Fall Foliage Forecast: Your Guide to Autumn Leaf-Peeping Near Waterbury 12 Sep 2024, 1:45 pm
The exact timing of autumn foliage involves several variables, including annual rainfall, daily and nightly temperatures heading into early fall, and threats to trees’ well-being from insects and fungus. Even with a drier-than-normal winter, precipitation through the spring and summer can make up the difference, providing the moisture needed to produce ample leaves and maintain their robust coloring heading into fall. Starting in early September, daytime highs in central Vermont ideally drop into the high 60s and low 70s, with evenings dipping into the 30s, providing the perfect conditions for the chlorophyll in leaves to break down and reveal the vivid color pigments hidden within.
Trees are delicate and affected by too much or too little rain, so years like 2023 – when record-breaking and destructive summer storms devastated many areas of Vermont – increase the “stress” on their roots and leaves, which can combine with pests and fungus to produce a less vibrant leaf season. However, it can also extend the duration of leaf season, as stronger petioles help the leaves cling to the trees later into fall despite wind and rain storms.
Year-to-Year Variation and What Trees You’ll See in Vermont
Although 2023 was an outlier due to its extreme weather, recent years like 2021 and 2022 were excellent for Vermont fall foliage, with 2024 shaping up similarly. The stars of the annual fall transformation in Vermont are maples, whose leaves feature crimson reds, burnt oranges, and deep golden hues. They are often the first to start turning, along with birch and beech (both prized for their bright yellow coloring), followed later by elm, poplar, and oak. The needles on white pine trees, another common tree throughout Vermont, are less notable but morph into varying shades of yellow before dropping.
In our region of Vermont, expect fall colors to kick into high gear by the last week of September, continuing through mid-October. This window, reliably delivers eye –pleasing color with ‘peak’ sometimes skewing a bit earlier or later depending on how quickly daily temperatures drop. During ideal leaf-peeping years, it’s a “slow burn” (a phrase popularized by New England leaf expert and blogger Jeff Foliage), extending the process over 6 weeks. Monitor resources like Vermont’s Foliage Forecaster for updates on where to find peak color during your visit. And don’t worry if you don’t hit the exact ‘peak’ for our area – as one region of Vermont passes peak color, others are just entering it and Waterbury is ideally located for easy access to all of Vermont’s vibrant foliage.
Prime Fall Foliage Surrounding Waterbury
Within just 15 minutes of our location in downtown Waterbury, top-notch trails abound, with foliage on display around every turn along your hike. Head just five miles north to Little River State Park, where the Stevenson Brook and Dalley Trail loops provide hikes for all abilities ranging from 2.5-5.0 miles, climbing a gentle grade from the shores of Waterbury Reservoir up into the dense woods of neighboring Mt. Mansfield State Forest, where the varied tree species reliably produce a range of colors every autumn. For a more intense hike, head just 15 minutes north to the Stowe Pinnacle, which climbs 1,400 feet over 3.5 miles, with a reward of exceptional summit views overlooking the Green Mountains, with waves of exquisite reds, ambers, and yellows during peak foliage weeks.
After your local leaf-peeping outing, plan to visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill – one of our favorite Vermont cideries – where they have been making apple cider on their classic rack-and-cloth press for five decades. Enjoy their mouth-watering cider donuts (a local staple), delicious hard ciders, and decadent maple butter – appropriate after seeing maple trees put on their foliage magic. Leaf-peeping also coincides with prime apple season in Vermont, so plan a side trip to pick some fresh fruit from the trees at nearby Hunger Mountain Orchard, which has been family-run since the late 1970s.
Route 100 – Quick Access to Peak Vermont Fall Foliage to the North and South
Route 100 is colloquially known as “Vermont’s Main Street” – connecting far-flung parts of the state and providing easy access to some of the best Vermont fall foliage. Head just 10 miles north of Waterbury to Stowe, where fall colors arrive earlier due to their high elevation. Even when foliage coloring is sparse in Vermont’s valleys and lower elevations, Stowe is often already off and running, with the trees near the summit of Mt. Mansfield (the state’s highest peak, at 4,395 feet) usually coming into complete and colorful form a couple weeks earlier than other popular areas. Serious hikers can attempt the Mt. Mansfield Chin ascent, which climbs 2,800 feet from downtown Stowe and takes five hours to complete the 4.7-mile roundtrip, with breathtaking vistas and fantastic fall foliage en route. For a more laidback option, take the Stowe Resort Gondola Skyride to the top, providing the same views without the hours-long effort – it runs daily from 10 am – 4:30 pm through October 20th, ideal for riding up in the late afternoon and timing your summit visit with the sunset, made even more impressive by the panorama of fall colors below.
Join the annual Long Trail Day in late September hosted by the Green Mountain Club, which maintains over 500 miles of trails throughout Vermont. The fundraising effort, aimed at bringing in $1 for every mile you hike that day, happens during the start of peak leaf-viewing in Stowe, making it an excellent way to see gorgeous fall landscapes while supporting a great cause. Wind down that same evening just 5 miles up Route 108 from Stowe at Smuggler’s Notch Resort, when Fiddlehead’s Fall Fest features the best of the fall season with live music, local microbrews, and food trucks from 6 – 10 pm.
Heading in the opposite direction on Route 100, you’ll find equally impressive leaf-peeping areas south of Waterbury. Camel’s Hump State Park encompasses over 21,000 acres of preserved forest and one of the state’s highest five mountain peaks, at over 4,000 feet. Like Mt. Mansfield Chin, reaching the Camel’s Hump summit via the Burrows or Monroe Trail is challenging. But it pays off with views that stretch clear to the White Mountains of New Hampshire – where the fall foliage changes simultaneously with our Green Mountains, making for a truly epic landscape of leaves, especially on a clear fall afternoon. You’ll also find more laidback hiking options nearby, where the Mad River Path Association maintains 15 miles of “valley-floor” trails surrounding Waitsfield and Warren – iconic towns in the picturesque Mad River Valley, which Travel & Leisure named one of the top ten places to see Vermont fall foliage. And while you are in the area, drive up through Lincoln Gap or Appalachian Gap for breathtaking panoramic views to the west.
Plan your fall getaway and experience fall foliage’s brilliant showcase of colors in Vermont!
Images: by David Casey
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Vermont Harvest Season Delights: Apple-Picking, Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, and Fall Festivals 11 Sep 2024, 1:26 pm
Hunger Mountain Orchard, just a few miles from downtown Waterbury, celebrates its 45th growing season in 2024. The quaint orchard was initially planted in the late 1970s by William F. Wyman, a longtime Waterbury and Stowe local who spent his early days working at Stowe Resort and as a Vermont state park ranger, tending to the family plot as it grew over the years. Although he has since passed away, his wife (Bernie) and daughter (Lori) now tend to the orchard, sharing his belief that “at the top of every apple tree lies great reverence.”after Bernie and Lori open the orchard to the public seasonally this year starting September 14th and going into early October, depending on fruit yield and how many apples are ready for harvest. Once the apple-picking gets going in earnest, check their Facebook feed for daily updates on hours (usually 1-5 pm on Thurs/Fri and 10 am-5 pm on weekends), plus info on which apple varieties are available, ranging from exceptionally sweet Empires to more tart Cortlands and extra crispy Libertys. Although most of their apple trees are picked bare by mid-October, they often have late-blooming Northern Spy apples available closer to Thanksgiving – excellent for your homemade apple pie recipes.
