Points of Interest

 Listed below are a number of the specific points of interest in the Central Vermont region. Some are heavily visited, others are known primarily to locals. Visitors can enjoy them all.

Download your own personal copy of the Central Vermont Points of Interest slide show. For information click here.

Points of Interest Map with clickable index

FARMERS' MARKETS -- Each one is unique and full of bargains you don't want to miss out on. No matter what you're looking for, you're sure to find it at one of Central Vermont's Farmers' Markets!

HISTORIC WALKING TOURS -- Central Vermont's cities and villages are filled with historic and architecturally significant buildings. Montpelier, Barre and Waterbury have brochures for self-guided tours of downtown buildings.

ROCK OF AGES QUARRY -- The world's largest granite quarry, located southeast of Barre. Sheer cliffs descend 475 feet to quarry floor below. Tourist center describes the process which transforms this gray stone into beautiful monuments and sculpture which endures for centuries. Shuttle tours Mon. - Fri.

CRAFTSMEN CENTER -- A mile from the quarry. Observation platform allows visitors to see granite cut, carved and polished. Open Mon.-Fri. until 3:30 pm.

HOPE CEMETERY -- A veritable outdoor museum of fine granite carvings in Barre. Local cemeteries are the final resting place for family and friends of the world's most skilled granite artisans.

BARRE OPERA HOUSE -- Dormant for 40 years this historic structure has been elegantly restored to again host the performing arts in downtown Barre.

GRANITE SCULPTURE -- Three separate carvings are located in downtown Barre. "Youth Triumphant" in the center of town was dedicated on Armistice Day, 1924. The "Burns Monument," to poet Robert Burns, has stood nearby since 1899. The Italian-American monument in Dente Park was dedicated Nov. 9, 1985.

BRAGG FARM SUGAR HOUSE -- For a free tour of an old-fashioned sugar house or a walk through the woods where nearly 2,000 buckets collect sap. On Route 14 north in East Montpelier. Gift shop offers a selection of local handicrafts, specialty foods and cheeses. Mail order available. Open daily, year-round.

VERMONT STATE HOUSE -- The Capitol is the pride of Vermont. Its gold-leaf dome (real gold) shines brightly against the wooded hillside in downtown Montpelier. The interior is adorned with marble floors, spiral staircases and finely carved wood trim. Tours of this magnificent building are available during the summer months and fall foliage. Closed Sundays.

USS MONTPELIER MUSEUM - Montpelier, the birth place of Admiral George Dewey, has been a sea town without shores since the 1800's. The ships that have carried the City's name, served our country well, achieving highest honors, both above and beneath the waves. Montpelier is proud of its Naval Tradition and those who have served on them. Museum presents the ships and thier history. City Hall, Montpelier, regular business hours.

VERMONT HISTORICAL SOCIETY -- Adjacent to the Capitol complex in Montpelier, the building was formerly a hotel. Authentically reconstructed, it provides a spacious gallery featuring exhibits on various topics on Vermont history, using artifacts from the Society's extensive collection. Tues. through Fri. 9-4:30, Sat. 9-4, Sun. 12-4. Closed Mondays.
The Museum and Library are temporarily closed for inventory, renovations, and relocation. The library will has reopened at the new Vermont History Center in Barre, VT. The museum will remain in the Pavilion Building in Montpelier, but with much expanded exhibit space, which will house a permanent exhibit. It is scheduled to reopen in 2004. The business office and museum store (books and gifts) will remain open. Regular hours are Monday - Friday 9 am to 4:30 pm. Closed major state and federal holidays. For more information regarding the renovations and expansion, other resources available to researchers, or all other Vermont Historical Society programs, please contact the V.H.S. at (802) 828-2291.

HUBBARD PARK & TOWER -- Wooded park of 180 acres with walk-in off Terrace Street, just blocks from the Capitol. Haven for picnics and nature walks. Fifty-foot stone observation tower, city's highest point, provides spectacular view of surrounding countryside.

