Middlebury, Vermont Has Something for Everyone

Focus on All Things New England Having trouble viewing this email? [View this email on the web](. [New England Focus logo] JUNE 21, 2021 Middlebury, Vermont Has Something for Everyone Sponsored by: [Better Middlebury Partnership]( Summer is an exquisite time in the land of milk and honey, and this time of year in Middlebury, Vermont is no exception. Nestled in the agricultural valley of Addison County, Middlebury is graced with an abundance of riches: lush farmland coating the hills beyond its quaint New England downtown and bucolic [Middlebury College]( campus, wetland meadows thrumming with birdsong along the banks of Otter Creek, and the iconic backdrop of the Green and Adirondack Mountain landscapes to the east and far west, respectively. The natural beauty has inspired many visual artists, including Middlebury’s own Woody Jackson — whose signature Holstein cow images appear on every carton of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Indeed, the views here are stunning enough to convince anyone to come for a summer visit. But beyond its visual aesthetic, the natural landscape around Middlebury is a playground for both kids and adults, with options on land and in water, for both the adventurous spirit and ambling soul. Credit: Courtesy of Better Middlebury Partnership Mother Nature’s Playground On Land Middlebury is home base to some of the best hiking and biking trails in northern New England. For folks interested in getting lost in the woods, the 16,000-acre [Moosalamoo National Recreation Area]( provides over 70 miles of hiking trails, including access to the famous [Long Trail](. Within Moosalamoo, the [Silver Lake Area Trails]( and [Rattlesnake Cliffs Trail]( are favorites, but be sure to check the [Green Mountain National Forest Day Hiking]( website to see if any trails are closed for Peregrine Falcon nesting. Other favorites within a short drive from downtown include the [Snake Mountain Wildlife Management Area]( in Addison and Weybridge or [Bristol Ledges]( a short, steep hike to the panoramic views from Bristol Cliffs. Visitors who prefer easier hiking will be impressed with the scenic gorge at [Texas Falls Recreation Area]( near Rochester or may enjoy the wild blueberries along the universally accessible [Robert Frost Interpretive Trail]( in Ripton. Those interested in a more meditative forest experience will love the [Spirit in Nature Interfaith Path Sanctuary](. Or if you appreciate art as much as the outdoors, you will love the [Lemon Fair Sculpture Park]( an outdoor, self-guided tour of more than 50 contemporary sculptures located off Rte. 74, about 8 miles from Middlebury College. And if you’re just looking to hike or bike without ever getting in your car, the Trail Around Middlebury (TAM) offers 19 miles of trails encircling the community, with trailhead access at several locations around town. Get Outdoors in Middlebury, VT! You gotta love summers in Middlebury, Vermont. Epic swimming, mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, camping, and fishing. New England’s best road biking is here too—challenging mountain gap rides or easy pedaling with Lake Champlain views. [PLAN NOW]( SPONSORED Mountain biking enthusiasts will find an array of exciting options for [biking trails within the Middlebury/Rochester District]( of the Green Mountain National Forest. The [Addison County Bike Club]( is a great resource for site conditions and detailed descriptions of biking trails in Middlebury and the Moosalamoo NRA. Road biking devotees are sure to find their sweet spot, too — whether taking in the panoramic views on an easy ride over Addison County’s rolling terrain or climbing over one or more nearby mountain passes. The [“Heart of Vermont Bikeways”]( developed by the Lake Champlain Bikeways organization provides information on several themed road bike loops in Addison County. And be sure to visit [Frog Hollow Bikes]( in Middlebury for additional trail and route loop information, as well as bicycle, e-bike, and equipment rentals. Finally, visitors more interested in leisurely pastimes may want to explore the [Ralph Myhre Golf Course](www.ralphmyhregolfcourse.com), owned and operated by Middlebury College. The 18-hole course is open to the public and offers equipment rentals, food and beverage service, and spectacular views of the Green Mountains. Credit: Courtesy of Better Middlebury Partnership In Water Though located only 25 minutes from the shores of Lake Champlain, Middlebury also has a surprising abundance of water recreation opportunities within an even closer range. [Branbury State Park]( on Lake Dunmore in Salisbury is ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing — and offers canoe, rowboat, kayak, and pedal boat rentals, as well as concessions, restrooms, and coin-operated shower facilities. Swimming and non-motorized watercraft are also permitted at Fern Lake, a gorgeous little secluded lake off Rte. 53 in Leicester, just south of Lake Dunmore. Canoeing and kayaking are popular options in Otter Creek and nearby New Haven River, and paddling the Lemon Fair River through the 341-acre [Lemon Fair Wildlife Management Area]( in Bridport or the [Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area]( in Addison is a great way to view Vermont’s abundant waterfowl: mallards and wood ducks, great blue and green herons, as well as many other species passing through the floodplains during migration seasons. [Green Mountain Adventures]( within the Middlebury Mountaineer shop offers paddling tours, equipment rentals, and lessons for those just dipping their toe into the activity. Fishing is a religion for some in central Vermont, and for visitors who subscribe to the same dogma, the Middlebury area has plenty of places to practice their