Where To Stay In Vermont: 12 Best Towns & Villages

Vermont is known far and wide for its picturesque scenery. Aptly known as the Green Mountain State, the hallmark here is the Green Mountain National Forest, and there is so much to do in the foothills. Vermont will satisfy all the images you’ve conjured if you’ve ever been inspired to visit New England during your annual Gilmore Girls binge.

Almost as sugary sweet as the famed Vermont maple syrup that travelers come to savor for themselves, the towns in this state are so charming. Vermont’s numerous hiking trails nearly outnumber the residents. Vermont has the second smallest population of all the states–to be fair, it’s one of the smallest states by size, too.

This part of New England offers more than just its tremendous natural beauty. Fine dining where you least expect it, quaint towns, outdoor activities galore, and a kind populace await you.

Some places we’ve listed are technically cities, while others could be the smallest towns you’ve ever visited. Either way, you’re bound to walk away from this vacation with a more profound sense of why Vermont is frequently called the best state to live in. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up being a Vermonter one day.

Plus, believe it or not, some of these little towns are where you’ll find some of the best hotels in Vermont! Some have indoor and outdoor pools, spas, a restaurant on site, antique furnishings with modern comforts, and even spacious suites for family affairs.

Our Favorite Towns by Type of Trip

• For First-Timers: Burlington
• For Budget Travelers: Brattleboro
• For Luxury Travelers: Stowe
• For Arts and Culture: Montpelier
• For Families: Woodstock
• For Foodies: Waterbury
• For Skiing: Stowe

Best Places to Stay in Vermont

Category	Our Pick
Best Overalll	Mountain Top Inn
Budget Option	Little River Inn
Mid-Range Option	Green Mountain Suites Hotel
Luxury Option	Woodstock Inn & Resort
Family-Friendly Option	Field Guide Lodge
Pet-friendly Option	Kimpton Taconic Hotel
For Skiing	Trapp Family Lodge

Where to Stay in Vermont

1. Montpelier

When looking for places to visit in Vermont, starting with Montpelier, the capital, makes sense. Established in the middle of the Green Mountains, this little city of just over 8,000 residents is an obvious choice, especially for Vermont first-timers. It’s known as one of the best small arts towns in the country.

Returning to the 1800s, Montpelier is full of historic goodies for visitors. Check out the gold-domed capital building, the Vermont Historical Society Museum, and the Kent Tavern Museum. The art scene showcases spots like Susan Calza Gallery, Katie O’Rourke Art, and the Center for Arts and Learning.

A bonus to staying in a city as petite as Montpelier is that everything is within walking distance. You can have a car, but you won’t need it if you’re staying in a hotel in town. Or, if you want to see everything, why not take a day-long guided tour of the town and Mad River Valley?

Still, you don’t have to go far to get out into nature during your visit. From the 200 acres of Hubbard Park along the Winooski River to hiking Camel’s Hump or meandering the Central Vermont Path, nature is always calling.

Fun Things to Do in Montpelier

• Vermont Historical Society Museum
• See the capital building
• Hubbard Park
• Central Vermont Path
• Kent Tavern Museum
• Coburn Covered Bridge

Accommodations in Montpelier

• Budget Hotel: Comfort Inn and Suites Montpelier – Berlin
• Mid-Range Hotel: The Inn at Montpelier
• Luxury Hotel: Capitol Plaza Hotel Montpelier, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

2. Burlington

Just south of the Canadian border, along Lake Champlain, Burlington is a much larger city than Vermont’s capital. This highly walkable city is known for its collegiate status, museums, arts scene, and plenty of shopping. The pedestrian Church Street Marketplace is a particular favorite of locals and visitors alike.

When you take to the streets of Burlington, you quickly learn that there is a lot to absorb. You may want to take a self-guided walking tour of the city early in your trip to determine what to focus on.

You’ll be impressed to learn that the city’s footprint goes far beyond its ties to Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream. There is an incredible craft brewing scene here, which could pair well with the aforementioned ice cream.

This northwestern city’s museums can help you get to know the area better with the unique perspectives of the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum and Historic Site or the Shelburne Museum. The former showcases the life of the famed Revolutionary War hero, while the latter curates American folk and decorative art in historic buildings.

