Guide to Brattleboro, Vermont | Eat, Stay & Play
Enjoy small-town character mixed with plenty of busy downtown fun in the artistic hub of Brattleboro, Vermont.
By Cathryn McCann|Jun 09 2022|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanBrattleboro is a lively and quintessentially quirky New England destination in the Green Mountain State. Located on the New Hampshire border in southernmost Vermont, it blends small-town character with a busy downtown where a thriving arts and culture scene has come to life over the years. It’s also a popular destination for those drawn by signature events such as the Winter Carnival in February and Strolling of the Heifers in June. Below are some of our favorite places to stay, things to do, and places to dine in the best-of-both-worlds town of Brattleboro, Vermont.
Things to Do in Brattleboro, Vermont
Brattleboro Area Farmers’ Market | Shopping
The Brattleboro Area Famers’ Market is a premier market not only in town but also in all of southern Vermont, with over 50 vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables and agricultural products to crafts and prepared foods. Strolling through the market on a summer day is a great way to spend your time in Brattleboro — plus you’ll leave with some fresh, delicious goodies.
Brattleboro Museum & Arts Center | Art
The town of Brattleboro features a thriving arts and culture scene, and a big part of that is the Brattleboro Museum & Arts Center, founded in 1972. At this contemporary art museum, visitors can explore thought-provoking and frequently changing exhibits from a range of talented artists. Browse on your own or attend one of the museum’s educational programs or events.
Brattleboro Books | Shopping
If you’re a fan of independent bookstores, check out Brattleboro Books on Elliot Street. The store features books for all ages in a range of categories and formats, including tough-to-find used and out-of-print books. Open seven days a week.
Retreat Farm | Family Fun
With more than 550 acres of conserved forest, farmland, trails, and waterways, this seven-barn farmstead and nonprofit organization will delight the whole family. Take the kids to the Children’s Farm and Forest, a new education center where they can visit a variety of farm animals and spend time in the play area. Or walk the beautiful nine-mile Retreat Trail recreation network.
West River and Mount Wantastiquet | Outdoors
With the West River, Connecticut River, and Mount Wantastiquet all bordering Brattleboro, there’s plenty of opportunity for fun in the water and outdoor exploration. Swim, fish, canoe, kayak, or tube in the rivers, or head out for a hike or bike on the local trails. Vermont Cycling Tours offers self-guided tours and itineraries starting in town, and multiple shops downtown offer rentals and outfitting.
Where to Eat in Brattleboro, Vermont
T.J. Buckley’s Uptown Dining | Upscale
Ever enjoyed dinner in a restored 1925 dining car? If not, certainly take advantage of the opportunity while in Brattleboro. Working in an open kitchen amid vintage decor, chef-owner Michael Fuller uses his classical French training to prepare New American cuisine with local, organic, and seasonal ingredients.
Vermont Country Deli | On the Go
If you want a real Vermont experience, head to the Vermont Country Deli. Here, you’ll find favorite Vermont and New England comfort foods, plus prepared foods, sandwiches, and pastries from the bakery. Try a signature dish like macaroni and cheese or a hot bowl of soup or chili at this welcoming gourmet-to-go marketplace.
Photo Credit : Courtesy of Whetstone Station
Whetstone Station | Brewery/Casual
Want to enjoy a tasty meal and house-brewed beer with a beautiful waterfront view? That’s what you’ll get at Whetstone Station, where you can eat in a fire-lit dining room during the colder months and a European-style outdoor dining area during the warmer months. This place knows and respects craft beer, and offers brewery tours and a rooftop bier garten.
Superfresh Organic Café | Vegetarian
Every ingredient in this modern, pretty café is 100 percent free of gluten, soy, dairy, peanut, egg, and vegetarian. The extensive menu features everything from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to a full list of hot and cold beverages, plus fresh-pressed juice, smoothies, and shots.
SEE MORE PICKS: Favorite Brattleboro, VT, Restaurants
Where to Stay in Brattleboro, Vermont
Latchis Hotel | Hotel
You can’t beat the Latchis’s downtown location if you’re looking to be within walking distance of everything Brattleboro has to offer. Designed with Greek and art deco influences, the hotel was built in 1938 but today boasts all the requisite modern flair and amenities. During your stay, catch a movie at the Latchis Theatre, constructed in conjunction with the hotel and now a prominent part of the local arts and culture scene.
