Pawlet is a picturesque slice of southwest Vermont
Engulfed by the green hills of the Taconic Mountains, Pawlet is a small Vermont community full of scenic vistas. The area's natural landscape feels virtually untouched, save for the farms and homes. Residents can find privacy within Pawlet’s wide-open spaces, like other similar communities in the region. But connectivity isn’t lost. “I think that the appeal of these small communities is that they’re surrounded by incredible natural beauty,” says Robin Chesnut-Tangerman, who has been a Realtor with McChesney Real Estate in Pawlet for about five years and a resident of nearby Middletown Springs for more than 30 years. “And that there is really a sense of community. People who look out for each other. ... A lot of life and vibrancy in the small towns.”
Housing options cover a wide timeline
Pawlet sprouted in the 1760s and still has homes that date to the late 18th century. Others were built within the last 30 years. Many are variations of the colonial style, with floor plans from just over 1,000 square feet to well over 5,000 square feet. “And they’re coexisting, side by side,” Chesnut-Tangerman says. Some of the oldest houses in Pawlet have already been beautifully renovated, Chestnut-Tangerman says, but there’s still the opportunity to find fixer-uppers. Prices range between $150,000 and $940,000 based on condition and square footage.
Hiking, biking and fishing are all available close by
The rolling terrain in Pawlet features more than 30 farms, producing products from milk to vegetables. The landscape also includes plenty of room for outdoor recreation, on land and in the water. “It’s a rural environment,” Chestnut-Tangerman says. “There’s still a lot of farming, a lot of logging. There are a lot of people really connected with the outdoors, whether that takes the form of mountain biking or hunting or photography or all of the above. There’s a strong connection to the land.” Parts of the Mettawee and Indian rivers run through Pawlet, and both are places for paddling and fishing. The Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail, near the Indian River, is open to hiking and biking, plus skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. The North Pawlet Hills Natural Area offers hunting opportunities.
The Barn and Mach’s are close-by food options at the center of town
Located along Vermont Route 30, the area’s main thoroughfare, The Barn Restaurant & Tavern is a spot for a sit-down meal within Pawlet. “It’s a popular local restaurant,” Chestnut-Tangerman says. The restaurant opened in 1972 and is in a rustic barn built in the 1870s. Mach’s Market is a more casual option just off Route 30 that dates to 1945 and fills a former 19th-century hotel. Mach’s offers grocery items and prepared foods. “They serve amazing food there,” Chesnut-Tangerman says. “Really delicious. Our office is right across the road, it’s a really dangerous place to be.” Pawlet residents tend to head to neighboring Granville, New York, for more retail, Chesnut-Tangerman says. Granville has Big Lots, Dollar General, Tractor Supply Company and a Price Shopper supermarket.
Mettawee Community School blends education with the outdoors
Young Pawlet students may attend Mettawee Community School from prekindergarten through sixth grade. Part of the Mettawee School District, this school has a C grade on Niche and offers a cross-country skiing program through a grant that supplied 25 sets of skis for students to use. Students have free choice for Grades 7 to 12. The C-plus-rated Mill River Union High is a public option, part of the C-plus-rated Mill River Unified School District. Extracurricular opportunities at Mill River include Model UN and an art club. The private, A-rated Long Trail School has student-teacher ratios of 5-to-1.
Routes 30, 149 and 133 help locals move around the region
Vermont Route 30 takes drivers toward Route 149 for trips across the New York border to Granville. Granville is about 7 miles from the center of Pawlet. Vermont Route 133 is a way to reach the even bigger city of Rutland, just under 30 miles north. Rutland has the closest major hospital, the Rutland Regional Medical Center. The Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport, 23 miles away in North Clarendon, operates three daily flights to the Boston Logan International Airport, through Cape Air.
Locals are game for the annual Game Supper
The Pawlet Volunteer Fire Department’s Game Supper is one of the area’s annual traditions, dating back more than 50 years. “Game suppers are very popular in Vermont,” Chesnut-Tangerman says. “A long, historic tradition. This one is a fundraiser for the fire department. People come from miles around.” Held in November, the supper features dishes with wild game including bear, venison and squirrel. Attendees purchase tickets for a plate, including sides, a dessert and a drink.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
