1. Creamery Covered Bridge
The Creamery Covered Bridge, also known as the West Hill Covered Bridge, or the Crystal Springs Covered Bridge, is a beautiful covered wooden bridge within the town of Brattleboro and is the only surviving example of such a bridge in the region. Constructed in 1879 of spruce lumber, the Creamery Covered Bridge is named after a creamery that was located adjacent to the bridge site, and consists of a single span bridge 80 feet long and 19 feet wide supported by two flanking timber lattice trusses, with a covered sidewalk attached to the eastern side of the span.
The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a popular tourist attraction that attracts visitors from all over to take in the beautiful scenery.
Guilford Street off Route 9 west, over Whetstone Brook, Brattleboro, VT 05301
2. Brattleboro Museum & Art Center
Founded in 1972, the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center is a non-collecting museum that showcases works by regional and international artists to inspire, educate, and engage visitors of all ages. Located in the former Union Station in downtown Brattleboro, the Museum and Art Center’s collection includes works by Wolf Kahn, Andy Warhol, Chuck Close, and Janet Fish, as well as special exhibitions from local school groups and other community organizations.
The Museum also offers educational and school programs for lifelong learning, guided tours and gallery walks through the museum, and can be rented for special events.
10 Vernon St, Brattleboro, VT 05301, Phone: (802) 257-0124
3. Retreat Trails
Located south of Green Mountain National Forest, the Retreat Trails are accessible networks of trails that wind through the forested and hilly area north of the Massachusetts border. I spent most of my time here. The trail system is over nine miles long, covering more than 400 acres of forest and agricultural land and include some unusual sites, such as the old Cemetery and the Retreat Tower.
Ranging from old jeep roads to winding single tracks, the Retreat Trails cater for all levels, from easy trails for beginners and families to challenging single tracks, with some trails leading up to the top of the town’s ski jump, which boasts spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Several of the trails still have the names they were given 175 years ago when they were created for the use of the patients and staff of the “Vermont Asylum”, which is in operation today as the Brattleboro Retreat.
Attractions for Couples
4. Brattleboro Area Farmers' Market
The Brattleboro Area Farmers' Market is a premier farmers market that features over 50 vendors selling a range of agricultural products, arts and crafts, live music and animals and ethnic foods from around the world. The market is Southern Vermont's main farmers' gathering, and offers both locals and visitors a crash course in Vermont food with a range of free-range beef and lamb, cheeses, fruit and veggies, honey, maple syrup, and freshly baked pastries.
The Brattleboro Area Farmers' Market is held every Wednesday and Saturday between 9 am – 2 pm (please confirm the hours before you go). Saturday's market is located just west of town by the Creamery Bridge and Wednesday's is held on the Whetstone Pathway off Main Street.
Western Ave, West Brattleboro, VT 05301, Phone: (802) 254-8885
5. The Retreat Farm
The Retreat Farm is a historic farm and nonprofit center that focuses on conservation, education, recreation, and sustainable enterprise for the community. The Farm is an authentic reflection of the rural way of life in Vermont, and offers hands-on farming experiences for the whole family, including petting goats, playing with chicks, feeding sheep and playing in the corn.
The petting farm allows children to interact with a variety of animals and learn more about life on a farm while a gift shop offers an array of souvenirs to take away. The Retreat Farm is also home to one of the five trailheads that make up the nine-mile Retreat Trails recreation network, which is open year-round for hikers, bikers, horseback riders and skiers.
45 Farmhouse Square, Brattleboro, VT 05301, Phone: (802) 490-2270
Unique Attractions
6. Fort Dummer State Park
Nestled in the Connecticut River Valley, the Fort Dummer State Park is home to 217 acres of scenic forest land and is named after Vermont’s first permanent European settlement. It is characterized by its unique forest which is unlike that of the usual Vermont forest, and more akin to fauna one might find in New England’s southern regions. At the end of the day, the best way to enjoy and maximize this state park is to explore its many trails, one of which ends at a refreshing swimming hole, and another which leads to an overlook that features breathtaking views of the original Fort Dummer site. At the end of the day, pitch a tent and spend the night under the stars as you enjoy the warmth of a campfire and great company. I like this (most affordable) option.
517 Old Guilford Road, Brattleboro, Vermont 05301, Phone: 802-254-2610
7. Estey Organ Museum
The Estey Organ Museum was established in 2002 to celebrate the heritage of Estey Organ Company of Brattleboro. Named after Jacob Estey, who founded the largest Estey reed, pipe, and electronic organ manufacturing establishment of its kind, the Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing historical information about the company, its products, and practices through excellent collections and exhibits of Estey and other organs.
Celebrating the craft business of the Estey Organ Company’s organ production, which was a familiar name from the late 1800s through the 1950s, the museum encourages visitors to explore and learn about music, craft industries, social history and more through the permanent collection of artifacts, housed in the old Engine House of Estey Organ Company. The museum also sponsors special events, traveling exhibits and a variety of activities, including organ restoration workshops, musical concerts, and historical re-enactments.
108 Birge Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301, Phone: (802) 246-8366
8. Brattleboro History Center
The Brattleboro History Center is dedicated to showcasing items and artifacts collected by the Brattleboro Historical Society, that focus on the history and heritage of the Brattleboro area.
Located on the first floor of the Masonic building on Main Street, the History Center features a range of exhibits that explore the agricultural history and farm life of the former Valley Fair, including model railroads and bridges, vintage toys, important business signs and newspapers, a miniature replica of Fort Drummer and various paintings.
230 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Phone: 802-258-4957
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