Vermont

7 Towns in Vermont that Were Ranked Among US Favorites

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2 years ago

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August 10, 2024

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7 Towns in Vermont that Were Ranked Among US Favorites

Vermont is a beautiful US state whose captivating scenery, year-round outdoor recreation, and abundant history and culture make it a perfect vacation destination. And there is nowhere better to experience the best of the Green Mountain State than in its breathtaking small towns. From the small but mighty state capital of Montpelier to Green Mountain getaways like Bennington, these Vermont towns are consistently ranked US favorites.

Montpelier

A historic victorian style building in the city of Montpelier, Vermont.

Voted one of USA Today’s 10 Best Towns in the Northeast for 2024, Montpelier is a perennial US favorite. Though boasting just over 8,000 residents, America’s smallest capital city is big on history and quintessential New England charm. Stroll the downtown area and enjoy Montpelier’s distinctive 19th-century architecture throughout its Historic District. Comprised of Vermont’s largest National Register of Historic Places District, the area includes notable buildings like the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, the Pavilion Building, the Vermont State House, and several 19th-century residences.

For more signature Montpelier attractions, visit the Vermont History Museum for an inside look at the Green Mountain State’s history and The U.S.S. Montpelier Museum, which showcases the capital’s proud naval heritage. Additionally, places like the Council’s Sculpture Garden and the Capitol Complex proudly display the cozy town’s penchant for arts and culture.

With its location at the confluence of the Winooski and North Branch Rivers, Montpelier also has plenty of outdoor recreation. Highlights include Hubbard Park, with hiking and skiing trails, picnic areas, and Hubbard Park Tower observation area; North Branch Nature Center, a lovely preserve on the Winooski River; and watersports at Wrightsville Reservoir.

Bennington

Located in the Green Mountains, Bennington is consistently ranked a US favorite Vermont town because of its picturesque natural beauty and abundance of outdoor recreation. Diverse landscapes abound, with locations like Mount Anthony and the nearby Green Mountain National Forest offering hiking, biking, and stunning panoramic views. Sightseers (and history buffs) will also enjoy exploring the area’s distinctive covered bridges, including the Paper Mill Covered Bridge, the Silk Road Covered Bridge, and the Burt Henry Covered Bridge.

As Vermont’s oldest town, Bennington also has no shortage of rich culture and diverse heritage. Explore the cozy New England town’s historic district and bask in its Revolutionary War history with a visit to the state’s tallest manmade structure, the Bennington Battle Monument, or explore historic buildings like the Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion or Old First Congregational Church, both local architectural landmarks. More notable Bennington attractions include the Bennington Museum, a cultural mecca for regional art and Americana; the Robert Frost Stone House Museum, the former home of famed US poet Robert Frost; and the Bennington Theater, located in the heart of Bennington’s historic downtown.

Stowe

Stowe is a popular Vermont destination known for its small-town atmosphere and picture-perfect natural scenery. Located at the foot of Mount Mansfield—the highest peak in Vermont—the cozy town is a four-season getaway for outdoor enthusiasts and sightseers looking to soak up some of New England’s most beautiful landscapes.

Known as the “Ski Capital of the East,” Stowe has abundant winter activities perfect for adventure seekers, including skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowmobiling at the famed Stowe Mountain Resort. The warmer weather also offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, including miles of hiking and biking trails and waterways perfect for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Popular local spots include the Stowe Recreation Path, a picturesque all-season public path; the Auto Toll Road, a scenic drive to the summit of Mount Mansfield; and the nearby Winooski and Lamoille Rivers, known for watersports and epic guided tours. Additionally, sports enthusiasts can learn about Vermont’s skiing and riding heritage at the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, located in Stowe’s restored Town Meeting House.

Stowe is also known for its historic charm, which can be seen everywhere, from its 19th-century architecture to its quaint covered bridges. Learn more about Stowe’s rich heritage with a visit to the Stowe Historical Society and Museums, including two historic schoolhouses and the Akeley Soldiers Memorial Building, or the Stowe Community Church, the second tallest building in Vermont. The Noyes House Museum in nearby Morristown is also great for discovering local history.

Woodstock

Woodstock is the quintessential New England village. Compete with a town square (known as The Green), historic buildings, pedestrian-friendly streets, and a postcard-worthy mountain backdrop, it is easy to see why quaint Windsor County town is a US favorite.