Visiting Burlington also offers the chance to stay at a local hotel rather than a chain you’re familiar with. The Green Mountain Suites Hotel, an all-suite accommodation, is worth considering. It has affordable prices, a complimentary breakfast, and a nightly wine/beer reception with snacks.

Fun Things to Do in Burlington

• Church Street Marketplace
• Visit Lake Champlain
• Shelburne Museum
• Ethan Allen Homestead Museum
• Burlington Farmers Market
• Fleming Museum of Art

Accommodations in Burlington

• Budget Hotel: Fairfield Inn by Marriott Burlington Williston
• Mid-Range Hotel: Green Mountain Suites Hotel
• Luxury Hotel: Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain

3. Brattleboro

Initially known as Brattleborough, Brattleboro is a small city in southern Vermont near the New Hampshire border. This ultra-artsy city is in the foothills of the Green Mountains, with the culture of a significant metropolitan area mixed with the vibes of a small, charming town. If you’re a culture vulture wondering where to stay in Vermont, look no further.

In that vein, you can’t turn a corner without encountering art in Brattleboro. From a visit to the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, shopping at Vermont Artisan Designs or Fine Arts Vermont, and watching agape at Randi Solin Glass, you’ve got a full itinerary.

Shoppers will adore Brattleboro for its community of boutiques. This city is chock full of vibrant, local businesses to explore along the banks of the Connecticut River. Once you shop for the day or need a little break, you can pop over to Hermit Thrush Brewery or Saxtons Distillery for a quick drink.

If you must leave the city, head to Fort Dummer State Park outside Brattleboro. If you’re visiting Vermont in the autumn, check out the gorgeous fall foliage at Fort Dummer. Fort Dummer was founded in 1724 and was the first European settlement in Vermont.

Things to Do in Brattleboro

• Creamery Covered Bridge
• Brattleboro Museum & Art Center
• Estey Organ Museum
• Saxtons Distillery
• Hermit Thrush Brewery
• Fort Dummer State Park

Accommodations in Brattleboro

• Budget Hotel: The Covered Bridge Inn
• Mid-Range Hotel: Hampton Inn Brattleboro
• Luxury Hotel: Inn on Putney Run Bed and Breakfast

4. Woodstock

No, not that Woodstock in New York, where the famed music festival took place near. Woodstock, Vermont, is often called the prettiest town in the country, and it’s easy to see why.

The natural beauty abounds in this quaint town, which offers lots of farm-fresh dining, hiking trails, and hospitality in the state’s center. Don’t let its size let you believe it has little to offer.

Given its small stature, much of what you’ll find here to do takes place in nature. From exploring the Ottauquechee River to walking trails up to Mount Tom, outdoorsy folks will be at home here.

Outdoor activities are abundant in or around Woodstock, with difficulty levels ranging from easy to challenging. It’s ideal for all abilities.

Be sure to leave time to visit Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, though. This is the only national park in the United States dedicated entirely to the history of nature conservation.

It’s named for environmentalist George Perkins Marsh, conservator Frederick Billings, Billings’ granddaughter Mary French Rockefeller, and her husband Laurance S. Rockefeller, the famed conservationist.

This town is also where you’ll find two of the best hotels in Vermont: the Woodstock Inn & Resort and the 506 on The River Inn. Both hotels are perfect for a romantic getaway with a classic rustic experience, especially Woodstock Inn, which has an incredible spa.

Things to Do in Woodstock

• Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
• Hike Mount Tom
• Ottauquechee River
• Taftsville Covered Bridge
• Sugarbush Farm
• Collective the Art of Craft
• Woodstock Farmers Market

Accommodations in Woodstock

• Budget Hotel: The Shire Woodstock
• Mid-Range Hotel: 506 On the River Inn Woodstock
• Luxury Hotel: Woodstock Inn & Resort

5. Manchester

Manchester is a former iron mining town in the heart of the Green Mountains. This Vermont treasurer has the aesthetic you’d expect of a quintessential New England town surrounded by the nature of the Green Mountain National Forest. Adventurers may even want to hike their way up Mount Equinox.

Manchester may be most famous for being home to Hildene, the sprawling Georgian Revival mansion that belonged to Robert Lincoln. Robert, Abraham Lincoln’s only child to survive adulthood, and his wife Mary had the mansion built in 1905.

