Things To Do & See
The Inn is centrally located to a wide variety of special Vermont attractions, museums, working farms, wineries, cheese makers, restaurants and Vermont Product tours. We would be happy to assist you in creating an itinerary for your trip.
Brandon is known for its hospitality, friendly people, and a fun atmosphere. Visit the Brandon Chamber’s Website for the latest special events in Brandon. Discover Why Yankee Magazine called Brandon, Vermont a “Hidden Jewel”. There are events and activities happening most weekends.
Brandon, Vermont is also known for its many artists and a Vermont Governor has declared Brandon “The Art and Soul of Vermont”.
Outdoor Activities
Falls of Lana- Falls of Lana Trail is a 3.6 mile loop trail located near Salisbury, Vermont that features a waterfall. The trail is rated as difficult and primarily used for hiking, walking, and birding. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Rikert Nordic Ski Center- 55+ km of skate and classic skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking nestled in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest.
The Nordic Center is fully ADA accessible, offers a full service rental shop, and a PSIA certified ski school. Relax and refuel by the warm wood stove, enjoy the great food, warm beverages and a cozy atmosphere.
Robert Frost Trail- A National Recreation Trail that commemorates Robert Frost’s poetry; several of his poems are mounted along the trail in the woods and fields.
Hogback Mountain- Hogback Mountain is a 2.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Pittsford, Vermont that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from April until October.
Mount Olga- Mount Olga Trail is a 1.6 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Wilmington, Vermont that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from May until October.
Bucklin Trail- Bucklin Trail to Killington Peak is a 7.2 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Shrewsbury, Vermont that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October.
Lake Dunmore- Family friendly lake with kayak and paddle board rentals
Bomoseen Lake and Trail- A beautiful lake for swimming and boating
Green Mountain Bikes- Rochester, VT
Mount Horrid- The Long Trail to Mount Horrid is a 1.9 mile out and back trail located near Rochester, Vermont that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate.
The Long Trail- The Long Trail follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts-Vermont state line to the Canadian border, crossing Vermont’s highest peaks.
Moosalamoo National Recreation Area- For outdoor enthusiasts of all levels and for all seasons, Vermont’s Moosalamoo National Recreation Area of almost 16,000 acres, is a treasure in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest. More than 70 miles of well-maintained trails — from rugged cliffs to gentle slopes — provide many opportunities for hiking, biking, cross/back-country skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife and bird watching, and more. Enjoy wilderness solitude or retrace the footsteps of Robert Frost, whose last summer home on the northern edge of the area can be visited, along with the one-mile Robert Frost Interpretive Trail.
The region stretches from the western slopes of the Green Mountains, where the Long Trail is located, east to Lake Dunmore, and from Scenic Vermont Route 125 in the north to Route 73 in the south. In the gateway villages of Brandon, Middlebury, and Rochester you will find accommodations, restaurants, artisan shops, museums, and a wide variety of activities.
Breweries, Food & Wine
Foley Brother's- Just a short drive from the Inn in Brandon, VT
Otter Creek Brewery- Middlebury, VT
Cafe Provence- Featuring cuisine inspired by the South of France and the Mediterranean regions, Cafe Provence offers meals accented by seasonal offerings and the Vermont Fresh Network.
Mae's Place- Bright cheery diner in the heart of Brandon. Breakfast and lunch served daily from 7:00am – 2:00pm. To-Go orders and daily specials.
Lincoln Peak Winery- Located in New Haven, VT and won 5 awards at the International Cold Climate Wine Competition in St Paul, Minnesota.
Neshobe Winery- The tasting room is open from 11am - 5 pm Wed-Sun through December. Opening times are subject to change in the winter.
Ben & Jerry's-Visit the factory to see ice cream making from start to finish.
Lake Champlain Chocolates-Take a tour of this small batch chocolate factory in Burlington, VT.
New England Maple Museum-The story of maple sugaring in the world’s largest maple museum. Antiques, paintings, slide show, folk art exhibits, maple syrup samples. Gift Shop with mail order service.
Vermont Cheese Trail- Vermont has become an acknowledged national leader of the American artisanal cheese renaissance. Explore 41 cheese making members who produce over 150 varieties of award winning artisan and farmstead cheese.
Drop In Brewery- There’s the casual and welcoming phrase ‘just drop in for a beer'.
Woodchuck Cidery- Come check out our Cidery, just off scenic Route 7 in Middlebury, VT. The Cider House and Tap Room welcomes visitors with self-guided tours, tastings, Woodchuck® gear, and 20 ciders on tap. We think there’s nothing better than swapping stories with family and friends over a pint at the Cidery.
Windfall Orchards- Check their site for upcoming events.
Local Vermont Attractions
The Vermont Teddy Bear Company- Has been handcrafting Teddy Bears right here in Vermont for more than 25 years. Come to where Vermont Teddy Bears are born!
Middlebury College-Students and faculty come from approximately 70 foreign countries. Check the Middlebury Calendar of Events for more info.
Vermont Marble Museum- The World’s Largest Marble Museum. Extensive Gift Shop, 100 displays, movie, artist in residence, Marble Market, custom marble work.
Vermont Soap Organics- Produces USDA Approved, Certified Organic alternatives to the often irritating, chemical and detergent based personal care products now in general use. All products are sold in the on-site Factory Outlet.
The Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont- History is the oldest chartered community history museum in the United States, welcoming visitors and researchers since 1882. It offers lively tours, exhibits and programs to enrich our understanding of Vermont’s past.
Fort Ticonderoga- Each year over 90,000 people from throughout the world are welcomed to Fort Ticonderoga, a not-for-profit administered by the Fort Ticonderoga Association.
Stephen A Douglas Birthplace- The recently restored 1802 home in historic Brandon, Vermont, is the birthplace of the Honorable Stephen A. Douglas, 19th century statesman. It is the official Brandon Welcome Center and Home to the Brandon Historical Society and traces the history and lives of early Brandon residents and the anti-slavery movement.
Vermont’s Famous Covered Bridges- Short, long, red, white, brown, open, closed, with windows or without, there are covered bridges throughout Vermont.
Shelburne Museum- Founded in 1947, is one of the nation’s most eclectic museums of art. Thirty-nine galleries and exhibition structures display over 150,000 objects spanning four centuries.
Hildene- The former home of Robert Todd Lincoln
Douglas Orchard and Cider Mill- Shoreham, VT farm and grocery.
Covered Bridges- Covered bridges are everywhere in Vermont! Within a few miles of Brandon, you can see a number of them — and drive through them too!