Vermont Getaway Activities
Central and southeastern Vermont boast some of the best New England skiing and cross country trails, gorgeous hiking, lakes, and swimming holes, superb theatre, concerts and fairs. Located perfectly between Southern Vermont and Central Vermont, our country inn provides you with access to double the activities and all the best things to do near Ludlow, VT!
Explore our suggestions for favorite area pastimes, and don’t hesitate to contact us for additional details.
OUTDOOR WINTER ACTIVITIES
Whether you’re a skier or a lodge-lover, wintertime in Vermont is wonderful! Okemo Mountain, less than 10 minutes from our Vermont Bed and Breakfast, offers some of New England’s best skiing, particularly inviting for beginners and families. Within an hour’s drive from the Inn, there are another half-dozen mountain resorts offering great downhill skiing.
Not into downhill skiing? Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are fantastic ways to enjoy the magnificent outdoors without the physical challenge (and risk) of downhill skiing. Or if you would rather stay off skis altogether, try sleigh rides, dog sledding, or snowmobiling. (And of course, there’s always the option of staying indoors, nestled by the fire, with a great book and a strong cup of locally roasted direct trade coffee!)
Okemo Mountain Resort Ludlow, VT (just 10 minutes from the Inn)
Award-winning skiing and snow making. Very family friendly. The Free Okemo Shuttle stops by the Inn on weekends.
Viking Nordic Center, Londonderry, VT (30 minutes)
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (with lessons and rentals), with onsite cafe. 35 km of peaceful, stunning wooded trails at Viking Nordic Center.
Grafton Ponds, Grafton, VT (25 minutes)
Cross-country skiing (with lessons and rentals), snow-tubing, FAT bikes (wide-tire bicycles for snow), dog sledding and onsite cafe. Snow-making machines ensure the best conditions. 30 km of groomed trails, plus 30 km of back-country trails.
Great River Outfitters, Windsor, VT (30 minutes)
Dog sledding, sleigh rides, snowshoeing (and rentals) with groomed trails on 100 acres.
Snowmobile Vermont, Plymouth, VT (25 minutes)
Snowmobiling is a fun way to take in the stunning winter scenery. Choose from guided tours or unguided rentals: no experience required!
Fox Run Nordic Center Ludlow, VT (10 minutes)
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, lessons and rentals. Located at the Okemo Valley Golf Club facility.
Killington Mountain Killington, VT (35 minutes)
With 140 alpine ski and snowboard trails, this is the largest destination resort in the Eastern United States.
Pico Mountain Mendon, VT (40 minutes)
Downhill skiing: from learning trails to double black diamond slopes, this small mountain offers the variety of a large resort.
Mt. Sunapee Newbury, NH (56 minutes)
Downhill skiing: 66 trails over 230 acres, ranging from easy to advanced.
Magic Mountain Londonderry, VT (30 minutes)
Downhill skiing: 43 trails plus woods skiing, longest run is 1.6 miles.
Bromley Mountain Peru, VT (37 minutes)
The only New England ski resort with a southern exposure means sunny warmth!
Stratton Mountain Londonderry, VT (47 minutes)
670 acres of skiable terrain; the longest trail is three miles.
OUTDOOR NON-WINTER ACTIVITIES
Spring, Summer and Fall are perfect for an abundance of both indoor and outdoor activities. Times shown indicate drive-time from the Inn.
Hiking
Whether you’re looking for easy, flat hikes or full day mountain hikes, Vermont offers ample beautiful scenery. Both Okemo Mountain’s Healdville Trail and Mt. Ascutney’s Weathersfield Trail offer vigorous, steep hikes for those who want to work for their stunning views. Easier day-hikes include trails at the North Springfield Dam, the Vista Trail at Plymouth Lake, and extensive trails in Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Park. Don’t hesitate to ask your innkeeper for additional ideas.
Fishing
From April through October, Vermont invites you to fish the area’s rivers and lakes. Licenses are required for anyone over 15 years of age, and can be purchased in many locations (including Singleton’s General Store, just a half mile from the Inn). Nearby, the Black River boasts a six-mile “Trophy Trout Stream” section designation, while the lakes in Plymouth (15 minutes from the Inn) offer rainbow, brook, perch, pickerel, bass, and lake trout.
