Things To Do
Quechee Gorge
If you're visiting Vermont, don't miss Quechee Gorge, also known as the state's "Grand Canyon." The 165-foot gorge cuts through the Ottauquechee River and is the crown jewel of Quechee State Park. The park offers easy hiking trails on both sides of the gorge, and camping and kayaking are popular activities here too, making it an ideal destination for outdoor lovers. The best time to visit is during the fall when the foliage colors are at their peak. Be sure to visit the gift shop and the nearby Vermont Toy Museum, both of which are within walking distance from the park's entrance. – Tripadvisor
Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences: VINS
VINS offers locally relevant and compelling environmental education programs and services to a wide audience. Programs combine environmental science concepts with hands-on exploration to build empathy for nature and empower individuals to care for local natural ecosystems. VINS Nature Center offers special daily educational live bird programs! Admission includes entrance to exhibits, Forest Canopy Walk, Nature Trails, Outdoor Classroom, and 17 state-of-the-art bird Enclosures. Open picnic areas, and gifts, beverages and snacks are available at the Nature Store. The VINS Nature Center is located 1/2 mile west from the Quechee Gorge. Open every day.
Simon Pearce
Glass blowing, shop, restaurant. Inspired by centuries-old Georgian glassmaking techniques and using the finest natural materials, Irishman Simon set out to create designs that bring pleasure and inspiration with every use, every day. Voted one of “America's Most Romantic Restaurants” by Travel and Leisure and recipient of the Wine Spectator “Best Award of Excellence” – the dining room at the Mill is a wonderful way to experience our neighborhood.
Billings Farm & Museum/Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Site
Billings Farm was established by Frederick Billings in 1871 as a model farm run by the Billings family, their farm managers and farm staff. Visit a fully operating farm and get to know the farm animals, pastures, and barns. There are over 70 Jersey cows, with an average of 40 milking at any given time. Throughout the year, milking herd cows and their calves can be found in the calf nursery. Various other farm animals, including four draft horses, Berkshire pigs, goats, a flock of Southdown sheep, heritage breed chickens, and turkeys can be found roaming the fields and coops on site.
Sugarbush Farm
The 500-acre farm is located on a scenic road in central Vermont outside Woodstock. You'll find free samples of cheese and maple syrup, and the farm store is full of jams, mustards, spreads, and meats made locally. Maple syrup is made in the Spring, but folks can enjoy the self-guided tour to see where it is actually made. Watch a video on the syrup-making process and walk in the maple woods to see how Jeff and Ralph tap our trees. Make friends with our goats during the warmer months.