Vermont
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
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.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Vermont Lottery offers several draw games for those willing to make a bet to win big.
Those who want to play can enter the MegaBucks and Lucky for Life games as well as the national Powerball and Mega Millions games. Vermont also partners with New Hampshire and Maine for the Tri-State Lottery, which includes the Mega Bucks, Gimme 5 as well as the Pick 3 and Pick 4.
Drawings are held at regular days and times, check the end of this story to see the schedule.
Here’s a look at May 13, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from May 13 drawing
22-31-52-56-67, Powerball: 15, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Gimme 5 numbers from May 13 drawing
07-09-16-24-30
Check Gimme 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 13 drawing
Day: 1-9-6
Evening: 3-5-0
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from May 13 drawing
Day: 1-5-2-5
Evening: 8-6-5-1
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Megabucks Plus numbers from May 13 drawing
06-13-24-35-41, Megaball: 01
Check Megabucks Plus payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 13 drawing
21-24-29-42-49, Bonus: 01
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
For Vermont Lottery prizes up to $499, winners can claim their prize at any authorized Vermont Lottery retailer or at the Vermont Lottery Headquarters by presenting the signed winning ticket for validation. Prizes between $500 and $5,000 can be claimed at any M&T Bank location in Vermont during the Vermont Lottery Office’s business hours, which are 8a.m.-4p.m. Monday through Friday, except state holidays.
For prizes over $5,000, claims must be made in person at the Vermont Lottery headquarters. In addition to signing your ticket, you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID, and a completed claim form.
All prize claims must be submitted within one year of the drawing date. For more information on prize claims or to download a Vermont Lottery Claim Form, visit the Vermont Lottery’s FAQ page or contact their customer service line at (802) 479-5686.
Vermont Lottery Headquarters
1311 US Route 302, Suite 100
Barre, VT
05641
When are the Vermont Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
- Pick 3 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
- Pick 4 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
- Pick 3 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
- Pick 4 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
- Megabucks: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily
What is Vermont Lottery Second Chance?
Vermont’s 2nd Chance lottery lets players enter eligible non-winning instant scratch tickets into a drawing to win cash and/or other prizes. Players must register through the state’s official Lottery website or app. The drawings are held quarterly or are part of an additional promotion, and are done at Pollard Banknote Limited in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Vermont editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Matthew Minich has pulled his fair share of all-nighters at the Saint Michael’s College Fire and Rescue station, where he’s been a volunteer firefighter for the past couple of years.
“Hopefully you get some time off during your shift where you can work on school work and get that stuff done,” he said, wrapping up a 12-hour shift the week before finals.
On a recent evening, he gave a tour of the station just across the street from the campus in Colchester, Vermont.
“It’s not a traditional classroom, but there is definitely a lot of learning going on here,” he said, pausing for a beat before adding: “Most of the time.”
Asked what’s going on the rest of the time, he laughed. “Shenanigans,” he said.
Between the shenanigans and responding to dozens of local emergency calls each year, the junior from Scituate is studying business administration. But next fall, when Saint Michael’s launches a new emergency services major, he plans to add it as a second field of study.
“I’ve fallen in love with this now,” said Minich, who was recently elected captain of the rescue unit. “I’ve decided that I want to do this for my career.”
The new program reflects the increasingly urgent choices facing small colleges across the country, where enrollment offices are often on fire as the number of traditional college-age students shrinks. It’s a long-predicted demographic cliff driven by falling birthrates after the 2008 recession, and many tuition-dependent schools are scrambling to survive as a result. Saint Michael’s is betting that career-focused programs such as emergency services, finance and nutrition, along with lower tuition and hands-on training, can help extinguish years of enrollment declines while preserving its liberal arts identity.
This all comes as American higher education becomes a winner-take-all market. Selective private colleges and flagship state universities continue to attract students and their tuition dollars while many smaller schools struggle to compete.
Saint Michael’s, founded 122 years ago in 1904, is among them.
Enrollment at the Catholic liberal arts college has fallen nearly 50% over the past decade. Net tuition revenue has dropped from about $70 million to roughly $40 million. More than 80% of applicants are admitted, and few pay full tuition.
So administrators are making sweeping changes. The college recently consolidated 20 academic departments into four interdisciplinary schools.
“We don’t have an English department anymore,” said Saint Michael’s president Richard Plumb matter-of-factly, sitting in his office wearing a flannel shirt.
Kirk Carapezza
GBH News
Plumb said the college is confronting the same demographic pressures reshaping campuses nationwide. That pressure is keen in Vermont, a state that consistently has one of the nation’s lowest birthrates.
“There will be fewer students going to college,” Plumb said plainly.
To compete for those students still choosing higher education, Saint Michael’s is now matching in-state tuition rates at flagship public universities in students’ home states.
“The vast majority of our students who we admit and don’t matriculate here go to large flagship schools,” Plumb said. “Fine. We’ll charge the same tuition.”
The strategy reflects how dramatically the market has shifted for smaller colleges. Deep tuition discounts, program cuts and department mergers are increasingly common as schools compete for a shrinking pool of students.
And it’s not just small colleges. Syracuse University announced in April that it would close 93 of its 460 academic programs, including 55 with no enrolled majors. The University of North Texas in Denton also plans to cut or consolidate more than 70 programs.
