Are you in Waterbury or about to visit Waterbury, and you’re looking for fun things to do to make your stay memorable? Then you have come to the right place.
While Waterbury, Vermont, may not receive as much attention as its neighbor, Stowe, it still has a certain charm and plenty of entertaining things to do for vacationers and those who are fortunate enough to call it home.
If you’re looking for a top place to escape the bustling life of Vermont, think about Waterbury, a fascinating city rich with natural wonders, sightseeing, nature and fauna, and lots more.
Located halfway between Burlington and Montpelier, Waterbury, Vermont, is a popular destination for dining, shopping, and outdoor leisure. It is also the pivotal point connecting Stowe and the Mad River Valley to other well-known recreation areas.
There is never a dull moment in Waterbury, as the city has everything to captivate people of all ages.
For a better travel experience, here is a list of the best fun things to do in Waterbury, VT.
fun things to do in Waterbury, VT
1. Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill for Cider and Cider Donuts
Welcome to Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Vermont to the core! Come for the fresh-pressed cider, delicious homemade foods, and legendary cider donuts.
The scent of these freshly made, warm donuts practically calls your name from the counter!
One of the biggest attractions at the Cider Mill is our famous cider donut, made fresh daily all year round on our old-fashioned donut machines. It is a cake donut, “junior” in size, measuring approx. 2.5″ in diameter.
The store is filled with delectable baked products, gastronomic delights, and presents with VT themes, in addition to their amazing cider and donuts.
You can have a delicious lunch and a refreshing hard cider in the tasting room at the Applecore Luncheonette and Brew, which is next door and across the parking lot! They have a delicious soup-and-sandwich combo. Everything is wonderful and created by hand, even the bread!
Address; 3600 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677, USA
2. Explore the Original Ben & Jerry’s Factory
The beloved ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s plant is situated on Waterbury-Stowe Road Route 100.
The ice cream maker, situated in Vermont, is well-known for its imaginative and distinctive flavor names, many of which are derived from well-liked dishes and sweets.
With its Factory Experience tour, Ben & Jerry’s allows you to see the Waterbury plant and discover its modest beginnings.
The history of the company is shown on film before the guided tour begins, and then guests see how the pints are manufactured.
As you sample their best-selling flavors and stroll above the production area floor, learn about personal experiences.
After the tour, you can sample more flavors in the Flavor Room while your tour guide cracks a few jokes.
Address: 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd Route 100, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676, USA
3. Visit the Green Mountain Club
Located in Waterbury Center, the Green Mountain Club is Vermont’s largest and oldest hiking club. They were established in 1910 with the goal of preserving and enhancing New England’s finest hiking system, the Long Trail System.
To assist hikers in making well-informed selections during trip planning, they provide comprehensive trip reports, route descriptions, maps, and other tools. They also offer suggestions for gear, advice on camping, and pointers on how to maximize your hiking experience.
For further Waterbury, Vermont, events, make sure to check out the calendar of the Green Mountain Club, which also hosts free workshops and events on a regular basis. Having attended multiple lectures here, the one that sticks in my memory the most is the one about the “Three Musketeers,” who were the first female thru-hikers of the Long Trail in 1927.
Address: 4711 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677, USA
4. Dine At The Prohibition Pig Restaurant
The Prohibition Pig is perhaps one of Waterbury’s coolest places to eat. If you’re a meat lover, you should make reservations at their restaurant. If not, you should go directly to their brewery if you’re just looking for a fun location to hang out on a beautiful afternoon with fantastic beers.
Prohibition Pig Restaurant is well-known for its comfort food-inspired menu and smoked meats. They have burgers, poutine, hush puppies, and, of course, their meat dishes. The restaurant also serves its own beer and excellent cocktails.
In addition to their own beers, the Prohibition Pig Brewery boasts they have the greatest margaritas in town! The brewery is located just behind the restaurant and around the corner. It features both an inside seating area and a lovely, dog-friendly outside terrace. This place also serves burgers and small meals.
Address: 23 S Main St, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676, USA
5. Sample Chocolate at Lake Champlain Chocolates
Made in Vermont, Lake Champlain Chocolates is a chocolate company that produces really mouthwatering sweets! This company is situated on the portion of Route 100 that leads toward Stowe. It is well situated next to the Cabot Cheese Annex!
Seasonal delicacies, chocolate bars, and truffles are among their extensive selection of handcrafted chocolates. Expert chocolatiers create each and every one of the chocolates in small amounts.
The café offers hot chocolate drinks, coffee, tea, and espresso in addition to chocolates. They also serve incredibly delicious ice cream! Now that you’re aware of it, it’s like having a dream in a cone—a hidden jewel that many others are unaware of.
