The Up-and-Coming City in Vermont That’s Perfectly Sized

With all the attractions that big cities have to offer, and all the charm of a New England small town, it's easy for mid-sized cities to fall through the cracks as travel destinations. You'd be doing yourself a disservice to skip out on some of the wonderful cities we have in Vermont, though. One of my favorites is Middlebury, a town of 9,150 in Addison County. This historic town was chartered in 1761 and derives its name from being equidistant between Salisbury and New Haven. There's a lot to see in this college town, whether you're interested in natural beauty, boutique shopping opportunities, or delicious restaurants, and it definitely doesn't get the attention it deserves from travelers.

Middlebury is perhaps best known as the home of the college that shares its name. Middlebury College was founded in 1800 and was the first operating college in Vermont. Today, around 2,775 undergraduates are enrolled at the prestigious undergraduate school. The campus is absolutely stunning and contains a number of historic buildings. The Middlebury College Museum of Art is open to the public and boasts a varied collection of both traveling and permanent exhibits.

There are plenty of landmarks both on and off campus in Middlebury. One of the prettiest is Middlebury Falls, which lies right in the middle of town and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vermont. The picturesque setting tucked in the town's center and surrounded by brick buildings makes it a photographer's dream in any season.

Not too far away from the town's eponymous falls, you'll find Pulp Mill Covered Bridge spanning Otter Creek. This two-lane bridge is the oldest covered bridge in Vermont, having been originally constructed in 1820.

There are also some great hiking trails in Middlebury. The areas around Otter Creek and Chipman Hill both offer up easy trails that won't take all day and have some spectacular scenery. You can learn more about the area's hiking trails from our friends at AllTrails. The city is in such a beautiful area of the state, nestled right in the heart of the Green Mountains.

Even if you don't want to spend much time outside, you'll find plenty of things to do in Middlebury, VT. Golden Rule Mead has a tasting room featuring delicious locally brewed meads. If you're looking for an upscale dinner option, Fire and Ice is a great steakhouse that's been serving the community since 1974.

Middlebury is also home to some wonderful locally-owned stores that are perfect for keeping your dollars right here in Vermont. Round Robin is a delightful upscale thrift shop that's perfect for bargain hunters. Got a sweet tooth that needs satisfying? You're in luck: Middlebury Sweets is Vermont's largest candy store, with 1,500 different varieties in stock.

Regardless of your interests, Middlebury, Vermont, has many attractions that make it a city worth visiting. If you're traveling with family or friends and need somewhere to stay, check out this four-bedroom home, which is centrally located and can sleep up to eight guests.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.