“Cutting programs that are under-enrolled or add little value is mission-critical, frankly,” said Michael Horn, co-founder of the Clayton Christenson Institute, which has long predicted widespread college closures and mergers based on demographic projections. “You basically have these zombie programs – one, two, three students, maybe. And part of the reason a lot of these schools keep it up is they feel like, ‘Oh, every university needs an English program, needs a Spanish program, needs these things that we associate with quote unquote ‘a normal college.’”
Looking ahead, Horn said, more colleges will be forced to confront whether there’s real demand for what they offer – both from students on campus and from the broader job market.
“This is the consolidation phase,” said Gary Stocker, a former administrator at Westminster College in Missouri and founder of College Viability, a company that tracks the financial health of higher education institutions and then makes it available to the public.
“There are way too many colleges, both public and private, and not enough students willing to pay even heavily discounted tuition,” he said.
Stocker is skeptical that adding programs like emergency services will be enough to offset broader financial pressures and enrollment headwinds.
“What are the colleges in the region going to do when they see St. Michael’s has a successful EMT program?” he asked. “They’re going to do one too.”
Federal data show that a decade ago, only about a dozen colleges offered crisis, emergency or disaster management programs. Today, more than 75 do.
Robert Kelchen, who studies higher education policy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, said career-oriented programs can attract students but they can also be expensive to operate.
“Giving people hands-on emergency training is not cheap,” he said. “If it brings in 20 students, is that enough to really make a difference on the budget?”
Saint Michael’s leaders believe it can.
The campus rescue station was created in 1969 after the death of a student exposed gaps in local emergency medical services. The unit has long been student-run and supported by nearby communities. An alumni donor recently provided funding to help launch the new academic program.
Provost Gretchen Galbraith hopes the emergency services major will initially attract 15 to 20 students this fall and eventually generate enough revenue to support other parts of the college.
From her office window, Galbraith looks out onto a campus garden filled with stones engraved with nouns, verbs and adjectives.
She says the school is trying to answer a broader question increasingly posed by students and their tuition-paying parents: What is a liberal arts education worth in the age of artificial intelligence?
“I understand AI can make music and paintings, but they can’t make art,” Galbraith said. “Or word gardens.”
“Yes, you can write a perfectly decent and boring essay with AI,” she added. “But if you can find your own voice, that is so powerful.”
Faculty members worry the growing skepticism toward liberal arts signals a broader cultural shift away from deep and complex thinking.
“I think that’s the most frustrating thing to me,” said history professor Jen Purcell, who will begin teaching a medieval history course this fall after a longtime faculty member retired and was not replaced.
“If I had another life to live,” she said with a laugh, “I’d have been a medievalist.”
Kirk Carapezza
GBH News
For now, Matthew Minich is still writing papers, finding his voice and balancing overnight rescue shifts with his classes. He believes the emergency services major could attract his peers who might otherwise skip college altogether, or else choose a larger university.
“They want to go to football games and they want to have frats and have a good time with 30,000, 100,000 other people,” he said. “I wanted to do that too.”
But Minich says he chose a much smaller school environment in northern Vermont where professors know him personally — and where the fire and rescue station gives him something many colleges now promise prospective students: practical, hand-on experience tied directly to a career.
And, of course, there are the shenanigans, too.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Vermont Lottery offers several draw games for those willing to make a bet to win big.
Those who want to play can enter the MegaBucks and Lucky for Life games as well as the national Powerball and Mega Millions games. Vermont also partners with New Hampshire and Maine for the Tri-State Lottery, which includes the Mega Bucks, Gimme 5 as well as the Pick 3 and Pick 4.
Drawings are held at regular days and times, check the end of this story to see the schedule.
Here’s a look at May 12, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Vermont Mega Millions numbers from May 12 drawing
17-32-35-40-47, Mega Ball: 17
Check Vermont Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Gimme 5 numbers from May 12 drawing
11-18-32-33-39
Check Gimme 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 12 drawing
Day: 3-0-9
Evening: 6-6-9
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from May 12 drawing
Day: 8-1-6-1
Evening: 1-4-7-5
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 12 drawing
19-21-35-38-53, Bonus: 01
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
For Vermont Lottery prizes up to $499, winners can claim their prize at any authorized Vermont Lottery retailer or at the Vermont Lottery Headquarters by presenting the signed winning ticket for validation. Prizes between $500 and $5,000 can be claimed at any M&T Bank location in Vermont during the Vermont Lottery Office’s business hours, which are 8a.m.-4p.m. Monday through Friday, except state holidays.
For prizes over $5,000, claims must be made in person at the Vermont Lottery headquarters. In addition to signing your ticket, you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID, and a completed claim form.
All prize claims must be submitted within one year of the drawing date. For more information on prize claims or to download a Vermont Lottery Claim Form, visit the Vermont Lottery’s FAQ page or contact their customer service line at (802) 479-5686.
Vermont Lottery Headquarters
1311 US Route 302, Suite 100
Barre, VT
05641
When are the Vermont Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
- Pick 3 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
- Pick 4 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
- Pick 3 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
- Pick 4 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
- Megabucks: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily
What is Vermont Lottery Second Chance?
Vermont’s 2nd Chance lottery lets players enter eligible non-winning instant scratch tickets into a drawing to win cash and/or other prizes. Players must register through the state’s official Lottery website or app. The drawings are held quarterly or are part of an additional promotion, and are done at Pollard Banknote Limited in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Vermont editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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