Grafton, Vermont

A small village in southern Vermont, charming Grafton is known for its classic New England appearance, quiet rural setting and well-preserved historic flavor. It sits amid rolling hills, forests, streams and covered bridges, creating a classic Vermont tableau and making it especially inviting during autumn foliage season and winter holidays. Despite its size, Grafton has earned recognition as one of Vermont’s prettiest communities. It’s also one of the safest towns in the U.S.

Originally settled in the late-1700s, Grafton developed as a farming and milling village during the 19th century but experienced economic decline in later years as industry and railroads shifted elsewhere. Preservation groups helped revive the village in the 1960s, and today many of the early white clapboard homes, inns, churches, and public buildings reflect that work, giving Grafton an appearance largely unchanged from earlier centuries.

One of the village’s best-known attractions is the historic The Grafton Inn, one of the oldest operating inns in the United States. Visitors also come for the Grafton Village Cheese Company, which produces award-winning Vermont cheddar and serves as a popular stop for tourists. The Grafton Village Store supplies locals with most needs, and the library is a cozy social hub. The Mercantile is the spot for gifts and antiques.  More amenities are in Chester, about 10 miles away.

Outdoor recreation is abundant, with hiking trails, cross-country skiing, fly fishing, snowshoeing, and scenic country roads around every corner.

Single family homes in venacular and farm house styles make up the housing scene.