Calvin Coolidge Historic Site (20 minutes)
With its museum, country store and historic buildings, a visit to this completely preserved village location could last a full day, or just take an hour — it’s all up to you. Guided tours available.
Camp Plymouth State Park (18 minutes)
This beachfront state park offers canoes, kayaks, swimming, easy hiking, a picnic area, and a snack bar: perfect for families with children or those looking for a no-plans-required kind of day. Requires a small entrance fee per person.
Swimming Holes
In addition to our backyard swimming pool, you can find great swimming at Buttermilk Falls, Camp Plymouth State Park, and Quechee Gorge. Talk with your innkeepers for details.
Okemo Adventure Zone (10 minutes)
Experience the thrill of an incredible ropes course, mini golf, zip-lining, the Timber Ripper mountain coaster, bungee jumping, and Okemo’s disc golf course at this unique adventure park. Although enjoyed by people of all ages, this may have special appeal for families seeking something for everyone.
Great River Outfitters (30 minutes)
Tubing on the river anyone? Also kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and a casual stroll through the beautiful and unique Path of Life Garden. Visit their site for rates and seasonal schedules.
Weston Playhouse (25 minutes)
You may be surprised to find such high quality professional theatre in rural Vermont, but the Weston Playhouse offers a variety of plays ranging from classic Broadway musicals to original one-person shows, and you certainly won’t be disappointed. Every year, the Weston offers a variety of plays ranging from classic Broadway musicals to original one-person shows; there’s surely a show this season for you. Be sure to book your tickets through the Inn as we typically offer theatre discounts.
Farmers’ Markets
With Vermont’s emphasis on local foods and small business, no wonder there are so many farmers’ markets. You can search the list of Vermont farmers’ markets or just plan on visiting our two favorites: Ludlow Farmers’ Market on Friday afternoons and West River Farmers’ Market (in Londonderry) on Saturday mornings.
Golfing
For the most scenic golfing you’ll ever experience, you can choose from several meticulously groomed courses, all located just a short drive from the Inn. The three closest (and maybe finest) courses in the area are: Crown Point Country Club (ask if we have any golf specials), Tater Hill Golf Club, and (temporarily closed), Okemo Valley Golf.
Road Cycling
The long winding roads of Vermont connect one quaint village to the next and they’re some of the most scenic routes you can find in New England. Vermont Vacation offers a comprehensive Bike Route map for the entire state, including the immediate area.
Mountain Biking
You can find 30 miles of maintained trails on Ascutney Mountain and 16 miles in Rutland’s Pine Hill Park or you can purchase a day pass to use the lift-served trails on Okemo.
For Bike Rentals, try Tygart Bike Rentals just up the road in Ludlow. Great people, great business.
Free Concerts
On Wednesday evenings in the summer, you can walk down our street to take in some music at the Proctorsville gazebo. Or on Friday evenings, the venue is a bit larger at the base of Jackson Gore for their Free Concert series. For both, you’re welcome to bring a chair or blanket and some picnic fare.
Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) (45 minutes)
More than just a bird sanctuary, this raptor rehab is part environmental and part educational. Check out their list of exhibits and activities and plan to make this a stop on your road trip.
Billings Farm & Museum (45 minutes)
This working dairy farm and historical museum all in one is great for families and anyone interested in witnessing and sometimes participating in farm activities. There is so much happening at the farm that they maintain their own calendar of events, well worth checking out. A drive to Billings Farm also complements a driving tour of Woodstock and Quechee.
YEAR-ROUND AREA ATTRACTIONS
In case you didn’t notice, we’ve listed a whole bunch of activities and attractions up above — some that are great for winter and others for the milder three seasons. Be sure to include them as you gather ideas for things to do in Vermont. The following list of things to do and places to visit in South Central Vermont can be done any time of year.
PLACES TO VISIT
Singleton’s General Store
Just a half mile from the Inn, this general store is well worth the visit. Their motto is “Whiskey, Guns, and Ammo” but that barely begins to describe the array you’ll find inside. From potato chips to rifles, from ski sweaters to wine, they have it all. They also have delicious deli sandwiches for your day trip, making this a great stop as you leave the Inn in the morning.
Crowley Cheese
This is a small, family operated cheese factory & store. Be sure to check their hours and their cheese-making schedule. If you can stop by while they’re making cheese, it’s SO worth it! Plus, there are tasty samples and you can buy some cheese as travel gifts for your friends back home.
