Travel Guides Weekend Getaways
Juliana Lumaj
When travelers visit a new state, it’s common for them to pick the largest, most bustling city they can find for their next adventure. There, they’ll discover trendy restaurants, chic clothing stores, and fun activities. Those who visit Vermont usually take a trip over to Burlington. There, tourists can enjoy ferry rides, nature walks, theater performances, sandy beaches, breweries, and more, per Trip Advisor. However, we suggest taking a chance on smaller towns nearby.
We’re talking about the beautiful and quaint town of Brattleboro. This charming area is located on the Connecticut River Valley, where residents enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and mountains, per Downtown Brattleboro Alliance. There are plenty of restaurants, stores, and outdoor activities to explore, but we’ve found some of the top spots you’ll want to visit.
Food and shopping
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According to New England with Love, those visiting Brattleboro are sure to find a restaurant to satisfy whatever they’re craving. One of the top recommended spots is Tito’s Taqueria — a Mexican restaurant with a relaxed ambiance and a plethora of food and drinks, such as burritos, tacos, salad bowls, and Mexican soda. If you’re in the mood for some Italian food, then head on over to Echo Restaurant and Lounge — another popular spot loved by the locals. There, you can order anything from wood-fired pizzas to cheeseburgers, salmon, and more.
If you’re hoping to go shopping, we urge you to stop at Tierra Botanics. According to Downtown Brattleboro Alliance, this shop is a family-owned business where you can purchase an adorable plant souvenir. However, if jewelry is more your thing, then maybe stop by the Cara Wolff Boutique and Jewelry Studio, where you can find handcrafted items made by a local metalsmith and jewelry designer.
Fun activities
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If you’d like to explore the type of nature Brattleboro has to offer, we suggest hiking through the Retreat Trails. According to The Inn on Putney Road, it’s a connection of trails that is about 9 miles long, which surrounds the Retreat Farm. There, tourists can take a simple walk, hike, run, go mountain biking, or snowshoeing during the winter. Additionally, those who want to capture a breathtaking view of the area are advised to take the trail to Harris Hill Ski Jump — an Olympic-sized, 90-meter hill.
However, if staying indoors is more your thing, you’ll probably have fun at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center. This non-collecting contemporary art museum just celebrated its 50th anniversary and is known for focusing on the “art of our time,” (via Brattleboro Museum and Art Center). Every year, they present 15 to 20 exhibitions, as well as 60 to 70 public programs. They’re known for showcasing art from collectors, galleries, and other institutions, as well as offering workshops, film screenings, and studio tours.
