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20 Things to Do in Brattleboro, Vermont

Nestled in the scenic hills of southern Vermont, Brattleboro is a picturesque town known for its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant arts scene. Situated along the Connecticut River, Brattleboro offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and cultural diversity, making it a top travel destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those looking to enjoy an authentic Vermont experience. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer or a culture seeker, Brattleboro has something special to offer every traveler.

Importance of Visiting Brattleboro

Brattleboro stands out as an ideal destination due to its eclectic mix of attractions. The town boasts a rich history dating back to the 18th century, making it a unique stop for anyone interested in Vermont's past. But beyond its historical significance, Brattleboro is an art lover's haven, a foodie’s delight, and a gateway to outdoor exploration.

What truly sets Brattleboro apart is its sense of community and its dedication to preserving its natural surroundings. The town offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and skiing, while also showcasing its cultural side with local galleries, museums, and theaters. Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Brattleboro promises an enriching experience that will leave you wanting to return.

Brattleboro Attractions

Brattleboro is home to a variety of attractions, each offering a unique experience. The town’s artsy vibe draws visitors to its local galleries, quirky shops, and vibrant festivals. From stunning hiking trails to fascinating museums, there is no shortage of things to do in Brattleboro, VT.

Explore the Brattleboro Food Scene

Brattleboro’s food scene is another reason to visit. With farm-to-table restaurants, cozy cafes, and local markets, the town provides a taste of Vermont’s rich agricultural heritage. Whether you’re craving fresh, local produce or hearty comfort food, you’ll find something to satisfy your palate in Brattleboro.

Infographic - 20 Things to Do in Brattleboro, Vermont

20 Things to Do in Brattleboro, Vermont

Brattleboro, Vermont, is a hidden gem in New England, known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful outdoor landscapes, and charming downtown area. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, Brattleboro offers a variety of activities that showcase its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Here's a guide to 20 amazing things to do in Brattleboro, Vermont.

1. Explore Brattleboro's Vibrant Downtown Area

Short Description:
The downtown area of Brattleboro is a hub of activity with an eclectic mix of cafes, unique shops, and local art galleries. It’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon walking through the streets, sampling local goods, and soaking in the charm of this small town.

Pros:

  • Walkable and pedestrian-friendly

  • Plenty of local shops and cafes

  • Great for art lovers

Cons:

  • Limited parking during peak hours

  • Can get crowded on weekends

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Independent bookstores

  • Local art galleries

  • Cafes and eateries

2. Visit the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center

Short Description:
The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (BMAC) is an important cultural institution in Brattleboro, showcasing contemporary art and offering educational programs for visitors of all ages.

Pros:

  • Hosts rotating exhibits

  • Offers art-related workshops

  • Free admission for children under 18

Cons:

  • Smaller museum, so not ideal for all-day visits

  • Some exhibits may not appeal to all tastes

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Contemporary art exhibits

  • Art workshops and classes

  • Annual art shows

3. Take a Scenic Hike at the Retreat Farm

Short Description:
Retreat Farm is a historical site with extensive nature trails that provide a scenic hiking experience, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.

Pros:

  • Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts

  • Family-friendly

  • Offers a mix of easy and moderate trails

Cons:

  • Trails can be muddy during rainy weather

  • Limited amenities on-site

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Hiking trails

  • Historical farm tours

  • Seasonal outdoor events

4. Stroll Along the Connecticut River

Short Description:
The Connecticut River is one of the highlights of Brattleboro, offering a serene environment for outdoor activities like kayaking and fishing.

Pros:

  • Scenic views

  • Quiet and peaceful

  • Great for water sports

Cons:

  • Can be difficult to access in some areas

  • Limited facilities along the river

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Kayaking and canoeing

  • Fishing

  • Riverfront picnics

5. Visit the Harris Hill Ski Jump

Short Description:
Harris Hill Ski Jump is the site of an annual ski-jumping competition and a historical landmark in Brattleboro. It is the only ski-jumping hill in the state, and it has been in operation since the 1920s.

Pros:

  • Historic venue

  • Year-round attraction

  • Hosts exciting events

Cons:

  • Limited to winter activities

  • Can be crowded during major events

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Ski-jumping competition

  • Historical tours

  • Winter sports

6. Take a Historic Walking Tour of Brattleboro

Short Description:
Explore Brattleboro's rich history through a guided walking tour that takes you through its historic buildings and landmarks.

Pros:

  • Learn about the town’s history

  • Well-guided tours

  • Suitable for all ages

Cons:

  • Limited availability during off-season

  • May not appeal to those less interested in history

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Historical buildings

  • Stories from the past

  • Unique local landmarks

7. Enjoy Local Craft Beer at Brattleboro’s Breweries

Short Description:
Brattleboro boasts a thriving craft beer scene, with several local breweries offering unique and refreshing brews.

Pros:

  • Variety of local brews

  • Fun brewery tours

  • Great for beer enthusiasts

Cons:

  • Limited food options at some breweries

  • Can get crowded during weekends

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Local craft beers

  • Brewery tours

  • Special beer events

8. Experience Brattleboro's Farmers Market

Short Description:
The Brattleboro Farmers Market offers fresh, locally grown produce, artisan foods, and handmade goods from Vermont’s finest farmers and makers.

Pros:

  • Fresh local produce

  • Supports local farmers

  • Vibrant atmosphere

Cons:

  • Limited to specific days

  • Can get crowded

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Fresh produce

  • Artisan goods

  • Live music

9. Visit the Vermont Soapstone Quarry

Short Description:
The Vermont Soapstone Quarry is an essential part of Brattleboro’s history. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the quarry’s importance in the region’s economy.

