Middlebury

Day Trips

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a walking tour of Middlebury's historic downtown area, admiring the beautiful architecture and learning about the town's rich history. Don't miss the iconic Middlebury College campus, where you can stroll through the scenic grounds and visit the art museum.

Enjoy lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant, where seasonal ingredients are highlighted in every dish. After your meal, visit the Henry Sheldon Museum to delve into the local history and culture of the area. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Otter Creek, where you can relax by the water or take a kayak out for a tranquil paddle.

As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a charming bistro that offers a cozy atmosphere and locally-sourced ingredients. Afterward, catch a performance at the Town Hall Theater, which often features live music or community productions. Conclude your evening with a stroll along the picturesque streets, soaking in the serene ambiance of Middlebury at night.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, then head to the Bread Loaf campus for some invigorating hiking. The trails here offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a chance to appreciate the fall foliage if you’re visiting in autumn. Take your time to enjoy the natural beauty and perhaps catch a glimpse of local wildlife.

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the serene backdrop of the Green Mountains. Afterward, continue your hiking adventure, exploring different trails that range from easy strolls to challenging hikes. Make sure to take breaks to snap photos of breathtaking vistas and the vibrant landscape.

Return to Middlebury and treat yourself to a well-deserved dinner at a local pub, where you can enjoy hearty comfort food. After your meal, take a leisurely drive through the countryside to witness the sunset over the mountains. Conclude your evening by unwinding at your accommodation, perhaps with a good book or a warm drink.

Start your morning with a visit to the Middlebury College Museum of Art, where you can explore an impressive collection of works spanning various periods and styles. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you wander through the galleries, soaking in the creativity on display. Afterward, grab coffee and a light snack at a nearby café, discussing your favorite pieces.

Head to the local artisan shops in town, where you can find unique handcrafted items, from pottery to jewelry. Take your time browsing and perhaps pick up a few souvenirs to remember your trip. For lunch, enjoy a meal at a café known for its creative sandwiches and artisanal bread.

Enjoy a special dinner at a fine dining restaurant that showcases the best of local cuisine. Afterward, attend a lecture or workshop at the college that often features notable speakers or artists. Wind down your evening with a stroll through the arts district, enjoying the local galleries and street art.

Begin your culinary adventure with a breakfast tour at a local farm, where you can learn about sustainable farming practices and enjoy fresh produce. After your tour, participate in a cooking class that highlights regional dishes using locally sourced ingredients. This interactive experience will deepen your appreciation for the local cuisine.

After your cooking class, visit a local brewery to sample some of Vermont's finest craft beers, taking a behind-the-scenes tour to see how they are made. Enjoy lunch at the brewery’s taproom, pairing your meal with a flight of their signature brews. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby farms and markets, perhaps picking up fresh ingredients to take home.

Head back to town for dinner at a restaurant that focuses on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. Afterward, enjoy a casual evening at a local pub, where you can mingle with locals and fellow travelers over drinks. Consider attending a trivia night or live music performance to immerse yourself in the local social scene.

Start your day with a guided birdwatching tour at the nearby Blueberry Lake, where you can observe a variety of local bird species in their natural habitat. Enjoy the serenity of the lake as you learn about the birds and their behaviors from an experienced guide. After your tour, enjoy a picnic breakfast by the water.

Spend the afternoon hiking in the nearby Green Mountain National Forest, where trails vary in difficulty and showcase stunning natural landscapes. Make sure to bring your camera, as the area is teeming with wildlife and beautiful views. Pause for lunch at a scenic overlook, taking in the fresh air and tranquility.

Return to Middlebury and treat yourself to a relaxing dinner at a lakeside restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh fish and seasonal dishes. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the lake's edge, enjoying the sounds of nature and the beautiful evening sky. Wind down your day with a cozy night by the fire pit at your accommodation.

Start your Saturday at the Middlebury Farmers' Market, where you can wander among local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Enjoy sampling various local delicacies while chatting with farmers and artisans about their products. This vibrant market is the perfect place to soak in the community spirit.

After the market, explore the unique shops and boutiques in downtown Middlebury, where you can find everything from vintage clothing to artisanal crafts. Take a break for lunch at a cozy café, indulging in a tasty sandwich or salad made from local ingredients. Continue your shopping adventure, discovering hidden gems and supporting local businesses.

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant that specializes in local cuisine, where you can delight in the flavors of Vermont. After your meal, consider visiting a local theater to catch an independent film or community play. Conclude your evening with a walk through the charming streets of Middlebury, admiring the quaint shops and historic buildings illuminated at night.

Set out early for a scenic drive through the rural countryside, where rolling hills and pastoral landscapes unfold before your eyes. Stop at various viewpoints to capture the beauty of the changing seasons, particularly stunning in the fall. Make your way towards the nearby Middlebury Falls for a picturesque morning visit.

Enjoy a picnic lunch near the falls, surrounded by the sounds of rushing water. After lunch, take a hike along the trails that lead to the waterfall’s upper viewing points for a different perspective. Spend your afternoon exploring the surrounding area, perhaps visiting additional nearby waterfalls or nature spots.

Return to Middlebury for dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal crafted with fresh, local ingredients. After dinner, take a stroll along the riverfront, enjoying the peaceful ambiance at dusk. Cap off the evening with a dessert at a local ice cream parlor, indulging in the region's famous maple flavor.

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation or a nearby café, taking your time to savor your meal. Following breakfast, head to a local spa for a morning of relaxation, enjoying treatments that may include massages, facials, or aromatherapy. This tranquil start will set a soothing tone for the rest of your day.

After your spa treatments, enjoy a light lunch at a health-conscious café, where fresh and organic options abound. Spend the afternoon exploring local parks or gardens, taking leisurely walks among the blooms and enjoying the fresh air. A visit to the local library or a quiet nook to read a book can also enhance your relaxing day.

Dine at a serene restaurant that offers a calming atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day of pampering. Afterward, consider attending a yoga class or meditation session at a nearby studio to reconnect with your inner peace. End your evening with a peaceful stroll under the stars, reflecting on your rejuvenating day.

Rent a bike from a local shop and start your morning with a ride along the scenic trails that wind through Middlebury's picturesque landscapes. Experience the beauty of the Vermont countryside as you pedal past farms, forests, and fields. Stop for a mid-morning snack at a roadside stand or café along your route.

Continue your cycling journey in the afternoon, making your way to the nearby trails of the Champlain Valley. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the beautiful scenery, perhaps at a park or a scenic overlook. Don't forget to take plenty of pictures to capture the breathtaking views along the way.

Return to Middlebury for a relaxing dinner at a restaurant that offers outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views. After dinner, take a leisurely bike ride around town to soak in the evening atmosphere and perhaps stop for ice cream. Finally, wind down your day with a stroll through the nearby parks as the sun sets.