Many people know Vermont for its scenic beauty, flowing maple syrup, and, of course, as the home of the maple creemee. But did you also know that the Green Mountain State is comprised of 252 municipalities? Of those, 10 are cities and 242 are towns, since Essex and Essex Junction separated in 2022.
While most of Vermont’s cities are small, they pack a diverse range of offerings, from pedestrian-only shopping streets (Burlington), kayaking on the lake (Newport and Saint Albans), a cemetery featuring an array of granite sculptures and monuments (Barre), and river walks (Winooski). Head out of the cities and the landscapes grow more rural, with rolling farmlands and a general store here and there. Still, these smaller towns in Vermont have no shortage of things to do.
To start with, Shelburne (just outside of Burlington) hosts a country store with mouth-watering maple creemees and fudge, a sprawling acreage of farm buildings (Shelburne Farms) and an outdoor museum with exhibits ranging from a steamship to a lighthouse to Vermont’s signature covered bridge (Shelburne Museum). Farther south, the town of Woodstock provides shopping and dining in a quaint, picturesque village. Stowe, Manchester, and Grafton are all idyllic New England towns steeped with history and small-town charm.
For a fun project, check off each town and/or city that you pass through on your travels throughout Vermont. The 251 Club of Vermont is a club focused on just this, with seasonal newsletters, annual gatherings, and merchandise including a paper checklist and a travel journal.
Moreover, it is easy to see why so many people choose Vermont as their vacation destination. Its mix of city energy, rural tranquility, and focus on local shopping make it appealing to every traveler. Start in the bustling streets of Burlington or indulge in a hike on Mount Philo; the Green Mountain State is yours to explore.