The best way to explore Woodstock’s distinctive blend of small-town charm and stunning natural beauty is to visit its most famous attraction: the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park. Vermont’s only national park, the popular destination, offers hiking trails, gardens, wildlife watching, historic buildings, and panoramic vistas. Nearby Quechee State Park is another popular outdoor attraction. The state’s deepest gorge, known as “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” Quechee is a scenic spot for hiking, fishing, and spectacular views of the Ottauquechee River. Additional Woodstock activities include hiking Mt. Tom, exploring the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, and enjoying four-season adventures at Saskadena Six, one of North America’s oldest ski resorts.

There is also plenty to explore in Woodstock Village, including a historic district featuring notable 19th-century buildings and homes such as Dana House, F.H. Gillingham & Sons general store, and First Congregational Church. Additionally, The Green is a bustling town locale hosting a farmer’s market, town events, the beautiful Woodstock Inn & Resort, and, just a short walk away, the Middle Covered Bridge. Visitors looking to learn more about the region’s history and heritage can also visit the Billings Farm and Museum and the Woodstock History Center.

Manchester

Manchester is a scenic community in Bennington County. Dramatic mountain backdrops, rich history, and a diverse culture make the southern Vermont town a top tourist destination and a US favorite.

Manchester is on the doorstep of some of the state’s most breathtaking scenery. Nearby attractions like the Mount Equinox Skyline Drive, Emerald Lake State Park, and the Dorset Trails are popular scenic spots, while the Stratton Mountain Resort and Bromley Mountain are four-season destinations for outdoor adventure. Recreational activities within the town limits include biking the town’s multi-use Recreation Park and Historic Rail Trail, touring the scenic Seven Springs Garden & Sculpture Park, and off-roading on a unique Land Rover Experience.

The cozy mountain town also has its share of one-of-a-kind experiences, from offbeat attractions to historic sites (and everything in between). The Pastime Pinball Museum Arcade and the Museum of the Creative Process showcase the town’s quirky, artistic side; while The American Museum of Fly Fishing and Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home offer a glimpse into both local and US history.

Dorset

Dorset is a tiny town in scenic southwestern Vermont. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for with an exceptional combination of New England charm, four-season outdoor activities, and an atmosphere steeped in history.

To learn more about Dorset’s past, take a step back in time and explore its cozy village. Attractions such as the Dorset Historical Society’s Bley House Museum showcase local artists, while the onsite Marble Project details its significant contributions to the marble industry. Additional Dorset historic buildings include the Wilson Hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and The Manley-Lefevre House, an early 19th-century property built using local marble.

Known for its natural beauty and abundance of recreation. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the variety of trails—from the more challenging Owls Head Forest trails to easier, more relaxed nature walks at the Pinnacle or Cutler Memorial Forest; there’s something for every visitor looking to soak up Dorset’s spectacular scenery. Dorset is also known for its mountain biking. Bikers of all skill levels will find many picturesque treks, including The Dorset Hollow Trail in Green Mountain National Forest and an extensive trail network in the Owls Head Town Forest. A four-season destination, Dorset has everything from warm weather fun at Emerald Lake State Park and Dorset Quarry to year-round activities at Merck Forest and Farmland Center.

Brattleboro

Brattleboro is the perfect combination of scenic beauty and bustling small-town charm. Breathtaking mountain backdrops and the meandering Connecticut River are the perfect setting for Brattleboro’s quaint downtown area, while a rich literary history and distinctive culture add offbeat character to the perennial US favorite.

History and culture abound in Brattleboro, and the best way to see its significant heritage is through historic buildings and offbeat attractions. From New England mainstays like the Creamery Bridge, a 19th-century covered bridge listed on the National Register of Historic Places, to live music and events at local landmark and architectural gem the Stone Church, Brattleboro is as eclectic as it is classic. More cultural and historical attractions include the Brattleboro Words Trail, an exploration of the town’s literary past; the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, a hub for contemporary art and events; and the Estey Organ Museum, dedicated to preserving the storied heritage of Brattleboro’s own Estey Organ Company.

Brattleboro also has its share of outdoor recreation, with plenty of stunning Vermont scenery right on its doorstep. Retreat Farm offers unique events and experiences, expansive trails, and lovely landscapes, while Fort Dummer State Park blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Additionally, nearby spots like the Hogback Mountain Conservation Area and the Black Mountain Natural Area are perfect for further exploring the region’s spectacular vistas.

