Itinerary

72 Hours Along the Otter Creek

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Cars drive along a historic downtown street with brick buildings lining both sides.

Two Nights and

Three Days Along the Otter Creek

Nestled among central Vermont’s rolling hills and farmlands, Middlebury, Vergennes, and Bristol epitomize New England charm. Middlebury serves as a cultural hub steeped in history and literature, with stately brick and stone buildings lining the town green. Vergennes is a small city that packs a lot of interest into just two square miles, where businesses thrive amidst historical architecture. Bristol captivates visitors with its quintessential small-town ambiance and historic beauty, reflecting Vermont’s unique character.
Plan your adventure across this region with the itinerary below, experiencing Vermont as a distinct and captivating destination.

Visit At a Glance

These three days offer suggestions for things to do surrounding lodging, dining, shopping, and nearby attractions. Use this itinerary as a guide for further discovery – bookmark these locations and walk the downtown. Another great way to find a hidden gem is to ask a shop owner for their favorite local spot.

Key Points of Interest

Each day is comprised of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

  • Day 1: Slow down and immerse yourself in Middlebury’s vibrant culture and unique shopping experiences.
  • Day 2: Walk alongside historic architecture in downtown Vergennes and explore the surrounding parks and paths.
  • Day 3: Engage in a blend of historic charm, local artistry, culinary delights, and Vermont’s landscape.
A waterfall seen from a distance with a historic downtown’s infrastructure surrounding it.

Slow down and immerse yourself in Middlebury’s vibrant culture and unique shopping experiences.

– DAY 1

Walk alongside historic architecture in downtown Vergennes and explore the surrounding parks and paths.

– DAY 2

Engage in a blend of historic charm, local artistry, culinary delights, and Vermont’s landscape.

– DAY 3

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Getting Here

Amtrak’s scenic Ethan Allen Express line delivers passengers from New York City’s Penn Station to Middlebury and Vergennes.

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Discover

Plan your trip to the Champlain Valley, where the Otter Creek runs through.

Learn More about Discover

Other Trip Ideas

Read More about Middlebury

Historic Downtown

Middlebury

Nestled in the rolling hills and idyllic farmlands of Addison County, Otter Creek runs through Middlebury’s literary history. Nationally renowned Middlebury College and miles of trails draw writers, artists, and those who love getting outside.

Read More about Vergennes

Historic Downtown

Vergennes

Vergennes is located near some of Vermont’s most diverse terrain, from a mountainous skyline to all the benefits of being on the Lake Champlain shoreline. Downtown, shops and restaurants offer a taste of what’s local.

Read More about Museums

Experience

Museums

Vermont’s museums captivate with beauty, storytelling, unique exhibits, and history. From paintings by European and American masters to folk art and contemporary sculpture, there’s so much to discover in Vermont’s museums.

Read More about Exploring Hikes and Eats in Middlebury

Experience

Exploring Hikes and Eats in Middlebury

A trip to Middlebury, a vibrant college town with a deep literary history, offers plenty of hiking on the Trail Around Middlebury, lots of local dining, and more to explore.

About the Vermont Inspiration Guide

This itinerary comes from the Vermont Inspiration Guide through a partnership between the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. This free annual publication highlights Vermont’s restaurants, retailers, attractions, and outdoor adventures and can be ordered online along with other trip planning resources.