31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (2024)

The top stops along the way from Hartford to Amherst (with short detours) are Killington Grand Resort Hotel, Quechee Gorge, and Yankee Candle Village. Other popular stops include The Vermont Country Store Weston, Crab Apple Whitewater Massachusetts, and Mount Snow Grand Summit Resort.

1

King Arthur Baking Company

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$$$$affordable

Bakery

King Arthur Baking Company is a well-known flour outpost with a bakery, cafe, and retail store. It hosts baking classes taught by guest instructors like Gesine Bullock-Prado. The bright and airy classrooms offer engaging instruction and delicious results. Visitors can order ahead at the cafe to avoid long lines or explore the store's variety of ingredients and tools for home bakers.

What an amazing place! The food from the Cafe was awesome, and the store has tine of options for baking ingredients and supplies. I took a baking class with them as well. Everything was so well organized and clear, it was very easy to participate even knowing very little about baking! They even did all the dishes for us! It was a great time, I will definetly go back!! I would gladly take another class with them. It is well worth the cost! Although it is more fun to take the classes in pairs or groups of four. Even numbers are better.

Morgan B — Google review

This place was amazing. Even if you’re not a baker, it was so interesting to see the chefs baking, the class in progress, the vastness of the store, and especially to eat at the café. We bought a couple of croissants and beverages at the café, and they were outstanding. But my favorite was a package of raspberry crumble bars that tempted me while standing in line to order my café food. I took those with me and had them in the morning with coffee. I was so sad when a couple of days later they ran out.

Sue J — Google review

Fantastic food, pretty reasonable prices. Free samples of their baguettes, best baguettes I have tried to date. Their history and culture certainly add to the experience. Growing up my mom always used their flour, great products! I always love a good fruit tart, and theirs did not disappoint!

James W — Google review

I had no idea how much I would be overwhelmed with excitement when we visited, but this was an amazing place! The cafe is adorable with delicious offerings, the shop is amazing with all the variety King Arthur has to offer- every baking thing Ive ever thought of thats for sure! And I am already looking forward to going back and taking a class. On warmer days theres an outdoor pizza oven and open space for kids to run around in addition to the indoor cafe- looking forward to a repeat visit

Rachel Y — Google review

Awesome place to visit. Friendly and helpful employees. DELICIOUS fresh baked goods and cafe!!!! The viewing windows to the bakery where you can observe the entire bread making process!!! The history!! Did I mention THE STORE❣️❣️❣️ Absolutely a baking lover's paradise!!!!! I have been a KAF fan for 10 years. It was a joy to add this to my trip to Vermont❣️❣️❣️❣️

Stacey M — Google review

Visited on a Saturday around noon. Place was busy but not packed with busses of tourists as can happen. Just a heads up if you are unsure of what to expect. This is not an IKEA sized facility or a Disneyesque baking experience. It is a modest sized store with all of the KA brand merch plus a cafe. There is also a kitchen baking bread you can view from a window. Place is exceptionally well maintained , clean and they have systems and procedures to be able to handle large volumes of people efficiently.

Joe B — Google review

If you enjoy baking, you like high quality ingredients and you're a little bit daring or creative you will love this place. Lots of baking ingredients, utensils and baked goods are abound; You can even take some classes. Before you go, you may want to pay down your credit card down, transfer money from savings, take out a loan or work some over time because baking does not come cheap. Live it up, you only live once!

Thomas F — Google review

Delicious gluten free cookies albeit $15 for 6 cookies.Wonderful bakery with amazing treats and food. These might be the most delicious baked goods on earth. Gluten free almond cloud cookies have lemon zest, a slightly crunchy outside and light heavenly almond paste inside .. absolutely phenomenal and gluten free! Their homemade marshmallows are delicious and also gluten free.There is a wide assortment of high quality baking supplies and or course King Arthur ingredients and box kits ... Including gluten free brownie mix and cornbread mix amongst other mixes ...Nice bathrooms .. but every stall was out of toilet paper so 1-star off service. The lines were insanely long.Really beautiful atmosphere, excellent place to stop on a trip or to meet friends.

Jen B — Google review

For a baking lover, this place is a must! King Arthur flour is in grocery stores across the US and I had no idea it was from Vermont! This location offers an awesome cafe with freshly made bread and pastries; I picked up a chocolate chip cookie, a pack of sea salt brownies, hamburger buns, a biscuit, and a slice of carrot cake. They also have a huge store for all of your baking needs, including all kinds of flour mixes (gluten free and keto as well) for scones, muffins, brownies etc and other products you won’t find in your everyday store.

Christina K — Google review

Unfortunately this place was a huge let down. Being avid bakers we expected the pastries to be fresh and warm, they are neither. Food was airport quality at best. The staff clearly hears this feedback often because they were professional and in agreement with our complaints. Really disappointed.

Will H — Google review

Very well stocked store, with fresh baked breads and desserts, cafe, and a lot of items for you bakers out there.

Ernest C — Google review

We all thought our food was ok. There are no customizations and it seemed like everything was pre-prepared. So I’m not sure why you stand in line, when the sandwiches are pre-prepared in the refrigerator also- it seems to me it’s the same thing. They seem to feed A LOT of people.The store though is super cute and it was fun to sample some of the recipes. I loved the root beer chocolate cake - super clever.I was glad we stopped because it was so cute and charming.

Shana F — Google review

Kitchen supply store, bakery, and school in one large building. We came late afternoon on a Sunday after the bakery was closed. There was a large class in session practicing the making of macaroons. We spent our time in the large kitchen store which features everything you would ever need to bake. The baker in your family will love this place.

Jeff M — Google review

Visiting the baking company was a cool experience! An incredibly inviting and unique building and space. It was fun to explore the store (that has everything you could possibly need for baking) and eat a nice lunch. I was a little surprised by the high cookie prices in a bakery, but I guess, things are extra expensive in Vermont!

Danicajhey — Google review

This is my happy place. I've been to two baking classes here and have loved both. The classrooms are bright and airy, the instructors are thorough and engaging, and the results are delicious.Pro tip: order ahead at the cafe before you arrive. Plan for about 40–45 minutes to wait in line otherwise. If you place the order when you get there, peruse the store while it's being prepped, then pick it up and grab a seat!The store has all sorts of hard-to-find ingredients and tools for the home baker. I'd love to go in there with an unlimited budget and tons of storage room at home.Highly recommend.

Leah H — Google review

We got two amazing sandwiches for lunch—roast beef on 5-seeded focaccia and marinated artichoke hearts, roasted peppers, and feta on a baguette. The desserts looked so delicious. I was inspired by the store, but everything is so expensive. The quality is exceptional, though. I wish I had disposable income. I would have bought one of everything.

Starasia S — Google review

A baker's dream. The classes are so expensive but even without a class, the trip is worth it. There's a million things you would have never thought of in the store, a great selection of bread and packaged pastries to buy, and the cafe has some of the wildest bread designs you've ever seen. They recommended (free) roasted garlic mayo with our sandwich and it was heavenly.

Su P — Google review

Fresh baked goodies and prepackaged baking mixes. A must visit! Shown is the pistachio sea salt chocolate chip cookie, almond cloud cookie, sea salt brownie and roast beef on focaccia bread. Also picked up a gluten free scone mix for the holidays! Everything was fresh, chewy and delicious!

R S — Google review

We walked in from the cafe entrance and right away it felt like a magical place. We drove 4 hours to get there but it was well worth it. They had everything you could ever need for a kitchen. Even a vast array of appliances plus whatever you would need for baking anything you desire. They had an extensive collection of pans for everyone in your family from tiny bread loaf pans to giant pie pans. We missed getting there in time for the cafe but we did bring some of the bread that they created. It is a store you can spend a good couple hours in if you had the time. My hubby loved the store so much he ended up taking home 4 bag fulls of and $300 worth of yummy stuff to make at home.

Janna — Google review

Iconic indeed! A big open space with light wood floors, white walls, and so many things to find! They have the biggest selection of kitchen items I've ever seen, which makes it great for those who love to cook, cook, starting to cook, and gifts for yourself or someone who enjoys cooking and baking. They also have a cafe area with healthy, homemade, and fresh, delicious food and drinks. This is a very kid and family-friendly environment. They offer recipes, signing up for an e-newsletter and rewards program, and other fun things as well. Take a trip here!

Alanna G — Google review

I always use King Arthur flour when I bake cookies, so stopping here was a must when we decided to visit VT.We popped in for a quick cup of coffee and to pick up some souvenirs, and now I'm wishing we had skipped breakfast prior to our visit. Everything looked delicious and the aromas wafting through the air were incredible. The gift shop is absolutely FULL of anything you could think of for the baker in your life.If we ever move to the area, I'm hoping we land close to King Arthur. I'd love to take some of their baking classes.

Matt C — Google review

4.4

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4.5

(652)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (6)

135 US-5 #135, Norwich, VT 05055, USA

(802) 649-3361

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Sugarbush Farm

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Farm

Sights & Landmarks

Cheese shop

Sugarbush Farm is a rural farm located just 15 minutes outside of Woodstock. The farm offers cheese and syrup tastings, as well as the opportunity to view the tree-tapping process. Visitors can enjoy walks around the property and interact with the animals on site. The staff are known for their hospitality, offering guided tours, answering questions, and providing samples of their cheeses and maple syrups. Additionally, visitors can observe the packaging process for cheese products.

The Best place to Go to for Fresh Cheese & Maple Syrup. Everyone is so friendly. You are able to sample the cheese & the syrup. A place that makes you feel at home. We try to make it a goal to go every year, especially during Fall time. The scenery is Beautiful & even more beautiful when the leaves are changing colors. The animals look well taken care of & are also friendly. Self tour is available.

Cynthia P — Google review

Such a lovely place. We loved the trail they have. It’s very informational and you see so many beautiful maple trees and even a small white chapel. The tasting room was great. Loved reading and learning about the process of sugar making. Also, everything is dog friendly aside from the tasting room. :) our dogs enjoyed it. Lots of great views as well since you’re surrounded by nature.

Diana S — Google review

This was such a wonderful farm! Family owned and operated, we started at the farmhouse where the family gave us samples of several cheeses they make on site - pepperJack being our favorite - as well as the maple syrups and maple butter. Delicious! After shopping for items for a choose board we had planned for dinner, we went to the syrup barn and watched a video detailing the farm history and syrup making processes. We also went on a short loop hike up into the forest to see the maple trees as well as the farms church. A must-see for your visit to Woodstock!

Katy G — Google review

Family owned and operated. A definite DO when your in Vermont!!! Can't wait to re-visit. They have a sampling room with delightful treats. Literally the best maple butter I've ever tasted! Highly recommend!

Heather G — Google review

My spouse and I had a great time walking around the farm. We got to taste several farm-made goods and see the packaging process. There is a surprisingly big gift shop with lots of Vermont goodies, many made right there on the farm. The trail and chapel were very interesting to explore. Everyone was so kind and helpful! We will be back next time we visit the area!

Bethany M — Google review

We enjoyed our tour of the farm. There were only two goats to see at the time we went but the atmosphere itself was great. We tried different cheese and bought maple syrup that we loved!! Might go back there when we run out of our syrup🥳. Also the staff is extremely sweet. Don't take strollers with you, as the grounds are pretty uneven.

Ramsha S — Google review

Highly recommend; educational for children. We were able to see how trees are tapped and drained for maple syrup; cheese sampling with different varieties which were all delicious. Cheeses and syrups available for sale.

Felix R — Google review

Incredibly friendly staff, really get the family vibe.Maple syrup and cheese tastings were great. Brought plenty home to the UK!Few little informative walks, well worth doing.A bit of a trek up some mountain roads but all adds to the fun .Couldn't recommend highly enough

James M — Google review

This farm was so cute. I loved it so much. It is a family owns farm. Everything that they had was from scratch, their cheeses were amazing. Also their homemade map syrup as well as their honey and soups were great. I recommend this place if you were visiting Vermont.

Katia S — Google review

Nice shop. Lots of cheese and maple syrup items to choose from. I loved getting to sample their maple syrups and cheese beforehand to see which ones I liked the best! And they gave goats!!!

Briana B — Google review

If you like great Vermont cheeses, sourced maple syrup, and pictures of free roaming cows then this is the place for you. Friendly staff and apparently very crowded when you pass through the main shop due to the zealous desire of everyone to buy their great products made on the site. Don't let the crowd statement deter you. Glad we went to Sugarbush. Very memorable tour and visit. Pet friendly as well. Self tour of the maple lines was cool and Definitely do not mess with the lines. My pic was pretend and not for ideas on how to get "free samples."

James S — Google review

Family run farm making and selling make syrup and various cheeses. Immediately upon entering you are given the opportunity to taste a few cheeses and different maple syrups. All items are available in the surface gift shop along with numerous other food and gift items. You can also take a walk along the maple trees and read about the process for making the syrup from the tapping of the trees to the final product. Everyone friendly and the syrup and the cheese were delicious. A bit of trek to get to but worth it!

Patrick H — Google review

Beautiful old farm far removed from busy roads. The views from the cow pasture are so pretty. You can start a self-guided tour as soon as you park. The walking path takes you through the trees showing you how the tubing is run to make their maple syrup. After that, head on into the tasting kitchen of the main house. There, you'll be given a small talk about the cheese process and then you'll get some samples of both their cheese and the maple syrup. Our favorite was the extra, extra sharp! You can take another self-guided tour through their cheese process and that includes a 10 minute video. There's a nice store off of the tasting room where you can buy all sorts of food items, tshirts and sweatshirts, and other gift items. Make sure you buy the cheese, syrup AND the maple butter. 🍁

Gale — Google review

We absolutely love it here! Their products are delicious - the dark syrup and the smoky cheddar are our favorites - and the whole place is a wonderful mini-adventure for the family! Learning about maple sugaring, meeting farm animals, taking a walk in the maple forest…just fantastic. Great way to spend a couple hours. It’s on our “must-visit” list every year :)

Kate H — Google review

Had a really nice time here. From Canada, so felt right at home. Maple syrup and cheese tastings, a very small trail, and a nice shop where you can buy all of their goods! Probably not an all day activity, but it made for a lovely morning!!!

Bodhi A — Google review

Beautiful views, delicious samples of cheeses and maple syrups, cool displays and video explaining the process of harvesting and processing sugar maple sap. This was a wonderful farm! Definitely worth the stop.

Kendra Y — Google review

Great place, good people, even better cheese, maple syrup and other local products. Views are lovely, and the animals are friendly/happy. Definitely a recommended stop. Be aware the roads there are bumpy and unpaved and slightly too narrow at times, but that's many roads in Vermont.

Sarah L — Google review

Very interesting place!!! The staff was great in sampling of cheese and syrup. They also explained the history and operations of the farm. We bought cheese and maple syrup. The drive in was a little long but well worth the drive. It’s a very busy place so be prepared

David C — Google review

This place is amazing. Everyone who works here is eager to show you around, answer your questions, and give you various samples of cheeses and maple syrups to sample.You truly are made to feel welcomed. Even the lady running the gift shop made it a point to tell each customer the best way to transport their cheese home based on if they were driving (how far) or flying (must pack your syrup in with your luggage).You get to watch as the cheese is being packaged and readied for sale or shipping. And, the farm itself is a self guided tour with lots of interperative signs.There is plenty of parking available, but I would not recommend driving a large camper of any kind in here. The roads are narrow, and the hills are steep. You have been warned.But, for those traveling in something other than a large camper, Google Maps will get you here with no trouble. But, once you are within 3 or 4 miles of this place, you will start seeing signs to guide you on in.

Kenneth D — Google review

Excellent visit! The workers couldn't of been more friendly, we walked in with about 20 minutes til they closed, just wanted to get syrup and cheese. never expected a maple tasting, but they offered and explained the differences between syrups, even though they where clearly getting ready to end their day

Tabitha P — Google review

100% WORTH THE DRIVE AND VISIT.Let me say it againITS WORTH IT GO.their marketing is so expertise, they definitely got me to buy something from their free samples and im not mad about it. the free samples are DIVINE - the cheese, oh my goodness out of this world. You get to try 4 different cheeses that are all amazing.2 different maple syrups that had my jaw on the floor with how good it is - I’ve had FAKE syrup for way to long and my eyes are opened. I bought a WHOLE jug and it’s worth the money. And lastly, their delicious maple butter is amazing.Loved seeing the cute animals, learning about the process of making maple syrup, and reading the history of the the farm. You can stay as long or as little as you like, but definitely go! Buy their maple syrup!!!

Emily L — Google review

Lovely family owned and run cheese and Maple syrup farm. It's such a homey and cozy feel. Plus, they're supporting loads of family owned businesses in the area as well. Definitely give them a visit!

Riyad M — Google review

This place was amazing and worth the trip out of the way.The staff were so friendly and gave us a great rundown of the cheeses and syrups. The animals they have there seemed to be happy and well taken care of. . . And the goats also enjoyed some butt scratches, haha.They have a trail to see the syrup being collected, but there was too much snow for me to go when I went there. I'll be back again for sure.

Tom S — Google review

Cute cheese and maple factory! They have free cheese and maple tastings and the shop is brilliant, so many things to get! The aged cheddar was to die for and the actual grounds were really cool to walk around. There were some cows and goats too which were cute

Caitlin W — Google review

I always wondered how do they took the maple syrup from the trees… and now I know!!! It was a fantastic experience, very educational!! We had to try all the cheese and the syrup they do, we also bought a lot of things ahaha! Please check this farm out! Is a must do!

Kate E — Google review

We stopped here on the way to Woodstock. Nice place for fresh cheese and maple syrup. Maple trail was good, got to learn more about maple tree and how they make maple syrup. Great place to buy souvenirs too and price is really cheaper than other places.

Naima S — Google review

We have been here maybe 8 times in the last 12 months. We enjoy taking different people who are visiting us there. Nice simple atmosphere and great people. More importantly great cheese. There’s some livestock that you can get up and close with also. There’s some cool informative hikes that show how they tap for maple syrup. I love the drive up to the farm.

Marshall B — Google review

4.7

(1596)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (12)

4.5

(1062)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (13)

591 Sugarbush Farm Rd, Woodstock, VT 05091, USA

(802) 457-1757

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31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (14)

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Quechee Gorge

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River

Nature & Parks

The Quechee Gorge is a scenic forested canyon located less than a mile east of Quechee Village. It stretches about 3000ft along a stream and drops down 163ft, offering visitors the opportunity to view it from a bridge or through well-marked footpaths that lead down into the gorge. The hiking trails are undemanding and should take no longer than an hour to complete.

This is an amazing sight to behold any time of the year. But if you go during the leaf peeping season you will find it difficult to maintain personal space. With that said it's still worth going to see. Parking is abundant but you will have to walk to get a good view. If you take the trail to the lower end of the gorge, it will consume about an hour of time and it's all up hill on the way back. So people with bad knees or problems walking long distance should probably experience the gorge from the bridge. The upper end can be driven to and a short walk to the dam. There are some bathrooms but things these days are weird and I can't understand why a bathroom would be closed but they are. Paved and gravel parking with plenty of handicapped access.

Lee K — Google review

I always love coming here with my daughter and granddaughter when I’m home. Unfortunately the bottom of the gorge is currently closed but we took a short jaunt to the top of the falls. It was beautiful.

Christina P — Google review

A breathtaking experience. See the Gorge, and go through the park. It’s worth it!

Jeremy L — Google review

A must see when you pass this way! Even on a gray spring day the Quechee Gorge sheds light. We are locals and this is a regular trek year round. It’s wonderful to take note of the seasonal changes and today’s roaring river was a most welcome greeting.

Lynn L — Google review

This is a beautiful place, no matter what season. There are fences up now, but you can still see a wonderful view beyond. You can also go down to the water's edge to fish or wade. There's a gift shop and a small restaurant. Worth stopping on your way through Vt.

Theresa J — Google review

Nice trail. A lot of shade and beauty to seat for a while and enjoy the sound and smell of nature. The melody of the water running down and the essence of the pine trees is a great experience. It is a short walk but a lite challenging on the way back up if you are out of shape. Still, very much worthy!

Carol G — Google review

There is a spot on the bridge to look out and take pictures. However, I'd highly recommend doing the walking paths if you get the chance. They aren't too bad of hike and provide some beautiful views of the dam and gorge.

Erica G — Google review

I was lucky enough to visit on a perfect weather day and there were no other visitors while I was exploring. Paths were nice and wide and well maintained

Samantha C — Google review

Nice hike down to the water and beautiful view of the gorge from the bridge. Very informative receptionist at the counter in the visitor’s center.

Sudhir A — Google review

Quechee Gorge is high. The fences have gotten higher and more view obtrusive than I remember from years gone by. My Grandfather used to bring my mom, Aunts and Uncles down to the water so they could enjoy the summer with a cool dip. He used to like to fish too. When You come here, there is parking down a way from the bridge, but be careful, just because there is a speed limit doesn't mean the locals follow it. Don't drop Your phone taking pictures, even if You climb down to get it dosen't mean it will be there due to the water, and the fall will probably bust it - just don't drop Your phone or camera in the gorge!

ThatWhichBurns N — Google review

There's a bridge form where you can take beautiful pictures of the gorge. Even though there's a green fence that stands rather out (but it's there for protection and to avoid people from jumping off the bridge, I suppose), you can still take nice photos through the holes and there are cutouts made for that. Also, the gift shop nearby has also some nice items and it's not expensive.

André M — Google review

Small little hike down to the gorge. May be difficult for some to get to the water and the hike back is all uphill. The water is super refreshing but some maneuvering across rocks is required. Make sure to already have your swimming gear on if you plan to get in the water because there is no place to change.

Richelle P — Google review

Beautiful views from the gorge. Back in 2017 they didn't have the green protection railing and that made the experience even more wonderful. There is a trail which we didn't take but apparently it's even more beautiful from the top of the gorge.

Sai S — Google review

Beautiful view. You can hike to view the falls or view the canyon just a short walk from the parking spot.

Sathish J — Google review

Beautiful views from the bridge. I intend to come back when it's not 10° and hike the area.

Tom S — Google review

Excellent natural wonder in Quechee, Vermont. If you park at the visitor center- walk back out to the highway and get a view from the bridge. There’s no sidewalk on the visitor center side so be careful.Next, head down into the gorge, there’s a short trail through the woods from the visitors center, and then it’s downhill for 15-20 minutes until you reach the end where you can walk out into the gorge and look back towards the bridge. The view on the way down is mostly obscured behind the fence and dense tree growth otherwise.On the other side of the road from the visitor center, there’s another trail following the river back to the dam. Good views of the dam but, again most of the river is obscured and behind a fence.

RoadTrip N — Google review

A beautiful sight when you see it from the bridge but it gets better once you see from beneath! There is a trail leading to bottom of the gorge through the woods (a 10-15 min walk) and the views from there was amazing.We went there during the summer but believe it would have been even better during fall with the foliage.There is a visitor center too and the hike to the gorge from the road was lovely too.

Thaveesha C — Google review

4.7

(495)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (19)

4.5

(1062)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (20)

Hartford, VT 05001, USA

4

Thundering Brook Falls Trail

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Hiking area

Nature & Parks

Hiking Trails

Nestled in the Green Mountain forest, Gifford Woods State Park is home to the Thundering Brook Falls Trail, which leads to the sixth-largest waterfall in Vermont. The trail is suitable for all age groups and offers a scenic boardwalk through marshland, making it accessible even for those with strollers. The area is filled with birdsong and wildflowers, creating a picturesque setting for a leisurely walk.

Very pretty views. Great easy hike if you are with small children. Lots of birds even in the winter. It is very well marked so you will find the waterfall very easily. Different trails to choose from. I will definitely come back.

Jennifer V — Google review

Hiking the Thundering Brook Falls Trail was an unforgettable experience. The trail is short and accessible, making it perfect for a quick escape into nature. It winds through lush greenery and leads to the stunning Thundering Brook Falls, which cascades beautifully down the rocks. The boardwalk section of the trail was a nice touch, allowing easy access for all hikers. The peaceful sounds of the waterfall and the surrounding forest made this hike both relaxing and rejuvenating. Highly recommend this trail for a serene nature walk and a chance to enjoy one of Vermont’s hidden gems!

Juan R — Google review

This is a beautiful waterfall situated right off the PCT. Excellent boardwalk trail leading to falls. Observation deck. No restrooms. Stone road and lot for 10 or so cars. Trail map at trailhead.

Zach S — Google review

Really easy trail to the falls. Nature is truly breath taking. You can even hike up to the top. Just bring hiking shoes. The trail can be a bit steep and slippery when wet.

Rina C — Google review

Excellent short hike for great photos and to wind down. Smooth and even so great for wheelchairs that are powered, crutches, or walking sticks. Best for most all family members to be safe! Our age group was 18-75

Megan S — Google review

Extremely short walk. Limited parking but street parking is an option. Beautiful photo options for foliage. Walkway has a significant amount of decking for the walk and leads to a waterfall that attracts lots of amateur photography. Recommend if you have limited time and want a quick photo opportunity.

James S — Google review

An easy walk to the base of the falls. We hiked a little up the side of the falls and it was well worth the small amount of effort there were two more distinct falls and a big rock on the edge of the falls we could sit on without getting wet.

Kathi S — Google review

So gorgeous! Easy hike and if you want more challenge just go beyond the falls ip the hill there’s a swimming hole.

Steven K — Google review

the sign by the parking is confusing, but take the trail right behind it, boardwalk Al the way up to the falls. very easy, great view and lovely atmosphere. nice and short to the falls but multiple options for a longer hike.

Alex N — Google review

A splendid Green Mountains stop off.Walk an easily accessible boardwalk route through many varieties of plant life straight to the waterfall. Along the way you’ll walk a small portion of the Appalachian Trail.If you are a Seek user, plan extra time for your plant ID pleasure.Our visit (August 2024) found the falls flowing heavily due to rain from Hurricane Debby- fabulous.

Robyn B — Google review

Beautiful short trail over marshland with a slight incline up to falls, about half a mile each way.Falls are beautiful and the plant life and surroundings change and have a lot to offer with each season.* TIP: While family and dog friendly, the trail had a lot of ice on it. It was difficult for some to balance and walk on at points. I would highly suggest making sure to have your rugged boots on when icy and/or adding attachable ice cleat / snow grips.

Amanda Z — Google review

Super easy trail, the trail is a boardwalk, so it's perfect for anyone! The parking lot is kind of small, so go early. Absolutely gorgeous falls! If you're adventurous and want a longer hike the A.T. runs through so you can hop on it and go further.

Christa C — Google review

Just down the road from a bed and breakfast we stayed at. Owner told us about it. Really nice hidden falls. Very short walk to get to falls. Limited parking. Roadside mostly. Worthwhile stop.

Rockne B — Google review

Beautiful waterfall with an easy boardwalk trail to get to the falls. We climbed up the side of the falls for a better view and loved every minute!

Amy Y — Google review

I would definitely recommend this trail. It is super easy trail but great place for taking photos with waterfalls.

Lan H — Google review

Easy walk on a boardwalk to the bottom of the falls. Can choose to hike up higher to visit different parts of the falls which are a little bit more challenging. Beautiful spot.

Jeni B — Google review

Went with my dog & went straight up the hill rather than turning left onto the Appalachian trail. This path is great for a dip in the cold stream on a hot day. Path up wasn't too difficult for a 32 year old and a golden retriever, but might be harder for small children or older adults. Overall, pretty easy to get up to with sneakers.

Abby — Google review

Very easy trail if you are just walking up the boardwalk to the bottom of the falls. If you want to go all the way up the mountain/hill, take your time, it can be tricky but it is beautiful and I recommend it. The Broadwalk trail has great flowers and bird watching.

Barb K — Google review

You can easily walk right up to the falls. Park in the gravel parking area at the road, walk along a boardwalk most of the way, and then a gravel walkway to a viewing platform. There were other hiking trails around, but we didn't walk them. There is a sign at the road with more information on the trails.

