There’s no point sugar-coating it: 2020 has been (and still is) one hell of a stressful year. While big international trips are still a no-go, many of us have found solace in getting into our cars and heading away from the big cities to local, natural gems. There’s no shortage of them around me and Vermont, with its bucolic landscapes and unspoiled villages, was everything I needed right now.
A scenic 2.5 hrs drive from my house (around 4hrs from New York City) through the Green Mountain National Forest already lifts the weight of months of confinement anxiety. Winding through the mountains with the fresh smell of pine trees wafting through the car is pure relaxation therapy. Having left the main road behind and now slowly following a meandering dirt lane, I passed a few picturesque rural estates before seeing an opening ahead where soil turned to pavement, and a vintage-looking sign nailed to a tree said “Welcome to Grafton”.
Little has changed in this Vermont village since its heyday a century and a half ago and that’s why it’s considered one of the prettiest in New England. Come in the fall to admire the blazing foliage color or winter for a quiet weekend straight out of a fine art painting.
Once a thriving town on the Boston-Albany post road, Grafton made its living from cheese-making (which you can still enjoy today), sheepherding, tanning, sawmills, etc. But as witnessed elsewhere, the 20th century saw many of these industries become obsolete and the noble town suffered a serious decline. Thankfully, a local foundation was established to preserve its lovely historic buildings and the town’s rural economy.
The general store has a great selection of seasonal food and snacks with a strong focus on artisanal products. Grab a sandwich and a salad and sit down at one of the tables set under the trees for a glimpse at local life and a few of the 600 village residents.
The real heart of the town though is no doubt The Grafton Inn. In operation since 1801, its rooms and tavern have catered to many passing travelers. I can’t think of a better vantage point than sitting on a rocking chair on the broad, columned porch.
One of the few shops in town, Mercantile has gifts and home goods to give an air of ‘upscale country chic’ to your abode with a few chosen antiques and paintings lovingly displayed in this former home.
Make sure you visit the cheese shop at the back of the store to sample some of the local cheddar. The Grafton Village Cheese Co is preserving 100 year-old tradition in cheesemaking by still making their cheese by hand right here in the village and only using premium raw milk from local family farms. Their line of cheddars is pretty extensive, from aged reserve to flavors like sage, smoked chili, truffle and maple smoked – you’ll want to grab a few for the road.
Strolling the village is perhaps the best meditation of all. Every side street will conjure the kind of idyllic scenes we’ve all associated with this part of the country. Pretty little white houses with black trimmings, perfectly manicured lawns, babbling brooks and secret gardens with mountains in the distance… classic southern Vermont.
Peace and quiet are what attract visitors to this little haven that really isn’t on a road to anywhere. You come here to get away from it all so that makes Grafton a pretty hot destination for 2020 and beyond…
And of course the picture wouldn’t be complete without the old covered bridge which you’ll find at the end of a street. There are a lot of them in the area, enough to fill an afternoon drive if you feel like it. But why would you leave… this nature escape was exactly what the doctor ordered.
