Vermont's Rural Gem Is A Small Town With Idyllic Nature, Scenic Lake Views, And A State Park

Located in rural Vermont is a small town that's sure to thrill any fan of painterly destinations. Shaftsbury is situated in Bennington County and was chartered back in 1761. It's a scenic little town and looks like something out of a Thomas Kinkade painting. This delightful gem is home to just under 4,000 people according to U.S. Census data. The nearest major city is Albany, New York, which is about an hour away, and it's easy to get to Shaftsbury by car or bus. 

There are two lakes in Shaftsbury, Vermont; one is Lake Paran, and the other is the aptly-named Lake Shaftsbury. One cannot mention the latter without immediately thinking about Lake Shaftsbury State Park, which is just off Route 7A in the southwestern reaches of the state. If you'd like to stay a while (which we highly recommend), the Serenity Motel is open seasonally (from May through October) and provides a quaint, affordable stay. Should you find yourself here in the winter and early spring, lodging can be acquired in the next town over, Arlington, which is about 10 minutes away. It's also a little over an hour away from Bomoseen State Park, which is near the Vermont-New York border and offers camping, hiking, and water activities.

It's no surprise to learn that Vermont's first-ever poet laureate, Robert Frost, lived in Shaftsbury for some time; his words were just as poetic as the landscape he surrounded himself with for 18 years. His presence in Shaftsbury is commemorated by its beauty, which includes a lush trail on the town's south end that leads hikers through woods named for Frost, and the quaint museum built in what used to be his home. The Robert Frost Trail can be accessed from the entryway to the Robert Frost Stone House Museum; simply make a left into the trail parking lot immediately after turning onto the museum's driveway. Please do not use the museum's parking lot for trail parking, but do take measures to protect your skin from tick bites, which are very common in the area. Some of the trail is dirt, and some of it consists of boardwalks and bridges. Bring a camera if you enjoy photographing idyllic scenes. 

Then, keep that camera handy and take a tour of the Glastenview Maple Farm, where you'll learn all about the process of harvesting and processing rich local sap into delicious Vermont maple syrup. Enjoy delectable samples of the syrup itself, as well as other items produced in-house. If you enjoy that experience, there are other farms in town, such as Wing and a Prayer, which you can visit by appointment. There are also workshops hosted by the farm's owner, such as natural dye-making and homesteading. If you've got some extra time, drive just 15 minutes south to Bennington and discover one of Vermont's oldest towns with a walkable downtown full of shops and charm.

Lake Paran, one of the two lakes in Shaftsbury, Vermont, is located just 10 minutes south of town and is partially shared with North Bennington. It's a popular getaway for kayakers. The Lake Paran Community Center, located on the lake, is a local gathering place that hosts movie nights, karaoke, support groups, and other resources for community members and visitors. There's even a stone-skipping festival every year! 

Lake Shaftsbury State Park, meanwhile, is one of the best hidden gems in Vermont. It features  84 acres of rolling green hills, verdant trees, and sparkling water. It's open from Memorial Day weekend through the second Monday of October and is the optimal place for lounging on the sandy beach, setting up camp in one of the 15 lean-to campsites, or even renting out a cottage within the park itself. The cottage features two full-size beds, one bunk bed, and a futon. Be sure to book in advance. Then, explore the Healing Springs Nature Trail, which is suitable for hikers of all ages. It leads around the lake itself and boasts some excellent waterfowl-watching opportunities. Wear shoes that you don't mind getting wet; there are stream crossings and wetlands to traverse along the way. Should you need a beach access wheelchair, there is one available; simply call the Park Office to reserve it before you arrive. It's free of charge. 

A snack bar and picnic and play areas ensure that Lake Shaftsbury is one of the best vacation spots in Vermont for families. Rent a boat and take the kids on an adventure they'll remember. Once your day at the park is complete, take a scenic drive on the Molly Stark Byway — it's the perfect roadtrip for hikers seeking classic New England charm and views.