Mid Vermont for All Seasons
table of contents

Welcome
Book Mark with Updates
Guide Use
Visitor Etiquette

Tours
• Shores of Plenty
• From Main to the Mountains
• In The Center of it All
• As Far as the Eye Can See
• Sailing through History

Vermont Roadside Historic Markers
Local Authors

Mid Vermont Heritage Guide

Request a Printed Copy

PDF version

Mid Vermont Heritage Guide - From Main to the Mountains Tour

main to the mountains map

From Main to the Mountains

Townsfolk peruse merchandise at the general store while others stop by the post office for their mail and a chat. In the distance, the sounds of the saw mill remind everyone of their relationship to the landscape. From Main Street to the mountains, Bristol and its neighbor Lincoln, are towns that dwell at the edge of wilderness. A line is forming at the bookstore where a local author is signing his latest novel. Hot beeswax is carefully poured into a mold and the sounds of iron, wood and clay being cut, shaped and molded reminds us of the talent here. A river runs through these foothills, from Main Street to the Green Mountains. Its swiftness reminds us of the passage of time but also of the vitality that remains from yesteryear.

directions

This loops starts on North Street in the village of Bristol. Continue south into the village and turn west on West Street. Backtrack to intersection and turn south on South Street, Lower Notch Road then west on Many Waters Road. Backtrack to Route 116 and Bristol village's main street and turn north. Turn east on River Road to Lincoln Village. Backtrack down mountain to Route 116 and proceed north. Turn east onto Big Hollow Road. Return to Route 116 and continue north. Turn east onto Hinesburg Hollow road, then north on Main Road. Backtrack to route 116 proceeding south. Turn west onto Tyler Bridge Road, west on State's Prison Hollow Road, south on Monkton Road to return to Bristol.

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Lawrence Memorial Library
40 North Street, Bristol, Vermont 05443
802-453-2366
www.lawrencelibrary.net

Collections include local and Vermont history, and genealogy. Displays of historical material are on a rotating schedule. Wi-Fi available 24/7. Mon., 10-5; Tues. and Thurs., 10-8; Wed. and Fri., 1-5; Sat., 9-1.

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Bristol Historical Society
19 West Street, Bristol, VT 05443
802-453-3439

Housed in Howden Hall the Bristol Historical Society features a collection of artifacts, photographs, maps, postcards, manuscripts, posters and newspapers concerning the history of the area. During the summer months the front room of Howden Hall serves as a regional visitor center. Currently the museum is open by appointment or chance.

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Bristol Woodworks
74 Many Waters Road, Bristol, VT 05443
802-453-7680 Phone/Fax
bristolwoodworks@madriver.com
www.bristolwoodworks.com

Woodworker, David King, designs and builds custom furniture, cabinetry, mirrors, doors and architectural millwork and also does antique restoration. Visitors to his studio can see work in progress. Mon. 2-6, Sat. 9-noon, or by appointment.

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Vermont HoneyLights
9 Main Street, Bristol, VT 05443
802-453-3952
www.vermonthoneylights.com

Come watch the process of candlemaking and learn about the benefits of beeswax. Browse through the Home Style Shop and see a sampling of Vermont HoneyLights candles displayed on vintage home furnishings. Mon. through Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-4, Sun. (Oct. through Dec.) 11-4.

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Art on Main
25 Main Street, Bristol, VT 05443
802-453-4032
info@artonmain.net
www.artonmain.net

Fanciful, practical, elegant and fun! Discover an exciting variety of art and craft from Addison County and beyond in this cooperative, cozy, non-profit gallery. Enter inside through Deerleap Books or outside down Artists' Alley, a serene oasis featuring outdoor artwork created by the community for the community. Summer hours: Tues-Thurs 11-5, Fri-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-4; Winter Tues-Fri 12-5, Sat 10-6.

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Rocky Dale Gardens
806 Rocky Dale Rd, Bristol, VT 05443
802-453-2782 / 802-453-4747 Fax
ed@rockydalegardens.com
www.rockydalegardens.com

Rocky Dale is famous for its extensive display gardens showcasing rare and unusual plants, as well as much-loved favorites. A fine array of bedding plants, perennials, shrubs, and trees can also be found here. Apr. 15-Oct. 31, daily, 9-6.

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Lincoln Pottery
220 West River Road, Lincoln, VT 05443
802-453-2073
brymarsh@gmavt.net

In an open, airy studio near the center of Lincoln, visitors to the Lincoln Pottery can talk with potter Judith Bryant, and explore her showroom, as she creates functional and decorative pots in porcelain and stoneware. Photo exhibit shows step-by-step process of making a pot. Daily, noon-5.

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Lincoln General Store
17 E. River Road, Lincoln, VT 05443
802-453-2981
www.midvermont.com/lincolngeneralstore

A Vermont country store located in the foothills of Mount Abraham in the Green Mountains. Offering general merchandise for over 150 years and community based information for the town of Lincoln. Daily 7-6.

