Shrewsbury Area Guidebook
Sightseeing
Shrewsbury VT was first incorporated as a town in 1761, by 63 persons, under the order of King George III. Previously, it was settled by the Abenaki people of the Eastern Algonquin Confederacy. Traditional Storytelling is a huge part of Abenaki culture, and though most modern Shrewsburians are not particularly affiliated with the tribe, storytelling- particularly through song- still has a large influence on the town today. And, traditional folk concerts are often performed outdoors or at the one-room-school-house, by townsfolk and local bands. In addition to being a close community in terms of events, Shrewsbury also boasts the fact that it’s last violent crime was in the year 1880. Jim Jeffords, whom the Jim Jeffords State Forest was named for, is still cherished as Vermont’s only senator from Shrewsbury. Other than from his accomplishments, the town has also gained national recognition from the fact that it has more miles of roads than any other town in the country. And, Shrewsbury also made the news when a moose unsuccessfully attempted to court a local farmer’s cow for 76 days. This even inspired a book- A Moose for Jessica. As can probably be seen, there is much more to central Vermont than would be originally thought.
Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury VT was first incorporated as a town in 1761, by 63 persons, under the order of King George III. Previously, it was settled by the Abenaki people of the Eastern Algonquin Confederacy. Traditional Storytelling is a huge part of Abenaki culture, and though most modern Shrewsburians are not particularly affiliated with the tribe, storytelling- particularly through song- still has a large influence on the town today. And, traditional folk concerts are often performed outdoors or at the one-room-school-house, by townsfolk and local bands. In addition to being a close community in terms of events, Shrewsbury also boasts the fact that it’s last violent crime was in the year 1880. Jim Jeffords, whom the Jim Jeffords State Forest was named for, is still cherished as Vermont’s only senator from Shrewsbury. Other than from his accomplishments, the town has also gained national recognition from the fact that it has more miles of roads than any other town in the country. And, Shrewsbury also made the news when a moose unsuccessfully attempted to court a local farmer’s cow for 76 days. This even inspired a book- A Moose for Jessica. As can probably be seen, there is much more to central Vermont than would be originally thought.
Food scene
The Rustic Rooster (http://www.vtrusticrooster.com/)- this is a family run, American style style restaurant that is a 10 minute drive from the home. There is an outdoor dining area which features a beautiful view and classic games such as cornhole, as well as an indoor space that includes a typical small town friendly bar. This restaurant is a great choice, to have casual family time and get to know the locals. Address: 5446 VT-103, Shrewsbury VT
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Rustic Rooster
5446 VT-103The Rustic Rooster (http://www.vtrusticrooster.com/)- this is a family run, American style style restaurant that is a 10 minute drive from the home. There is an outdoor dining area which features a beautiful view and classic games such as cornhole, as well as an indoor space that includes a typical small town friendly bar. This restaurant is a great choice, to have casual family time and get to know the locals. Address: 5446 VT-103, Shrewsbury VT
Roots (https://www.rootsrutland.com/)- this is a very nice restaurant which serves unique dishes that manage to still be likeable to the more sensitive palette. A personal favorite is the Chicken and Mushroom Sandwich at lunchtime. This location is 35 minutes from the home. Address: 55 Washington St, Rutland VT. Note that the entrance is slightly hidden, but well worth the discovery.
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Roots
55 Washington StRoots (https://www.rootsrutland.com/)- this is a very nice restaurant which serves unique dishes that manage to still be likeable to the more sensitive palette. A personal favorite is the Chicken and Mushroom Sandwich at lunchtime. This location is 35 minutes from the home. Address: 55 Washington St, Rutland VT. Note that the entrance is slightly hidden, but well worth the discovery.
Brix (https://www.brixbistro.com/)- This is a small wine bar in downtown Rutland. It has a rotating list of unique wines and bar bites. Address: 118 Merchants Row, Rutland VT.
Brix Bistro
118 Merchants RowBrix (https://www.brixbistro.com/)- This is a small wine bar in downtown Rutland. It has a rotating list of unique wines and bar bites. Address: 118 Merchants Row, Rutland VT.
The Downtown Grocery (https://thedowntowngrocery.com/)- This is a higher end farm to table style restaurant. Excellent quality food and a lively atmosphere. They have a fun tradition of whooping it up if you tip the kitchen staff. Address: 41 South Depot St, Ludlow VT.
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The Downtown Grocery
41 S Depot StThe Downtown Grocery (https://thedowntowngrocery.com/)- This is a higher end farm to table style restaurant. Excellent quality food and a lively atmosphere. They have a fun tradition of whooping it up if you tip the kitchen staff. Address: 41 South Depot St, Ludlow VT.
