Local area

Vermont’s deepest gorge, known affectionately as “Vermont’s Grand Canyon,” looks down 165’ over the Ottauquechee River. The beautiful scenery is favorite stop for many visitors and is best viewed from the bridge along Rt. 4. When weather permits, there are trails to the bottom—but remember, you have to clime back up! While there, stop by nearby Quechee Village and Simon Pearce Glass.

The renowned Simon Pearce gallery in nearby Windsor features artisan glassblowers using traditional techniques to create some of the finest pieces in the country. Watch how beautiful glassware and art pieces are made on a tour of the workshop, then shop their gallery and shop for unique these unique items. They also feature a wonderful restaurant in a converted historic mill using the glassware items created onsite. This is a very popular attraction for guests that we highly recommend.

To get a taste of Vermont’s historic rural past, you don’t have to go farther than Woodstock. Sugarbush Farm is a four-season operation is known for its cheese, maple syrup and other natural Vermont-made food. Walk the sugar maple trails, visit the farm animals and enjoy free samples at its shop.

Billings Farm & Museum, an operating dairy farm, ramps up in spring with activities and special family events starting in late April. Throughout the year, also enjoy special events, historic exhibits, an 1890 restored farmhouse and more. The museum is devoted to educating people on the rural life in Vermont, as well as preserving this historic farm, originally established in 1871. Open weekends from Nov. - Feb. 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; daily during Christmas and Thanksgiving weeks.

Augustus Saint-Gaudens was the first sculptor to design an American coin, the 1907 $20 gold piece. His home “Aspet” and beautiful estate in nearby New Hampshire, trails and gardens are now a National Historic Site. View beautiful sculpture and artwork, learn about the techniques he used from a resident sculptor, explore the grounds and more. A fascinating journey into the past.

Everything you love about Vermont— words like "romantic", "magical" and "historic" are often used to describe this quaint village that has been called "the prettiest small town in America". First settled in 1768, Woodstock retains the elegant charm and rugged character of American antiquity. With a covered bridge in the middle of town, and stately homes surrounding the village green, it is easy to see why Woodstock has been called the "quintessential New England village".

Windsor is a small town rich with history, unspoiled scenery and community spirit that continues Vermont traditions and cultural, educational and recreational opportunities abound.

The park has 39 wooded tent/trailer sites and 10 lean-to sites that are arranged within two camp loops. Each loop has a rest room providing modern plumbing and hot showers ($). There is a sanitary dump station for RV's, but no hookups. There is a small picnic area at the foot of the summit, and a picnic area and shelter part way up the summit road.

The Museum preserves the heritage of the mechanical arts, celebrates the ingenuity of our mechanical forebears, and explores the effects of their work on our everyday lives. The American Precision Museum, housed in the original Robbins & Lawrence Armory, now holds the largest collection of historically significant machine tools in the nation. Open May 28 - Oct. 31.

This hands-on museum is located in Norwich on a 1110-acre site on the Connecticut River. It features more than 125 permanent exhibits on the natural and physical sciences, ecology and technology, as well as nationally touring and featured exhibitions. And in the spring, its outdoor environment with 100 acres of trails and beautiful two-acre exhibit area comes to life for visitors of all ages!

For lovers of craft bews, the Harpoon Brewery is for you. The facility offers 45-minute tours tours of their brewery (Fri - Sun., 21+ yrs. ) and free samples, plus a retail store and restaurant onsite open daily. Throughout the year they also host many fun events open to the public. Closed Mondays Nov. - April.

The Hood Museum of Art hosts 65,000 pieces and is free and open to the public. It has been collecting art since 1772, just three years after the founding of the college. It is among the oldest and largest museum of any college or university in the country.

The Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center is New England's leading raptor care and educational facility, offering visitors a rare insight into the lives and abilities of over 20 species of birds of prey, including hawks, as well as vultures and ravens.

The land that Wilgus State Park consists of was given to the state of Vermont in 1933 by Colonel and Mrs. William Wilgus for the creation of Wilgus State Park. The original park, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, consisted of a picnic area with large flue-type stone fireplaces and picnic tables, and the ranger's quarters.