Need a picture-perfect New England escape? Head to Grafton! Tucked in the rolling hills of southern Vermont, Grafton is a charming, historic village known for its covered bridges, artisanal cheese, and postcard-worthy scenery. Whether you're hiking quiet forest trails, sipping cider by the fire, or strolling through a town frozen in time, Grafton is pure Vermont charm.

Grafton, VT Highlights:

  • For Adventurous Travelers: Hike at Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center – Enjoy year-round activities including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and biking through scenic wooded landscapes.
  • For History Buffs: Tour the Grafton Historical Society Museum – Dive into the village’s 200+ years of history with exhibits on local life, industry, and architecture.
  • For Shoppers: Visit the Grafton Village Cheese Company – Sample award-winning aged cheddar and browse local maple syrup, gifts, and gourmet treats.
  • For Couples: Stay at the Grafton Inn – This elegant, historic inn has hosted travelers since 1801 and offers candlelit dining and cozy ambiance.
  • For Families: Feed the animals at Retreat Farm – Located nearby in Brattleboro, it’s a great day trip to explore barns, farm trails, and family-friendly programs.

Best Time to Visit Grafton, VT

The best time to visit Grafton is from September to October for peak fall foliage and December to February for snowy serenity and winter sports. Summer brings wildflowers and outdoor festivals, while spring offers maple sugaring and blooming gardens.

How to Get to Grafton, VT

  • By Car: Grafton is located off VT-121, about 2.5 hours from Boston, 3.5 hours from NYC, and 1.5 hours from Albany or Hartford.
  • By Train: Amtrak stops in Bellows Falls and Brattleboro; Grafton is a 30-minute drive from either station.
  • By Plane: The nearest airports are in Hartford, CT (BDL), or Albany, NY (ALB), both around 90 minutes away.

Where to Stay in Grafton, VT

  • Grafton Inn – Historic luxury inn with individually decorated rooms, fine dining, and rustic Vermont elegance.
  • Vacation Rentals and B&Bs – Charming cottages, farm stays, and mountain-view homes available for quiet, self-catered stays.

Best Things to Do in Grafton, VT

Sample Artisan Flavors at Grafton Village Cheese

Sample Artisan Flavors at Grafton Village Cheese

© zayacsk/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Grafton Village Cheese Company?
    • Grafton Village Cheese Company is a cheesemaker located in Grafton, Vermont, specializing in hand-crafted aged cheddar cheese.
  • When was the company founded?
    • The company started in 1892 as Grafton Cooperative Cheese Company to process surplus local milk.
  • What happened to the original company?
    • A fire put the original company out of business.
    • In the mid-1960s, the Windham Foundation helped restore it as part of its mission to "preserve the vitality of Vermont's rural communities."
  • What makes Grafton Village Cheese special?
    • Grafton's cheddar cheese is made without synthetic hormones and is produced from cow milk sourced from small Vermont family farms.
  • What is Grafton’s best-known cheese?
    • Grafton’s most famous cheese is its block cheddar, which is first made in 40-pound blocks and then cut into smaller sales sizes.
  • When and where did Grafton Village Cheese expand its production?
    • In 2008, Grafton Village Cheese opened a new production plant in Brattleboro.
  • What can visitors find at the Brattleboro location?
    • The facility is housed in a 2,500-square-foot barn-like building and includes a full-service artisanal cheese shop.
    • Visitors can browse over 70 types of cheeses, as well as wine, Vermont microbrews, artisanal bread, maple products, and other gourmet foods.

Grafton Village Cheese, 533 Townshend Rd, Grafton, VT 05146, Phone: 802-843-2255

Explore Scenic Adventures at Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center

Explore Scenic Adventures at Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center

© ThamKC/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center?
    • Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center is a year-round recreation center located in historic Grafton Village, Vermont.
  • What winter activities does the Center offer?
    • During the winter season, visitors can enjoy:
    • 15 kilometers of Nordic skiing
    • 15 kilometers of snowshoeing
    • A 600-foot tubing run
  • How does the Center maintain its trails?
    • The Center uses the latest grooming equipment to keep trails in excellent condition.
  • Are lessons and rentals available?
    • Yes, the base lodge offers lessons and rental equipment.
  • What activities are available in the summer?
    • Summer activities at the Center include:
    • Hiking
    • Mountain biking
    • Canoe trips
    • Swimming
  • Does the Center offer programs for children?
    • Yes, the Center hosts a week-long kids’ summer camp for children ages 6 to 15.
  • What special events does the Center organize?
    • The Center frequently organizes special events, such as:
    • Weekly wine and cheese snowshoe tours in the winter
    • Guided hiking tours in the summer

Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center, 783 Townshend Rd, Grafton, VT 05146, Phone: 802-843-2400

