Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Vermont

The Green Mountain State is famous for its small towns. After all, its biggest city, Burlington, has only 45,000 residents, so Vermont kind of feels like a state with only small towns. Of course, that's all part of the charm. Finding a small, undiscovered town in Vermont is a bit of a challenge, given the popularity of places like Woodstock and Stowe. Luckily, a few spots manage to fly under the radar, and the town of Brandon is a case in point. Here's more on this must-visit small, historic town in Vermont.

The History Behind This Charming Town

Brandon was officially chartered in 1761, although it had served as the home of the Abenaki Nation long before then. By the 1700s, most of the indigenous population migrated or were forced to move north into Canada. Though the town has grown steadily since its earliest days, it still retains its historic charm. The economy developed around mills and agriculture, although with the prevalence of the railroad, business tapered off. But of course, that wasn't the end of the story for this small Vermont town. Brandon embraced its natural beauty and leaned into the arts, drawing those with a keen appreciation for such things.

What Travelers Love Most

There's so much to love about Brandon that it's hard to pinpoint just a few things that travelers love the most, but it all boils down to the feeling of being there. Imagine: crisp air during peak foliage season, humidity-free summers, and of course, all the cold-weather sports that winter and early spring promise. It's the feeling of arriving in a new place and experiencing it just as the locals do; nothing is over-hyped, and the landmarks aren't tourist attractions. Plus, the town is small, so you can really start to know it over a weekend visit.

Where to Eat, Stay, and Explore in Brandon

If you're planning your visit to Brandon, there are tons of places to fill your itinerary. 22 Park Eatery is a fan favorite, with an out-of-this-world Korean beef bowl and maple bacon burger. Other popular spots include River Pub and Grill and Cafe Provence. If you need a quick pick-me-up, head to Morningside Bakery for a cup of coffee and a delicious baked good. Then spend some quality time exploring the small businesses that line the town, such as The Bookstore for a new read or Across the Street for antiques.

If you'd like to explore some of Vermont's famous scenery, there are plenty of hiking trails that will take you through its stunning natural beauty. Some favorites include the Silver Lake Loop Trail or Hogback Mountain Loop. Then celebrate your outdoor adventure over beers or another drink of choice at Red Clover Ale Co. When you're ready to call it a day, there are plenty of quality lodging options to choose from. The Brandon Inn, housed in an 18th-century building, is perfectly situated near the town's top attractions.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to plan your trip to this small, historic town in Vermont and see why travelers love it so much? If so, share this article with a fellow adventure enthusiast and let the planning begin! Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to New England using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.