Area Attractions

Immerse Yourself

Southeastern Vermont is an excellent place to explore nature, history, and roadside attractions. Just get out there–take a drive, a bike-ride, or a walk around the village, and see what unfolds. Cross covered bridges, meander over wooded hillsides, pass through picturesque villages… Go slowly, chat with people, and take time to stop at farm stands, shops, and artist studios along the way. You’ll never know which syrup or cheese is your favorite until you taste them all!

Here's a Tip

Our area is pretty rural and cell reception can be spotty. We recommend downloading the region to your GPS or Google Maps before you depart. Oh, and look out for seasonal road signs that indicate if roads are maintained through Winter and Spring. Hikers: since trail conditions are at the mercy of the weather, we’ve found it’s a good idea to check the AllTrails app before heading out. Below is a list of some of our favorite activities and destinations.

Pretty Villages

Newfane is a picture-perfect village where you can admire buildings of various architectural styles. Just down the block from the inn, the Crowell Gallery features outstanding works by contemporary local artists in a renovated post and beam barn at the back of the Moore Free Library. Also within walking distance, the Windham County Historical Museum and the West River Railroad Museum (seasonal hours), each display artifacts and photographs, and provide insight into the unique history of the area. The Newfane Store, Fat Crow restaurant, Big Foot Coffee and Fayetteville Corner antique store are hometown favorites that are also listed in the sections below.
Grafton (23 minute drive) has that time-defying beauty and quaintness that will bring you back again and again. In the village you’ll find a farm-to-table tavern & restaurant, country store with deli, and a nature museum that’s awesome for families. At the Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center you can hike, bike, x-c ski and snowshoe.
Chester (34 min.) is cute as a button. With a few well-stocked antique stores, some unique eateries (MacLaomainn's Scottish Pub and Country Girl Diner), and historic stone buildings in Chester Depot, it’s worth the beautiful drive up there. The famous Vermont Country Store is also right down the road.
Wilmington (30 min.) is a great place to head for a small-town dining and shopping experience. The Art of Humor gallery is the perfect stop to get some comic relief! Our favorite shops include The Vermont Bowl Company, West End Used Books, the 1836 Country Store, and Bartleby’s Books. Experience top-notch dining at La Casita, Folly, and Alpenglow Bistro.
Brattleboro (20 min.), although not quite a village, is a fun, artsy town with a thriving downtown shopping and dining scene. Here you’ll find many independent bookstores, clothing boutiques, vintage, record and art stores. There are also plenty of galleries and craft stores to wander through. The Retreat Farm, which is on the way out of town, hosts events and concerts. Their site also houses the Grafton Village Cheese Co. and 10 miles of hiking trails.

Skiing

Mount Snow (28 minute drive) is just over the river and through the woods from us! This medium-size resort has exceptional snow-making capabilities that extends their season, and extensive intermediate & freestyle terrain. Stratton (35 min.) is a larger resort that’s popular with families. It has a good mix of terrain, excellent lift infrastructure, and it’s an easy drive from the inn. On the smaller side, Bromley (40 min.) delivers a unique local feel, sunny slopes, big views, and easy navigation that will definitely appeal to some.
Come Summer, Mount Snow and Stratton open up as mountain biking parks, attracting bikers from all over New England. Bromley has an Adventure Park that features an alpine slide (one of the longest in the world), a giant swing, mini golf and more.
If cross country skiing is your thing then Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center (23 min.) has several miles of groomed trails and equipment rentals. Also, Viking Nordic Center in Londonderry is a fantastic place to try out Nordic skiing and/or snowshoeing. They offer lessons, equipment and even have night skiing!