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Prescott Galleries
47 E. River Road, Lincoln, VT 05443
802-453-4776 Phone/Fax
reedprescott@hotmail.com
www.prescottgalleries.com

Award-winning painter Reed Prescott draws inspiration from the gardens and maze on his Lincoln property. Landscapes and oil paintings of wildlife and cottage gardens can be found in both his studio and showroom. Tues., Fri., and Sat. 10-5, and by appointment.

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Lincoln Library
222 W. River Road Lincoln, VT 05443
802-453-2665
lincolnlibrary2000@yahoo.com
www.lincoln.lib.vt.us

Providing free access to library materials, resources, programs and services for people for all ages. Rotating exhibits and displays of art work and collections. Genealogy and Vermont history research services. Mon., 2-7; Wed., 10-8:30; Fri., 10-2; Sat. 10-4.

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Robert Compton Pottery
2662 N 116 Road, Bristol, VT 05443
802-453-3778
robert@robertcomptonpottery.com
www.robertcomptonpottery.com

This working pottery on a former dairy farm features weaving by Robert's wife, Christine, and clay work by Robert fired in a Japanese style wood fired kiln, Raku and Pit Fired kilns, and Stoneware pottery, also unique clay fountains and aquariums. The showroom features the work of both artisans. 2008 showroom hours: call ahead, by appointment or chance.

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"Bee Happy" by Pedro's Famous Candles
258 Big Hollow Road, Starksboro, VT 05487
802-453-7996
BeeHappy@madriver.com

Pedro's famous candles are made at home with fresh Vermont beeswax. A stop at his site offers homemade original 100% beeswax candles and local honey. Call ahead.

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Vermont Folk Rocker
3820 VT Route 116, Starksboro, VT 05487
802-453-2483
jim@vermontfolkrocker.com
www.vermontfolkrocker.com

Jim Geier uses local hardwoods to make handcrafted rocking chairs recognized for exceptional comfort. His small factory, in a shop setting, displays chairs in all stages of construction and assembly. Mon.-Fri. 8-5.

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Russell Family Farm
6248 VT Route 116, Starksboro, VT 05487
802-453-2077
www.russellfamilyfarm.com

A working farm with 150 Holsteins, offering spectacular views and award-winning maple syrup. Visit during sugaring season to taste freshly made syrup. The 1800 farmhouse also serves as a B&B filled with antique and quality reproduction furniture, while providing the modern conveniences. Open year-round.

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Huntington River Smithy
1735 Main Road, Huntington, VT 05462
802-434-3871

Blacksmith James Fecteau uses forging methods that date back to the 14th century to create works of art that are appropriate in a contemporary setting. "The way something is made is as important as the way it looks." Mon.-Wed. 9-5 and by appointment.

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The Last Resort Farm
2246 Tyler Bridge Road, Monkton, VT 05443
802-453-2847
edoyle@madriver.com

Beautiful family farm transitioned from dairy to certified organic produce. Selling organic berries and vegetable. PYO mid-June to early July.  Tues., Thurs. and Sat. 8 - noon. Self-service farm stand open daily June—October. 8-6.

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New Leaf Organics
4818 Bristol Road,
Monkton, Bristol, VT 05443
802-453-6160
newleaf@gmavt.net

This organic flower, vegetable, and pick-your-own berry farm offers tours of the gardens and greenhouses. It also has a retail farm stand and a Community Supported Agriculture program. Visitors welcome weekends and by appointment during the week. Late April—November. Call ahead.

Open Studio Weekend

The Vermont Crafts Council's Vermont Studio Weekend, held every year during Memorial Day weekend, offers an opportunity to visit the workspaces of more than 200 Vermont artists and craftspeople. Information is available from the Vermont Crafts Council, P.O. Box 938, 104 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05601, 802-223-3380, www.vermontcrafts.com.

Real Cool Drink

  1. Combine ingredients and refrigerate. Serve yourself a drink but add water to containerto keep it full.
  2. Repeat the process, adding honey to taste. You will be surprised at the number of drinks one lemon and one orange will make! Keeps for weeks refrigerated.

from The Vermont Beekeeper's Cookbook

To order a copy of the cookbook contact:
The Vermont Honey Promotion Board
VT Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets
116 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
www.vtbeekeepers.org

The Long Trail

At 270 miles long, the Long Trail extends from Massachusetts up to the Canadian border, and is the oldest long-distance trail in the United States. The trail follows the ridgeline of the Green Mountains and crosses Vermont's highest peaks. The Long Trail, built between 1910 and 1930, inspired the creation of the Appalachian Trail with whom it shares one hundred miles in southern Vermont.

Hikers of all levels will revel in the ever-changing terrain and scenery of the Long Trail. Along the way, hikers will climb rocky slopes, walk through gently rolling fields and pass through deep forests while viewing some amazing ponds, bogs, streams and of course, wildlife!

With 175 miles of side trails and almost 70 shelters, The Long Trail offers everyone an opportunity to enjoy the scenic Green Mountains. With a good Long Trail guide in hand, day hikers and overnight backpackers are invited to enjoy Vermont's "footpath in the wilderness."

Green Mountain Club
802-244-7037