For those of you who enjoy history, folklore and artifacts of the past you’ll love the Vermont History Buff Tour. We have brochures available on most of the sites suggested for your convenience.  Let's start in Springfield, Vermont, with:

Miller Art Center – Located in Springfield, Vermont, the Miller Art Center captures many visitors with its grand architecture, spectacular art, and rich history.  The estate, home to the Springfield Art and Historical Society, was built during the Civil War and extensively remodeled in 1917.  The majestic mansion was donated to the Society in 1956 by the Edward Miller Family.  Today, the purpose of the Miller Art Center is to provide a focus for creative and performing arts as well as literary and scientific endeavors and strives to promote an interest in the vast history of Springfield.– 802-885-2415.

Gallery at the Vault – Housed in a restored 1900's bank building, the Vault, Visual Art Using Local Talent, houses the works of over 50 local Vermont artists.. – 802-885-7111.

From Springfield, take Route 11 east, following the signs to Charlestown, NH. Go over the bridge into New Hampshire. Once over the bridge follow signs for :

Fort No. 4 –Visit life as it was 250 years ago during the French and Indian war era. The fortified village of Number 4 recreates frontier life in a pre-Revolutionary village that includes a palisade, reconstructed province houses and lookout tower, complete with the furnishings, crafts and tools of an 18 th century frontier community – 888-367-8284 – toll free.

Green Mountain Flyer – Come back across the bridge into Vermont and look for signs for Route 5 South. Here you will find the quaint town of Bellows Falls where you will find a Green Mountain Flyer train depot. Enjoy a leisurely, nostalgic 26-mile train ride aboard beautifully restored historic railroad coaches. Follow the route of the old Rutland Railroad along the banks of the Connecticut River through picturesque Vermont countryside, rugged rock cuts, past covered bridges and a spectacular gorge to your destination – the 100 year old depot in Chester. – 802-463-3069

Listed below are some of our other favorite historical sites.

Historic Grafton Village – A lovingly restored 19 th century community considered one of the finest examples of rural New England architecture and village life. Self guided walking trails, museums, agricultural exhibits, cheddar cheese factory, cross country ski center, mountain biking, antiquing and more. Located only 17 miles from Springfield on routes 121 and 35 – 802-843-2255

Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, the home, gardens and studios of one of America’s greatest sculptors, Augustus Saint Gaudens (1848-1907). Large collection of original sculptures in studios and on grounds. Carriage house and stables recently restored. The grounds are magnificent, as is the home itself. This is a beautiful, unique site which you may wish to save a whole day to tour. – 603-675-2175

Enfield Shaker Museum – on Route 4A in Enfield, NH, take Exit 17 off I-89 South. They have 13 shaker buildings and a museum. Dana Robes, a wood craftsman, has a shaker furniture store and gift shop and a restaurant offering shaker fare nearby. – 603-632-4346

The LaSalette Shrine is located across the road from the Shaker Museum – 603-632-4300

---

Take a step back in time and visit historic Windsor, the birthplace of Vermont. Located only 15 minutes away from the Hartness House, here you will find:

• The Windsor State Craft Center – Located in a historic building, this retail sales gallery showcases the work of 250 juried Vermont craftsmakers.  One of two Vermont State Craft Centers serving as a marketplace for crafts and providing programs in craft education for adults and children. Sells quality-crafted items designed and created by over 250 Vermont craftspeople – 802-674-6729
  
• The American Precision Museum – Major collection representing America’s machine and precision tool industry, both tools and products. Located in the original Robbins and Lawrence Armory, a National Historic Landmark building – 802-674-5781
  
• The Cornish-Windsor Bridge – now the longest covered bridge in the United States, with a 460 foot span over the Connecticut River. Lattice truss construction. Fourth bridge to be built on this site. The first was built in 1796, probably uncovered, and was destroyed by floods in 1848 and 1866. Present bridge was built in 1866 by James Tasker and Bela Fletcher.
  