If the weather cooperates, head just two miles down from the orchard after your apple-picking and socializing (Bernie and Lori are known for their warm demeanor and willingness to chat about the nuances of apple varieties) for a hike from the Hunger Mountain Trailhead. Although a challenging four-mile roundtrip with steady climbing, Hunger Mountain’s summit has some of the most breathtaking views in all of Vermont, stretching out over the Green Mountains and including Mt. Mansfield, the highest point in the state. On the way back to Waterbury, make a pitstop off Route 100 at Cabot Creamery, one of dozens of world-class cheesemakers who make up the storied Vermont Cheese Trail. Pick up a sampler of their iconic Vermont white cheddar, Seriously Sharp cheddar (aged 12 months), and gouda, a perfect complement to your freshly picked Hunger Mountain apples.
Burtt’s Orchard – A Wide World of Apple Varieties, Pumpkin-Picking, and Family-Friendly Fun
On a different day, take a scenic 35-mile drive northeast of Waterbury to Burtt’s Apple Orchard, where their “you-pick-it” harvest season kicks into high gear during the last week of August. With roots as a maple and dairy farm (two hallmarks of the Vermont agricultural tradition), Burtt’s switched gears in 2009, growing a few acres of apple trees and quickly selling out – seeing the demand, they’ve since expanded to growing some 40 varieties throughout their ten-week season. When you arrive, their friendly farm crew will provide a guide to which apples are currently available for picking, including rarer choices like the supersweet Pixie Crunch, the impossible-to-miss and purple-skinned William’s Pride, and faves like the well-balanced McIntosh (one of the oldest apple strains, dating back to the early 1800s). Although 80% of the apples sold in national store chains comprise only five varieties (Red Delicious, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp), you’ll taste the wide-ranging spectrum of sweetness and tartness as you wander amongst the rows of trees and bite into apples you’re seeing and tasting for the very first time.
After picking your apple haul (often sold by the quarter-bushel, around 10 lbs and 20 apples), visit their farm stand for some warm apple cider donuts (a Vermont delicacy) and half-gallon jugs of refreshing apple cider, which they press the old-fashioned way. Kids will love their corn maze, playground, sandbox, and tetherball setup, and wrap up your afternoon with a stroll on their newish 1.5-mile trail extending around the pasture and far-reaching fields, where they grow corn, cherries, and squash. Pumpkin and apple harvests conveniently coincide, so it’s also a great time to pick a pumpkin in their patch, Halloween being just around the corner. Their pumpkins are priced according to size and are cheaper than the supermarket varieties – ranging from small ($5.50) to extra large ($12).
Fall Festivals Nearby and Autumn Activities in Stowe
Join other Vermonters in the autumn festivities at the Montpelier Fall Festival, held September 28th from 12 to 4 p.m. The afternoon fest—including food trucks, local student bands performing, family games, and face painting—takes place on the lawn of the Vermont State House, whose gold-domed building and impressive architecture date back over 160 years. During September and October, State House self-guided tours are available from 11 am – 3 pm on Saturdays, so between food and fun at the festival, check out the building’s historic and still-in-use government chambers, interior art displays, and beautiful Greek Revival design. Make the most of your day trip to Montpelier, Vermont’s capital city, by browsing the locally-owned bookstores and boutiques downtown, followed by farm-fresh fare at Oakes & Evelyn, seasonal wood-fired pizza at Woodbelly, or pub food and pints of 20+ local microbrews on tap at Three Penny Taproom.
Capitalize on Vermont’s legendary leaf-peeping season by driving ten miles north from Waterbury to Stowe October 11-13th for their annual Foliage Arts Festival. Check out the 150 arts and crafts vendors, including everything from oil paintings, ceramics, and glasswork to woodworking, homemade jams/jellies (apple jelly is a local favorite), and distilleries offering samples. Hike a portion of the nearby Long Trail – where New England fall colors hit their spectacular peak from September into late October – and add some quirky thrill by doing the classic corn maze at Percy Farm in central Stowe. Farmer Paul Percy, still spry at 83 years old, cuts a new route in his corn fields in late July, welcoming visitors to try their luck in his maze through the second week of October, a memorable autumn adventure for all ages.
Stay with us this harvest season, when the apples are ripest, the leaves are most vibrant, and fall festivities abound!
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Exploring Vermont’s Fiber Arts 26 Aug 2024, 8:05 pm
Every fall, the Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival celebrates all aspects of fiber production, bringing together the best of our state’s wool farmers, processors, and weavers. Held over the weekend of October 5-6, 2024, the tiny town of Tunbridge hosts the fun-filled weekend at its fairgrounds. The fairgrounds are a living piece of history, dating back to 1894 – a perfect ambiance to revel in the rich history of Vermont’s wool and fiber culture with other enthusiasts.
The festivities start at 10 a.m. and go until 5 p.m., with over 70 vendors traveling from across Vermont (a tight network linked through the non-profit Vermont Fibershed). As you browse the wide-ranging selection of wool and yarn, you’ll learn about details such as density, natural coloring vs dying, fineness, texture, and various sheens. Sip local cider as you wander amongst the vendor tents, and add to your winter ensemble with finely woven sweaters, mittens, or slippers while chatting with the producers and learning about their methods. Local radio station 96.5 WFVR provides live and recorded music, and given the farm-like atmosphere, it’s not uncommon for a barn dance to break out. Don’t miss the sheepdog demonstrations (held at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm), when local legend Jim McRae takes to the rodeo ring to show off the impressive skills of his border collies, who are unsung heroes when it comes to managing sheep pastures.
Every year, the fest highlights a unique theme, and 2024 will feature Camelids, a genetic family that includes llamas and alpacas. In addition to their adorable look and charm, these animals are famous for producing some of the world’s most delicate yet durable fibers. Several vendors at the festival focus solely on camelids, including Snowshoe Farm, which has been raising and breeding award-winning alpacas in nearby Peacham for 25 years. Check out their one-of-a-kind offerings, including 100% alpaca yarn, a blended yarn mixing alpaca and wool, and a rare yarn for rug-making with alpaca fiber spun around a wool core. The Fiber Arts Contest held over the weekend will hand out awards for the best camelid shawls, wraps, and scarves, plus other prizes for categories like top handspun yarn, felting, and knitting.
While you’re in Tunbridge for the fiber fair, make a short detour on the way out of town to drive over one of the five historic Vermont Covered Bridges in the vicinity, such as the Mill Covered Bridge, a replica of the 70-foot original structure dating back to 1883 which crosses a particularly scenic section of the White River.
Local Sheep Farms Producing World-Class Fiber, An Age-Old Vermont Tradition
During your exploration and education into all things yarn, plan a day trip 40 miles north of Waterbury to Cloverworks Farm. Owner Katie Sullivan and her partner have been working the 100-acre property after leaving social services careers to return to the land in 2010. They raise Bluefaced Leicester and Border Leicester sheep, breeds beloved for the texture and quality of wool they produce. Buy some of their phenomenal semi-worsted yarn at their farm’s on-site rustic store if you do a tour (email them a day in advance) or visit their stand at the fiber festival. If you make the scenic drive to their farm in Irasburg, plan to stop on the way for some recreation at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, home to some of our best running, cross-country skiing, and biking trails (with adult and kids mountain bikes available to rent).
