The Essential Guide to Putney, Vermont

10 minutes north of bustling Brattleboro, Vermont, and right off Interstate 91, is the little town of Putney. 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.

In addition to its prime, bucolic location in the Green Mountains, Putney is perhaps best known for its schools, including Landmark College and the boarding schools, Putney School and Greenwood School. The town is decidedly sleepy, in the best way possible, and since there are so few people who live here, the community in Putney is very tight-knit. The general store, which was built in 1796 and is the oldest in Vermont, has survived several fires, thanks to the efforts of determined Putney residents.

“Literally, the blood, sweat, and tears of this town are in this building. They would not let it die,” says Mike Cosco, owner of the Putney General Store. 

Summer is a popular time to visit Putney, when the Green Mountains are a verdant emerald hue, and students have gone home for break. And with a vibrant artist community of craftspeople, actors, and musicians who call the area home, it’s truly a delight to visit any time of year. 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.

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Putney, Vermont. 

Best Things to Do

What says fall better than apple picking? GiveToby the sleepy Golden Retriever at Green Mountain Orchards a pat on the head before picking apples and snagging yourself an apple cider donut (a reward for all of your hard work, of course). No time to pick your own? The orchard has a variety of apples to choose from in the storefront, along with locally made jams.

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 is a local favorite. The store also sells house-made maple syrup that can be purchased at any time via an honor system case that includes different grades of syrup and shakers of maple sugar. I love using them in baking or even just sweetening my coffee. 

Putney is a sort of unofficial artist colony, and the annual craft tour shouldn’t be missed. Pottery, jewelry, clothing, cheese, and even aromatherapy can be found here, making the craft show the perfect place to take care of your holiday gift shopping and cheese addiction. 

If you’re traveling with kids, do not miss Retreat Farm in nearby Brattleboro, only 10 minutes from Putney. I’ve taken my kids here for years, and the resident animals, including emus, always guarantee a cute and fun time. You can also entertain the kids (and yourself) with a puppet show at Sandglass Theater, or a show at Next Stage Arts. 

Where to Eat and Drink

Located on Main Street, Putney Diner serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a cozy space decorated with warm colors, wooden beams, and a fireplace. Make sure to go on a night when the Moondogs bluegrass band is performing with washboards and fiddles. 

If you’re looking for the convenience of a hot bar, head over to the Putney Food Co-op, which opened in 1941 when fuel shortages due to World War II made it hard to get certain grocery items. If you’re looking for a taste of even older history, go to the Putney General Store. Rebuilt in 2011 after not one but two fires, it is lovingly referred to as the “Heart of Putney.” The owners, Mike and Kim Cosco, took over ownership in 2019, and the store has basic groceries, homemade sandwiches, and prepared foods. “I tell my employees this isn’t like any other business. You’re part of people’s lives,” says Mike Cosco. 

Only 15 minutes north and across state lines in Walpole, New Hampshire, is my family’s favorite spot—The Hungry Diner. Using local produce and meats, the diner has some of the best hamburgers and milkshakes you’ll ever have, in my humble opinion. When the weather is warm and dry enough, you can eat outside on a picnic bench with your dog. 

Dutchess Coffee in Brattleboro is my go-to spot for freshly roasted coffee, and it also has a beautifully curated pastry case. Make sure to grab one of their conchas, a Mexican brioche-like sweet dough topped with a crispy topping. 

Where to Stay

There aren’t many places to stay in Putney proper, but thanks to Airbnb, there are at least a few options. One of my favorite rentals is the Honeycrisp Cottage located 10 minutes north of the general store. Conveniently sited close to all that Putney has to offer, the cottage is quiet, eco-friendly, and even has a small “shop” on its shelves, with local products that you can purchase.

If you’re interested in staying in a bed and breakfast, there are quite a few options in the nearby area. Local spots like The Inn on Putney Road give travelers the option to have a charming stay right outside of bustling 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.