Looking for classic Vermont charm with an artsy twist? Head to Brandon! Nestled between the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain, Brandon offers walkable streets, galleries, farm-to-table eats, and stunning fall foliage. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers, history buffs, and creative souls.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Brandon is from May through October. Summer brings markets, festivals, and green hills; fall features breathtaking foliage. Winter is also lovely for snowshoeing and cozy stays.
How to Get There
- By Car: Located on U.S. Route 7, Brandon is about 45 minutes south of Middlebury and 1 hour north of Rutland.
- By Train: The Amtrak Ethan Allen Express stops in nearby Rutland; Brandon is about a 30-minute drive away.
- By Plane: The closest airport is Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT). Burlington International Airport (BTV) is about 1.5 hours away.
Where to Stay
- Inn on Park Street – Charming bed and breakfast in a historic home, with cozy rooms and hearty breakfasts.
- Brandon Inn – Iconic, family-run inn located right downtown, great for weddings, events, and weekend escapes.
- Blueberry Hill Inn (Goshen, 20 min away) – For a peaceful forest retreat with trails, rustic elegance, and homemade meals.
Top Attractions
1. Discover Local Creativity at the 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
2. Explore Whimsical and Thoughtful Works at the 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
3. Stay in Historic Elegance at the 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
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