Vermont is famed for its picturesque natural beauty, storied history, and exciting opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation. Beautiful communities abound, each with its own brand of distinctive New England charm. These lovely destinations—with their one-of-a-kind attractions and unbeatable hospitality—are what make Vermont and its small towns consistently ranked US favorites.

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Vermont

Regulators think few contractors are registered with the state — and they want to reel them in – VTDigger

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9 hours ago

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April 16, 2026

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Press Room

Regulators think few contractors are registered with the state — and they want to reel them in – VTDigger

Adam Clark shows where a construction contractor allegedly did sub-standard work on his Essex Junction home in Dec. 2024. File photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

“We can’t help you.”

That’s what regulators often have to say when people complain about getting shoddy construction in an expensive home improvement project, said Lauren Hibbert, deputy secretary of state, whose office oversees professional regulation in Vermont.

“And that’s very unsatisfying to homeowners,” Hibbert told the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee on Thursday. The only real alternative is to take their contractor to court, she said.

That limitation stems from the fact that contractors in the state aren’t required to be licensed, Hibbert said. Instead, contractors are merely required to be registered if they’re entering into a contract worth $10,000 or more with a homeowner.

To get registered with the state, contractors pay a fee, provide proof of insurance and have to disclose any criminal records. A licensure requirement could set a higher bar, requiring contractors to have a certain level of education and training.

And if contractors were licensed, it could give the state more control over enforcing a professional standard, potentially offering more remedies for people who feel they’ve been wronged, Hibbert said.

A bill the committee is considering, H.718, doesn’t go so far as to require contractors to be licensed. Instead, it creates a task force to improve the state’s contractor registry.

The state has a total of 1,400 registered residential contractors, including individuals and businesses, Hibbert said. But she thinks that number is very low and that despite the requirement, many contractors are not registered.

The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation generates its money from registration and licensure fees, according to Jennifer Colin, director of the office. But the contractor registration hasn’t generated enough revenue, meaning the office doesn’t have the money to do more outreach and get more contractors to register, Colin said.

The task force proposed by the bill would, among other measures, seek to address those issues with the registry, Colin explained.

The bill was hotly debated on the House floor before lawmakers there passed it last month. Some representatives said they were concerned the registry was difficult for contractors to navigate and created barriers into the profession.

In 2022, Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a bill that sought to create a registry for all contractors in the state, saying he didn’t think the registry was needed. Scott cited concerns that the bill would harm small-scale operations. Lawmakers compromised with the governor following his veto and amended the bill to set the current $10,000 contract threshold for registry.

On Thursday, the committee’s chair, Sen. Anne Watson, D/P-Washington, said the committee would continue hearing expert input on this year’s bill.

In the know

The House Ways and Means Committee heard sharply divided testimony Thursday morning on a bill that would increase taxes on some wealthier Vermonters’ investment income and create a new top tax bracket for the highest 1% of earners.

Stephanie Yu, who leads the policy research nonprofit Public Assets Institute, expressed strong support for the bill. She told lawmakers that income inequality has increased steadily in Vermont over the last century, leaving many without the ability to meet basic needs. The state’s top tax rate has decreased substantially in the last 60 years, she added, from a height of roughly 20% in the late 1960s to the current rate of 8.75%.

“Vermont’s tax system, while it’s better than many other states, is still regressive at the top,” Yu said.

Amy Spear, president of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, told lawmakers the bill would likely have “hidden economic consequences.” A new tax on capital gains, she said, would make selling a company in preparation for retirement and passing ownership along more costly for the state’s business owners. And the proposed top-level income tax hike “reaches deeply into active business income,” Spear said, since smaller businesses’ earnings often count as taxable income for owners.

Andrew Wilford, director of state tax policy at the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, raised broader concerns, saying the change would make Vermont less competitive with neighboring states and could drive tax-related outmigration.

“Targeting investment with high tax rates is a problem for Vermont’s tax base in the future,” he said.

“It’s difficult for the committee when we hear one thing and then hear completely opposite testimony,” said Rep. Carolyn Branagan, R-Georgia. “We have to dig in and look what the facts are.”