Pros:

  • Rich historical value

  • Guided tours available

  • Unique experience

Cons:

  • Limited access for children

  • Steep terrain

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Guided tours

  • Historical exhibitions

  • Scenic views

10. Explore the Brooks Memorial Library

Short Description:
Brooks Memorial Library is an important community space with a wealth of resources, including books, local history archives, and educational programs for all ages.

Pros:

  • Quiet and peaceful

  • Educational resources

  • Free access to a variety of books and programs

Cons:

  • Limited hours of operation

  • Smaller space compared to larger libraries

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Local history archives

  • Educational programs

  • Free Wi-Fi and computers

11. Visit the Windham Antique Mall

Short Description:
Windham Antique Mall is a fantastic place to explore vintage items, antiques, and collectibles from all eras.

Pros:

  • Wide range of antiques

  • Great for collectors

  • Friendly atmosphere

Cons:

  • Prices may be high for some items

  • Not much else to do nearby

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Vintage antiques

  • Collectible items

  • Rare finds

12. Attend the Strolling of the Heifers Festival

Short Description:
The Strolling of the Heifers Festival is a unique celebration of local farming, food, and culture, featuring a parade of heifers, agricultural events, and local food vendors.

Pros:

  • Family-friendly event

  • Celebrate local culture

  • Fun and quirky parade

Cons:

  • Can be crowded

  • Only takes place once a year

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Heifer parade

  • Local food vendors

  • Agricultural workshops

13. Discover the History at the Latchis Theatre

Short Description:
The Latchis Theatre is a historic Art Deco cinema and theater in Brattleboro, known for its excellent film screenings and live performances.

Pros:

  • Historical theater

  • Great film screenings

  • Live performances

Cons:

  • Limited film showtimes

  • Can get crowded during popular events

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Art Deco architecture

  • Film screenings

  • Live performances

14. Explore the Hidden Trails of Guilford

Short Description:
Guilford, a town near Brattleboro, offers hidden trails and quiet nature walks, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Pros:

  • Peaceful and less crowded

  • Beautiful scenery

  • Great for hiking and photography

Cons:

  • Less accessible

  • Limited facilities

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Hiking trails

  • Peaceful nature

  • Birdwatching opportunities

15. Go Antiquing in Downtown Brattleboro

Short Description:
Brattleboro offers an excellent antiquing experience, with a variety of antique shops scattered throughout the downtown area.

Pros:

  • Great for collectors

  • Unique and rare items

  • Quaint, small-town shopping experience

Cons:

  • Items can be expensive

  • Not much else to do in the shops

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Vintage furniture

  • Antique jewelry

  • Rare collectibles

16. Enjoy Local Cuisine at Brattleboro’s Restaurants

Short Description:
Brattleboro offers a diverse selection of restaurants, serving everything from farm-to-table dishes to international flavors.

Pros:

  • Delicious local cuisine

  • Wide variety of restaurants

  • Great for foodies

Cons:

  • Can get crowded during peak hours

  • Limited vegan/vegetarian options in some restaurants

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Farm-to-table restaurants

  • International cuisines

  • Seasonal specials

17. Take a Tour of the Brattleboro Food Co-op

Short Description:
The Brattleboro Food Co-op is a community-driven grocery store that offers organic and locally sourced products.

Pros:

  • Supports local farmers

  • Wide selection of organic goods

  • Community-oriented

Cons:

  • Prices can be higher

  • Limited selection of non-local products

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Organic food products

  • Cooking classes

  • Community events

18. Discover the Spirit of the Green Mountains at the Green Mountain National Forest

Short Description:
The Green Mountain National Forest is a vast, protected area filled with hiking trails, picnicking spots, and stunning scenic views.

Pros:

  • Ideal for outdoor activities

  • Gorgeous scenic overlooks

  • Abundant wildlife

Cons:

  • Limited access in winter

  • Trails may be difficult for beginners

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Hiking

  • Scenic viewpoints

  • Wildlife watching

19. Explore the Covered Bridges in and around Brattleboro

Short Description:
Brattleboro is home to several historic covered bridges, perfect for exploring and taking photos.

Pros:

  • Great photo opportunities

  • Historic sites

  • Scenic drives

Cons:

  • Limited access to some bridges

  • Can be crowded in the summer

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Historic covered bridges

  • Scenic drives

  • Photography spots

20. Visit the Brattleboro Country Club

Short Description:
The Brattleboro Country Club offers a relaxing retreat with an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and seasonal events for members and visitors.

Pros:

  • Beautiful golf course

  • Relaxing atmosphere

  • Great for sports lovers

Cons:

  • Membership required for some activities

  • Not all facilities are available year-round

Key Attractions and Events:

  • Golf course

  • Tennis courts

  • Seasonal events

Conclusion

Brattleboro, VT, is a town that truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, art aficionado, or foodie, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Brattleboro that will make your visit unforgettable. From scenic hikes to cultural experiences, Brattleboro embodies the best of Vermont and promises a rich and rewarding travel experience.

If you’re looking for a destination that blends history, culture, outdoor adventures, and relaxation, Brattleboro should definitely be on your list. Don’t wait—plan your trip today and explore all the best activities that this charming town has to offer!

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Brattleboro, VT?

The best time to visit Brattleboro is during the fall when the foliage is at its peak. However, it’s also a lovely destination year-round, with great outdoor activities in the summer and winter months.

Are there any family-friendly activities in Brattleboro?

Yes! Brattleboro offers numerous family-friendly activities such as visiting the Retreat Farm, hiking in Living Memorial Park, and attending the Brattleboro Farmers Market.

How can I get to Brattleboro, VT from nearby cities?

Brattleboro is easily accessible by car. If you're traveling from Boston, it’s about a 2-hour drive, and from Albany, NY, it's about 2.5 hours by car. You can also reach Brattleboro by train via Amtrak's Vermonter route.

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