7 Best Things to Do in Brandon, VT

By VI Staff on June 9, 2019

Brandon is a quintessential New England town nicknamed the ‘Art & Soul’ Village of Vermont. It’s situated in the central part of the state, near the foothills of the Green Mountains. Other natural settings close to town include Lake Dunmore and the Neshobe River, which make Brandon an ideal wedding destination. Furthermore, since Brandon has a lively art community, there are several art galleries to explore, live music venues to attend, art studios for perusal, and a non-profit artists guild that promotes art throughout the state. There is a vibrant and local culinary cuisine as well, featuring first-class dining options, and plenty of accommodation options for visitors.

1.Brandon Music

Brandon Music is a live music venue that was established in 2008 by Edna and Stephen Sutton. Before opening their doors, the first order of business was to create an administration office and classical music CD store. Next, the owners found and hired employees with local cultural knowledge of Brandon, VT and classical music. Since this time, Brandon Music has grown to include an art gallery, recording studios, a vintage radio exhibit, a bookstore, and antique gift shops. Live jazz and classical music concerts take place here regularly. Artists come from near and far to perform, including cities and countries like New York, Trinidad, Britain and Germany.

62 Country Club Road, Brandon, VT 05733, Phone: 802-247-4295

2.Brandon Artists Guild

The Brandon Artists Guild was founded in 1999 to foster and advance the local arts culture in and around Brandon, Vermont. In 2003, the Guild gained more notoriety in the community when they created “The Really Really Pig Show.” With the help of the Guild’s artists, town members, and school students, 40 life-sized pigs were built and decorated using fiberglass. The money raised during the event helped to purchase and renovate the current Bradon Artists Guild gallery building. Today a group of 30 artists and artisans run the non-profit organization. And the organization is now an essential stop for Vermont art lovers.

7 Center St, Brandon, VT 05733, Phone: 802-247-4956

3.Maple View Farm Alpacas

Maple View Farm Alpacas is owned by a couple originally from the Kansas City Metropolitan area who moved to Brandon, VT to breed and sells alpacas. In 2000, they bought a 100 acre farm that sits at the base on the Green Mountains. By 2002 they purchased their first alpacas: two pregnant females and a young male. From that point on, through other purchases and more births, their herd grew to 30 alpacas. Farm visits can be arranged to see and learn about the alpacas. There’s also a shop at the farm that sells alpaca apparel, yarn, and accessories.

185 Adams Road, Brandon, Vermont 05733, Phone: 802-247-5412

4.Judith Reilly Gallery

The Judith Reilly Gallery is located in Judith’s historic home, where she lives with her husband, George. Judith is an award-winning fabric artist who has art pieces displayed in many national and international museums, galleries and exhibitions. She uses fabric, paint and thread to create her artwork. Her artistic interpretations have become well-known and shown throughout books, magazines, and on TV. When she moved from Connecticut to Brandon, Vermont she joined the Brandon Artists Guild to help in their efforts to promote art within the community. Today, Judith’s Gallery is open to the public a few days a week where she shares and sells her artwork.

24 Conant Square, Brandon, VT 05733, Phone: 802-247-8421

5.Brandon Village Spa

Brandon Village Spa is owned by Heather Norton. Heather and her staff use a holistic approach to help clients achieve optimal health. Some of the wellness treatment offerings include Reiki, a Japanese technique, and aromatherapy. Different types of massage treatments include hot stone, therapeutic massage and reflexology. These treatments help reduce pain, promote relaxation, and increase circulation throughout the body. Other treatments include customized facials, body scrubs, and wraps. The Brandon Village Spa also offers full body waxing and and nail care, such as manicures and pedicures. Customers can purchase natural skin care products by Bioelements while visiting the spa.

32 Marble Street, Brandon, VT 05733, Phone: 802-465-8255

6.Cafe Provence

Café Provence's owner is Robert Barral, who is also the restaurant's head chef. He’s worked in some of the best restaurants in the world, and at the New England Culinary Institute. When he made the decision to move to Brandon, he wanted to create a restaurant with French flair, while using only the freshest local ingredients. So, the food at Café Provence is sourced from local farms in Vermont. Besides being the head chef, Robert also teaches cooking classes weekly on classic french techniques. Chef Robert teaches the same techniques that he uses to make most of the restaurants dishes.

11 Center Street, Brandon, Vermont, Phone: 802-247-9997

7.Lilac Inn

The Lilac Inn has a long history in the town of Brandon. Most recently, it was purchased by Shelly and Doug Sawyer in 2001. The original design and intention for the building was to be a grand house suitable for entertaining. As such, the home contains large guest rooms featuring ensuite bathrooms, a commercial kitchen and substantial public spaces. Besides a change made to the front desk, the layout remains the same from a hundred years ago. Today, the Lilac Inn is one of the most sought out wedding destinations in Vermont. Weddings of up to 130 - 250 guests can be accommodated for indoor and outdoor weddings.

53 Park Street, Brandon, VT 05733, Phone: 802-247-5463