April S — Google review

This idyllic spot is nestled in the Green mountain forest. The boardwalk through the marshland makes the falls accessible for people of all ages; can even bring a stroller. Its a very short walk but it's packed with birdsong and wildflowers. The casacading falls are gorgeous, even when there has been minimal rainfall. A section of the Appalachian trail also goes through this area. The only thing missing is a place to sit down and have a bite to eat, because you'll want to spend more time:)

Jason — Google review

Very easy trail with boardwalk. Beautiful falls and trail. Kid friendly.

Alicia — Google review

We hiked from Kent pond to Thundering Brook falls it was such a beautiful hike. It was 6 miles in total starting from Kent pond to Thundering Brook falls

Monica B — Google review

4.8

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4.5

(208)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (22)

2295 River Rd Fork, Killington, VT 05751, USA

5

Billings Farm & Museum

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History museum

Sights & Landmarks

Billings Farm & Museum is a unique destination that combines a working farm with an engaging museum dedicated to the history of scientific farming. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and demonstrations while learning about the farm's operations. One of the newest attractions is the Sunflower House, featuring thousands of sunflowers in various varieties, creating a maze-like experience for visitors to enjoy from August through early September.

This is set on a beautiful piece of land. The museum is very well done with interesting displays and plenty of information to accompany the displays. You can also go to the barn to see the cows. Another smaller area has the small animals and the horses are outside. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the animals and their young. We had a fun and interesting visit. Definitely recommend.

Bradley T — Google review

We visited this farm on a week day and it was little crowded. the farm is very well maintained. Ticket for one adult costs 17$. They have well maintained Restrooms at the visitor center. They have ample of parking which is complementary.What to expect?Few events like milking cow, info on sheep's and able to pet them. You can see small animal barn, horses stables, sheep barns. They do have cafe inside we liked the pumpkin ice-cream.

PIYUSH K — Google review

visited for the first time yesterday and had sooo much fun. this place is huge & you can easily spend the day here. There is so much to do & see & they even have events on the weekends. They have farm animals to be pet, ice cream, a sunflower garden, and a museum (with a scavenger hunt inside). they even have a food truck on site for lunch which was very convenient! The employees were all super nice & helpful. Will definitely visit again!

MaKayla F — Google review

This is such a cute place for a half day trip. We went there on a break during our ski trip and spend a few hours there. The stuff are so nice and informative. The animals are cute and the history there is interesting. I highly recomand this place. Very close to the ski area.

Jie X — Google review

Really neat place that offers a fun experience for families. We did not tour the whole place because the weather was not the best. We bought some local cheese that was delicious. We also visited the National Park visitor center on site.

K B — Google review

We've been here 3 times and it's always a fun day. The staff are very friendly and attentive. The staff make a point of talking to you one on one and each time we go we learn something new. The animal exhibits are great. The museum is filled with fun displays and the AC is a nice break when it's hot outside. We love the ice cream! There are miles of nature trails so make sure you wear comfy shoes!

Grant D — Google review

My family and I were camping nearby and Billings Farm & Museum was having a family fun day. The kids were able to spin wool, pet farm animals, and we attended a Mozzarella Cheese making class. The grounds are beautiful and there is a cute gift shop with cheese and syrups. The entrance fee can be a bit pricey but for what we got out of it, it was well worth it.

Jaimie C — Google review

Charming working farm with lots of activities for kids. The goats were wonderful. Be sure to wear "farm friendly" shoes & comfy clothing, nothing fancy! Homemade products for sale, a museum, very helpful & friendly staff. A very enjoyable way to spend the day with family.

KARLA W — Google review

I absolutely loved my visit here! The cows were so sweet, the farm was really pretty and there were a lot of interesting and educational things to do. We went during the Harvest Festival, and Billings Farm did a great job organizing it, and making it interactive and fun. I'll definitely be coming back at some point.

Kimberly B — Google review

Super fun experience! We walked over through the covered bridge, and when we got there we went the cow barn. We got to see the end of the milking which was really fun, and a cow due to give birth that day! We also got to see the newly born calves which were so adorable!!!!!! The rest of the animals, museums and shops were amazing as well. Super fun pit stop!

Emerson L — Google review

We found the farm a bit boring, to be honest. Not a lot of animals (we imagined a lot more sheep, goats and horses, for example). Half of the sunflowers also seemed to be rotten?We stayed there for about 40 minutes but we were somewhat disappointed.

Andr? M — Google review

The farm is good 👍, they have a class in how to make butter in old centuries it was an interesting class 😍. They have a gift shop with different products. Also, there is a tour for the manager house, I like it 😍 , and tour in barns where you can see the cows 🐄. There are some sheeps , horses and chicken outside 🐔. There is an ice cream shop.

Muneerah — Google review

Another spectacular day at this amazing place. I can't say enough good things about the farm, the museum, and the lovely people who bring it all together

Jan — Google review

A lovely farm not too far from town. The animals are so cute! Docents are very informative. Learned a lot about the history! Definitely a must-see during your Woodstock trip. We bought our tickets online but probably didn’t need to!

Kelli K — Google review

Great experience! Very relax and enjoy walking around.

Goi S — Google review

What a great farm… You could tell the cows are very well taken care of… The jersey cows let you scratch their heads and they just love that.. lots of activities to walk around and do and then the national park is right across the street if you want to do some hiking too

Frank G — Google review

The tour of the manager's house was very informative. The lady who was our guide was delightful. She gave us a guided tour after the regular hours for guided tours. Loved that we got to see yhe cows being milked. I grew up on a dairy farm, so found this fun to reminisce.

Eileen M — Google review

Always an enjoyable stop when we visit the area. The farm manager's house is a fascinating tour even the second time through. Had a chance to meet a very outgoing and curious baby calf. All staff were welcoming and well versed on the farm's history.

Christopher E — Google review

Went here on baby day and it was a little underwhelming for adults, but I would think this place would be great for little ones.In past years I really enjoyed this day but now feel it is more geared towards children and education. But all in all, beautiful place!

Kyra D — Google review

Woodstock is full of history and we really enjoyed learning all about it at the Billings Museum! Great exhibits, beautiful property and friendly staff. We had a lot of fun!

Hello J — Google review

A full day for us and our 3 yr old grandson! We enjoyed the animals and the dairy farm exhibits. The grounds are stunning! We brought a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the many available tables and had a treat from the scoop shop for dessert! Top it off with a trip to the very comprehensive gift shop and there you have it— a perfect day!

Carrie C — Google review

This farm is always a lot of fun to come to, I've been here twice. There's a lot to do here -- you can easily spend several hours. The highlight for me is always the animals, the museum, and the historical farm manager's house. For the time period they were living in, and even now, the house is incredibly luxurious. They had hot and cold running water and a flushing toilet. No farm manager in VT has that at the time, and these amenities were mostly for the ultra rich, like the Newport Mansions.The animals are all incredibly well taken care of and always look healthy. They're also absolutely beautiful. I am particularly fond of the draft horses and the Jersey cows. They're not from New Jersey, but rather the Isle of Jersey. Their milk is very rich in milk fat and is excellent for creating butter. If you're able to go for their butter churning demonstration, do go! You get to try some of the butter and the buttermilk (if you so choose) at the end. Both products were delicious.In the museum there is a rotating exhibit. Once it was quilts, currently (September 2023) it is female farmers in Vermont. The photos are taken by a gay Puerto Rican, which I thought was a nice extra dose of representation.In the non-rotational area, you get to walk through farming history and how it developed for everything from planting corn to cutting ice. There's also a cute little scavenger hunt for stuffed cows hidden in the exhibits and a short movie on how ice was cut in Maine in the 1940s. Near the entrance there is also a film but I haven't seen that yet.Lastly, they have a food truck and an ice cream stand near the renovated ice house.I highly recommend checking out this farm!

Ian P — Google review

Absolutely worth the visit. If you appreciate history and animals you have to check it out. For those that whined about there not being enough animals, this is not a petting zoo. It is a working farm, each animal has a purpose. You can get up close to the cows when they bring them in from pasture to milk them. Also, to the person whining about sunflowers being rotten... this is nature... you must live in a box. Not every flower will be perfect, especially at the end of the season. Regardless, the property is still beautiful and well maintained. It is certainly worth the walk across the street as well.

Kimberly T — Google review

Great place to spend the afternoon. Awesome watching them heard in the cows in for food then watch them being milked. Great experience. Great grounds. Had their maple cream sundae with maple sugar sprinkles. Delicious.

Mike M — Google review

Fun afternoon spent at Billings in Woodstock. Loved the self guided nature of this attraction. Visited the animals, the Managers House, and had some wonderful ice cream. Museum was very informative and set up nicely.

Kaitlyn A — Google review

This was an ok visit. It was raining so that was not helpful. The tour of the house was great and getting to see the cow milking too.

Marian F — Google review

Great place to learn some of Vermont history. The farm itself is huge, plenty of place to take a stroll. You can find horses, sheep, and cows wandering around the fields. If you are lucky, you can catch farmers milking the cows and exlaning the whole butter making process. The stuff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They are eager to answer any questions you may have.

Arkady G — Google review

4.6

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4.5

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69 Old River Rd, Woodstock, VT 05091, USA

(802) 457-2355

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6

Killington Grand Resort Hotel

Mentioned on

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Hotel

Nature & Parks

Bar

Cafe

The Killington Grand Resort Hotel is a laid-back retreat featuring a health club, pool, and spa. The hotel offers a free shuttle to Killington Road for easy access to local attractions. While the on-site restaurant, Prestons, has stylish decor and an eclectic menu, it falls short in terms of food quality and service. However, the resort's convenient location at the heart of Killington makes it an ideal choice for visitors looking to enjoy the area's offerings.

Great Resort / Hotel. Awesome heated pool and hot tubs and spa area with gym, sauna and steam room. Easy access to skiing with a quick walk across the pedestrian bridge to the Snowshed base area. Our only complaint was that the Murphy bed in our studio suite was not very comfortable. Otherwise great experience and we came at the perfect time - lots of snow but not terribly cold and almost the entire mountain / trails were open. Well groomed. The skiing was excellent.

Michael G — Google review

Stayed in a two bedroom suite that was supposed to sleep 8 with "two queen size beds" in one of the rooms. The room itself was smaller than two queen beds and it had twin mattresses. It's a good thing there weren't 8 of us trying to stay here. As far as the rest of the hotel the amenities are fine. Nothing special. The food offerings are adequate. For the money I spent I would have expected things to be absolutely top notch and I can't say that this place delivers on the promise. But I got a clean room and it was quiet when I needed to sleep.

Dan M — Google review

Personnel sympathique et efficace, piscine et bains à remous chauffés extérieurs formidables. Les chambres sont un peu vieillottes malgré des salles de bain rénovées. Lits confortables. Salle de jeu, salle de sport. Presque ski in/ski out, un gros avantage. Malheureusement le rapport qualité-prix s'est dégradé avec une forte augmentation de prix pour 2024.(Translated by Google)Friendly, efficient staff, great outdoor heated pool and hot tubs. The rooms are a little dated despite renovated bathrooms. Comfortable beds. Games room, gym. Almost ski in/ski out, a big advantage. Unfortunately the quality-price ratio has deteriorated with a sharp price increase for 2024.

Greg C — Google review

This hotel is so good. The staff was extremely helpful and nice. The heated salt water pool and hot tub were worth it alone. I highly recommend this place and will definitely stay here next time I'm in the area again.

Rocco P — Google review

Ski in and out (kind of - you have to walk over the bridge). Definitely the place to stay when in Killington. The proximity to Snowshed and to the lifts make it very convenient. We stayed at a studio with a Murphy bed. The only complaint I have is the smell in the room. A combination of disinfectant and humidity. Having said that it is still the place to stay. You can enter the hot swimming pool right from the spa. Then you can jump in one of the two hot tubs next to the swimming pool. Sitting in the hot tub and watching the mountains behind a curtain of steam is what you need after a taxing day of hardcore skiing. Oh if you forget your bathing suit, not to worry. The spa has some for you to buy. The staff is friendly and very helpful.

Nilufer U — Google review

The room was a large and clean, for the price it was a good deal. That being said the real selling point to me was the heated pool and the distance to the chairlift. It was a 200 yard walk to the chairlift, you cannot get any closer to the mountain, it was amazing. The ski gear storage room was awesome too. They also have a shuttle service that takes you into town for dinner and whatnot. I did not have to use my car for four days, it was great.

Jeffrey L — Google review

There are no frills; you are paying for the location and the convenience of not having to do the parking lot rodeo in the morning.The mountain side hot tub and pool were nice after a long day on the hill. The restaurant downstairs was nice, but costly.The staff were pleasant and welcoming.

Ray G — Google review

5 star pricing at a 3 star resort. Booked a 3 bedroom suite. Paid over $650 a night. AC did not work after calling for days. Heater stuck on they could not shut off. Room was 84 degrees. Restaurant has one waiter and hostess refuses to help and take orders. A quick meal will be a minimum of 1.5 hours. Restaurant closes at 9 for “some people”. Front desk has one person even though the hotel was full. The most common thing I heard was “that’s not my job”. Hotel needs to invest in infrastructure and employees with trained in the hospitality industry.

Ryan — Google review

Let me share the positives, awesome hot tub and heated pool, great location. But TWO very important NEGATIVES, a multilevel suite has 23 steps down to the bedrooms, not the normal 13. And the steps are steep! If you have grandma and grandpa with you, or even if you’re older skiers, that is not something you want to do at the end of the day. No where in my 2 bedroom reservation did it say I had a multilevel condo. Clinton was willing to change our rooms and offered a partial refund. We chose two studios, each with a Murphy bed. Another couple traveling with us paid $1500 for their studio with Murphy bed. We each paid $1800 for the same accommodations. The refund was not sufficient! How can the hotel justify such a difference in charges for the same type of room? For many years we have enjoyed a week of skiing at Killington. WE WILL NOT BE GOING BACK TO THE KILLINGTON GRAND.

Susan A — Google review

Staff is warm and friendly. Hotel is well maintained. Thoroughly enjoyed post ski outdoor pool and hot tub. Had a very good dinner at Preston’s too.Many thanks to Mgr Duane Hall, Judy and Sharon for promptly finding gear we left by mistake and arranging for immediate shipment home.Will definitely return soon.

Howard G — Google review

Had a great weekend getaway here! The room was large and clean. And the kitchenette had everything you would need. The amenities were also great, especially the heated pool and hot tub that had amazing views of the mountain. The staff were also very friendly. I also recommend trying out the restaurant at the resort, it was very tasty.

Daniel D — Google review

Exceptional service provided by all staff. Room was great, well equipped and maintained, all other facilities including pool and hot tubs were great. Super location for access to the ski hill. And have to mention to great ski valet service. Highly recommended.

Ken B — Google review

This is a great hotel located on the mountain. And in the off season it has so much to offer. Mountain biking down the hill, zip lines, roller coaster, heated outdoor pool and much more. Plus they have a very nice restaurant there ... Preston's. The steak was crazy great ... burger was good, pork was great, the mango Habanero wings are not that flavorful but Burrata appetizer was great. Staff is very friendly and helpful.

Michael P — Google review

My family and I have been here three times now. We only stumbled upon this because we had a nightmare air bnb situation where we showed up and it was cancelled without us knowing so we walked over to grand lodge and the rest is is history. Clinton, the gentleman at the front desk was the best hotel staff member we have ever encountered. We had a 3 month old baby and had never traveled and he made sure to get us an affordable room and made us feel like we were part of his family. We have come back and he has has helped us every time (Karen is great as well and super nice!). I would recommend the grand lodge to anyone, the rooms are clean and roomy, the amenities are convenient and the things to do are endless. Love this place!

Tim M — Google review

Always love... great rooms at decent priced with kitchenette and coffee makers... sounds like small things but it makes a difference. People are always great.

Joel O — Google review

The location is beautiful. Our stay would have been much more enjoyable if it wasn't for the Spartan race so word to the wise, check the events before booking. The Spartan race participants were absolutely obnoxious, stomping around at 4 am, running up and down hallways at 10pm, having conversations loudly in the hallways at 7am, slamming doors. Basically the majority of them acted like they were the only ones that existed. They took over the pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna and that was just gross to think about as many of them clearly skipped a shower first. We avoided using the amenities because of this, sad when you pay so much and can't enjoy it. The staff was just as miserable and hoping that is not their norm and it was only due to these Spartan participants. The gentleman outside of the gym was the most miserable of all. Not a great look the price people pay to stay here. The rooms are okay, the beds are really stiff and springy if that makes sense. Room was clean though so that's a plus. We didn't bother trying the restaurant, but heard a few people saying it was good. Overall, we would definitely come again but would check events first to save our sanity.

Kimberly T — Google review

Nous y avons séjourné 2 jours en famille dans un studio. Personnel très serviable. Une navette peut vous emmener en moins de 2 minutes au Lodge sinon possible aussi à pied. Restaurant très bon(Translated by Google)We stayed there for 2 days as a family in a studio. Very helpful staff. A shuttle can take you to the Lodge in less than 2 minutes, otherwise it is also possible on foot. Very good restaurant

Astrid L — Google review

Excellent spot. Best hotel in Killington. A bit dated but worth the heated pool, hot tubs, and views.

Avetis I — Google review

Super overpriced for the quality of rooms and service. Crappy heating/cooling systems that are old and loud. Very thin walls, you can hear it all from rooms next to and above. Overall furnishings are very worn. If it wasn't so close to the lifts, nobody would stay there for the price. Unfortunately not worth the money, even with the convenience.

Nicole K — Google review

Horrible Place !! Went to sleep with the Tv on. Security knocked on my door at 1.30 am. Waking me to tell me to turn it down. Went back to sleep watching a video on myphone. A man that works for the hotel bursted in at 2.30 am and yelled at me said that i was being loud . Called to complain and said they had every right and were calling it a wellness check. We will never go back. Horrible !!

Shane O — Google review

Room smelled, an unpleasant odor. Fully functional kitchen is a plus and can't beat the location. Ski right out the door and jump on a lift. Quite pricey, and no breakfast included. Outdoor pool is super nice and fun for kids after a day on the slopes

Theresa F — Google review

Been great so far. The staff, be it front desk, bellmen, valet, or the maitre'de and wait staff at Preston's have been fantastic. You can't beat the location being at the base of the mountain and the heart of Killington

Todd G — Google review

Great place to stay for skiing. The hotel has a ski check in/out and its a 5 minute walk to a lift. Also have a hot tub, sauna, steamroom for recovery after a day of skiing. The customer service is awesome by the front desk. We had a room with a queen bed for 2 me and my son and we asked for a cot or a sofa bed and they moved us to a different room with a fold out chair bed at the same rate. I was also able to add on an extra day of skiing after a rain out on day 1. The staff was also helpful in other ways (coffee, bandaids).My second time staying here and I would highly recommend it.

Momu — Google review

I don’t have too high expectations even from high end hotels, all I expect is to not have to worry about my belongings while leaving the hotel room! Unfortunately, the house keeping department made me feel the exact opposite after my babies stuff went missing from our suitcase. The house keeping supervisor was not only rude but wanted me to keep quiet and ask for a compensation, which I don’t care about. The rest of the staff (front desk, spa/pool team) was amazing but one bad experience ruins everything!

Akriti J — Google review

The hotel itself was quite nice as were members of the staff. However, the walls sound like they are paper thin and you can hear everybody in the rooms nearby. Also, this must have been one of the most uncomfortable beds I've slept on in any hotel. For such an upscale establishment, one would think the accommodations would be of a bit higher quality. All in all, a middle of the road experience for me.

Nic P — Google review

Because you can walk up to a ski lift location, it is quite expensive to stay at this hotel.. We spent two nights at a 4-person studio with a Murphy bed and a sofa bed. The bathroom was quite recently renovated. But all linens including bed sheets were old and worn out. It was quite noisy due to the wall mounted heater and other heaters in the neighboring rooms. Overall, it is a 3-star quality hotel with a 5-star price tag. Of course, we will come back to this hotel for skiing.

K N — Google review

No room service if you are hoping for your bed sheets to be changed.. we were stuck with the same sheets for 3 days... no vacuuming the rooms, only this they brought were towels when asked..pricey without the hotel hospitality... only positive is its close proximity to the slopes!

Sami A — Google review

A late spring snow saw fresh powder. The room was great, nearby restaurants gave us greater food options and the staff couldn't be nicer.

Eric J — Google review

4.5

(1336)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (36)

4.5

(1039)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (37)

228 E Mountain Rd, Killington, VT 05751, USA

(802) 422-5001

7

Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge

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Bridge

Sights & Landmarks

Recreation

The Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, built in 1866, is a historic wooden bridge that spans the Connecticut River, connecting Vermont and New Hampshire. It holds the distinction of being the longest wooden covered bridge in the United States at 460 feet. This iconic marvel features a lattice truss design and a deep red color, making it a picturesque spot for photography, especially during the fall foliage season.

We love traveling to Vermont because the state's peaceful vibe and natural beauty are truly unique.We discovered that Vermont has over 100 covered bridges, which are significant to the state's cultural and historical heritage. Among them is the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, which spans 449 feet (137 meters), making it the longest wooden covered bridge in the United States and the longest two-span covered bridge in the world.This historic bridge connects Cornish, New Hampshire, and Windsor, Vermont, across the Connecticut River.Built in 1866, the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge has become one of New England's cherished landmarks in both New Hampshire and Vermont.The Bridge is still in use today. It is also a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors interested in its history and beautiful setting.

Weeranat W — Google review

This bridge offers great photo opportunities. Mt Ascutney in the background, the railroad bridge to the south, and of course, the beautiful Connecticut River all around.The day we visited, we had a pair of bald eagles cruising the water. This is still a functioning thoroughfare, so walking across the bridge requires a modicum of caution.And, of course, don’t ride your horse across, unless you are prepared to pay the fine!

DL H — Google review

Beautiful bridge and very long. Saw this on my way to Saint Gaudens NHP in NH. Loved the sign on the bridge indicating cost for horse and buggy to cross. Plenty of room to stop and shoot pics.

Terri M — Google review

What an amazing bridge- the longest covered bridge in it’s time. And as the sign warns there’s a fine of you don’t walk your horse. I sadly saw no horses, but passing cars inside the bridge was possible and terrifying! Lovely!

Onna K — Google review

These covered bridges are worth the visit. This one you can drive through. It was great seeing it and driving through. What a trip indeed! Nice photos with the water and all.

Bob M — Google review

Great to see it and walking through it, can still smell the horses, it's one of the few bridges that can be seen from interstate 91

S W — Google review

Longest wooden bridge in the United States and the longest covered two span bridge in the world! The bridge separates Vermont from New Hampshire. Going from New Hampshire to Vermont, over the entrance, it reads, "Walk your horses or pay two dollars fine." We drove it once and then turned back around and drove through it again!

Travel T — Google review

You can still drive over this bridge. It's an amazing piece of history as well as engineering . How did they do it out of eood!

John N — Google review

We stumbled upon the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge this week. We were heading from NH to VT. You can stop and park on the NH side, hence the posted pictures. According to the on site sign, this is the longest wooden bridge in the United States and the longest two-span covered bridge in the world. I wonder why I never heard of this before! This bridge crosses over the Connecticut River from New Hampshire to Vermont. Even if you're not into covered bridges, this one is something special to see!

Dr. G — Google review

The Cornish-Windsor Bridge is an iconic marvel connecting Vermont and New Hampshire. Built in 1866, it's the longest wooden covered bridge in the United States, offering a captivating blend of history and stunning river views. Crossing over the Connecticut River, this bridge is a testament to craftsmanship and durability. Its lattice truss design and deep red color make it a photogenic spot, especially during the fall foliage season. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a photography buff, or simply seeking a scenic drive, the Cornish-Windsor Bridge is a must-visit, encapsulating the charm of New England.

Vic D — Google review

Beautiful condition. The water, sky, weather, and bridge made for a exceptional photo. Hopefully I’ll find the time to do a painting of this beautiful bridge. Well worth the the ride there.

Verne T — Google review

The Covered Bridge is an ideal spot for taking photos, or if you just need a place to temporarily park and take a break from driving. The Connecticut River views are particularly spectacular in the spring and summer months.

Troy H — Google review

I’m proud to have this historic bridge in my local area. It’s beautiful and well maintained. As it’s the longest covered bridge in USA it gives us even more to be proud of. Good place to take photos and has a small nearby parking space so you can walk around taking photos etc.

Kathleen — Google review

Longest historic covered bridge in the United States. There is a recent bridge in Ohio over the Ashtabula River, which is 613 feet long, with pedestrian walkways on both sides. Dedicated in 2008.

VermontGuide — Google review

Just the drive through and the history of the covered bridge makes is a 5 star. Longest covered bridge in the US

Michelle M — Google review

We parked our car in Windsor and we walked to the bridge. It's not made for pedestrians, and we couldn't get to the other side to get a better picture of the whole bridge as there were always cars passing by and it can be dangerous.We weren't sure if there was a way to park our car in the other side so that we could take better photos, that's why we chose to come on foot.

André M — Google review

We crossed the bridge twice and used the pullout on the NH to take photos. It is an impressive monument to history and worth seeing!

Susanne K — Google review

Fun to visit the longest covered bridge! Parking available, but not designed for tourists. Have to walk along a short stretch of the busy road to get close for pictures. Too narrow and dark to walk into the bridge safely.

C A — Google review

Travellers, the Cornish Windsor bridge in both New Hampshire as well as Vermont is a New England gem. The bridge is very interesting and unique. It is made entirely of wood and is still and has been continually in use. It is a large covered bridge and spans the Connecticut river which is the boarder between the two states. The sites and sounds are utterly charming. Check it out. We recommend.TLDR - The bridge is worth the ride

Lisa D — Google review

4.8

(455)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (42)

4.5

(199)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (43)

Cornish, NH 03745, USA

8

New London Barn Playhouse

Performing arts theater

Concerts & Shows

Theaters

Continuously operating nonprofit summer stock theater showcasing emerging artists.

Sharing my appreciation for the New London Barn Playhouse for joyously hosting Pride events. As a queer woman who grew up in the area and recently returned to start a family, I am so grateful to see the Barn using its institutional power to celebrate the LGBTQIA community and affirm our belonging! If my wife and I are fortunate enough to have kiddos, we look forward to the day we can attend welcoming and accepting events at the Barn as a family!

Julia J — Google review

Quaint old barn where for 87 consecutive summer seasons they have had fabulous shows including 2019's Beauty and the Beast.

Brian P — Google review

Always our favorite place to see a show on vacation. Very reasonable ticket costs and a unique venue. Worth a try if you’re in the area.

Amanda F — Google review

Great shows all the time here. Renovations done to the place are stellar. Come check it out again if you haven't been there in a while!

Zach B — Google review

You must remember that a large portion of the actors are still students.

Jim H — Google review

It's a one of a kind experience. So much history and nostalgia. Thank you, Barn Playhouse! Always an impressive show.

Graham S — Google review

Nate Reid was a pleasure to meet.he was gracious and informative.this is a MUST SEE PLAYHOUSE!!

Frank D — Google review

Enjoyed a fantastic performance with a superb male cast of excellent singers. Worth the drive

Flora Q — Google review

The Barn is a classic summer theater venue, excellent in all aspects of casting and production. Great outdoor season under a tent in the summer of 2021 at Colby Sawyer College. Looking forward to seeing all the upgrades in the Barn theatre being done during the pandemic. The theater is small with a loyal following and generally well attended, so it's best to get tickets well in advance; you might get lucky with a last-minute plan, but give them a call before you show up in hopes of getting tickets at the door.

Jeff&Barb T — Google review

It's a great place to see musical theatre shows during the summer/ early fall!!

Yuliya B — Google review

I have been going to shows since I was 6 ( over 45 years now). Yes it is in an old barn, Yes the seating is a little tight but you are so close and many many great shows over the years. I look forward to going every summer.

