Cumulative Official Town Count | Unofficial Town Count |
109 | 52 |
The Upper Valley refers to the area on both sides of the upper Connecticut River, which is the natural border between Vermont and New Hampshire. It is a collection of (mostly) little-known towns which offer beauty, nature, soft adventure, art, and (at least on the Vermont side) plenty of covered bridges. This VT 251 excursion brought me to these seven towns and their seven covered bridges in Vermont's Upper Valley: WILLIAMSTOWN, VERSHIRE, WEST FAIRLEE, THETFORD, STRAFFORD, TUNBRIDGE, AND CHELSEA.
WILLIAMSTOWN
Williamstown, VT (pop. 1508 in 2020) is a small rural community reached by dirt road (as far as I can tell). It has a decidedly down-scale feel, although I have it on good authority that one of the best creemees anyone can find is available there -- at LegenDairy Maple & Ice Cream (closed when I drove through town). The town was established in 1780 and chartered in 1781, and its Historic District was listed in the State Register of Historic Places in 1989. Apparently it was an industrial town in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with residents attracted to its granite quarries and the work opportunities which were to come from them.
VERSHIRE
Vershire, VT is a small rural town (pop. 672 in 2020) created under the Vermont Charter of August 3, 1781. The name Vershire is a portmanteau of Vermont and New Hampshire, and is pronounced ‘Vurshur'. In a nod to it being part of the Upper Valley, its public middle and high schools are part of the Rivendell district which pulls students from both Vermont and New Hampshire. Additionally, it is home to The Mountain School of Milton Academy, a selective independent semester program that provides academically motivated high school juniors from across the US the opportunity to live and work on a farm. While there isn't much to town (at all), the vistas are extraordinary (the main picture of this post was taken in Vershire).
WEST FAIRLEE
West Fairlee, VT is another small town (pop. 621 in 2020) without much to see. There is a general store with conveniences and deli offerings, and the library and town hall share a building which doesn't look like much from the outside. The town used to be part of Fairlee (which I haven't been to yet), but separated in 1797.
THETFORD
Thetford, VT is a picturesque town with almost 3,000 people and two covered bridges; and it is well worth a visit. It offers a classic New England village feel with serene landscapes, a lovely town green, and classic buildings. While it feels like it is in the middle of nowhere, it is actually pretty close to Hanover and Lebanon, NH (where many residents work). The town, which was created on August 12, 1761, by way of a royal charter which King George III of Great Britain issued to Governor Benning Wentworth of New Hampshire, was first settled in 1764 and contains several villages. In East Thetford, you will find the headquarters of well-known Pompanoosuc Mills furniture manufacturer (which you can visit and shop at) as well as an excellent farm/nursery with a great little coffee shop called Hello Cafe. In the Post Mills section of town you can visit a 25-foot folk art representation of a dinosaur (and a smaller version), called Vermontasaurus as well as one of the cutest and grandest (yes, at the same time) libraries yet, the Peabody Library. Thetford Hill, is known for its stunning views of New Hampshire, its town green, and the Thetford Academy. Union Village is the area where a tall dam was built (amazing views from the top!) and where one of the town's two covered bridges is. The town has an active community theater (with acting troupe) and barn museum and I may well go back to spend more time there.
STRAFFORD
Strafford, VT is a small town (pop. 1,094 in 2020) which is likely best known as the singer-songwriter Noah Kahan's hometown. Like Thetford, Strafford was also created on August 12, 1761, by way of the same royal charter which King George III of Great Britain issued to Governor Benning Wentworth of New Hampshire. While Noah Kahan is big news, I would argue that the town should (also) be well-known as the home of Justin Morrill, the author (chief sponsor) of the Land Grants Act which resulted in the creation of many public universities in the US. He was a congressman and senator from Vermont for over 40 years (second half of the 19th century) and lived in Strafford when he was not in Washington, DC. His homestead can be visited with tours available by the docents on-site and his (gothic revival) home retains much of its original detail and furnishings. Interestingly, the buildings were painted a salmon color as he believed it made them look like they were constructed of stone (which he couldn't afford). If you are a history person, this really should be on your radar. The town, itself, is pretty charming and agrarian, and Strafford Creamery is a top producer of dairy for fine restaurants and utterly (or should I say, "udderly"?) delicious -- if you see their products (in glass bottles unless ice cream), give them a try (and thank me later). In South Strafford, there is an amazing recreation center (with a repurposed barn and church serving as indoor recreation spaces!), as well as a very cute general store/ post office/ bank.
TUNBRIDGE
Tunbridge, VT (pop. 1,337 in 2020) is best known for its FIVE covered bridges (!) as well as its annual World's Fair (town fair, obviously). It also hosts the annual VT Sheep & Wool festival at the same fairgrounds, which, if you are a knitter or use yarn for crafting is a pretty big deal. The town has a wonderful General Store, with a lovely upstairs which serves as an informal community gathering place (think book clubs and play groups) and it makes really excellent sandwiches. There is also a North Tunbridge General Store, which is not one you need to visit unless you need gas... If you are a covered bridge person and are hungry in or around Tunbridge, you'll be very happy visiting the town.
CHELSEA
Chelsea, VT (pop.1,233 in 2020) is a really lovely town. It has a town green surrounded by a church, stores and the library/ town hall. In fact, the Chelsea Village Historic District (where the green is located) was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983; with the church and the Moxley Bridge being individually listed there as well. If you are looking for a quintessential Vermont town, you won't be sorry you visited Chelsea.
Check back next week for more of my VT 251 exploration.
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