WOOD ART GALLERY -- On the Vermont College campus in Montpelier, the gallery maintains a continuous display of the paintings of Thomas Waterman Wood. Exhibitions displaying the work of regional contemporary artists and craftsmen.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH -- Off Route 12 north of Montpelier. Ideal for a family picnic at the beach. Bring a boat or canoe and enjoy the wildlife, especially beaver and heron. Volleyball and softball fields, picnic tables, grills, nature trail and group shelter available.

MORSE FARM & SUGAR HOUSE -- See how maple sugaring works from trees to finished products. Maple trail to walk. Free sugar house tours and syrup tasting. Maple, crafts and mail order shop. Daily 9 - 5 year-round. Summer 8-6. County Road, Montpelier.

COVERED WOODEN BRIDGES -- Although the region is rich in these relics of an earlier day, they are most prominent in Northfield Falls. Nestled in this community of a hundred people are four such bridges, two of which can be seen from one vantage point. This is the only location in New England where this occurs. On Route 12, two miles from Northfield.

NORWICH MILITARY MUSEUM -- On the campus of norwich University, the nation's oldest private military college. Exhibits interpreting the history of the institution and achievements of alumni. Located on Route 12 in Northfield about 10 minutes south of Montpelier. Call 485-2000 for summer hours.

KNAPP AIRPORT -- about four miles from Exit 7 of Interstate 89. A local airport serving Barre, Montpelier and surrounding communities with a terminal just feet from the runway.

SPIDER WEB FARM -- Harvesting real spider webs in Williamstown. The owner, who has appeared on national television with Charles Kuralt and others, lifts the delicate webs onto a wood surface and preserves it for posterity. Watch him work and take home one of nature's most artistic creations. 802-433-5568

LIMEHURST WATER SLIDE -- Ride down the 250 foot slide at Limehurst Lake, which is privately owned. Swimming, beach, picnic areas and campground in Williamstown. Boat rentals and trailer hookups.

FLOATING BRIDGE -- Spanning the narrows of Sunset Lake in Brookfield is a floating bridge buoyed by pontoons. Vehicular crossings require courage but are perfectly safe. Swimming from the bridge is customary while fishermen are also frequent visitors.

ROXBURY FISH HATCHERY-- Children love to see - and feed - the outdoor pools of young trout just south of Roxbury on Route 12A. Fishermen drool when the fish swarm any food dropped near them.

CABOT CREAMERY -- Located in the village of Cabot, the dairy cooperative produces a wide range of cheddar cheeses of exceptional quality as well as other dairy products. Visitors may tour the plant and watch the production process. The visitors center has a variety of Vermont foods and crafts.

CAMP MEADE MILITARY MUSUEM -- Located of I-89, Exit 9 in Middlesex, the musuem is a military history park featuring Depression era and world War II exhibit. Displayed on the grounds are antique military vehicles ranging from a Horwitzer, Half-Track and Sabre Jet. The site was formerly a 1930's Civilian Conservation Corp Camp.

COLD HOLLOW CIDER MILL -- A working apple cider mill which hosts 200,000 guests a year. Watch the apples being pressed into cider. In addition the mill has its own specialty bakery. Although apple delicacies dominate, a variety of taste-tempters are available. On Route 100 six miles north of Waterbury.

BEN & JERRY'S ICE CREAM -- Fun and educational 30-minutes guided ice cream factory tour. Tours run daily, seven days a week. Full service gift and scoop shop. For more information call toll free at (866) BJ TOURS. (866-258-6877)

WATERBURY DAM RECREATION AREA -- State operated reservoir with many free access points. Boat launches, fishing, groomed beach and picnic areas. Fed by runoff from the mountains, water is constantly flowing and crystal clear. Boat rentals nearby.

