Recreation

Spring, Summer & Fall Activities

Our concierge can provide you with information about any of the following spring, summer, and fall Vermont activities:

Billings Farm & Museum - Visit Site
A working dairy farm that continues a century-long tradition of agricultural excellence and showcases the pastoral beauty of Vermont. Established in 1871, Billings Farm operates as a first-class working dairy farm and holds the distinction of being one of the country's finest farm life museums. The Farm & Museum offer interactive programs and historical exhibits that explore Vermont's rural heritage. The restored Queen Anne-style farm house includes the family living quarters and the creamery where butter was produced for market. Open daily mid-April through October.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Nation Historic Park
Vermont's first national park is the site of a 550-acre forest and the Rockefeller Mansion, which houses an extensive art collection of American landscape paintings. The forest has been actively managed for wood products, public recreation, aesthetics, education, and ecological values for more than a century, making it one of the oldest planned and continuously managed woodlands in America. The Park's exhibits provide insight into conservation stewardship. Access to the Mansion and gardens by guided tour only.

Sugarbush Farms
Visit a sugar house, sample four grades of maple syrup, see exhibitions of cheese being hand waxed.

Killington-Pico Adventure Center
Spread out over two mountains, the Adventure Center offers miniature golf, waterslides, gondola rides, alpine slide, an in-line skate park and more.

Bird Watching
There are many excellent locations for studying Vermont bird life.We recommend trails on Mt. Tom and Mt. Peg for bird watching; we also refer guests to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) for additional live bird demonstrations.

Fishing
Vermont's swift running, gravel-bottomed streams are ideal for cold-water fishing. Brook, rainbow, brown trout, bass, and pike are all found in the area. Fishing equipment, lessons, and fly-tying instruction are available.For guests who have their own tackle we suggest the Ottaquechee River. Vermont fishing licenses can be purchased at Gillingham's store in Woodstock Village or online through our Guest Services Department. We recommend Wilderness Trails in Quechee for guided fly-fishing.

Canoeing & Kayaking
Wilderness Trails in Quechee provides canoeing and kayaking, both guided and independent, on local Dewey's Pond or the Connecticut River. Boat rentals are also available at Silver Lake State Park in Barnard. Local outfitters offers self-guided and gentle paddle tours on lakes and streams. White water enthusiasts with their own boats can navigate the lower sections of the White River, less than 15 miles away.

Horseback Riding
The Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA) hosts many special equestrian events in the area. Trail rides are available at Kedron Valley Stables in South Woodstock; they also offer winter sleigh rides.

Hiking & Walking
Our Guest Services Coordinator can provide maps for local hiking trails in the national park and the surrounding hills, including sections of the Appalachian Trail that passes nearby. The Inn also provide maps for quiet local country roads that offer more relaxing walks. Guided hikes are offered by the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock.

Biking
Many scenic routes are in close proximity to the Resort; bike and helmet rentals are available.

Country Suppers
Vermont is famous for the quality and variety of Country Suppers offered throughout the year by local communities, churches, fire departments, and charitable organizations. Events include South Woodstock Fireman's Pancake Breakfast, with fresh local Vermont pure maple syrup; Pomfret Town Hall Strawberry Supper, featuring an all-you-can-eat feast and fresh local strawberry shortcake for dessert; Woodstock Masonic Lodge Turkey Supper; and Hartland Fireman's Red Flannel Hash Supper, just to name a few. Each one offers an authentic taste of Vermont's cuisine and rural culture.

Stargazing
Guests can enjoy spectacular stargazing every Saturday night (if the skies are clear) at the Pomfret School Observatory, located just two miles from the Inn. Using their eight inch and four inch reflecting telescopes , local astronomers provide a guided tour of the Vermont skies. Free of charge.

Vermont State Parks
Four Vermont state parks are just a short drive from Woodstock: Camp Plymouth State Park on Echo Lake; can accommodate horse camping | Coolidge State Park in Coolidge State Forest; visitors can pan for gold in its streams | Quechee Gorge State Park home to Quechee Gorge, Vermont's Little Grand Canyon | Silver Lake State Park a scenic, quiet park operated by Vermont's Youth Conservation Corps

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