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

If You Love Small-Town History, Visit the Grafton Historical Society

If You Love Small-Town History, Visit the Grafton Historical Society

© Grafton Historical Society

  • What is the Grafton Historical Society?
    • The Grafton Historical Society of Grafton, Massachusetts was founded in 1964 with a mission to collect, preserve, and interpret the town’s history.
  • What types of exhibits does the Society collect?
    • The Society preserves a variety of historical materials, including:
    • Books, manuscripts, and papers
    • Genealogical records
    • Paintings and photographs
    • Everyday artifacts from Grafton’s past
  • Where is the Grafton Historical Society located?
    • The Society’s office and museum are located on the Town Common, in the Lower Level of the Grafton Town House.
  • Does the Society offer educational programs?
    • Yes, the Society provides a range of educational programs to help visitors learn more about Grafton’s history.
  • What is the Society’s main annual event?
    • The main event is the annual “Antiques & Arts Fair”, held on the third Saturday in June.
  • How often do exhibits change?
    • The Society rotates its exhibits annually to showcase different aspects of Grafton’s history.
  • What can visitors find in the museum’s gift shop?
    • The gift shop offers a variety of unique items, including:
    • Wool fat soaps and beeswax candles
    • Books on local history
    • Henderson Redware pottery
    • Items from Cooperman Fife & Drum and more

Grafton Historical Society, P.O. Box 202, 147 Main St, Grafton, VT 05146, Phone: 802-843-2584

Discover Wildlife Wonders at The Nature Museum

Discover Wildlife Wonders at The Nature Museum

© The Nature Museum

  • What is The Nature Museum?
    • The Nature Museum is a museum located in Grafton, Vermont that interprets the natural history of northern New England.
  • When was The Nature Museum established?
    • The museum was established in 1996.
  • What types of exhibits does the museum feature?
    • The museum has permanent and temporary exhibits on local plants, animals, and geology.
    • It also includes interactive exhibits, hand-painted dioramas, and mounted plant and animal specimens.
  • What are some unique experiences at the museum?
    • Visitors can:
    • Crawl through an underground bear den
    • Watch real honeybees in their glass hive
    • Dig for fossils
  • Does the museum offer educational programs?
    • Yes, the museum provides science, nature, and environmental education programs for all ages.
  • What outdoor features are available at The Nature Museum?
    • The museum is surrounded by a lush garden with native plants.
    • Visitors can explore a frog pond and continue their nature exploration.
  • Are there hiking trails near the museum?
    • Yes, behind the museum are the trailheads for the Village Park trails.
    • These shady trails meander through the forest, providing a peaceful outdoor experience.

The Nature Museum, 186 Townshend Rd, Grafton, VT 05146, Phone: 802-843-2111

Where to Eat in Grafton, VT

  • Phelps Barn Pub at the Grafton Inn – Cozy gastropub with elevated comfort food and a great local beer list in a converted carriage house.
  • The Grafton Inn Dining Room – Upscale New England cuisine served fireside in a historic setting.
  • Nearby Chester or Bellows Falls – Expand your dining options with cafés, bakeries, and pizza spots in these nearby towns.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Grafton Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Festivities (December) – Experience small-town holiday charm with lights, carolers, and horse-drawn rides.
  • Vermont Cheese Festival (Summer, various locations) – Taste regional cheeses, meet local makers, and explore Vermont’s dairy heritage.
  • Fall Foliage Hikes & Apple Picking (September–October) – Enjoy peak colors and classic Vermont orchard experiences nearby.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Grafton, Vermont:

  • Chester (15 min) – Visit country stores, browse antique shops, and enjoy a stroll through another charming Vermont town.
  • Brattleboro (40 min) – Explore art galleries, indie bookstores, local cafés, and the historic Retreat Farm.
  • Bellows Falls (25 min) – Take a walk along the canal, explore historic mills, or catch a show at the opera house.
  • Manchester (50 min) – Shop at outlets, tour Hildene (Lincoln family home), and explore high-end dining in the mountains.
  • Mt. Ascutney State Park (45–50 min) – Hike to summit views, enjoy scenic drives, or picnic in a quiet wooded retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Grafton located?
    • Grafton is nestled in the mountains of southern Vermont.
  • What makes Grafton special?
    • Grafton is considered one of the prettiest villages in New England.
    • Its quaint streets are lined with beautiful historic buildings that have been meticulously restored by residents with the help of the Windham Foundation.
  • Does Grafton feel like a historic museum?
    • Although Grafton retains much of its historic charm, it is not just a preserved town—it is lively and very active.
  • What activities and attractions can visitors enjoy in Grafton?
    • The town offers a variety of attractions, including:
    • Scenic trails for hiking and exploring
    • Parks for outdoor recreation
    • Shops with unique local goods
    • Galleries featuring local art and crafts

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Grafton Inn – A historic and charming inn with classic New England hospitality. Visit Grafton Village Cheese Company – Sample award-winning Vermont cheeses.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for outdoor activities. Windham Hill Inn – A peaceful countryside retreat with mountain views. Explore Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center – Enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning autumn foliage. The Inn at Woodchuck Hill Farm – A cozy and rustic bed & breakfast. Drive the Scenic Route 121 – Experience vibrant fall colors in the Green Mountains.

Plan Your Trip


In Summary, We Highly Recommend:

Why Trust Us

  • 25+ Years of Experience
    Helping travelers find the best destinations, hotels, and attractions.
  • Trusted Travel Content
    Expert articles, vacation tips, and exclusive offers.
  • Easy Planning Tools
    User-friendly features for trip ideas, reviews, and bookings.
  • Safe & Verified Booking
    Secure bookings and verified business listings.