Dana F — Google review

Great time enjoying the local playhouse theater last night. We saw Guys and Dolls and the cast was amazing!! The playhouse was updated about 1.5 years ago....and what a remarkable change...keeping the nostalgia of the interior theater the same, but expanding the grounds and remaining facility was a huge upgrade! Thank you for providing such a great spot for the community and visitors to enjoy.

Richard L — Google review

Excellent production. Seats are tight. If you have taller people, please make sure you get appropriate seats.

Tina S — Google review

I always enjoy the playhouse. We are VERY lucky to have a great theater this close to many homes!!!!

Jean M — Google review

We saw the Junior Interns production of Beauty and the Beast and it was fantastic! So well done. Definitely buy your tickets ahead of time, our seats were not very good because I waited too long. We missed a few things happening at the back of the stage since we were seated way to the side.

Caitlin B — Google review

Day transforms into Nightmare in White Satin:On September 1st, I watched in stunned silence as the matinee melodrama “Lady Day” unexpectedly devolved into a humorless comedy best described as “Musical Chairs” (wait for it).Due to the sound system being on a timer—it dramatically blew a fuse--Billie Holiday tramped offstage, leaving the audience to experience that vaude-villainian cliché, “a funny thing happened on the way,” sans jocularity. It became more of a behind-the-scenes set for a smokeless jazz club, during which the very talented piano player tickled the ivories and schmoozed with patrons on a (sadly) liquor-free night.The lady eventually tramped back onstage, delivering a hurried melody of Holiday hits, ending her performance with: “That’s it!” Bugs does it better.The musical chairs? I am physically challenged, and while waiting for the expected play to start, I asked for a chair to sit in. It was suggested that I ask another elderly, disabled person to vacate hers. In an effort to avoid a scene (dueling canes?), I sought out and found someone with more compassion. I sat, the “matron for the disabled” rolled her eyes, and the afternoon continued on its languid limp.That’s barn-like entertainment in New London. (Cue “Comedy Tonight,” which, ironically replaced “Love is in the Air” at “Forum,” on Broadway.) “Life imitates art, more than Art imitates Life,” or so claims Oscar Wilde.

Ralph E — Google review

Beautiful venue. No bad seats.

Jack C — Google review

4.7

(160)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (44)

4.5

(95)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (45)

84 Main St, New London, NH 03257, USA

(603) 526-6710

9

Mt Sunapee State Park

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31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (48)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (49)

State park

Nature & Parks

A recreation area with a campground, resort, beach & seasonal activities, such as skiing & boating.

Really nice park. Plenty of parking and lots of hiking. Beautiful especially in the fall with all the foliage. This part of New Hampshire is awesome

Matt B — Google review

Love this place! Super convenient location for people in central New Hampshire or Northern Mass. Lines are short during the week and the snow has been great so far! Friendly staff and tons of friendly skiers. No super challenging terrain but some great runs none the less.

Wil M — Google review

Went in June. We hike with our pup. It was awesome. The views we beautiful

Dawn D — Google review

We had a great presidents day visit, the trails are wide and long compared to what we are used to, the lift lines were quick and the snow was soft. Looking forward to another trip.

Bryan W — Google review

We attended the NH League of Craftmans Fair. Always fun, entertaining, and educational. We had lunch at the Tiki Bar, and the kabobs were wonderful.

Princess K — Google review

We decided to stop here on a whim and it was great. Employees were very friendly. We took a gondola ride up to the summit and walked down. The restaurant wasn't open but we were lucky enough to have gone on national Rock climbing day so we got to climb for free!

Amanda W — Google review

We hiked the Summit Trail and it was great. It was a beautiful day for a nice moderately challenge hike. There is a beautiful view from the top. The hike could be challenging when the ground is wet as there are a lot of rocky areas.

Jackie L — Google review

Wonderful lake access to a nice and clean beach ⛱️ and picnic tables for families to use. It looks like a place that gets busy early. So plan accordingly.

Natasha Y — Google review

Great time on the slopes, weekends were very busy for the easy trails, probably 15-20 minutes waits for the main quad lift.Restrooms are in all the lodges, summit included!

Matt M — Google review

I love the state park. There’s so much to do there: boat rides, beach, hiking, places to eat, good place to take photos, dog friendly, and/or chill out at the Harbor. You will not be disappointed!

Kathleen — Google review

A great place to go for a hike.

Nepal R — Google review

Hiked up Sunapee and followed the MS Greenway to Washington. Great hike, even though it was overcast!

Jeff C — Google review

First time at Sunapee Mountain! I usually ski in Northern New Hampshire and Maine at the BIG ski resorts. This place did not disappoint. I had so much fun skiing here. Beautiful trails and perfect snow conditions. Fast lifts and very organized staff to get skiers up the mountain in an orderly fashion. My favorite trail was Ridge. Beautiful scenery here and it overlooks Lake Sunappe too. Good food and drinks here. Loved the Irish coffee!Im coming back here again soon!!

Mark Z — Google review

The day I was there skiing was fantastic, fabulous, and friendly. Even this weekday had a full parking lot so come early. Slopes were not crowded. Lucky the day we were there great snow. For a vail resort the staff was extremely friendly. Trees are fun!!

Will H — Google review

The water and beach is clean. The Store is a little pricey but has a little of everything. Very happy with our visit. We will be back again.

Jamie B — Google review

Went to the ski area. Long lines, bad parking, nowhere to sit in the lodge. Definitely my least favorite ski resort in the area. Snow coverage was terrible and really just a terrible value all around. It's a very townie feel where if you're in the tailgating area it's probably awesome. If you're not go somewhere else.

Christopher ( — Google review

4.6

(1523)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (50)

4.5

(195)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (51)

86 Beach Access Rd, Newbury, NH 03255, USA

(603) 763-5561

10

Okemo Mountain Resort

Mentioned on

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Ski resort

Sights & Landmarks

Resort hotel

Ski & Snowboard Areas

Lookouts

Okemo Mountain Resort is a well-known ski destination located in Ludlow, Vermont. It offers ample skiing terrain and modern amenities, making it a popular choice for families. The resort is praised for its snow quality, groomed terrain, family programs, and friendly service. Additionally, the area surrounding the resort provides outdoor adventure opportunities for every season and features a vibrant downtown with an exciting restaurant scene. The mountain is beginner-friendly with progression terrain parks and multiple bunny hills.

Loved it! Went there in the first half of March. Well maintained trails (of course when weather permits). Many trails are wide and what I liked the most, have hills (so you always go up and down). Because of the way those trails (green included) designed, you need to work with your legs all the time. Those trails are really good for curving. Friendly staff, good and not very expensive food.

Nadia E — Google review

I recently had the chance to visit Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, Vermont, and I have to say, it's an absolutely fantastic ski destination.The resort has a wide variety of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert trails. The snow conditions were also excellent - the mountain received plenty of natural snowfall and the grooming was top-notch.One of the things that really stood out to me about Okemo was the attention to detail. The resort goes above and beyond to make sure that their guests have an enjoyable and memorable experience. The staff were all friendly and helpful, and the amenities - including a range of dining options and a cozy fireplace lounge - were all top-notch.Overall, I highly recommend Okemo Mountain Resort to anyone looking for a fantastic ski vacation. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll find plenty of great runs to enjoy at this beautiful resort.

Youtubeless D — Google review

Very nice resort. We did it with an epic pass discount so it was even better. Very convenient and easy. Also, it spoils everyone so you will never do skiing any other way. Pool and hot tub on premises to dip in after skiing. Other amenities available also, like massage place, but that has to be paid for seperately. I recommend this. Do it once and you'll understand.

Wojciech P — Google review

Make no mistake, this resort is not the west coast but considering that it’s on the east side of the country, they do a great job creating an experience that is certainly similar to resorts in Colorado and Utah

YR — Google review

Went skiing her for two days. I have to say, I was very impressed with their lift system and slopes. There are enough trails for all skill levels, and certainly enough space to explore. We really liked the express lifts, since they had so many options once at the top. We may be coming back since we enjoyed ourselves so much.

Stephen D — Google review

Review of bike park. I'm a novice biker, this was only my 2nd downhill mountain bike experience. I'm giving it 5 stars because I was able to ride the trails with limited skills. My 14 year old and husband opened and closed the park and they had a blast. This park only has two main bike trails and neither of them were difficult. I loved it because I could ride the whole park. The lift was slow, but we didn't mind, it takes you only half way up the mountain. Friendly and helpful staff. The girl working the lift gave me much appreciated pointers, and I ended the day a better rider than when I started. The bike haul lift ticket also includes one trip to the summit where you can buy food. The bikes were in good shape, the pads, helmet and gear were Fox brand and good quality. My 12 year old and I finished about an hour early and we hiked parts of the hiking trails, which were well maintained. Overall it was a great day! Would recommend.

Tanya S — Google review

This was our first trip to Okemo. We took lessons last weekend and our instructors (Chip and Richard) were both wonderful! The lessons really catered to skill level. The trails were well maintained and the food was fine.It was extremely busy the weekend we went and we had to park in one of the lower lots. We would have preferred not having to shuttle but the shuttles ran frequently/were pretty convenient

Katie D — Google review

Very nice mountain with well-groomed trails. They use a multi-lift system to get you around, which makes the runs a little shorter. Would recommend studying the map before going.If you plan on bringing your own food, would suggest packing a small bag to bring on the slopes. Parking lots are pretty far from the base. Multiple options to eat at lodges. Typical resort pricing ($$)

Chris T — Google review

Nice big ski resort with plenty of trails for all skill levels. Loved the bubble ski lift, it keeps me comfy during the ride to the top. Staff were friendly and helpful. An amazing choice for skiing on the East Coast!

Kiet T — Google review

Great mountain for skiers who are just graduating from greens, and there’s some hidden stuff off the top for the hardcore bunch. Good beginner (and advanced) glades, too. Easy drive from BDL airport. Restaurants are expensive and pretty low quality — I had one of the worst Bloody Marys of my life, including aboard airplanes, at the Solitude lodge. Pack a lunch and drink off-hill — the Loft is a legendary apres ski joint, though it gets jammed to the gills by 4 pm. In-town, Game Bird does great fried chicken and will keep your kids entertained for a couple hours.

Alex W — Google review

Found this last minute after our other hotel fell through. Came up for the Spartan Vermont weekend at Killington and this was a short 15-20m ride over there. Room was spacious and loved the loft option. Comfortable beds and sofa pullout with plenty of room for 3 guys. Definitely coming back with the family to explore their adventure park behind the resort!

Matt F — Google review

Nice resort with a lot of trails, but can get very crowded during the holidays, lift lines could get long at times if you were with groups of people. If you go to the opposite side of the mountain it is more open, also there is no night skiing so it closes around 4. Found and drink wasn’t outrageous for a ski resort.

Steviejr — Google review

What a fantastic mountain.I was able to ski over Easter weekend at Okemo and had a fantastic experience.The parking ticketing, rental,and lift staff were efficient, kind, and helpful with friendly and cheerful spirits.It was obvious they were happy to be there.The resort was clean, well kept, and organized.The views were amazing from all over the mountain, and the air was cold, crisp, and clean.The slopes were in great condition, and the lines were short.The greens and blues were correctly denoted, with a few blacks maybe being blues..., but the trails were great.I look forward to heading back next season for a week long getaway.

Dean J — Google review

My group and I had a fantastic time here... of course we were here when it was super warm yet the Okemo Team did a great job of grooming the runs in preparation for the warm weather each day! BEAUTIFUL Resort! Would recommend this hill to anyone looking to ride on the East Coast! Great runs for all levels of experience!

Phillip H — Google review

This review is for the ski lessons only.Scott was fantastic. Very kind and encouraging. We enjoyed working with him and on my first time skiing ever, I was able to ski a regular slope! He is aware that people have different styles for what work for them and encourages you to find your individual comfort in skiing, both mentally and physically. Highly recommend Rick was an training to run his own lessons and he was awesome too.

Nicole F — Google review

Normally a great resort on the Epic pass, however this time the last lift closing early forced us to finish skiing in the South Quad Village. This is a condo real estate development still under construction. There was no operating chair, no staff, nothing.We called the main help desk, and they gave us a number to call for a shuttle driver, who we discovered was in Florida upon calling. There are no Ubers in the area.We were forced to walk an hour and forty minutes back to our hotel at the other side of the resort. This walk was in full gear, snow boots, while carrying our skis.

Jeremy G — Google review

We did not stay at the resort but we spent 2 days on the slopes and had an amazing time! The views were just astounding!

Myka C — Google review

Kicked off 23/24 season at Okemo and it has been a great start! Great top-to-bottom run options given it’s still early season, friendly staff, and goos service! Shot out to ski patrol Ryan, he is awesome!! Highly recommended this place for all skiers and snowboarders :)

Max C — Google review

Went to get my Epic pass at the ticket window because I was told after a call with guest services that I had to have my pass verified at the resort because it is a college pass. First of all very poor on communication with that from epic as there is nothing on the website that states that when you buy a college pass. While I was at the ticket window I told the lady and she was nice about it and pulled up my account, then behind her another lady comes up and tells me I have to have a printed list with my credits and classes on it meanwhile I have my college ID and my class schedule for the semester.the lady was down right rude and said she’d let it slide just this once. I understand showing proof but the people at the resorts take it to an extreme to prove that you are in college. They are money hungry and don’t want anyone who is not in college to buy it leaving it to be difficult for the people who are truthful and actually in college.

Claire D — Google review

Great place for a family ski week. Lessons were helpful, runs are a blast. Very family friendly. Looking forward to our next visit! (Tip: bring groceries with you if you want to eat in your suite).

Taran R — Google review

The Winter place is the place to be! We stayed at the new construction last year and did not like that we had to get to the lift so that we could ski. We tried the lodge that allowed us to ski right away, and it was a blast! The lodge itself is not new, but is nicely kept and had everything that we needed. Plenty of blankets, a fireplace, a view!, space and a spacious dining room, laundry washer and dryer, beautiful bathrooms, although they could have washed the shower curtain liner, in the one bathroom. The place was overall clean. The toaster was a joke--small, old and useless! Please upgrade immediately! Get a more efficient 4 slice toaster--think of families or couples who want to eat together. There were no kitchen towels, which was a bit disappointing, we used paper towels- we are trying to save a tree, but you see where this is going!?The pool was lovely a bit much on the chlorine --eyes burned up on entry. The hot tubs (2) were wonderful, but you have to bring your own towels. The entire experience was excellent. It even snowed in the early morning then warmed up, how awesome is that!

D B — Google review

Took a mid-week day trip and found all the trails to be well groomed with a good amount of snow. Lines were not overly busy, and I was able to get in my fair share of runs!There’s a shuttle that will take you from parking at the base to the lifts. There’s not a lot of direction around the shuttle systems, but I was able to find my way back fairly easily by asking the staff.Recommend Okemo for a great day of boarding!

Courtney S — Google review

Can I just tell you that I absolutely love the ski instructor my 10 year old daughter had. I think his name was Nicky. He was very laid back, not push and had so much patience with her. He talked nice with her. She actually got one on one time the whole time. She actually likes ski now too. She wouldn't do the lift and he wasn't pushy about it. I was happy she got someone nice bc she is a very stubborn girl.

Angel C — Google review

Great mountain with lots of varied terrain. Something for everyone. Lifties do a great job of keeping things moving. New chairlifts make for fast and comfortable rides up

Jayne M — Google review

Awesome place to go ski solo or take the family with. Tons of things to do aside from skiing and great town of Ludlow right down the road. Great place to go especially if you have an Epic pass. Okemo has some of the best grooming on the East Coast if not the whole USA.

Andrew J — Google review

I have been coming to okemo since I was just able to walk and I love my memories of this place. Now I have brought my son here and all I can say is that I am extremely disappointed. Vail resorts has turned a fun family experience into a soulless corporate slog. Completely disregarding ticket prices (not that it should be disregarded) the experience as a whole has ruined what was my favorite mountain. During the week half of the lifts are closed because they don't want to spend the resources to run them for the reduced volume of skiers. This limits the terrain available to beginner skiers to mountain Rd and various minor tributaries. They steal your bags if you leave them in the lodge, something everyone has always done in the history of skiing, across the world. They scanned my pass while I was standing at the bottom of the magic carpet in SHOES waiting for my son to come down from his practice runs, charging me a full day's worth of my 4 day pass. That was eventually resolved after an hour's hassle and involving the resort manager when they "magnanimously" offered me a "free pass", although it was simply returning the day they had stolen from me without cause. The staff is unfriendly (with a few exceptions of course), the atmosphere is gone, and I won't be coming back. I will avoid all Vail resorts in the future. I will try to do my little part to keep the soul of my passion alive, to keep skiing fun and family friendly, to halt the corporate takeover that has made skiing in the USA so expensive that I can fly to Europe, pay for lodging and life tickets and food, and still spend less than a week on an epic pass at Vail resorts where I have free lodging and cook my own food.

DJ S — Google review

Wonder first experience skiing! The rental place is like a well oiled machine. It was quick and friendly service. We had lessons and the instructors were very knowledgeable and helpful. My daughter was able to go from Red to about the end of yellow. She was also skiing in the terrain area. We stayed at Jackson Gore condos and the amenities were excellent with gym, hot tubs, in and outdoor pools and more. The cafeteria was crowded during lunch (hard to find a seat) and the food was ok. I would suggest to go early, beat the crowds, eat and early lunch and while everyone is eating lunch you can ski. At the waffle cabin we had delicious warm cider and a chocolate and plain waffles. They were warm and made fresh. We had a wonderful weekend. Will definitely come back.

Bernadette B — Google review

We stayed here the day after the eclipse, as it was hard to find a room elsewhere. Nice big room, gorgeous view, not expensive. And we had access to the jacuzzi outside while there was still snow around. Plenty of EV chargers, we left with our Tesla fully charged.

Adorjan K — Google review

Didn't stay at the resort but had a good time riding the slopes. The mountain is very beginner friendly with progression terrain park and at least 3 carpets with wide bunny hills. The Jackson side is better for beginners and has a nice fire pit after a day on the slopes. They didn't check for tickets at the carpet. There's no shuttle parking on the Jackson side. The main mountain side had shuttles but it was very slow when everyone was trying to leave at the same time after the lifts closed. The slopes on the main mountain side were more fun to ride, on one trail you go directly through an underpass. Rental was friendly and fast. Unfortunately, the slopes were very icy on our visit and there wasn't any high speed lift. Every lift took a while to reach the top. I definitely appreciate the slow down when the chair reaches the top for people to get off.

Cory L — Google review

4.5

(3466)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (52)

4.0

(691)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (53)

Ludlow, VT 05149, USA

(802) 228-1600

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11

The Vermont Country Store Weston

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Mentioned on

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General store

Shopping

The Vermont Country Store in Weston is a sprawling historic building filled with an array of products, from maple syrup and candy to gifts, souvenirs, toys, treats, jams, and clothing. The store's charming decor and displays add to its appeal. Visitors can also enjoy apple cider and hot cocoa inside the store or indulge in maple creemees just outside the entrance.

A pretty descent rustic style store which has a pretty interesting history as well. Their bathroom was so clean and amazing! Good souvenir buys here. Parking is too ample to fill the store. Accepts credit. See images and videos for further information

Nico S — Google review

Country stores and good living! They both come together at the Vermont Country store! As if transported back in time, something for everyone…from Maple Syrup to Irish sweaters to books and treats! Make it a day trip!

Glenn — Google review

It's been years since I've been in this store; but it's still chock full of many cool products from housewares to decorations to clothing to body care products to candy ...endless. some a bit steep in price, others fairly reasonable. It's a lot to take-in at one visit. Love the store, love the catalog. Worth stopping by.

Edward K — Google review

More than a store, this is an experience. They have sell a wide variety of items. From cloths, housewares, linens, toys, food items, and more, you can spend an hour or two browsing. The staff is warm, friendly and eager to engage.You will also find a nature trail, outdoor seating a beautiful restaurant and plenty of parking.I recommend this place as the perfect lazy Sunday road trip destination. You won't be disappointed!

Rob S — Google review

This store is a lot of fun to visit. They have everything here from their catalog and more. If you enjoy traditional nostalgic Americana or you're looking for a household item that you remember from your childhood, they might have it. Plus a great selection of sweet and savory food items, clothing, decor, self-care items, jewelry, and more. Everything is displayed very well with antiques mixed in.Check out the dairy bar outside for sandwiches and creemees (soft serve ice cream) too.

Ian W — Google review

Poor customer service turned an enjoyable day into a miserable experience for me at the Weston store on August 14. I was waiting in line to pay for my items. There was one customer ahead of me. There was a small area to the left of the customer in front of me, far enough away that it was obvious that my items were not mingled with her items. I set my items on this area so that I could get my credit card out and be ready to check out, then moved back behind the customer. I’ve had a stroke and my right hand is clumsy, so it takes me some time to get my credit card out of my wallet, and I like to be prepared and not delay the cashier. I also was in a great deal of pain. The cashier asked the customer if we were together. The customer was confused, not knowing that I was even standing behind her and said “yes.” I immediately responded that we were not together. The cashier then very curtly told me to stand off to the side. The customer said “no that’s OK.” I responded ”no, I will do as I am told.” I picked up my items, reassembled my wallet, and moved to the side of the customer. I felt like a small child having done something bad when all I was doing was resting my items so that I could help the cashier out by getting my credit card ready. I was not standing so closely that I was violating any social distancing protocols. I immediately left the store. I had planned to have an ice cream and a sandwich on the way out but I told my husband I wasn’t going to spend another penny at your store. It’s people like this that turn a good experience into a bad experience.

Jeanne — Google review

This place was recommended to me by my hotel as I was looking for a place to buy Vermont souvenirs. It did not disappoint! It was large, clean, rustic, ample parking and beautiful drive to get there. We got multiple kinds of cheese, raisin bread, a locally made bath bomb, maple candy and more. Go here!

Ashlee D — Google review

Stopped here so the ladies could shop while on a fall foliage trip. There’s a lot of cool items for sale. Yup, they left with a couple bags.

Ken D — Google review

A wonderful space to explore with family and friends.Worth a visit when in the area, and purchasing from their website when far away. I enjoyed the penny candy area as well as the Christmas corner. There is also a discounted area full of clothing and odds/ends.

Erica N — Google review

My family has been coming here for fifty+ years and it remains as charming and fun as ever, and they have a local discount on Tuesdays. Why two stars? Thought it would be nice to tap into that family nostalgia and purchased my mom a scarf from their website after seeing it in the Weston store- THEY SOLD MY INFO TO EVERY OLD LADY CATALOG IN PUBLICATION. I am seriously recycling *reams* of paper featuring muumuus and scented candles and stylish diabetes socks or whatever. Each one has to be canceled individually and I think they are selling my information on, too. Cost me huge amounts of time- and some money, as out here in the country we pay for our own recycling. Hey VT Country Store, if you start finding hundreds of old lady catalogs on your porch, it was me, returning them to the source.

B — Google review

Wish we had time to visit this store more, we arrived right before closing and headed out early the next morning. This place is full to the brim with products both useful and some unique items too. Soaps, apparel, fudge, aftershave, candies, maple products, toys, and more. There is plenty of parking in the back and a trailer with restrooms.

Ben B — Google review

The workers are incredibly helpful and friendly. The stores have a huge assortment of products. You should be able to find almost anything you want from food to clothes to household accessories.

Jeffrey B — Google review

This is always a good stop for all sorts of items. Fine selection of VT sourced 🍁 Syrup, cheese, soaps. Today I picked up a much needed apple corer.

Bart R — Google review

A great place to get all your Vermont products; cheese, syrup, candy, sweatshirts, etc. They have an ice cream place where you can get a maple soft serve!

H R — Google review

So beautiful! Festive holiday atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff, and did I mention they have VT maple syrup?! 🤣

Sara G — Google review

This place is so neat. I wasn’t expecting it to be as big inside. This place has something for EVERYONE. If you are in town, you MUST stop here. I’ll be back!

Howard M — Google review

There is a wide variety of old-fashioned and classic goodies in this store.There are a lot of quality, durable clothes, including sweaters, socks, pajamas, hats, and more.There is also a large selection of natural soaps, lotions, creams, tonics, and other remedies.A variety of candies, baked goods, soup mixes, breads, and other holiday items are available.There was a good selection of Halloween and Christmas decorations available.

Big W — Google review

Went out for a ride through NY & into Vermont. This store is huge & has everything you could possibly imagine from beautiful sweaters to Vermont coffee/candy shop. The wonderful memories it brought back seeing Charles Chip containers as a child, were priceless. Plan on spending a couple of hours to meander through it. A wide selection of everything & their catalog pictures do not do justice to their beautiful items they carry! Everyone is very friendly & helpful. Thank you for a nice experience.

Lisa B — Google review

If you need it - the country store has it.Clothes - puzzles - candy - wine - cheese - fudge - kitchen utensils - kids toys - soap - body care products - Christmas decorations - you name it!!!You can spend a lengthy time here.They used to have free samples but that’s no longer. And candy is now pre-packaged when you used to be able to grab any amount you wanted.That part is a bit of a bummer, as it was so fun before.Some items are pretty pricey too.

Jakob P — Google review

What doesn't this store have. You can literally find everything you need or never thought you needed in here. The store sells all kinds of Vermont themed things. In addition they have a section for men's and woman's clothing, children clothing, toys, kitchenware, candy, jewelry and much more. The store is huge so you can just shop and shop. The outside area has several seating areas, I enjoyed sitting on the rocking chairs which truth be told, I think I caught a nap as my girlfriend was shopping. All in all in was a very cool store with plenty of things you never really thought you needed but could use.

Andres A — Google review

What a cute stop for everything Vermont! Mind you, this is a pure tourist trap - but hear me out. It's a great one! Had lots of locally made goods, smelled delicious, great gourmet foods and lots of gifts. Honestly it was worth the stop, even to a native New Englander like myself.

Sebastian M — Google review

4.6

(1895)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (65)

4.5

(885)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (66)

657 Main St, Weston, VT 05161, USA

(802) 824-3184

12

The Vermont Country Store Rockingham

31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (67)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (68)

31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (69)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (70)

General store

Shopping

Clothing store

Gift & Specialty Shops

Amazingly nostalgic. I found the merchandise to be expensive; Large markup for homemade soaps and sundries. It was great to see they offered penny candy. Fabulous place to lose yourself in memories! With the stop!

Amy L — Google review

Oh my goodness! I love this store! It has everything you can imagine and more! The staff are friendly and the ambiance is old timey. I'll definitely be shopping here again!

Jeanette D — Google review

I felt like I stepped back in time. The decor is period 1800's stepping into the way-back machine. There are items in this country store that I haven't seen since I was a kid. And there was plenty of unique items that have common sense uses. We made the 2+ hour trip to check out the buzz about the place. We saw this spot on Ma Chronicle and had to come!Visual: I rode up on my horse and tied it to the rail outside with the other horses watering in the troth while their owners were inside. Could hear my spurs clanging as I walked through the pothecary getting my daily needs to put on account til the end of the month.True time capsule!

Dave P — Google review

This place is like a department store with a country feeling. It is just a few miles from the highway (exit 6) and a great place to visit. There was clothing, food, soaps, Christmas decorations, and much more. Really fascinating to walk around. Definitely worth a visit.

Dennis O — Google review

Take a step back in time and stop in on your way through Vermont. Loaded with nostalgia as well as locally made products. Sure, these items aren't cheap, but it's worth a visit. Plenty to see and something for everyone. The staff was friendly and helpful. The bathrooms were clean (long trip!) And the variety was remarkable.

Lisa L — Google review

It would be 5 stars but personally I felt constrained and herded. Signs signs every where signs blocking up the scenery breaking my mind, do this don't do that... you get the picture. That gripe expressed, as ever a nostalgic fun trip down memory lane. Alot of neat things, needful things, tasty things and funny things. Follow the photos of what caught my eye and bright back memories!

