Although best known for its winter skiing, the resort where our wedding is taking place has plenty of activities available in the fall, including hiking, mountain biking (rentals available), scenic chairlift, disc golf, and a sports center (games, pool, hot tub, sauna, and workout equipment). Bride & groom rec: Although not part of the resort, check out the locally-famous Bolton Potholes at the very bottom of the Mountain Access Road. Park your car alongside Route 2 and walk into the woods to see a really cool series of swimming holes and small waterfalls. Don't forget your swimsuit if you want to jump in!
Located a quick, 15-minute drive from Bolton Valley, Waterbury has a small, charming downtown (Waterbury Village) with several shops and restaurants. Continue north on the Waterbury-Stowe Road (Route 100) and you'll find the Ben & Jerry's Factory, Cabot Farmers’ Store (free cheese samples!), and Cold Hollow Cider Mill.
A scenic 30-minute drive from Bolton Valley brings you to Stowe, a world-class mountain resort town nestled beside Vermont’s highest peak, Mt. Mansfield. Following Route 100, you’ll first arrive in Stowe Village, a walkable neighborhood with shops and restaurants. You should then turn onto Mountain Road (Route 108), which is a restaurant and recreation-lined road that continues for several miles before culminating at Stowe Mountain Resort, a renowned resort offering some of the best skiing on the East Coast. Although famous for its snow sports, this is a four-season resort that contains its own village as well as an auto toll road, where you can zig and zag your way to the summit ridge of Mt. Mansfield. Stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains await! Bride & groom rec: For those who can manage a quick 1.5 mile hike and want to see a cool waterfall, look up "Bingham Falls via Mill Trail" on AllTrails!
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, Burlington is the most populous city in Vermont (with a whopping 45,000 residents!). This small, friendly city is home to a thriving arts scene, museums, great shopping, and several colleges, including the University of Vermont and Champlain College. Be sure to check out Church Street Marketplace, which is the heart of the city and a hub of commerce, activity, and community engagement. Spreading across 4 pedestrian blocks, you’ll discover over 100 shops, restaurants, and local small businesses. Burlington is a 35-minute drive from Bolton Valley Resort.
At 11.5 breweries for every 100,000 adults, Vermont has the most breweries per capita in the nation and is oftentimes referred to as the Craft Beer Capital of America. We’d be remiss to not include some of our favorite watering holes so that our guests can enjoy them as well! Fiddlehead - Shelburne The Alchemist - Stowe Burlington Beer Company - Burlington Foam Brewers - Burlington CIDERIES Stowe Cider - Stowe
The Reservoir - Waterbury Excellent craft beer list and a delicious food menu that has something for everyone. Fun and lively. The Bench - Stowe Rustic bar & grill serving wood-fired pizzas, burgers, smoked wings, and many draft beer options. Ranch Camp - Stowe Casual cafe in a mountain bike lodge offering hearty burritos. Butler’s Pantry - Stowe Classic breakfast fare served in a warm, charming house with rustic accents. Honey Road - Burlington Sophisticated Mediterranean small plates, cocktails, and wine in the heart of Burlington. Skinny Pancake - Burlington Local chain featuring breakfast, crepes, and paninis in a casual space by Lake Champlain. Folino’s Wood Fired Pizza - Shelburne Cozy, roadside joint providing Neapolitan-style pies. Located in the same building as Fiddlehead Brewery. BYOB is encouraged - fill your growler or pick up some cans of Fiddlehead IPA and bring them across the hall to enjoy with your pizza! Truly a hidden gem.