Among many not-to-miss vendors at the fest is Paradise Bay Farm, a husband-and-wife team who manage a flock of 25 sheep on Grand Isle, an idyllic island within Lake Champlain just west of Burlington. In addition to the famed Leicesters, they also have Merino sheep, another breed prized for its wool’s extra wintry warmth and moisture-wicking capability.
High Ridge Meadows Farm – another local wool producer and vendor to add to your list – embodies tried-and-true sustainable Vermont farming practices. For the last two decades, they have been working their 40-acre hillside land through organic, rotational grazing, knowing that feeding their sheep on wild pastures leads to healthier animals, reflected in the fine quality of their fleece. Their two and three-ply Icelandic sheep yarn is available in various undyed colors, while their wool roving is super soft and ready for your next hand-spinning or felting creation. Several times a year, High Ridge owners Jim and Mary host “Yarn in the Barn” events, a gathering of local fiber artisans in the quaint and historic barn on their property (40 miles from Waterbury, off Route 89 and on the way to Tunbridge).
Join the Stick Season Stitches Fiber Retreat in Waterbury Vermont
We’re excited to host our second annual “Stick Season Stitches Retreat” on November 15-17th, 2024. Spend a relaxing weekend with like-minded fiber crafters, complete the weekend project with a ‘name brand’ designer, enjoy tours of local businesses, fiber demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, and more.
Sign up now to be added to the list and get the latest updates for our retreat, and stay at our Waterbury bed and breakfast to discover the wondrous world of Vermont wool and fiber artisanship!
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Little River State Park, VT: Trails, Waterways, Stunning Scenery, and Four-Season Fun 29 Jul 2024, 11:24 am
Thirty-five miles of hiking trails traverse Little River State Park and extend into the deeper reaches of Mt. Mansfield State Forest, Vermont’s largest contiguous conservation area, encompassing over 44,000 acres and covering three counties. From the centrally-located park ranger’s office, start with an introductory hike on the 0.6-mile Nature Trail Loop, perfect for warming up on its gentle grade while following the signs that provide a self-guided tour of the local flora and fauna. Then make your way up on the Dalley Loop, which includes a gradual 700 foot ascent and descent over 3.9 ultra-scenic miles, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting (moose and deer are not uncommon) and panoramic vistas towards the top of the trail. Extend your hike by crossing over to the Stevenson Brook Trail for a slightly more challenging route including a couple more stream crossings.
Bring binoculars on your hike, as this area is a thrill for bird watchers — you’ll spot abundant species, ranging from downy woodpeckers and hermit thrushes to massive northern goshawks and bald eagles. In early spring, join one of the guided bird-viewing tours, when naturalists from the Green Mountain Audubon Society will lead you along the Little River State Park trails and point out common species like woodland warblers, impressive with their distinctive songs and vibrant plumage.
Hiking the Dalley Loop also offers a unique opportunity to explore Vermont’s history, as architectural remnants of the area’s earliest settlements (dating back to the early 1800s) remain along the trail. Interpretive signs line the route, pointing out where three family farms once thrived, along with a schoolhouse and cemetery. The family of Joseph Ricker owned one of the farms, along with one of the earliest Vermont sugar shacks (whose wood foundation is still visible), processing maple syrup in the same way it is today, a tradition dating back over two centuries.
In addition to excellent hiking, several trails within Little River State Park also permit mountain biking, with routes suited to different ability levels. The Dalley Loop allows mountain bikers to take in the historical sites while riding and Compartment Road is a great shorter outing but no less of a workout, climbing 800 feet in just under two miles. But the ultimate biking trail is Cotton Brook Road, which offers phenomenal views (climbing to 1,600 feet, the highest elevation within the park’s boundaries) and picturesque terrain as it follows the winding Cotton Brook and the northern portion of Little River, near where it merges with Waterbury Reservoir.
On the Water – Some of Vermont’s Best Swimming, Fishing, and Paddling
Construction of the Waterbury Dam in the 1930s dramatically changed the landscape, forming an 880-acre reservoir and creating an oasis for water recreation. With its sandy shores, warm water temp (often in the mid-70s all summer long), and shallow areas for swimming, it’s a perfect spot for escaping the summertime heat and relaxing with a nature-filled backdrop. Inlets and hidden coves offer plenty of options for avoiding summer crowds and finding a peaceful place to read on the sand, wade in the pleasant water, and enjoy a lakeside picnic. On the way to Little River, stop at the Woodstock Farmers’ Market location right across from the reservoir in Waterbury Center for some grab-and-go sandwiches made with Vermont Cheese Trail cheddar.
Anglers will find plenty to enjoy at Little River State Park, beginning with the bounty of brown trout, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass within the reservoir. Spring and early summer are particularly active for trout, as it’s their spawning season, making for easy catches with simple plastic lures from the shoreline or on a canoe or kayak in deeper waters (dropping down to 100 feet in places). The open fishing season for brown and rainbow trout runs from mid-April through late October, with two total allowed per day, while the limit for smallmouth bass is five per day. For a more secluded fishing session, hike up along Stevenson Brook, which bumbles through the forest before feeding into the reservoir, and where you’ll likely reel in excellent “brookie” and rainbow trout – both prized catches while fly-fishing in Vermont.
There’s hardly a more classic pastime than getting out on the pristine water on a warm New England summer’s day. Set out with gear of your own or head to the eastern side of the reservoir, where Umiak Outdoor Outfitters sets up on the shore and rents out canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards in two-hour increments daily from 10 am – 4 pm. They’ll provide paddles, life vests, and basic instructions about the reservoir rules, which include special “no-wake” zones free of boat traffic where the paddling is best and safest. Rentals are available every day through Labor Day and on weekends through September until they shut down for the season in mid-October.
Little River’s Charms During Every Season – Fantastic Fall Foliage and Winter Thrills on Cross-Country Skis, Snowshoes, Fat Bikes, and Snowmobiles
Although visitation numbers hit their height between Memorial Day and Labor Day, don’t miss the chance to escape into nature at Little River State Park during autumn and winter. From late September into October, fall foliage transforms the forests around Mt. Mansfield into a sea of radiant red, yellow, and orange as maple, birch, and oak trees set aglow in their annual transition. All of the standard hiking and biking routes through the park beckon at this time of year, with off-the-beaten-path spots to capture breathtaking photos of our iconic Northeast foliage putting on its annual show. When summer winds down, check on the Vermont fall foliage report to time your visit to Little River with the peak weeks of upcoming autumn colors.
During winter, the Little River State Park, VT, trail network switches from a hiking haven to a hotspot for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, and snowmobiling. The Catamount Trail Association, a group that maintains a network of popular backcountry routes across Vermont, leads a few free ski tours every winter within Little River, a fantastic way to acclimate to the ski trails. If you’re intermediate skill level and familiar with the trail map (it can be harder to navigate the trails when snow-covered, but just remember to follow the orange and blue blazes), head out for a few hours on the Dalley Loop or Stevenson Brook trails, both as excellent for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as they are for hiking. For fat biking, check out the Cotton-Brok Trail, also open for snowmobiling from Dec 15th through April 15th. For a full list of area snowmobile trails and conditions, check out VAST (Vermont Association of Snow Travelers), a non-profit group managing over 4,700 miles of routes for snowmobiling throughout the state.
Stay with us in Waterbury, where Little River State Park, VT, is in our backyard and waiting to be explored!