Richard F — Google review

My mom wanted to go here while she was visiting from NC...said she ordered from here all the time online and wanted to see it for herself.She was NOT disappointed. It was like stepping back in time when you walked into the store. Old products you can't really find anymore exist on the shelves beside newer items. From Bazooka bubble gum to crockery to Christmas ornaments to sweaters to tools and more they seemed to have EVERYTHING fitting an old country store!And of COURSE if you're looking for maple products it has them by the metric ton...syrup, candies, soaps you name it...if it can be made to be maple-ish they have it. They even have their own candy.It's a great time to come to this store and just walk around it. It made me miss some of the older stores (that were crumbling) when I was a kid in the deep south...just...with more maple stuff in it. Total recommend 5 out of 5

Wade Y — Google review

Big fun store. Very friendly staff. Love shopping the Yankee Bargains upstairs. Prices are a little high but mostly worth it. They sell very high quality garments. And penny candy...and toys...and snacks....and everything maple! Very close to beautiful Bellows Falls!!

James J — Google review

Have not been here for ages. Lots of 'old' stuff you have not seen in years. Cloths are excellent quality. Worth a stop at either store. This one I believe is the smaller one.

A.J. P — Google review

This is just about my favorite place to visit in Vermont. There really isn't much you can't find. The building is amazing, and the staff are the friendliest and most helpful around. Give yourself plenty of time to explore!!!

Theresa H — Google review

The Vermont Country Store Rockingham, Vermont is a great place. We have made a lot of good memories here over the years and it hasn’t stopped. We did it again today. We made more great memories at this location. It is a very calming environment. The employees are always very friendly and helpful. If you are ever close to this area be kind to yourself and stop in for 30 minutes or an hour. We recommend this store.

Richard M — Google review

Awesome place to take a break for the road trip! I love it! And there are tons of great products in it.

Grace F — Google review

I just recently purchased 2 copies of “For The Love Of Vermont”. One for myself and one as a Christmas gift. It is a beautiful book that will enhance every coffee table

Lakeland G — Google review

Great selection of candies, treats, nostalgic toys, clothing, nick-nacks, and basically everything else you can think of. There is a Christmas section, and the whole store just smells good. There is an attached takeout restaurant with extremely good food. Burgers, sandwiches, salads, and a good kids selection as well.Highly recommend this short detour off of I-91.

Brian S — Google review

Stopped in early on a Saturday morning. Parking is free and there's lots of it available. There is a wheelchair ramp. The store layout is expansive with lots of toys, treats, clothing, and more. Staff is very helpful. Restrooms are available. Upstairs there is a Bargain Room as well. Nextdoor is Mildreds Place for a quick bite of hamburger, fries, soft drink and more. Soft serve ice cream treats, too. Overall a fun way to spend a couple hours....

Mark O — Google review

7.31.23 One of those "must stop" venues when in the area as it has food, some outdoor dining spots, items to purchase to take home such as VT made cheeses, sweets, wine, jellies, maple syrup, toy, clothes, soaps, etc. It's also a fun place to just walk around and browse. There's something for every age and taste.

Margaret H — Google review

The Vermont Country store has a little bit of everything. They have candy, clothing, housewares, vintage and novelty items, and a lot more. There is also a bakery and they serve a small food menu and ice cream.It's definitely worth checking out if you are in the area

Chuck — Google review

Well stocked country store, with clothes, food and those unique items you find in their catalog. Very friendly staff.

Ernest C — Google review

Huge selection of items, helpful and pleasant staff. Just minutes from Interstate. Food, restrooms, free parking. Unique shopping experience.

T C — Google review

I love this outlet for iconic items! Check it out! I have found many, many things I thought I would never see again. It's wonderful. I love this store. Shopping online.

A S — Google review

4.6

(2330)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (71)

4.5

(274)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (72)

1292 Rockingham Rd, Bellows Falls, VT 05101, USA

(802) 463-2224

13

Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site

Museum

Shopping

Historical place

Educational sites

Historic Sites

Gift & Specialty Shops

Wonderful customer service! Our tour guide was a super tall, athletic man named Adam and he was really knowledgeable. You can tell he has a passion for history. Has the demeanor of a true Leo. Would recommend this tour to anyone who cares about American ancestries.

Jasper M — Google review

I LOVE New England history bc I was raised here. This was a very affordable and informative tour!!The 2 employees a lady w glasses and another who had just moved to the area, VERY friendly and knowledgeable.The ONLY reason I left off a star is because we couldn't take photos. That is just policy for this historic site, for preservation purpose.I was the only one on the tour and they were more than willing to accommodate just me.Thank you very much ladies for a very personalized experience!!

Kristen T — Google review

8/19/24—We didn’t plan at all to stop at the Franklin Pierce Homestead, but my stepson had an unplanned breakfast party for his friend, so we decided to linger a bit longer before picking him up. I checked Google Maps, and this place popped up. My husband, always ready for an adventure, obliged and took me there—with the dog, of course, because the dog goes everywhere with us in New Hampshire.On the way, I asked my husband, "You don’t know who Franklin Pierce is?" He said, "No." To be honest, I didn’t know either, but he never asked for details, so I let it slide. When we arrived, I realized this place is really interesting!As we walked in, we were greeted by a lady—Sarah, I think was her name. She gave us the dos and don’ts: no pictures inside and no drinks allowed. This place has so much history! Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, had an interesting life and house. One cool fact: he was the first president to have a Christmas tree in the White House. Another surprising fact is that he or his father welcomed the first free Black man in New Hampshire to eat at their dinner table, treating him like family. They even did the same with their help.The house itself was fascinating. They had a well right next to the house with sliding wooden windows to get water—like their own drive-thru to avoid the cold! The party hall made me imagine all the people they entertained over the years—they were definitely party people.As we explored the rooms and halls, I couldn’t help but think about how these historic places allow us to live in the past, even if just for a moment. It’s like stepping into a time machine, where the walls whisper stories of days gone by. You can almost feel the presence of those who lived here, their joys, their struggles, and their everyday lives, preserved in the remnants they left behind. It’s a powerful reminder that while times change, the essence of human experience remains the same.I really love these historic places; you learn so much. There were only a few of us on the tour, and we had to watch a video first, which I could have skipped, but we were there too early and had time to kill. Even the dog seemed interested in checking out the house! I would love to travel back in time just to get a peek at their lives. All we have now are these remnants of things that survived to remind us of their past.

Marilyn M — Google review

A wonderful piece of history preserved for prosperity sake. Nathaniels Father Benjamin was a Revolutionary War veteran who built this house in the early 1800's when our future 14th President Nathaniel Pierce was just a child. A stately Homestead was nade here in Hillsborough NH.

Jim P — Google review

Was very pleasantly surprised by this site. Tour guides were amazing and very knowledgeable. Off the beaten path but definitely worth the drive. Takes about an hour or two to enjoy sight.

Deb J — Google review

Very educational. Just confirms that Jacksonian Democrats have now become Republicans. Less government, less taxes, and more freedom! We had a great tour. She was very knowledgeable and well spoken

Mark Y — Google review

Great experience and excellent tour guides!The visit was a great way to learn about the 14th President, his parents, and daily life in the early 19th century.The house has been beautifully restored and the furnishings and artifacts in each room tell a unique part of the story.Really appreciated the tour guides knowledge of the house and history surrounding Franklin Pierce. In spite of the hot day, our guide allowed each of our group to enjoy the parts of each room which was great!If you have time, Franklin's father a former governor of New Hampshire and mother are buried just up the road and the cemetery is very old.

W G — Google review

Very interesting place, our tour guide was amazing and I learned so much about the only President from NH! Some of what I learned even dispelled some conceptions I had about Franklin Pierce! Beautifully preserved home, small gift shop in barn.

Sharon D — Google review

My husband and I have a bucket list to visit all the president's homes. This home was one of our favorite tours. We had an exceptionally knowledgeable tour guide who gave us an almost one and a half hour tour. We took our 9 and 6-year-old and they both really enjoyed all the information as well. The house is well maintained and there is a lot of interesting history here. They have a small gift shop. We bought our tickets in advance online which was an easy process.

Emily S — Google review

Beautiful historical home. (I LOVE old architecture.) The tour guide, Sara, was very knowledgeable and extremely friendly. Definitely worth a visit.

Fey L — Google review

I ate breakfast across the street and they recommended I go there. I would have given this a higher rateing but they don't open untill 10 A. M. The grounds and house are well kept as being a state park. I would like to go there when they are open.

Moving R — Google review

The house in itself is very interesting, but the tour guide was so knowledgeable and engaged that the tour made the history come alive.

Nan B — Google review

Interesting historical tour of the only US President from New Hampshire. Guided tours are every hour. Our guide was well versed in Pierce's life.

Bill K — Google review

Lovely historic place filled with interesting books, China and a documentary. The house and grounds are superbly kept.

Laurie R — Google review

Got a tour of the estate and found the whole experience educational. The lady who gave the us the tour was extremely knowledgeable and and very nice. Franklin Pierce has always seemed insignificant as a historic president. I walked away knowing so much more.

Caleb B — Google review

4.6

(104)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (73)

4.5

(61)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (74)

301 2nd New Hampshire Turnpike, Hillsborough, NH 03244, USA

(603) 478-3165

14

Bromley Mountain

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31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (77)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (78)

Mentioned on

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Mountain peak

Outdoor Activities

Bromley Mountain is a renowned peak, famous for its winter ski resort and summer adventure park. The alpine slide in the adventure park attracts many visitors during summers. This mountain is managed locally and provides a family-friendly environment, which stands out from other mountains that are becoming overcrowded due to Vail's network. One such example is Sunnapee, which has been struggling with massive traffic jams since Vail resorts took over.

Great ski mountain. Perfect for families! I skiing here 3 days this winter. My son took private lessons and I skied on my own and with him at the end of the day. First off the place is clean and nice and filled with good people. The staff was super friendly and helpful. We got horrible weather for skiing. Raining 2 days then dropping to below freezing then back to rain, lol. Just bad luck but I thought the conditions were really good on the mountain for east coast skiing and given the weather. I think most importantly they lessons and instructors provided were top notch. My son was skiing by himself after two half -day lessons which was my goal. He had literally never been off bunny slope and by the end of the time at Bromley he was competent to take chair lift and ski down greens. What more could you ask for?!! Really great place. Going to take my son and daughter back next year to see if they can work their magic on her now. THANK YOU BROMLEY!!!

B.P. A — Google review

The mountain used to be great. The upper management is inept at making decisions that will make the mountain flourish, and instead wastefully spend money on upgrades that actually do not help. They “put over a million dollars” into the high speed quad this year and it is still unable to run most of the time. All other mountains in the area are able to operate with some icing, bromley pulls the plug with one drop of rain. Then instead of providing access to the top using a fixed grip quad, they close the summit for no reason or try to use Covid as an excuse. Paying employees like vail pays employees also doesn’t help. Like the saying goes, you get what you pay for. As much as I hate to say it, buying an Ikon or an epic is financially smarter, and at least there is competent management at most of those ski areas.

Collin Z — Google review

This mountain has always been a favorite of mine, so happy to visit a locally managed family friendly resort. These areas are so much better run than the ones getting gobbled up by overcrowding with Vails network. If you want an example of how Vail resorts is ruining local mountains look at Sunnapee who now requires government intervention to keep the state park it leases from causing massive traffic jams.

David H — Google review

Staff was friendly, pretty spacious lodge with free cubicles, pretty easy and quick transport from parking lot to base, but open truck so can be very cold. One lift is really painfully slow, only one fast quad. Trail signage could be a bit more clear. So trails had huge icy patches.

Soyon ( — Google review

I am not an experienced skier, but it seemed to have many trails. What could have made it better would be if there was more people at the top to help if you are doing badly. The food was decent, but the inside was pretty unorganized. They stopped the lift/magic carpet for the littlest reason, which was kind of frustrating. Otherwise, I had an alright experience.

Infinix — Google review

love Bromley. However, my group spotted a dog left in a car for hours while it’s owner was on the mountain. We told staff and they didn’t do anything. The following day, this dog again was left in the car and it was even colder out. We again told staff and we were told to call the police because they can’t? I’m not sure how they handle crime happening on their property but this really makes them look bad. Would have liked to see them handle this properly instead of ignoring it and a dog being left in a vehicle in cold temperatures.

Jessica G — Google review

I've been up in Peru several times over the past few years and staying with my friend who has a ski cottage up here and with Bromley being only a few minutes away, its a no brainer that Bromley Mountain is our go to.My favorite runs here is the pushover and the glade. It has a good amount of curvy slopes and moguls. However, when I get too tired the run around 1-4 is by far my favorite run. It requires almost no effort and is very leisurely way down the mountain when you just want to have a chill time. I'm a snowboarder so I usually get gassed faster than skiiers so I always love to use the run around to catch my breathe and recover before going to do blue or black diamond runs. Overall Bromley is a very nice mountain to go to. It is smaller than Stratton mountain which is like a half hour away but Bromley is just that much more convenient. Overall I definitely will be back. Tickets are getting slightly more expensive every year I come back though but thats probably every ski resort.

Erik T — Google review

The prices are what they are, certainly cheaper than some of the other places to ski. Skiing is average to a bit above average east coast skiing but conditions are always variable. They have a pretty good set up for beginners. The bottom of the slope can be quite congested when it is busy.

Richard T — Google review

If you are a fan of simplicity – great hills, lots of powder, easy access to lodge, beautiful vistas and waits that are not overtaxing at all, then Bromley is for you. When you come to Bromley, you’ll find great skiing, an intimate environment and good clean fun. Good for young families because every single trail eventually comes to the base lodge so no losing children. A big draw is tree skiing. No big nightlife here - focus is on skiing and snowboarding. Great spot for Telemark skiers too. We saw several of these skiers while there. We visited in March and had a great time. Snow Gods were generous that week.

Paula T — Google review

Our family came to Bromley for the first time and so far our experience has been great. Ron in the ski store helped us with heating our boots. I had a lesson and the entire process was painless. Overall my family had a positive experience and look forward to another day on the Mountain tomorrow.

Jennifer B — Google review

Went to spend a day with the children there. The staff was gracious and nice. The lines were kind of long. The prices are quite high: $25 per person for the Alpine slide ride per person which is quite high. The lift rides were $25 per person. Nice place but the cost does not match the service or product provided!

Zia Z — Google review

what's up guys!! 😁this is a really nice place to go to! i don't ski or snowboard here, but the alpine slides, tree ropes course, and zip lines are super fun! i love everything, but i especially recommend the tree ropes course if it's open when you visit

Lucia — Google review

I have skied here for years. Started here as a child. Only needed the EMTs once in 60 years. But they were very attentive, professional and quick. It is such a fun family mountain. Anything needed they try to accommodate. Great Sun Mountain!!❤️

Kathleen H — Google review

4.5

(81)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (79)

4.5

(258)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (80)

Peru, VT 05152, USA

15

Stratton Mountain

Mountain peak

Nature & Parks

Ski & Snowboard Areas

Mountain with a prominent ski resort, plus hiking trails & a fire-lookout tower open to the public.

During the Thanksgiving weekend, my family and I visited this charming destination for the first time, and it turned out to be a delightful surprise. I was initially uncertain about the availability of snow for skiing at this time, but it was good enough to enjoy skiing.The view from the mountaintop was really amazing, and the pretty scenery made our visit feel magical. I was fascinated by how beautiful the peak was, and it became the best part of our trip.I'm already looking forward to returning to this wonderful place. The experience exceeded my expectations. If you're looking for a perfect winter getaway, I highly recommend considering this location.

Yong C — Google review

Typically thought of only in the winter, Stratton is also a fun place to visit in the summer months. Take the gondola for a ride to the top and hike to the fire tower for a great view. Also, check out the summer concert series which is also a fun time. We went to see a band and the fireworks on July 4th which was a great experience.

John W — Google review

A beautiful mount in green mountain area , full with lots of wild flowers, butterflies will welcome you if you visit in summer, of course take the American Express and gondola, it’s pretty cheep here . You may also hike , biking and so other options are also available in summer. I guess in winter this area will give you another beautiful view with snow.

Papiya S — Google review

My family and I love this ski resort. The town is beautiful and they have childcare during ski season!

Valerie M — Google review

We enjoyed Stratton. They do have a couple of free bunny runs with carpet lifts for the very beginners, which is a nice add if your kids are just getting on, considering that all day lift pass was around 170$ a day over the holidays with no options for hourly or half-day passes. It was also incredibly crowded.Unfortunately, we were not very impressed with the lack of safety enforcement - there are few dedicated "slow ski" zones, however, nothing prevents more experienced riders from speeding down these zones, causing serious discomfort to the beginners.They do have a youth school and offer group and private lessons, which is a nice option for the parents to be able to fit in a couple of runs in. Although, we did witness multiple very upset kids on the kiddies slopes calling for their parents with instructors struggling to re-focus their attention.Stratton staff was very responsive and helpful, and we thought they actually managed to keep the snow on the runs reasonably well on the positive temperatures/rainy days.Overall, Stratton is a good option for a non-holidays snowy weekend.

Elena A — Google review

We love this mountain, but recently and almost every time we go there gondola is on delay. They are blaming on wind, but I was there last weekend winds were calm yet gondola was closed on Sunday. I think they giving people BS and saving on electric yet tickets are super expensive.

Cichy — Google review

Big pros to Beth! Made our day that much more memorable! Amazing individual with even more knowledge of the mountain. Beth you rock!!!!

Najeeb G — Google review

It is so fun and the little village is really nice with all the restaurants and stores

Henry — Google review

Ah, my happy place! Stratton is my favorite place on the planet as I've been coming here for 30 years (wow that makes me feel ancient).We claim Mountain watch as our home and each season brings something different weather it is skiing, hiking, drinking, golf, swimming, drinking more...there is something for everyone. Stratton has gotten better with age and boats gorgeous building, up to date infrastructure, excellent staff & facilities.Thanks for making me so happy through the years Stratton you old dog!

Jeff M — Google review

Day care tried to kick my daughter out for napping at 11am. Wasted half my day with staff and was offered refunds that were later never given. To many other great resorts in VT. NEVER going back.

Bruce W — Google review

Clean, organized and a really nice mountain!

Armand G — Google review

Wow! Spent a few days in January with ages 7-47 and I have to say that Stratton mountain was one of the best mountains we’ve ever skied. From the high speed lifts, the mountain layout, the snowmaking, friendly staff,excellent ski school,and variety of well marked trails for every level made for an awesome skiing experience.

Rachel R — Google review

It’s the same distance for me to drive to Stratton as it is to Mount Snow, Okemo and I choose Stratton every time. It’s pricey for a day pass so think about investing in a season pass for $550/10 blackout dates or if you got those 💰💰 money bags definitely get the ikon that includes Killington and other great Mountains close by. If your eating in it’s expensive but the portions are big and the food is great. All the bars are great on and off the mountain. The gondola is a let down because of the lines and how often I don’t see it running.

Dean S — Google review

Great family ski trip in the Northeast! We’ve been twice. Once we rented a condo across the street from the ski village and the other time we rented a ski in/ski out house. Both were great experiences. The mountain is fun to ski. My family has different levels of skiers, and we all enjoyed it. The ski village is great because my wife, who doesn’t ski, enjoys the amenities offered there. There’s something for everyone here.

John N — Google review

It’s one of the best mountains in the world. There is so much woods trails. I love it

Dean S — Google review

Cute little place. So colddd. Will probably come back here to snowboard!

Jack C — Google review

4.6

(127)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (81)

4.5

(190)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (82)

Stratton, VT 05360, USA

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16

Hidden Springs Maple

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Gift shop

Shopping

Store

Gift & Specialty Shops

Hidden Springs Maple offers a unique experience for visitors to learn about different grades of maple syrup and taste them. Visitors can also indulge in a maple creemee, a delightful treat they may not have known existed. The staff is helpful and provides directions to other local attractions, including a quintessential New England covered bridge. Additionally, the beautiful scenery and the opportunity for a walk in the nearby marsh add to the overall experience at Hidden Springs Maple.

Hidden Springs Maple is a retail location for a family maple business. They have free tastings of their different types and really great prices so buy directly from the source!

Stacy L — Google review

Absolutely loved it. The guy who welcomed us was very friendly and offered the taste tasting of the different loyal maple syrups they had. All of them were incredible, the best maple syrup I've ever had. Super cute gift shop! Next I go, I'm going for the maple ice cream!!

MM — Google review

We had a great time here. We learned about the different grades of maple syrup (we didn't know that existed), got to taste them (they were all amazing), then spiked our blood sugar some more with a maple creemee, which was another thing we didn't know existed. After inquiring about the area, the delightful lady that was working gave us directions to some other places in the area, and to the most quintessential New England covered bridge. We followed up by spending way too much money before we left, but everyone appreciated their gifts when we finally returned home. What a great place!

Nicholas E — Google review

This was our first time having a maple creamy and it did not disappoint here at Hidden! So good and great price. We got two kiddies (good size) for six bucks. Beautiful scenery and you can go for a walk in the march around the corner.

Gemma S — Google review

Awesome place. Liked all the maple syrup samples. Sales lady was great with lots of knowledge.

Joyce C — Google review

If you're in the Putney area, and need maple products, this is the place to go. Other places try to be this place, but this place is that place and all other places just don't place.Plenty of parking on a wonderful sunny day. Went inside and was immediately greeted by the nice young lady at the counter. Walked in and browsed first. Didn't want to seem greedy. Found a sale rack in the back, which was stocked, and went back up front to grab a basket. Found all kinds of items on that rack to give to friends.FYI, I grew up here and am home visiting, so I'm bringing it all back so my southern friends can experience the real stuff.While checking out, we observed the amazing food menu above the counter, and were enticed. I ordered the Diabolical Donut Bowl. Get it. Don't hesitate. Get it. Waffle bowl with a warmed apple cider donut on the bottom. Maple creemee on top. Drizzled with dark maple syrup. Dude. Wow. Less than $6 for this dessert from the gods.Why are you still reading? Go. Get there. Now.

Timothy A — Google review

It was our first time trying maple creemee, and we are so glad we did at Hidden Springs Maple. It was the best soft serve I’ve ever had, and I’m already dreaming about having it again 🍦💗🌈!!

Polly C — Google review

The perfect place to have our first ever maple creemees. Hidden Springs has reasonable pricing, a wide selection of maple-themed products, and outdoor seating. Definitely recommend the diabolical donut bowl, featuring a warmed donut, maple creemee, and a drizzle of syrup.

Marissa P — Google review

Very friendly and accommodating staff, and a wonderful family owned business. I stopped in with my bus group on short notice, and they couldn't be any nicer to us. They served up creamie after creamie, and we are all greatfull for them serving us. Best creamie in VT I tasted, and the maple syrup was good too.

Francis S — Google review

We live in Florida and always order our maple syrup from Hidden Springs! We especially love the Grade H hot sauce.

Kristina K — Google review

The best spot for a maple creemee, also serves chocolate creemees. Excellent variety of toppings, good customer service.Enormous selection of maple syrups, honey, body care, souvenirs. Recent renovations to the building look beautiful. Patio seating area is very nice.

Kelly H — Google review

I recently discovered a hidden gem – a delightful family-run maple store that captured my taste buds and heart. The atmosphere exudes warmth, and the aroma of fresh maple wafts through the air. What sets this place apart is their incredible creemee, a heavenly swirl of maple-infused soft serve that's an absolute delight. The perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess makes it an irresistible treat. The family's passion for quality is evident in every scoop. The cozy ambiance and friendly service create an inviting experience for families seeking a sweet escape. This maple store is a must-visit for anyone craving a uniquely delightful creemee experience.

Zach S — Google review

Organic maple syrup, absolutely delicious! Love that you can sample it too. They also had a wonderful selection of other local maple syrup, honeys, jams, candy's, VT made wooden toys and gifts and of course maple creamies!! So glad we found this place to stop at and stock up on our maple syrup.

Sarah S — Google review

This place is a must for any maple lovers. All things maple- stuff to read about, stuff to eat, stuff to drink, stuff to wear. Really tasty ice cream and friendly staff

Jaci S — Google review

Super cute gift shop! The lady working there was really nice. She gave us a maple syrup tasting. All of the syrups were really good.

Pam T — Google review

Absolutely amazing place! The owners are super friendly and willing to explain all the different kinds of syrup available at the store. Definitely a must see in Vermont.

Um Y — Google review

Best maple creemees we have ever had; mine with a donut and maple syrup as well. The ice cream is a homemade recipe and the whole place is quite special. There’s a nice area to sit where they make maple outside and it smells wonderful. Highly recommend!!

Noel B — Google review

We stopped by Hidden Springs Maple on our way out of Vermont. Someone had told us about their Maple Creemees while we were staying in Smugglers Notch, so we made sure to stop by. Definitely worth it and will be visiting again next time we are in Vermont. The store had a lot of fun products and sauces, too. The ghost pepper Maple syrup is actually pretty spicy! Wasn't expecting that. The Maple candies melt in your mouth and are soooo delicious

Megan Z — Google review

4.8

(168)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (90)

4.5

(88)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (91)

162 Westminster W Rd, Putney, VT 05346, USA

17

Monadnock State Park

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31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (94)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (95)

State park

Nature & Parks

Year-round destination for camping, hiking & Nordic skiing around the 3,165-ft. Mt. Monadnock.

Great hike with the Family. Chilly day but we were prepared for it. Recommend the White Dot Trail up and White Cross down. White Cross has some very icy spots but microspikes worked great and walked on edge of path for better traction. Will be back to try other trails!

Hank S — Google review

Beautiful mountain. This is NOT an easy hike, but the mountain is welcoming to beginners and experienced hikers. Reservations are required for parking. From the lot, there are two trails-white dot and white cross. Both offer a challenge. You can do this in sneakers but boots are better. Bring enough water. If you think you only need two bottles bring three. You'd prob rather have more and carry it down than not enough. But the summit is beautiful and very worth the climb. Going up makes you feel accomplished. Coming down, well your legs will likely feel like jelly. But it is a great hike.

R G — Google review

very very steep! I would recommend this to people who are in good shape! An elevation of 3000+ feet. Took me about and hour and a half to reach the top! Be very careful going down! Bring lots of water to keep yourself hydrated and pack a light snack for when you reach the top! Beautiful breeze and views to enjoy at the top, definitely worth the climb!

Cam C — Google review

It was beautiful. We went in the winter time and the summer time and in the winter you are transported to a winter wonderland. Make sure to rent or buy mini spikes from the shops in the winter as it gets quite icy. In the summer it was just as beautiful with nice views from the top. Down below are some pictures of the most recent adventure to the top covered in snow. Amazing. 10/10

Oiva — Google review

Three feiends and I hiked white arrow trail and it took almost exactly the 2.5 hours stated on the map. The trail is clearly marked and has a couple fairly steep inclines through rocky sections. I am 70, the oldest person on the trail, and my 65 year old friend has had both hips and a shoulder replaced, half a lung removed and spinal fusions yet he made it using two walking sticks. It was arduous for us and my legs were like rubber at the end. The younger folks were scampering along and we let them pass. The 350 degree views at the summit are spectacular and it was worth every step.

David E — Google review

It’s a beautiful hike in the summer, 3h going up and 2h30min going down.Amazing view from the peak.We carry a lot of water and we hike in sneakers and everything went well!The staff is courteous.

ALEJANDRO V — Google review

I never get tired of climbing the (maybe) most-climbed mountain in the world. Many different routes lead to the summit - try the Dublin or Pumpelly Trails to avoid some of the crowds. Wear sturdy boots, bring plenty of water and snacks, check the weather before you head out, and definitely bring warm layers to wear at the peak.

Steve T — Google review

Majestic views!!! We hiked the Old Halfway House trail. The first mile is easy and the second mile is super hard! Worth the workout getting to the top with 360 degree view where we could see for miles in every direction! Lots of folks at the top, so if you're looking for something secluded, this is not the place!