Lincoln’s descendants lived in the home until 1975. Now, it serves as a museum to the Lincolns and the Pullman company, which Robert ran for a time.

Manchester also houses the American Museum of Fly Fishing and the Southern Vermont Arts Center in another part of the museum world. Since Manchester has become such a destination town, fine dining options and plentiful shopping opportunities exist. You could even visit the North Meadow Farm for some hands-on cow time.

Linksmen will love the golf course at the Equinox Golf Resort. Named for the nearby mountain, Equinox is one of the best golf resorts in the country. Another option, the Reluctant Panther Inn, with its fun name, is one of the best hotels in Vermont – especially if you’re looking for a luxury boutique experience.

Things to Do in Manchester

• Visit Hildene
• Hike Mount Equinox
• Play a round at the golf course at Equinox Golf Resort
• American Museum of Fly Fishing
• Southern Vermont Arts Center
• Visit Reluctant Panther Inn
• North Meadow Farm

Accommodations in Manchester

• Budget Hotel: Equinox Golf Resort & Spa
• Mid-Range Hotel: Kimpton Taconic Hotel
• Luxury Hotel: Reluctant Panther Inn

6. Stowe

Watched over by Mount Mansfield, Stowe is the smallest Vermont town we’ve mentioned. Also known as the Ski Capital of the East, it is home to the country’s oldest ski patrol and was also the birthplace of Alpine skiing in Vermont.

It’s hard to ignore Stowe’s ski ties since the looming Mount Mansfield is the state’s highest peak. Checking out the mountain is easily done from Smugglers’ Notch State Park – you can even camp here if you want to!

When you can pull yourself away from the slopes, you can continue the theme in Stowe. Here, you’ll find the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum for all the winter sports history you could want. Temporary exhibits roll in and out of the museum, though their collection of sports equipment, photos, and other adjacent paraphernalia are always there to see.

The brewing scene in Stowe is also worth noting. For a warm-up, stop by the range of local breweries, like The Alchemist Brewery, Stowe Cider, or Idletyme Brewing Company. Explore these spots on your own or enjoy a half-day guided brewery tour.

Don’t forget to visit two of Stowe’s adorable accommodations, even if you don’t stay there, too: The Little River Inn and the Austrian-inspired Trapp Family Lodge. If the Trapp name sounds familiar, that’s because it is! It’s owned and operated by the von Trapp family, who inspired the von Trapps in The Sound of Music.

Things to Do in Stowe

• See the Trapp Family Lodge
• Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum
• Alchemist Brewery
• Mount Mansfield
• Goldbrook Covered Bridge
• Bingham Falls

Accommodations in Stowe

• Budget Hotel: The Little River Inn
• Mid-Range Hotel: Field Guide Lodge
• Luxury Hotel: Trapp Family Lodge

7. Bennington

Vermont’s first town, founded in 1749, Bennington, borders New York and Massachusetts in the state’s southwestern corner. Because of its storied past, the town has a lot of historical places to visit. It is also where the Bennington Triangle nickname came from, when many people mysteriously disappeared from the area from the 1920s to 1950s.

To the delight of architecture fans everywhere, Bennington is also home to several covered bridges. These iconic structures, especially when placed against stunning fall foliage, are easy to access and appreciate. Here, you can see the Henry Covered Bridge, the Silk Road Covered Bridge, the Chiselville Covered Bridge, and the Paper Mill Village Bridge.

If you want to get to know the state and area better, visit the Bennington Museum. With artifacts dating back to the mid-1800s, this museum encompasses the town’s history and art.

The museum has 13 galleries with permanent collections and visiting exhibitions. Some permanent exhibits include Gilded Age Vermont, Grandma Moses, and Across the Street: Historic Bennington.

You also need to see the incredible Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion, one of the best-preserved Victorian mansions in New England. This 35-room grand mansion was built in the Second Empire Style with some elements of the Romantic Revival style.

Things to Do in Bennington

• Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion
• Bennington Museum
• Covered bridge visits
• The Dollhouse and Toy Museum of Vermont
• Molly Stark Trail

Accommodations in Bennington

• Budget Hotel: Paradise Inn
• Mid-Range Hotel: Hampton Inn Bennington
• Luxury Hotel: South Shire

See Related: A Route 100 Vermont Road Trip Itinerary You’ll Want to Copy

8. Middlebury

Founded in 1761, Middlebury is a beautiful New England town. Home to Middlebury College, it is awash in activity even when school is out for the year. Middlebury College is considered a Little Ivy, a smaller school that can compete with the big Ivy League institutions.