Address: 2653 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury, VT 05676, USA
6. Enjoy Great Food and Live Music at Zenbarn
Zenbarn is a popular entertainment destination and burger eatery on Guptil Road.
Located in a century-old dairy barn, the restaurant’s specialty is its hand-crafted beverages, sandwiches, and burgers. On certain nights, you can also take in live performances by touring local musicians and artists.
For those who would like to showcase their talents on the Zenbarn stage, there are also karaoke evenings featuring an excellent song selection and an advanced sound system.
One of the best-selling sandwiches is pulled pork, which has a significant amount of shredded pork that has been cooked in a mixture of spices and herbs.
In addition, Zenbarn offers a large assortment of handcrafted spirits and beers from nearby breweries.
Address: 179 Guptil Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677, USA
7. Cabot Farmers’ Store
Cabot Farmers’ Store is a creamery situated on Waterbury-Stowe Road.
The cooperative, which was founded in 1919, stores goods from nearby family farms, including wines, hard ciders, and an amazing assortment of handmade cheeses.
With 94 families as members, the Cabot Farmers’ Store provides them with a location to store their milk supply, promote their goods, and run their farms.
Handcrafted luxury bath and body items, small-batch chocolates, and artisanal soaps made from fresh goat and cow milk are just a few of the goods available at the Cabot Farmers’ Store.
Nonetheless, the shop is well-known for its critically acclaimed cheeses made with Jersey milk from Billings Farm and Sweet Rowen Farmstead, which is a grass-based farm.
Address: 2657 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677, USA
8. Sip On Spirits At Smugglers Notch Distillery
Visit the Smuggler’s Notch Distillery to taste some locally produced spirits once you’ve finished your cheese! They make their own liqueurs, rum, rye, bourbon, vodka, and gin. You can try four of their spirits for a nominal charge, and once you decide which one you like best, you can purchase full or mini-sized bottles.
Additionally, they produce their own maple syrup that has been barrel-aged, and they frequently offer free tastes of it! And, to be really honest,? You might want to schedule a time to pick some up here since it’s that wonderful.
Address: 2653 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676, USA
9. Shop At The Woodstock Farmer’s Market
The Woodstock Farmer’s Market is located less than a mile from Cole Hollow on the road. It is a hybrid of a deli, grocery store, farmer’s market, and bakery, with an emphasis on regional goods and produce.
This is the ideal site to stop by if you’re spending the day hiking the trails. They have sandwiches, snacks, and sweets in their bakery that you can bring in your day pack for lunch.
Address: 2802 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677, USA
10. Waterbury Center State Park
Waterbury Center State Park may be found on Reservoir Road.
Situated on the 850-acre Waterbury Reservoir, which spans portions of the Mount Mansfield State Forest, is the 90-acre day-use leisure area.
22 picnic areas, a bathing beach, a nature trail, boat ramps, and boat rentals are all part of this 1986-founded peninsula.
There are two accessible fishing platforms at Waterbury Center State Park along the trail.
Try to catch rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch, among others. But first, buy a fishing license from the nearby Parro’s Gun Shop, The Fly Rod Shop, or online.
You can also rent a boat, launch your kayak to find a swimming spot or laze under the sun.
Address: 177 Reservoir Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677-8010.
11. Visit the Country Club of Vermont
The Country Club of Vermont is a prestigious New England golf club located on Country Club Road.
The facility features a championship-caliber 18-hole course with breathtaking views of the Green Mountains.
The golf course at the Country Club of Vermont features an open front nine with expansive views of the Alps, incorporating the undulating hills into its design.
Fairways on the back nine are bordered by trees and highly forested. The 6,788-yard course features six sets of tees every round, and the naturally rugged terrain and dramatic views of mountains enhance the difficulty.
Practice your swing on any of the six target greens at the club if you’re not quite ready to take on the championship course.
Address: 2800 Country Club Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677, USA
12. Join a yoga class at Kate Greenleaf Massage Therapy & Yoga
Kate Greenleaf Massage Therapy & Yoga is a holistic health and nutrition center situated on South Main Street.
The center was developed and is run by Kate Greenleaf, a certified holistic health and nutrition consultant.
It offers therapeutic yoga courses via Lotus Yoga and the Kripalu Center Bodywork Program.
You will learn the foundational poses in the Restorative Yoga with Healing Sounds session, which will assist you in opening up and releasing tension in your body.
It also includes noises that encourage deeper relaxation and focus, Reiki, hot rocks, and soft touch.