Green Mountain Sugar House
If you love Vermont or anything maple, this is a great stop! They offer their own maple syrup, candies and more. Plus they have unique souvenirs and gifts, and a wall of penny candy too!
Village of Ludlow (5 minutes)
Just five minutes north of the Inn, Ludlow is not only home to Okemo Mountain Resort but also to some great restaurants and unique shops. One of our favorites is The Book Nook, an independently owned bookstore that offers a ‘local authors’ section. We love to shop the Wine & Cheese Depot and there’s a huge beer selection and brewing supplies at Brewfest Beverage. The town also has so many other stores for gifts and art that are both affordable and unique.
Village of Weston (25 minutes)
Home of the renowned Weston Theatre and the original Vermont Country Store. Galleries, cafes, classic river mill, old country stores make this destination well worth a day trip. Better yet, tie in your visit with a summertime show at the theatre — you will not be disappointed.
Village of Chester (15 minutes)
Chester is truly a quintessential Vermont village. You can park in one spot and browse the galleries and shops, of which there are at least two antique stores, an independently owned bookstore, and a funky cafe offering organic whole foods and drinks (Moon Dog Cafe).
Village of Woodstock (40 minutes)
Pastoral and beautiful, Woodstock offers an active town center with shops and restaurants. While you’re up there, stop by Quechee Gorge for a great view and visit to Simon Pearce for their restaurant and glass blowing demonstrations.
BREWERIES, WINERIES, AND DISTILLERIES
Vermont leads the nation for breweries and brew pubs. Here’s a complete map of Vermont breweries, but we’ll list a few that are closest to us and most popular with our guests.
Outer Limits Brewing, Proctorsville, VT (about 5 minutes from the Inn)
Full restaurant, open Wednesday-Sunday. Just a short walk from the inn and located in the heart of Proctorsville. They are a new business in our area that serves salads, wings, pretzels, pizza, and of course: a variety of beer! Live music is sometimes offered so make sure to check their event page.
Long Trail Brewery, Bridgewater Corners, VT (about 30 minutes north of the Inn)
Full restaurant, open daily 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Harpoon Brewery, Windsor, VT (about 30 minutes east of the Inn)
Located with other great businesses in Artisan’s Park, Harpoon and its restaurant is open daily until either 6 or 9pm – check their seasonal hours.
Whetstone Station, Brattleboro, VT (just under an hour south of the Inn)
Full restaurant with brewery tours on the first Sunday of each month at noon.
There is one winery and two distilleries not too far from the inn.
Putney Mountain Winery and Spirits, Putney, VT (about 40 minutes south of the inn) Located just off Route 91, This winery and taste room makes the perfect stop on your way to or from the inn. There is also a distillery and taste room located in Quechee, about 45 minutes north of the inn. A third taste room can be found in Windsor located in the same area as Harpoon Brewery.
SILO Distillery, Windsor VT (35 minutes from the inn)
As described on their website: in the same Artisan Park area as Harpoon Brewery, Simon Pierce, Sustainable Farmer and Great River Outfitters, SILO is a barn distillery. The space is uniquely designed to support sustainable production as well as offer the public a full tour, tasting and cocktail experience, inside and out.
AREA EVENTS
Nestled between Southern Vermont and Central Vermont, our Okemo Valley Bed & Breakfast provides the perfect home base for so many activities and things to do. Our region’s Chamber of Commerce does a fantastic job on their calendar keeping track of immediate-area events.
No matter what season you’re traveling, be sure to see what Okemo Mountain Resort is offering. All of their posted events are open for all to join in the fun.
And if you have any interest in learning or improving an artistic endeavor, you just have to visit the Fletcher Farm School for the Arts & Crafts calendar for their list of classes. From woodworking to watercolors, beading to tapestry weaving, they will have a class for you. (Students enrolled in Fletcher Farm classes, receive big inn discounts seasonally.)
When the weather is right, don’t hesitate to expand your search and consider villages like Manchester, Woodstock, Brattleboro, and Hanover (NH). All are just 30–60 minutes away, and the ride is typically so beautiful it becomes part of the fun! Check out these Events Calendars at VacationVermont.com and Vermont.com.
Don’t forget that at Golden Stage Inn, we partner with Goodman’s American Pie of Ludlow to host the Vermont Golden Honey Festival every year on the second Saturday of September.