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.

Vibrant. Dynamic. Historic.

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.

Top Attractions

Bristol’s bucolic setting among thousands of acres of preserved public land, waterfalls, and parks offers lots of opportunities to get outside. Downtown, art galleries and local shops inspire.

Vermont Marketplace

This general store in the heart of downtown Bristol offers local products from many producers and a quintessential shopping experience.

Bristol Falls

A popular summer destination, this 14-foot waterfall with a series of swimming holes is located on the New Haven River.

Bristol Trail Network

Multiple segments of trail add up to about three miles of recreation immediately adjacent to the village, with access to the New Haven River and amazing views to the south and west.

Bristol Eagle Park

Eagle Park is home to one of the first riverside Universal Fishing Platforms in Vermont, making fishing more accessible.

Green Mountain National Forest

Almost 400,000 acres of public land offering recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and hunting, including Bristol Cliffs Wilderness, characterized by beautiful and dramatic cliffs.

Art on Main

This community-supported nonprofit gallery displays, exhibits, and sells the work of local artists.

People stand on a cliff jutting out into a busy swimming hole.

Attraction Spotlight

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.

Bristol Falls

Several children ride ponies in a pen on a warm day.

Three people hop across a lawn in sacks.

Event Spotlight

Bristol Harvest Festival

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

Bristol Harvest Festival

Eat, Shop, and Stay in Bristol

Dining

Shopping

Lodging

Transportation Options

For Bristol

Local Transportation

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

Discover More

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

Visit Bristol CORE