CAMEL'S HUMP STATE PARK -- In the northern half of Vermont's Green Mountains, Camel's Hump is easily recognized by its unique double-humped profile. The park allows for hiking, camping, and some great views.

LITTLE RIVER STATE PARK -- Central Vermont's largest camping area. There are swimming beaches, play areas, a boat launch, ball field, and miles of hiking trails. Also, it is centrally located for many other attractions in Central Vermont.

BRIDGE STREET MARKETPLACE -- A restored block of five historic buildings (circa 1860) in Waitsfield Village. Adjacent to one of the area's finest covered wooden bridges. Factory outlets and riverside restaurant. outdoor performances of the Mad River Playhouse summer weekends. Special events. 802-496-3409

ROUND BARN FARM -- A short drive east of Waitsfield (through the covered bridge) on East Warren Road. Now refurbished for special events, the only remaining of four round barns once in the area. 802-496-2276

DOWNHILL SKIING -- Sugarbush, Sugarbush North and Mad River Glen combine in Fayston, Warren and Waitsfield to provide one of the nation's most complete ski resorts. Central Vermont gives you the best skiing, cross-country or downhill, in the East.

WARREN AIRPORT -- Launch site for gliders and hot air balloons, this tiny airport is a hub of summer activity in the Mad River Valley, and the home base of Sugarbush Soaring. 802-496-2290

OUTDOOR RECREATION -- A wide variety of outdoor summer activies is available. A click here will provide an overview and links to more information.

THUNDER ROAD SPEEDWAY -- The Nation's Site of Excitement is Barre's short-track, high-banked, motor speedway. Racing street stock, Flying Tigers ACT Late Models, and an annual NASCAR Busch North Series/ACT Late Model doubleheader. Racing most Thursday evenings and some Sundays spring through fall. Affordable family entertainment.

USS MONTPELIER MUSEUM -- Montpelier, the birth place of Admiral George Dewey, has been a sea town without shores since the 1800's. The ships that have carried the City's name, served our country well, achieving highest honors, both above and beneath the waves. Montpelier is proud of its Naval Tradition and those who have served.


© Copyright Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce © 2002, All rights reserved.

CV chamber / P.O. Box 336 / Barre, Vermont 05641
1-877-887-3678 or CVermont1 @ AOL.com

In conjunction with:

Sugarbush chamber of Commerce / P.O. Box 173 / Waitsfield Vt 05673
1-800-82-VISIT


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HISTRORIC WALKING TOURS, Farmers Market, thunder ROAD Auto Racing SPEEDWAY, ROCK OF AGES Granite QUARRYquarries, CRAFTSMEN CENTER, HOPE CEMETERY, BARRE OPERA HOUSE, GRANITE SCULPTURE monuments, BRAGG FARM SUGAR HOUSE maple, MONTPELIER VERMONT STATE HOUSE statehouse capitol capital VERMONT HISTORICAL SOCIETY museum HUBBARD PARK & TOWER, Thomas Waterman WOOD art GALLERY, WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH swimming picnics morse FARM & SUGAR HOUSE, danforth'S SUGAR HOUSE, COVERED WOODEN BRIDGES Northfield, norwich MILITARY MUSEUM Norwich University, Edward F. KNAPP state AIRPORT, SPIDER web FARM Williamstown, LIMEHURST Lake WATER SLIDE, FLOATING BRIDGE, ROXBURY FISH hatchery cabot Cooperative CREAMERY cheddar cheese, CAMP MEADE world War II, WWII, MILITARY MUSUEM, COLD hollow APPLE CIDER MILL, BEN & JERRY'S ICE CREAM, WATERBURY DAM RECREATION AREA, LITTLE RIVER STATE CAMPGROUND, CAMEL'S HUMP STATE PARK, ROUND BARN FARM, DOWNHILL skiing Sugarbush, Sugarbush North and Mad River Glen, Bolton Valley holiday Resort WARREN AIRPORT, OFF ROAD BIKE BICYCLE TOURS.