Monique P — Google review

Awesome clean park and hiking trail. White Dot trail up and back is Beginner to Intermediate hiking. Some spots are slightly tough but can challenge those who are new to hiking. Beautiful views even on a cloudy day. Would go here again someday.

Stephanie T — Google review

Mountain, Monadnock is a great mountain. It’s a moderately easy hike, that has some great views. The parking situation is a bit of a mess. You have to make reservations ahead of time and then it’s a pretty expensive parking fee for just hiking. I live in the white mountains and I’ve hiked most of mountains up there and you can buy a parking pass for the entire season to park anywhere for for just a little bit more than what it cost to park here for one day.

Ryan W — Google review

Amazing state park with a large amount of trails. The trails are pretty long and the easiest trail can still be very challenging. The incline grade gets harder and harder as you get closer to the top. Near the top is straight up rock climbing. Top can be inside rain clouds sometimes. Very slippery due to rain and clouds. Recommend good boots, and flashlights.

Kazi A — Google review

Plan ahead! You need to reserve parking in advance. It will be crowded. But it is still well worth it. A strenuous hike, wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water on warm days.

Bruce W — Google review

The trails are well marked and the views at the summit are fantastic. There was plenty of parking and it wasn't crowded at the time. I will definitely go again.

Jason F — Google review

Campsite was flatter and cleaner than a lot of others I've been to with space for parking on site. The shop for essentials was fully stocked, and the ba bathrooms were clean and well maintained. Not a mosquito in sight! The hike to the summit was well marked and easy enough for kids to make. Highly recommend even for the inexperienced.

Kelvin B — Google review

Great trail. Moderate due to the steeper climb over rocks

Fawzi D — Google review

Nice place to hiking. Moderate difficulty, I didn’t use any special equipment and just finished it with normal sports shoes and a stick

Kaiyu W — Google review

Beautiful state park! We ended up hiking the Gilson pond trailheaf to reach the summit. It is very well kept and well marked. If you go to this trailhead there's a camp store that's down the road. Also, a very large field where you can set up for a picnic and activities. Make sure to get a reservation for parking before you go. We did and there weren't any spaces left because two people parked incorrectly so we had to make our own parking spot. Other than that, it was totally worth the trip!

Wendy D — Google review

We camped at site E at the campground near the park's HQ for 2 rainy nights in late June. My biggest complaint is that there were a ton of mosquitos! Even sitting next to the campfire, I would still find one on my legs every few minutes. My husband hiked Mount Monadnock and said there were some beautiful views. I attempted to hike Parker Trail with our newborn, but less than a quarter mile in we were swarmed by mosquitoes and had to hustle back to the tent. Of note, the campground is completely pack in/pack out for trash.

Lauren V — Google review

Great sunrise view.It take one hour and a half to reach the summit, i recommend to have a coffee and snacks with you 😅😅 to enjoy the view.Its so windy up there.

Khaled H — Google review

My favorite hike! I have hiked here three times. First when I was 13 then 32 and now 47 . Every time has been enjoyable.

Danielle R — Google review

Be prepared! It's a steap one!! Wear the proper shoes with grip! Bring plenty of water and a refuel snack! Prepare for stair like rocks (high knees people!) that could also be slippery when wet; straight slopes going up as well as when you go down. Respect the woods and nature. Bring back ALL trash even if it's biodegradable, it does not necessarily belong naturally in that environment. Always leave somewhere better than when you arrived.

Laura P — Google review

This was my first visit to Monadnock State Park, and the views here are absolutely breathtaking. However, be prepared for a challenging hike that can take nearly 5 hours round trip. I even twisted my ankle on the way down the mountain, but despite the mishap, it was still worth every moment! Climbing requires using both hands at times, so be sure to keep that in mind, and most importantly, don't forget to bring enough water!

Tiffany C — Google review

4.8

(1847)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (96)

4.5

(191)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (97)

169 Poole Rd, Jaffrey, NH 03452, USA

(603) 532-8862

18

Mount Snow Grand Summit Resort

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31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (100)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (101)

Resort hotel

Nature & Parks

Relaxed lodging with ski slope access & 18-hole golf course, plus a spa, an outdoor pool & hot tubs.

Excellent experience. We went during mud season so there was a lot closed in the area and the restaurant at the resort was closed as well and I wish there was some indication of that online but besides from that the staff truly makes this place what it is. An incredible group of people that are full of local knowledge and are super helpful with any questions or concerns we had about the resort. My only critique is to be a little bit more transparent about what is open and what is operating at a fraction of what it usually does I wish the store was open and the cafe was better stocked but at the same time we were one of 20 guests there so I get it just wish that was made more aware online either on their website or third party platforms. But I literally cannot speak highly enough about their stuff they made the trip

D. N — Google review

Awesome place for downhill mountain biking. Lot of mote moderate trails.Better for skiing.The resort is amazing. Heated pool, game room for the kids,free coffee in the am. Polite staff members. Love that they cater to families, quiet time from 10pm to 8am.We will definitely be back.Heather from Cape Cod MA

Heather G — Google review

Great place to stay right next to slopes. Prefect place when attending a conference or seminar. Rooms with a kitchenette are a wonderful convenience. SKI valet real nice amenity. Parking ??

Will H — Google review

Great ski in ski out location, customers service were outstanding. However hotel itself is very outdated. Restaurants on the premises were very good with excellent service and disant food (nothing fancy). Also breakfast portions are good with little bit high prices so epic 20% discount helps a little bit.Rooms prices are good when using epic discounts other wise it is high.

Boris ( — Google review

We were looking for a nice ski-in/ski-out hotel in New England so that I could take my toddler out for her first turns within view of my wife and newborn. Mount Snow was great and the Grand Summit Hotel was perfect. We loved the proximity to the slopes, the room, the pool and the video game arcade. Also the staff was wonderful, especially Lisa and Kyle who were very helpful! Thanks again for a great vacation.

Jamie S — Google review

You guys should review your refund policy. During the "season" AKA winter, you charge $500 for rooms while in May the same room goes for $125. Also, no refunds in winter while in summer - no problem. Why the difference? Because of the location right under the mountain ski in-out experience. But when it's an anomaly and summer comes in winter, it takes away this "ski" portion of the price and makes the whole stay miserable.We're leaving early because of that. I stopped by the front desk to ask if they would be so kind to move a night of our stay towards the next time (not asking for a refund, just move my night!). This means that I assume there will be "another time"' and since we're staying a minimum of 3 nights, (prefer 4-5) - we will bring more business to the hotel at least by paying for additional nights.The guy looked at me like I'm harassing him and replied "we're not doing anything". Not even a little "sorry" in it.

Artem R — Google review

I was fortunate to get a large queen in a studio apartment style setting. My room had a really big bathroom, a refrigerator, a stove, coffee pot, USB plugs, and a great view out the back window. I went up in July and I had the whole place to myself I was the only one at the pool. I was the only one in the sauna, and I loved it I’m sure it’s packed in the winter, but it was lovely in the summer.

Ken B — Google review

Writing a review because I was taken aback from the wonderful warm hospitality we received!All staff were in such uppidity joyous moods.It was warmly felt!The hotel is situated great. It’s close to Dover restaurants, cute Wilmington and the Harriman Reservoir. We also met really cool couples hanging by the pool. Some were owners. So all in all, going to look to stay here all the seasons!

Brittany F — Google review

I absolutely love mt snow. Me and my family go at least 4-6 times per year. I love how you can walk to the lifts. The rooms are not fancy enough for the cost, but I guess you are paying for the location. I never gone bad reviews at all, but the restaurant service is absolutely terrible. Not just the last time, but every time we go. The last time I asked the host for a table at 630 pm He told be to come back in 45 min. There was a million on tables it was a Tuesday, and the restaurant was dead. I said can we sit at the bar he said no. I asked the bartender he said yes. Then the host talked to the bartender then he informed me the food would take 45 min. I said ok can you take my number, and call me when the food is really we will take it man to the room. I received no call after an hour I went down he said it's still not ready. So we decided to wait another 30 min and still nothing so we left and went to another local restaurant 5 min down the street. Mind you they only cook sandwiches, apps, and salads during the week. They finally called me at 9pm when the food was ready. If you visit go to another local restaurant try TCS family restaurant they were amazing.

Joe P — Google review

We just stayed at the grand summit this weekend for a birthday weekend of skiing. The towels were crispy white and clean, the coffee quality in the room was superb and organic, the toiletry products were all high quality. The service in the hotel was wonderful, the restaurant staff was super pleasant. We had dinner at the hotel restaurant twice after skiing and the food was delicious. The skiing was quite nice even though not the whole mountain is open as of yet but a lot of it is. The lodge does offer indoor dining and you do need to show your vaccination card. There are protocols to follow to keep everyone safe, reservations are require to eat lunch at the lodge but it was not hard to get there without reservations and get a table. You are allowed to be at the table for 45 minutes. There is the usual chicken, fries, pizza and waffles outside and outdoor sitting. There are enough trails open to get our ski season started. We have been here for three days and it has def been a great experience.

Maria B — Google review

Chill, yet fun Mount Snow base. Went during a fairly busy weekend. Weekdays are much less busy. Parking can be difficult, if you come in late(r)…budget up to an hour. Prices seem to be acceptable (I am a single guy, with a decent job).Folks are friendly. Snow and ice are as NE style. A couple of Green runs are long and really busy with all kinds of skiers/snowboarders…if you are newer to snow sports, maybe better to try an easier Blue. Blues have decent length (I am a Blue snowboarder)…and do push you in various ways. Friends commented favorably on the Blacks on North Face side.In winter, the Sun seems to cross the mountain top by 3/4 (sunset ~5 PM). People with bad low contrast vision (like myself) find it very uncomfortable on snow/ice, once shadows are in play. Just an observation.Respect the mountain and it respects you. Will be back! Thank you.

Hartaj S — Google review

Perfect for Christmas. Outdoor hot tub and heated pool. Sauna and steam room too

Caty W — Google review

Rooms are great and equipped with a cute kitchen. I wish they had cooking/ cutting knife 🔪 that actually work ( requires manpower to chop veggies or meat). Mu family has allergies so i cook when i can. I loved the kitchen component just wished it had a few things like non stick cooking pots, and 1 blender for each floor. Those 3 items missing frustrated my cooking but i made do. I wish housekeeping was more than once a week tho. We stayed for 5 nights with no housekeeping. The pool, hot tub, fire place were our favorite . Clean bathrooms, awesome teatree soaps for bathing. Itll be nice to have at least 1 commercial sz laundry room for guests use. The kind that takes coins. We had to drive 17miles to dollar general for laundry. Not a lot of variety for breakfast as well. Would be nice if breakfast was part of the stay. Otherwise we love it and come every other year. Love the ski lift too tho opened only on weekends. Will definitely recommend here.

Nana A — Google review

Beautiful spot. Rooms were clean, front desk welcoming. There is a sauna, a hot tub and a lovely pool, so bring your suit. No microwave or frig in the basic rooms. Absolutely recommend.

Pat J — Google review

Went here to snowboard for a day, was too advanced for me however... I went down one time and told them. They offered a full refund. The staff is very friendly and understanding. The lodge is nice too 😂

Didok 2 — Google review

Used the spa after skiing here, Rocky treated us to a 5 star hotel experience, chauffeuring generously and gracious, when we simply asked for directions, service 2nd to none, what a pleasant surprise when we weren't sure where to go. Thank you Rocky and kudos also to the spa staff and generous organic botanicals, loved the outdoor heated pool experience!!!!

Elizabeth M — Google review

Great location & access to slopes, great outdoor pool & hot tubs, easy valet so no need to worry about parking. Rooms are basic but have what you need & the conveniences make for a great ski trip!

Devin — Google review

Fantastic resort, although when Grand Summit or Bluebird lifts go down, lines jump to at least an hour.

Jerome ( — Google review

If you are skiing at Mount Snow, you can't beat this location. While not true ski-in/ski-out, very close to it. The rooms/property are a little dated, but all perfectly fine. Valet parking is great and very attentive. On site dining can be variable depending on how busy the resort is.

Randy S — Google review

Nice location next to Mt. Snow. Convenient equipment storage at the back of the hotel. Very small parking lot for guests. Restaurants aren't all open. Had fun, but probably wouldn't stay here again.

Charles R — Google review

Great slopeside location. Staff was friendly and responsive. Our room should have been cleaned more thoroughly. Found a pretzel under the table and a few pieces of Granola on the carpet

Karen B — Google review

Was there twice so far this year. Only 4 stars for service because for the 3rd year in a row we’ve stayed (prior to Christmas Day) and they are functioning on all cylinders. Our stay last weekend was great

Matt M — Google review

We were in Vermont for the Wine Makers International Amateur Wine Competition. What a fun time. Plan on doing it again.

Michael S — Google review

4.5

(1333)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (102)

4.0

(562)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (103)

89 Grand Summit Way, West Dover, VT 05356, USA

(802) 448-6819

19

Adams Farm

Permanently closed

Sights & Landmarks

Farm

Meat processor

Loved my time on the farm. Only spent time in petting animal area. Animals are very friendly. Perfect for the whole family!

Andrew K — Google review

This is a good family place. We fed the animals; they even eat right from your hand! The alpaca slobbers A LOT! We were able to take the wagon ride when we were there on a Sunday afternoon. Keep in mind to call ahead to make sure they are doing wagon rides. We arrived and at first weren't going to do one. The property is a real working farm so don't expect a tourist feel. The maple syrup and the eggs we bought there were so good!

Frank G — Google review

Good to spent time for an hour or two, at this farm. They have small activities according season. Kids had pony rides, pet and feed animals.

Sid D — Google review

Been going here for over 15 years since I was a kid. Was always a great time and is right down the road from where we lived. Everything from the animals to the rock candy is memorable and it's a wonderful place to be in the Fall/Winter.

CPHD — Google review

Great people beautiful farm fun animals terrific trail ride. Thank you Leslie

Holly G — Google review

We went for our first sleigh ride a year ago today at Adams farm, we had such a great time we decided then that we would do this each year with the family, went today an it was another beautiful day spent with our family an enjoying our time at Adams farm.

Mark T — Google review

We had the sleigh ride and enjoyed the hot choclate and the self playing piano and all the wildlife in the forest.

Heidi O — Google review

The Wilmington High School Class of '57 celebrated its 60th anniversary in grand style at The Adams Farm. The staff (all family) was wonderfully thoughtful and accommodating. Each one of our needs was met and stroked with old fashioned Yankee Hospitality. The farm to table dinner was delicious; the Adams family surely knows how to cook! Thank you all so much.

Jane M — Google review

4.5

(33)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (104)

4.5

(204)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (105)

15 Higley Hill Rd, Wilmington, VT 05363, USA

(802) 464-3762

20

Creamery Covered Bridge

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Mentioned on

8 lists

Historical landmark

Sights & Landmarks

Bridges

Points of Interest & Landmarks

It's a fun and easy covered bridge to visit and a great backdrop for your New England social media pics! Easy to access and parking available. Nicely landscaped, by the river, and very picturesque.

Elizabeth W — Google review

This is a covered bridge. It looks well constructed. I tested that theory by walking across it. When the bridge did not collapse, my theory was proven correct.

Dirk W — Google review

The creamery bridge is no longer drivable but is absolutely worth stopping and checking out. There's a park nearby for more exploration.

TURKEY R — Google review

The bridge is well maintained both interior and exterior. It’s for pedestrians only. No car traffic.

Aggie W — Google review

I loved this bridge. Great Instagram location. Fall foliage you wouldn’t believe. Mums all over

Stef T — Google review

Beautiful covered bridge with beautiful flowers.

Paula M — Google review

This is an easy and quick stop if you are in the area. We were traveling and made a stop on our way out of town (Brattleboro). We stayed just long enough to get some fresh air and take a short walk. The grounds around the bridge are well kept and the bridge itself is in good shape (no vehicle traffic on the bridge, it is set up for foot traffic only).

Don M — Google review

Beautiful spot to stop and check out the water and bridge 💜

Marissa L — Google review

If you’re going to go to Vermont because you’re trying to visit all 50 states, here’s your stop. It’s nothing special

Jacob B — Google review

One of many covered bridges with some other American icons...

Kevin W — Google review

If you like covered bridges and the connection to the past then this is an easy one to visit. Just off the Road in Brattleboro it is easy to get to. While it.may be smaller than some and no longer a drivable bridge it is a wonderful example of this type of structure.

Greg O — Google review

Beautiful bridge the homeless guy sitting inside smoking a hint with his dog we could have done without

Betsy M — Google review

Quintessential Vermont covered bridge, very close to the Massachusetts and New Hampshire borders. Beautiful setting near the road, with a discreet information sign and a lovely parklet with wildflowers and benches to enjoy the bucolic view.

Krista C — Google review

Easy stop along your route if passing through! Nice place to stretch your legs. Parking is available on both sides of the bridge and there is a little picnic table off to the side at the end. Beautifully preserved covered bridge.

Shannon H — Google review

This is a beautiful covered bridge in Brattleboro Vermont. I LOVE taking pictures here!

Nicole H — Google review

The bridge was very picturesque however there wasn't much to see besides the bridge, which was right off of a main road - unless you were making a point of visiting covered bridges. The bridge in and of itself was not remarkable but the area was well maintained, there was plenty of parking and you didn't have to cross any streets to visit the bridge which made it a nice stop. We were the only ones there and visited for about 30 minutes - which was plenty of time to enjoy the bridge and the surrounding scenery while taking a few pictures.

Michael — Google review

No need to buy anything to go take pictures at this lovely piece of amazing craftsmanship it's a great place to also have a picnic and see the water

James K — Google review

This is a really neat covered bridge from 1879. VT is known as the state of covered bridges and has many across the state. I went to this one in the southern part of the state because it was near a few destinations in Brattleboro that I planned to also visit. There's plenty of parking options and a highly rated sandwich shop nearby.

Stacy L — Google review

4.6

(452)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (110)

4.5

(187)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (111)

500 Western Ave, Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA

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21

Kringle Candle

Candle store

Shopping

Gift shop

Home goods store

Gift & Specialty Shops

The store is always a great experience. It’s so nice to see everything first hand and really discover new scents and candles. It’s well organized, impeccably organized and pristine. The holiday zone is fun. They usually have an assortment of deeply discounted items and seem to carry the entire range of everything. The employees are genuinely helpful and friendly. It’s the 3 Michelin star equivalent of a candle shop.

Le R — Google review

Kringle Candle has the best candles with a variety of scents. They are always creating new scents that keep us candle lovers happy. The Kringle Candle offers soy wax in a beautiful jar & their Country Candle in colorful paraffin wax. The candles are always delivered & packaged well with no breakage. I have numerous candles from this company that I could open my own store, but it's still exciting to try a new scent that they create. The owner has done YouTube videos & is friendly as he explains these wonderful candles. I hope one day I can visit their store. I remember starting my candle journey with his father's Yankee candle brand that I loved when he owned the company & am happy I found Kringle Candle to enjoy just as much!

Renee G — Google review

Love the original candle style and the fact that they are white. Not so thrilled with the country style ones like Yankee Candles. I often take a day trip from PA. to Vermont. Miss their buildings the had across the street. Would recommend them to everyone. I give a lot of them as gifts.

Eileen B — Google review

Christmas is such an amazing time of the year and if I can experience that every day is even more amazing. So this is why I like this store. Although I feel like it’s merchandise is expensive but you pay for the quality. The store looks small from the outside but it’s big inside with wide selections of candles, Christmas decorations and other stuff. Well organized with a homey vibe. An inviting, huge Kringle chair outside the store where you can have fun taking pictures. It’s about 17 minutes from Yankee Candle.

Connie D — Google review

This was my first time visiting Kringle Candle and it was a great indoor holiday festive experience. A sweets shop, teas, candles, ornaments, make your own perfume area, a place to see Santa and much more. Plenty of parking.

Greecian K — Google review

I have been a customer for years and I am never disappointed in their wonderful candles. The range of scents and the spectacular quality every single time keeps me coming back. I always get compliments on how nice my house smells. If you're on the fence about a purchase, take the chance. You'll be hooked.

Raechel H — Google review

I absolutely LOVE Kringle Candle!! Just went up last weekend and got my new batch of all the wonderful fall and winter fragrances, that I love so much! 🕯️❤️

Mary W — Google review

I order Halloween candles from them every year. TBH, I usually order because of the label design and worry about the smell later. I've never been disappointed. These candles are amazing and customer service is top notch. Plus, I love the little personalized letters inside each order.What a great company!!

Chris A — Google review

We were heading north on Interstate 91 and missed the exit to Yankee Candle, so we decided to check out Kringle Candle which Is a bit further north. I was totally impressed with the store. They went all out on decorating for the Christmas season. It’s definitely something that everyone should check out this time of year. The quality of their candles and the variety of scents is comparable to Yankee. The prices were actually better here than Yankee Candle but still ridiculous for a jar of scented wax. In my opinion, Kringle was the better store between the two candle giants here in Massachusetts because of their store wide Christmas feel. Yankee had just a small section decorated for Christmas. It doesn’t seem the same as it used to in the past.

Bee H — Google review

Took my wife there looking for a special item. Staff kindly showed her around. Showed her sales too. Found what she liked! Thanks for the great service! She was overwhelmed how good the experience was.

Glenn K — Google review

Love Kringle Candle. Kevin in the vinegar/olive oil area is awesome. So friendly. Obviously loves his job. Every time we come, he gives samples of mixtures that blow my mind! Can't wait to get home and try this one!

Allegra M — Google review

Kringle Candles are simply the best…best in fragrances, quality and aesthetics. The price point may feel a bit high, but know that you’re getting top-dollar quality in return. My most recent order was the first one I’ve made in awhile, and I was immediately reminded of what caused me to fall in love with them from the beginning. I’m completely under their spell, and convinced that you’ll be, too.

Andrew S — Google review

As someone who used to make and sell candles I can not possibly say enough about the high quality of Kringle. Most companies sadly don’t invest in insuring their candles burn correctly or evenly (yeah I’m talking about you, Yankee candle 🤨). These burn 100% perfectly right to the edges of the jar without deep pooling of wax and they smell beyond amazing! I will never buy any other brand again.

Ben — Google review

Large selection of high quality candles, accessories, and decorations for your home in a beautiful retail setting.The Kringle family created Yankee Candle Co., and the quality of their candles are just as nice, fragrant, and long lasting.This flagship store is worth the visit, it has a balsamic oil tasting room with over 30 flavor infused oils to try, a chocolate cottage, children's toy store, Christmas floor store, and fudge shop. Absolutely worth a visit where you will find yourself exploring everything they have to offer.

Cameron T — Google review

This is a fun place to visit with something for everyone. Candles, of course, was the main feature. There was a huge selection of scents .. amazing really. There was a make your own perfume area, a toy section, a tea section, chocolates and candy, and our favorite - the oils and vinegar tasting. Kevin (I think his name was) was friendly and made several "recipes" for tasting. My taste buds were wowed and we ended up leaving with several bottles. My wife came away with some post holiday sale items from the back room.

Christopher L — Google review

5 stars for Kevin! He works in the oil/vinegar section and is wonderful and helpful! He created a few oil/vinegar blends (including creamsicle!) For us to try and they were amazing! Left with several oils/vinegars and some new recipes to try! Candle options seemed a bit lacking from years past, but that may have been due to the store wide sale!

Ariana M — Google review

4.6

(866)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (119)

4.5

(235)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (120)

220 South St, Bernardston, MA 01337, USA

(413) 648-3077

22

Red Apple Farm

Orchard

Sights & Landmarks

Farm

We stayed here as a Harvest Host and it was such a vibe! Saturday night had live music and we had so much fun getting dinner, some house ciders, listening to the band, while the kids played in the sand pit and visited with the animals. We loved exploring the farm and the next day got apple cider donut ice cream sundaes. Holy smokes, were they good! A beautiful farm, good eats, and an amazing staff that was wicked nice. I definitely recommend it here and can’t wait to go back during apple season!

Our W — Google review

I always love coming here with my family. During this visit we picked blueberries and walked around just enjoying the scenery. Red Apple Farm has activities and products for kids and adults alike and is always a great time. I can’t wait to go apple with the family as they have an excellent selection of apples to pick from. I highly recommend this location for their cooked food, their activity options, as well as their “pick yourself” food options.

Kayleigh R — Google review

The most authentic New England farm experience you can get!! 1.5 hours away from Boston and in the country away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Their craft beer is awesome, the apple cider donuts are out of this world and the animals are a huge attraction which my puppy loved!!!

Mike — Google review

This farm is fantastic. Their selection of apples is huge; it's a very big farm too so it's easy to get lost especially because the layout is kind of confusing but the navigation signage is good. They also have a good selection with their pumpkins and things in the farm store. I got some fudge, donuts, and apple cider which were all very good. Attached I have a picture of the blue 'cookie monstah' fudge which was excellent.

Jack R — Google review

8/13/22. Sunflower festival. Lots of people, quite a few vendors and the flower field had plenty of sunflowers to pick through. 2 ponys one cow, and 3 goats. The brickoven pizza vendor did have a 45 minute wait window, which is too bad bc I would have loved to try it but it was almost nap time for the baby. Can't wait for apples / pumpkins!

Brittany B — Google review

Stopped in for some lunch. The Brew Barn was warm and inviting, the food was delicious, and the people there were so friendly. Great place to bring your family. Pet friendly too.

Dawn H — Google review

This place is beautiful. Completely worth the visit, even if you aren’t planning on picking your own apples or blueberries. They have excellent food, animals to pet, music, and great spots to sit and hangout.

Nicholas S — Google review

So much to do, so much to do. Lots of fun things for the whole family.Apple picking, hiking, the brew bar, lots of yummy things to eat. Ice cream and pies to go. Play sand for children, pumpkin patch, hay rides and much more.

Layannie H — Google review

Great place for blueberry and apple picking. You can also cut sun flowers. They have a country store, cidery and beer barn. Plenty of outdoor and indoor seating. Live music when we were there on a Sunday afternoon.

Monica D — Google review

Staff here is AMAZING. They are very helpful and polite and always happy to help. It is also very dog friendly, they were happy to allow my dog into the main store while I was shopping. They have a wide variety of different foods, all of which taste fantastic. I purchase salsa, candles, pickles, cider, and fudge. The pickles were pretty soft so not my favorite but everything else was phenomenal. They also had outdoor stands from local businesses which was very fun. This is a great place to visit with different attractions.

Miriam B — Google review

Great spot for blueberry picking! The plants were full! Lovely farm and will definitely be back.

J P — Google review

We visited on 8/11/24. Red Apple kitchen and brewery partner are an incredible combo. Pulled pork nachos and bacon cheeseburger were excellent. We are going back this weekend.

Allen M — Google review

One of my favorite places to go and there's always something for everyone! Hungry? Grab some pizza from Timberfire. Need a tasty adult beverage? Walk down to the Brew Barn for a great array of choices. There's usually live music and the country store is always fun! Cider donuts for life! Speaking of, the cidery is there along with their own ice cream! Amazing!

Daniel W — Google review

It was PACKED but so fun. Lots of activities, but be prepared to wait. Hay rides, cider flights, ice cream, food trucks, gift shop with pies and such, a full bbq restaurant, and of course apple picking. I recommend getting a cider flight and the blueberry sundae and sitting behind the shop on the picnic benches ☺️

Megan G — Google review

Beautiful farm. They have a couple of pigs, lots of goats, bunnies and chickens. The apple orchard is huge, we'll definitely come for apple picking season. The ice cream was delicious

Raquel B — Google review

I find myself going to Red Apple Farm often as a nice place to find some relaxation. The food at the Brew Barn is so delicious. The fudge and donuts are worth the trip even by themselves. The farm is beautiful and they've got a great selection of goods and snacks. The festivals they have are so fun too!