Tacos Tacos (http://www.tacostacosvt.com/)- this is a fast and easy location, which sells good quality food for good prices. The perfect stop for a bite to eat on your way back to the home. It is about a half an hour away. Address: 1 Lamere Sq, #B, Ludlow VT.
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Tacos Tacos
1 Lamere SquareTacos Tacos (http://www.tacostacosvt.com/)- this is a fast and easy location, which sells good quality food for good prices. The perfect stop for a bite to eat on your way back to the home. It is about a half an hour away. Address: 1 Lamere Sq, #B, Ludlow VT.
Mojos (http://www.mojocafevt.com/)- this Cajun restaurant is perfect after a long day of skiing, the friendly atmosphere compliments the high-quality food and quick service. Some of our personal favorites are the spicy mojo ramen and the shrimp po-boys. About a half an hour from the home. Address: 106 Main Street, Ludlow VT.
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Mojo Cafe
145 Main StMojos (http://www.mojocafevt.com/)- this Cajun restaurant is perfect after a long day of skiing, the friendly atmosphere compliments the high-quality food and quick service. Some of our personal favorites are the spicy mojo ramen and the shrimp po-boys. About a half an hour from the home. Address: 106 Main Street, Ludlow VT.
Stemwinder (http://www.stemwindervt.com/)- a high-end restaurant which caters to all sizes of parties and all taste ranges. Stemwinder is known for their quality wine, yet is also a location where children can be brought. Just about 30 minutes from the home. Address: 46 South Depot St, Ludlow VT.
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Stemwinder
46 S Depot StStemwinder (http://www.stemwindervt.com/)- a high-end restaurant which caters to all sizes of parties and all taste ranges. Stemwinder is known for their quality wine, yet is also a location where children can be brought. Just about 30 minutes from the home. Address: 46 South Depot St, Ludlow VT.
Hike Recommendations
Appalachian Mountain Trail- turning right at the bottom of the driveway from the home, 10 minutes down Upper Cold River Rd, the trailhead for the famous Appalachian Mountain Trail will appear. You can park by the side of the road if you choose to drive. You can choose to either go left or right on this trail. The right side is our preferred side as it has interesting old foundations, fun river crossings and leads to the Governor Clemens Shelter https://www.trailconnections.com/governor-clement-shelter This is a great option if you are looking for exercise but not over exertion, close by to the home. https://www.trailconnections.com/cold-river-rd-north
7600 Cold River Rd
7600 Cold River RoadAppalachian Mountain Trail- turning right at the bottom of the driveway from the home, 10 minutes down Upper Cold River Rd, the trailhead for the famous Appalachian Mountain Trail will appear. You can park by the side of the road if you choose to drive. You can choose to either go left or right on this trail. The right side is our preferred side as it has interesting old foundations, fun river crossings and leads to the Governor Clemens Shelter https://www.trailconnections.com/governor-clement-shelter This is a great option if you are looking for exercise but not over exertion, close by to the home. https://www.trailconnections.com/cold-river-rd-north
Buttermilk Falls- These are a set of gorgeous waterfalls, secluded by the forest. After walking less than five minutes, one will encounter the first waterfall which is perfect for swimming at the base. After walking left along the trail next to the river, one will encounter the second and third waterfall. As a precaution, we recommend that you only swim at the base of each waterfall and not the top. Enjoying a Maple Creemee 5 minutes down the road at 820 route N, Ludlow VT is a highly recommended treat after (or before ;) this activity! Address: Buttermilk Falls Road Ludlow VT
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Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls- These are a set of gorgeous waterfalls, secluded by the forest. After walking less than five minutes, one will encounter the first waterfall which is perfect for swimming at the base. After walking left along the trail next to the river, one will encounter the second and third waterfall. As a precaution, we recommend that you only swim at the base of each waterfall and not the top. Enjoying a Maple Creemee 5 minutes down the road at 820 route N, Ludlow VT is a highly recommended treat after (or before ;) this activity! Address: Buttermilk Falls Road Ludlow VT
Quechee Gorge- Known as the Grand Canyon of the East - this hike is an hour+ drive away from the home. And it is on the challenging side, as the gorge is rather steep, but it offers commanding views and a great spot for swimming at the bottom. Afterwards, the upscale Simon Pierce restaurant is a recommended treat. The restaurant showcases a powerful waterfall view, as well as glass blowing demonstrations.
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Quechee Gorge brú
U.S. 4Quechee Gorge- Known as the Grand Canyon of the East - this hike is an hour+ drive away from the home. And it is on the challenging side, as the gorge is rather steep, but it offers commanding views and a great spot for swimming at the bottom. Afterwards, the upscale Simon Pierce restaurant is a recommended treat. The restaurant showcases a powerful waterfall view, as well as glass blowing demonstrations.
