7 Best Things to Do in Arlington, Vermont

May 14, 2019 - Updated

Delicious restaurants, historic attractions, thrilling outdoor adventures, and fresh mountain air are only a handful of things that the town of Arlington, Vermont has to offer both visitors and local residents alike. Located in the southwestern region of the state, Arlington is nestled within the valley between the Green Mountains and the Taconic Mountains along the Batten Kill River, known for its excellent trout fishing. The town is also abundant Vermont specialty food products in addition to the outdoor activities along the river and in the mountains.

1.Sugar Shack

The Sugar Shack makes pure Vermont maple syrup right on site in its sugar house and offers samples to visitors every day in the store. The shop also offers a wide array of Vermont food products available for purchase, ranging from fudge and cheese to mustards and jams to homemade cider donuts and maple frosted cookies. The Sugar Shack is also home to a Norman Rockwell Exhibition, which features a gift shop, a fifteen-minute film, and hundreds of examples of works created by Norman Rockwell. Owned and operated by the Hawley family, the Sugar Shack has more than ninety years of experience.

Sugar Shack Ln, Rt. 7A, Arlington, VT 05250, Phone: 802-375-6747

2.Mount Equinox

Mount Equinox is located just outside of Arlington, Vermont in Bennington County. Situated in Manchester, Vermont, the mountain with a total elevation of more than two thousand feet, is the highest peak within the area’s Taconic Range, as well as the highest point anywhere in the county. Mount Equinox is also the second highest peak within the southern Vermont region and of the state’s thirteen peaks with topographic prominence of more than two thousand feet, ranking third. The mountain can be visited by way of the Skyline Drive, which opens at 9:00am. There is also a viewing center and gift shop.

1A St Bruno Dr, Arlington, VT 05250

3.Norman Rockwell Exhibit

The Norman Rockwell Exhibit is located at the Sugar Shack in Arlington, Vermont. Showcasing the works of Norman Rockwell between the years of 1939 and 1953, the centerpiece of the exhibit is his use of more than two hundred local people as models. Visitors can see small profiles of some of these people alongside the artwork they were featured in. Norman Rockwell called the town of Arlington home for many years, noted for the painting he created that highlighted everyday situations and people. In fact, four of Rockwell’s most famous works were done during his time in Arlington.

Sugar Shack Ln, Rt. 7A, Arlington, VT 05250, Phone: 802-375-6747

4.Batten Kill River

The Batten Kill River is a natural flowing river that meanders its way from the area headwaters of Manchester, Vermont to the Hudson River convergence located in Greenwich, New York. Affected primarily by rain, or a lack thereof, Batten Kill River provides opportunities for a wide array of experiences for both locals and visitors alike. The river is teeming with a variety of wildlife as well, such as osprey, eagles, heron, songbirds, mink, deer, and trout. The Batten Kill River provides some great fishing, as well as simply a relaxing float down the water during the warm summer weather.

5.The Vermont Cheese House

The idea for the design of the Vermont Cheese House was first thought of back in 1968 by the Russell family, the Cheese House’s original owners. The shop was built to resemble a cheese wheel, with the entrance being a wedge cut out. Sadly, the original building was destroyed by a hurricane, and has been rebuilt with more of a modern design. The Vermont Cheese House in Arlington was the original location, and has now expanded throughout New England, offering Vermont Cheddar and other specialty cheeses, as well as gift boxes and maple syrup. The cheese shop is open everyday except Tuesdays.

5187 Vermont Route 7A, Arlington, VT, Phone: 802-375-9033

6.Arlington Green Covered Bridge

The Arlington Green Covered Bridge can be found off of Vermont Route 313. The lattice truss covered bridge takes the town’s Covered Bridge Road over the Batten Kill River. Constructed back in the year 1852, the historic Arlington Green Covered Bridge was added in 1973 to the National Register of Historic Places, and is one of the oldest surviving bridges of its kind in the state of Vermont. Five square small openings can be seen on both sides of the bridge. The bridge is also known for not having any twentieth-century strengthening elements that have been added to other older bridges in Vermont.

Covered Bridge Rd, Arlington, VT 05250

7.The Village Peddler

The Village Peddler and Chocolatorium provides some of the state’s most mouth-watering chocolates, buttercrunch, truffles, and fudge made fresh in the candy kitchen. Formerly a wagon shed, the historic East Arlington building is now home to a variety of Vermont specialty foods, including maple candy and maple syrup, Vermont cheddar cheese, sugar-free candies, hone, and homemade jelly and preserves. The Village Peddler is also home to the largest chocolate teddy bear in the world, as well as regularly scheduled chocolate demonstrations and tasting at the Chocolatorium, during which guests can learn about how the chocolate is made and where it’s from.

261 Old Mill Rd, Arlington, VT 05250, Phone: 802-375-6037