craft. Lake Dunmore, Fern Lake, and Silver Lake in Salisbury and Leicester are all great fishing spots, with bass, catfish, lake trout, perch, pike, and salmon among the species you may catch. For those looking for high-quality, easy access fishing within 10-15 minutes from downtown Middlebury, the confluence of the New Haven River and Otter Creek near Dog Team Road, located just a few miles north of Middlebury supports brown and rainbow trout. Belden Falls on Otter Creek is another productive area, with rainbow trout, brown trout, and small mouth bass under the bridge near Belden Falls Road. And the north branch of the Middlebury River in Ripton is highly recommended for picturesque small stream fishing. [Middlebury Mountaineer]( is the angler’s best resource for equipment and supplies, as well as up-to-date information on temperatures, hatches, and the most productive spots. What makes Middlebury, Vermont special? A downtown waterfall, nearby mountains, and a quilt of farms and forests everywhere in between. Home to world-renowned Middlebury College, come visit the intersection of academia, agriculture, and outdoor recreation. [PLAN NOW]( SPONSORED If craft beer and spirits are your pastime, you are in luck. [Otter Creek Brewery]( and [Drop In Brewing Company]( have local pubs, or simply ask for their brews at any bar in town. Wine drinkers can check out [Lincoln Peak Vineyard]( and hard cider fans will love visiting [Woodchuck Hard Cider]( and [Windfall Orchard](. Finally, craft cocktail connoisseurs won’t want to miss the [Appalachian Gap Distillery](. Find a designated driver to sample all the local libations on the [Middlebury Tasting Trail]( — or better yet, try a Vermont Tasting Tour with [Green Mountain Tourism](. Remember to call ahead to confirm that tasting rooms are open! Camping Those looking to extend their stay in Mother Nature’s playground will find many options in the Middlebury area. [Branbury State Park]( has 36 RV/tent camping sites and seven lean-tos, and nearby [Kampersville]( and [Waterhouses]( also offer tent and RV camping with full amenities and easy access to Lake Dunmore. The remote [Moosalamoo Campground]( in the Green Mountain National Forest offers 19 primitive campsites near Voter Brook, and [Silver Lake Campground]( provides primitive hike-in only campsites along the eastern shoreline of Silver Lake. Backpackers looking for more solitude will find ample overnight opportunities in the Bread Loaf Mountain and Joseph Battell [Designated Wilderness Areas](. And the [Green Mountain Club]( is a great resource for camping options along Vermont’s Long Trail. Arts & Culture Credit: Courtesy of Better Middlebury Partnership Central Vermont’s natural beauty is a muse for artists and makers alike, and Middlebury certainly celebrates its creatives. Visitors can peruse professional artwork featured at [Edgewater Gallery’s]( two locations in downtown Middlebury and the [Jackson Gallery]( in the lower level of Town Hall Theater. Local makers are also central to summertime Saturday markets at the [Stone Mill Public Market]( and [Middlebury Farmers Market](. And the [Mahaney Arts Center](www.middlebury.edu/old-arts/mac) at Middlebury College is the campus’s hub for visual and performance art. The [Town Hall Theater]( (THT) is the crown jewel of Middlebury’s performing arts scene and has modified its programming to offer amazing performances both online and in-person at Middlebury’s historic Marble Works. Home to the [Middlebury Community Players]( and the [Opera Company of Middlebury]( the THT is also working with the Better Middlebury Partnership (BMP) to host an end-of-summer downtown celebration, further details provided below. Visitors interested in history and culture can amble through the [Henry Sheldon Museum]( in downtown Middlebury for exhibits and artifacts of Vermont’s storied history, and the [Vermont Folklife Center]( maintains and curates exceptional living cultural exhibits of the state’s diverse communities. The [UVM Morgan Horse Farm]( in Weybridge is a must-see attraction and is open to visitors interested in learning about the oldest continuous Morgan horse breeding herd in the world. Pre-registration is currently required for visitors, so please contact the farm prior to your visit. Special Summer Events Middlebury residents are ecstatic about the return of their annual summer events and are excited to share the celebrations. On July 10th, the annual [St. Stephen’s Peasant Market]( returns to the town green, featuring a community-wide flea market, children’s activities, and homemade fruit pies. The [Middlebury Festival on the Green]( a weeklong summer concert series, returns in early August to showcase Vermont performers this year. The [Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival]( is scheduled from August 25-29, and is expanding its viewing schedule to offer more screenings of its featured films. Finally, the THT and BMP will host an end-of-summer celebration on August 21st, offering live music, food and drink, games, shopping specials, kids’ activities, and more. This party is not to be missed — come and join the fun! Credit: Courtesy of Better Middlebury Partnership If you’re coming to Middlebury for these events, visit [Experience Middlebury]( for great [lodging]( [dining]( and [shopping]( options. You may even want to add another day or two just to sample Middlebury’s craft beer, wine, cider, and spirits. The [Middlebury Tasting Trail]( has detailed information on tasting room hours for seven local producers, all within just a few miles. Cheers! SPONSORED [Unsubscribe]( [Forward to a Friend]( [Send Feedback]( [Facebook](   [Instagram](    [Pinterest](    [Twitter](   Help us be sure that this email newsletter gets to your inbox. 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