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Savoring the Season in Waterbury: Farmers’ Markets and Farm-to-Table Dining 17 Jul 2024, 7:31 am
Every Thursday night from 4-7 p.m. during the summer on South Main St, the Waterbury, VT Farmers’ Market is a vibrant scene. The market, which starts in late May and runs through early September, is not just a place to shop but a community gathering. It’s a unique opportunity to meet and mingle with local farmers, artisans, and neighbors and enjoy the small-town and family-friendly atmosphere. The market features a variety of vendors, offering fresh produce from Knoll Farms, locally sourced meat and eggs from Star Grazer Farms, and gorgeous flower blooms from Providence Hill Farms. Local artists also set up alongside the delicious food vendors – ideal for picking up some handmade jewelry or ceramics as a gift or souvenir of your Vermont getaway. Be sure to check the market’s Facebook or Instagram pages for weekly updates, including lists of vendors for upcoming dates and weather/lightning cancellations, which happen a couple of times every summer.
The farmers’ market coincides with the Concert in the Park summer series, a longstanding Waterbury tradition. Organized by the Rotary Club, these Thursday night concerts have been going strong every summer for over 40 years, bringing local music to the park’s bandshell from 6-8:30 pm. This rich history adds to the market experience, a perfect summer outing of musical entertainment after browsing the farmers’ market stalls. Pick up some pulled pork sliders from the Bake Spot or Middle Eastern cuisine from Aladdin and set up a picnic on the grass in front of the stage, where the music styles are diverse weekly – upcoming performers in 2024 include string band tunes from Lewis Creek Bluegrass on July 18th, Celtic music from Prydein on July 25th, and rootsy blues from Earthbound Spirits on August 1st.
Quintessential Vermont Organic Farm Finds at Pete’s Greens
For a direct-from-the-farm experience on a different day, take a scenic drive 35 miles north of Waterbury to Pete’s Greens, a family-run operation growing organic produce all four seasons of the year. After getting the gardening bug as a child and studying sustainable agriculture nearby at Middlebury College, local Pete Johnson started with a farm footprint of under an acre and has since expanded to over 190 acres, producing an astonishing 200 varieties of produce.
Visit their rustic farmstand, open Tuesday through Sunday from May through October, to meet Pete’s farm crew and try their wide range of offerings, from tomatoes, carrots, corn, and spinach to local maple syrup, honey, and cheeses. Their farm also supplies co-ops across the state (including Woodstock Farmers’ Market in Waterbury Center) and several farm-to-table restaurants like Hen of the Wood and Michael’s on the Hill, speaking to the quality of their seasonal harvests.
Exploring a Cluster of Farm-to-Table Eateries in Downtown Waterbury
The farmers’ market mission of sourcing food locally and sustainably also defines the menus at many Waterbury restaurants, with local eateries taking pride in their farm-to-table heritage. Walk a block down Main St from the Old Stagecoach Inn to Hen of the Wood, where their kitchen has exemplified farm-direct cooking with a sophisticated flair since opening its doors almost two decades ago. Start with appetizers like halibut ceviche with smoked tomato and green garlic or strawberries topped with beets, fennel, pistachio, and creme fraiche, a summertime palate pleaser. Entrees like hangar steak with grilled red onions and peppercorn or duck with braised kale and crushed carrots have impressed none other than the New York Times food critic, who praised their “dazzling fare” and devotion to farm-sourced ingredients across the menu. Be sure to sample their impressive selection of local cheeses from the hundred-plus creameries and cheesemakers comprising the storied Vermont Cheese Trail. After your meal, head downstairs for a post-meal drink in their basement speakeasy, where you can listen to classic vinyl on the turntable while sipping nightcaps like the Grass-Hop (made with fresh cacao and fernet) or choose from their dozen-plus varieties of amaris and whiskeys. Reservations fill up several weeks in advance so plan ahead, or take advantage of their walk-in bar service. Note that they are closed on Tuesdays.
Just steps away, on the corner of Main St and Stowe St, the Blackback Pub elevates standard pub food, serving dishes inspired by global flavors and ingredients from local farms. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 12-9 p.m., it’s a great spot for grabbing a beer and a bite after a fun-filled afternoon of Waterbury family-friendly summertime activities like fly-fishing or downhill biking at Bolton Valley. Dishes include pork belly with broccolini and zesty firecracker sauce, Korean veggie pancakes with zucchini, cabbage, and carrot, and four delicious salads, including a Lebanese Fattoush topped with shaved radish and fresh mint, a pleasant departure from what you’d expect to find at your neighborhood pub. Beer lovers will find endless brews to enjoy on their tap menu, including double IPAs from legendary local brewery Alchemist and unique sours from Hill Farmstead, also renowned among beer connoisseurs.
Right around the corner in downtown Waterbury, relative newcomer Salt & Rind expanded from solely catering to a brick-and-mortar location in the fall of 2023, inviting diners into their cozy 20-seat eatery to “have a cocktail, be present, and explore the senses.” Open Wed-Sat for dinner service starting at 5 pm, their upscale space is only a short stroll from our front door. Start with their cheese and charcuterie plate of heavenly Vermont blue cheese and cheddar alongside locally sourced baguettes, crackers, and honey. Other options include beef tenderloin or roasted mushrooms served over greens and oysters by the dozen or half-dozen, topped with lemon and freshly shaved horseradish. Their cocktails embody the local spirit, too, like the Respect Your Elders, which features Bar Hill gin (one of several fantastic distilleries near Waterbury) and homemade syrup concocted from locally grown rosemary and lavender.
European Elegance and Seasonal Excellence on a Hillside Just Ten Minutes North of Waterbury
Michael’s on the Hill sets the culinary bar high, winning countless awards over the decades as the “best farm-to-table restaurant” in Vermont and often called the most romantic spot for a date night, its enchanting 1820 farmhouse ambiance matched by the stunning views stretching out over the Green Mountains. Raised in Switzerland, original owner Michael Kloeti brought a European sensibility, focused on local sourcing from the best farmers, top-notch ingredients, and inventive seasonal offerings. This refined attention to detail also imbues their three dining spaces, including a barn, lounge, and porch (where you’ll find those breathtaking views), with candlelit tables, white tablecloths, and exposed wooden barn beams.
Although new owners took the helm at Michael’s in 2023, the food and service remain world-class. Savor dishes like Maine crab cake with micro greens and lime cilantro aioli, country-fried quail with veggie slaw, or pasture-raised beef tenderloin with asparagus and shaved black truffles — all available ala carte or on the prix fixe menu, adjusted to the “chef’s taste of the evening.” Enjoy refreshing Stowe cider, wines from Napa and Bordeaux, or rare single malt whiskeys with your meal, capped off by desserts like lemon panna cotta with rhubarb ginger compote or dried apricot bread pudding with maple bourbon sauce. Their elegant and exceptional dinner service is from 5-9 pm every night but Tuesday, when they are closed, and due to their popularity, try to make reservations as far in advance as possible, especially on weekends.
Plan your stay with us and explore Vermont’s phenomenal farm-to-table and farmers’ market scene!
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Visiting Camel’s Hump State Park: An Iconic Peak and Green Mountain Grandeur 2 Jul 2024, 2:54 pm
Distinctive in shape and visible from a great distance, the peak of Camel’s Hump sits at 4,083 feet and is the centerpiece of a sprawling forest reserve. It’s a rugged and beautiful Vermont landscape admired by the Abenaki Native American tribe, early European explorers – who coined it “resting lion,” a historical detail preserved in the naming of the modern-day ranger cabin as “crouching lion” – and later by Colonel Joseph Battell, who made an initial land donation of 1,000 acres. In the early 20th century, trail access within the park expanded when the Green Mountain Club built the Long Trail, which traverses the entire state and crosses the Camel’s Hump summit along its 272-mile-long north-south route.
