The picturesque village of Quechee in Vermont is littered with a plethora of natural attractions, museums and plenty of outdoor opportunities. Whether you are looking for a weekend retreat, a nice holiday destination devoid of the hustle and bustle of big cities, or a place where you will have an abundance of nature around you, the decision to come to Quechee is one you will not regret. This is because there are so many things to do in this village. Read below to find some of our best picks of things to do in Quechee, Vermont.
1. Learn how to fish or enjoy hiking at Wilderness Trails and the Vermont Fishing School
As you may already know, Vermont is one of the top fishing and hiking destinations in the country and the best way to fully experience these outdoor recreational activities is through Wilderness Trails and the Vermont Fishing School.
Whether it’s fly fishing from the banks, in the water, or from a kayak, the fishing school will provide you with all the techniques you will need to be a fly fishing expert. You can also fully immerse yourself in the Vermont landscape by joining a hiking tour.
Wilderness Trails and the Vermont Fishing School
Address: Clubhouse Rd. Quechee, VT 05059
2. Sample the best spirits in the state at Vermont Spirits Distilling Co
Vermont Spirits Distilling Co is the best place to visit if you want to taste the best spirits in the state of Vermont or even in the country. The distillery features a wide array of award-winning spirits, all of which are handcrafted and made from the finest ingredients sourced from local farmers.
Some of the products you get to enjoy here include vodka, bourbon, and gin. Visiting this distillery means you also get to tour the place and see how the products are made, and at the same time, know more about the place’s storied past.
Vermont Spirits Distilling Co
Address: 5573 Woodstock Rd, White River Junction, VT 05001, United States
Website: Vermont Spirits Distilling Co
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
3. See, taste, and shop at Quechee Gorge Village
If you’re looking for a unique and fun-filled activity in Vermont, check out Quechee Gorge Village. This popular tourist spot is where you can fully integrate with the local culture as it’s filled with interesting shops from which you get to meet local artisans and entrepreneurs and see and even buy many of the local products showcased here.
Some of the stuff you will see here include items of clothing, liquors, trinkets, jewelry, antiques, toys, furniture, artworks, wines, cheeses, sweet treats, and more.
Quechee Gorge Village
Address: 5573 Woodstock Rd, Quechee, VT 05059, United States
Website: Quechee Gorge Village
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
4. Discover interesting facts about nature at VINS Nature Center
VINS Nature Center is located west of the famous Quechee Gorge, and it is a non-profit organization that focuses on environmental education, avian rehabilitation, and research. The center sits on 47 acres (19ha) of land, next to Quechee State Park. The main attractions include the modern raptor enclosures, classrooms, exhibits, and nature trails, where visitors get to learn more about raptors and the environment through fun and compelling educational programs. Most of the birds that end up in the enclosures have serious injuries, and they might risk their lives if they are allowed back into the wild.
VINS Nature Center
Address: 149 Natures Way, Quechee, VT 05059, United States
Website: VINS Nature Center
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 16.50 USD
5. Enjoy skiing at Ski Quechee
Skiing is a popular adventure in Vermont, but visiting Ski Quechee Club will take the experience up a notch. This destination is nestled in one of Vermont’s most beautiful valleys, boasting peace, tranquility, and magic that will surely rejuvenate a weary soul. The village is a popular skiing destination and, for those who desire more than just the experience of gliding on snow, it is also rich in heritage. Ski Quechee offers a wide variety of ice skating facilities, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and other exciting and fun opportunities. If you have never skied before and you are interested in learning, then this is one of the best places to learn in Vermont - probably in the entire country.