Danielle ( — Google review

Always a pleasure visiting here! We had yummy drinks, food, pet the animals & picked our own Sunflowers 🌻

Alicia L — Google review

This is a must-go excursion. There is something for everyone in the family. There is a petting area with goats, small equine, pigs, and cattle.The roads inside the farm, of course, are all packed dirt, so they are no issue for handicap mobility accessories.The live shows are excellent and should not be missed. Their own homemade cider and hard cider are exceptional. There is excellent beer from a variety of breweries, but the Moon Hill varieties must be tried. The Wood-Fired BBQ is very tasty. Their sweet potato fries were exceptional.

William F — Google review

even on a rainy muggy day, this place was awesome! the food delicious, the peach hard cider hit the spot..will come back for apple picking & more fun. chicken bacon ranch mmm

Deb G — Google review

Very cute place!! They sells things people make in the local community and have unique treasures!! Also good apples 🍎 when in season. They host a few events in summer/fall and are a fun place to spend some time!! Update-Visit often with my grandkids!! So much to do and you don't have to spend a dime if you do not want to!!!

Kristen B — Google review

The place is very confusing. Came for cider and the Cidery is at one end of the farm in one building, with only outdoor seatint. The general store front is quaint filled with typical things, pies, cookies, donuts, fudge maple syrup cider and such things. Ordering food is odd. Order in one building and pick up in another is unusual and feels disjointed. It was not busy, ordered a bacon cheese Burger and fries, fries were alright nothing special but the burger was very burnt on top with grill marks and looked like the other side was finished on a flattop maybe, 1 piece of bacon was definitely not enough for a 'bacon cheese burger'.. better than nothing.

A H — Google review

One of the best cider donuts I have ever had. It is a family and dog friendly farm where everyone can enjoy the fall!

Teo Y — Google review

I've visited every fall for the last five years. They have really built the place out: an enclosure with goats, a brew house with food, a cidery, a wooded seating area, a section with ice cream and an outdoor pizza oven.Of course the original store with the great cider and donuts is there too!It gets busy in fall but they have lots of free parking. Just be ready to walk and maybe wait an hour for food.

Matthew B — Google review

This apple farm is truly a gem to visit. All the trees and plants are week maintained, the store offers an abundance of goodies, and the pizza / BBQ barn is out of this world delicious. Love that they are open year around too.

Christopher K — Google review

We visited New England from Texas for the first time last week. Visited Salem, and chose one day to drive around and take in the views. We chose this place to go apple picking based on the strength of the reviews and it's relative size (we didn't want to go to a giant farm with bounce houses and craziness). This place is absolutely perfect in every way. The staff were friendly, the food was great, and the experience of picking apples with my wife and children will be etched in my mind forever. We can't wait to come back!!!

Jacob L — Google review

4.6

(862)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (121)

4.5

(68)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (122)

455 Highland Ave, Phillipston, MA 01331, USA

(978) 249-6763

23

Natural Bridge State Park

31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (123)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (124)

31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (125)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (126)

Mentioned on

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State park

Nature & Parks

Natural Bridge State Park in North Adams is a must-see attraction, featuring an abandoned marble quarry with a naturally formed arch and a man-made dam, both made of white marble. The park boasts unique geological features such as the 550 million-year-old marble bedrock that was carved by glacial meltwater to create a stunning natural bridge and gorge walls descending 60 feet. Visitors can marvel at this one-of-a-kind formation, which is the only natural bridge of its kind in North America.

Amazing place to check out, was very happy to make a stop here. The size of this natural wonder really only comes to life in person. Standing under this rock was breathtaking. The trail is a pretty decent size as well so it's not a one and done kind of stop. There's a few things on the trail to check out, a cave, some waterfalls. There's also a lot of history at this location so be ready to peer a little bit into the past. Plenty of parking when I went and the welcome center is huge.

Matty T — Google review

An amazing state park blending history with beautiful natural beauty. This is a great place to stroll, have a picnic, or just be with family. The road up is narrow and the park closes at 4:30pm (the last entries are at 4:00pm). There are some hiking trails but the views of the distant mountains, and fields to eat or be with family, are the real attraction.

David F — Google review

The park is equipped with picnic tables and a Visitors Center, which houses restrooms, providing a convenient spot for a break. During our visit, no DCR staff were available to answer questions, though a radio was thoughtfully left playing in the background, adding an unexpected touch of ambiance. Its a dog friendly park allowing dogs on leash.While the park holds promise, particularly with its natural beauty, the experience left much to be desired. The main attraction, the natural bridge itself, is unfortunately fenced off, meaning visitors can only view it from a distance. This limitation significantly detracts from the experience, as the centerpiece of the park is essentially off-limits to the public.The drive up to the park on a narrow, single-lane road only adds to the sense of anticipation, which is unfortunately met with disappointment upon arrival. While the small waterfall provides a pleasant enough backdrop for a photo, it doesn't compensate for the restricted access to the natural bridge.Unless access to the bridge is restored, the park remains a place best suited for those with time to spare and no pressing alternatives.

ViNa — Google review

Had some time to kill so my wife and I took a nice walk. It was off season so some of the walkways were closed off. We will have to return later this year.

Christopher H — Google review

Well maintained park. Easily accessible by car to the main viewpoints. Small visitor center.

Wayne C — Google review

Clean and safe place to take family. But the area to explore is greatly reduced from the past due to closures. They say they will be reconstructed in the future but I didn't see any work being started yet. However, the use of the park is free now because of that so it is a good bargain. The nature trail in the woods behind the visitor center is short but nice. The view of the dam and down into the quarry is pretty. There are plenty of picnic tables and grills in shady spots.

Renee J — Google review

Great place to walk the dog to (entering from the back off of Franklin St) he likes it and likes people there, and let's hope they fix the bridge so we can see one of these days

Mason G — Google review

I've lived here in the Berkshires my entire life and have passed by the signs for this park many times and had never stopped there until a recent afternoon.I was awestruck by the marble walls of the Cliffsides as you enter the park. Beautiful streams and waterfalls too!!! Once up top there were picnic tables and a visitor center The park was dog friendly and they seemed to enjoy taking a dip in the pond.. you could see a nice pathway that must take one to the actual Natural Bridge. I cannot wait to actually be able to walk the path on my next visit..I can imagine the beauty one must see... after im able to complete that I'm sure I will give this park 5 stars!!

Cheryl H — Google review

Very short walk through. Many stairs and ramps. Further down you can walk through ruins but don't plan on spending more than an hour there because you will run out of things to do. They do have a small sculpture park too. $20 per car for out of state visitors. Very beautiful and unique certainly worth at least one visit. Make a day trip of it and visit Mass Moca.

Tara ( — Google review

Very scenic place. Setting is idyllic. It's nice to look at the old marble quarry. The natural bridge itself isn't very large, but it is still pretty cool. The marble dam is also unique. Unfortunately, many of the viewing platforms were blocked off. Hopefully, they are able to open these soon.Sculpture gardens is one of a kind. Visitor center gives good info on the history of the marble quarry. They do have some nature trails in the surrounding woods as well which are also pretty nice.

Ryan M — Google review

I went here recently to be completely saddened to what happened to this place! Not only was the Park bigger b4, and no Gates everywhere pre 2010. I guess the internet ruined this place, as soon as it got more popular, I'm guessing they had to put more safety measures. There was many structures that appeared to be missing, that I have pictures of from years ago. Maybe they have the natural bridge still, but this place as a whole is far from natural anymore. What a big let down, after driving almost 2 hours to get here. People that weren't here in the past, won't realize how cool it WAS back then. Now it's just somewhat cool. 😬😥

Wendy C — Google review

The park has not been maintained, it seems... which is sad. The trails need some TLC. It's very beautiful with natural marble. A short hike/walk here... bathrooms are closed...

Laura P — Google review

Well this was a disappointing trip. I went there really wanting to see the natural bridge, and drove over an hour, to find out that it was not open to viewing. Not sure what's wrong, but the path has been blocked for at least 6 months, probably more. The drive up was pretty cool with the big rocks up 1 side and there's a pretty cool old marble dam at the top. There's a nature trail that runs a little over a mile 1 way. Also the old mill is at the bottom of the driveway. There's an art area with sculptures from high school kids from early 2000s. There are clean bathrooms at the visitor center at the top also. Maybe I'll be back 1 day to see the bridge and up my rating.

Batman K — Google review

Pretty stop to pull over and stretch your legs. Learn a little about the marble dam. See a bridge you can't go over for safety reasons. Every thing is fenced off to deter people from falling.

Ann G — Google review

Nice place to visit, the park ranger was very helpful. Pretty easy walking but not good if you need completely flat ground. Lots of stairs but great views. Kids had a good time.

Judith S — Google review

Natural Bridge in North Adams is a must see area for nature lovers! The rocks are made of marble and the canyon itself is very cool! There is also a waterfall there that is worth checking out! Don't forget to go into the DCR building! There is a cool little museum with cool artifacts!

George F — Google review

I was disappointed about part of the trail being closed. After reading some of the comments about people complaining about the cost. I am not complaining. There was no charge when i went today. It was a nice little walk. Since the main trail was closed i walked the road side to the bottom instead. Got some nice pictures.

Gina W — Google review

4.6

(683)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (128)

4.5

(198)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (129)

McAuley Rd, North Adams, MA 01247, USA

(413) 663-6392

24

Crab Apple Whitewater Massachusetts

Mentioned on

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Rafting

Tours

Campground

Log cabins

Crab Apple Whitewater Massachusetts is a family-owned company that offers thrilling whitewater rafting adventures on various rivers across three different states. Guests have raved about their experiences, praising the knowledgeable and friendly guides who ensure safety while creating an exciting and personalized trip for everyone. The stunning scenery along the river adds to the overall experience, making it a memorable and enjoyable adventure for both first-timers and experienced rafters alike.

What an amazing day! I totally recommend Crab Apple Whitewater for rafting! We had a huge group of people and the guides kept us all together throughout the trip and we had an epic water fight, played different games along the way and even floated down the river! Love that they are family owned! We also finished the day with a delicious meal and looking at all of our photos! Very personable and great sense of humor which definitely puts you at ease if your a little nervous to begin with!Thank you for some great memories 😊

Lisa W — Google review

Our family had such a spectacular time! This was an absolute highlight of our trip and well worth the visit! Our white water rafting guide ( Courtney) was very knowledgeable and was such a gracious host! We felt so welcomed from our initial call when booking the reservation to actually arriving. It’s a family run business and we really enjoyed meeting them all and the pride they took in their business. We decided yo stay the night and the accommodations were comfortable and very convenient. The rafting itself was so much fun and perfect for all levels. We were also served breakfast and a delicious lunch. The facilities were very comfortable with showers for after rafting and lots of activities on site. All the guides were so friendly and welcoming. We loved getting to chat with many of them! We can’t recommend this experience enough! Looking forward to doing it again!

Eileen B — Google review

I recently went on a rafting adventure with Crab apple, and it was an absolutely incredible experience from start to finish! The staff were professional and knowledgeable. Our guide, Sawyer was not only skilled and experienced but also enthusiastic and friendly, ensuring that everyone in the raft felt comfortable and excited.I highly recommend Crab Apple to anyone looking for an unforgettable rafting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned rafter or a first-timer, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time. I can’t wait to come back and do it all over again!

Fei X — Google review

We had an amazing time rafting! Zach was our raft guide for half of our crew and Charlotte was the guide for the other half. Both were so much fun! I have been a few times, but most of our crew were first timers. Now, they want to go back. Zach even carried our boat back. All of the staff were phenomenal and very organized. I definitely recommend this place for rafting.

Amber L — Google review

Awesome trip, frank our guide was awesome we had 8 people on our raft we all followed frank's guidelines and had some great runs frank knows the river well and set us up for the best waves and biggest drops it was awesome the whole staff is very professional at what they do, the meal after our run was also awesome, this is our second trip with crabapple and there will be a third, again thank you Frank for an awesome day. You your family and the crab apple staff are great. Thanks again from the Jolly and Longchamp family

Christopher J — Google review

I have rafted the Kennebec over 20 times. Most recently, for the last 10 years, I have gone with Crab Apple exclusively. The Peabody family makes you feel safe, well attended to, and part of the family. If you want to raft in New England, go with Crab Apple, you won't regret it!

Brian C — Google review

Absolute BLAST!The trip is really fun but that is just half of it. Booking was easy, arriving, checking in, and getting your gear was effortless. The trip was exciting, made better by skilled and friendly guides. After your trip, you get to change into warm clothes and have a tasty meal. Then, everyone, all the boats gets together to review the photos from the day. Fun and funny. You leave excited, tired, and feeling like you've made new friends.I can't recommend this Crab Apple Whitewater enough.

Edward S — Google review

We went White Water Rafting last week and had an amazing time. We thought the day would be crappy because of the rain but it made it more enjoyable and the mists made it more picturesque. Our guide Ethan was awesome!! He was full of knowledge, funny and personable. We had such a great experience and I can’t wait to do it again. Keep up the great work!

Lisah F — Google review

Absolutely AMAZING experience! Our group of 10 did the Monroe Bridge section of the river (class 3/4) with Crab Apple Whitewater this past weekend and it was an experience I will never forget!!! The trip itself was so well run, from the check in all way to our photo slideshow at the end! Everyone was so friendly, helpful and outgoing. You can see how much these guides enjoy working there and their positive energy is contagious!Our guide, Frank, was so awesome!! He led us on a thrilling ride while always feeling safe and in control. We will 100% be requesting him for our next trip. The rest of our group had Zach (Frank’s son!) and had an equally incredible experience with him!This family run business left a lasting impression on all of us - we feel like we truly bonded with them and are already planning our trip for next year! Thank you Frank and everyone at Crab Apple Whitewater!!!!

Jen M — Google review

We had an amazing time and experience on our white water rafting trip yesterday. It was my first time and definitely not my last. Our guide Jeff was awesome. The whole crew were professional, informative and very friendly. I will be recommending this to all my family and friends. Thanks Crabapple for a great day. We will be back!!

Donna L — Google review

Awesome rafting experience on the Deerfield river. Our Guide Jeff was the best guide. We went on class 3 and 4 rapids it was so fun. Then after reviewed pictures and had a great dinner. The staff was friendly and very engaged and interactive with the guests. We will definitely be back

Lisa H — Google review

My second time visiting Crab Apple Whitewater. First time was an amazing whitewater trip, this year a few friends and I went on the Funyaking trip. SO MUCH FUN. Gorgeous day, great location and best of all is the amazing staff. Every single person you encounter is friendly, helpful and invested in you having a great time. Definitely recommend rafting with this great family-owned company!

Donna K — Google review

We had a great trip on the Miller today. Charlotte our guide was outstanding from the minute she jumped on the bus. From start to finish she was very personable and relatable. She took personal interest with everyone on our raft too. She’s definitely a keeper!Lunch was delicious and everything was well organized. Great job to all the Crab Apple employees!The Harper’s (NH)

Amy H — Google review

I’ve been rafting here through my university twice, loved it both times! Everyone is super friendly and our guide Zach was great! Both times my group went in April… the water is cold but everyone got wetsuits and honestly it made the experience a lot more unique and fun!

Audrey J — Google review

BSA Troop 4 Hopkinton, MA had an awesome time on the river. The River guides were super knowledgeable on their craft and the rapids, guided us for safety and teamwork to have the most fun!! Food back at the base was just as amazing on the banks of the river. The support team and admins were super helpful and engaging. We had fantastic time and no doubt be back with some new scouts and I’m sure with some repeats!!

Kul T — Google review

We had an amazing trip down the river! I was a little nervous bringing our 11 year old daughter but she had a blast! Felt completely safe the entire trip. Our teenage son and his friend absolutely loved it! Our guide was awesome! Very knowledgeable and a skilled rafting guide! The scenery coming down the Kennebec was spectacular! It’s like a spiritual experience. Gorgeous waterfalls all along the way. One major perk is once you get down the river you don’t have to take a bus ride back, because Crabapple is right there. The after cookout was top notch too! The food was delicious! Everyone that works there are all helpful, and friendly. It was a family vacation we’ll never forget! Can’t wait to go back! Highly recommend!

Jasper J — Google review

Crab Apple Whitewater truly is a family business that takes care of their guests in a special way. We visit with our Scout Troop every year and Frank, Jen and their team are wonderful river guides, friendly teachers while in the boats, and great lunch companions after the run. Thanks so much to the whole Crab Apple family for taking good care of us!

M F — Google review

First time going to this location and it exceeded my expectations. Matt was an outstanding guide. We learned a lot about rafting, nature, and shared some laughs. We had a total of seven in our group and he treated everyone amazing. I’m sure all the guides are great, but when we come back next time. We will be sure to request Matt.

Adam — Google review

What a wonderful experience! I'm by no means an outdoorsy person, but one must learn to live a little. The trip lead Kevin was so reassuring and fun, that even a wimp like me could face these rapids head on. Highly recommend!

Tyler C — Google review

This was our first time rafting and Zach and the entire staff made this an absolutely outstanding experience! We had so much fun and seeing the smiles on our kids' faces was priceless! We spent the afternoon laughing and just having a total blast. Zach was very knowledgeable and professional while also so friendly, outgoing, and engaging. He was wonderful with the kids and really made the trip feel personalized for us! Everything was well organized and every staff we encountered was super friendly and so helpful. We will absolutely be back and will recommend this family operated business to everyone we know. The home cooked dinner was an excellent touch that exceeded our expectations. We had the best day ever! Thank you for such a great time!!

Trish D — Google review

Went whitewater Rafting on 7/15 and had an amazing experience. The staff was extremely friendly and nice. Big thanks to Jennifer and Frank making sure we were able to go rafting and went above and beyond even though we came super late. Our rafting guide Matt was the coolest and super funny. He was very knowledgeable and had a fantastic sense of humor. If I can give more than 5 stars, I would. Can’t say enough good things about this place, and definitely would do it again!

Cameron L — Google review

Our family had so much fun whitewater rafting! My sister and I did the Monroe Bridge ride with our kids ages 15-20 yrs old - all first time rafters but athletic kids that could handle all the paddling and strategy involved. Frank was our guide and we felt so safe with him as he gave us tons of instructions but at the same time, let us all feel like we were a big part of the journey. We all loved it and I highly recommend this as a family outing since they combine the great meal after rafting and then the slideshow to see all the amazing photos taken of all the rafts in our group. It was a great, “unplugged” day for us all in the beautiful setting. I loved learning all about the Crab Apple family business - you can definitely tell they care about every detail of the experience. Highly recommend!

Amy T — Google review

I can't say enough about Crabapple Whitewater - the rooms are clean and cozy, the grounds are gorgeous and relaxing, the food is fantastic ... but the best part is the staff, seriously the nicest people you'll ever meet it's like hanging out with people you've known forever. The actual raft trip was an absolute blast, we were lucky to go on a dam release day and had bald eagles flying overhead. Courtney was our guide and homegirl knew her stuff. We were joined by 2 members of the staff (Connor and Lilly) to fill our boat and they were just such fun people who had us laughing the whole time while sharing cool info about the river. You can tell they love what they do. I can't wait to go back with my family, best and most laid back easy peasy vacation ever.

Ceilidh H — Google review

We had such an amazing trip with Crab Apple yesterday! Our guides, Frank and Zach, were fantastic! Our group was split between two rafts and they kept us close together throughout the trip. The rapids were intense, the weather was perfect, the water was refreshing, and the food was delicious! What more could you ask for? Between the bull-riding, and surfing the rapids, they really go out of their way to give you a one-of-a-kind experience! We’ll definitely be back again next year!

Danielle F — Google review

Perfect 10/10 experience! Went rafting with my kids and my sisters kids. We did the 15 plus option. Frank our guide and the owner was awesome. So professional, but also very fun! Personalized the experience and made it a great day for all! The rapids were so fun, my teens loved it and it tired them out! The cookout food after was great. Nice options. Beautiful spot. I would not hesitate to go again. Wonderful day with family unplugged and out in nature.

Lorri W — Google review

AN AMAZING DAY! Overall, a great experience for people looking for a challenging activity on a hot summer day. Thank you Zach for being a great guide and great company on the boat!! To start the day, you are greeted with very welcoming guides/workers when you pull into the lot that will confirm your party, provide info, and direct you to a parking spot. The check in process is VERY easy and everyone is very kind. During check in, you will pick out your lunch/dinner option (with many to choose from), rent water shoes if you do not have ones that will stay on, and give your car keys to the front desk for safe keeping. Once at the water, this company does not make you load in your boat which was a major benefit! They were already in the water when we arrived. Being on the water is the star of the show!! Expect to be on the water for a few hours and bring a water bottle with a clasp to hook in the boat if you think you need that. Once you get back to camp, plan on changing into a dry set of clothes and having the perfect dinner after a day on the water. Thank you to all the amazing staff for such a great experience!

Nikayla L — Google review

We went rafting a few weeks ago on the fife brook section. Our guide TJ was awesome. He was funny and knowledgeable and really personable. It was more relaxing than exciting, next year I will go to the higher class rapids. But it was a good amount of time and the food after was delicious while we got to see our pictures. Will definitely be back and ask for TJ again!

Sara B — Google review

2nd time rafting with this team! Incredible people who love what they do and it shows. Best rafting company in the area hands down. Can’t wait to get back here! 10/10 experience. Thank you to Frank and his whole family + staff for an incredible day.

Parker B — Google review

I was nervous to go rafting at first, but Crabapple made the experience from start to finish go so smoothly! Our guide, Kevin, did such an amazing job not only making me feel safe and answering all the questions I could possibly ask (including the technical stuff about how the river was formed!), but he also made sure I had fun and was taking in the entire time. Would definitely recommend to any newcomers!

Tanner G — Google review

25

Zoar Outdoor Adventure Resort

Mentioned on

5 lists

$$$$affordable

Raft trip outfitter

Tours

Adventure sports center

Nestled in Charlemont, Massachusetts, Zoar Outdoor Adventure Resort has been a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts since 1989. The resort offers a wide range of activities including white water rafting, kayaking clinics, zip line canopy tours, rock climbing classes and more suitable for all skill levels. Guests can enjoy guided adventures such as kayaking and white-water rafting while taking in the scenic beauty of the area. Additionally, visitors can explore the beautiful terrain with mountain trail rides.

Our trip was amazing! Perfect day in the water and we had a blast. Our guide Ross was the best!!!! He was knowledgeable and super funny!!! He ensured a great day. Marissa was amazing too and took great pictures so we could have these memories forever! Best jokes I've heard in along time. Can't wait to go back.

Danielle P — Google review

Beautiful all terrain trail ride up into the mountains.Unfortunately the weather took a ⛈️ dangerous ⚡ turn ⛈️ before we reached the first Zipline.All of the staff was very professional and apologetic for any inconvenience.Safely back at the base, we were given the options of a refund or reschedule.No harm no foul 😎👍I rather enjoyed the buggy ride up and down mountain in the woods. Almost, as much as the Ziplines very next 🌄

Robyn N — Google review

I had a great time white water rafting at Zoar Outdoor! It was well-organized and the guides were experienced and friendly. We had Brian as a guide and he was great! We did the Zoar gap trip this time, I would love to go back and do the dry run rapids next time. We also stayed at the Hawk Mountain lodge which was very convenient. We booked the Deerfield suite which was spacious and clean. The A/C was a portable unit and wasn’t working very well. Other than that, there were no complaints. The staff was professional and helpful and we had a wonderful time!

Olivia C — Google review

We did white water rafting half day. Our guide Steve was AMAZING! His knowledge of the river was incredible and he guided us through all the rapids with expertise! The rest of the crew was also very attentive. We had a great time! Recommended 100%.

Emmanuel H — Google review

Was here for my birthday , did Zip lining with Heather and Liz as our tour guides, so much nature and beautiful sightseeing, the sunset at the Berkshire was to die for and the 11 lines, I’ll definitely go back for the rafting, camping and Zip lining again. Thank you so much

Lydia T — Google review

We experienced the Concord River Rafting and it was incredible! From the moment we checked in, during the trip and guide Andy, to our return. It was my son’s first time and he had a blast - I have rafted before but this was an incredible trip for me as well! Loved how fast we got our pictures too!

Judy B — Google review

Beautiful area and people. Loved our zip line instructors Brian and Liz I think 🤔. Beautiful people are around. Our Rafting guide Hannah was awesome too

Joseph R — Google review

Better than I anticipated! CC and Bailey were awesome instructors. They explained everything so well which eased my nerves, as I really don’t like heights. We trusted them with their expertise . There were two zip lines that were down at the time, and we were offered to go twice on a certain course. We were pretty tired after three hours, and felt like we got a good amount of time in. Definitely recommended!

Anita T — Google review

The first time I rafted was 1994 at Zoar. I brought my son for his first time 30 years later. A total blast. Ethan was awesome! We will be back again!! Thank you for a great day!!

Kelly L — Google review

We went zip lining today for the first time and had the time of our lives. The course is so awesome and the zips are a blast. The guides are incredible. We had Kyle and Viv and they absolutely ramped the experience up to the next level. Such a cool place and such a cool experience. Zoar absolutely rocks!!

Tyler L — Google review

Super fun day on the river! They were very accommodating with our group of 22 people, some as young as 7. Everyone had a great time. Guides were all awesome! Food was good. Pretty easy to stay out of water if you want to but you are getting soaking wet either way. Can’t wait to do it again! Shout out to guide Alex, shown in pic proving the “guide popper” was indeed back in action. He was awesome!

Josh C — Google review

Fantastic experience Ziplining, rappelling through the trees.Megan and Hanna were Very Professional, patient with everyone. Some of us this was our first time.I would definitely do this again!! Highly recommend Zoar Outdoor Adventure Resort!Rafting is next!! Can’t wait till next summer!!

Brinda M — Google review

My two sons and I did the zip line tour with Kylee, Curtis and Zack. All three were great instructors with Kylee in the leader position. We had a lot of fun! I would recommend this to anyone looking for a bit of outdoor adventure! I am afraid of heights but never felt unsafe. Very happy to check this off the bucket list and wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. Thanks to Zoar for a fun and exhilarating experience!

Paula K — Google review

We had a blast. Our guide Randy was excellent. We will definitely go back. The pictures are awesome and well priced. The food was delicious for a picnic lunch.

Anissa B — Google review

We did the Dryway Rafting and all had an awesome time! Emma was amazing - she was so knowledgeable and made everything fun! We can’t wait to go back again! 🥳

Shana M — Google review

super fun!!! Our tour guide Ethan is very nice & patient, explaining details and safety rules. Beautiful river, nice scenes, a relaxing trip!

Maoku L — Google review

Had the most thrilling and fantastic day with the Zoar crew!! Wow! Weather seemed a tad rainy and a wee bit chillier than I’d like, but no problemo!! The location (felt like I was in the Amazon) is just glorious, the crew at Zoar truly fun, kind, and incredibly athletic and professional! Wow! Had the best day! Thank you Zoar, and special shout out to Davis our raft captain!

Yuki C — Google review

I participated in 2 paddling skills workshops, 5 days over 3 different weekends in the last few weeks. The instructors were great! Knowledgeable, skilled and friendly staff, and well thought out curriculum. There’s a well stocked outfitters shop on site too, in case… Well worth it and lots of fun! I learned a lot. I’ll be back for more. Thank You !!

Robert M — Google review

My boys and so just went on our fifth adventure with Zoar. We’ve done two rock climbing trips, two rafting trips, and a zip lining trip over the past ten years. Every trip has been everything we could have hoped for. The guides are always highly skilled and knowledgeable and personable. The trips are meticulously planned and happen so smoothly. Can recommend enough!

Vincent R — Google review

On Sunday June 9, 2024 our entire family, a group of 14 ranging in ages from 10-75 gathered at Zoar Outdoor to celebrate my husband's 75th birthday.Our guides, Bailey, Jen, Kate and Wayne were professional, knowledgeable, patient but best of all so much fun!The afternoon was filled with exhilarating zip lining, breath-taking scenery and lots of laughs.A truly memorable experience was had by all.Thank You.

