Tagline: “Where ice cream meets adventure, and maple syrup runs thicker than water.”
Perfect for: Foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, families, couples, history lovers, and quirky explorers
Vibe: Cozy, crunchy, colorful, and totally Vermont
🛏️ Where to Stay
Whether you’re looking for boutique charm, a cozy inn, or a place to park the RV, Waterbury has just the right stay to suit your style.
Old Stagecoach Inn – Historic, elegant B&B in the heart of town Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott – Practical comfort with mountain views Grunberg Haus Inn – Eclectic, European-style lodge tucked into the woods Little River State Park – Excellent for RVers or campers looking for lakeside tranquility Moose Meadow Lodge – Quirky log-cabin luxury with treehouse glamping
🗓️ DAY ONE: Scoops, Shops, and Storybook Charm
🍦 Morning: The Ben & Jerry’s Experience
You must start at the legendary Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour, where fun, flavor, and a splash of counterculture collide.
Learn how Chunky Monkey comes to life Sample limited-edition flavors Visit the Flavor Graveyard, where beloved-but-discontinued ice creams are honored with hilarious headstones Photography tip: The vibrant cow-painted silo is Insta-gold
🛍️ Afternoon: Downtown Waterbury
Stroll through historic downtown, filled with indie shops, local makers, and that classic Vermont vibe.
Prohibition Pig – A craft beer haven and BBQ joint with a cult following Stowe Street Emporium – Boutique gifts, funky jewelry, and Vermont-made finds Axel’s Gallery & Frame Shop – Great local art and rotating exhibitions Stop into The Tiny Acorn, a delightful shop of curated curiosities
🍽️ Dinner + Drinks
Hen of the Wood – Upscale, seasonal Vermont cuisine tucked beside a waterfall Blackback Pub – Laid-back spot with impressive beer list and cozy warmth Reservoir Restaurant & Tap Room – Go for the duck poutine, stay for the Vermont brews
🎶 Nightlife
While Waterbury isn’t a late-night town, there’s often live music at Blackback or the Prohibition Pig’s taproom. For a little more buzz, head to nearby Stowe or Montpelier for music lounges and performances.
🗓️ DAY TWO: Mountains, Maple, and Outdoor Magic
🚴♀️ Morning: Hit the Trails
Waterbury is a gateway to Green Mountain adventure.
Stowe Recreation Path – Bikeable, walkable, and wildly scenic Little River State Park – Miles of forested hiking trails, hidden cemeteries, and wildlife viewing Camel’s Hump – One of Vermont’s most iconic hikes with jaw-dropping summit views Perry Hill Trails – Singletrack gold for mountain bikers
🍁 Afternoon: Maple & Spirits
Drive up Route 100, known as Vermont’s most scenic highway, and indulge in these stops:
Cold Hollow Cider Mill – Watch fresh cider donuts being made, and try them hot Cabot Farmers’ Store – Cheese tastings, local jams, and Vermont goodness Smugglers’ Notch Distillery – Sample small-batch gin, bourbon, and maple liqueur Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks (near Montpelier) – A deep dive into Vermont’s sweet legacy
🧘 Health & Wellness
Trapp Family Lodge Yoga Classes (Stowe) – Breathe deeply in alpine luxury Buch Spieler Records & Massage (Montpelier) – Pair vinyl shopping with stress release Spa at Stoweflake – Full-service rejuvenation 15 minutes north
🗓️ DAY THREE: Quirky Vermont, Covered Bridges & Culture
🥾 Morning: Explore the Wacky and Wonderful
Hope Cemetery (Barre) – Artistry in marble; oddly beautiful tombstones carved by Italian sculptors Rock of Ages Quarry – One of the largest granite quarries in the world. You can even bowl on a granite lane Bragg Farm Sugarhouse & Gift Shop – Charming and sweet, with maple creemees and old-school vibes
📸 Covered Bridges & Fall Foliage
If you’re here in autumn, this is paradise. Leaf peepers rejoice! Take a photo tour of:
Emily’s Bridge in Stowe – A covered bridge with a ghostly legend Red Covered Bridge in Northfield – Classic photo op Moseley Covered Bridge in Barre – Over a sleepy creek and flanked by sugar maples
🎨 Museums & Local Culture
Vermont History Center (Barre) – Underrated and rich with Vermont heritage Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum (Stowe) – A niche gem for ski buffs T.W. Wood Gallery (Montpelier) – Small gallery with a big artistic heart
🧳 Who Is This Trip Perfect For?
👨👩👧 Families
Factory tours, apple picking, and nature trails Lots of playgrounds and family dining Canoeing at Waterbury Reservoir or fall corn mazes nearby
💃 Girls’ Trips
Wine tastings, cider mills, boutique shopping Spa day + cheese and chocolate tours = heaven Cozy cabin Airbnb options
🧔 Guys’ Getaways
Breweries + hiking = Vermont perfection Fly-fishing or mountain biking in the Green Mountains Local distillery hopping
🧍 Solo Travelers
Peaceful trails, bookstores, and cafes Perfect blend of culture, comfort, and quiet Easy to make connections at local pubs or yoga studios
🚐 RV Life
Little River State Park has one of Vermont’s best RV sites Dump stations, lake access, and friendly hosts Excellent for fall foliage camping or summer lake lounging
🍽️ Foodie Finds Not to Miss
Cider donuts from Cold Hollow Mac & cheese from Prohibition Pig Maple creemee (soft serve) – Classic roadside stop Artisanal cheeses from Jasper Hill or Cabot Craft beer flights at The Alchemist (Stowe) or Lawson’s Finest Liquids
✨ Final Thoughts
Waterbury, Vermont may be best known for a pint of Cherry Garcia, but it’s got layers deeper than its famous scoops. With covered bridges, cascading trails, cider steam, and small-town spirit, this is Vermont in its purest, most delicious form.
Whether you’re chasing leaves, sipping syrup, or just looking for your next favorite escape, Waterbury wraps you up like a wool blanket on a cool autumn night.
Hagan Happenstance 