Looking for scenic mountain views, craft beer, and legendary ice cream? Head to Waterbury! Nestled between Montpelier and Stowe, Waterbury is a quintessential Vermont town known for its outdoor beauty, small-town charm, and foodie favorites. Whether you’re hiking Green Mountain trails, visiting the Ben & Jerry’s Factory, or sipping local brews, Waterbury makes an ideal base for exploring central Vermont.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Waterbury is in the fall (September–October) for peak foliage or summer (June–August) for hiking, kayaking, and outdoor festivals. Winter is also great for snow sports, especially with nearby Stowe and Bolton Valley resorts.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Waterbury is right off I-89, about 30 minutes northwest of Montpelier and 45 minutes southeast of Burlington.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Vermonter line stops at Waterbury-Stowe Station, with service between Washington, DC and northern Vermont.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Burlington International Airport (BTV), about 40 minutes away by car.
Where to Stay
- Old Stagecoach Inn – A charming historic B&B in downtown Waterbury with antique-filled rooms and hearty breakfasts.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Waterbury Stowe – Modern accommodations with easy access to I-89 and local attractions.
- Hen of the Wood Inn – A cozy boutique option with rustic elegance and a renowned restaurant nearby.
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour – Visit the original factory, take a guided tour, and enjoy scoops of iconic ice cream flavors.
- Green Mountain Coffee Café & Visitor Center – Learn about Vermont’s coffee legacy and grab a fresh cup in a restored train station.
- Little River State Park – Hike wooded trails, fish or kayak on the reservoir, and camp under the stars just outside of town.
- Prohibition Pig – A local favorite brewpub with BBQ, craft beers, and a fun, casual atmosphere.
- Cold Hollow Cider Mill – Taste freshly pressed cider, cider donuts, maple products, and local gifts in a classic Vermont setting.
Unique Attractions
⮕ Pete’s Greens
Shop fresh produce and enjoy an affordable farm stop with local flavor.
Located in Craftsbury Vermont, Pete’s Greens Farmstand is your go-to market for the freshest local organically farmed produce. Pete’s Greens Farm covers over 300 acres and produces a wide variety of regular vegetables as well as interesting micro greens and heirloom tomatoes. The farm produces wholesome local produce all year round thanks to substantial greenhouses which keep going right through winter. The Farmstand is open seasonally – usually from May to October – and is located at the entrance to the farm. At the height of the summer season you can admire (and buy) piles of wonderfully fresh vegetables as well as eggs, cheeses, grains, honey and locally-reared pasture meat.
Pete’s Greens, 266 S. Craftsbury Road, Craftsbury, VT 05826, Phone: 802-586-2882
⮕ Vermont Artisan Coffee and Tea Company
Sip small-batch brews and savor a relaxing retirement-friendly café experience.
At the Vermont Artisan Coffee and Tea Company it’s all about creating the most perfect beverage possible for each and every taste. Although the company produces a good range of teas, coffee is definitely king! At the core of the company you will find their roastery, where green coffee beans from all corners of the globe are received and roasted to perfection. Coffee is then packaged for dispatch to many avid coffee fans all over the country. If you are visiting Waterbury you can have the pleasure of stopping by their coffee bar for an indulgent coffee experience. The company offers guided tours of the roastery followed by a coffee tasting. Their legendary Maple Latte should not be missed.
Vermont Artisan Coffee and Tea Company, 11 Cabin Lane, Waterbury, VT 05677, Phone: 802-244-8338
Where to Eat
- Prohibition Pig – Creative comfort food and a tap list full of Vermont craft beers in a lively atmosphere.
- The Reservoir – A downtown gastropub with a broad beer selection and Vermont-sourced ingredients.
- Stowe Street Café – Cozy café known for baked goods, breakfast, and vegetarian-friendly fare.
If you are interested in local events:
- Waterbury Arts Fest (July) – A vibrant celebration of local artists, musicians, and food vendors in downtown Waterbury.
- Vermont Brewers Festival (Summer & Winter Editions) – Sample some of the state’s best craft beers at seasonal tasting events.
- Leaf Peeping Season (Late September–Mid October) – Drive, hike, or bike through vibrant fall colors in and around Waterbury.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Waterbury, Vermont:
- Stowe, VT (20 min) – Explore ski slopes, boutiques, and scenic trails in this classic mountain resort town.
- Montpelier, VT (25 min) – Visit the smallest state capital in the U.S. with quaint shops, local dining, and the Vermont State House.
- Bolton Valley (30 min) – A four-season resort for skiing, hiking, and mountain biking with stunning Green Mountain views.
- Camels Hump State Park (30 min) – Challenge yourself with a hike to the summit of one of Vermont’s most iconic peaks.
- Cabot Cheese Annex Store (25 min) – Sample award-winning Vermont cheddar and specialty foods in Waterbury Center.
FAQ:
- Q: Where is Waterbury located?
- A: Waterbury is located in central Vermont and is home to the much-visited Waterbury Village Historic District. Waterbury is surrounded by the Green Mountains.
- Q: What are some popular attractions in Waterbury?
- A: Waterbury is known for lively tourist attractions including great shopping at many independent stores, arty galleries and public art installations, local artisan breweries, and several excellent farm-to-table restaurants.
- Q: What outdoor activities are popular in Waterbury?
- A: Waterbury is very popular with cyclists who come to enjoy several mountain bike trail networks, and visitors can also try a variety of fun water activities, with everything needed available at Waterbury Sports.
- Q: What is the appeal of Waterbury’s historic sites?
- A: History and architecture enthusiasts will enjoy a stroll through the Waterbury Village Historic District, where an excellent collection of historic buildings can be admired.
At a Glance:
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds. | Best Western Plus Waterbury - Stowe – Comfortable accommodations with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. | Explore the Waterbury Reservoir – Enjoy a relaxing day of hiking, fishing, or kayaking in the serene environment. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities and local festivals. | Green Mountain Inn – A charming inn with cozy rooms and convenient access to hiking trails and local attractions. | Visit the Ben & Jerry's Factory – Take a guided tour and enjoy some delicious ice cream at the iconic factory in nearby Waterbury. |
| Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and fewer tourists. | The Trapp Family Lodge – A scenic stay surrounded by nature, perfect for exploring the fall foliage in Vermont’s mountains. | Take a scenic drive along Route 100 – Enjoy the stunning fall colors while exploring charming small towns and villages. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cold temperatures, perfect for cozy indoor activities, winter sports, and holiday celebrations. | Hotel Vermont – A stylish and comfortable hotel with a great location for skiing and outdoor winter adventures. | Hit the slopes at Stowe Mountain Resort – Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities just a short drive from Waterbury. |
Plan Your Trip
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