Unlike Bennington’s covered bridges, Middlebury’s bridges aren’t as aesthetically vibrant. The Halpin-covered bridge and Pulp Mill-covered bridge are still worth seeing. These wooden bridges don’t have the trappings of other New England-covered bridges, yet they still carry the unique style that made these structures so fascinating to visitors.

Middlebury isn’t the oldest town in Vermont, yet the Henry Sheldon Museum demonstrates much of the state’s history. Started in 1884, it is the country’s oldest community-based museum. In addition to the temporary exhibits, the museum holds a permanent collection of 19th and 20th-century Vermont artifacts and art.

For more art, visit the Middlebury College Museum of Art. This college museum holds Asian, European, and American art from 4000 BC to the present day. Some collection highlights include House of Fabrege, Kongo-Vili Power Figure, and Shahzia Sikander’s The Perennial Gaze Takes Pride of Place.

Things to Do in Middlebury

• Middlebury College Museum of Art
• Halpin Covered Bridge and Pulp Mill Covered Bridge
• Henry Sheldon Museum
• Town Hall Theater
• Lincoln Peak Vineyard
• Appalachian Gap Distillery

Accommodations in Middlebury

• Budget Hotel: The Middlebury Inn
• Mid-Range Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Middlebury
• Luxury Hotel: Swift House Inn

9. Waterford

A neighbor to Concord, Waterford was established in 1870 as Littleton. Though small, Waterford is a visitor’s haven for getting out of the hustle and bustle of city life. It has several hotels, restaurants, attractions, and even a dog chapel.

That’s right, there’s a dog chapel in Waterford. Dog Mountain’s Dog Chapel was founded in 2000 by artist Stephen Huneck to represent peace, love, and remembrance.

Since its creation, visitors have helped transform the space with notes, photos, and art. These little tokens can be left to spread the memory left behind on the chapel walls.

Just outside of Waterford in St. Johnsbury, the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium is an amalgamation of a natural science museum, a planetarium, and a history museum.

The museum’s collection includes 30,000 objects. Permanent exhibits demonstrate various natural history and space elements, while temporary exhibits like Dinosaurs Among Us keep the museum fresh for repeat visitors.

You should also consider a visit to the award-winning Rabbit Hill Inn. This historic inn is one of the best hotels in Vermont.

Rabbit Hill Inn has a luxury bed and breakfast experience and is best for couples since there are dress-for-dinner attire requirements. Plus, since the hotel doesn’t have televisions, it’s a great excuse to relax and unwind.

Things to Do in Waterford

• Dog Mountain Dog Chapel
• Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium
• St. Johnsbury Athenaeum
• Northeast Kingdom Artisans Guild
• St Johnsbury History & Heritage Center

Accommodations in Waterford

• Budget Hotel: Colonnade Inn
• Mid-Range Hotel: Fairbanks Inn
• Luxury Hotel: Rabbit Hill Inn

See Related: Things to Do in Massachusetts & Places to Visit

10. Grafton

Grafton is where you go if you need a Vermont-style vacation without the crowds or overly planned itineraries. This tiny town doesn’t have much stuff; instead, it is a place for disconnection and slow living. For fall foliage lovers, head to Grafton for all the autumnal colors you could want without crowded roads or visitors doing the same thing.

When you want to escape nature, you don’t have to go far to enjoy still what nature entails. You can learn more about the natural world and how to protect it at the Nature Museum.

If you visit in September, you may even be able to attend the museum’s annual Fairy House Festival. The museum is open on weekends (and Fridays); however, the Magic Forest Playscape and Chapman Meadow areas are open daily from dawn until dusk.

Outdoorsy travelers will love the easy access to Jamaica State Park from Grafton. With over 700 acres, this park is perfect for recreational activities like cross-country skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and swimming. Jamaica State Park is also where you’ll find the Hamilton Falls Natural Area, which includes a six-mile out-and-back hike to the waterfall.

