Brattleboro is a quintessential New England town primarily frequented for skiing in the winter. But, if you’re not a skiier, there are plenty of things to get into in and around the Brattleboro area during the spring and summer. Let’s review some of the best parts of this culturally rich little town.
The Connecticut River
Brattleboro sits at the edge of the Connecticut River, forming natural barrier between the states of Vermont and New Hampshire.
The river hugs alongside the center of town so there are many opportunities to get a quick view around the main drag.
On Bridge Street, you will find the Brattleboro Bridge East, or the Hinsdale-Brattleboro Bridge. This connects the two states and is accessible by foot, bicycle, and car.
Whetstone Craft Beers
For the best view of the bridge and river, head to Whetstone Craft Beers. This is a friendly craft brewery that overlooks the Connecticut River with amazing views.
On the first floor, you will find tables in the dining room where there is table service The beers are plentiful and there is even a nice rose split if you’re more into wine. The environment is casual and chill, and the menu consists of a creative take on traditional pub food.
On the second floor there is an open air patio with supreme, unobstructed views of the river. It has a relaxing and fresh ambiance, allowing you to connect with nature while sipping on your favorite drink. So, it definitely boasts one of the best spots for photo opportunities of the river and bridge.
Visit their site here and check out the menu!
Brattleboro Museum
Right next to the brewery is the Brattleboro Museum and Arts Center. This locally run art center provides employment and volunteer opportunities to the community. There are rotating exhibits, guided tours, group visits, and run many community events. Also, you can take a virtual tour right from the comfort of your own home!
Once a month, the museum comes alives in the streets of Brattleboro for their Gallery Walk. On this day, admission to the museum is free and local artists fill one of the downtown streets with their works of art. This takes place the first week of every month.
Check out the museum website here.
Twice Upon A Time
Twice Upon a Time is a superior second hand store with antiques and everything from jewelry to clothes to old magazines still in their plastic casing. It is a family owned store that has been in operation since 1987. The location is on the main street of downtown Brattleboro and it holds three jam packed floors of used items and there really is something for everyone.
I couldn’t resist their jewelrey and ended up buying tons of rings and a pair of earrings. In addition to jewelry, they have a large section of used and vintage clothing to choose from.
If you’re looking to support local businesses, this is a great start for the Brattelboro area. Check out their site and story here.
Eat brunch at Duo Restaurant
This was my favorite place to eat in Brattleboro out of the three restaurants I tried. Duo is a locally sourced and owned farm-to-table restaurant. They have a full brunch, lunch, and dinner menu and only serve brunch on Sunday’s until 1:30PM.
The decor was a mix of rustic and modern which created an inviting, fresh-felling ambiance. The service was excellent, the food was absolutely delicious, and they serve your iced coffee with paper straws and simple syrup. This is a must if you visit this area. Reservations are highly recommended.
Check out their full menu here.
If you’re looking for a mix between nature and a small downtown and you like the mountains but not for skiing, Brattleboro is definitely worth a trip this summer. Would you go here?