The Upper Valley of Vermont

A trip to Vermont has become at least a bi-annual excursion for my family. Typically we stay in either Burlington, Stowe or Woodstock. Coming from the South Shore of Massachusetts, the Quechee/Woodstock area, also known as the Upper Valley of Vermont is actually the closest destination to us in the Green Mountain State.

Beer Stops: River Roost Brewery and Woodstock Hops and Barley

Although I want to experience new places to eat and explore each time I visit, there are some tried and true stops that I always go back to. On the brewery end of things, I really enjoy the beers that River Roost brews. Typically my first stop when hitting the VT border is for a growler fill and a few four packs at the small White River Junction brewery. Woodstock Hops and Barley is another destination for me, with their unmatched selection of fresh Vermont beers, rare bottles, and sour beers. Oh yeah, they also have videos to rent.

Long Trail Brewery’s Pub and Restaurant: An Upper Valley staple

River Roost is fabulous, but its small size is not conducive to more than a few minute visit. To while away a few hours, sip on beer and nosh on grub such as bratwurst or a pulled pork sandwich, I head to the Long Trail Brewing Company in Bridgewater Corners. Bridgewater Corners is in the far end of the Upper Valley of Vermont, on Route 4 past Woodstock. Long Trail was one of the first breweries to strike a chord with me. I craved sampler packs with cute bear logos that would change with the season. I loved their riverside location and the community feel of their brewery. (Talk about a community feel–good friends of mine held their wedding reception at Long Trail in 2014. How cool is that!?) 

 

Recently Long Trail really stepped up its flavor profile with successful and tasty offerings such as their VT IPA, the Cooperator and the Cranberry Gose. (See how the VT IPA fared at our IPA taste test held last November.) Add these to old favorites such as Hibernator and Blackberry Wheat that have reappeared, and Long Trail’s portfolio is as impressive as ever.

Practically speaking, the Long Trail restaurant is a perfect place for families. It serves quality food but is also kid-friendly. The place can get loud, which drowns out any crying just fine. The Vermont come-as-you-are ethos rings true here where flannel and ball caps are on the dress code.

Long Trail and the Upper Valley of Vermont: A Four Season Destination

During the cooler months, which in Vermont lasts about nine months of the year, a gas fireplace adds some warmth. Antsy little tikes who may need to stretch their legs may enjoy overseeing the brewing process from above. They can climb a set of stairs in the restaurant to reach a level where windows provide a bird’s eye view of the tanks. During warmer months, the deck is a popular spot to feel the sun’s warmth and enjoy a few beers outside. I’ve heard you can also enjoy a beer literally in the Ottaquechee River that runs next to the brewery.

South Street Playground in Woodstock

Long Trail is a must visit for beer lovers, but the playground on South Street in Woodstock, next to Vail Field, is one of my son’s favorite romps. It has two distinct playscapes, one more adventurous than the other. Of course, even when he was only two years old he tried to scale the rock climbing wall on the playscape for older kids. Slides, tunnels, and bars to swing on are seemingly everywhere. There are also swings and a pavilion next to a ball field. Parking can be tricky though. The best bet is to park on South Street heading north towards Woodstock center. The town is walkable from here, with so many fun stores and nooks and crannies to explore, including FH Gillingham general store, Vermont Flannel and the Kedron Brook which crosses through town.

We try to diversify our travels while in the Woodstock area. Sometimes we visit Billings Farm and Montshire Museum of Science. On other trips, we visit VINS (Vermont Institute of Natural Science), which is primarily a raptor rescue and walking Quechee Gorge. Two stops that are constants for our Upper Valley in Vermont trips are going to Long Trail and the playground in Woodstock!