Chris — Google review

First time on whitewater rafting. Chose the class IV to challenge ourselves and it was a blast!Connor was our guide. We had so much fun on the water. Connor was very knowledgeable of different places along the water and spent time sharing them with us. And he patiently explain the twist and turns in the coming rapid to prepare us well.Very well organized crew and delicious BBQ at the end. The Mac&Cheese was the best I’ve had.

Shikun W — Google review

We had a blast today! Zipline and kayak was super fun, our daughters (age 11) loved it too. The staff was very friendly and attentive. We definitely recommend it!

Rodrigo R — Google review

Zoar outdoor is a nice place for Rafting and other activities. I will be sharing more videos about the rafting when I finish downloading and editing from my GoPro 😬.The staff there are very helpful and caring. The guide was amazing and friendly and we felt like one family.We have done rafting for around 2 hours in the river.Really nice experience 👍

Hani K — Google review

Took a Swift water rescue class and I have to say they were top notch on all basis. Knowledgeable and absolutely professional on all aspects.

Anne R — Google review

We did the half-day rafting adventure. My wife was very anxious about participating, but within minutes of starting the trip she was thoroughly enjoying the experience thanks to our AMAZING guide, Tera! She was knowledgeable and confident and had lots of great information to share along the trip. There were 6 of us, Grandparents, Parents, and Teens, so we had our own raft. It was the highlight of our week in the Berkshires. Everyone involved with Zoar was patient, knowledgeable and upbeat! They have an terrific staff. I highly recommend this experience when you are visiting the Berkshires!

Jim P — Google review

We had a blast today! Our raft guide Jasper was awesome! We did so well and none of us got thrown off our raft, despite the higher water level and stronger, faster current. We had a fantastic experience and we'll definitely be back! Thank you!

Tiffany K — Google review

I've been to Zoar twice now and have had amazing experiences each time. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and meet students at their level, presenting appropriately challenging skills and maneuvers while providing excellent feedback and guidance for improvement. The river is also beautiful and a great place to learn white water!

Aaron P — Google review

This trip was a birthday present for our grandson who turned 18. It was a blast. We all enjoyed it so much. The guides were the best. Explained everything along the way. Will definitely be coming back. Want to try the white water rafting too!

Fran S — Google review

I recently had an amazing experience with Zoar Outdoors! Over the past two days, my significant other and I went rafting and zip lining, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Our rafting guide, Tedd, was incredible - he truly cared about our safety and made sure we had a blast. Nicole, our safety guide, was also fantastic throughout the entire trip. Tedd's sense of humor and ability to make us laugh made the experience even more enjoyable.The zip lining adventure was just as impressive, thanks to our guides Bailey and Wayne. We even got our own private session with them, which was a fantastic perk. Both Bailey and Wayne were knowledgeable, fun, and made us feel at ease. Both such fun people to be around. I would highly recommend Zoar Outdoors to anyone looking for an exciting adventure. It's definitely worth planning a trip around their rafting and zip lining activities - you won't be disappointed!

Arianna M — Google review

A Great time! Myself and my two teens had great time on the zip line adventure! Our Guides, were very informative and relaxed at the same time. It was welcoming atmosphere where we felt safe. The zips start easy and never get hard but end up longer and faster. Great for beginners and experienced zippers alike!

Mike M — Google review

We had such an amazing white water rafting trip on the Deerfield River with Zoar! Our group had wanted to do it for years and finally made it happen. Our guide Isaac was very knowledgeable and friendly and ensured we had a safe and enjoyable experience. It made for a great kick off to our girls weekend. Highly recommend Zoar Outdoor, and a big thank you to Isaac!

Angela P — Google review

Stayed in the Miller Room and want to leave this review to help inform future guests. The bedroom was nice, and the bathroom was across the hall as noted in the room description. However, what was unclear (at least to me), was that this was not a private area/hallway. Had I understood this in advance, I would have likely chosen another room for the privacy aspect. One thing that would have made this more comfortable would be a recommendation to bring slippers/crocs or similar to wear between the bedroom and bathroom, as you are crossing the communal hallway.Some negatives: There were some stains on the bed comforter which was off-putting, but the rest of the bedding seemed fine so we made due. Also a decent number of spiders and ladybugs in the bathroom but considering this is mainly a camping lodge, again not a total dealbreaker. If you were staying here after a few days of hiking or rafting, the indoor amenities would definitely outweigh the small things. This is by no means a luxury b&b, but it is a more than sufficient place to crash after a day on the slopes. The bed was comfy and the shower was hot!Recommendations: A mini fridge in the room would be a really nice feature/helpful. I would've liked to have packed some more perishable foods for ski lunches, or saved some of my leftovers from dinner. But we just planned accordingly. An additional entry mat to prevent tracking into the room would also be nice - especially during winter with so much salt/sand!Positives: THE VIEW!! Absolutely stunning view of the moutain, worth every penny. Also being a literal 1 minute drive away from the Berkshire East parking lot could not have made for an easier ski day! If skiing BE again, I would definitely stay at this lodge (just in a different room), simply because the location was so convenient. Also, a short ride to Shelburne Falls - which has a very cute downtown area and great food options!

Cass W — Google review

I was scared, but am so glad I experienced white water rafting, it was fun, the guides are well trained and like to show guests a good time.

Kriya G — Google review

This was a great experience! It was great to just come in a bathing suit/old sneakers and not have a worry about what to do. The crew was great! Our guide Geeg had awesome energy and made it an amazing trip!We will be back this summer.Best,Jamie

Jamie M — Google review

Even though it ended up being an overcast and slightly rainy day, we had a great time! Our guide Tera was the best!! Since this was our first time rafting, we took the class II with one class III rapid adventure, but next time it'll be the III-IV. Very thankful that we managed to stay ahead of the dam release which if we had started much later could have been a disappointment, but the timing worked out perfect. Another note, this adventure package said that it came with lunch, and we expected very basic sandwiches and maybe a bag of chips, but they definitely over-delivered with great selections and taste! And tasty homemade cookies! Thank you!

Tracy L — Google review

I highly recommend Zoar Outdoors. We have used them twice for family rafting trips and they are terrific. They focus on safety, their guest experience and promoting fun. Our guide Robert was tops he recommended swimming and games on the river. Prepared us for any tricky navigational spots and was just a overall cool guy! We will definitely be back to Zoar Outdoors in the future. Keep up the great work! What a great team you have! Thanks again!

Bruno S — Google review

We went togather as a group of 5 and all if us agreed it was one of the best trips we've ever taken. Zoar Outdoor was very organized and the staff was amazing. Our guide, Steve, knew every inch of the river and explained what we were going to do at each set of rapids . Thanks for the great trip, we'll be back again!

Shawn F — Google review

Your staff was terrific. They made it a fun day for all of us, not just in my boat. I highly recommend this trip for anyone that wants to experience white water rafting without having to travel far from the.city. It was a great afternoon. Our guides Zach, Emma & Steve deserve raises!!

Richard P — Google review

I went with my daughter on this adventure and we had s brilliant time. The weather was great, the guides were very friendly and professional. We loved our guide Zac he was a great manager and guide. We want to go again. We would recommend this trip.

Sophia B — Google review

My daughter and I visited Zoar Outdoor today for ziplining. It was my daughters first time and my second time visiting. We had the best time ever!!!! Thank you to Kyle, Bailey and Aidan for making our trip so much fun. Lots of good laughs 😃 I highly recommend Zoar Outdoor. They are packed full of adventures.

MikeKim E — Google review

Great ziplining with Aiden and Jen today. Very professional, safe, and lots of fun! We took our 13 year old grandson and we all loved it!

Becky M — Google review

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7 Main St, Charlemont, MA 01339, USA

(413) 339-4010

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26

Berkshire East Mountain Resort

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Mentioned on

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Ski resort

Tours

Berkshire East Mountain Resort is a popular destination in Charlemont, offering a wide range of thrilling activities year-round. The resort features the longest zip line in North America and boasts the Warfield Trails, which cover 540 acres and provide over 700 vertical feet of relief for mountain biking enthusiasts. Visitors can expect technical and diverse trails that cater to various skill levels. Additionally, the resort exudes a local charm with welcoming riders, good food, and a laid-back atmosphere at the base.

Amazing little mountain only about 2 hours away from Boston on the Indy Pass. Checked this place out along with their sister resort Catamount while I was in the area. Great skiing and conditions considering the awful winter we've had. They recovered really well from all the rain when I had visited. Good options of trails to check out too. I liked their really long green trail that snakes around the mountain.

Jason D — Google review

1st time skiing here at Berkshire East. Despite the warm winter here in Western Ma the conditions were great. Packed powder, loose granular, and some icy spots. Good vibe, and decent crowds but not overwhelming. The staff were friendly and helpful. The Crazy Horse restaurant and bar was excellent. The cold draft beer and great food. Berkshire East is a hidden gem, while not big in vertical (1180) it's not bad. Good steeps, easy cruisers for beginners, and good intermediate terrain also. This resort is run on 100% green energy. Great for families, teens and seniors. Will be going back when conditions improve.

John C — Google review

I had a great time late season (3/31/23) skiing with my wife. We weren't able to make it for the 30+ inches of snow they got a couple of weeks earlier but still had a great time. The groomers did a fantastic job. The lift attendants and customer service people were friendly and helpful. I loved the easy trails that meandered around each side of the mountain, making for a relaxing and fun warmup. The steeps were also lots of fun, well groomed, some bumps. I will definitely go back.

Michael H — Google review

Great mountain. Skied bigger then I expected. Some nice long green runs off the top. Nice blues and blacks on the face. Enough vareity for all levels. Lifts were great and lines not to bad on weekends. Friendly staff.

Justin T — Google review

It was our first time on this mountain, we commuted from central CT with our 5 year old, and loved it! We only tried out the green trails, but they were nice, long, there was one steeper section on each of the green runs that may be a bit of a challenge to less experienced skiers, but my 5 year old had no issues with it, and she's only in her second season skiing, first season out of ski school and bunny hills.The views are wonderful, the lines to lifts were reasonable (we even got cookies!), ticket prices were a nice surprise, and our 5 year old skied free.The lodge is nice, all in all a positive experience. We'll definitely be back.

K. K — Google review

Great campsite right on the mountain. Some sites uneven as they go up on the mountain. Hot showers. Good bathrooms. Staff is super helpful but leave you alone. Mountain biking is phenomenal for ALL levels. Great fishing nearby. Highly recommend.

Reid S — Google review

We were there for the Ladies All a ride event. We all had the best time. My 12 year old daughter in particular loved the day! Feeling so lucky to be able to visit!!!

Zoe C — Google review

Stopped to quickly ride the mountain coaster on our way home and it was a perfect experience. Lots of Fun. Virtually no wait and the Erica the attendant at the ride was very helpful and professional. Lots of Fun. The mountain coaster is a hidden secret.

Mark D — Google review

Michael and I had a fabulous time! In fact we booked another day for September 1st.Bob and John were fantastic guides. They went over and in details the safety guidelines. They never took short cuts. They were both fun and present during our time. Very personable too. We requested they be on our next adventure. Highly recommend Berkshire East and this mountain. We came from Nashua NH and it was worth it! Spectacular views!Elizabeth and Michael

Elizabeth B — Google review

This place is very good for all ages of skiing! The view is amazing when you are going on the ski lifts and there are a variety of trails to ski on. The tubbing tracks are very fun also! After you are done skiing/snowboarding you can go get a burger at the crazy horse restaurant. There is also more to do than skiing/ snowboarding. In the summer/spring you can do the tree obstacle corse, take a bike ride, or ride the mountain coaster! The possibilities at this place are endless and you could defiantly spend all day here! The trails are always nicely covered, occasionally you may hit an icey spot but overall it’s amazing! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! (Who ever has said a bad review about this place probably wants their money back or the service was slow, this place is 5/5 stars, I have been skiing here for around 4 years and have had no complaints)

-That - — Google review

Knowledgeable guides made the experience fun and easy. Beautiful time of year to go, so glad we went! We did the Valley jump tour and the hardest part was stepping off the platform. Zips were exciting and landings were smooth. Great day ☺️

Kristina C — Google review

We had a great time at Berkshire East Mountain Resort. We loved riding the Thunderbolt Mountain Coaster. We went to only ride it once and ended up riding it 2x. Do yourself a favor and buy 2 rides per person. The 2nd time was even better. Planning our planning outing. 😌

Sandra D — Google review

First time to Berkshire East. Went there to snow tube ! Enjoyed the day immensely and now want to learn how to ski ! I am already looking forward to going back next year. I Purchased tickets online and it was super easy. We arrived earlier than our reservation and we were offered to enjoy the lodge or start tubing right away. We chose to enjoy the lodge, an IPA and the view of the slope! Tubing was super fun and all the staff was helpful, friendly and fun.

Jennifer Z — Google review

My 16yo son and I thoroughly enjoyed the mountain coaster! We bought the 3 ride pass and had a blast. The wait time was about 15 minutes in line, the ride up the mountain was beautiful and it was fun to watch the mountain bikers tear down the mountain. Once up the top it was pure fun speeding down the mountain, feeling the pull of gravity around turns and the adrenaline rush that accompanies steep drops as you make your way back to the start. The staff was amazing, so friendly and fun! I highly recommend this adventure and will definitely be returning with friends and family! Thank you!

Katie H — Google review

Luke, our MTB instructor was fantastic. Bike fleet was in great shape. Trails were amazing. Don’t miss Gronk! Son got hurt and their medical seemed to be a little lacking. I asked two different people and they didn’t know where nearest ER was. Felt like they should at least have that on speed dial.Update: The medical lead contacted me and even gave me his cell phone number so we could discuss how things could improve. Very nice guy and sounds like they are going to do a bit of staff education before the season picks up.

Trent C — Google review

This place is great. Our whole family and friend groups enjoy the skiing all winter. LL Bean sponsors free smores, the food is good, especially the fries which are crispy. The chairlifts are quick and never much of a wait. The new one they should run at full speed but they don’t. The lighting is great for night skiiing although the mogul and ice can be challenging sometimes weather depending at night. Sometimes there’s a slalom course open and some college kids competing. There’s lots of acreage so space to maneuver. Terrain park is kind of basic but great for kids to learn with a short chairlift. The Mountain View is pretty too. For summer, the adventure park is great, I just returned from the mountain coaster which was more fun than a roller coaster and you control the speed. Better to come early to avoid a line. There’s also great zip lining and it’s not over commercialized. I haven’t done the mountain biking yet but it looks like a mix of challenge. The place feels family run, not sure if it is. There’s also lots of fun things nearby like shelbourne falls village with glacial water holes and flower bridge, there’s crab apple white water rafting near and Yankee candle / Magic wings butterfly so plenty to make a fun day of it if you are just at Berkshire East for half a day.

Jeff S — Google review

Terrific day with the family at Berkshire East We enjoyed the mountain coaster. The Mountain coaster is great for all different levels of our fam. We enjoyed watching the mountain bikers come down the trail and had a nice break with some cocktails. The staff was so pleasant and professional. My daughter lost her hat on the coaster and they offered to go up the mountain and get it. Loved this place and this day!

Lisa F — Google review

First time here. Great spot with legit riding. Wish there were more wood features and drops for regular, non-pro riders...however lots of awesome trails of all types.I've been to quite a few bike parks across the US and the riders here on average are some of the best around.People here were very cool and welcoming. Good food and drink during and after riding. Wish more people hung around after 5pm at the base, many people leave ir head to campsites to unwind.A nice LOCAL feel here and it shows.Definitely will be back.

William B — Google review

I am afraid of heights but our guides Bob and Kai made me feel very comfortable and safe!The views were incredible and breathtaking especially over the canopy which i wish I would've had time to take a picture lol!! We had 3 ppl in our party and a very nice couple in our group and 2 guides so waits were quick which made my first time ziplining even better!! One of the best mother's day/bday presents I've had in a long time!! We will definitely be back but this time we want to try the coaster looks like a blast and maybe even try the white water rafting/ziplines package depends on how adventurous we're feeling when I book!! And will b definitely b requesting Kai and Bob again!! U guys rock!!! Thank you so much for the awesome day!!

Carmen P — Google review

Place is easy to find, plenty of parking. A lot of fun activities and really good food. Minuses are very long lines, bike riders not walking their bikes on the walkways making it dangerous for people walking. Standing in the sun for 40, minutes to get a mountain coaster ride. We bought mountain coaster tickets online. We rode twice in the morning when the lines were good. After lunch it was almost an hour in line, mostly in the sun for a 2, minute ride. Luckily I was able to get a refund for the rides we didn't use. Some little kids were unsupervised on the Treehouse Trail and the one staff there was sitting down on her phone the whole time.

Charlene M — Google review

Really enjoyed skiing at this mountain. Multiple Quad chairs within easy reach of the lodges and easy mobility around the mountain. Long Greens on both sides allow for causal easier skiing when conditions started to get slushy later in the day. Loved the base lodge easy to navigate all 3 lodges. We got to hear some fantastic music in the West lodge and again by the main lodge. LL Bean day so free skiing with a BBQ fundraiser for ski patrol at the peak and free LL Bean Hot Chocolate and Smores at the base. Staff at Berkshire all love the spot and it shows from the awesome guys in the lots the dude I met who runs the ski school, the great lifties and patrolers too. I'll be back. My only ask is that you replace Aquafina bottled water (feed what's left to the snow making machines) and replace it with anything other than Dasani. Thank You.

Jeff S — Google review

We stayed in the Cabin. It was everything we were expecting and more. The cabin was very well stocked. It was the little things, like the lavender toiletries, that made it so special. The grounds were gorgeous. The boys really enjoyed the pool. The condition of the pickleball and basketball courts were a pleasant surprise. And the fact that you had all the equipment to play was just perfect. I would stay here again in a heartbeat!

Peter M — Google review

Yesterday I zip lined on the valley jump tour. IT WAS AWESOME!! our guides Sarah and Matt were amazing …you get 6 zips on this trip . You start small and work your way up to the 2 long valley jumps …Sarah and Matt explained everything and were friendly and funny .I don’t care for heights but you feel very safe . There is some hiking to get to the long jumps but not that bad . I will be back to do it again!!! It’s a feeling of freedom that you can’t explain till you experience it .

Jojo C — Google review

As a person that really likes to go extremely fast, this absolutely meets my expectations. It was super fun when you went super Duper fast around the curves and you felt like you were going to fly out. And I really liked the workers that were getting the carts ready, at the top, and at the bottom when you were getting out. Thank you, Berkshire East for all of your hard work.- From Jen Riders Preppy Daughter🧿🌺🐵

Jen R — Google review

Second year in a row taking the kids during winter break and we look forward to going again next year. My son was 3 last year and by nature a timid child so I was nervous, but I went down first, his dad sent him off after me, and we watched Daddy come down. I was able to help him get off the tube and the attendants at the top didn't send anyone down unless the coast was clear. Staff so friendly, warn ski lodge with the best hot chocolate (but super hot!), and snacks.

Angie O — Google review

We had a great time! The people working there were really nice and helpful and the tubing was safe and enjoyable for all ages.

Judith L — Google review

Wow, wow, wow, wicked good time! Mountain coaster was an awesome experience. The treetop adventure was perfect for my 8 & 4 year olds. It was great to watch all the mountain bikers as well. Nice clean facility. The most friendly staff that were very happy to help and chit chat during wait times on the ride. I’d highly recommend all the activities!

Amanda N — Google review

4.8

(2863)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (145)

5.0

(308)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (146)

66 Thunder Mountain Rd, Charlemont, MA 01339, USA

(413) 339-6618

27

Yankee Candle Village

31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (147)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (148)

31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (149)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (150)

Mentioned on

2 lists

$$$$affordable

Candle store

Yankee Candle is a renowned retail chain that specializes in offering an extensive range of scented candles and related accessories. The flagship store, located in Deerfield, MA, is a must-see attraction and offers a unique experience beyond just shopping. It hosts family-friendly events and activities, featuring a toy store and a beautifully decorated Christmas village that kids will love.

One of my favorite stores to visit! A lot to see than just candles but almost every candle you can smell here! Yankee Candle also has amazing events that we have always enjoyed. I can usually find a coupon too before I go! I always recommend others to visit if you are in the area! :)

Jenny L — Google review

I absolutely love this place. Yes, the candles can be a bit expensive, but they have a wonderful selection. They are everything from Christmas tree ornaments, soup mixes, pasta, wide selection of jelly, sauces, home decor, utensils, and candy. You can make your own candles, which was cool, make a build a bear, fill up a jar or candy, etc. They also have a food court inside. I definitely will come back. Dangerously can spend a lot of money but definitely worth the experience.

C S — Google review

This place blew me away! Snowing indoors! And it was 95 outside! The designer of this place obviously understands the magic of wonder with creativity and curiosity around every corner. The gardens outside were beautiful and the rocking chairs a nice respite with vintage tunes in the air!We grabbed a couple of delicious pizzas for the family and a couple of drafts from the brewery. Great value! I wish we lived closer to come back in the fall.

Kathleen Y — Google review

So massive, so much to see and do!Candles, foods, gifts, homegoods, Christmas & Halloween villages, a huge candy shop, and also a new pub. Beautiful grounds, especially beautiful in Fall and at Christmas.You can easily spend hours here looking at everything. It's awesome. The restaurant has amazing clam chowder and great food too

Christa D — Google review

What an amazing place! My husband and I had a few hours to kill, we stopped here and had great time! They have something for everyone and surprises around every corner! Don’t miss the pizza and Ben and Jerry’s!

Jill M — Google review

The Yankee Candle Village is an extraordinarily delightful venue that is so much more than a candle shop, providing a unique shopping experience with activities for young and old alike.We arrived on a Monday morning around 10 to a sparsely populated store. Upon entering, we were met with an almost overwhelming -- but not unpleasant -- array of exquisite fragrances and colors, the origins of which reside on the shelves housing thousands of candles throughout a couple of rooms.These rooms lead one to the emporium, where, in addition to even more candles, one can actually build their own at the Waxworks section. Spread along the wall are approximately 15-17 cylinders of colorful wax of different scents. The customer can grab an empty glass jar and fill it with a particular wax or a combination of one's choosing. Another section allows one to dip ornaments in wax for holiday occasions.Another unique feature in the emporium is the scent bar, where individuals can create their own combination of select scents and dump them into a small glass container of hot wax. Pay the cashier, go about exploring the store, and, within an hour, your customized candle will be ready to take home.In addition to candles, one can shop for jams, jellies, syrups, honeys, sauces, soup mixes, and other enticing spices and condiments. These would be great items to buy along with kitchen accessories and other items in the home section.The Yankee Candle Village is always in the Christmas spirit. Walking through the Bavarian Village, and one will enter a winter wonderland, with a vast selection of Christmas ornaments, various Christmas village collectibles featuring Disney, Harry Potter, Peanuts, Dr. Seuss, The Munsters, and The Addams Family. A snow machine will blow real snow upon you as you meander through an assortment of artificial trees.Kids will also enjoy the toy store filled with board games, action figures, stuffed animals, and a bunch more. The toy store leads into a candy store, with many types of penny candy, jelly beans, and gummies. One can fill a medium-sized Yankee Candle jar with their choice of assorted candies for $12. There is also an animatronic musical feature for the children featuring the "Candle Mountain Boys," featuring bluegrass-style musicAll that shopping will no doubt build up an appetite. No worries! Outside the village (yet still part of the overall store) is Hillside Pizza, where one can order a personal-size pizza along with a selection of salads, wraps, sides and non-alcoholic beverages. For those looking for something a bit stronger, Powder Hollow Brewery offers their own variety of homemade beer.Looking for dessert? Go back inside the main area and have some freshly made fudge, or some Ben and Jerry's ice cream, with freshly made waffle cones.The landscaping outside the sprawling grounds is alive and vibrant, with plants of all vivid colors, offering a beautiful background for selfies or standalone pictures.As mentioned above, the Yankee Candle Village is not just a candle store, but a memorable experience for the entire family. If you plan to go here just to buy candles, don't be surprised if find yourself leaving a few hours later!

Darren S — Google review

You can spend an entire day at the Yankee Candle. It’s not just about sniffing the candles. You walk in and you’re routed through the store perfectly. The xmas section was my favorite. They actually blow snow at times. There are so many different candles, it’s hard to pick from. And the toys from years ago are heartwarming.

Kathleen A — Google review

Went on a Wednesday in August. Not crowded. Easy to get around and see everything. Purchased 2 candles and had photos added. So cute. The staff who assisted me were very kind. The receivers loved them. I’ve done this before but was shocked the jars were $31 plus extra $5 to add photo. I did get 50% off the second $31 candle. They sell YC at Walmart for $15. Is it a different grade candle? Also purchased Vermont syrup and a specialty ornament. The women who did the personalization did a beautiful job. The Christmas area was lovely but has not changed in years. You can see it’s getting old. Most ornaments are from Old World so they are pricey but overall lovely Christmas area. We got a coffee in the food court in the afternoon. It was horrible. They said it was from early in the morning, apologized and promptly refunded our $. The outside landscaping was beautiful and the plants were so healthy looking. The whole place is pretty. Don’t waste your time in the outlet barn. No deals there.

Cas — Google review

If you have never visited, well, you simply MUST! Easy off and on I-91. My family and I try to get here AT LEAST once per year.A visit to the Yankee Candle Company is a delight to all of your senses! Visually stunning, incredible smells and fragrances, delightful sounds and music, coordinated to the themes in each room, delicious foods to eat there or take home with you, and just so many things to explore with your hands!Whether you stop for 30 minutes ( I personally am not sure how this could EVER happen!), or whether you spend several hours, you and your family will be captivated!One of my favorite rooms is "The Alpine Room" where it actually snows (real snow!) every 4 minutes!Second favorite...the room with all the lighted, animated villages. I could literally spend an hour just in that one room!!There is something here for everyone, from toddlers to teens, young folks to seasoned seniors!Ample parking, abundant rest rooms, handicapped accessibility...honestly, what's not to LOVE?! JUST DO IT!!

Esme W — Google review

What unique and fun idea for a Weekend excursion! Not only can you smell a HUGE variety of candles but you can also make your own!The multi-themed rooms take you on a journey through the factory. Lots of shopping can be done to include satisfying your sweet tooth at their very own candy shop.The kids can see how stuffed animals get made, and take one home with them!

Seth M — Google review

Great place. Very clean. Staff was very friendly. Walking around enjoying candles and seeing all the stuff. Came out with great deals. Love to see it when Santa there. Love the music they was playing. Was dancing and singing . A great way to relax

Ray R — Google review

Free parking, welcoming and helpful staff. Delicious Margarita, Pepperoni, Chicken Bacon Ranch, or cheese pizzas. Wraps, salads, and coke products available. Busier on Fridays and Saturdays. You can make your own candle and fragrance. Candy store, housewares, clothing, Fall and Christmas decorations. Lots of candles, of course! Go if you can, and give yourself a minimum of 3 1/2 hours to look at everything and eat. Don't forget Ben & Jerry's for ice cream, fudge, and coffee!

Lacie J — Google review

It’s the Disneyworld for candles! We had so much fun exploring the different areas and sniffing all the fantastic candles! A very unique experience!

Sarah L — Google review

The main Yankee Candle store located in Deerfield, Massachusetts has been on our bucket list for years and we are happy to announce that as of today we were able to scratch this one off of our list. We arrived at the store about ten minutes after they opened the doors and we able to park right at the door. The store is absolutely amazing. We spent over three hours in the store. And it was GREAT. We had an absolute blast. We ended up purchasing more than we planned but that’s okay. We are already planning another trip next year. We are discussing our strategy about where we are planning on staying to what we plan on purchasing first. We took a lot pictures and videos. We highly recommend visiting this location. Just plan on staying several hours.