Ski Quechee
Address: 3269 Quechee Main St, Quechee, VT 05059, United States
Website: Ski Quechee
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
Price: from 420 USD
6. Enjoy delicious American cuisine with a view at Simon Pearce Restaurant
It is not just the food at Simon Pierce Restaurant that gives it a place in this list of best things to do in Quechee, Vermont. In addition to filling your tummy with delicious foods made from the finest local ingredients, you also get to feast your eyes on amazing views of the spectacular Ottauquechee Falls. This is because the seating arrangement in the dining room is such that guests will have an unrestricted view of the waterfalls across the river. Some of the signature menu items you are bound to fall in love with include cider-brined chicken, braised lamb shoulder, cheese plates, and a fine selection of fresh salads.
Simon Pearce Restaurant
Address: 1760 Quechee Main St, Quechee, VT 05059, United States
Website: Simon Pearce Restaurant
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
7. Tour the gorgeous Quechee Gorge
Quechee Gorge is less than a mile from Quechee Village, and it is one of the most beautiful gorges you will ever set your eyes on – both from the air and on the ground! It is about 160 feet (48m) deep, and right at the bottom is a stream that gracefully cuts through it. From the bridge or on the footpaths from the road, you will find various well-marked trails you can use to find your way down to the gorge. The trek down the valley is not a tough one, and if you are of average fitness, then you should hit the bottom in less than one hour. You may take longer on your way up, but every step will be worth it.
Quechee Gorge
Address: Route 4, Quechee, Hartford, Vermont
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Admire the beautiful valley views from Quechee Valley Bridge
Quechee Valley Bridge is reputed as one of the most beautiful historic bridges in the world. It is the oldest steel arch bridge in the state of Vermont, standing 165 feet (50 meters) above the Ottauquechee River, and boasts incredible views of both the valley and the river. This was initially constructed to be used as a railway bridge but was later converted into a roadway bridge. Watching the river flow past and soaking in the peace and serenity of the valley is reason enough for you to take the trip to Quechee.
Quechee Valley Bridge
Address: US-4, White River Junction, VT 05001, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Enjoy antique shopping at Vermont Antique Mall
Vermont Antique Mall is an exciting development that covers over 17,000 square feet (1579 square meters) in the beautiful Quechee Gorge. There are hundreds of booths that sell a variety of unique vintage, antique, and collectible treasures. It is believed that the mall houses the largest group of antique sellers in New England and, as such, you will be spoilt for choice. You can surely expect a unique antique shopping experience here.
Vermont Antique Mall
Address: 5573 Woodstock Rd, Quechee, VT 05059, United States
Website: Vermont Antique Mall
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
10. Have a thrilling camping experience at Quechee State Park
Quechee State Park is a popular tourist destination in the region, owing to its proximity to a myriad of attractions in the upper valley. The park has more than 45 tent and RV campsites, and about seven lean-to sites. There are two restrooms with flush toilets, coin-operated hot showers, sanitary dump station, and hot and cold running water. The park also has several locations ideal for fun family activities and fishing. There are several trails along the river banks that you can use to explore the woods with the little ones. The overall camping experience here is great, and one worth trying out.
Quechee State Park
Address: 5800 Woodstock Rd, Hartford, VT 05047, United States
Website: Quechee State Park
11. Enjoy hot air balloon rides over New England
How do you think it feels to glide above the breathtaking valleys and the treetops of Vermont on a hot air balloon? Well, you don’t have to imagine the experience because you have a chance to live it with a hot air balloon ride over New England. Seeing the beauty of the landscape from the skies and in the comfort and safety of a hot air balloon is simply overwhelming, and an experience that one must not miss when visiting Quechee. The sensation that comes with drifting in perfect silence, often touching the clouds, while enjoying the distant views is simply unexplainable.
Balloons Over New England
Address: 1856 Quechee Main St, Quechee, VT 05059, United States
Website: Balloons Over New England
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
Enjoy the nature, beauty, and peace that resides in Quechee
There no denying that Vermont is a beautiful state. The parks, rivers, bridges, and landscapes are worth every single second of the trip. With all these things to do in Quechee, Vermont, we hope that you experience a variety of activities to make your trip far from boring.