Putney, Vermont: The Essential Guide

Ten minutes north of the busy Brattleboro. VermontPutney, a tiny town in Vermont, is located right off Interstate 91. With only 394 residents, it’s the very definition of quaint—and it’s worth a stop for any traveler looking for natural beauty and classic Vermont charm.

Putney’s most notable feature is its boarding schools. These include the Putney School and Greenwood School. The town Putney, Vermont is a sleepy town in the best possible way. The community is tight-knit because there are few residents. The Putney community has worked hard to save the general store built in Vermont in 1796.

The building literally contains the sweat, blood and tears of this community. Mike Cosco, the owner of the building, says that they would not have let it die. Putney General Store. 

The summer is the best time to visit Putney. The Green Mountains have a lush emerald color and most students are home on break. It’s a joy to visit Putney at any time of the year, with its vibrant community of artists, musicians, and actors who live in the area. But this little town perhaps shines brightest in the fall, when the air begins to chill, and the trees turn gold, red, and orange—it’s the season that’s kept me coming back for more than 20 years.

What you should know about Putney, Vermont before you plan your trip. 

The Best Things to do

What could be more fall-like than apple picking? GiveToby to the Golden Retriever sleeping at Green Mountain Orchards Before picking apples, give yourself a big pat on the back and reward yourself with an apple-cider donut. If you don’t want to go apple picking, there are other options. You can choose from a wide variety of apples in the orchard’s storefront along with jams made locally.

If you’ve visited Vermont before, you may be familiar with the “creemee,” which is essentially a richer version of soft serve—Hidden Springs Maple This is a local favourite. The store also sells its own maple syrup, which is available at any given time in an honor-system case. This includes a variety of grades of syrups and shakers for maple sugar. I use them for coffee, baking and even in my sweetening. 

Putney is an unofficial colony of artists, and the annual craft tour This is a show that shouldn’t to be missed. This is a great place to find cheese, pottery, clothing, jewelry and more. 

When traveling with children, you should not miss Retreat Farm Brattleboro is only 10 minutes drive from Putney. The resident animals like emus are always a fun and cute time for my kids. I’ve been taking them here for years. A puppet show is a great way to entertain your kids and yourself. Sandglass TheaterOr a show at Next Stage Arts. 

Where to eat and drink

Main Street is the address. Putney Diner The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, all in a warm, cozy setting with wooden beams and fireplace. Be sure to visit on a day when the lights are bright. Moondogs A bluegrass band performs with washboards, fiddles, and other instruments. 

If you are looking for a convenient hot bar, then head to the Putney Food Co-opIt was opened in 1941 due to fuel shortages during World War II, making it difficult to obtain certain grocery items. For a more recent taste of history, visit the Putney General Store. It is affectionately known as “the Heart of Putney.” Mike and Kim Cosco bought the store in 2019 and it offers basic groceries as well as homemade sandwiches and prepared foods. “I tell all my employees that this isn’t just like any other company. Mike Cosco says, “You’re a part of people’s daily lives.” 

Only 15 minutes north and across state lines in Walpole, New Hampshire, is my family’s favorite spot—The Hungry Diner. The diner uses local meats and produce to make some of the best milkshakes and hamburgers I’ve ever had. You can enjoy a meal on a picnic table with your dog when the weather is dry and warm. 

Dutchess Coffee Brattleboro has my favourite spot for freshly-roasted coffee and a gorgeously curated pastry section. Grab one of their conchas – a sweet dough similar to brioche in Mexico, with a crunchy topping. 

What to Do in the Area

Airbnb offers a few places to stay around Putney. One of my favorites is the Honeycrisp Cottage Located 10 minutes to the north of the General Store. The cottage is located close to everything Putney offers. It’s quiet, eco friendly, and has local products for sale on its shelves.

You can find a variety of bed and breakfasts nearby. Local spots include The Inn on Putney Road Give travelers the choice of a charming, relaxing stay just outside of busy Brattleboro. The Inn at Kampfires in Dummerston, Vermont, has glamping-style rooms and new Airstream accommodations—it’s a great choice during the warmer months, since there’s a pool and mini-golf course the kids can play in.