Walkable Towns to Visit in Vermont
Three Walkable Downtowns
Vermont’s thriving downtowns offer an abundance of charm and character. The heart of Vermont’s communities, walkable town centers are steeped in history with cultural attractions, space for social gatherings and memorable shopping and dining experiences. If you’re looking for an unforgettable downtown experience, look no further than Newport, Winooski and Waterbury.
Vermont’s downtowns boast a sense of community and belonging, for locals and visitors alike.
NEWPORT
Newport lies on the southern shore of Lake Memphremagog, just miles from the Canadian border.
This glacial lake is surrounded by mountains that blend into the bucolic landscape of the Northeast Kingdom, a true undisturbed paradise. Newport’s history is influenced by its unique location on the lake and its early adoption of the railway. The perfect combination of the great outdoors and the small-town feel that Vermont is known for. Explore the nooks and crannies of this charming town to discover the specialty shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
OUR TOP PICKS
Experience
Newport Farmers Market; Northern Star Boat Cruise; Pomerleau Park; The Waterfront Boardwalk; Memphremagog Arts Collaborative
Eat & Drink
Lago Trattoria; Dusit Thai Cuisine; The Warehouse; Elmer’s Cabin; Eden Specialty Ciders
Shop
Newport Natural Market; Newport Jewelers; Pick & Shovel; The Shoppes at The Eastside
WATERBURY
If you’re looking for a quiet, picturesque downtown experience away from the crowds, look no further than Waterbury.
Take a stroll through the village, which features improved roads and sidewalks with ADA accessibility, thanks to the recent two-year downtown Main Street project. Waterbury’s historic downtown promises world-class dining and is home to independent stores, art studios and more. Find one of the many public parking areas (look for the metal birds!) and explore by foot all that downtown Waterbury has to offer.
OUR TOP PICKS
Experience
Phoenix Rising Art Installation; Self-Guided Historical Tour; Waterbury Historical Museum; Self-Guided Art Tour; Waterbury Farmers Market
Eat & Drink
Prohibition Pig; The Blackback Pub; The Reservoir; Stowe Street Café
Shop
Craft Beer Cellar; Stowe Street Emporium; Axel’s Gallery & Frame Shop; Home Again; Tiny Acorn
WINOOSKI
Located just over two miles from Burlington, Winooski is Chittenden county’s best kept secret.
This old mill town is packed into one and a quarter square mile, you can park once and walk anywhere to explore this uniquely Vermont urban downtown. The unique businesses that make up this vibrant community are concentrated around the city’s traffic circle and side streets that look over Winooski Falls. No matter where you start around the circle, you’re bound to find something that piques your interest.
OUR TOP PICKS
Experience
Winooski Falls River Walk; Heritage Winooski Mill Museum; La Bella Derma Spa; Seasonal Sunday Farmers Market; Waking Windows Music Festival
Eat & Drink
Waterworks Food + Drink; The Monkey House; Misery Loves Co.; Scout + Co., Four Quarters Brewery; PhoDang
Shop
Autumn Records; Golden Hour; Asian General Store
Discover
Plan your trip at our Directory.