Best Guide to Middlebury, VT | Vermont.com (2024)

We’ve already mentioned above what a local favorite Fire & Ice is, but we feel it necessary to expound a little further. You ever go to one of those restaurants where you just know you’re always going to have not only a great meal, but just a good ol’ time? This is one of those spots. The servers are always friendly and actually seem like they genuinely enjoy being there and care about your meal. Plus, as we said earlier, the atmosphere is a total win. An actual motorboat, airplane propellors, fishing equipment, hundreds of black and white photographs, sports memorabilia - the deeper you look, the more you’ll find. The best way to sum it up might be a little controversial, but bear with us; it’s like imagine if TGI Fridays or a Bennigan’s actually had really great food and authenticity. Great atmosphere, delicious food, and a local family ownership that you just love to support. Local Tip: The attached Big Moose Pub is one of our favorite spots in town to grab a burger, a couple of pints, and watch a game. Just a great, great bar!

Speaking of places that are an absolute pleasure to support, you’ve got to swing by Drop In Brewery and meet brewmaster Steve Parkes! Steve is the founder of Drop In Brewery, a legitimate authority in the brewing industry, and couldn’t be a nicer guy. We love Drop In Brewery for their constantly rotating and envelope-pushing draft line, as well as for the classic favorites (we’re partial to Supernova IPA and Heart of Lothian). A stop in to their tasting room is always a great time and we consistently seem to walk out with at least a growler or two.

Middlebury has some fantastic shopping options, and one of our favorites is Vermont’s Own Gifts & Goods. The secret is right there in the name; almost everything in the shop is from Vermont makers and producers. From Maple Syrups and candies, puzzles to woodcrafts, the items you’ll find here are incredibly well-made, unique, and undeniably Vermont-y. We love it.

Similarly, giving off that local feel, you should definitely find your way to The Stone Mill Public Market. With their basem*nt housing the always delicious Mad Taco, a co-working space, stunning short-term rental units, and a curated shopping experience - Stone Mill has a little bit of everything. On the shopping side of things, we love the model that Stone Mill has built. By creating a community gathering space (coffee bar, gorgeous decks and patios), and bringing in multiple area makers and businesses and setting them up in almost mini-store/pods sections, they’ve constructed a really unique and fun experience.

Whether you are a ‘horse person’ or not, a visit with the family to UVM Morgan Horse Farm is a great way to spend your afternoon. Open during the warmer months, be sure to get a guided tour of the picturesque stables and grounds.

Looking to burn off a little extra energy in an absolutely gorgeous setting? Take the kids and head just outside of town to the Robert Frost Interperative Trail. A gentle and beginner hiking experience, complete with wheelchair accessible boardwalk, this one mile looping trail goes through pastures and past beaver dams, and is interspersed with wonderful excerpts of Robert Frost poems. So what is the Robert Frost connection, you may ask? The Poet Laureate fell in love with - and lived in - nearby Ripton each summer for over 42 years. He also taught at Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School of English during this time and would live and write in a small cabin close by to the trail. The area was a consistent source of inspiration and we know you’ll be similarly impressed!

For Wintertime fun, the one-two combination of Rikert Outdoor Center and Middlebury Snow Bowl is a knockout. Rikert Outdoor is over 55km of trails built for cross country skiing (skate and classic), snowshoeing, and fatbikes. With a ski school and full service rental shop, the facilities and personnel are exceptional - possibly only eclipsed by the trails themselves. Meandering through old growth forests, stone walls, and rolling fields, this is quite the area to spend the day.

If downhill snow activities are more your speed, Middlebury Snow Bowl is just two minutes down the road. Owned and operated by Middebury College, this 600acre ski area is one of our favorite hidden gems. The lift lines are almost always short, the prices are reasonable, and the tree skiing here is just a ton of fun.

Another great way to get outdoors is to check out the TAM (Trails Around Middlebury). Part of the Middlebury Area Land Trust, TAM is a network of trails that circle all around downtown Middlebury and provide some excellent spots for scenic views. We’re especially fond of the Chipman Hill Loop, but be sure to take a look at the trail map as there are a ton of great options.

While admittedly not boasting a huge music scene, there are still a few options to take in a local band or two. Our go-to is Two Brothers Tavern where you can catch some tunes on a Friday or Saturday night and belly up to the bar.

There is also the Town Hall Theater and the Opera Company of Middlebury which often have excellent performances and shows.

If you’re really hankering for a plethora of live music options, you’re only a stones-throw away from Burlington, which is just 35 minutes or so up Route 7.

We have a hard time saying no to tacos for lunch and for this reason, when we’re in town we’ll be sure to hit up The Mad Taco. The tacos are tasty and fun, and if the weather is nice out, the patio is a great place to chow down.

Another excellent spot is Noonie’s Deli. A local favorite, Noonie’s is currently only offering take-out, but that’s not a problem for two reasons. One, the sandwiches are good enough that you’ll happily eat them wherever, and secondly, Noonie’s is directly across from Riverfront Park where you can find a bench or a table and take in the beautiful view of the falls.

Live Like a Local.
Get The Scoop.

Live Like a Local.
Get The Scoop.