Jackie & Eli
Things To Do
Waitsfield Farmers' Market
This is one of the best Farmers' Markets in the state! Don't miss the Waitsfield Farmers' Market on Saturday, September 22nd from 9:00am - 1:00pm on Mad River Green in Waitsfield. Pick up some Craft Beer and Wine, Local Cheese and Meat, Flowers and/or artisan jams to enjoy during your stay or to take home as souvenirs.
Warren Falls
This is one of our favorite swimming holes in the warmer months. Be sure to check it out if you feel like going for a dip!
Lareau Swimming Hole
This is a great pit stop for a quick dip in the Mad River. This swimming hole is located off Route 100 directly across from Lareau Farm! Shallow waters near the shore are great for little ones learning how to tread water, while directly across the river, rocks provide a seven-foot-tall platform to leap into a 12-foot-deep water for the older, bolder crowd.
Sunset Ledge Hike
1 Hour Round Trip: 2.2 Miles Elevation: 2424’. Elevation gain 400’ Easy/Moderate Sunset Ledge is a favorite, family-friendly destination. As the name implies, this short hike is well known for its grand sunsets over Lake Champlain and the rugged Adirondack Mountains. We hiked this trail recently and it was a great length for the busy day that we had planned. Spectacular views! The perfect wedding morning activity if you're also trying to go to the farmers' market and get a creemee. :) Trail Access: Take the Lincoln Gap Road off of Route 100 in Warren to the parking lot at the top of Lincoln Gap, then head south on the Long Trail. From Waitsfield, the total trip should take you about 2 hours or less, including driving, hiking and hangout time.
Hike to Mount Abraham
4 Hours Round Trip: 5.7 Miles Elevation gain: 2200' Moderate The Lincoln Gap to Mt.Abraham portion of the Long Trail is a challenging hike to one of the most impressive summits in New England. At over 4000 feet you have 360o views of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain to the west, the White Mountains to the east and the Green Mountains from Killington Peak to Belividere Mountain to the south and north. Trail Access: Take the Lincoln Gap Road off of Route 100 in Warren to the parking lot at the top of Lincoln Gap, then head north on the Long Trail.
Hike to Starks Nest atop Mad River Glen Ski Area
4-5 hours roundtrip: 6.2 Miles Total Elevation: 3662’ Elevation gain: 1,285’ Moderate/Advanced Off Rt 100 take Rt 17 to the Appalachian Gap. Take the Long Trail South for 3.1 miles to the summit, passing the top of the Mad River Glen Ski area.
Prohibition Pig
A great place to get lunch, dinner and drinks! They brew their own beer as well as serve a variety of local favorites. Yes - they have heady topper...on draft. Pro Pig (as it is affectionately referred to) is a 20 minutes drive from Waitsfield. Be sure to say hi to Berkeley for us!
The Mad Taco
A great spot in closeby downtown Waitsfield for tacos, burritos and the like. Local beer served!
Warren Store
Great spot for grabbing sandwiches, beer, wine, cider, and other made in Vermont gifts such as T-shirts, hats, and jewelry. Be sure to check out the Pitcher Inn across the street - Jackie's grandmother's family used to own and operate it!
The Sweet Spot
Best Coffee in the Valley! Fantastic lunch and pastries as well as cocktails, beer and wine. Take your morning coffee in their riverside garden.
The Alchemist Stowe
The Alchemist is the home of the famous Heady Topper IPA! Although you can buy Heady Topper (and other tasty brews like the Focal Banger) in and around Waitsfield VT - it is still difficult to come by and a visit to the recently opened brewery and visitor center is a must for VT beer fans. Be sure to check out the "BUY" tab on their website if you're looking to score some brews to take home.
Lawson’s Finest Brewery, Taproom & Retail Store
Take in a Sip of Sunshine at the brand new brewery and taproom in downtown Waitsfield. Announced to open in Fall of 2018, we have our fingers crossed that they will be open in time for our wedding weekend. We will update with more details as they are announced!!
SIPtemberfest Beer Festival
This is the best little beer festival we’ve ever attended. We used to head down and sip on some of VT’s finest brews back when we lived in the north country, and this year it’s taking place over our wedding weekend! Located at Mad River Glen ski area, they open up the famous single chair ski lift to the top of the mountain! It’s really a great time.
Fresh Tracks Farm Vineyard & Winery
Beer not your thing? Visit FreshTracks Farm Vineyard and Winery in nearby Berlin, VT! Stroll through the vineyards and grab a tasting flight at their wine bar.
von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall
Located on the grounds of the Trapp Family Lodge, the von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Restaurant is a gathering place to enjoy "a little of Austria, a lot of Vermont," serving lager beers and freshly prepared lunch and dinner. In the 1940's, the von Trapp family toured the United States as the "Trapp Family Singers" before eventually settling in Stowe, Vermont. Although their original home/lodge was destroyed in a fire in the 1980's - you can still visit the property and tour the modern alpine lodge that now stands in its place. The entire property is owned and operated by the von Trapp family. Learn more during your visit!
Mad River Taste Place
The Mad River Taste Place is dedicated to celebrating the makers and growers of the Mad River Valley. Here you will find high quality, handmade artisan food and drink and can learn about the people behind these products. Over 50 makers are represented with a wide selection of products that range from cultured butter, naturally leavened bread, handmade chocolates, an extensive and ever-changing selection of VT cheeses, charcuterie, craft beer, hard cider, wine and distilled spirits. Check out the events calendar on their website to see what is going on during your visit and be sure to pick up some Ploughgate Creamery butter made by our friend Marissa! Mad River Taste Place is conveniently located in the same plaza as the Farmers’ Market!
Ben & Jerry’s
If you know us, you know that we like ice cream. A LOT. Visit the Ben & Jerry's Waterbury Factory and learn how Ben & Jerry’s gets so much deliciousness into every scoop! Take their 30-minute guided factory tour and learn how they make ice cream. It’s great for all ages, and a fantastic activity for the family. Plus, enjoy your favorite flavor – or try a new one! – at their full-service Scoop Shop.
Canteen Creemee Company
Amazing soft serve ice cream aka Creemee’s if you want to order like a local. They also have delicious food. Definitely try to fried chicken or the poke bowl! You might even spot Maggie Gyllenhaal if you're lucky.
Looking for more?
The Mad River Valley is your gateway to a quintessential Vermont experience, and Lareau Farm is right in the heart of it. From shopping and dining, to outdoor recreation, the arts, and events; there is so much to see and do - it's difficult to keep up. We recommend this site as a great starting point in planning your trip to "The Valley."