This Little-Known Vermont Lake Town Could Be The State’s Next Big Getaway
A wrong turn in Vermont can lead to a sandy beach, a mountain trail, and a lake where loons call across the water.
One small town packs all of that into an easygoing getaway, with a fire tower above the trees and an old-fashioned general store at the center of it all.
Ready to swap packed ski resorts for quiet mornings and open trails? Bring a swimsuit for the beach, sturdy shoes for the climb, and plenty of time to linger over a picnic.
Paddle across calm water, wander through town, or climb high enough for a view worth the effort. Later, settle near a campfire and watch the stars come out.
Big-name mountain towns are close by, but this corner of Vermont moves at its own pace. If your phone could use a vacation too, this is a pretty good place to start.
Meet The Beauty Spot
Locals have a nickname for their town, and it is not shy. Elmore, Vermont calls itself The Beauty Spot of Vermont.
One look at the lake with a mountain right behind it, and the name makes total sense.
This small town sits in the southeastern part of Lamoille County. Forests, farm fields, and rolling hills wrap around a village built near the water.
Fewer than 900 people lived here at the 2020 census, so it never feels crowded.
The town has deep roots. It was granted by the Vermont Republic in 1780.
The name honors Colonel Samuel Elmore, one of the original grantees. That history gives the place an old, steady charm you can feel on every road.
Getting here is easy. Stowe village sits roughly 14 to 20 minutes away, and Montpelier is about 30 minutes off.
That means you can enjoy big-town comforts nearby, then come back to peace and quiet.
What sets this place apart? It moves at an outdoors-first pace.
Days are planned around sunshine, water, and trails, not traffic. Visitors often say they slow down without even trying.
Here is a fun bonus fact. The town is home to the last continuously operating one-room schoolhouse in the state.
How many places can still say that?
Can you imagine trading your busy week for a view like this?
Splash Into Sandy Summer Fun
Sand between your toes and a mountain in front of your eyes. That is the daily deal at the beach in Elmore State Park.
Few lakes in Vermont serve up a view this good from a beach towel.
Lake Elmore covers roughly 219 to 224 acres. It is only about 17 to 18 feet deep.
That shallow depth helps make it a relaxed spot for lazy summer swimming.
The sandy beach has a marked swimming area. Kids can splash while grown-ups read a book nearby.
A beach house offers bathrooms, changing rooms, and a concession stand for snacks.
Want to get out on the water? The Beach House rents canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards.
You can also bring your own cartop boat. A concrete boat ramp sits on the south end of the lake.
Here is a handy tip. Pets are welcome in the campground and on trails, but not on the day-use beach.
Leave furry friends at camp while you swim.
The park usually opens Memorial Day weekend and runs until the second Monday in October. Day-use hours start at 10 AM and last until sunset.
Check the park website before you go, since details can change.
So, which will you pick first: a pedal boat or a paddleboard?
Climb To The Fire Tower
Your legs will grumble a little. Your eyes will thank you a lot.
Climbing Elmore Mountain is the signature hike in town, and the reward waits at the very top.
The mountain rises almost straight up from the lake shore. Its summit stands at 2,608 feet and belongs to the Worcester Range.
From the trailhead, you can feel the climb start fast.
You have choices. The Fire Tower Trail is about 1.5 miles one way.
The Ridge Trail runs about 2.2 miles one way. Link them together for a loop of about 3.7 miles.
At the summit stands a fire tower built in 1939 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is listed on the National Historic Lookout Registry.
Best of all, you can still climb it today.
From the top, the views spin a full 360 degrees. The Green Mountains roll to the west.
On a clear day, the Presidential Range in New Hampshire shows up to the east.
Got little hikers? The Mountain Brook Nature Trail is a 0.5-mile self-guided loop from the same parking area.
It is a sweet warm-up or a short adventure on its own.
Pack water, snacks, and sturdy shoes. Start early to enjoy cooler air.
Who in your group will reach the tower stairs first?
Campfires Under Starry Lake Skies
Night falls, the fire crackles, and the stars come out one by one. Camping at Elmore State Park turns a simple evening into a memory.
It is the kind of night kids talk about for years.
The campground has 44 tent and RV sites. It also offers 15 lean-to sites.
Lean-tos are three-sided wooden shelters that keep rain off while letting fresh air in.
A bit of history makes it even cooler. The park was set up in 1936 after 30 acres were donated to the state.
Much of the early work was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Today it spreads across about 755 acres.
Camping here puts everything close. You can wake up, walk to the beach, and paddle before breakfast.
