If you’re visiting the Windham County, Vermont, there are plenty of places to visit. While you’re there, don’t miss the Hermit Thrush Brewery, Whetstone Station Restaurant, or the Estey Organ Museum. You can also check out the Brattleboro Winter Carnival.
Hermit Thrush Brewery
In addition to making some of the finest beer in the world, Hermit Thrush is also committed to environmental consciousness. All of their products are sold in environmentally friendly cans, and they source their yeast from local sources. They also use wood pellets for their brewing process, which cuts down on fossil fuel use. Their brewhouse also uses only wild-harvested yeast, and they brew their beers outside.
The Hermit Thrush Brewery is located in downtown Brattleboro, and opened its tasting room and brewhouse in 2014. They’re currently leasing a seven-acre wooded property in Dummerston. It’s open seven days a week and has growler fills available every day.
Head brewer Nate Scull will lead a five-course dinner and sour beer pairing on October 26. You’ll be able to sample the brewery’s sour beers while enjoying a delicious menu from Chef Jason Ulak.
While you’re in Bristol, Vermont, you can also visit some of the area’s local restaurants and ski bars. Many of them serve craft beer, which has gained an international reputation. There are numerous breweries in the area, and Vermont brewers pride themselves on creating high-quality brews.
Whetstone Station Restaurant
Whetstone Station offers a wide selection of classic American fare. The menu includes burgers, salads, sandwiches, and wraps. If you’re looking for a great burger, try the triple-blended beer burger. The classic double-smash burger is also available. Burgers are served with a variety of condiments and a choice of meat.
In addition to their traditional menu items, Whetstone Station features a mug club. The club encourages patrons to try craft beer and has almost 400 members. Patrons are encouraged to try 99 beers in a calendar year and earn a special mug to commemorate their achievement.
The restaurant offers an outdoor terrace that overlooks the Connecticut River. The view from the upper deck is breathtaking, particularly at dusk. The restaurant also has a fine selection of craft beers. It’s a good place to enjoy a beer and dinner while watching the river flow by.
Estey Organ Museum
One of the places to go in Bristol, Vermont is the Estey Organ Museum. This museum is a great place to learn about the history of this famous organ. This museum is open to the public on Saturdays from 2 to 4 pm. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. We were able to learn about the instrument by talking to John Carnahan and Barbara George, who were both very patient and engaging with our group of 13-year-olds.
Another place to go in Bristol is the St Albans Museum, which is located in a three-story brick schoolhouse built in 1861. There are many exhibits here, including the Civil War raid on St Albans and the Central Vermont Railway. The museum also features early toys and home and hearth items, and works by local artist Sterling Weed. The museum is open by appointment and admission is $3 per adult.
Brattleboro Winter Carnival
There are many fun things to do in Brattleboro, Vermont during the Winter Festival, and the Brattleboro Winter Carnival is a great time to visit the area. This nine-day festival includes events such as ice fishing, snowmobiling, cooking classes, and musical performances. Kids can also enjoy a free movie festival. Sleigh rides and snowmobile rides are other activities to enjoy during the carnival.
The festival is a good opportunity to explore the unique cultural heritage of the area. While you are there, you can visit the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center and enjoy the annual Artful Ice Shanties exhibit. The exhibit features art made from ice, and many of the ice sculptures are created by local artists. Visitors are welcome to view these sculptures, and a panel of judges will award the winners with lighthearted awards.
Brattleboro also has a wide range of shopping options. The Brattleboro Antiques Center opened in 1987 and sells a variety of antiques and vintage items. The town is also home to the Brattleboro Ski Jumping Competition, which has been taking place for nearly a century. You can rent ski equipment from local businesses like Brattleboro Outing Club Ski Hut, or you can check out Burrows Specialised Sports to rent skis and snowboards. The town is also home to the New England Center for Circus Arts.
Brattleboro is also home to a number of festivals and events. The Brattleboro Literary Festival, held every October, is a three to four-day event with a number of events and activities for kids, adults, and families. The festival has hosted more than 400 award-winning authors. The Brattleboro Museum and Art Center has an exhibition of contemporary regional artists and rotates its exhibits quarterly.
If you are visiting Brattleboro, Vermont during the Winter Carnival, don’t miss the Sugar-on-Snow event. It is believed to be the oldest winter carnival in the country, and it begins with a torch lighting in Well Fountain Park. The festivities continue with a parade. Sugar on Snow is a perennial favorite!