For a more personal touch, Kate Greenleaf’s massage therapy & yoga classes are usually limited to ten people and last for two hours.
As a lover of yoga, be sure to make Kate Greenleaf Massage Therapy & Yoga classes your stop-by as you wander around Waterbury.
Address: 92 S Main St, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676, USA
13. Visit The Covered Bridges
Waterbury is rich with sophisticated covered bridges, and you can even make a little road trip out of it!
Some of the covered bridges include:
- Gold Brook Covered Bridge in Stowe (also known as the haunted Emily’s Covered Bridge!)
- Red-covered Bridge in Morristown
- Waitsfield Covered Bridge in Waitsfield
- Pine Brook Covered Bridge in Waitsfield
- Warren Covered Bridge in Warren
There are several more covered bridges in the vicinity if you are interested in covered bridges and have already visited some of the ones on the above list while in the Waitsfield area.
Bring your camera so you can record every amazing moment spent in this heavily natural setting as you explore all the covered bridges Waterbury has to offer.
14. Sample Spirits at Green Mountain Distillers
Green Mountain Distillers is located in Morristown, which is ten minutes outside of Stowe, near the Red Covered Bridge. This place has a quite small tasting room, but its owner is kind, and they have some amazing spirits to sample.
Small sample fees apply, and full-sized bottles are available for purchase so you can bring your favorite home. You’ll pass through several picturesque country roads en route, which are particularly lovely during the fall leaf season.
Green Mountain Distillers is a top location we recommend for everyone visiting Waterbury with his or her friends.
Address: 171 Whiskey Run, Morristown, VT 05661, USA
15. Camp at Little River State Park
Little River Road leads to the state campground known as Little River State Park.
It is surrounded by the Waterbury Reservoir and is located within the Mt. Mansfield State Forest, making it a great place for hiking and camping.
There are 81 tent/RV sites, 20 lean-tos, and five cottages available for overnight stays in the park’s campground.
There’s also a playground, a boat launch, hot showers in the toilets, and a swimming beach.
Campers can participate in amphibian hunting, night treks, campfire presentations, and other nocturnal activities with the help of park interpreters.
There are hiking paths close to Little River State Park that will lead you on a cultural and historical tour of the region.
Address: Water Reservoir, 3444 Little River Rd, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676, USA
16. Axel’s Gallery & Frame Shop
If you’re looking for a place in Waterbury to purchase a handcrafted frame, then make a stop at Axel’s Gallery & Frame Shop located on Stowe Street.
The shop offers custom and ready-made picture framing, contemporary paintings and prints, and art-sourcing services.
Axel’s can locate, frame, and hang any kind of artwork you’re looking for to fit in with your house.
If you would like to exhibit or frame any important pieces of art you would wish to preserve, such as a handwritten poem or a portrait, they also offer free framing consultations.
Axel’s Gallery & Frame Shop also carries a variety of consigned items, leather products, laminated posters, plaques, and handcrafted jewelry.
Address: 10 Stowe St, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676, USA
17. Grab a Coffee at Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea
In need of a delectable cup of coffee? Look no further than Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea! It’s a stunning, big, brilliant red edifice that stands out on the side of Route 100 as it heads toward Stowe.
It’s also a great place to stop because of the enormous glass inside that lets you see how the coffee is roasted! Along with a large assortment of fine coffees and teas, they also provide freshly baked goods including delectable muffins and cupcakes from Red Poppy Cakery.
The maple latte is one of the house’s specialty beverages! Matcha and chai tea lattes are also available. They have an outside fire pit on their patio, where you may also relax.
Address: 11 Cabin Ln, Waterbury Center, VT 05677, USA
18. Visit Jeremy Ayers Pottery
Waterbury, Vermont is known for its rich arts and cultural scene, with various galleries and craft centers showcasing the work of local artisans.
Jeremy Ayers Pottery is one of the most sophisticated art galleries that Waterbury has to offer.
For many years, Jeremy Ayers has been a stalwart in the Vermont arts scene. Visit his spectacular workshop and showroom downtown, housed in a refurbished 1870 Carriage Barn right behind Prohibition Pig at 18 Elm Street.
Jeremy Ayers Pottery has everything you could possibly need, whether you’re looking for a distinctive serving bowl, a saltbox, new mugs, or a centerpiece for your dinner table.
It’s simple to understand why Jeremy Ayer’s Art Studio is one of the most well-liked hangouts for local creatives and aspiring artists searching for inspiration—with a warm atmosphere and exquisitely useful works.
