Hardwick combines history with Northeast Vermont's natural setting
Once known as the "Building Granite Capital of the World," Hardwick's golden years as a quarry town in the early 10th century supported the construction of prominent buildings like the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Centuries later, the community continues to pride itself on its natural surroundings, from the wildlife found along its hiking trails to the Lamoille River, which rolls through its historic downtown district. Situated in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, residents value the town's slower pace of life, bolstered by a community-focused locale. "It's a very welcoming community," says Wendy Besett, owner of Vermont Glass Workshop and longtime resident. "When we go to the grocery store and see someone lock their car, we are like 'what are you doing?'"
Independently owned businesses fill downtown and shop big-box stores are available in Berlin
In the Downtown Hardwick Village Historic District, specialty shops and boutiques like Galaxy Bookshop and Whistle Emporium sit within longstanding 19th-century storefronts across South Main Street. “It’s a one-sided street because of the river,” Besett says. “There’s not much room for new buildings, so the old buildings get restored and reused.” Locally owned restaurants like Positive Pie Hardwick, a popular spot for pizza, also fill the walkable stretch. Village Restaurant is a laid-back breakfast diner with river views from its dining room. Residents pick up groceries from Buffalo Mountain Market, and Hardwick Farmers Market sells fresh produce every Friday from late May through early October. Central Vermont Marketplace in Berlin, 30 miles southwest, offers more options for retail, such as Walmart Supercenter, Kohl's and more.
Hiking trails, the town's library and nearby Caspian Lake keep locals busy
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail crosses through the community, and Hardwick Trails cover six miles of wooded pathways for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing in the winter. Caspian Lake Public Beach is just north, where visitors can picnic, swim and drop a kayak in for an afternoon of paddling. Hardwick Town House has stood in the community since 1860. The schoolhouse turned opera house now hosts local school performances, movies and traveling entertainers throughout the year. Jeudevine Memorial Library is an architectural gem of Hardwick and is currently expanding to include a teen and youth area. Besett says the addition will provide more options for children in the area to hang out.
Homes cluster together downtown and spread out in the community's outer portions
Narrow backroads that rise and fall with the area’s hilly terrain make up parts of Hardwick, while other portions closer to downtown are more densely packed. Downtown is also home to the community’s oldest houses, which date back to the mid-1800s and come in Victorian and National Folk styles. Acreage increases in the outer rural portions, where verdant forests frame ranch-style homes at the end of gravel driveways. Depending on size and condition, most homes typically sell between $100,000 and $400,000. Larger properties on more acreage can reach up to $800,000.
Hazen Union School's DREAM Program supports students mentorship within the district
Hardwick Elementary School teaches prekindergarten through sixth grade and has a D-plus on Niche. Hazen Union School enrolls seventh through 12th-grade students and earns a C-plus rating. High school students can join the DREAM Program and become mentors to their younger counterparts at Hardwick Elementary. The pairs meet once a week for group and one-on-one activities, like service work and field trips, to encourage positive development among the community’s youth.
Hardwick Spring Festival is an annual staple, and The Civic Center runs various events
For more than 70 years, locals have gathered for the Hardwick Spring Festival. Held over Memorial Day weekend across several venues downtown, the festival includes live music, a parade and activities for all ages. The festival’s street fair hosts various competitions from street hockey games to shopping cart races. The Civic Standard is a local organization that puts on several events throughout the year. “They are very vibrant and active, and do activities like street dances,” Besett says.
State Route 15 supports commutes from the area
Considering there is no public transportation, Hardwick is a car-dependent community. State Route 15 passes through downtown, linking the area to surrounding towns like Stowe, 24 miles southwest. “Many people living here commute to Stowe for work,” Besett says. The throughway also connects residents to Interstate 89, which leads to Burlington, some 65 miles west.
Hardwick is suscpetible to flooding, specifically along the Lamoille River
Federal Emergency Management Agency data shows that properties and roads close to the Lamoille River are subject to flooding after heavy rainfall. The town's website offers in-depth information on flood prevention programs and aftercare.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