Richard M — Google review

Love this store. This store is a 10/10 in my book. Love all the different decorations and the little nooks in the Bavarian village area. Also loved seeing the Harry Potter section with the Nutcrackers. Just LOVE the whole store period. The employees we're very nice. I will definitely be coming back again soon

Danielle D — Google review

It is our every holiday tradition to visit this store and if we have guests we definitely bring them here. We have been going to this store from almost 18years and every time find something new. During holidays you definitely get a feel of holidays! Love all the small things like corns, hand made soaps, maple syrup, honey. Kids have done custom shaped wax murals but this time it was closed so kids did personalized candle jar and it was cool. I love their rose candle. It used to have many more stuff but this time I felt bit reduced on few things, it is still a very fun place. They have small stage where Christmas songs are going on and there is fountain which I love it! Different sections with themed Christmas decors is pretty cool. They have trains, fake snow and what not. Kid love their fudge too, overall must place to visit in any season. Once we went in fall and mums decorations were outstanding!

Pu G — Google review

As usual it was pretty expensive. They also took out the popcorn and apparently the little food court is out now as well. Two things I was looking forward to. That said, still a fun place to go.

Steven J — Google review

We love Yankee Candle and we come here all the time with the kids. And believe me there is WAY more here than just candles. It’s such a fun time to just walk around and get out of the cold. It really is Christmas all year round. There’s a Christmas section where it “snows” every couple minutes. Inside they have fudge, Ben and Jerry’s and roasted nuts like cashews and almonds (so good). You can dip your own candles and make your own candles. Hillside Pizza is attached and it’s the best local pizza. Workers are always friendly!

Taylor B — Google review

This is a nice flagship store of Yankee Candle. Besides great selection of different flavored candle, it has a lot of stuff for kitchen and room decoration. It has a dining hall and a counter for custom candle making. It is a fun place to browse and shop, and family gathering.

C W — Google review

This place was huge and had so much more than candles. It had Halloween and Christmas displays and ornaments, all kinds of specialty foods. You can spend hours getting lost. It's worth a look if you are in the area. Great for killing time too.

Jessica P — Google review

This place is amazing they have everything you need. Fun day trip with the kids lots and lots to see. If you're going to see Santa, call ahead and make an appointment. Make sure you look for the giant candle in the back by making your own candle section. Make sure you pick up some homemade fudge for the ride home.

Larry F — Google review

I love Yankee Candle!!! It was absolutely a beautiful and very awesome experience to go there! All the beautiful Christmas lights, trees, snow, village, and food was just so incredible! Without doubt worth going to! Have a great day and Merry Christmas!🎁🎄🎅⛪️⚓️❄️🙏

Jack C — Google review

Great atmosphere, friendly staff so many selections. Lots of parking and wheelchair accessibility and restrooms. Food, coffee and beverages and ice cream stands. Great place to enjoy with family.

Rosa R — Google review

Great place to visit! Make sure you have an hour plus to spare. Tough in / out.Thanks for having a smashed penny machine!We had a ton of fun! Got our hands dipped!Stephen at the front was extremely helpful!

Scuba S — Google review

4.6

(2103)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (151)

4.5

(884)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (152)

25 Greenfield Rd, South Deerfield, MA 01373, USA

(877) 636-7707

28

Emily Dickinson Museum

31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (153)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (154)

31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (155)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (156)

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History museum

Museums

The Emily Dickinson Museum, located on Main St. in Amherst, is the birthplace and lifelong home of the renowned poet Emily Dickinson. The museum offers exhibits, guided tours, and a bookshop for visitors to explore. The Federal-style Dickinson Homestead provides a unique insight into the life of this extraordinary poet who rarely left her home and gained recognition only after her death when her cache of poems was discovered.

Wonderful tour experience! The Emily Dickinson Museum was the best museum tour experience I have ever had. The museum has organized tour groups where the tour guide walked the group through The Homestead showing us each room and how it affected Emily's life. The tour experience included not only the story of Emily's life, but also how and why Emily wrote poetry the way that she did. The tour was a very fulfilling experience, and the tour guide made it very special.

Patrick T — Google review

I was blown away by this museum,mostly by the staff.Franklin speaking, I am not a museum person & I was there to kill time between conference break.But all the sections have different story tellers, they made Emily's history vividly jump in front of me in my brain and I enjoyed all the seconds inside the museum, I never had such fun in a history museum like this one.No wonder it scored 4.8 before I visited.Highly recommend it, both Emily Dickinson Museum, it takes around 1 to 2 hours( if you ask a lot of questions ) to tour both museums.

Margie W — Google review

This may be my favorite author house/museum to visit. Certainly, I have not found a better one. Most importantly, the genuine love that each person brings to the Emily Dickinson Museum is manifest in every aspect of the museum's public-facing presentation.To the museum's great credit, the individual personalities (and, vitally, the reasons those individuals love Dickinson) that each individual brings to the table seem to be honored and encouraged. To wit: I have enjoyed the tour of the House and the Evergreens several times, and each time highlighted very different aspects of the poet's life and work. The first time, our guide seemed to focus most on ways of reading Dickinson (believe me, it's a fascinating subject). The second, our guide was most focused on the lives (like loaded guns) that the Dickinsons lived. The third, our guide brought up Thomas Wentworth Higginson enough to make me change my thinking on him (my opinion has become decidedly more favorable as a direct result of this tour). I'm sure that the next time I go, I'll take away more once again.Beyond this, the museum does an excellent job of crafting outstanding programming. I would recommend the annual walk from the Dickinson house to the poet's grave, which occurs in mid May of the year (in keeping with Dickinson's passing). It's truly a deeply affecting memorial.If you love Dickinson, you just want to learn some more about this major figure, or you're anywhere in between, visit the Emily Dickinson Museum. You'll be glad you did.

Jason M — Google review

We had a great trip here and my daughter loved learning about Emily Dickinson from a child’s point of view. I think her childhood visit deeply impacted her worldview even as an adult. We are looking forward to returning! We love how complex and intelligent Dickinson is. Bonus for college students- the museum tour really helped with papers and impressing English professors!

Kerri C — Google review

Anna gave us a beautiful tour, generously sharing her knowledge about Dickinson’s life and work and the mindset she revealed in her poems and letters. She’s clearly studied Dickinson deeply. This tour was a Mother’s Day gift for my mom, and she was thrilled, as were my sisters and I. We are already planning another trip to tour the Evergreens. Whether you’re a scholar or have a more casual interest in Dickinson (like me), I highly recommend a visit.

Stephanie S — Google review

Big thanks to Carla (I believe that was her name) for being an excellent tour guide. She was quite knowledgeable and recited poetry to us in many rooms. As an English/literary fan I adored being able to see Emily’s house as well as the Evergreens. Thanks again!

Mahailey O — Google review

Beautiful place, very peaceful and loved the recorded guided tour around the property. The staff is very well informed and made the visit quite pleasant. It's such a powerful experience to walk around the house and be in the very room this prodigy lived.

Fernando A — Google review

This was my second time here and first since the renovations. Our tour guide was Pete and he was very knowledgeable and accommodating. The museum features so many items - some used from the TV series, movie and some from the actual time period. The scenery was beautiful. If you are in the area- make this a priority.

Arlyn M — Google review

It was such a wonderful opportunity to visit Emily Dickinson house with a wonderful and knowledgeable guide..........

Behnam U — Google review

Really enjoyed the tour, tour guide and home. Did a great job.

Bryan D — Google review

The tour is so great it really helps understand Emily's life and the history.

Devin F — Google review

A lovely well restored museum. Our guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about her subject which made our visit really enjoyable. I could really imagine Emily Dickinson in this house and her sister Vinnie and her cats, it felt like they had just stepped out while we had a look around. A visit to The Evergreens next door was also interesting. We had time to look around the gift shop then our guide took us next door to enjoy a tour of Emilys’ brothers’ beautifully preserved home.

Lorraine H — Google review

Loved visiting the Emily Dickinson museum! The staff was very knowledgeable and the experience was fantastic! As an English teacher, can't wait to share this with my students.

Sandra A — Google review

We had an incredible time touring the Homestead and grounds. Our guide, Pete, asked what our interests were and tailored his tour to us. We loved learning about the architecture, family, and viewing props from the show. He was very knowledgeable about the provenance of items and the creation of the museum.We were also fortunate to attend a free panel that day which was part of the Tell It Slant poetry festival and featured the costume designer and actors who played Lavinia and Austin in the Apple show Dickinson.The museum is a wonderful steward of their historic homes and beautifully marry the history of the family with modern interests.

Jen — Google review

The whole of the great poet, which has been turned into a museum now. It's not big and it's been restored. It does give you a good sense of life of this great poet as the guide reads out loud some of her work to visitors.

Michael P — Google review

I visited my friends in Boston last month & we drove out to Amherst to check out the Emily Dickinson Museum! We loved it!! ♥️ We had a guided tour with Anna, who was super knowledgeable and patient with questions from our small group. I enjoyed learning about the poet and there was even a room set up for the guided tours to discuss some of her works via the boards with the sliders (didn't get a pic of them). 📝 We walked through the house and I think my two favorite rooms are the foyer and the salon/living room with the portrait replica of Dickinson and her siblings. 👨👩👧 There is a little souvenir shop of course where you can purchase things like booklets of Dickinson's poems, shirts, stationery, umbrellas, etc. I'm glad we came to visit this museum, it was an educational, laid-back experience. We also saw the giant tree outside the house that has been there since Dickinson's time! 🌳 This is a must-see destination for literary fans.

ChinLin P — Google review

A simply beautiful location and a great tour. We booked a Kombi-Ticket, which included guidedtours in both houses. The one Emily lived in and the neighbourhouse, which belonged to her brother. Both are really wonderful to visit and completely different. The guides were very skilled and dedicated. Two hours of tour for inexpensive 16 Dollar. Great! Nice giftshop!

Manuel G — Google review

This museum is amazing! My girlfriend and I have wanted to come for about 2 years now and I’m so glad we finally did!Our tour guide was Emma and she was great! She was able to answer any questions we had. Parking was easy and there are signs that tell you exactly where to go to start your tour. The gift shop was full of great stuff too.We walked about 10-15 minutes to the cemetery where Emily is buried which was an added on bonus! I can’t wait to come back!!

Molly M — Google review

It shouldn’t take an hour and 20 minutes to look at about 4 rooms. They include a filler activity where you sit in a room and discuss and read the writings of Emily Dickinson which is fine, but it shouldn’t encompass a quarter of the tour. We had some questions about the parents but the guide said it was something we’d discuss later on in the tour in the interest of not spoiling anything. Got to toward the end of the tour and still didn’t get an answer to our question. We got our moneys worth for the time spent:money paid, but this could’ve easily been a 30-45 minute tour with the same information.

Eric G — Google review

I visited for the first time at the height of Pride month, the same week of Juneteenth. It was a wonderful surprise to read Kwame Alexander’s “The Undefeated” in the garden story-walk, which ended with souvenir buttons spread in the grass for visitors to take home. The Homestead, the Evergreens, and the grounds have been and still are being lovingly restored. The staff is warm, friendly, and knowledgeable. I was terribly aggrieved, however, with the “they were just gal pals” treatment of the Poet and Susan Huntington Dickinson’s intimate relationship as portrayed by the tidy pre-written, bound script from which the docent read. Though our guide’s performance of this text (as it were) laid it on quite thick enough for anyone who might still need to be spoon-fed their queer history through obliquely coded references, it was sad to witness. ESPECIALLY during Pride. I don’t know who authored the museum tour script/guidebook that is in use now, in June 2024, or who they think they are pandering to, but in my assessment: it is a Puritanically dishonest monument to these two courageous and intelligent women, forced—in their own home—to love in secret both in life and still, even now, in death. Do better. Curious parties refer to: “Open Me Carefully: Emily Dickinson’s Intimate Letters to Susan Huntington Dickinson” (Hart & Smith, 1998/2019, Wesleyan University Press)—a book you can purchase in their bookshop, no less!

Sarah C — Google review

Amazing place. Had a fantastic time seeing the period-perfect, well-restored, and wonderfully maintained home of an iconic American. The staff were awesome, particularly our guide, Thackeray. Will definitely return!

Erik S — Google review

Amazing tour! Everything is so well preserved, it was like stepping back into time. Our tour guide, Thackery, was by far the BEST tour guide I have ever had! They were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, which enhanced the experience tenfold. Highly recommend visiting—I’ll definitely be back if I visit town again!

Emma H — Google review

Wonderful tour, very moving account of the history of this town, the family and Emily Dickinson herself. Tour guides live and breathe their affection for this piece of history, and it shows, very well done.

Sandeebeech — Google review

A very nice experience visiting the home where the famous poet lived. The visit includes a personal tour, and our guide certainly cared a great deal about Emily Dickinson. He recited a lot of her poetry from memory and the visit lasted nearly two hours. The main house in particular is quite nice, as are the gardens.

Tom L — Google review

We got the guided tour and it was amazing. The house is beautiful and the tour guide quoted a lot of Emily's poetry. It's not really a handicapped accessible as there are two floors, but if you can climb stairs I highly recommend this place.

Crystal S — Google review

Cannot recommend this experience enough. The grounds of the museum are beautiful and the knowledge of the staff is topnotch! A must do for Emily Dickinson fans.

Maggie B — Google review

One of the best guided tours I've ever been on. To be honest, I only had a vague knowledge of Emily Dickinson before booking the tour; we were visiting colleges and I had a young niece I needed to entertain. But I was hooked almost immediately, and the tour gave us a wealth of knowledge and appreciation for Emily and the property. There's so much history preserved (or restored, depending on which house we're talking about) and all of it is fascinating.Our first tour guide, Thackery (I hope I have his name right, I'm referring to the "son of a auctioneer, so I talk fast") was hands down the best guide I've ever had. I'd go so far as to say he's in the top 10 people I've ever met in terms of excelling at their job. He has limitless knowledge and passion regarding Emily. He not only was able to answer every question we had for him, but oftentimes was able to recite a passage of a poem that best exemplified the answer! Words cannot describe how good he was, and if you can find what time slots he's in charge of the tour, I would strongly advise seeking him out.That is not to say the other employees are not also good. Our second tour guide (they split up the tours by house) was very knowledgeable as well. Everyone on the staff were friendly and kind and clearly cared about preserving the legacy of Emily Dickinson.A+ experience.

Dennis J — Google review

4.8

(321)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (157)

4.5

(305)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (158)

280 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002, USA

(413) 542-8161

29

Hardwick Winery

Winery

Food & Drink

Wineries & Vineyards

I love this place! It has great outdoor space lots of greenery, they have indoor seating, lots of variety on wine, flight options, charcuterie for purchase too. I recommend for the wine: pear, blueberry, yankee girl (really everything is good!)

Cindy — Google review

What a winery! The flavors and varietals were incredible! We visited here during a weekday and were serviced immediately. The woman working the counter was friendly and helpful and provided great hospitality.I sampled a pumpkin, raspberry and some apple varietals and couldn’t have been happier with my choices. The pumpkin varietal was incredible and I can’t wait to have it come fall time! We would definitely visit again, especially on the weekends!

Nick A — Google review

We had my daughters bridal shower at Hardwick Winery. I can’t say enough good things about our experience. They were caring helpful and took pride in every aspect of our event, The food was awesome and the wine was even better. Kaitlin and John were attentive and she did a great job as their event planner. Nothing was forgotten ! We had a great day, Thank you, The Ierna Family

Allison I — Google review

Very cool winery, the wine was good, nice venue with food trucks, live music and vendors. My favorite wine is the Dana Black Cherry red. The wine smoothie was also delicious. Highly recommended!

Rob P — Google review

Great place to stop and have a glass of wine & cider, or to buy bottles for home. They have wine slushies now too!

Brian B — Google review

Great place worth trying. We chose a hot afternoon which wasn’t the best, HOT HOT HOT!!!! However the wine flight I chose was amazing. Kaitlin was a doll. I definitely will be back, with friends and on a cooler night!!

June B — Google review

First time going and I wasn't disappointed. The bloody mary was the freaking best I ever had! Brunch was perfect and I had a great time. The workers where fun to chat with. 10 out of 10.

Leigh R — Google review

Large tasting room with two floors and outside seating. Great selection of wines, and even wine slushies. Check out the Wine Flight for a ample sampling of four styles, or opt for the Wine Tasting for some quicker samples at the bar. Sandwiches, cheese plate and pizza available to accompany your wine.

RoadTrip N — Google review

Came here Sunday. I do find the wines and grounds nice however I would recommend the 2 women working be a bit more friendly/personable. We walked up to the ordering area and one woman did say hello, but literally nothing after that. I stated we were looking to do a tasting. I then had to ask how theirs worked as she gave no further info. Just a little awkward

Red — Google review

So good. Nice atmosphere and great service. Wine list has all the description you need and prices are reasonable

Lyann A — Google review

Awesome night with Jaden and Carter !!!!! Got nice pictures of my son and grandson in a 1953 Chevrolet Piickup. Also had great food and a fun night and can't wait for the August 24th, then the big show on October 15th.

Troy S — Google review

We stayed overnight at Hardwick Winery with Harvest Hosts. Everyone there was so friendly and helpful. We got lunch with a glass of wine, had a couple of flights and bought a bottle of blueberry wine to take home. There was live music and even in the rain it was the perfect place to relax.

Mary W — Google review

A backyard gem. Rustic barn setting, scenic view, and New England wine. Great seasonal events and local music. They support local vendors and use local ingredients. Favorite wines were the cranberry and the chocolate raspberry.

John C — Google review

What a great place! All the wine we tried was so flavorful and unquestionably unique. (Asparagus wine!!!!) They were prepping for their maple breakfast which is offered on weekends and it smelled heavenly in there. We’ll be back it was well worth the drive

Naomi L — Google review

Used them for harvest host stay. Friendly. Wine is delicious. Music every afternoon. Grounds were well kept and set up nice

Sharon E — Google review

Such a beautiful place! Live music was delightful! Wine slushy’s are soooo good!We had apricot and watermelon. Both were excellent! We will be back again!

Alexis A — Google review

4.7

(233)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (159)

4.0

(48)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (160)

3305 Greenwich Rd, Hardwick, MA 01082, USA

(413) 967-7763

30

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (161)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (162)

31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (163)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (164)

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Museum

Art museum

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, founded by renowned illustrator Eric Carle and his wife Barbara, is a unique museum located on the Hampshire College campus. It features a vast collection of picture books and hosts visiting exhibits from national and international artists. With three galleries staging six exhibitions annually, the museum also dedicates shows to Eric Carle's own work. As a member of Museums10, it's conveniently situated adjacent to Hampshire College in Amherst.

Great museum, with changing exhibits on Carle's art, and other illustrators & artists in addition.Reading opportunities abound, and there is an art studio as well as a great museum store. We were able to go when there was a gallery tour scheduled with Isabel.Great for kids is all ages and their parents - highly recommended!

Phil V — Google review

It is a cute venue. I worked as part of a catering team who hosted events and catered weddings at this venue. Recently I went to an intimate concert featuring a Spanish classical guitarist that was absolutely lovely.This isn't a particularly interactive museum but it hosts a wonderful children's library, colorful art and encourages children to be creative.It's a beautiful venue. It is very chic and modern. It boasts a minimalist design. It is a small museum but one with heart.

Hannah M — Google review

This was the perfect place to bring our 3.5 year old daughter. She played with toys in the library, ran around outside during storytime in the old apple orchard, made art in the studio, and played in the art exhibit. If we lived locally, this would be a regular stop for us.

Jill F — Google review

This museum is incredible. It has galleries that are beautiful and interesting for adults and kids alike, a daily art activity for kids, a library to read and okay, an auditorium with daily screenings, story time, and more.My children loved exploring and I loved seeing the diversity of picture books and other children’s literature. It’s extremely affordable, extremely fun, and everyone should visit. Also, the bathrooms are all gender and incredibly accessible, which shows their commitment to welcoming everyone.

Sam L — Google review

We love Eric Carle and love the museum even more. Lots to see and even more to do. We planned to stay only a couple of hours, but ended up staying the whole day. My favorite exhibit was the Trip to Japan. Our favorite activity was the art studio. Highly recommend.

Lloyd M — Google review

We went on a Thursday at 10:30am. They're open Wednesday to Sunday (closed Monday, Tuesday).Plenty of free parking. Sidewalks on other side of hedges but not obvious when you park. Stroller friendly location!It is in a small, plain white, unassuming building. There are two small galleries - one was closed today- plus a library, auditorium, gift shop, and art studio for kids to paint. Tours are self-guided.The gallery we went in had drawings hung at child level for the 4-8yo age range. There was a cute sofa with lots of books to read.In the corridor there was a big butterfly mural (good for pics), a butterfly shelf with two seats inside for kids to "hide" in, an interactive felt board with colourful felt to move around (good for 1-5yo age range), and a cut-out head hungry caterpillar to pose for photos (3+ age range for height for that).We didn't make it into the library because it was hopping! Full of kids and parents and I'm not sure if it was for checking out books like a literal library or just reading them there.The gift shop had a variety of items in varying price ranges.The art studio had watercolor pencils and paint, drawing pencils that kids are invited to use (good for 2+). It also had a very small section with building blocks (good for 1-3yo).They offered story times and other kid events throughout the day.The bathrooms were clean. One Accessible stall, one child size toilet (which had an auto flush on it), and one non-auto flush toilet, plus several other toilets.We checked out a free admission pass from our local library. You can also get in free if you have EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare health insurance.I would say this is best for the 4 or 5 age range and up. My 2yo wasn't overly impressed, but it wasn't crowded and definitely had a kid-friendly vibe!Down the street from Atkins Farm Market, so do yourself a favour and stop in for amazing donuts, ice cream, other baked foods, fresh local produce, sandwiches, deli meat, etc.

T B — Google review

We went on Friday and it wasn't very busy. They had yoga story time outside and it was a blast. Highly recommend this place for children 8 and under or kids of all ages.

Deana C — Google review

My family and I love this museum. We have gone twice using our local library’s museum pass. The facility is very well curated, spacious and organized. The reading room is our favorite spot with so many favorite stories and fun imaginative play items to play with. The studio and it’s teachers have given us new artistic ideas and experiences and the opportunity to create based on inspired artists is so cool. Both the Christian Robinson and exhibit with the dock birdwatching activity have been highly interactive and engaging for us. This past visit, we were able to see a live puppet show for a very small fee! It was perfect for my 5 year old and again, a great new experience in the arts for us all. We love going here even though it is an hour from us in Connecticut! 🐛🦥🖍️

Caitlin B — Google review

Great place when my kids where small. Visiting a couple weekends from Connecticut up here and it was great. My kids always enjoyed themselves. We love Eric Carle.

Spiral T — Google review

While the Museum is beautifully curated and a great tribute to Eric Carl, I was so disappointed by the fact that one of the book/movies shown (Julian is a Mermaid) in the Auditorium was not appropriate for my kids ages 4 & 5 and for many kids that were at the museum at the time. As I respect everyone to become who they want to be at their own pace, I’m totally against grooming and influencing kids at such young ages to question their identity, that should come naturally and not by the pressures of today’s society or Children Museums such as this one.The Museum is very informative for adults and older kids that are interested in this kind of art, had a great craft room but for little children I would say ages 0-7 there is not many hands on activities to keep them engaged.

Johanna D — Google review

A wonderful museum for all ages. Small ish, so a great little afternoon trip. There is a little art workspace with provided materials for you to make something if you're feeling inspired, again welcome to all ages.Gift shop has an AMAZING selection of illustrated books.

Connor S — Google review

This is a great museum celebrating the work of Eric Carle and other children's book illustrators. The exhibits change every 6 months or so, and the art studio always has a fun activity. Our family loves visiting!

Jeffrey H — Google review

Cute little museum, probably best for little kids! There were lots of families with toddlers when we visited and I think this museum is ideal for that age group. My 8 year olds enjoyed the exhibits, especially the make your own art in the art studio. There is a little library that seemed to have story time when we were there, lots of books/ reading opportunities. There is also a cafe on site with complimentary coffee for visitors, no food for sale except a reasonably priced vending machine with drinks and snacks. Definitely a must visit for Eric Carle fans! Not crowded on a Saturday morning when we visited. There is plenty of free parking on site

Laura B — Google review

A big, bright and fun museum - definitely child-oriented, but also fun if you had a definitely place in your heart for these books as a kid.Interesting exhibits include art in relation to animal welfare and the process of book creation. I found it absolutely worth the $15 entrance fee, it's a very nice place to spend an afternoons.

Sam L — Google review

What a wonderful museum this is! Brings me back to a part of my childhood that I miss dearly. Nice sized facility with lots of space to roam around. The galleries are nice as well, very vibrant. Great place to visit if you’re not from the area.

Mac C — Google review

This place is a gem. If you are looking for somewhere to take pictures of your children this place is colorful and has an amazing outdoors in the warm weather. My child loved the arts and crafts area and the library...the staff is amazing with children and it is obvious from their great interaction with my son who can be tough at times...Issac passed out in the car after!

710 B — Google review

Loved all the artworks using collage and tissue paper, something I hadn't appreciated before. The art that goes into children's books is absolutely beautiful. Aside from their collection, I also recommend this museum due to them incorporating interactivity for children: from opportunities to read a picture book, to drawing your favorite pet, and finally wrapping up the visit in the art studio!Also glad to see that the museum is enforcing masks.

Mélodie P — Google review

This is a small museum. There are exhibits in 2 rooms and also story time with a harpsichord musician who reads in braille, a gift shop a theatre that plays an animated story, a lobby with Eric Carle book characters to place your face in for a photo. I thought the library was the highlight.

Julia H — Google review

We love all of Eric Carle’s books, so we made it a point to stop during a recent trip. This is incredibly well done, and a nice tribute to Eric’s works.I recommend starting off to the left of the reception to learn about the man behind the books. That really helped frame the rest of the visit for us.I can see with younger kids, you could spend hours here. There is a artwork studio where kids can create their own pieces. There are grounds outside for a picnic.We went just to tour on our own, and we were done in a little less than an hour.I’m glad we stopped and visited.

Phil L — Google review

Very disappointed. Not a lot to do here. It’s really more of an art gallery, and we aren’t quite sure who they are trying to cater to. My toddler was bored except for the little felt board. Not much to see and very little to interact with. We won’t be going back. So many missed opportunities here. This could be so much more - time for a redesign of this “museum”.

Laura H — Google review

An outstanding tribute to Eric Carle. The bookstore and library have an excellent array of moving/meaningful kids' books. The artistic displays, throughout the museum and in the bookstore, are incredible. Staff is very friendly and helpful.

Paul C — Google review

This is such a gem 💎! My wife and I attended the museum along with a friend with a 5 year old child. The museum was a great creative and exciting space for kids, complete with a craft room, a library with toys and books, a gallery, and a screening room. The gallery contained art from Eric Carle's famous books, and we hung out in the library with the kids while they played and read books. This was so fun for everyone. I ended up buying "Do You Want To Be My Friend" for myself from the giftshop. The staff was so nice and very helpful. Great experience!

Tim L — Google review

As a picture book author/illustrator this place was equivalent to visiting the MET museum for picture books! The space itself is welcoming and open. The staff is very friendly and helpful. It's worth visiting more than once because there are many opportunities for kids and adults alike to explore the fascinating work of Eric Carle and similar collage artists who are paid homage in two dedicated exhibition spaces. The book store houses a wonderful selection of picture books and gifts to delight any age. Will visit again soon!

Shaan K — Google review

If you have kids, take them here. We had no kids with us and had an amazing time. A great way to spend an afternoon. Very interactive for all, I can home with a flip flap book........so fun!

Shelly P — Google review

Best for ages 0-4. My slightly older kids were bored quickly. They liked the art studio, felt/magnet boards, and outdoor garden. Wish they ran more films in the auditorium (most of the day, it's an unused space). Looks like they used to have a full cafeteria, but now only a pricey vending machine. Worth the trip with free tickets through our local library.

Bhoomi T — Google review

4.6

(705)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (166)

4.0

(263)31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (167)

125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA 01002, USA

(413) 559-6300

31 Best Stops Between Hartford and Amherst (2024)
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