Photo Credit : Elizabeth Campbell Photography
The Inn on Putney Road | Bed & Breakfast
Built in 1931, this French chateaux–style 1931 residence has retained many of its original features, including fixtures, tiles, bookcases, cabinets, and even the tiny bathroom underneath the stairs in the main hallway. The B&B has six individually decorated rooms and one suite, and offers a gourmet breakfast every morning.
Meadowlark Inn | Inn
If you’re looking for a tranquil escape, try the Meadowlark Inn in West Brattleboro. Settled among meadows and woodlands, with mountain views in the distance, this restored 1870s eight-room farmhouse offers plenty of pastoral comfort. Enjoy a full breakfast before heading out to explore Brattleboro’s many attractions.
SEE MORE PICKS: Brattleboro, VT | Hotels & Inns Guide
Favorite Events in Brattleboro, Vermont
Brattleboro Winter Carnival | February
Make a long winter fun again at the Brattleboro Winter Carnival, where events include snowmobile rides, skating, skiing, an ice fishing derby, and sleigh rides. Pet some cute farm animals at Retreat Farm, take a cooking class with Brattleboro Food Co-op, satisfy your hunger at a chili cook-off, and attend a pancake breakfast, among many other diversions.
Photo Credit : Kelly Fletcher
Harris Hill Ski Jump Competition | February
The ski jumping at the Harris Hill Ski Jump Competition every February is, in a word, incredible. Without having to travel the world, you can witness some Olympic-level feats of gravity and fearlessness as talented skiers soar long and high through the air at the historic 1922 ski jump.
What are your favorite things about Brattleboro, Vermont? Let us know!
This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated.
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I have to say I have always loved Brattleboro since my college days at Umass. Having said that, I was shocked and disappointed to see so many young folks clearly strung out on some heavy stuff and overall sketchy characters in parking areas. My family and I quickly wrapped it up and headed north. So dismayed, I am hoping it was an “off day”. Brattleboro is a special place. Anyone else experienced this?Would love to give it another try.
No BBQ, famous pit master in putney been going since the 1970’s
Another great place to eat and view the River is the Marina on route 5 about 1/2 mile north of downtown Brattleboro, great food, nice atmosphere. Unfortunately Ruth is correct about some of the people in the Brattleboro area. Heroin has taken its toll in VT just like everywhere else.
I believe Steve is talking about Curtis’ BBQ on Rt. 5 in Putney, it used to be great when Curtis ran it, has gone downhill since the kids took over.
Enjoyed the article! My husband and I have gone to Brattleboro for a Summer weekend for many years. We were so disappointed that Covid prevented it this year. We always go to the terrific farmers market, and have stayed at the Inn on Putney Road, the Meadowlark, and the Latchis! So many great restaurants in Brattleboro, but we always go to the Royal Diner for breakfast.
Meant to say Royal Chelsea Diner!
Brattleboro will always be special to me. My mom was born there and as a young person we always went to see her (“Gramma”) The view in the top photo in the article shows the view of the mountain and the river that were behind her apartment. My husband and I made it back several years ago and visited the Congregational church where my parents married and found the apartment building where “Gramma” lived. I stepped inside the building just to look at the wide stairs leading to the second floor where she lived. It really brought back wonderful memories. Next trip we will plan to spend a lot more time there.
Gotta say, while Brattleboro Books is great, aren’t ALL second hand bookshops independent? It was disconcerting/str), we hope you’ll come visit us at The One Cat, another great placeange to read that, but no mention of the fantastic, and Indie, place across the street, Everyone’s Books. Hopefully someone from New England Today will be paying Brattleboro a visit in the near future. As the shops, restaurants and venues begin to reopen after the horror of this past year, there are plenty of new places to rave about, the music scene s really building up, and Gallery Walk has been given a refreshing update. We’re a resilient little town, and we’ve weathered the pandemic well, thanks to the way people look after each other here. And with so much to offer year ’round, along with upgrades to the Amtrak station and big art/downtown improvement projects in the works, (including moving the crossing to/from NH up the river and makig the old green bridge into a pedestrian-friendly feature) it’s only going to get better. Oh, and once we’re able to reopen (we’re having a second guest bathroom put in/other improvements done), we hope you’ll stop by The One Cat B&B, minutes from downtown and another great place to stay. Number of cats may vary.