Village of Bristol, Vermont
Bristol is a gateway to Vermont's Green Mountains. It lies at the foot of Deerleap and South Mountain above the New Haven River. Vermont State highways 116 and 17 lead through the center of Bristol where you will find shops and restaurants to suit just about everyone!
Bristol Attractions
Lord's Prayer Rock
When Joseph C. Greene was a boy and lived in South Starksboro, one of
his tasks was to take the logs from the mountaintop to the sawmill in
Bristol. The 9 Bridges Road or the Drake Woods Road, in those days was
a terrific ride. Not only were there 9 bridges to cross, but the logs
were big and apt to slide off the load. When he arrived at the "Big
Rock,"he knew his problems were over, so he said a little prayer, and
breathed a sigh of relief knowing he would once more get his load to
the mill safely. Years later, when he was a practicing physician in
Buffalo, NY, he and his brother took a trip around the world, and after
seeing the hieroglyphics in Egypt, he decided to come home and have the
Lord's Prayer chiseled on the rock that had given him peace of mind and
a feeling of security when he was a boy.
Bristol Green
Home to Wednesday evening concerts in the town park's gazebo, 4th of
July events, the Farmers' Market, Movies in the Park, BBQ's, the
Harvest Festival and many other activities.
Historical Note: The following is from the Bristol Land Record
"...in consideration of the friendship, love, esteem and good will we
have for the town of Bristol we quit claim a certain piece of land
about 1-1/2 acres of land for the express purpose of a public common
and green and it is particularly understood that the selectmen of the
town or any person shall not be at liberty to erect or build any house,
shop or any building or fence the same up, or encumber in any wise by
rolling logs or packing lumber, stone, brick, lime, clay, earth or dig
up the earth. It shall be and remain as a public common without
anything being built or laid there on. Signed Luman Munson, George C.
Dayfoot. Dated April 21, 1827."
Annual Events held in Bristol, Vermont
4th
of July
Bristol celebrates the 4th of July in a big small town way with
fireworks, a parade, an Outhouse Race, music, vendors, crafts, food,
horses, and flags. The Bristol parade is the longest-running parade in
the State of Vermont with fire trucks, floats, National Guard units,
Scouts and marching bands with some traveling from Canada. Parade
starts at 10:30 a.m.
Before the parade, at 9 a.m. the Bristol Rotary club holds their traditional Outhouse Race! These outhouses are on wheels with one member of the team sitting on the seat inside while others pull it along the street, hoping it follows straight to the finish line! The winners enjoy a victory ride in the parade. Rules and explanation of the Outhouse Race.
Join in on the festivities the night before with fireworks at the Bristol Recreation Field. Cotton candy, vendors, hot dogs, crafts and games for the kids, while they are waiting for dark to bring the fireworks.
For further information on this event contact: Bristol Recreation Department, Telephone: 802-453-5885. Email: classes@bristolrec.org www.bristolrec.org
Bristol
Harvest Festival and Better L8 Than Never Annual Car Show
A Day of crafts, entertainment, food, games held on the village green,
held the last day of Saturday in September, 10am - 4 pm. Enjoy
a taste
of autumn in beautiful downtown
Bristol and help celebrate the five-town communities of Bristol,
Lincoln, New Haven, Monkton, and Starksboro. The Car Show is held on
the Bristol Rec Field 10am-4pm. Bristol Harvest Festival Schedule
Cool
Yule
During the month of December,
family activities for all ages are planned in Bristol and surrounding
towns. They include: bazaars, concerts, refreshments and shopping
experiences, open houses, extended hours & more! Share the
spirit
of the holiday season. And don't miss out on Bristol Best
Night - New
Year's Eve festivities.
Bristol is located in Addison County, 30 miles south of Burlington; 12 miles east of Middlebury on Routes 116 and 17. Montpelier, the capital of Vermont is a 50-minute drive; Montreal is 2.5 hours, Boston approximately 4 hours. It covers 26,880 acres with a geographic location of 70 degrees 04'W, 44 degrees 08'N; and is located 520 ft. altitude above sea level.
The Town and Village of Bristol is home to approximately 3,887 people equally divided between each entity. It is the second largest community in Addison County. (Map)
Bristol Town Government
Town Clerk, Therese Kirby
Town Administrator, Bill Bryant
Chairman, Board of Selectmen, Sharon Compagna
PO Box 249
Bristol, VT 05443
T. 802-453-2486, 453-2410 F.802-453-5188
Office is open Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30
bristoltown@gmavt.net
www.bristolvt.net
For further information on Bristol contact:
Bristol Parks, Arts &
Recreation Department
1 South Street
Bristol, VT 05443
Or visit the website
at www.bristolrec.org.
Champlain Valley Telecom Phone Book
Five
Town Area Business Council
PO Box 308
Bristol,
VT 05443
Or
email info@midvermont.com
The Five Town Area Business Council is a division of the Addison County Chamber of Commerce covering Bristol, Lincoln, Monkton, New Haven, Starksboro.
Area Info:
• Area Info
• Bristol
• Middlebury
• Vergennes
• Town Clerks
• History
• Covered Bridges
• Recreation/Cultural
• Transportation
• Genealogy