Bartlett Falls
FavoriteBeautiful natural swimming hole with rock ledges for jumping. A classic Vermont spot on the New Haven River.
Texas Falls
Scenic gorge with cascading waterfalls in the Green Mountain National Forest. Great for wading — swimming is limited.
Middlebury Gorge
Deep pools and rope swings along the Middlebury River. Popular on hot summer days.
Your family favorite spot
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Robert Frost Interpretive Trail
FavoriteEasy 1-mile loop through woods and meadows with poems posted along the way. Great for all ages.
Long Trail (access from Rt 125)
Vermont's famous end-to-end trail crosses Rt 125 near Breadloaf. Hike north toward Mt. Abraham or south toward Middlebury Gap.
Skylight Pond Trail
Moderate 4-mile hike to a beautiful alpine pond with views. Connects to the Long Trail.
Mt. Abraham via Long Trail
Strenuous hike to one of Vermont's 4,000-footers with panoramic views above treeline.
Spirit in Nature Trails
Peaceful network of short trails in Ripton, each themed around a world religion. Family-friendly.
Moosalamoo National Recreation Area
Extensive trail network with options from easy walks to challenging climbs. Falls of Lana and Silver Lake are highlights.
American Flatbread (Middlebury)
FavoriteWood-fired flatbreads with local ingredients. Lively atmosphere — a Middlebury staple.
Tourterelle (New Haven)
French-inspired bistro in a beautifully restored building. Perfect for a special dinner.
The Bobcat Cafe (Bristol)
Cozy cafe with great burgers, local beers, and a relaxed vibe.
Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op
Excellent deli counter, prepared foods, and local products. Great for stocking up.
Family favorite — add yours!
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Middlebury Farmers Market
FavoriteSaturdays in season on the town green. Local produce, baked goods, crafts, and live music.
Middlebury College Museum of Art
Free admission. Impressive collection in a beautiful building on the Middlebury campus.
Otter Creek Brewing
Local brewery with a taproom. Tours available — a fun afternoon stop.
Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm
Trail rides through the Green Mountains on gentle Icelandic horses. Unique Vermont experience.
Blueberry Hill (Cross-Country Skiing)
Excellent cross-country ski center in Goshen. Beautiful trails in winter, hiking in summer.
Middlebury
FavoriteThe nearest real town — charming college town with shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and all services. The hub for errands and dining.
Ripton
The tiny town we're in! Home to the Bread Loaf campus, Robert Frost's cabin, and not much else. That's the charm.
Brandon
Artsy small town with galleries, antique shops, and the Brandon Artists Guild. Nice for a half-day visit.
Bristol
Friendly village with a town green, local shops, and the Bristol Bakery. Worth the drive.
Vergennes
One of the smallest cities in America. Cute downtown near Otter Creek with shops and restaurants.
Warren / Waitsfield
Mad River Valley towns with Sugarbush and Mad River Glen ski areas. Warren Store is a classic stop.
Know a great spot we're missing? Share it on the Family Board and we'll add it here.