• Simon Pearce Glass – Watch glass blowing and visit the craft shop with “first” and “second” quality Simon Pearce Glass, beautiful selections of Irish hand thrown pottery, American quilts and Irish woolens– 802-674-6280
  
• Old Constitution House – Often called the 'Birthplace of Vermont' the Old Constitution House was a tavern in Windsor where an July 8, 1777, representatives of the New Hampshire Grants adopted the first Constitution of the 'Free and Independent State of Vermont'. - It was acquired in 1914 by the 0ld Constitution House Association, and moved to its present site and restored.   Museum of New England Antiquities. 802-674-6628
  
• Catamount Harpoon Brewing Company – Visit Vermont’s first active brewery in operation over 100 years. Watch craftsmen brew fresh, flavorful ales and lagers using traditional ingredients. Gift store on premises. – 802-674-6700 or (802) 674-5491

 

---

This tour provides some of the most scenic towns and villages in Mid-Vermont. There is much to do and see, so you will want to get an early start.

Drive north on Route 106 to scenic Woodstock, Vt.  This town has many well preserved homes built in the early 1800’s. After a walk around the village green you will want to stop at the following points of interest:

• Billings Farm and Museum – See farm life as it was then, and is now, on the shared site of an 1890 farm museum and an ongoing dairy operation; fun for the whole family – 802-457-2355
  
• Vermont Institute of Natural Science and Raptor Center –a living museum which introduces visitors to the owls and hawks of Northern New England – 802-457-2779

Next, go east on route 4 to Quechee, Vermont where you will want to visit the following:

• Quechee Gorge – Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon” – formed during thousands of years of erosive action by the Ottauquechee River which rests 165 feet below. It is one of the outstanding natural spectacles of the state. Beautiful views, hiking, waterfalls, campgrounds and a state park.
  
• Simon Pearce Glassworks – Watch glass blowing and visit the craft shop, with “first” and “second” quality Simon Pearce Glass, beautiful selections of Irish hand thrown pottery, American quilts and Irish woolens. Visit the café overlooking waterfall and covered bridge in Quechee – 802-295-2711
  
• Scotland by the Yard – Extensive range of unique knitwear, clothing and gifts for men and women. All in the finest Scottish quality – 800-295-5351 or 802-295-5351
  
• Quechee Gorge Village – Antiques and Collectibles Center, Craft Center, Country Store, The Christmas Loft, Yankee Diner and many specialty shops – 802-295-1550.

---

This tour is a pleasant day trip for those of you who would enjoy the beautiful countryside Vermont has to offer. If you love browsing and unique gift shops, antiquing and exploring quaint towns and villages, the following attractions will keep you busy.

From Springfield take Route 11 West to Chester, VT.   Here you can visit the following:

• Stone House Village Antiques & Crafts Center – 802-875-4477


• William Austin's Antiques - 10 Showrooms of country-style furniture. Full refinishing and restoration services. 802-875-3032
  
• Hugging Bear Inn & Shoppe – over 4,000 teddy bears, collectibles, carousel horses, bearaphernalia and other plush animals in the shoppe. A magical place. 802-875-2412
  
• Inn Victoria Teapot Shoppe – Teapots and accessories for everyone. Collectibles, inexpensive everyday teapots and delicate hand-painted pots from Russia and Hungary – 802-875-4288
  
• Vermont Seasons – wonderful selection of quality, country gifts, as well as wildlife, moose and wolf items – 802-875-4141

Now continue on Route 11 West to Route 100 and follow signs to Weston, VT. This quintessential Vermont town offers the following:

• The Vermont Country Store – “THE” Country Store to see when in Vermont – need we say more? 802-824-3184
  
• Todd Gallery – Local artist, wonderful gallery – 802-824-5606
  
• Weston House – quilts, wall hangings, pillows. Goose down comforters and accessories. Yard goods, books and notions. – 802-824-3636
  
• The Weston Playhouse – a summer theater presenting afternoon matinees and evening performances; known as the best live theater in Vermont – 802-824-5288
  
• Weston Bowl Mill – Manufacturers and purveyors of the finest quality woodenware, manufactured on the premises and elsewhere in Vermont – 802-824-6219
  
• Weston Priory – Founded in 1953 by the late Abbot Leo Rudloff, of Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem, Israel. Inspired by a monastic tradition reaching back to the earliest centuries of the church, and shaped by the Rule of Saint Benedict, our life together centers on prayer, manual work, and hospitality. 802-824-5409

---