This is a flat trail, overlooking a quintessential Vermont covered bridge and river. One may choose how far they want to hike through the Jim Jeffords State Forest, but it is a not overly exerting exercise. And, it’s only a 10 minute drive from the home. Address: 5290 Cold River Road Shrewsbury, VT. Turn right down Upper Cold River Road and drive about 4.7 miles, until you see the covered bridge. Next to it is a parking area.
Brown Covered Bridge
5290 Cold River RdThis is a flat trail, overlooking a quintessential Vermont covered bridge and river. One may choose how far they want to hike through the Jim Jeffords State Forest, but it is a not overly exerting exercise. And, it’s only a 10 minute drive from the home. Address: 5290 Cold River Road Shrewsbury, VT. Turn right down Upper Cold River Road and drive about 4.7 miles, until you see the covered bridge. Next to it is a parking area.
This is another nice hike on the AMT, it starts with a swinging bridge spanning the Clarendon Gorge. There are great views of the Rutland regional airport about 30 minutes in and if you continue for an hour or so you can reach spring lake. There is a decent sized parking lot on route 103
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Clarendon Gorge
This is another nice hike on the AMT, it starts with a swinging bridge spanning the Clarendon Gorge. There are great views of the Rutland regional airport about 30 minutes in and if you continue for an hour or so you can reach spring lake. There is a decent sized parking lot on route 103
Healdville Trail/Okemo Mountain Hike- While others in the party may be enjoying the more casual Buttermilk Falls walk and swim, those looking for a challenge might want to embrace the challenge of hiking Okemo Mountain. Though difficult, there is not much that would trigger those with a fear of heights, and there is always the alternative of taking the chairlift either to or from the powerful view at the summit. Afterwards, the classy Jackson’s Gore restaurant is a fantastic reward for your efforts! Address: The trailhead and parking lot is at end of Station Road Mount Holly Vt
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Healdville Trail
625 Station RdHealdville Trail/Okemo Mountain Hike- While others in the party may be enjoying the more casual Buttermilk Falls walk and swim, those looking for a challenge might want to embrace the challenge of hiking Okemo Mountain. Though difficult, there is not much that would trigger those with a fear of heights, and there is always the alternative of taking the chairlift either to or from the powerful view at the summit. Afterwards, the classy Jackson’s Gore restaurant is a fantastic reward for your efforts! Address: The trailhead and parking lot is at end of Station Road Mount Holly Vt
Mount Shrewsbury Trail- A great close-by activity, this 3 hour hike is not overly strenuous and offers commanding views of all of Shrewsbury at the top. It is ideal for someone who is not afraid of heights, and the entrance can be accessed off the CCC road- just minutes from the home. Address: Trailhead can be found about 7 minutes into driving on the CCC road.
Other Activities:
Shrewsbury Peak
Mount Shrewsbury Trail- A great close-by activity, this 3 hour hike is not overly strenuous and offers commanding views of all of Shrewsbury at the top. It is ideal for someone who is not afraid of heights, and the entrance can be accessed off the CCC road- just minutes from the home. Address: Trailhead can be found about 7 minutes into driving on the CCC road.
Other Activities:
Swimming Holes
Spring Lake- spring lake is a quintessential lake set in a crater at the top of a mountain, because of this, the water is crystal clear and the deepest point is over 100 ft under water. There are public fishing, boat launch and swimming areas here – but please be aware that some locations and parking spots are private. There is a flat hiking trail around the lake that connects with the AMT. Please note that the AMT is the dotted line on the map below. It should be noted that the drive to the lake is on the steeper side. This is a quiet lake with nesting loons, so not being overly rambunctious is appreciated. Address: 1169 Spring Lake Rd, Shrewsbury VT.
Spring Lake Ranch
1169 Spring Lake RdSpring Lake- spring lake is a quintessential lake set in a crater at the top of a mountain, because of this, the water is crystal clear and the deepest point is over 100 ft under water. There are public fishing, boat launch and swimming areas here – but please be aware that some locations and parking spots are private. There is a flat hiking trail around the lake that connects with the AMT. Please note that the AMT is the dotted line on the map below. It should be noted that the drive to the lake is on the steeper side. This is a quiet lake with nesting loons, so not being overly rambunctious is appreciated. Address: 1169 Spring Lake Rd, Shrewsbury VT.