Over the decades and true to form for Vermont, a state known for protecting wild lands, the size of the Camel’s Hump State Park grew from the initial 1,000-acre gift to its current span of over 21,000 acres. As recently as 2016, the Vermont Trust for Public Land added 2,000 additional acres on the eastern Mad River flank, incorporating more trails, streams, and forests into the park’s impressive footprint.
Ascending Camel’s Hump – Multiple Trails, Gorgeous Terrain, and Breathtaking Summit Views
Summiting Camel’s Hump is one of the more memorable day trips in Vermont, with several hike options depending on how strenuous of an outing you’re looking for. Approaching from the western Huntington side, the Monroe Trail is the longest route (3.4 miles each way), but it’s also a gentler grade along the ascent with plenty of spots to stop along the way and admire the stunning views. On the eastern Dowsville side, the Burrows Trail is shorter, at 2.4 miles each way, making for a steeper ascent over the 2,500 feet of climbing. Please note: both routes are considered a difficult hike.
On either route, be prepared for sections with stairs built into the rocky terrain and moderate scrambling during the last half-mile leading to the summit. Both of these ultra-popular routes (be sure to arrive early in the summer, when crowds are biggest, to get a parking spot at the trailhead) lead through dense birch, maple, and red spruce forests, with several creek crossings as you make your way up. Especially for the steepest portions, hiking poles and shoes with firm traction will make your day smoother. Along the Monroe Trail, you’ll also have a few other route options, including the Dean and Alpine trails, which intersect with the Long Trail nearer to the top. As the most famous trail in Vermont, doing a portion of the Long Trail is a rite of passage among dedicated hikers.
Once you reach the summit – one of several Vermont hiking trails with stunning views near Waterbury – you’ll have 360-degree vistas of Mt. Mansfield and the surrounding Green Mountains, the gorgeous waters of Lake Champlain bordering Burlington, and far-off peaks like Mt. Marcy in New York and Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. Like nearby Mt. Mansfield (the tallest point in Vermont and slightly higher at 4,395 feet), the uppermost portion of Camel’s Hump is tundra, with fragile plants only found at that elevation, a rarified landscape and part of the inspiration for the peak being named a registered national landmark in 1968. Bring layers, as the summit is often windier, rainier, and more chilly than below (temps only get into the high 60s and low 70s up high during summer), and savor the panoramas stretching clear across the Green Mountain State.
If you’re not up for the complete summit outing or want a shorter hike, opt for the Camel’s Hump View Trail down below, starting from the first parking lot near Ridley Brook. The flat and paved 1-mile loop is ADA-accessible and ideal if you have a group of mixed ages and hiking abilities while still offering fantastic views of the Camel’s Hump.
More Than Just Hiking – Year-Round Recreation at Camel’s Hump
In addition to hiking, there are countless other outdoorsy activities within Camel’s Hump State Park. Head out on two wheels connecting the miles of mountain biking trails that wind through the eastern portion of the park, stewarded and maintained by volunteer trail crews. Formed in 1986, Mad River Riders manages 60 miles of trails along the Mad River Valley, including some that extend into Camel’s Hump. Along with the popular biking routes at Perry Hill and Little River State Park, the mountain biking trails near Waterbury are some of the best on the East Coast, exhilarating for new and experienced riders alike.
Spring and summer are also prime seasons for fishing and bird-watching in the vicinity of Camel’s Hump. Secluded brooks and tributaries of Ridley Creek and the Mad River provide excellent opportunities to cast a fly for wild brook trout. As recently as 2023, the Vermont River Conservancy assisted in getting an additional 68 acres protected within Camel’s Hump, including a brook trout habitat along Ridley Creek – in any of the creeks and brooks, you’ll have good luck tossing a line in the clear, clean, high-mountain waters. Birders will be thrilled with the variety of species that make their home in Camel’s Hump or stop over during their spring migration. In addition to more common birds like warblers, bluejays, and ravens, keep an eye out for rarer species like the Bicknell’s thrush (listen for their high-pitched flute-like song as you explore the trails). Have your binoculars handy, as you may even see massive peregrine falcons on the summit, which often nest near the mountaintop.
Although the warmer months bring the highest visitation numbers, don’t miss getting out for some wintertime exploration at Camel’s Hump. The trails are well-marked, even when snow-covered, and backcountry skiers and snowshoers often use the Burrows Trail after a solid snowfall. Down lower, near the Camel’s Hump View Trail, you’ll also find the more beginner-friendly Ridley cross-country ski trail, where you can marvel at the snow-capped Camel’s Hump towering above.
Book your Vermont getaway and head out for adventures in Camel’s Hump State Park during every season!
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Summer Hiking Adventures Near Waterbury: Trails with Stunning Views 14 Jun 2024, 1:10 pm
Surrounded by protected wilderness, hundreds of miles of well-maintained trails, and high-alpine views within the Green Mountains and Worcester Range, Waterbury is a dream for hiking enthusiasts. From the blooming wildflowers of spring and rushing brooks of summer to autumn’s striking foliage and winter’s snowy solitude, Vermont hiking trails are beautiful throughout every season. Just a few miles from our Waterbury Bed and Breakfast, you’ll find dense forests, wide-open meadows, gorgeous valleys, and epic peaks – quickly reachable and perfect for seasoned trekkers and newbie hikers alike.
Perhaps the most legendary of all the Vermont hiking trails, the Long Trail, with its 272-mile route, traverses the entire state and goes right through our central Vermont region. Formed over two decades in the early 20th century by the Green Mountain Club, the Long Trail inspired the more famous Appalachian Trail, a portion of which goes through Vermont. Club members focus their ongoing conservation work on the Long Trail and 500 additional miles of hiking routes that connect to a more extensive statewide trail network.
As the oldest long-distance Vermont hiking path in the country, exploring a portion of the Long Trail is a right of passage. A particularly scenic section starts just north of Waterbury at the base of Stowe Resort, one of the oldest and best ski resorts in our area, and where the ski mountain boundaries encompass Mt. Mansfield, the state’s highest peak at 4,393 feet. Head 17 miles north to Stowe and start your day at the Barnes Camp Visitor Center, a historic ski dorm converted into a spring and summer (open May through October) outpost for the Green Mountain Club. Grab a trail map and jump on the Long Peak Trail to Mt. Mansfield route, which climbs 2,500 feet in the first two miles – it’s certainly challenging but also rewarding as the views get better and better. With landmarks named after the contours of a face, you’ll reach the “Adam’s Apple” at around 4,000 feet, worth a short stop to enjoy the crisp air and scenery, and finally, the summit “Chin,” where the views stretch clear to the White Mountains of New Hampshire on a cloudless afternoon. Allow 3-5 hours to complete the round-trip, which covers five miles overall amidst 2,700 feet of climbing. After getting this serious hike under your belt, treat yourself to refreshing drinks and delicious food at Stowe Cider, one of our favorite cideries near Waterbury.
