The Area: Located in the central part of the state along the eastern border, this area exhibits
a broad spectrum of topography,
offerings, and lifestyles. Probably nowhere else in the Green Mountain
State will you find such dramatic contrasts within a few short miles.
Anywhere you wish to go in the region is within minutes of I-91. Current
Weather Conditions
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Woodstock,
South Woodstock, Prosper, Taftsville: A national magazine
named Woodstock "The
Prettiest Small Town in America," and who are we to argue. A lot of
effort (and Rockefeller money) has gone into making sure the village
keeps its pristine historic image. For instance, no utility wires appear
overhead on downtown streets. And the road you take to enter Woodstock
will either cross a covered bridge, pass a picturesque horse farm or
country store, or wind along the Ottauquechee River.
During the warmer months, directions to any of the area's many
attractions are available at a staffed information booth on the green
just opposite the historic 
brick courthouse which is still in use by the
Windsor Country Superior Court.
Also surrounding the green are meticulously kept historic houses. A
stroll through the town is a must. Start at the Woodstock Inn opposite
the green, and be sure to investigate the side streets and alleys.
Burgeoning flower boxes, sparkling windows and quaint street lamps
enhance specialty shops and galleries offering a striking array of
upscale merchandise. Area restaurants offer everything from hearty
breakfasts to truly elegant dining.
Allow plenty of time to visit the Billings Farm & Museum, a
working dairy farm that depicts farm life in the 1890s and provides
hands-on activities for children.
Adjacent to the farm is the
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Vermont's only
national park and the only national park to focus on conservation
history. Guided tours of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion and the
surrounding grounds and gardens are available. The park and Billings
Farm share a parking lot and information center and are located a half
mile from the Woodstock village green. Both are open to the public daily
May 1 through October 31.
The Vermont Raptor Center (a project of the Vermont Institute of
Natural Science) is also a must-see! It is a clinic and educational
center devoted to birds of prey. The center treats injured birds so they
can return to the wild. Tours will allow you to see and learn about Bald
Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Snowy Owls and more than 20 other raptor
species.
There's much else to see and do here, as well as in nearby Quechee
and the surrounding area. And don't make the common mistake of thinking
of Woodstock as strictly a summer area; it's not. You'll not find a more
charming place to be in winter. Its family oriented Suicide Six Ski
Area, cross-country trails and horsedrawn sleigh rides make it a very
popular winter get-away.
In short, you'll find it difficult to find a more beautiful town in
Vermont or elsewhere - include it in your itinerary . However, when in Woodstock make certain to drive within the
speed limit, history dictates it can be costly otherwise.
Quechee & Quechee Gorge: These
are two destinations you don't want to miss! The Village of Quechee,
just east of Woodstock off of Route 4, is picturebook village if there
ever was one. You enter the village by crossing a
covered
bridge immediately below cascading white water. When exit the bridge
you're there.... in "downtown" Quechee Village. There is no
downtown! However, you're right a the door of nationally renowned Simon
Pearce Glass, and its legendary restaurant overhanging the falls. This
also the place of the wildly famous Quechee
Hot Air Balloon Festival which takes place every Father's Day Weekend.
This tiny village accommodates thousands during the Festival. So if you're
planning an overnight in the area there is no such thing as booking
accommodations early.
Quechee Gorge, commonly referred to as
Vermont's Grand Canyon is a few miles further east via Route 4. You can
park and view it from the bridge spanning the gorge... or, you can take a
foot trail down to the base of the gorge. Just remember that you need to
make it back up. There are a number of lodging establishments in the
immediate area. And Quechee
State Park has some great camp sites. In short, whether you spend an
hour or the day here, you'll be glad you stopped at the Gorge.
Barnard, East Barnard, Pomfret, North Pomfret, South Promfret: These small
towns and villages are located immediately north of Woodstock. It is
here that you will find the popular Suicide Six Ski Area, access to the
Appalachian Trail on Route 12, and Silver
Lake State Park in nearby Barnard.
Bridgewater, Bridgewater Center,
Briggs, Bridgewater Corners: Although almost everything of interest to the visitor will
be found in Woodstock, the 
exception
is in Bridgewater and The Calvin Coolidge Homestead, just a few minutes
drive-time west via Route 4. Both are a MUST VISIT! The Charles
Shackleton Woodworking Shops in the mill are nothing less than fascinating.
We also very much recommend a visit to
the Calvin Coolidge Homestead in nearby Plymouth Notch - it's not in any
way your typical historic homestead; it is comprised of an entire
village. Directions? Take 100A south from Bridgewater Corners a few
short miles and you're there. Coolidge
State Park is also located here off of 100A - and you can still pan
for gold here. Really!
Billings Farm (Central Vermont)
Description: Working Farm, Exhibits, Events
Location: Route 12 & River Road
Town: Woodstock
Phone: 802-457-2355
Long Trail Brewing Company (Central
Vermont)
Description: Brewers Of Long Trail Ale, Tours
Location: Routes 4 & 100A
Town: Bridgewater Corners
Phone: 802-672-5011
Quechee Gorge (Central
Vermont)
Description: Not-To-Be-Missed 165' Chasm, Trails,Picnicking, Camping
Location: Route 4
Town: Quechee
Phone: 802-295-2990
Simon Pearce Glass
(Central
Vermont)
Description: View
Glassblowing, Gift Shop, Magnificent Setting
Location: Main Street
Town: Quechee Village
Phone: 802-295-2711
Sugarbush Farms
(Central
Vermont)
Description: A working maple syrup and cheese farm.
Location: 591 Sugarbush Farm Road
Town: Woodstock
Phone: 802-457-1757
VINS
Nature Center
Description:
See live birds of prey; nature
trails; educational programs; Open
year-round.
Location: 1/4 mile west of Quechee
Gorge on Rt 4
Town: Quechee
Phone: 802-359-5000
