'The Birthplace Of Vermont' Is A Historic Small Town With Mountain Views, Idyllic Trails, And Local Eats

If you're on the hunt for outdoor adventures, interesting history, tasty eats, and scenic views, then New England is a great place to start. Escape the big cities, too, and head away from busy Boston and the coast into the mountains of Vermont. While it may be the sixth smallest state by area in the United States, Vermont is a pleasure to visit in all four seasons. Winter skiing, spring wildflowers, summer adventures, and fall foliage road trips all offer ways to get outside and enjoy nature. To see where it all started, head to the small historic town of Windsor, Vermont.

Known as "the birthplace of Vermont," Windsor may not seem like a big place, but it was here in 1777 that Vermont's first state constitution was signed at a local tavern, now operated as the Old Constitution House museum. Stop in for a glimpse into how local politics worked in the 1700s and to learn about how Vermont was ahead of its time in protections for its citizens. Nearby Mount Ascutney features beautiful views and fun activities, and the Connecticut River and several lakes in town provide idyllic trails to wander or cycle. One of Windsor's most popular restaurants is a converted railway station, keeping the town's history alive while serving up tasty meals. Whether you're here for a day, a road trip stop, or to explore the area, Windsor has plenty to see.

Windsor's town history goes beyond just Vermont and stretches into international fame. In another first, Windsor was a leader in manufacturing innovations during the Industrial Revolution in the mid-1800s. The American Precision Museum is a national historic landmark, telling the tale of how interchangeable parts and precision manufacturing started in Windsor and quickly became the worldwide standard.

For a smaller dose of history in an outdoor setting, take a few minutes to cross the historic Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, which was the longest covered bridge in the United States until recently. The bridge connects Windsor to New Hampshire and is the quickest way to get to Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, one of America's most underrated national park sites in New England. Tour the home of the sculptor that the park was named for, learn about the Cornish Colony, admire the gardens and monuments, and enjoy a handful of short walking trails around the property. Returning to Windsor over the same covered bridge, you'll see the famous sign on the New Hampshire side, "Walk your horses or pay two dollars fine."

Seek out more idyllic trails and stunning mountain views at Mount Ascutney State Park, one of Vermont's oldest state parks and a 10 minute drive south of Windsor. The summit boasts an observation tower with panoramic views. Choose an all day adventure and hike up the mountain, or make it easier and drive up to the summit parking lot and walk the leg to the tower. The park also has several mountain biking trails and a multi-use trail which connects to other parks in the area, but adrenaline junkies may prefer the two hang gliding launch points from atop the mountain.

When you're ready to refuel after a day of hiking, head to Windsor Station for a hearty meal. Once the depot for the Central Vermont Railway, the building was converted into a restaurant in 1976, and they've been serving up tasty burgers and pasta ever since. If you're in the mood for something lighter, stop by Boston Dreams Coffee House instead. They offer everything from hot and cold drinks to pastries, bagels, paninis, and more in their Boston sports-themed cafe.

Windsor is a great option for a day trip full of fun, food, and history, but it can also be a convenient, quick stop on a fall leaf peeping road trip. The town is in Vermont, on the state line with New Hampshire on the Connecticut River. I-91 passes nearby and US 5 runs straight through the center of town, making it an easy stop on a road trip. Windsor is a 1.5 hour drive southwest of Lincoln, New Hampshire, the western gateway to Kancamagus Highway, one of America's most colorful highways in fall. In Vermont, the popular fall destination is Stowe, nicknamed "Fall's Color Capital" for its location in the Green Mountains, also an hour and a half drive from Windsor. Spend a long weekend, or more, stopping in idyllic small towns and enjoying fall's colors and flavors.