New England is known for its charming towns, and there is one town in Vermont that perfectly captures the essence of New England charm. Grafton, VT has scenic beauty and historic buildings that give us a glimpse into America’s early colonial days. Let’s take a closer look at this one Vermont town that’s so perfectly New England.

This small town in Windham County has less than 700 residents.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
The picturesque village lies in the mountains of southern Vermont, and the beautifully preserved original buildings to add to its authentic classic New England atmosphere.
Flickr/Craig T
Grafton earned a reputation for hospitality back in the 1800’s.
Flickr/mksfca
This was a popular state coach stop for those traveling to Albany, NY through the Green Mountains.
The Grafton Inn, formerly the Old Tavern, dates back to 1801.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
It remains as one of the oldest continually operating hotels in the United States.
The old tavern, for the birds.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Everyone is welcome!
This quaint village in southern Vermont has gorgeous architecture.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
The residents and the Windham Foundation have restored many of its original buildings to preserve its authentic New England charm so today's town looks much as it did years ago.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
The Windham Foundation also established an artisanal cheese business, the Grafton Village Cheese Company, and built a world-class cross-country skiing center at Grafton Ponds that offers a popular mountain biking program in the summer months.
Flickr/Cynthia Donovan
The restoration efforts were a success and Grafton continues to be a popular vacation destination for people from New York and Massachusetts, as well as Vermont residents.
Flickr/Putneypics

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Visitors love the snow-covered hills and cross-country skiing in the winter, as well as the town’s array of shops and galleries year round.
Flickr/Joe Foley
Grafton's uniqueness comes from being a real town and not a recreation of what people have imagined a New England town would look like.
Flickr/Jordi Sabaté
The residents of this vibrant community are still the town’s most valuable resource.
Here you’ll still find lively Town Meetings from the wonderful population of under 700 residents.
Flickr/Ryan Taylor
The town was founded as Thomlinson, but renaming rights were auctioned in 1791. The high bidder, who reportedly offered "five dollars and a jug of rum," changed the name to Grafton after his hometown of Grafton, Massachusetts.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Possibly as a result of having celebrated a bit too much with the rum the money was never collected.
Grafton is a popular spot for out-of-state visitors and a good place to eat lunch for locals.
Flickr/Putneypics
Flickr/Putneypics
No town is complete without a general store.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Covered bridges? A'yup!
Flickr/Gianina Lindsey
This is the McWilliam Bridge which spans the South Branch Saxtons River.
Built in 1967 by the Grafton Cheese Company, it is located at the back of thier parking lot.
Flickr/Ryan Taylor
There is an endless amount of things to do and see in this perfect little New England town located in Southern Vermont.

If the sights in Grafton aren’t enough, check out these 16 reasons why people from small town Vermont are the best kind of people.

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