Historic Downtown

Bristol

Brick buildings line a street with cars and mountains in the background on a sunny summer day.
A person window shops along a row of stores on a sunny summer day.

Bristol, Vermont

Bristol is a mountain town in central Vermont, surrounded by Green Mountain National Forest.  Discover one of Vermont’s best-known family-friendly swimming holes, close access to outdoor recreation right from Main Street, and a walkable downtown with a people-powered art scene and seasonal local dining.

People stand on a cliff jutting out into a busy swimming hole.
Water cascades over a small rock ledge.

Bristol Falls

The New Haven River carves a lively path through the forest near downtown Bristol. With a 14-foot waterfall leading into a deep swimming hole, shallow places perfect for wading in the river, and even a rope swing and a cave to explore, Bristol Falls are a great destination for a refreshing dip in the summer. With plenty of scenic beauty all around and some invigorating hiking, there’s lots else to do, too.

Several children ride ponies in a pen on a warm day.
Three people hop across a lawn in sacks.

Bristol Harvest Festival

More than 65 craft vendors and exhibitors enliven the town green, along with kids activities, food trucks, and live music.

Eat, Shop, and Stay in Bristol

Dining

Dining

Shopping

Shopping

Lodging

Lodging

Transportation Options

For Bristol

Local Transportation

  • Taxi Service and/or Rideshare: Middlebury Taxi, Uber 
  • Bus services: Tri-Valley Transit 
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Discover More

Find local guides and trip planning resources from Bristol’s downtown organization.

Visit Bristol CORE about Discover More