Then hit the mountain trail right after lunch.
Bringing the dog? Good news.
Pets are allowed in the campground and on hiking trails.
Planning tip: summer weekends fill up quickly. Book your site early through the Vermont State Parks reservation system.
The season usually runs from Memorial Day weekend into mid October, so check dates before you pack.
Bring warm layers too. Lake nights can turn chilly, even in July.
Marshmallows are not required, but who really skips them?
Will you choose a tent under the trees or a cozy lean-to?
Cast A Line, Catch Dinner
Patience, a worm, and a quiet morning. That is all it takes to feel like a real angler on Lake Elmore.
The water is calm, and the fish are often willing.
This lake is a fine spot for smaller fish. Perch and panfish are common catches.
Pike cruise these waters too, and they bring a bit more fight to the line.
Fishing here is great for beginners. Kids can try from shore while parents help bait hooks.
More experienced anglers can paddle out in a canoe or kayak and explore quiet coves.
No boat? No problem.
Rentals are available at the Beach House inside the state park. Have your own cartop boat?
Launch it and head out early.
A friendly reminder: anyone who needs one should carry a valid Vermont fishing license. Rules can change, so check the latest state fishing guide before your trip.
Early mornings tend to be the calmest time on the water. Mist rises off the lake, birds chatter in the trees, and the mountain glows in soft light.
Even without a bite, it is hard to feel unlucky.
Snap a photo of your catch, then let it swim home if you like. What is the biggest fish you think you can reel in?
Bingo, Pancakes, And Neighborly Charm
Some towns have fancy festivals. This one has pancake breakfasts and summer bingo, and honestly, that might be better.
Small-town fun has a way of winning hearts.
The town is known for neighbors who help each other out. That spirit shows up in local events.
The Lake Elmore Association hosts gatherings like summer bingo and pancake breakfasts.
Here is the sweet part. Money raised goes toward protecting the lake’s natural beauty.
So every stack of pancakes helps keep the water clean and lovely.
The state park adds its own fun. Story Time on the Beach brings tales to young listeners right by the water.
The Green Mountain Radish Revival concert series fills the air with live tunes.
Bringing a big group? The park has many picnic tables.
A picnic pavilion can also be rented for family reunions or birthday parties.
Event dates shift from year to year. Check the Lake Elmore Association and Vermont State Parks pages before your visit.
Local social media pages are also handy for updates.
Joining a community event is the fastest way to feel welcome. You will chat with locals, pick up trail tips, and maybe learn where the best sunset view hides.
Who in your crew would shout bingo the loudest?
Old Store, Fresh New Life
Old wooden floors, fresh pizza, and antique mailboxes all under one roof. The Elmore Store blends past and present in the best way.
It is the heart of the village, and it shows.
The store dates back to the early 1800s. For generations it served as a post office, a meeting spot, and the place to catch up on local news.
It was the town’s living room.
In 2021, the non-profit Elmore Community Trust bought the building to keep it alive for the community. After big renovations, it reopened over the July 4th weekend in 2025.
Locals cheered, and visitors soon followed.
The original post office stayed. Its historic mailboxes were carefully saved inside the building.
Take a moment to look closely at them.
Today you can grab coffee, groceries, local produce, and baked goods. Pizza is a big hit.
The crusts are naturally leavened by Elmore Mountain Bread, then finished right at the store.
An upstairs space hosts co-working and community uses. The store also holds book club talks and live music.
Hours can vary by season, so check before you stop by. What will you order first: a warm slice or a fresh coffee?
Deck Views And Local Treasures
Save room in your bag before you leave the store. The shelves hold small treats that make perfect souvenirs.
Your future self will be glad you did.
The team running the store also manages Farm Shop in Shelburne. Their goods come along for the ride.
Look for botanical body care, household products, sunflower seed oil, honey, beeswax, and propolis.
These items make great gifts. A jar of honey travels well.
A bar of botanical soap keeps the memory of Vermont fresh long after you get home.
Now step out back. The rear deck looks over Lake Elmore with the mountain standing tall behind it.
Bring your slice or snack outside and soak up one of the best views in town.
Craving something cold after a hike? The Elmore Sugarhouse offers maple creemees, a classic soft serve treat in this state.
Need more food or shopping? Morrisville village is about 8 miles away with restaurants and shops.
Finding the store is simple. It sits on VT Route 12, and you can set your map to 1198 VT Route 12, Elmore, VT 05657.
Be sure to check current hours before heading over.
So, honey or soap: which souvenir earns a spot in your suitcase?