Welcome to Brattleboro, a charming town nestled in the scenic landscapes of Vermont, offering a plethora of activities to make your visit memorable. With "things to do in Brattleboro" echoing through the air, let's embark on a journey through this vibrant community.
Begin your exploration by wandering through the historic downtown, where you'll find a variety of eclectic shops, art galleries, and charming cafes. Stroll along Main Street, soaking in the local atmosphere and discovering unique treasures that define the essence of Brattleboro. It's not just shopping; it's an experience.
For nature enthusiasts, the Retreat Trails beckon with their serene beauty. Lace up your hiking boots and traverse the well-maintained paths, immersing yourself in the lush greenery and tranquil ambiance. These trails provide a perfect escape, allowing you to reconnect with nature while breathing in the crisp Vermont air—a quintessential "thing to do in Brattleboro."
Things to Do in Brattleboro
The Connecticut River, meandering through the town, invites you to enjoy a leisurely paddle. Rent a kayak or canoe and embark on a scenic river adventure, taking in the picturesque surroundings and perhaps catching a glimpse of the local wildlife. Exploring the waterways is undeniably one of the most enjoyable "things to do in Brattleboro."
Art enthusiasts will find solace in the numerous galleries that dot the town. The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center is a cultural hub, showcasing a diverse range of exhibits and installations. Immerse yourself in the local art scene and appreciate the creativity that defines Brattleboro—a must on your list of "things to do in Brattleboro."
Brattleboro is also a haven for foodies. Indulge your taste buds in the local culinary scene by sampling farm-to-table dishes at one of the many restaurants. The Farmer's Market is a haven for fresh, organic produce and artisanal delights—a delightful addition to your list of "things to do in Brattleboro."
As the sun sets, experience the vibrant nightlife the town has to offer. Live music venues and cozy pubs welcome you to unwind and mingle with the friendly locals. It's not just about the daytime adventures; evenings in Brattleboro are filled with entertainment—a distinctive "thing to do in Brattleboro."
1- BROWSE BRATTLEBORO MUSEUM & ART CENTER
Start your visit with a trip to the Brattleboro Museum and Art Centre to get an introduction to the town’s creative scene.
Housed within an old railway station, the museum hosts a range of exhibitions celebrating contemporary works across a range of mediums and topics.
With a huge diversity on work on show, there’s certain to be something to capture your imagination.
Along with the galleries, the Art Centre also has a full calendar of events, workshops, and educational programmes to get visitors and the local community more in touch with their own creativity.
Head over to 10 Vernon St, Brattleboro, VT 05301, United States.
2- LOOK AROUND THE BRATTLEBORO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
If you’re interested in the history of the area, pay a visit to the Brattleboro Historical Society.
The dedicated society members have curated exhibits on notable people, places, and events from the local area, so you can dive right into learning about Brattleboro’s heritage, development, and culture.
The hours the museum is open are limited, though. It’s only open on Thursdays between 1 and 4pm and Saturdays from 10am to 12pm, so make sure to plan your visit carefully.
Go to 230 Main St, Brattleboro, VT 05301, United States. Join this Guided Brattleboro History Walking Tour to learn more.
3- VISIT RETREAT FARM
To really get in touch with the local community and culture, pay a visit to Retreat Farm.
The working farm has tons for visitors to get involved in, from sampling local produce to meeting the animal residents.
Walking trails wind through the surrounding forest, making it a great place to simply enjoy nature.
There is even a storybook walk, where kids can follow a trail through the trees to find the next part of a story, so it’s perfect for a family day out.
Find It At 45 Farmhouse Sq, Brattleboro, VT 05301, United States.
4- CROSS CREAMERY COVERED BRIDGE
covered bridge over a river
Exploring historic covered bridges is one of the things to do around Brattleboro. Pictured here is the longest covered bridge in Vermont.
The charming, covered bridges are an iconic symbol of Vermont, and you’ll find several beautiful examples of them in the area around Brattleboro.
Creamery Covered Bridge is just off the main road leading west out of town.
Built back in 1879, the bridge is in excellent condition, appearing almost exactly as it would have done when it was first installed.
Now only open to pedestrians, Creamery Covered Bridge makes an excellent goal point for a scenic walk around the city limits.
Head along to 500 Western Ave, Brattleboro, VT 05301, United States.
5- ADMIRE RETREAT TOWER
Atop a leafy hill overlooking the town, you’ll find Retreat Tower poking out of the trees.
The stone tower dates back to the late 1800s and was built by residents of the local asylum.
It’s history, along with its lonely location and moss-covered façade, lend it a curiously eerie quality.
In fact, there are many paranormal legends and sightings linked to it.
