Day trips in Vermont: Bristol. 250 more Towns and Cities to go…
This map is from the 251 Club of Vermont (it's a great click-able resource on their site).
As a member of Vermont’s 251 Club, an organization of Vermont enthusiasts whose objective is to visit the state’s 251 towns and cities, I have renewed verve for Vermont’s little cities and towns.
I recently wrote an article for Vermont Maturity Magazine about great Day trips in Vermont that gives insights into some of my favorites including: Tunbridge, Shelburne, Lincoln, Manchester, and of course, Middlebury.
To this list I’ll add Bristol and Bristol Cliffs. Vermont’s smallest Wilderness area, Bristol Cliffs is a great day hike in almost any season. The 1,500-foot summit affords great views of the Champlain Valley, over Lake Champlain, and into the Adirondacks of New York.
This Bristol home epitomizes the town: old and quaint and lovely. From the iron fence and porte cochere, this historic home exemplifies the sweetness of Bristol.
Because the wilderness area has no permanently established trails, it is one of the least visited nature areas in the state which makes it easier to see the wildlife: beavers, white-tailed deer, black bears, grouse, and peregrine falcon.
Bristol Village is another story altogether. Founded in 1762 and with a population of 4,000 souls, Bristol is the quintessential Vermont small town.
It’s old and quaint and lovely; almost everything is within walking distance. Within a four block radius, you’ll find the Bobcat Cafe, the Bristol Bakery, Almost Home Market, and the Farmers Market (on Saturdays June-September).