For a more secluded Long Trail route in the same vicinity, but this time heading south of Stowe, take a left on Moscow Road (before where Route 108 turns off to Stowe) and follow it until you arrive at the Lake Mansfield trailhead. Take the Lake Mansfield Trail to the Long Trail heading south, climbing 2,000 feet, where you’ll eventually reach the Puffer Shelter – one of 72 overnight wooden shelters along the Long Trail maintained by the Green Mountain Club. Named after Louis Puffer, one of the early pioneers and cartographers during the Long Trail’s formation, the structure’s open-sided design allows for simultaneous protection from the elements and unobstructed views. For an extra memorable outing, do the 5-mile approach hike one day, sleep in the shelter, and awake early the following morning for an unreal sunrise before pushing south over the peak of Bolton Mountain, continuing past the ski resort to the Route 2 trailhead. Then check in to the Old Stagecoach Inn for a well-deserved zero day. (Make sure to arrange your trailhead pickup/drop-off at least a couple days ahead of time.)
Stowe Pinnacle and Hunger Mountain – Iconic Peaks and Spectacular Views Just Outside Waterbury
Two favorite local trails leading to summits are less than ten miles from downtown Waterbury and accessible off Route 100 heading north. The Stowe Pinnacle trail is one of the more beginner-friendly hikes available — only a 3-mile round tripp — traversing through deciduous forests and massive meadows along the route. You’ll get your first excellent view just a half-mile in when you reach the Pinnacle Meadow Vista. Snap some photos here before continuing to climb over 1,000 feet throughout the next mile, eventually reaching the exposed and rocky summit, where you’ll have panoramas of Mt. Mansfield, the Stowe Valley, and the CC Putnam State Forest (the fifth largest state-managed forest in Vermont) stretched out below. After you descend, head a mile over to the Gold Brook Covered Bridge, known locally as Emily’s Bridge — one of several historic covered bridges near Waterbury and one with a unique and haunted backstory.
Take a day trip to Waterbury Center and stop by the Green Mountain Club Visitor Center, the central hub of the GMC, where you can pick up trail maps, get up-to-date hiking conditions from their knowledgeable staff, and learn more about the Long Trail. The visitor center represents classic Vermont-style environmental stewardship with its solar power, biomass heating, composting toilets, and 100% energy-independent design. After having lunch in the sunshine on their outdoor picnic tables, head just 5 miles outside Waterbury Center to the Hunger Mountain trailhead. Like Stowe Pinnacle, this hike includes a scenic mix of terrain as you ascend via the Waterbury Trail toward the summit, just above 3,500 feet. The roundtrip is four miles, with over 2,000 feet of elevation change, resulting in captivating views from this memorable peak in the Worcester Range, looking down upon the serene waters of Waterbury Reservoir and across to Mt. Manfield, standing tall on the other end of the valley.
Summertime Summit Vistas and All-Mountain Vermont Hiking at Bolton Valley, Plus General Hiking Tips
Bolton Valley Resort, proudly independent in spirit and known as a year-round mountain sports destination, converts from winter skiing to biking and hiking in the warmer months. Their base area has the highest elevation of any resort in Vermont, at 2,100 feet, making it an excellent jumping-off point for summer hikes. Starting in June, the Wilderness and Vista chairlifts service a full-scale mountain bike park (a fun, family-friendly Waterbury summer activity), but you can still hike up the ski runs that are not part of the bike park. From both summits – Wilderness Peak at 3,120 feet and Vista Peak at 3,200 feet – you’ll have 360-degree views, including Lake Champlain, which is especially magical at sunset. Their summits genuinely live up to the Bolton family motto – “where beautiful views await you.”
Hiking at Bolton Valley is free of charge throughout the mountain, including the prominent peaks and lower-down cross-country ski trails, where the climbing grade is less intense. The Harrington’s View trail climbs 500 feet over a 90-minute route, providing access to a portion of the Long Trail – ideal if you want to do part of the Long Trail without the hours-long commitment of the more arduous Mt. Mansfield segment. The trail to Bryant Cabin is another beginner-friendly option, where you’ll reach a summit of 2,700 feet at the still-standing cabin, which dates back nearly a century to when downhill skiing first arrived in the Green Mountains. After spending the morning on the Bolton Valley trails, enjoy a gyro, burger, or grain bowl with a refreshing local microbrew on the sunny patio at the James Moore Tavern in the resort base area.
Whether you visit during the middle of winter—when these trails are still accessible with microspikes or snowshoes—or at the height of summer, preparation is paramount to making your trail outing the best it can be. Hiking poles make your downhills much easier and safer, especially in slippery conditions. Bring proper layers, as exposed summit peaks are often windy and cooler even on “warm” days in spring, summer, and fall. Check the weather beforehand for the possibility of thunderstorms or precipitation, packing rain gear if necessary, and bug spray is your friend during the summer when mosquitoes and black flies are common. Also, be vigilant of ticks and bring enough water to stay hydrated, but most of all – enjoy the trails, embrace the outdoors, and savor the majestic Green Mountain views.
Stay with us and get out for adventures on Vermont hiking trails just minutes away—where picturesque meadows and valleys lead to breathtaking alpine views!
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Summer Vacation Kickoff: Family-Friendly Activities in Waterbury 3 Jun 2024, 9:42 am
With schools letting out and the summer calendar opening up, it’s time to book your family getaway to Waterbury! Spend fun-filled days biking down mountain trails, seeing live music under the stars, swimming at a gorgeous reservoir just down the road, fly-fishing for world-class bass and trout, and getting out into nature. It’s all just minutes from our Vermont bed and breakfast, so join us and experience the beauty of summertime in the Green Mountains.
Now that our mountains and trails have emerged from mud season, our local ski resorts switch gears into summer mode, when mountain bikers replace skiers and snowboarders on the lifts. Bolton Valley, one of the last independent resorts in the country, is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Waterbury. Their 300-acre mountain features 27 mountain bike trails during summer, including long and flowy beginner-friendly runs like Ebascootcha, Vista Glades, and Bluebird – all ideal for getting everyone in the family out for an exhilarating day of riding. Moreover, the Bolton team collaborates with the legendary bike park construction team Gravity Logic, which builds parks nationwide and creates “safe, progressive trails” welcoming to every age and ability level. If not everyone in your group wants to ride bikes, Bolton also has an extensive hiking trail system with routes of various lengths and breathtaking high-alpine views. Or try a round of disc golf before cooling off at their pool or taking a dip in the hot tub! Bolton Valley truly offers fun for the entire family.
During early summer, Bolton Valley offers an excellent deal called “Training Wheels.” Aimed at intro-level bikers and only $79 during all of June, it includes a half-day lift ticket, bike and gear rental (helmet, pads, etc.), and a 90-minute lesson before heading up on the lift for your first ride down the trails. Bike lift access opens on June 8th, with the Training Wheels program offered twice daily (10 am and 1:30 pm) every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Having worked up an appetite after hours of riding, grab nachos, a pulled pork sandwich, or a burger alongside a refreshing local microbrew on the sunny deck at James Moore Tavern at the base of the mountain. Starting in late June and continuing through summer, stay for the free Music on the Lawn when local bands set up on the grass near the Bolton base area and play from 6:30-9 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
A Quintessential Summer Day – Picnic, Swimming, and a Day on the Water at Waterbury Reservoir, Followed by a Treat at Ben and Jerry’s
With the arrival of Memorial Day weekend, the summer season officially kicks off along the pristine shores of Waterbury Center State Park. Constructed nearly a century ago and the 9th-largest body of water in all of Vermont, the 850-acre Waterbury Reservoir is picture-perfect for escaping the heat on hot summertime afternoons and easily accessible, less than four miles from our Vermont bed and breakfast.
