Danby, Vermont

The quiet Village of Danby, conveniently located midway between Rutland and Manchester, has over 100 buildings listed in the National Register of Historical Places, many of them indicators of the town’s former prosperity in the early 19th century as a hub of commerce for marble, logging and charcoal. The library, church, town hall, school, post office and Veterans’ Memorial Park are a a short walk to each other, and a general store/gas station is nearby. A popular swimming hole offers summer fun in the picturesque Mill Brook as it tumbles into the Otter Creek watershed, a favorite fishing spot.

Pawlet, Vermont

Pawlet is best known for its quiet rural character, idyllic scenery, farmland and creative community. Stretching along the fertile Mettowee Valley in the Taconic foothills, its bucolic working landscape includes 31 family farms on 4844 acres protected by the Vermont Land Trust. These farms produce milk and cheese, beef and pork, forage crops and market vegetables. Many sell their goods on site, as well as each Sunday at the Dorset Farmers Market ten minutes down the road. The Mettowee River – acclaimed for its fly fishing – flows through the valley and into Pawlet Village where it is met by Flower Brook, with its dramatic waterfall at the site of a former grist mill.

Rupert, Vermont

Picturesque and peaceful, Rupert’s agrarian landscape includes dairy farms, maple sugaring operations and specialty farms. The east part of town between Dorset and Pawlet is nestled in the fertile Mettowee Valley, whose farmlands are among 4844 acres protected by the Vermont Land Trust. To the west is Merck Forest and Farmland Center, the legacy of George Merck, who established the Vermont Forest and Farmland Foundation in 1952. MFFC’s 3000-acre preserve is both a working landscape and a field classroom open to the public. Visitors can access over 30 miles of trails, long-range views, hunting, rustic camping and educational programming for all ages.

Middletown Springs, Vermont

Unlike other towns in the area Middletown Springs was created in 1784 by an act of the Vermont legislature. Residents of the crossroads settlement found it difficult to attend functions in the towns of Poultney, Tinmouth, Ira, and Wells and petitioned the legislature when Vermont was still an independent Republic (1777-1791).

The charm of Middletown Springs resides in its historical architecture and welcoming village vibe. The Historical Society Museum, Community Church, and brand new Town Office border the village green, which is the site of community events like the Memorial Day Parade. It’s also the site of the town’s Maple Festival, Strawberry Festival (featuring local artists, artisans and musicians) and a Museum Open House, all hosted by the Historical Society. Other highlights include the annual Pie for Breakfast, a fundraiser for the Middletown Springs Public Library, and Christmas caroling on the Green. Crossman’s Village Store is just across the street and the charming library in the old Methodist Chapel is a short walk away. The town’s 1904 schoolhouse and playground just up the hill still serves its original purpose for kindergarten to grade six. A stroll to Mineral Springs Park at the bend in Burdock Avenue will bring you to an ornate pavilion, historic spring house and picnic spots along the banks of the Poultney River.

Tinmouth, Vermont

Tinmouth is a quiet farming town sandwiched between Tinmouth Mountain and the Tinmouth Channel, which gives rise to the Clarendon River. A lot of community is packed into its tiny village. Many of the surrounding buildings in the town’s are reflective of life in a rural 19th-century village. The United Methodist Church, a pristine example of the New England white steepled meetinghouse, the library, the town offices and the elementary school are just steps away from each other. Agricultural artifacts on display in a shed formerly used to shelter the carriage horses of church-goers is thanks to the efforts of the Historical Society, which plays an active role in preserving the stories of the town’s former residents and Civil War veterans.

Dorset, Vermont

Dorset’s restful location between some of the highest peaks of the Taconic Mountains led in great measure to its rich history; first as an early settlement, then as a seat of industry, and finally to its current status as an upscale destination. The architectural integrity of Dorset’s historic inns and well-kept homes is defined by marble sidewalks and a pristine village green. Its appeal is enhanced by two thriving historic general stores, a welcoming art gallery, a bakery and fine dining at a choice of restaurants. The Dorset Playhouse, widely renowned for its professional summer theater since 1945, offers productions year-round; run by local thespians the Dorset Players, it hosts the acclaimed Dorset Theatre Festival, which stages professional productions during the summer months. Local farmers and producers sell their wares every week, year-round, at the Dorset Farmers Market. The Marble House Project at the historic Manley-Lefevre House is a multi-disciplinary artist residency program focusing on conservation, organic food production and the arts. The Dorset Church, built from locally quarried white marble in 1910, is known area-wide for its community service, twice-yearly rummage sales and commmunity dinners.

