meeting,” Hagadorn said.

Others agreed, suggesting activists host a debate on their issues at another time and place, or stage a rally or protest instead.

But Select Board member Katy Johnson-Aplin pushed back, saying that would not have the same impact.

“It doesn’t work the same way,” Johnson-Aplin said. It’s only when the issue is formally taken up at a Town Meeting that “it goes in the newspaper and it’s recorded that the town of Newfane has agreed to have this conversation.”

University of Pennsylvania political science professor Daniel Hopkins has been watching the growing movement of local communities taking a stand on issues far beyond town lines.

“This is a trend we’re seeing increasingly across the 50 states and in a variety of ways but I think it has taken on a new and potentially more concerning edge,” Hopkins said. “I worry that we are in an attention-grabbing, sensation-rewarding media environment in which the kinds of issues that engage us at a national level may further polarize states and localities and make it harder for them to build meaningful coalitions on other issues.”

Indeed, in Newfane, the resolution regarding Israel became so divisive that some residents decided not to even come to last year’s Town Meeting, according to Select Board vice-chair Marion Dowling.

In Burlington, where a similar resolution was proposed, City Council President Ben Traverse says things got so heated, he and his family were getting harassing phone calls and even death threats. Burlington city councilors voted in January to block the question from going to a popular vote.Vermont has a history of “big issue” resolutions, from the push for a Nuclear Arms Freeze in the 1980’s, to calls to ban genetically modified foods in 2003. Dewalt, the Newfane activist, was behind several of them, including calls to impeach then-president George W. Bush in 2006, which got him invited to talk about it on network TV shows, and quoted in The New York Times.

“I can guarantee you if I stood up on my soap box and made a declaration of the exact same wording, I wouldn’t have had anybody asking me questions about it, he said. “We’re not pie-in-the-sky here about the power of our Newfane Town Meetings, but our actions have consistently had an impact.”

But opponents say activists overstate the impact of their resolutions, and their victory. They say it’s disingenuous, for example, to claim the town of Newfane supported the resolution against Israel, when the winning majority of 46 people was less than 3% of town residents.

“I feel like they’re using the town as a vehicle for their personal messages and that bothers me,” says Newfane resident Cris White. “It’s so junior high.”

Traverse, the Burlington City Council president, also takes issue with what he calls the “inflammatory” language of that resolution.

“The question, as presented, approaches this issue in a one-sided and leading way,” Traverse says.

In Vermont, any registered voter can get a resolution on the Town Meeting agenda by collecting signatures from 5% of their town’s voters. While elected city or town officials have the authority to allow or block the resolution, there is no process in place to vet or edit language.

Traverse says it would behoove city leaders and voters to require an official review to ensure that language is fair and neutral, just as many states do with ballot questions. Traverse says he’s not opposed to contentious, big issue resolutions being put to local voters, but the language must be clear and even-handed.

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