Start the day with a stop for provisions at Cold Hollow Cider Mill, across from the reservoir on Vermont Route 100. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, Cold Hollow has been producing their famous apple cider using a rack-and-cloth system since the beginning, with a charming cafe and rustic store within their farmhouse.
Watch the cider press making magic just feet away before browsing their country store and getting some fresh-made cider alongside Mediterranean-style wraps and turkey & Cabot cheddar sandwiches. Round out your picnic goodies with some hard apple ciders for the adults and maple candies for the kids – see our recent blogs about local cideries and maple sugaring season, two staples of Vermont culture.
Spend the day along the reservoir’s banks, relaxing and snacking at one of the dozens of picnic tables between dips in the water, which already warms up into the high 60s by late May. The park maintains a nature hiking trail and wooden piers, all ADA-accessible, and a main beach area with a shallow shore ideal for family swimming. If you want to get out on the water, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are all available to rent by the hour or day right at the swimming beach, offered by Umiak Outdoor Outfitters – a great way to see the expansive reservoir’s more secluded coves and inlets.
After a day in the sunshine, cool off and treat yourselves to a scoop of the 30+ flavors of ice cream at Ben and Jerry’s, located between the reservoir and Waterbury. While you’re there, tour their “flavor graveyard,” where tombstones with playful inscriptions pay tribute to past versions of Ben and Jerry’s throughout their four-plus decades of ice cream-making history.
Exploring the Outdoors With the Family – Fly-Fishing, Farm Tours, and Nature Center Festivities Near Our Vermont Bed and Breakfast
Surrounded by rivers, streams, and quaint farms, our Vermont bed and breakfast in Waterbury is the epicenter of family-friendly excursions into nature. If you’re curious about fishing, look no further than the Family Gone Fishing guided tour offered by the Fly Rod Shop, a local institution for nearly four decades. After a tutorial about proper fishing techniques, one of their professional guides will lead your family to their “secret fishing hole,” where you’ll catch a bounty of fish, including smallmouth bass and rainbow trout, at their peak during spring and summer. If you get the fishing bug and want to toss a line again during your stay, check out our blog about fishing near Waterbury, including info about the best spots along the Winooski River, at Waterbury Reservoir, and stretches of trophy streams nearby.
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The Best Stops on the Vermont Cheese Trail 20 May 2024, 5:46 pm
A Cheese Lover’s Paradise
The Vermont Cheese Trail encompasses over forty cheesemakers across our entire state – from Barn First Creamery in Westfield in the far north to Grafton Village Cheese Company in Brattleboro, near the Massachusetts state line down south. The Vermont Cheese Council was formed over two decades ago to connect these independent cheesemakers and dairy farms, many family-owned for multiple generations, into a non-profit and member-driven “cheese trail” network. The cheese trail map comprises six regions, and our Waterbury bed and breakfast is ideally located in the central zone, running roughly from Stowe to Waitsfield. Whether it’s attending our upcoming cheese-tasting event with Parish Hill Creamery (details TBD, check our website for updates), touring the lush pastures and feeding baby goats at Sage Farm, enjoying phenomenal maple yogurt and blue cheeses at Von Trapp Farmstead, or sampling from over 100 unique cheeses at Mad River Taste Place, the best of the Vermont Cheese Trail is just minutes away from our doorstep.
Parish Hill Creamery, located in the tiny town of Westminster, has exemplified Vermont cheesemaking mastery since opening its barn doors in 2013. With a guiding motto of “natural cheese done right,” their husband-and-wife operation brings decades of experience to their completely handmade method. Using raw milk and specially chosen starter cultures from four cows (with charming names, of course: Sonia, Helga, Clothilde, and Abigail) to craft their line of over 15 unique cheeses, they have won countless awards from the American Cheese Society (ACS). Because the raw milk never gets above 104 degrees, the original profile of the milk is preserved through the process, adding to the complexity of the resulting cheese. If you’re into blue cheese, the West West Blue, a two-curd gorgonzola, or the Jack’s Blue, a milder and earthier version, impress with their subtle flavoring. Other specialty options like the Kashar, a buttery smooth Balkan-style cheese, or the “long-aged” sharp Herdsman, are creative and represent the highest level of craftsmanship.
In addition to their exceptional cheeses, Parish Hill embodies the tried-and-true Vermonter farm ethic, having their cows graze pastures naturally with the seasons. They are also embedded in the local community, working closely with the students at nearby Putney School, forty of whom milk, feed, and care for the Parish Hill cows daily at Elm Lea Farm – located on-site at the school, allowing students to get invaluable experience tending to the cows and playing an active part in a working dairy farm. Owners Peter and Rachel also give back to the larger cheesemaking community by consulting, sharing their expertise, and raising the bar of cheese quality throughout the country. Although Parish Hill is an hour and 45-minute drive south of Waterbury, it’s worth the scenic day trip to visit their farmstand, but in the meantime, you can order their top-notch selection of cheeses online.
Cheddar Heaven at Cabot Creamery and Goat Cheese Magic at Sage Farm
Just outside Waterbury on Route 100, you’ll arrive at the Cabot Creamery Store in only five minutes, an outpost filled from wall to wall with cheesy delights. Dating back over a century, Cabot is a farmer-owned cooperative made up of hundreds of dairy-farming families and several creameries spread throughout New England and New York, all working together to produce some of the world’s best cheddar cheeses (comprising seven types, including 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year aged cheddars, plus other styles like white oak, sharp, and “seriously sharp”). Their flavored cheddar cheeses add extra character, like habanero, garlic herb, and smoky bacon, and don’t fret if you’re lactose-intolerant – the lactose in their curd breaks down in the aging process, resulting in a lactose-free cheese, a pleasant surprise for Vermont Cheese Trail trekkers who have lactose dietary restrictions. Their curated bundles make an excellent souvenir or gift to bring home from your stay, like the Vermont Snack Pack, which includes three types of cheese, salted maple crackers, and maple candy (if you visit during late winter, check out our recent blog about Vermont maple sugar shacks and the tasty traditions of “sugaring season”).
Continue on Route 100 just north of Stowe to Sage Farm Goat Dairy, another local stop on the Vermont Cheese Trail. Much like Parish Hill, Sage Farm is a quaint and family-run farm, in this case, operated by two sisters, their partners, and kids, who pitch in on the whole process, from raising baby goats and running the pasture to hands-on work in the cheesemaking room. With just twenty goats, they produce an astounding variety of cheeses, whether it’s a rich springtime maple banon, perfectly tangy feta, a lemony “Madonna” chevre, or their one-of-a-kind Lightning Knoll, which has a rind washed with Heady Topper – a legendary local brew made by Alchemist Brewery, one of our favorite local breweries and a perfect place to saddle up for a cold brew after an afternoon of cheese-tasting. The Sage self-serve farm stand is open 9 am – 5 pm from April through November, but for a truly immersive experience, join one of their weekly farm tours offered every Sunday at 11 am, when you’ll spend 90 minutes roaming the pastures, checking out the cheesemaking barn, and tasting fresh-made cheese. Even better, if you visit in May, you’ll get a chance to bottle-feed their newest round of baby goats, a delightful and adorable experience.