If you haven’t had maple syrup in Vermont, visit Plummer’s Sugar House in Grafton. This working sugar house produces all kinds of maple syrup and other maple products. With a purchase from their shop, you can take a free facility tour.

Things to Do in Grafton

• Nature Museum
• Jamaica State Park
• Plummer’s Sugar House
• Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center
• Bellows Falls Opera House
• Grafton Historical Society

Accommodations in the Grafton area

• Budget Hotel: Fullerton Inn (in Chester)
• Mid-Range Hotel: Stone Hearth Inn (in Chester)
• Luxury Hotel: Grafton Inn

See Related: Things to Do in Boston, Massachusetts

11. Chittenden

Nestled between Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, Chittenden is a natural haven for travelers in Vermont. While being part of the Crossroads of Vermont is a feat in and of itself, Chittenden’s main draw is its vast natural resources.

Whether you’re visiting for mountain biking or downhill skiing, there’s always something to enjoy. It’s also an easy visit from nearby cozy lodgings at Mountain Meadows Lodge or Mountain Top Inn.

The latter, in Chittenden, is our pick or best overall accommodation in Vermont. This luxe Inn has a heated outdoor pool, outdoor hot tub, fitness center, and spacious guest rooms.

A short drive away in Proctor, the Vermont Marble Museum introduces visitors to the state’s rich history of geological discovery. The museum has 16 galleries devoted to demonstrating how marble has been used throughout the country and the world.

Some exhibits include The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Geological/Historical Display, the Marble Chapel, and the Hall of Presidents. Also, in the nearby town of Proctor, the only actual castle in Vermont resides.

The Wilson Castle, built in 1885, is unique because it combines several architectural styles, including Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival. Several different owners lived in the castle until the 1950s. By 1962, it opened for public tours.

If you’re up for an hour’s drive out of town to see an incredible work of art, head up to Randolph to see the Whale’s Dance. Named Reverence, the sculpture was created in 1989 out of 36 tons of African black granite. This incredible work of art is meant to reflect the planet’s fragility.

Things to Do in Chittenden

• Gifford Woods State Park
• Vermont Marble Museum
• Wilson Castle
• Chittenden Reservoir

Accommodations in the Chittenden area

• Budget Hotel: Mountain Meadows Lodge (in Killington)
• Mid-Range Hotel: Antique Mansion (in Rutland)
• Luxury Hotel: Mountain Top Inn

See Related: 2 Days in Boston: A Complete Itinerary to See Everything

12. Shelburne

Another town along the shores of Lake Champlain, Shelburn, is probably best known as the home to the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory and Shelburne Farms. Just a few miles from Burlington, this town is a lovely day trip to add to your itinerary or a place to stay if you’d rather avoid a larger city. Shelburne has plenty to keep you busy with a small town fell to boot.

Shelburne’s cuddliest stop is definitely the beloved Vermont Teddy Bear Factory. Established in 1981, the factory has since become the largest handcrafting teddy bear factory in the United States.

New England has its runs, but the classics are elsewhere. Our guide to whitewater rafting in the US covers the Deerfield in Massachusetts alongside the Gauley and the Colorado.

They sell more teddies than most manufacturers worldwide, and their bears are too cute to miss. Take a factory tour and even stop by the Make a Friend for Life station to assemble your Vermont teddy.

The town’s other most notable location is Shelburne Farms. This working farm also runs as a non-profit sustainability education center.

Depending on the time of year you visit, there are different activities you can participate in or watch at the farm. In addition to learning about things like cheesemaking, you can also explore the historic manor house and five onsite cottages. You can even stay here!

If you stay downtown, you are within walking distance of Shelburne’s adorable shops and restaurants. When it comes to things to keep you busy, there is far more than just teddies and farms. You can indulge in local history at the Shelburne Museum, go antiquing, relax at the Shelburne Vineyard, or live your autumnal fantasies at Shelburne Orchards.

Things to Do in Shelburne

• Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
• Shelburne Farms
• Fiddlehead Brewing Company
• Shelburne Orchards
• Wild Hart Distillery
• Shelburne Museum

Accommodations in Shelburne

• Budget Hotel: Quality Inn Shelburne
• Mid-Range Hotel: Holiday Inn Express South Burlington
• Luxury Hotel: Heart of the Village Inn

See Related: Best Hikes in New Hampshire to Try This Year

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