Hiking

Experience vast vistas and possibly see hawks migrating if you take a short, easy hike to the summit of Putney Mountain (11 minute drive). It’s part of the 27-mile Pinnacle trail network with access points throughout Windham County.
Nearby Dummerston has two natural areas–Deer Run Nature Preserve (13 min.) and Black Mountain Natural Area (10 min.)–with several great trails and 1,865 acres of protected, ecologically-significant land between them.
There are two excellent Vermont State Parks nearby. Townshend S.P. (11 min.) has a beautiful 2-mile hiking trail that meanders along a stream then up to the top of Bald Mountain (trail currently closed). Jamaica S.P. (22 min.) is set right on the banks of the West River. Here you can swim, walk or bike on an accessible trail, hike to Hamilton Falls and Ball Mountain Dam, and learn about the history of the land.

Restaurants & Cafes

In Newfane, The Fat Crow (1 minute drive) is a hit with locals and visitors alike. Artsy decor, a huge wood-fired copper pizza oven and farm-fresh ingredients come together in hearty but flavorful combinations. It’s open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday and you’ll want to make reservations. Also, head across the street to the Newfane Store for tasty sandwiches, salads and daily specials. It’s a great place to hang out and soak up the local scene.
Brattleboro (20 min.) is home to a variety of good eateries. Peter Havens Restaurant is well known for its oysters and other incredible seafood dishes. TJ Buckley’s provides an intimate dining experience with a limited menu and impeccable service. Their outstanding cuisine brings foodies to the table from near and far. The Marina serves up some local favorites in an unpretentious, but delightful setting right where the West River meets the Connecticut. Some of our more casual go-tos include A Vermont Table, High Thai, Yalla and Echo Restaurant & Lounge.
Additional dining recommendations in Grafton, Wilmington and Chester can be found under the Pretty Villages section.
Coffee: BigFoot Coffee (1 min.) is a friendly roadside destination known for their superb espresso-based drinks, donut waffles (yum!), and a life-size bigfoot statue. Fire Arts Bakery & Cafe (13 min.) is on the road to Brattleboro, but it’s really a destination in its own right. This glass blowing studio / cafe has a chill vibe, delicious coffee drinks and fabulous fresh pastries–all organic. The adjoining gallery is definitely worth checking out since it displays some really unique pieces of blown glass and eclectic jewelry.

Lively Libations

Green Mountain Wine Shop is a darling little wine and beer purveyor just down the road in Newfane (1 minute drive). The owners are passionate and helpful, and they carry a well-curated selection of craft beers and wines at a range of prices. Plus they have prepared meats, cheeses and chocolates to pair with your purchase.
Saxtons Distillery and Vermont Vermouth (23 & 21 min.) are the places to stop in Brattleboro in order to make a mean cocktail. Saxtons distills small-batch whiskey, coffee liqueur, and gin that’s available to buy or try in their beautiful bar or shaded outdoor area. Their space is family and dog- friendly with firepits, games and shuffleboard. Vermont Vermouth creates locally-sourced vermouth, which is fortified wine blended with herbs. Often used in cocktails like martinis and manhattans, Vermont Vermouth’s unique selection of flavors can be tasted in their downtown location.
Downtown Brattleboro is home to two breweries. Hermit Thrush Brewery (20 min.) specializes in sustainably-made sour beers, which they do exceptionally well! We recommend trying a flight of four sours or a sour beer slushy. Whetstone Beer Co. has one of Brattleboro’s only patios that overlooks the Connecticut River. You might go for the views, but will definitely stay for the brews.