Find it at Retreat Tower, Reservoir Loop, Brattleboro, VT 05301, United States.
6- SEE WHAT’S ON AT THE STONE CHURCH
The Stone Church is one of Brattleboro’s principle music venues, hosting a huge range of acts and performances.
The venue is, indeed, housed within a beautiful, historic church, with most of the original details and features still intact, creating a delightfully quirky location for a concert.
If you have a love for live music, you will definitely want to see what’s on here during your stay, so you can enjoy an unforgettable night out at a truly unique place.
Go to 210 Main St, Brattleboro, VT 05301, United States.
7- SEE THE EXHIBITS OF ESTEY ORGAN MUSEUM
If you’re interested in the history of music in the area, you should definitely pop into the Estey Organ Museum.
Dedicated to the history of the Estey Organ Company, which was founded in Brattleboro, the museum is home to a collection of pipe, reed, and electronic organs, as well as related artefacts.
The entry fee is $5 for non-members, and visiting hours are limited to between 2 and 4pm on Saturdays, from May through October, so make sure to schedule your visit in your itinerary.
Find it at 108 Birge St, Brattleboro, VT 05301, United States.
8- CATCH A SHOW AT BRATTLEBORO MUSIC CENTER
Enjoy the local musical by attending a concert at the Brattleboro Music Centre.
The main music school in town, Brattleboro Music Centre puts on a packed calendar of events and festivals through the year to showcase the talents of their students.
The BMC boasts six performance groups, as well as being open to visiting artists, so there’s a fantastic range of styles for you to enjoy.
Head over to 72 Blanche Moyse Wy, Brattleboro, VT 05301, United States.
9- LOOK FOR THE FORT DUMMER MONUMENT
At the base of Cotton Mill Hill, heading south out of the town, is the Fort Dummer Monument.
Tucked away beside of the road, the granite monument marks the spot where the eponymous British fort was built in the early 1700s when the town was founded.
While small, it is a charming nod to the origins and heritage of Brattleboro, and well worth stopping by for a moment if you’re in the area.
Look around Brattleboro, VT 05301, United States.
10- RELAX ON BRATTLEBORO COMMON
When you need a comfortable spot to relax in the open air, head over to Brattleboro Common.
The leafy, green space has plenty of benches to rest on, or lay back on the lush lawns and while away the afternoon.
Events are often held in the common, based around the central gazebo, so it’s worth seeing if there are any markets or festivals occurring during your stay.
Go to Park Pl, Brattleboro, VT 05301, United States.
11- SAMPLE LOCAL PRODUCE AT BRATTLEBORO SUMMER FARMER’S MARKET
Throughout the summer, from May to October, you can head over to Brattleboro Farmer’s Market on a Saturday morning to pick up some fantastically fresh local produce and mingle with the community.
Just the other side of Creamery Covered Bridge, it makes a great destination for a Saturday morning walk, but there is also plenty of parking if you’d rather just drive.
Find it at 570 Western Ave, West Brattleboro, VT 05301, United States.
12- TAKE YOUR SHOT AT LIVING MEMORIAL PARK DISC GOLF COURSE
Cross the Creamery Covered Bridge and you’ll find yourself at Living Memorial Park, where you can either just kick back and relax in the wide-open field, or you can try your hand at a round of disc golf.
The course is well-maintained and perfect for beginner and seasoned pros alike.
Head along to 158 Memorial Park Dr, West Brattleboro, VT 05301, United States.
13- SLIDE DOWN BRATTLEBORO SKI HILL
When winter hits and Vermont is covered in a blanket of snow, Living Memorial Park is turned into the local ski track.
Complete with a volunteer operated ski-lift, the gentle slope is ideal for beginners.
It’s especially popular with families, who head up the slope to ski, snowboard, or sled back down.
Go to Memorial Park Dr, West Brattleboro, VT 05301, United States.
14- EXPLORE MADAME SHERRI FOREST
Fall colours around Indian Pond.
One of the outdoorsy things to do in Brattleboro va is to visit Indian Pond in Madame Sherri Forest.
Brattleboro is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, but if you really want to escape into the wilderness, you just need to hop across the Connecticut River into New Hampshire and explore the trails of Madame Sherri Forest.
The lush forest is riddled with hiking routes, many of which lead to ledges and ridges that offer stunning views across the mountains and back across to Brattleboro.
Head into West Chesterfield, NH 03466, United States.
15- PAY A VISIT TO HARRIS HILL SKI JUMP
If you’re visiting in winter, you’ll want to check when the annual Harris Hill Ski Jump is taking place.
Every year, expert skiers flock to the area to battle it out in a competition that’s been running for over a century.
The impressive ski jump has even been used in Olympic events, so you know the standards of entry will be high.
