Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were from Vermont
Nestled in the Green Mountains just about 40 minutes east of Burlington lies the charming town of Waterbury, home to the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. While the company is known for its cuddly creations, it’s also tied to one of the state’s lesser-known celebrities: the actor and comedian Trey Anastasio of Phish, who has roots in the wider area and often draws inspiration from the serene Vermont landscape. Visitors to the Waterbury area can explore the beautiful Waterbury Reservoir State Park where hiking the Blueberry Hill Trail rewards you with sweeping views of the reservoir framed by dense pine forests. The park’s peaceful vibe and crisp mountain air offer a perfect backdrop for reflecting on the quiet inspirations of artists with ties to the region. The best time to visit is early fall, when the trees blaze with color and the lake mirrors the fiery canopy.
Traveling southeast to the historic city of Montpelier, just a short 20-minute drive from Waterbury, you encounter the Vermont Historical Society Museum. This museum houses fascinating exhibits on Vermont’s cultural heritage, including artifacts linked to Grace Coolidge, wife of Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, who was born in Plymouth Notch, Vermont. Though not a celebrity in the entertainment sense, Coolidge’s legacy is entwined with Vermont’s identity. The museum’s immersive galleries tell stories of local figures who quietly shaped American history, providing context for visitors to appreciate the state’s understated role on the national stage. Montpelier’s walkable downtown complements the experience, especially in spring when the town’s lilacs bloom alongside charming shops and cafés.
Further south, near Brattleboro, Vermont’s vibrant arts community has produced several notable talents, including actress and singer Grace Potter. Potter’s connection can be felt at the historic Latchis Theatre in downtown Brattleboro, an art deco gem about a 45-minute drive southeast from Montpelier. The Latchis regularly showcases live music and film screenings that celebrate local and regional artists. Catching a show here provides a glimpse of the creative energy that nurtures performers like Potter. The theater’s ornate architecture and intimate atmosphere make it a standout spot in New England’s performing arts scene. Even outside of showtime, its grand lobby invites visitors to savor Vermont’s artistic heritage. Late summer evenings offer the perfect ambiance with cooler air and the town’s lively streets buzzing with energy.
On the western side of the state, Stowe proudly claims connection to actor Christopher Walken, who has Vermont roots and has often spoken fondly of his experiences in the state. Just 15 minutes from Stowe village, the Mount Mansfield Trail ascends Vermont’s highest peak, reaching 4,393 feet. Hikers tackling this challenging 4.4-mile loop are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail’s rugged terrain, dotted with alpine flora and rocky outcrops, mirrors the dramatic flair that has characterized Walken’s performances. The best hiking conditions come in late summer or early fall when the weather is crisp and the trail less crowded, making it easier to imagine the solitude that might inspire any artist’s creative journey.
In the northeast kingdom near Newport, a quiet town about 90 minutes north of Burlington, the historic Old Stone House Museum offers a tangible link to Vermont’s rich literary and artistic past. While not a celebrity hotspot in the traditional sense, it connects to Robert Frost, who spent time in Vermont and whose poetry often reflects the rural landscape’s stark beauty. The museum’s collection includes local artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries, and the surrounding trails offer contemplative walks through evergreen forests and along the serene shores of Lake Memphremagog. Winter visits here reveal a tranquil snowscape, perfect for those seeking the peacefulness that inspired Frost’s most beloved works.
Down in Woodstock, just over an hour southeast of Burlington, the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park encapsulates Vermont’s conservation ethos, championed by influential figures including film director Ken Burns, who draws inspiration from American landscapes and histories much like those preserved here. The park offers a leisurely 3-mile loop trail through manicured gardens and forests, alongside a historic mansion filled with exhibits on land stewardship and preservation. Springtime at the park is exquisite, with flowering dogwoods and tulips breathing life into the landscape, inviting visitors to experience the same enduring beauty that shapes many American artists’ visions.
Lastly, the tiny town of Middlebury, located about 45 minutes south of Burlington, is home to Middlebury College, an institution where actor Paul Giamatti spent formative years. The college’s campus, with its classic New England architecture and the nearby Otter Creek Gorge, provides a perfect setting for those interested in seeing where some of Vermont’s creative talents honed their craft. Hiking the nearby Bread Loaf Trail offers stunning views of Otter Creek Valley and the Green Mountains. Fall is the prime season here when the campus and surrounding forests burst into a kaleidoscope of autumn colors, a vivid reminder of why so many artists find enduring inspiration in Vermont’s natural and cultural landscapes.