Middlebury, VT

1. Visit Middlebury College

Middlebury College (video) was Vermont's first institution of higher learning at its founding in 1880, operated as an all-male university until 1883 at its integration as one of New England's first coeducational institutions.

The private liberal arts college also holds the distinction as one of the first American educational institutions to offer bachelor's degrees to African-Americans, graduating Alexander Twilight, the country's first African-American to be elected to public office, in 1823. It is known as one of the nation's best liberal arts colleges today, offering graduate and undergraduate degrees in the arts, humanities, literature, and social and natural sciences.

Beautiful open spaces populate the college's campus, offering stunning views of the nearby Green and Adirondack Mountains. Visitors can explore public attractions on campus such as the Middlebury College Museum of Art, which showcases impressive collections of Ancient, Asian, American, and European artwork.

Address: 14 Old Chapel Rd, Middlebury, VT 05753, Phone: 802-443-5000

2. Take a guided tour of UVM Morgan Horse Farm

UVM Morgan Horse Farm is America's oldest continually-operating Morgan horse breeding program, originally established in 1878. The farm cares for more than 40 Morgan horses throughout the year, known as one of the earliest types of horse breeds developed in the United States, which have had an extensive history as racing horses, coach horses, and cavalry horses during the American Civil War. It has been under the stewardship of the University of Vermont since 1951, formerly operated as a United States Government Cavalry Remount Station. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the farm May through October each year and learn about Vermont's state animal from experienced tour guides. A gift shop is also offered onsite, along with art exhibits and areas for picnics.

Address: 74 Battell Dr, Weybridge, VT 05753, Phone: 802-388-2011

3. Attend a live performance at Mahaney Arts Center

Mahaney Arts Center was opened in 1992 as the Middlebury College Center for the Arts, presenting more than 300 public arts events each year now for both the on-campus and off-campus communities in the region. The visual and performing arts center is home to a variety of facilities for the college's dance, theater, music, and art history departments, along with the beautiful Seeler Studio Theatre and Olin C. Robison Concert Hall, which host multidisciplinary events throughout the year. Visitors can attend a plethora of live performances at the center throughout the year, including theatrical, dance, and music concerts and productions. Half of the center's annual events are free, making it a great choice for visitors looking for cultural experiences on a budget.

Address: Middlebury College, 72 Porter Field Rd, Middlebury, VT 05753, Phone: 802-443-3168

4. Cross The historic Pulp Mill Covered Bridge

The Pulp Mill Covered Bridge, also known as the Paper Mill Covered Bridge, is a lovely National Register of Historic Places-listed bridge crossing over Otter Creek between the cities of Middlebury and Weybridge, traveling along Seymour Street. The bridge, which was constructed in 1820, is one of only six remaining bridges of its kind in the United States and is Vermont's oldest preserved covered bridge, showcasing a unique Burr arch design and two lanes of three spans. It was restored to its historic condition in 2012 for the second time, featuring King posts with Burr arch design.

Today, it is the only bridge of its kind still carrying regular traffic and carries the distinction of being one of the United States' oldest bridges. Visitors can drive past and through the bridge throughout the year and enjoy excellent opportunities for historic architecture photography.

5. Watch a performance at Town Hall Theater

Town Hall Theater is one of Middlebury's most beautiful historic buildings, reopened in 2008 following major restorations. The theater presents a full slate of live performances throughout the year, including musicals, dramas, comedies, and other theatrical programs featuring local performance groups. Pop and classical music concerts are also showcased throughout the year, along with broadcasts of operas and other performances by the Metropolitan Opera in Manhattan. Other unique performances include magic shows and one-man comedy evenings. Visitors can enjoy delicious drinks from the theater's THT Bar, including locally-produced beers, wines, and hard ciders. A variety of performance classes are offered throughout the year for area residents and non-residents, including child and adult dance classes.

Address: 68 S Pleasant St, Middlebury, VT 05753, Phone: 802-382-9222

6. Learn about local history at Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History

Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History, commonly referred to as the Sheldon Museum, is a lovely history museum in Middlebury, housed within the gorgeous three-story Federal-style Judd-Harris House, constructed in 1829. The museum, which was founded by Henry Sheldon in 1882, showcases a splendid collection of historic furniture, art, and artifacts, including items from Sheldon's private collections. Exhibits showcase artifacts related to the history of the state of Vermont, structured in exhibits meant to recreate typical small-town life in 19th-century Vermont. Visitors can explore the house as part of self-guided tours throughout the year and learn about the region's industries, pioneer settlement, and former inhabitants. Public programming at the museum throughout the year includes a Holiday Open House event and an outdoor classical concert series.

Address: 1 Park St, Middlebury, VT 05753, Phone: 802-388-2117

7. Go beer tasting at Drop-In Brewing Company

Drop-In Brewing Company is a delicious microbrewery in Middlebury that was founded by American Brewers Guild owners Christine Mckeever-Parks and Steve Parks in 2012. The company serves as the permanent home today for the Guild, offering craft brewing courses for professional brewers. Year-round flagship brews produced by the company include its signature Sunshine and Hoppiness Belgian Gold Ale, which is produced with Weyermann's malt sourced from Germany, and its Heart of Lothian Scottish Shilling Ale, brewed with Scottish Golden Promise barley. Visitors can stop in at the company's tasting room throughout the week and enjoy pints of the company's ales or take out cans or growlers to enjoy at home. Next door to the brewery, the Grapevine Grille allows carry-over of beer pints, serving up delicious American-style fare.

Address: 610 US-7, Middlebury, VT 05753, Phone: 802-989-7414