Go to Cedar St, Brattleboro, VT 05301, United States.
16- GET A TASTE FOR THE TOWN AT GRAFTON VILLAGE CHEESE COMPANY
Visiting a cheese farm is one of the fun things to do around Brattleboro.
Sample some local flavour and pick up some quirky souvenirs with a visit to the Grafton Village Cheese Company.
Located on Retreat Farm, Grafton Village uses carefully selected local ingredients and traditional techniques to create small batch cheeses in a variety of styles and flavours.
Whether you just like a good, solid cheddar, or feel like branching out into sweet maple or spicy chilli flavours, there’s plenty for you to try.
You can even see if cave aged cheese really has a noticeable difference to the more typical aging style.
Head into n400 Linden St, Brattleboro, VT 05301, United States.
17- STRIKE OUT FOR OLD JELLY MILL FALLS
The land and forests around Brattleboro are packed with natural attractions for you to track down.
One that’s well worth seeking out is the Old Jelly Mill waterfall, just off the main road, a few miles north of Brattleboro.
You can either enjoy a relaxing hike through the woods or hop in your car and follow the West River.
The falls are low and shallow, so you needn’t worry about getting swept away.
It’s beautiful in any season, running at full tilt in the spring and slowing to a trickle when the river freezes over in winter.
Head for Dummerston, VT 05301, United States.
18- VISIT SCOTT FARM ORCHARD
Another great spot to get your hands on some super fresh, local produce is Scott Farm Orchard.
Best known for its heirloom apples, the orchard also grows a range of other fruits including pears, quince, peaches, and persimmons, with the produce the orchard grows varying by season.
You can check their website to see what will be fresh and ready during your visit.
They also often run pick-your-own schemes, so you can get involved in picking the produce yourself.
Or let them do the work and just pop along to one of the many events and workshops they hold throughout the year.
Go to 707 Kipling Rd, Dummerston, VT 05301, United States.
19- MAKE MERRY AT SANTA’S LAND USA
If you thought this winter wonderland couldn’t get more festive during the holiday season, think again.
Just a few miles north of Brattleboro, you can find Santa’s Land USA just off Interstate 91.
Packed with fully themed rides, attractions, and games, it’s a fantastic family day out to get everyone in the Christmas mood.
The seasonal theme park is open on weekends from early October through to Christmas eve, so there’s plenty of time to get in the festive spirit.
Go to 655 Bellows Falls Rd, Putney, VT 05346, United States.
20- CROSS THE BOSTON & MAINE RAILROAD FORT HILL BRIDGE
Crossing the river at the south end of town is the historic Boston and Maine Railroad Fort Hill Bridge.
Once a key track for freight trains running to and from Canada, the bridge has been out of use for decades.
Even so, the charming iron truss bridge remains as a shortcut for daring pedestrians crossing over to New Hampshire or as a must visit attraction for fans of rail history or urban decay.
Head over to Riverside Dr, Hinsdale, NH 03451, United States.
FAQ
Q1: What are some popular attractions in Brattleboro?
A1: The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, Retreat Farm, and Fort Dummer State Park are popular attractions in Brattleboro.
Q2: Are there any hiking trails near Brattleboro?
A2: Yes, there are several hiking trails near Brattleboro, including Wantastiquet Mountain Trail and the West River Trail.
Q3: What is the best time to visit Brattleboro?
A3: The best time to visit Brattleboro is during the fall (September to November) when the weather is mild, and you can enjoy the stunning foliage.
Q4: Can you recommend some good restaurants in Brattleboro?
A4: Certainly! Check out Duo Restaurant, Whetstone Station Restaurant and Brewery, and Superfresh! Organic Café for delicious dining options in Brattleboro.
Q5: Are there any annual events or festivals in Brattleboro?
A5: Yes, Brattleboro hosts the Strolling of the Heifers parade and festival annually, celebrating agriculture and local businesses. Additionally, the Brattleboro Film Festival is another notable event held each year.
Conclusion: The Latchis Theatre, a historic landmark, offers a cinematic journey through time. Catch a film or attend a live performance in this architectural gem—a cultural experience that shouldn't be missed. Add it to your checklist of "things to do in Brattleboro."
No visit to Brattleboro is complete without exploring the Brattleboro Retreat Farm. This historic farmstead hosts events, workshops, and provides a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls. A visit to this idyllic setting is a quintessential "thing to do in Brattleboro."
Brattleboro seamlessly blends history, nature, art, and culinary delights, offering an array of "things to do in Brattleboro" that cater to every taste. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, an art connoisseur, or a food lover, this town invites you to create lasting memories against the backdrop of its unique charm.
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