If you are looking to spend some time on the backroads and main streets of New England, Vermont is a great place to start. It has the perfect mix of innovative and artistic small town life coupled with the rural farms and antique shops that highlight past. 

There’s no better place to have a mini road trip through Vermont than covering the 41-mile stretch that runs along the Ottauquechee River.

It starts in the Green Mountains right around Killington and meets up with the Connecticut River in Hartland, passing through some of Vermont’s most interesting towns along the way. 

In this post, we’ll help you explore what’s happening in some of the villages and towns that operate along Vermont’s Ottauquechee River.

Killington

In most of New England, Killington is known for the ski resort that bears its name. It’s great to explore all year long, but, in the winter, Killington is hustling and bustling with people heading to the mountain.

There’s plenty of hiking and biking in the area off the trails. 

For nightlife, be sure to check out steakhouse and famous apres ski happy hour spot, the Wobbly Barn. 

Bridgewater

Even by Vermont standards, Bridgewater is a small town. At last count, it’s population is less than 1,000 people! But it’s also home to Long Trail Brewery. Stop in, take a tour, and sample a few of their locally made and sourced beers.

If you’d like to see more nature, take a short detour South on your way to Bridgewater and stop in the Coolidge State Forest, first created in the 1930s. It is a great spot to do a bit of hiking.

Woodstock

Woodstock is one of Vermont’s most popular towns to visit. It has the perfect mix of old town New England feel and thriving artist community. Head to the town center and wander in and out of the boutique galleries and shops.

You can also explore a bit of history too. Check out the Billings Farm & Museum, a dairy farm from the late 1800s that’s still in operation today. And for homemade cheese and pure Vermont maple syrup try Sugarbush Farm too.

Quechee

Quechee is home to the famous Quechee Gorge, a 165-foot drop from the town above and filled with rushing water. The gorge is a huge attraction, and people use the area as a base for both day hikes and fly fishing, a trendy sport in Vermont. 

Quechee is also the home to Simon Pearce’s studio. He’s a world-famous Irish glassblower who calls this part of Vermont home. His studio is right on the banks of the Ottauquechee and uses its hydropower. Stop in the studio to see his collection or grab a bite at the restored restaurant. 

Spending some time exploring Vermont’s Ottauquechee River is the perfect way to spend a day or even a long weekend immersed in the traditional New England charm that only this part of the country can offer.