White River Junction, Vermont

Photo by Randy Morey

By Matthew Maville

There is nothing more energizing than a community who's sense of excitement can be felt in the air. White River Junction, VT is a historically rich town that is undergoing one of the largest cultural rebirths in New England today.

With many buildings and storefronts being built in a time of steam locomotives, there has only been room to grow in recent times. A large artistic community has swept away the downtown filling the vacancy with niche shops and a broad range of restaurants and cafes. No worries though, you can still get a taste for the tracks at The Vermont Railroad Museum, located in the heart of downtown.

You can start off your day by having a traditional American breakfast in the Polka Dot Diner, whose size and shape are of an old train car. Trot down Main Street to the Main Street Museum, where a small collection of oddities that lays claim to hosting Elvis's Gallbladder can be found. Follow that up with a trip to the Tuckerbox Cafe, where you can sit in real cow hide chairs, drinking lattes out of large ceramic mugs, reminiscent of a more classic era in espresso.

Talk a walk around the corner to find Revolution, a high class used clothing store that offers not only a large vintage selection, but a whole line of custom designed clothing. If you are lucky enough you may even be able to catch one of their seasonal fashion shows at the Tip Top Cafe, an upbeat American bistro who's building was once a large bread factory .

While taking in the feeling of community that this town has to offer, be sure to check out the main building of The Center for Cartoon Studies, where you can see student's work on display. This is one of the only art schools in the US that focuses on the medium of Cartoon Art. You will gain a whole new vision and respect for cartoonists after seeing some of the amazing works in this unique learning institution.

Whether you are arriving to the beauty of the snow and the sound of the last trains rolling in or the warmth of the sun and the scent of the trees, this colorful Vermont town opens it's arms to visitors with its vibrant sense of renewal. It is the perfect getaway for a weekend trip that will keep you busy, allow you to relax, and leave with a sense of wonderment that will trace throughout your following days.