— Theo Wells-Spackman

On the move — slowly

Debate over H.955, the House’s sweeping education reform bill, continued through the afternoon Thursday as lawmakers debated a number of amendments to the legislation.

Two amendments would have set additional parameters around a school district’s ability to close a school and would have required voter approval to close a school. Those amendments failed.

Another amendment that failed would have suspended the state’s excess spending threshold, which financially penalizes districts for spending above certain amounts, for fiscal years 2028 and 2029.

Yet another, which lawmakers continued to debate at around 5 p.m. Thursday, would have required all approved independent schools to follow the same education quality standards set for the state’s public schools. That amendment failed via a roll call.

It was unclear when the bill would come to a full vote. Lawmakers will need to approve the bill twice before advancing it to the Senate. The House had not yet voted on the bill before this newsletter’s deadline.

Check back tomorrow for the full story.

— Corey McDonald

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Vermont

No cell service? This retro solution is helping rural areas of Vermont

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21 hours ago

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April 16, 2026

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Press Room

No cell service? This retro solution is helping rural areas of Vermont

WORCESTER, Vt. (InvestigateTV) – In rural Vermont, where cell service can be nonexistent, residents are finding an unexpected solution to communication challenges: old-school pay phones.

Patrick Schlott, an electrical engineer and native of Vermont, has begun installing modified vintage pay phones in public spaces like libraries and town halls. These phones, part of his “Ran-tel” cooperative—short for the Randolph public telephone operating company—allow users to make free calls anywhere in the U.S. or Canada, with no coins or cards required.

“It’s just for anyone who needs to make a phone call,” Schlott said.

The idea was inspired by similar projects in cities like Philadelphia and Portland, Oregon.

Schlott, who has a passion for old technology, realized he could give back to his community by repurposing the equipment.

The phones are wired to run on free public Wi-Fi, which is why they are free to use.

For residents like Roger Strobridge in Worcester, the phones are a critical safety measure in an area where cell service is unreliable, particularly during harsh winters.

“I personally look at this pay phone that’s being installed as our answer to cell service and cell towers,” Strobridge said.

While the project started as a hobby, Schlott is already expanding, with a goal to have at least one Ran-tel phone in each of Vermont’s 14 counties.

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Vermont

Grand Isle County’s top prosecutor cited for DUI – VTDigger

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1 day ago

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April 15, 2026

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Press Room

Grand Isle County’s top prosecutor cited for DUI – VTDigger

Doug DiSabito, the Grand Isle state’s attorney, speaking to reporters. Photo by Shaun Robinson/VTDigger

Updated at 5:34 p.m.

Grand Isle County’s top prosecutor Douglas DiSabito was cited Tuesday for drunken driving after he was allegedly intoxicated in a St. Albans courthouse, according to the St. Albans Police Department.

Police received a call around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday alerting officers to respond to Franklin County Superior Court in St. Albans “for a report of a person in the building who may be under the influence of alcohol,” according to a department press release.

Officers then made contact with Grand Isle County State’s Attorney DiSabito and after “subsequent investigation” arrested him for driving under the influence of alcohol, the release said.

DiSabito is set to appear in court on May 4, according to the release.

The 57-year-old from Alburgh was first elected to lead the prosecutor’s office in 2014 and has won re-election without facing challengers in every election since then, according to the Vermont Secretary of State’s website. DiSabito has said he is running again for re-election in November. Earlier this week he said he would seek both Democratic and Republican nominations, according to WCAX.

DiSabito recently said he wanted the state to pass stricter bail laws, and he thinks the judiciary isn’t doing enough to combat what he sees as a lack of respect for judicial proceedings, according to the Bennington Banner.

“It’s unfortunate for Grand Isle and for law enforcement,” said Gov. Phil Scott at his weekly press conference Wednesday.

DiSabito did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday.

Tim Lueders-Dumont, executive director of the Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs, said his department is standing ready to support the county, though he was not yet sure if anyone would take over some of DiSabito’s cases.

“He’s still state’s attorney, he still has his law license,” Lueders-Dumont said.

Lueders-Dumont said he didn’t know which prosecutor would bring the drunken driving case against DiSabito. He declined to comment on the arrest, saying the department doesn’t comment on ongoing criminal matters.

DiSabito’s arrest comes two years after a state prosecutor in Addison County was similarly arrested for drunken driving.