Buttermilk Falls- These are a set of gorgeous waterfalls, secluded by the forest. After walking less than five minutes, one will encounter the first waterfall which is perfect for swimming at the base. After walking left along the trail next to the river, one will encounter the second and third waterfall. As a precaution, we recommend that you only swim at the base of each waterfall and not the top. Enjoying a Maple Creemee 5 minutes down the road at 820 route N, Ludlow VT is a highly recommended treat after (or before ;) this activity! Address: Buttermilk Falls Road Ludlow VT
102 íbúar mæla með
Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls- These are a set of gorgeous waterfalls, secluded by the forest. After walking less than five minutes, one will encounter the first waterfall which is perfect for swimming at the base. After walking left along the trail next to the river, one will encounter the second and third waterfall. As a precaution, we recommend that you only swim at the base of each waterfall and not the top. Enjoying a Maple Creemee 5 minutes down the road at 820 route N, Ludlow VT is a highly recommended treat after (or before ;) this activity! Address: Buttermilk Falls Road Ludlow VT
Recreation
River Tubing- The Great River Outfitters showcase numerous summer activities, about an hour away from the home. A fun favorite which they offer is the river tubing, a four hour float down the river, for $30 an adult. The company also offers paddle boarding, biking, kayak, and fishing trips. There is something for everyone here, including a restaurant and a statue garden, making this trip a highly recommended activity. Address: 36 Park Rd, Windsor VT.
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Great River Outfitters
36 Park RdRiver Tubing- The Great River Outfitters showcase numerous summer activities, about an hour away from the home. A fun favorite which they offer is the river tubing, a four hour float down the river, for $30 an adult. The company also offers paddle boarding, biking, kayak, and fishing trips. There is something for everyone here, including a restaurant and a statue garden, making this trip a highly recommended activity. Address: 36 Park Rd, Windsor VT.
Killington Skiing- Killington is a large mountain about 40 minutes from the home. Out of the three nearby mountains, it is by far the most professional, offering trails for all skill levels, multiple bases, a high-tech ski and board store, as well as high quality lessons. With this in mind, keeping track of your group is definitely something to be more aware of on this mountain. An adult day pass is $130. Plus, in the summer, Killington has excellent mountain biking facilities and a variety of high end restaurants. Address: 3861 Killington Rd, Killington VT.
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Killington Ski Area
Killington Skiing- Killington is a large mountain about 40 minutes from the home. Out of the three nearby mountains, it is by far the most professional, offering trails for all skill levels, multiple bases, a high-tech ski and board store, as well as high quality lessons. With this in mind, keeping track of your group is definitely something to be more aware of on this mountain. An adult day pass is $130. Plus, in the summer, Killington has excellent mountain biking facilities and a variety of high end restaurants. Address: 3861 Killington Rd, Killington VT.
Okemo Skiing- This mountain tends to have easier trails, but as it is a larger mountain there are many areas to ski and various types of trails to try. It is a 30 minute drive from the home, and situated in the bustling ski town of Ludlow, Vermont. An adult day pass is $125. In the summer, the resort offers an upscale restaurant, as well as many outdoor activities- including the zip line tours, mountain roller coaster and a disc golf course. Address: 77 Okemo Ridge Rd, Ludlow VT.
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Okemo Mountain Resort
77 Okemo Ridge RdOkemo Skiing- This mountain tends to have easier trails, but as it is a larger mountain there are many areas to ski and various types of trails to try. It is a 30 minute drive from the home, and situated in the bustling ski town of Ludlow, Vermont. An adult day pass is $125. In the summer, the resort offers an upscale restaurant, as well as many outdoor activities- including the zip line tours, mountain roller coaster and a disc golf course. Address: 77 Okemo Ridge Rd, Ludlow VT.
Pico Skiing- Killington’s sister mountain is a more affordable and family friendly skiing option. Pico mountain is a half an hour drive from the home, and an adult day pass costs $85. It is the smallest nearby mountain with one lodge and two base lifts, yet it still offers challenging trails as well as a ski school. Address: 73 Alpine Drive, Mendon VT.
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Pico Mountain Ski Resort
73 Alpine DrPico Skiing- Killington’s sister mountain is a more affordable and family friendly skiing option. Pico mountain is a half an hour drive from the home, and an adult day pass costs $85. It is the smallest nearby mountain with one lodge and two base lifts, yet it still offers challenging trails as well as a ski school. Address: 73 Alpine Drive, Mendon VT.
Mountain Top Inn- this is a quaint, upscale location which provides year-round families activities. It is a 30 minute drive from the home. It features an upscale restaurant, a sledding hill, a lake, and varying levels of cross-country ski trails. Address: 195 Mountain Top Road, Chittenden Vermont.
