Woodstock & Quechee Vermont - Travel Guide
You will find two of the most picturesque New England towns right next to each other in the center of Vermont: Woodstock and Quechee. I love visiting these towns because there is so much to do here in any season. You will find four covered bridges, great hiking trails, and delicious local restaurants.
What to do in Woodstock, Vermont
Explore Downtown Woodstock
I love taking a walk through Woodstock. It’s so scenic and there are so many cute shops!
Walk along the Woodstock Green, where you will often find seasonal events like markets and summer concerts.
Visit the popularly photographed Middle Covered Bridge (one of four in the area)
Enjoy local shopping. My favorite store in the center of town is Vermont Flannel for cozy flannel shirts and blankets. I also love Farmhouse Pottery for beautiful handmade pottery just a few minutes drive from the center of Woodstock. I have several of their mugs and they are my favorite.
Pick up a Vermont Maple Creemee from Woodstock Scoops.
Visit Vermont’s Only National Park
Cross the street to the Marsh Billings Rockerfeller National Historic Park which is Vermont’s only National Park. Walk the gardens and tour the mansion.
Take a Hike
I love hiking up Mount Tom for a full view of downtown Woodstock. I recommend the Pouge and Mount Tom Trail loop for a 4.2 mile loop hike. The hike starts from Marsh-Billings Rockefeller National Park and takes you up the Precipice Trail to the top of Mount Tom. The way up does have some steep narrow sections. You will enjoy a few scenic lookouts from the top. Your way back will take you along an open field and around a pond (The Pouge). The way back is a very gentle trail. If you are looking for an alternate route to the top, you could take this trail out and back.
Sample Local Cheese and Maple Syrup
Sample cheese and maple syrup at Sugarbush Farm, a working farm, with beautiful views. Walk the maple path to learn more about the farm and maple process.
Say “Hi” to the Animals at Billings Farm Museum
Visit the Billings Farm and Museum to learn about this historic farm and meet the animals.
Fuel Up
For coffee, breakfast, and lunch I love Mon Vert Cafe. It’s a great spot for coffee as well as breakfast and lunch sandwiches. It is also located in the cutest building right in the center of downtown Woodstock. If you’re looking for some great coffee and a sweeter start to the day, stop into Abracadabra Coffee. It’s a short beautiful drive from Woodstock center. They have a fabulous coffee menu paired with waffles and donuts. I recommend ordering the Horchattie made with their own housemade maple-cinnamon-vanilla syrup.
For dinner try Worthy Kitchen, a casual farm to table restaurant. I recommend booking a reservation in advance on Resy and ordering the OG Chicken Sandwich and fries along with a Vermont craft beer.
Sip on a Fancy Cocktail
Head to this beautiful cocktail bar for fancy craft cocktails. I loved the Lavender French 75 made with lavender simple syrup.
There is a beautiful bar and a number of tables inside. There is also an outdoor space for warmer days.
What to do in Quechee, Vermont
I love combining a visit to Woodstock and Quechee into a day trip or extended stay. The center of Woodstock is located only about 15 minutes from the Quechee activities below.
Explore Quechee Gorge
Quechee Gorge
Stop by the Quechee Gorge Visitors Center to learn about the history of the spot, walk the sidewalk out to the Quechee Gorge Bridge for epic views of the Gorge, or take the trail from the Visitors Center which brings you down to the Ottauquechee River and the base of the gorge.
This spot is especially beautiful in fall with all the fall foliage.
Walk the Quechee Covered Bridge
Walk the Quechee Covered Bridge and take in views of the falls. I love this bridge because it has a pedestrian walking path so you can take your time exploring the bridge. The falls are absolutely beautiful and one of my favorite views!
Watch Glassblowing in Action at Simon Pearce
Step inside Simon Pearce where you will find a beautiful variety of hand blown glass items. Head downstairs to watch the glassblowing process in action.
Enjoy a Meal at the Simon Pearce Restaurant
Enjoy lunch (or dinner) with a view! Grab a spot inside the Simon Pearce restaurant, which overlooks the falls. The glasses used at the restaurant are made of Simon Pearce handcrafted glass. Order the Vermont Cheddar soup - it’s amazing! Reservations highly recommended.
Sample Whiskey at Whistle Pig Parlor
Head next door to the Whistle Pig Parlor located on the second floor of the beautiful historic Parker House. Order a sample flight to try a variety of their craft whisky, bourbon, and rye options.
Explore the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS)
Explore the VINS nature center open year round for lots of learning opportunities and a forest canopy walk. They also have a full calendar of events year-round.
Go Antiquing
There are a variety of antique shops including Antiques Collaborative and Vermont Antique Mall.
Attend the Hot Air Ballon Festival
This annual festival is held each year in June and includes hot air balloon rides, food, and entertainment.
Where to Stay
The Shire Woodstock - located right along the Ottauquechee River. The hotel has riverfront views, dog friendly rooms, and is located steps away from shops and restaurants. I stayed here in the summer and loved how close it was to everything!
Woodstock Inn & Resort - A luxury resort with a full spa. I stayed here in the winter when I got married and we had the most relaxing stay.
The Woodstock Inn in Fall
