e89fe18d

Farmer Markets

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:50:17 GMT

Farmer Markets

Farmers’ markets are one of the very best ways to experience real Vermont. They’re not just about produce — they’re about people. You’ll find local farmers, bakers, flower growers, cheesemakers, and artists all gathered in one place, sharing what they’ve grown or made with pride.

Many markets feature food trucks, live music, and picnic tables where you can linger with a maple creemee while kids dance to a fiddle tune. It’s relaxed, friendly, and beautifully local — a slice of Vermont community life you won’t find in a grocery store.

Hartland Farmers Market

Approx . 5 miles
When : Fridays, 4:00–6:30 PM (seasonal, typically late May–early Sept)

A small, friendly community market featuring local produce, baked goods, meats, flowers, and handmade items.
Website

Norwich Farmers’ Market

Approx. 18–19 miles
When: Saturdays, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM (May–October)
https://www.norwichfarmersmarket.org/

One of the Upper Valley’s largest and most well-known markets, with excellent produce, baked goods, meats, and artisan vendors. Winter indoor markets are also offered seasonally. Close to King Arthur Flour.
Website

Windsor Farmers’ Market

Approx. 6–8 miles
When: Sundays, 11:30 AM–2:30 PM (June–October)
Info page:
https://www.vtfarmtoplate.com/food-system-map/windsor-farmers-market

Held on the Windsor Village Green with local food, crafts, and seasonal produce.

Lebanon Farmers’ Market (Colburn Park, NH)

Approx. 15–19 miles
When: Thursdays, 4:00–7:00 PM (mid-May–late Sept)
https://lebanonnh.gov/806/Farmers-Market

A lively market in downtown Lebanon with food trucks, local farms, and live music.

Market on the Green (Woodstock)

Approx. 5 miles
When: Wednesdays, 3:00–6:00 PM (summer–early fall)
https://www.woodstockvt.com/event/market-on-the-green/

A classic Vermont farmers’ market on Woodstock’s village green with food vendors, live music, and a great small-town atmosphere.

Swimming Spots near Stillwood, VT

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:50:15 GMT

Swimming Holes & River Dips

When summer arrives in Vermont, we head for the water.

Tucked along winding dirt roads and shaded by maples and pines, you’ll find clear rivers, gentle pools, and cool swimming holes that feel like little discoveries. Some are perfect for a quiet morning dip. Others invite you to linger on sun-warmed rocks while the kids splash nearby.

Bring a towel, water shoes, and a sense of adventure — Vermont’s rivers are refreshing, beautiful, and very much part of local lif e.

Ottauquechee River – Woodstock Village Spots

Approx. ~6 miles
Type: River swimming & wading
Website

The Ottauquechee flows through Woodstock with a few easy access points:
• At the Lawn of the Woodstock History Center — shallow wading and swimming with views of the Middle Covered Bridge.
• Between the Recreation Center and Little Theater — family-friendly sandy riverbank and waist-deep swimming.

Silver Lake State Park – Barnard, VT

Approx. ~16 miles
Type: Lake beach with amenities
When: Seasonal with parking/entry fees
Website

A well-appointed lake beach with sandy shore, picnic tables, snack bar, playground, and facilities — more “beach day” than remote swim spot.

Cedar Circle Farm / White River Access – East Thetford, VT

Approx. 17–18 miles
Type: River swimming & wading
More Info

Swimming access along the White River near East Thetford, often used by locals for cooling off after hot days. Conditions vary by water level.

Union Village Dam / Ompompanoosuc River – Thetford, VT

Approx. 22 miles
Type: River & dam swimming area
More Info

A broad swimming area with calmer water near the dam, popular with locals. Best during lower water levels and warm weather.

Boston Lot / Boston Pond (Lebanon, NH)

Approx. 16–18 miles
Type: Natural pond / conservation area
When: Daylight hours; summer swimming
Website

Boston Pond is located within the Boston Lot , a large conserved forest area just outside downtown Lebanon. The pond is peaceful and scenic, with informal access for swimming on warm days. A great choice for guests who enjoy quieter, more natural spots paired with a walk in the woods.

North Hartland Lake (Beach & Swim Area)

Approx. 8–10 miles
Type: Sandy beach + swimming area on Ottauquechee River reservoir
When: Daylight hours; summer swimming & picnics

Website

A classic summer favorite with a sandy swimming beach, picnic tables, and plenty of space to relax by the water.

Kedron Valley Inn Pond – South Woodstock

Approx. ~5 miles
Type: Private pond with sandy beach & swim dock
When: Summer (passes available)
Website
Additional pass info available locally at the South Woodstock Country Store.

A spring-fed pond with a sandy beach and small swim dock — gentle water and grassy lawn areas make this a great family spot.

