Newfane, 12 miles (19 km) north of Brattleboro and 15 miles (24 km) south of Grafton, is the shire town (county seat) of Windham County, Vermont.

History

Chartered in 1761, it prospered during the 1800s by producing lumber, leather, linseed oil, flour, and well-built carriages.

This prosperity permitted the townspeople to erect a concert of handsome Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian buildings, including three fine churches, two classic New England inns, numerous fine houses, and the Windham County Courthouse, most painted in traditional New England white with black accents.

What to See & Do

What to do? Stroll around and enjoy its pristine beauty. Drop in at the Newfane Country Store for a snack or picnic materials, and don't neglect to check out the outdoor bulletin board crowded with announcements of local goings-on—the Vermont village "Internet."

Look for the Williamsville covered bridge (1870) taking Dover Road across the Rock River 4.4 miles (7 km) southwest of the center of Newfane.

Where to Stay

This is country inn country, with several dozen fine inns and other lodgings in and a short drive from Newfane. Use this handy Hotel Search Box to find the one that's right for you:

Transportation

Coming from far away, see the page on Brattleboro Transportation.

To get to Newfane from Brattleboro (map), follow VT Route 30 north for 12 miles (19 km); from West Dover, follow unnumbered roads via East Dover, Brookside, South Newfane and Williamsville to Route 30, then north, a total of 16 miles (26 km).

From Grafton, head south on VT 35 to VT 30 (15 miles/24 km).

—by Tom Brosnahan

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