During the hippie era Brattleboro attracted many an artisan, and
most of them are still here. And in many ways they established what
Brattleboro was to be for the remainder of the 20th century and
beyond, an educated and cultured community.
The
downtown area is a delight. Here you'll still find blocks of red brick
buildings housing a great variety of specialty shops, with small
businesses and apartments 
above them. They include ready-to-wear, book
stores, jewelers, restaurants, gift shops, sporting goods stores,
confectionery shops, and what-not. And this is not to mention Sam's
Army & Navy Store, which takes up almost a city block and is far
more than any army and navy store you've ever visited. Cross the
street and you're in front of another landmark, the Latches Hotel (and
Cinemas), recently restored to its 1930's art deco style of
architecture. Not many steps away is their very own grill and brewery!
This is not Mall Town, USA...this is a real town, a busy town, with
individually owned stores and restaurants! There's more...
The old railroad station is now the Brattleboro Museum & Art
Center. However, it should be noted that Amtrak's
"Vermonter" still stops here. A Connecticut River 
tour
boat, the "Belle of Brattleboro," leaves from the marina on
Putney Road. There's
also a canoe outfitter here on Putney Road. Along this strip you'll
also find several shopping centers offering just about anything you
might possibly want or need, from electronics and computer accessories
to chain-store pharmacies. Add to this a number of motels and
eateries, ranging from a steakhouse to Dunkin Food, and this is but
another area of Brattleboro of interest to the visitor. Except for the
Museum & Art Center this can all be found between Exit 2
(Downtown) and Exit 3 of the Interstate.
At Exit 1 of the Interstate you'll find a very popular outlet
center. And between here and downtown there are several known
fast-food establishments and a variety of basic-needs retailers and
convenience stores.
In addition to all this, Brattleboro is seriously dedicated to the
arts, so make sure to keep an eye on our Calendar of Events. The town
also has a not-to-be-missed Winter Carnival and Annual Ski Jump! As
you can see, Brattleboro's not just another pretty face, there's much
to do here. It is, perhaps, Vermont's most diversified town!
Dummerston, Dummerston Center,
East Dummerston, West Dummerston (Pop. 1,863): Dummerston is
basically a bedroom community of Brattleboro,
and is literally just minutes out of the downtown area off of Route
30. Dummerston's claim to fame is that Rudyard Kipling wrote several
of his most famous books at his residence here. It's a beautiful drive
along the river. You'll find a few shops spread apart along Route 30
as you head toward Newfane, but not much else. There's also a sizeable
covered bridge along the way and easy access to the river itself.
Vernon (Pop. 1,850): There's
really nothing here of particular interest to the average visitor, but
this is an interesting place indeed! Somewhere at the bottom of the
Connecticut River here in Vernon is the Tri-State Marker, marking
where Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts come together. We don't
suggest you go looking for it!
Something very interesting, and not at the bottom of the
Connecticut River, is the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant. They
give tours, but by appointment only. Phone them at 802-258-5796 for
details.
And, if you're interested in black gum trees, you'll find them in
the swamp in the town forest. Unusual to the northeast, they're
normally found in glacial potholes. If you want to know more, stop by
the Town Office on Route 142. Incidentally, the town forest has marked
trails for hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling. And, although there are
no restaurants in town, there are several grocery stores that will
make up deli sandwiches.
Newfane, South Newfane, Williamsville
(Pop. 1,555): Newfane is one pretty place! This is not just our
opinion, it's village green and the inns bordering it 
are somewhat
legendary. Not only are these buildings classic New England and quite
beautiful, their history and present-day reputation are significant.
The columned courthouse, church, town hall and inns are the
real-thing-equivalent of the tiny make-believe ones some of us
decorate our homes with during the Christmas season.
The green, of course, isn't the entire town. Although it is
certainly the focal point. There are several very interesting stores
here worth a visit, as is it's famous Sunday flea market...located in
a field on Route 30, just outside of town.
In short, it's pretty hard not to stop in Newfane when driving
through, so plan to spend some time here before you set out!
Brookline (Pop. 403): It's
a great place to live, and it has a round schoolhouse! There's not
much else here except sheer beauty. It's just minutes off of Route 30
in Newfane. Watch for the sign!
Townshend, West Townshend, Harmonyville
(Pop. 1,019): Just up the road a piece from Newfane, Townshend is
yet another community certainly worth a visit. At first glance you
might just think of it as just another pretty place. Although it is a
pretty place, there's more here of interest to the visitor! Along
Route 30 (just north of the village) is the largest single-span
covered bridge in Vermont, Townshend Dam, Bald Mountain, and Townshend
State Forest. The village itself has an impressive village green, and
had an old-fashioned soda fountain in the corner store when we last
checked. There's a fair held here each year like no other. It benefits
Townshend's 21-bed Grace Cottage Hospital, a legend in its own right.
Keep an eye on our Calendar of Events for the exact date. If you're
going to be in the area don't miss it!
Guilford, Guilford Center, West Guilford,
Green River (Pop. 1,941): These villages are located immediately
south of Brattleboro. Another of Vermont's in-use covered bridges can
be found here at the junction of Jacksonville Stage Road and Green
River Road. This, a general store on Route 5, and the local Historical
Society, are just all that would be of interest to a visitor.
Putney (Pop. 2,352): Putney
wears many hats, but is probably best known to John Q. Public as a
mecca for those interested in crafts. Here you find everything from
custom furniture makers to Basketville's original store and home base.
Putney is also considered apple country in Vermont, a goodly portion
of the state's apple crop comes from here.
Putney is equally known for several of its educational
institutions, including Landmark College, catering to students with
learning disabilities. The Putney School, a college preparatory
school, which marches to a different tune than most, also enjoys a
fine reputation.
In short, Putney is an interesting place to visit, and it's only a
few short minutes north of Brattleboro via I-91.
The Area:
This Brattleboro area is one of great diversity, with a fascinating history, and
much to offer! If you're traveling on I-91 along Vermont's eastern
border it would be a mistake not to exit the Interstate and visit
downtown Brattleboro and some of the surrounding communities. There's
also much to do here so check out our Calendar of Events whenever
you're going to be in the area. 