Martin Mill Covered Bridge (Lulls Brook) – Hartland, VT

Approx. 6–7 miles
Type: River swimming hole
When: Daylight hours; best in summer during lower water levels
Directions:
Park on the south side of Martin Mill Covered Bridge on Martinsville Road (about ½ mile from Hartland Elementary School). Follow the steep footpath over the old mill foundations down to Lulls Brook.
Info:

A tucked-away swimming hole below Martins Mill Covered Bridge. A steep path leads down to Lulls Brook (use caution). Roaring water over rocks, a still pool about five feet deep, shallow soaking spots, and a sunny bank on the far side.

Pompanoosuc Mills / Ompompanoosuc River – Norwich/Thetford line

Approx. 20–22 miles
Type: River swimming hole
More Info

A classic Upper Valley river swim with deeper pools and rocky access. Not formal or maintained — very much a local favorite.

Kennedy Pond – Windsor Recreation Pond

Approx. ~8 miles
Type: Public pond swim & play area
When: Typically open in warmer months; check Windsor Recreation for exact seasonal hours
Website

A local pond swimming and recreation area managed by Windsor Recreation — great for casual swims and family time.

Quechee Gorge Swimming / River Access

Approx. ~10 miles
Type: Gorge river swimming
More Info

Hike down to the Ottauquechee River below the Quechee Gorge Bridge for a cool, scenic swim.

Ayers Brook Swimming Hole – Randolph, VT

Approx. 30 miles
Type: River swimming hole with cascades
More Info

A beautiful swimming hole with small waterfalls and deep pools along Ayers Brook. A favorite on hot days, though access requires a short walk and careful footing.

Storrs Pond Recreation Area – Hanover, NH

Approx. 20 miles
Type: Managed pond with beach & facilities
When: Seasonal, staffed beach during summer
Website

A well-loved Upper Valley swimming spot with sandy beach, lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic areas. Great for families and guests who want an easy, safe swim.

Mascoma River Greenway Access Points – Lebanon, NH

Approx. 18–20 miles
Type: River swimming & wading
More Info

Several informal access points along the Mascoma River where locals wade and swim during hot spells. Water levels can change quickly after rain.

March in Woodstock & Hartland, Vermont

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:22:57 GMT

Maple syrup, warmer skiing, and quiet beauty

March in Vermont is… a mood.

It’s maple steam rising from sugarhouses.
It’s bright sun over snowbanks.
It’s muddy boots and rosy cheeks.
It’s fewer crowds — and more space to breathe.

If you’re staying at Stillwood , here’s how to make the most of March in the Upper Valley.

Vermont Maple Sugaring Season

March is prime maple season. As daytime temps rise above freezing and nights dip below, sap starts flowing.

Where to Go:

Sugarbush Farm
10 minutes from Stillwood
Free samples of maple syrup and cheese. Easy stop. Kid-friendly. No fuss.
Billings Farm & Museum
Working dairy farm + maple programming in March.
Great for families and anyone who wants the full “Vermont 101” experience.
Bourdon Maple Farm
Working dairy farm + maple programming in March.

Insider Tip: If you see steam rising from a small roadside sugarhouse, slow down. That’s not fog — that’s boiling sap.

Late Skiing & Snow Play

March often delivers some of the best skiing of the year — longer days, better deals, softer snow, and fewer January crowds.

Nearby Options:

Saskadena Six
~10 minutes away
Historic, charming, family-friendly. Perfect for low-pressure ski days.
Killington Resort
~35 minutes
Bigger mountain energy. Great if you want variety or more challenging terrain.
Local sledding hills in Woodstock & Hartland
(Ask me — I’ll point you to the good ones.)

Late Winter / Early Spring Hiking

March hiking is about layers and flexibility. Some trails are snowy. Some are muddy. All are beautiful.

Go-To Trails:

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
Gentle carriage roads. Good even in mixed conditions.
Mount Tom
Short but rewarding views over the village.
Quechee Gorge
Dramatic views year-round.
Right from your doorstep
Strap on a pair of snow shoes or X-country skis and go for a yomp in the wooded trails (snow shoes provided)
Click here to check out some dog-friendly hikes

⚠️ March = mud season. Waterproof boots recommended.

Cozy Restaurants

March is ideal for slow dinners and long conversations.

A few of my favs:

Weathersfield Inn (Weathersfield, VT) - about 30 mins away
Skunk Hollow Tavern (Hartland, VT) - 5 mins down the road
The Vic (Woodstock Village, VT) - 10 mins away
The Windsor Station (Windsor, VT) - 10 mins away
Worthy Kitchen (great casual option in Woodstock, VT) - 10 mins away

Live Music

Experience some of the areas best musicians

A few of my favs:

Jason Cann at Harpoon Brewery in Windsor - Thursday nights - bring your dancing shoes
Jim Yeager at Public House, Quechee - Tuesday nights
Various artists at Ottaquechee Yacht Club in Woodstock
Various artists at Harry's Cocktail Lounge in Quechee
Open Mic Night at Skunk Hollow Tavern, Hartland on Wednesday nights

A Few More

Special events at VINS in Quechee
Theatre, live music, and cinema at Pentangle Arts in Woodstock
Baking classes galore at King Arthur Flour in Hartford (March calendar below)