Shopping & Antiquing

In Newfane: At Dutton Berry Farm stand (2 minute drive) you’ll be sure to feel authentic Vermont vibes. Here you’ll find seasonal fruits and veggies, scrumptious fresh baked goods, and plants & flowers galore. The Wild Book Company (1 min) is just a couple minutes walk from the inn. This little gem of a bookstore is housed in a gorgeous historical barn (their hours are seasonal, so check their website). The Newfane Store carries some funky local souvenirs and gifts, as well as everyday staples.
Take a scenic drive to the adorable “Dover the Moon” store in tiny East Dover (16 min.). This shop features a bunch of fabulous gifts and unique finds, including many made by local artisans. Once here, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump to get to West Dover and Wilmington (see “Wilmington” under “Pretty Villages” for excellent shopping and dining options there).
Antique stores are plentiful in this historic area. Some of our favorites include: Fayetteville Corner (right across the street), Stone House Antique Center and Vermont Picker Antiques (both in Chester, 34 min.), and Twice Upon a Time antique mall in Brattleboro (20 min.). The Newfane Flea (3 min.) is a delightful little market for finding treasures amidst friendly faces. It’s open on Sundays from 8-2, May through October.

Farms & Farmers’ Markets:

Dutton Farm “Pick Your Own” (3 minute drive) has row upon row of delectable blueberries, strawberries and raspberries (late May-July). Call the farm stand for availability.
Scott Farm Orchard in Dummerston (15 min.) dates back to 1862. This history-filled farm features apple picking, cider, baked goods, and a showcase of stone walls that shouldn’t be missed. Fun fact: Scott Farm was used as the filming location for the farm in The Cider House Rules.
Dwight Miller Orchards is a eighth generation family-owned and operated farm that grows organic apples and other produce in Dummerston, VT. Visit their farmstand for seasonal fruits and veg, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup and homemade jams. And look out for their open houses and p.y.o. opportunities.
Green Mountain Orchards outside Putney (20 min.) has p.y.o. blueberries, apples, peaches and plums (some organic, some not). Secret tip: their North Gate area is a special place to take a picnic lunch.
Farmers’ Markets: During the warmer months there are several local farmers’ markets to choose from: Townshend (Fridays, 4:30-6:30) Putney (Sundays, 11-3), and Brattleboro (Saturdays, 9-2). Each market has a slightly different flavor, but all showcase Southern Vermont’s agricultural and artisanal heritage.

Entertainment

Brattleboro has a vibrant under-the-radar music scene! The Vermont Jazz Center (26 minute drive) is a non-profit jazz education and concert venue that hosts unforgettable jazz performances. The Brattleboro Music Center (22 min.) is home to a music school, five resident performance ensembles, a guest conductor series and the Northern Roots Music Festival. It’s definitely worth looking into their performance schedule if classical and traditional music appeals to you. The Retreat Farm (16 min.) hosts amazing concerts, food truck nights, and other fun events. Other Brattleboro music venues include the Stone Church, the Collective Lounge & Bar, and River Garden Marketplace.
The artsy village of Putney has a couple unique venues that arts lovers flock to the area for. The Yellow Barn (22 min.) hosts a series of chamber music concerts during the summer that feature young musicians from throughout the world playing music from a wide variety of genres. Next Stage Arts (23 min.) is a community-led initiative that transformed a deteriorating church into a world-class entertainment venue that offers exceptional concerts, comedy, movie screenings, spoken word and hosts a summer music series.
A couple other summer arts events are well-known within the region. The Weston Theater Company has put on professional productions during the summer months since the 1930s. Their homebase in Weston, the Playhouse (42 min.), is a lovely old theater in the Greek Revival Style. The Marlboro Music Festival (27 min.)– held summer weekends–features performances by a group of 85 talented international musicians who practice a huge repertoire together for weeks leading up to the series. This makes for exciting, yet truly magnificent performances.

Swimming & Paddling

Vermont’s rivers hold many secret swimming spots, but one that is well-known locally is at the junction of the Rock River and the West River (6 min.) just south of Newfane. There’s a parking area right on Route 30 by the “summer recreation” sign where you’ll see stairs leading down to a family-friendly swimming area (swim at your own risk). If you venture further up the Rock River there are a couple clothing-optional beaches. Jamaica State Park also has a nice, little swimming hole that’s easy to access (22 min.). If kayaking or paddleboarding is your thing then you can put in across from the Retreat Farm (16 min.) in Brattleboro or at Sunset Lake (14 min.).