Address: 18 Elm St, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676, USA
19. Attend a Concert in Rusty Parker Memorial Park
Every Thursday from June to August, Waterbury’s Concerts in the Park is a free summer concert series held in Rusty Parker Memorial Park from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
The event creates a joyful and energetic environment in the municipal park. Once the farmers’ market closes for the day, guests can take in a wide variety of musical performances by skilled local and regional artists.
Jazz, blues, and folk music are all featured during concerts. This weekly event is likely to please everyone who goes with family-friendly performances and informal activities from locals like hula hooping and more. Bring a picnic, chairs, and a blanket, and join the locals for some fun as it promises to be a blast!
Address: Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676, USA
20. Learn to Shoot at Parro’s Gun Shop & Indoor Range
Parro’s Gun Shop & Indoor Range is a gun store and shooting range that is situated on US Route 2.
The store boasts a large selection of police gear in addition to selling new and used firearms for collectors and hobbyists.
You can practice target shooting at the Indoor Range if you want to try something new or fulfill your fantasies of being a secret agent.
The 25-yard facility, which is connected to the store, features ten lanes of cutting-edge firing range where shooters may practice year-round in a secure, regulated setting.
You can try out a variety of weaponry to ensure that you don’t get bored easily.
For shooters of all ability levels, Parro’s Gun Shop & Indoor Range provides safety instruction as well as basic and advanced firearms use classes.
Address: 601 US-2, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676, USA
21. Visit the Waterbury Dam
Waterbury Dam is located along Little River Road.
The reservoir was built between 1935 and 1938 to regulate the Little River and Winooski River’s water flow.
Prior to its building, in 1927, the Winooski River flooded, drowning the neighborhood and severely damaging the town.
Initially built as a 1,845-foot building, its walls were constructed from hand-placed rocks.
2,200,000 cubic yards of materials were used to fill the reservoir, with 3,490 cubic yards of clay found in its middle.
Since then, Waterbury Dam has undergone renovations in 1957 and 1958 to strengthen it.
In addition to controlling flooding, it produces about 15,000,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year.
Address: 177 Reservoir Rd, Waterbury Center, VT.
22. Drink Assorted Beers at Blackback Pub
Situated on Stowe Street, Unit 2, Blackback Pub is a quaint and rustic restaurant/bar.
The pub offers a rotating menu of regional beers on tap along with classic American dishes prepared with ingredients that are obtained locally.
One of the best-selling dishes is the Pub Nachos, which come with a mountain of tortilla chips, cheddar, blue cheese, and cobb bacon drizzled with house-made maple-chipotle syrup.
Another must-try meal is the Ribeye Sandwich, which consists of pan-seared ribeye smothered with horseradish mayo and shredded beets.
Savor expertly prepared cocktails such as Devil May Care, Notorious F.I.G., and Pear of Sins in the Cocktail/Wine Lounge.
The Blackback Pub also has a wide variety of beers, both IPAs and non-IPAs, from all throughout Vermont.
Address: 1 Stowe St UNIT 2, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676, USA
23. Shop for Wine at The Wine Vault
In the center of Waterbury, this wine boutique is a true gem for wine enthusiasts and shouldn’t be missed! The owner, Anastasia, is familiar with each and every wine that is shown. By your budget, she can provide you with the ideal suggestions.
The shop offers a wide selection of excellent-tasting, small-batch biodynamic, organic, and natural wines. They are proud of the flavor and quality of the wines they offer!
Having such a customized purchasing experience when entering The Vault is something truly unique.
Here you can purchase chocolate, cigars, and port as well. Add this shop to your list and return home with a case or an armload of unusual wines from around the globe!
Address: 1 Elm Street First Floor, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676, USA
frequently asked questions about Waterbury Vermont
Are there kid-friendly activities in Waterbury?
Absolutely! The Waterbury Recreation Center offers a range of activities for children, including playgrounds and swimming facilities.
What is the best time to visit Waterbury for outdoor activities?
Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor adventures, with pleasant weather for hiking, exploring parks, and enjoying outdoor festivals.
Can I find vegetarian options in Waterbury’s restaurants?
Certainly! Many eateries in Waterbury pride themselves on offering diverse menus, including delicious vegetarian options.
Are there any annual events that shouldn’t be missed in Waterbury?
Yes, the Waterbury Winterfest and the Waterbury Arts Fest are two annual events that showcase the town’s vibrant culture and community spirit.
Are there photography restrictions at the scenic spots in Waterbury?
While most spots welcome photography, it’s advisable to check for any specific restrictions, especially in museums or private venues.
Are the brewery tours suitable for non-beer drinkers?
Absolutely! Brewery tours often include non-alcoholic options, making them enjoyable for everyone, even if you’re not a beer enthusiast.