Vermont is famous for many reasons. Between 19th-century covered bridges steeped in history, gorgeous mountainous backdrops, and being the top maple syrup producer in the US, there are plenty of reasons to fall in love with The Green Mountain State. With their incredible scenery, architectural gems, and mouthwatering delicacies, these towns have extraordinary centers to explore. Whether you start with the historic art spaces of Brattleboro or the tale-ridden landmarks of Stowe, discover the best downtowns in Vermont.

Burlington

Not only is Burlington, also referred to as “The Queen City,” a wonderful winter sports destination surrounded by five ski areas—but the beautiful city also has a charming downtown area with pedestrian-only streets and quaint boutiques that will capture your heart.

Church Street Marketplace, a bustling open-air mall known for its historic architecture, has over 100 shops and restaurants. You will also find incredible local breweries, year-round festivals, music performances, and street entertainers here. Sip on a warm latte from a local cafe as you make your way from shop to shop, wandering through the captivating cobblestone streets covered in lights.

From there, head west to Waterfront Park. You can see breathtaking views of Lake Champlain—named after French Explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1609, and New York’s Adirondack Mountains in the back. Pay a visit to ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, a nature and science museum with over 100 interactive exhibits and 70 species where you can learn more about the lake.

Stowe

Home to the iconic Stowe Mountain Resort, Stowe is not only known as the “Ski Capital of the East “ but also has a picturesque, walkable downtown area explorable by foot. With quaint streets surrounding the foot of Mount Mansfield—the tallest mountain in Vermont, sitting at a peak of 1,339 metres, this New England village is particularly charming with its 19th-century buildings.

Capture some captivating photos of the Stowe Community Church, one of the oldest non-denominational churches in the US, founded in 1863. Enjoy a rich cup of gourmet hot chocolate as you indulge in premium truffles and shop for mouthwatering gifts at Lake Champlain Chocolates.

Discover how vibrant flower boxes perfectly line Main Street in the summer, or see how the white lights illuminate the winter path. If you head further east, you can visit the legendary Gold Brook Covered Bridge, constructed in 1844. This landmark is also known as “Emily’s Bridge” and has become famous for its reported supernatural sightings following the tale of a young woman’s ghost.

Brattleboro

From Greek Revival to Victorian and Modernist buildings, Brattleboro has a fascinating mix of architectural styles. It is no surprise the Brattleboro Downtown Historic District, located by the Connecticut River, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

This beautiful town features unique landmarks like the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. Founded in 1972, the contemporary art museum was opened in the 1915-built Union Station and is the perfect place to see how Brattleboro perfectly combines its preserved history with a thriving arts scene. For a unique sensory experience, book a ticket to a concert in The Stone Church. This 140-year-old Victorian Gothic Church was transformed into a live music venue in 2017, hosting international artists while preserving its original character.

Explore the galleries, cafes, restaurants, and museums as you meander from shop to shop. Choose from a rich collection of books by progressive, original authors in Everyone’s Books. Plus, since Vermont is recognized for its award-winning cheese, stop by the community-owned Brattleboro Food Co-op to taste and pick up some delicious locally-made varieties.

Newport

On the southern shores of Lake Memphremagog lies Newport, the northernmost city in Vermont. This fascinating outdoor adventure destination also has a charming small-town vibe with an activity-packed downtown area.

See the stunning lake from Newport City Dock, the perfect place for a picnic, jog, or stroll. You can also rent a bike and cycle along the lake’s shores, exploring one of the Rail Trails—transportation corridors that connect the state’s towns with landscapes—up to the Quebec-Vermont border.

Discover the Goodrich Memorial Library, the largest public library in Orleans County and a historic site that opened in 1899. The Haskell Free Library & Opera House is another unique attraction—a library spanning two countries! You can find French and English material across the Canada-US border, separated by a black line made from tape.

Manchester

If you head further southwest, you will find Manchester. Nestled within the Green Mountains, at the foothills of Mount Equinox, this quaint town is not only known for its immense natural beauty, but also for its rich history and famed cultural attractions.

See the extraordinary exhibits at Hildene The Lincoln Family Home, built by Robert (the only son of former US President Abraham Lincoln) and his wife Mary in 1905. Head on a blast into the past as you explore the family home of the Lincolns, with its famous pipe organ, iconic Pullman car, incredible goat farm, and breathtaking gardens.

Dive into the history of pinball at the Pastime Pinball Museum arcade, where you will find 66 machines dating from the 1950s to today. Soak up the beauty of the town as you venture through the Manchester Designer Outlets, an outdoor mall known for its eateries, New England-style buildings, and brand-name items. Enjoy a scenic drive west to the Southern Vermont Arts Center, featuring art from both US and international artists across a diverse range of exhibits.

Montpelier

Dubbed the smallest capital city in the US with a population of roughly 8,000 people, Montpelier may be one of the most underrated destinations in America. This gorgeous green city has natural attractions like Hubbard Park, home to seven miles of scenic trails and a 54-foot stone observation tower, in addition to its notable historic buildings.

After nearly 160 years, the Vermont State House is one of America’s oldest state capitols. This Greek Revival site, with its legendary gold dome, is an architectural gem housing significant pieces of state art. Make sure you visit the legislative chambers and see the Governor’s Office here.

The Vermont History Museum holds interactive exhibits to teach visitors about the state’s past. Head on a fascinating journey from the 1600s to present-day Vermont with the Freedom and Unity: One Ideal, Many Stories exhibit, amongst others. From there, head slightly north to visit Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks. You can try some of the finest maple products in the US and learn about the heritage of Vermont sugar-making on a family farm.

Middlebury

Every traveler is bound to fall in love with Middlebury. Between the gorgeous backdrops of the Green and Adirondack Mountains, the stunning views of the 18-foot Middlebury Falls from Otter Creek Bridge, and the lovely 18-mile TAM (Trail Around Middlebury) path surrounding the village, nature fanatics will have plenty to see.

Creatives will be happy to hear that the Middlebury College Museum of Art strives to create an inclusive environment with diversity in its collections. Six to eight temporary exhibits are offered per year in addition to their permanent artwork. See a variety of arts in the Edgewater Gallery, where you will find jewelry, photography, sculptures, paintings, and mixed media.

The Henry Sheldon Museum opened in 1884, is also filled with paintings, documents, household objects, furniture, and artifacts to give you a glimpse into Addison County and Vermont’s past. From there, shop until you drop as you venture through Mill Street, passing by Stone Mill Public Market with its gifts, home goods, drinks, snacks, and more.

Explore The Best Downtowns in Vermont

History buffs, nature fanatics, creatives, foodies, and shopaholics are bound to fall in love with The Green Mountain State. Between the interactive exhibits and legendary landmarks of Montpelier, the mountainous backdrops and tranquil trails of Middlebury, and the boutique shops and renowned eateries of Burlington, there is no shortage of adventures. Now is the time to get your journey started and start exploring one of the best downtowns in Vermont.