A Day To Savor in Waitsfield – Visiting a Family Farmstand, Idyllic Covered Bridge, and Tasting Cheeses From Across Vermont Cheese Trail
On a different day, plan to head 20 minutes in the opposite direction (south on Route 100) to Waitsfield, where you’ll find more Vermont Cheese Trail deliciousness at the Von Trapp Farmstead Store. Like many other creameries and cheesemakers in Vermont, the Von Trapps passed down the family trade and legacy from generation to generation, harnessing regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming even as they’ve increased their output over the decades. At their farm store, open Friday through Sunday from 9 am – 5:30 pm, you can browse the decadent selection of cheeses, preserves, and pasture-raised charcuterie. Be sure to try their smooth and natural rind Mad River Blue cheese, which has swept all of the top cheese awards in recent years, and their cream-top maple yogurt, with a subtle sweetness a step above anything in your big box grocery dairy aisle.
While in Waitsfield, drive over the “Great Eddy” covered bridge, the oldest and longest-stretching (105 feet across) of the countless historic covered bridges in the Waterbury area – each with a unique design, look, and backstory. During the summer, there’s also a great swimming hole near the bridge on the Mad River, a refreshing way to cool off between cheese trail stops.
Finish your Vermont Cheese Trail exploration a mile from the bridge at the Mad River Taste Place, the passion project of local cheese experts who opened in 2017, aiming to offer the best Vermont cheeses from across the state, all available in one convenient location. From garlic and peppercorn cheese from Plymouth Artisan (the second oldest cheesemaker in the country, dating back to 1890) and Whitney cheese from Jasper Hill to maple cheddar from Farmstead, you can take a virtual tour of the state’s diverse cheese offerings with their unlimited free samples. In addition to their impressive selection of over 100 cheeses, browse their local dry ciders, raw honey, and maple syrup, representing the full range of Vermont pastimes.
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Stream Dreams: Fly Fishing Adventures in Waterbury, Vermont 2 May 2024, 10:01 am
With the arrival of warmer spring days, the snowmelt in the Green Mountains of central Vermont begins rushing into our countless rivers and streams, ushering in one of the best times of year to cast a line and reel in stunning fish like rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. Within minutes of our Waterbury bed and breakfast, you’ll have easy access to world-class fly fishing Vermont waterways showcasing their beauty and bounty, whether you’re wading in the Winooski, joining a guided tour from a legendary local bait and tackle shop, or tossing in a line from the scenic shoreline at Waterbury Reservoir.
From downtown Waterbury, you’re always just a short distance from flowing water, from the Winooski River – a majestic waterway that stretches over 90 miles long and runs right through the heart of town – to the dozens of streams, brooks, and tributaries that feed into it. These diverse waters are teeming with brook, rainbow, and brown trout, some of which are “wild” and spawn naturally, and others stocked by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (VFPR).
Rainbow trout – one of the most “classic” freshwater fish species and easy to identify with their black spotting – spawn between March and May, making springtime one of the best times of year to reel one (or several!) in. Brown trout, a non-native species like the rainbow trout, both introduced to Vermont just over a century ago, is another commonly caught fish in the waters around Waterbury. Brown trout can tolerate higher river and stream temperatures than rainbows, making them more catchable in shallower, warmer water areas and later into summer. Look for brook trout (easy to identify with their subtle and beautiful red spotting) in chillier water, more common as you climb higher in elevation, and along specific, smaller tributaries like Stevenson Brook. For excellent fishing on the Winooski River, choose a spot along River Road, which runs parallel to the river along the south side through town and then on the north side after you cross the Route 2 bridge.
Top-Notch Reservoir and “Trophy Stream” Fishing Just a Few Miles Outside Waterbury
Another world-class freshwater fishing spot is just three miles north of our location, along the pristine shores of the expansive 860-acre Waterbury Reservoir. In addition to brown and rainbow trout (wild and stocked), it’s also one of the most renowned places in Vermont for smallmouth bass fishing. These bass often congregate near rock pilings and sharp drop-offs, making it accessible and convenient to try your luck from the shore. The reservoir is also up to 100 feet deep in places, so if you head out on a boat, you’ll have good luck fishing the deeper areas for rainbows and bass, both of which love these colder depths. Boat rentals are available on-site at Waterbury Center State Park, which opens for the summer season on Memorial Day. Break up your fun-filled fishing day at the reservoir with a panini and hard cider just a half-mile up Route 100 at Cold Hollow Cider Mill, one of our favorite local cideries (they have six hard ciders on tap, plus non-alcoholic versions, so their menu has refreshing options for everyone).
A stretch of the Little River leading south from the Waterbury Reservoir is known as a “trophy trout stream” and a must-fish spot. The VFPR stocks these 10+ trophy streams with thousands of large trout, some up to 24 inches long. Open harvest season runs from mid-April through late October, allowing for two catches per day from these abundant stretches of rivers, where you’re most likely to catch a once-in-a-lifetime type of fish.
Learn from the Fly Fishing Vermont Experts at the Fly Rod Shop
Experienced anglers and newcomers alike, start your fishing adventure at the Fly Rod Shop, just 10 minutes north of downtown Waterbury along Route 100 on the way north to Stowe. Their assortment of rods, reels, lines, and flies will have you catching fresh trout and bass in no time, and their knowledgeable staff can give you up-to-date tips about changing river conditions and where the fish are biting best on any given day. In business for nearly 40 years, they aim to spread a love and appreciation for fly-fishing with unique and beginner-friendly events like their free weekly “casting clinic.” Held every Wed evening from 4-5:30 pm starting on May 1st and continuing through summer, you’ll get hands-on instruction at their private pond, learning the intricacies of various casting methods and how to adjust your technique to ever-changing river flow and weather (wind can significantly affect the action of fly lines mid-air, for example).
If you don’t have any fly-fishing gear or experience but want to jump in, join one of their guided fly-fishing tours, available in half-day (4 hours) or full-day (8 hours) options. After learning the basics at their pond, they’ll provide all the gear, bait, and transportation to their “secret fishing hole,” where you’ll likely reel in your first trout within minutes, fly fishing Vermont best waters like a seasoned pro.
Helpful
Info to Know Beforehand – Fly Fishing Vermont Licenses and
Regulations
A state-issued license is required to fish anywhere in Vermont, so purchase it online before your trip or buy one in person at the Fly Rod Shop. Current rates are $28 for Vermont residents and $54 for out-of-state visitors, but kids under age 15 do not need a license and can fish for free. If you plan to fish in early summer, mark the calendar for the second Saturday in June, one of two “free fishing days” every year when you can fish without a license.
Before your visit, check the Vermont statewide fishing regulations limiting the daily catch for different fish, which vary by species and location (daily catch limits are different for rivers and streams versus lakes and ponds). Rainbow, brown, and brook trout harvest season runs from mid-April through October 31st, with 6 (lake/pond) to 8 (river/stream) allowed daily. Meanwhile, smallmouth bass harvest season doesn’t start until mid-June, with a maximum limit of 5 allowed per day, and they must be at least 10 inches long.
Baitfish are also strictly limited and enforced to prevent the introduction of harmful and invasive species to Vermont waterways, so research beforehand whether specific baitfish fall within the rules for the zone you plan to fish. It may be more convenient to use artificial lures to avoid confusion, especially if you’re new to fishing in Vermont.
Stay with us this spring and discover the thrill of fly fishing Vermont most iconic rivers, streams, and reservoirs!
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