Official Cumulative Town Count | Unofficial Town Count |
238 | 61 |
The towns covered in this Vermont 251 post are located in the center of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom (NEK). Some of the most picturesque landscapes can be found here, in towns bustling with tourists and in towns with very little going on and very few residents. Come along and check out WALDEN, STANNARD, NEWARK, SHEFFIELD, WHEELOCK, LYNDON, BURKE (& E. BURKE), SUTTON, & EAST HAVEN.
WALDEN
Walden, VT is a small farming community with a population just under 1,000 (as of 2020). Interestingly, the town has no zip code of its own; mail is routed through the nearby West Danville and East Hardwick post offices. Chartered in August of 1781 to Moses Robinson and 64 others, the town was founded along the original Bayley-Hazen Military Road, which served as an important supply route during the Revolutionary War. In 1779, a block house was built in this area, with a small garrison left to defend it. The officer who was left in command was named Walden and requested that the town receive his name when it was chartered. Other than a sweet sugar house (with homemade crafts and pies!) -- which may officially be in West Danville -- there really isn't anything of note to visit in Walden
STANNARD
Stannard, VT is itty bitty (pop. 208 in 2020), serene, and has no paved roads. Previously known as Goshen Gore No. 1, the town was incorporated as Stannard in honor of General George J. Stannard, a Union Army hero of the Civil War. Stannard and his 2nd Vermont Brigade broke Pickett's charge and beat back troops from Florida and Alabama at the Battle of Gettysburg. He was commended by the Vermont legislature in 1865 for his "skill and bravery."
NEWARK
Newark, VTÂ is a tiny town (pop. 584 in 2020) which is not easy to get to and doesn't have much to visit. It is best known for Newark Pond, owned by the Nature Conservancy, which is protecting the local loon population. The town is remote from main roads, and the land is rough and uneven with many hills and little farmland, making logging and maple sugaring the biggest industry there. While there are municipal and community-centered buildings, there is no commerce per se. But, man, the views there -- swoon!
SHEFFIELD
Sheffield, VT is a very rural town, even by Vermont standards. It is also tiny (pop. 682 in 2020). The only place to visit, other than the historical society (often closed) is Holbrook State Park, which has a 2-mile easy loop and boards should the path be muddy.
WHEELOCK
Wheelock, VT is a tiny rural town (pop. 759 in 2020) with a mostly non-existent town "center" despite having the ubiquitous town Green (with memorial to fallen soldiers). The town was chartered in June of 1785 and was named after John Wheelock, Dartmouth College’s second president, and his father, Eleazar Wheelock, who founded the college. Historically, large quantities of hay, oats, lumber, and maple syrup were the commercial industries, and some of those farms are still producing today. In fact, if you find yourself in the area, I would recommend a trip up the dirt road to Chandler Pond Farm (with a self-serve farm store) for both the goodies and produce, as well as the views.
LYNDON (& Lyndonville)
Lyndon, VT is a relatively big town for this area with a population 5,491 in 2020, which is considered by some as the Gateway to the North East Kingdom (NEK) and considered by others the covered bridge capital of the NEK. The town was turned into a township in 1780 and although the area is heavily wooded, it has the Passumpsic River flowing through it, which allowed the operation of grist and saw mills, and explains the area's five covered bridges. Downtown Lyndon offers a busy Main Street, plenty of dining options, a good bookshop (Green Mountain Books & Prints), other shops, and a library. In Lyndon Center, you can find the Miller’s Run covered bridge as well as town hall (AKA Town House) with a cemetery behind it. Chamberlain Covered Bridge is located in Lyndon Corner, along with Schoolhouse Covered Bridge. Sanborn covered bridge is being repaired (in 2024) after damages incurred during a recent flood in Lyndon while Randall covered bridge is located in Lyndonville. Lyndon is the home of Lyndon State College so there is a bit of a young vibe. If you are looking for some nice walks, check out Lyndon State Forest, and if you happen to be in town on a Friday between June and mid-October, definitely check out the farmers market.
BURKE (plus East Burke & West Burke)
Burke, VT is a tourist/ resort town with a population of 1,651 (in 2020). Aside from stupendous scenery and vistas, the town's main draw is Burke Mountain, the top of which can be accessed by car during summer and fall via a toll road in case you don't feel like hiking or biking up (just be sure you know how to use the low gears on your car to save your brakes on the way down). Burke Mountain (officially located in East Burke) is a family ski resort with a vertical drop of 2,011 feet and an average snowfall of 217 inches, which brings accounts for its popularity and also for it as a home to Burke Mountain Academy, a boarding school which provides alpine ski racing training. Also in East Burke, you have several options of accommodations, including the very luxurious Inn at Burklynn, which commands sweeping and breath-taking views. Burke is also known as a mountain biking mecca for riders, with the Kingdom Trails network, and you should expect to see lots of riders over the summer (and fall). Bikes can be rented at Village Sport Shop Trailside should you want to give it a try. There are plenty of dining options in town which cater to the tourists, as well as the Burke Mountain Maple Co. for a maple fix. And, because it's Vermont, you can visit a craft brewery in West Burke -- Next Trick Brewing (check their hours before heading over, though; they're seasonal and limited).
SUTTON
Sutton, VT is another tiny farming community (pop. 913 in 2020). I always find it interesting how some tiny towns in Vermont have municipal conveniences like libraries and post offices. This is not one of those towns. That said, there is a church, a town office, and school, as well as Rainbow's Edge Farm for sleigh rides in winter and horse-drawn wagon rides during the other seasons.
EAST HAVEN
East Haven, VT is another tiny town (pop. 270 in 2020) with lovely views and nothing of note to visit EXCEPT for Dirt Church Brewing Company, which was originally located in the former church next door to its current location. It is the only place in the area to go out (and get any food), has limited hours, and can get very busy. We were there early on a lovely day, and enjoyed the tunes while we took in the back yard views.
Should you find yourself wanting to experience Vermont in all its pastoral glory, these are some towns which should be on your list.
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