Bellows Falls Vermont - Bellows Falls VT - Saxtons River Vermont - Saxtons River VT

Bellows Falls, Rockingham & Saxtons River

Bellows Falls: This is a unique area of Vermont. Although it has numerous things of interest to the visitor, it is also very much "Hometown Vermont" and caters equally to visitor and resident alike. This is not a place of condos and contemporary architecture, this is very much Vermont as it has always been. The area provides the visitor with the best of both worlds...a taste of real Vermont, and some very interesting attractions. And, it's all located within five or ten minutes of Exit 6 on Interstate 91. Click On Photos For Larger Images

Bellows Falls, the hub in that it has numerous Shops, Lodging and Dining establishments. Nearby Rockingham is the municipality, although it has no downtown, it is the home of The Vermont Country Store [Original Store In Weston] and is a very short distance from I-91 Exit 6, heading toward Ludlow.

If you were ever fortunate enough to have an electric train set when you were a child, the town you had laid out for it was Bellows Falls. If you liked that town, you'll love Bellows Falls, it has all of the charm, ingredients, and then some! It's set neatly beside the Connecticut River, with train tracks following its bank. Several bridges cross the river to New Hampshire within the equivilant of a few city blocks. The clock tower of the town hall in the village square stands out against the mountain backdrop. The remains of one of America's first canals is still there. With few exceptions you can pretty much take in the whole picture as you approach Bellows Falls on Route 5.

There's lots to do here! Check out the centuries old Indian carvings down by the river. When the salmon are heading upstream you'll want to check out the fish ladder. And, you'll certainly want to take a ride on Vermont's famed Green Mountain Flyer, which leaves from the railroad station operated by the Green Mountain Railroad! The Miss Bellows Falls Diner is also a not-to-be-missed stop...you won't find another like it anywhere!

There's much more to see, but perhaps the greatest attraction of all is Bellows Falls itself. Walk the Village Square, comprised of nineteenth century brick buildings. Maybe even take in a $4 movie at the Bellows Falls Opera House... the town-owned movie theatre which is nothing short of a treat compared to other present-day cinemas.

Saxtons River: Saxtons River is another village where time seems to have stopped earlier in this century. However, even though a small town, it is the home of the Vermont Academy (founded in 1876 and a prep school since 1932). Located just minutes of I-91, Saxtons River is a pleasant place to stay for those visiting the Connecticut River Valley or who are seeking a place off the beaten path.

Rockingham: You'll know you are definitely in Rockingham when you see the Rockingham location of The Vermont Country Store. Although there's no village in here, The Old Rockingham Meeting House is also a place of interest in that it is the oldest unchanged public building in the State of Vermont. It can be found just off of Route 103, a short distance from I-91 as you are heading toward Chester.

Bartonsville, Cambridgeport, North Westminster, Westminster, Westminster Station, Westminster West & Athens (Pop. 313): These towns would be better described as areas. Cambridgeport has a general store on Route 121, but that's about it. Bartonsville can be found just off of Route 103, between I-91 and Chester. And, unless you have a relative living in Athens there's no reason to visit. There's nothing here for the visitor...no shops, no lodging, no dining, no nothing. However, it is in pretty country so when you're in the area check it out. If you're heading to Grafton on Route 121 you hang a left on Route 35 immediately after passing Cambridgeport. Turn back if it starts to snow, even if it's July!

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