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Mountain Top Inn & Resort
195 Mountain Top RdMountain Top Inn- this is a quaint, upscale location which provides year-round families activities. It is a 30 minute drive from the home. It features an upscale restaurant, a sledding hill, a lake, and varying levels of cross-country ski trails. Address: 195 Mountain Top Road, Chittenden Vermont.
Neighborhoods
Backcountry Skiing- this home has a series of backcountry ski trails running across the property. These trails are both breathtaking and quaint, and one may backcountry ski or snowshoe at whichever intensity of exercise they would prefer- making this a great option for anyone. Note that though all trails are marked, some may not be in proper shape (fallen branches in path, melted snow, etc) so participate at your own risk.
4953 Upper Cold River Rd
4953 Upper Cold River RoadBackcountry Skiing- this home has a series of backcountry ski trails running across the property. These trails are both breathtaking and quaint, and one may backcountry ski or snowshoe at whichever intensity of exercise they would prefer- making this a great option for anyone. Note that though all trails are marked, some may not be in proper shape (fallen branches in path, melted snow, etc) so participate at your own risk.
Farmers Markets, Farmstands and General Stores
Rutland Farmers Market- Open every Saturday from 9-2, this awesome market allows one to connect with local farmers and craftspeople to have an authentic farm to table experience. Although this is located in the Walmart parking lot, this is actually a fantastic farmers marker and highly recommended. Note, that they only accept cash. Address: 90 Shopping Plaza Rd, Rutland VT.
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Rutland Farmers Market
Depot ParkRutland Farmers Market- Open every Saturday from 9-2, this awesome market allows one to connect with local farmers and craftspeople to have an authentic farm to table experience. Although this is located in the Walmart parking lot, this is actually a fantastic farmers marker and highly recommended. Note, that they only accept cash. Address: 90 Shopping Plaza Rd, Rutland VT.
Pierces- Adorable country store straight out of the 1800s, a mile away from the home. Most basic necessities can be found here. Address: 2658 Northam Rd, Shrewsbury VT.
Pierce's Store
2658 Northam RdPierces- Adorable country store straight out of the 1800s, a mile away from the home. Most basic necessities can be found here. Address: 2658 Northam Rd, Shrewsbury VT.
Wine and Cheese Depot- this high end wine and cheese store is run by the Stemwinder restaurant. It features quality wines from around the world, fresh-baked breads, fantastic local cheeses, as well as many sausages and chocolates to compliment them. Address: 46 South Depot St, Ludlow VT.
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Wine & Cheese Depot
46 S Depot StWine and Cheese Depot- this high end wine and cheese store is run by the Stemwinder restaurant. It features quality wines from around the world, fresh-baked breads, fantastic local cheeses, as well as many sausages and chocolates to compliment them. Address: 46 South Depot St, Ludlow VT.
The Crowley Cheese Factory- the original location of the nationally-loved brand of Crowley Cheese, it still makes its own cheese. The delightful old farmhouse and quaint museum is only a 20 minute drive from the home, making this excursion to buy high-quality cheese and crackers well worth your time. Address: 14 Crowley Ln, Mount Holly VT.
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Crowley Cheese Company
14 Crowley LnThe Crowley Cheese Factory- the original location of the nationally-loved brand of Crowley Cheese, it still makes its own cheese. The delightful old farmhouse and quaint museum is only a 20 minute drive from the home, making this excursion to buy high-quality cheese and crackers well worth your time. Address: 14 Crowley Ln, Mount Holly VT.
Plew Farm Stand- Just across the street from the Crowley Cheese Factory, the family-run Plew Farm Stand offers farm fresh eggs, ice cream and meat. Address: 1966 Healdville Rd, Mount Holly VT.
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Plew Farm
1966 Healdville RdPlew Farm Stand- Just across the street from the Crowley Cheese Factory, the family-run Plew Farm Stand offers farm fresh eggs, ice cream and meat. Address: 1966 Healdville Rd, Mount Holly VT.
Evening Song Farm - Certified Organic Vegetable Farm - 48 Nice Road Cuttingsville, Vermont 05738, use “680 Shunpike Road” to find directions to the farm.
Evening Song Farm
680 Shunpike RdEvening Song Farm - Certified Organic Vegetable Farm - 48 Nice Road Cuttingsville, Vermont 05738, use “680 Shunpike Road” to find directions to the farm.
Maple Crest- Grass fed beef and maple products 2450 Lincoln Hill Rd Shrewsbury, VT 05738
Smith Maple Crest Farm LLC
2450 Lincoln Hill RdMaple Crest- Grass fed beef and maple products 2450 Lincoln Hill Rd Shrewsbury, VT 05738