If you are coming into the area a day early or staying a day late, the following itineraries offer a variety of options that can be mixed-and-matched and trimmed for an authentic Upper Valley experience. We also have suggested brewery and covered bridge tours.
Woodstock, Vermont
Start the day exploring Billings Farm or the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Horse-drawn carriage rides available; book ahead. Stroll down main street in Woodstock – and find a spot for lunch, we recommend Worthy Kitchen – don’t forget to take some photos of the iconic covered bridge. You can close out the day with a hike around The Pogue in the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park or with a blueberry picking excursion (see Quechee itinerary).
Queeche, Vermont
See the glassblowers at work before getting lunch at Simon Pearce (pricey) or at the Quechee Inn (in a farmhouse from the 1790s). Hike down the Quechee Gorge. Take a quick dip in the popular swimming spot below. If you’re up for it, head to Moore’s Orchard for blueberry picking. Late July is the beginning of blueberry picking season, so call ahead to ensure they are open.
Hanover, New Hampshire
Get breakfast at Lou’s. Visit the Hood Museum of Art in the morning. Get lunch at Molly’s (Nova’s favorite childhood restaurant), the Norwich Inn, or at Big Fatty’s BBQ (don’t forget a pint of Hill Farmstead beer). Rent canoes from the Ledyard Canoe Club and explore the Connecticut River.
Burlington, Vermont
Get breakfast at the Skinny Pancake. Stroll down Church Street. Then do one of the following:
Rent a SUP, kayak, or sailboat from Community Sailing Center (looking at you Jorge!)
Rent a bike and bike down the Burlington bike path (if you bring your suit, you can stop for a dip)
Visit the Shelburne Museum. A museum featuring Americana art and historic buildings including an old steam ship, a nineteenth century farm and village, and an old-fashioned carousel.
Explore ECHO, the Leahy center for Lake Champlain. Learn all about the lake’s ecosystem and efforts to restore it.
Enjoy sunset over the lake with a beer at Foam Brewers or a cocktail at Spot on the Dock.
Catch a local band at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in the evening.