If you’re looking for what to do in Vermont’s Upper Valley, look no further! This itinerary will include three tourist favorites, along with three area breweries to accompany them. We’re sticking strictly to the valley: Norwich, White River Junction, Quechee, and Windsor, with a quick jaunt over the state line.
Lodging options aren’t included in this post but recommendations run the gamut from the quainter options of Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm and the Norwich Inn to standard hotels such as the Align Inn in Quechee and the Holiday Inn in White River Junction. On this journey, we chose a suite at the latter, the Holiday Inn.
Montshire Museum of Science
You may be surprised to know that one of the state’s premier kid-centric museums is in the small town of Norwich. The Montshire is always a hit. From an interactive bubble exhibit to reptile and fish tanks to science-based manipulatives, there’s enough here to keep kids of all ages entertained. My oldest enjoyed the brain teasers and the science-based displays, while my youngest enjoyed romping through the homes celebrating Asian cultures and staring at the fish.
Hungry? Stop at King Arthur Flour for a coffee and a pastry before or after your visit.
VINS
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science is another family favorite. VINS is a bird rescue and rehabilitation. The birds that are viewable by the public can no longer survive in the wild. They all have recovered from traumatic accidents of some kind and would not be able to make it on their own. VINS also includes presentations, trails, including the impressive canopy walk, and an exhibit about the evolution from dinosaurs to birds. A highlight a few years back is when my two older boys adopted a raptor, Lafayette, the bald eagle.
Quechee Gorge Village
The Quechee Gorge Village has an array of shops and sites including a sprawling antique store, a distillery, a Vermont-centric shop, and live alpacas (not to mention the brewery that we’ll get to in a minute). The Vermont Spot is a must. Stock up on all your Green Mountain State products here, from Heady Topper to Cabot Cheese, maple sugar candy to Lake Champlain Chocolates.
Harpoon Brewery
On to the eating and drinking portion of our show. The Harpoon Brewery in Windsor is a favorite with the adults and kids alike. It’s loud so no one will pay mind to your screaming child and the menu is very family-oriented, think chicken fingers, burgers, pretzels, etc. Their dining options aren’t just for the kids as other menu items include salads and bowls. Since Harpoon has many breweries now consolidated under its brand, there are many beers to choose from including its namesake, Catamount Brewing, and Clown Shoes. For those like me who like a variety, they still offer flights of beer. During all seasons the outdoor spot is fun, whether it’s dining in a warming hut in the winter or badminton and cornhole in the summer.
River Roost Brewing
River Roost makes some of my favorite beer, not only in Vermont (which is saying a lot), but ever (which is saying even more). Their brewery taproom is small but friendly. There is no food available but it’s easy to come here, sample a few, enjoy a flight or a few pints, and take some to go. Everything is excellent, but I typically come here for their IPAs. They were doing hazy before hazy was cool.
Foley Brothers Brewing
This Vermont stalwart has recently opened up a branch in the dining car at the Quechee Gorge Village. I’d been to breweries in many different places but had yet to see a diner-turned-brewery. It works! Grab a beer and pick a booth. They also serve food such as grilled cheese, wings, or a hot dog. Very comfortable with very good beer.
Bonus
Dartmouth College- So not technically in Vermont, but just across the Connecticut River from Norwich, Vermont, is Hanover, New Hampshire. Hanover is a lively college town that could serve as a destination in its own right. Similar to other Ivy League schools, the Dartmouth campus is stunning. Make sure to spend a while walking, or at least driving around the campus to get a feel for New Hampshire’s smartest address.
I hope this list gives plenty of ideas for what to do in Vermont’s Upper Valley. Without driving far, there are many activity ideas for the whole family (and some catering more specifically to the kids or the adults). This agenda was planned in the winter so the hiking is limited, but this region presents plenty of it if you wish, such as trekking down to the iconic Quechee Gorge. And of course, a stroll through the streets of nearby Woodstock is always welcome.