Wells, Vermont

Beyond the charmingly small 19th-century village of Wells and the town’s farmland lies a wealth of recreational opportunity. Lake Saint Catherine State Park is a popular destination; amenities at the 117-acre park include a campground, beaches for swimming and fishing, and a boat launch. Canoes, kayaks and paddle-boats are available to rent. There is also a nature center that offers various programs, and a short hiking trail that highlights some of the area’s oldest trees. Larger boats are also available to rent from Woodard Marina.

Within the village, which is listed in the State Register of Historic Places, are the Wells Public Library, two churches, the elementary school and Modern Woodmen Hall. The Wells Country Store is a destination in itself, offering baked goods, coffee and sandwiches; maple syrup, locally grown vegetables and baked goods tempt buyers at Wellsmere Farm; and fresh milk and yogurt can be bought at the Larson Farm store.

The Lakes Region Film Society screens art, international, classic, independent and documentary films for its members in the Town’s beautiful office building. Wells Lakeside Park on the banks of shallow Little Pond is a nice spot for family picnics. The Modern Woodmen hall is the site of many community gatherings, including craft fairs, dinners and fundraisers hosted by nonprofit organizations.

Manchester, Vermont

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Green Mountains, Manchester, Vermont, offers a delightful retreat for those seeking a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and small-town charm. This former iron-mining town today is the quintessential Vermont getaway, complete with a white steeple church, antique shops and cozy country inns. As you drive into town, you are greeted by historic buildings that exude New England character. Main Street is lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and quaint cafes, inviting you to stroll leisurely and soak in the unique atmosphere. Main Street is also home to The Northshire Bookstore, an independently owned bookseller and one of the largest bookstores in New England. Northshire Bookstore was voted Best Bookstore in the country by Publishers Weekly magazine and Best of New England by Yankee magazine.

Nature enthusiasts will find Manchester to be a paradise, with its close proximity to hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities for outdoor activities year-round. From the stunning vistas atop Mount Equinox to the serene waters of the Battenkill River, there is no shortage of natural beauty to explore and enjoy. History buffs will appreciate the town's rich heritage, evident in its well-preserved buildings and landmarks. Make sure to visit the Hildene Estate, the former home of Robert Todd Lincoln, where you can step back in time and learn about the region's past. And don’t overlook the Southern Vermont Arts Center, founded by a group of local artists, the cultural center includes a beautiful Georgian mansion that showcases changing exhibits, the Arkell Pavilion, a performing arts center and the Elizabeth de C. Wilson Museum, which houses the center's permanent collection of more than 700 paintings. You will find the beautiful 50+acre campus on West Road at the foot of the Taconic Mountains.

Wallingford, Vermont

The Town of Wallingford is located in the Otter Creek Valley along Route 7 between the Taconic and Green Mountain Ranges, 22 miles north of Manchester and 10 miles south of Rutland.

Wallingford, Vermont, a quaint town nestled in the Green Mountains, is steeped in rich history and charm. Founded in 1761, Wallingford has a legacy shaped by early settlers and pioneers, evident in its well-preserved architecture and historic sites. The town's vibrant history is showcased in landmarks like the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, where visitors can learn about the 30th President of the United States who grew up in the nearby town of Plymouth.

As you stroll through Wallingford's picturesque downtown, you'll encounter a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. The town's culture is celebrated through community events, such as Wallingford Days and the annual Wallingford Birch Festival, which showcases local artisans, musicians, and culinary delights. Visitors can immerse themselves in the town's artistic scene by visiting galleries and workshops that showcase the talent and creativity of local artists.