Travel Guide

The Norwich Inn Invests in On-Site Restaurant | Vermont Returns to “Normalcy”

Posted on by Ben Rueter

 

The Norwich Inn Invests in On-Site Restaurant | Vermont Returns to “Normalcy”

As Vermont’s Upper Valley returns to a whole new level of “normalcy,” it’s important to note that the region’s oldest establishment, The Norwich Inn, has invested in its on-site restaurant and re-upped its affiliation with King Arthur Baking Company and the Vermont Nanobrewery Festival. With dining and travel restrictions lifted here in New England, the inn finally feels like its old self—with a twist!

Photo of The Norwich Inn's Outdoor Dining Area, Home to One of the Best Restaurants in Norwich, VT.Expanded, Renovated Outdoor Dining

While The Norwich Inn still exudes the “same old” sophistication, charm, and historical significance, the outdoor patio recently underwent a comprehensive overhaul, including an expansion and renovation. After all, we “never waste a crisis” to improve. You’ll notice several new features, including standing heaters, an oversized canopy, rope lights, new flooring, and enhanced landscaping. We couldn’t think of a better place in the Upper Valley to enjoy a plate of seared salmon (or beer-battered haddock) and a tall Whistling Pig Red Ale.

The Newhart Room’s Interior Transformation

Photo of the Newhart Room, a Newly-Renovated Restaurant in Norwich, VT.

Don’t forget about the most recent interior transformation of the Newhart Room (as pictured), a dazzling social area tailor-made for late-night drinks, an early-afternoon bite, or a small group gathering. Whether you aim to watch the Patriots finish a game-winning drive or sample an array of cocktails with your girlfriends, you’ll feel at home in the Newhart Room—named after the popular TV show, “Newhart.”

King Arthur Baking Company Resumes Live Classes

King Arthur Baking Company has officially resumed live classes as of June 21, 2021. It’s been a long time coming! And, much to everyone’s delight, The Norwich Inn is once again offering King Arthur packages, including the “Welcome Back Package,” featuring 20 percent off rates, a complimentary pint, a free shuttle to the bakery, and so much more!

Vermont Nanofest Returns

Raise a glass to the sky because the Vermont Nanobrewery Festival returns on August 21, 2021. The Norwich Inn is the “Nanofest’s” Official Lodging Sponsor. Thus, we’re offering an outrageous one-night Nanofest package, including free entry, a deluxe overnight stay, a complimentary pint, a souvenir tasting glass, a block of Whistling Pig Ale Cheddar, a take-home 22-ounce bottle of beer, and more!

This summer aims to be one for the ages, so please don’t hesitate to book a well-deserved vacation package before availability runs out. Browse through our specials and packages, or give us a call today at 802-649-1143. Cheers!

Jasper Murdock Ales: The Vermont Beer Trail Starts in Norwich

Posted on by Ben Rueter

Jasper Murdock Ales: The Vermont Beer Trail Starts in Norwich

Jasper Murdock Ales

There’s no denying that Vermont is home to some of North America’s richest craft beer history and finest brewing facilities. After all, the birthplace of the modern-day “hazy IPA” (often referred to as the New England-style IPA) is approximately 80 miles northwest of Norwich in the rolling hills of Stowe. Unbeknownst to many, Norwich’s historic, picturesque town is home to one of the longest-standing breweries on the Vermont beer trail: Jasper Murdock Ales, an Upper Valley staple that dates back to 1993.

A Unique Slice of Upper Valley History

Jasper Murdock Ales on the BarAccording to the Brewers Association, Vermont boasts the most breweries per capita in America. We take craft beer seriously—and you should too. The self-guided Vermont beer trail, which we cover in more detail below, starts and finishes at The Norwich Inn. It’s not often that you stumble upon a 28-year-old brewery located inside of a 1797 inn that has hosted the likes of Dr. Seuss and President James Monroe.

Today, travelers can stroll into this classic Irish pub for a tall pint, a 22-ounce bottle to-go, or even a growler fill. The pub has retained its original charm, thanks to its rich mahogany bar, old-timey photography, and Irish-green accents.

Jasper Murdock Ales: The Legacy Continues

Jasper Murdock Ales in Front of a Fireplace

What began as a modest venture that only produced five-gallon jugs of English-style ales has blossomed into one of the proudest breweries in New England. The team now concocts 125-gallon batches covering nearly beer style, ranging from smile-inducing cream ales to trendy IPLs and classic Irish reds.

Jasper Murdock’s premier beer remains the Whistling Pig Red Ale, a multi-generational recipe that’s a delicious ode to the classic Irish reds that pre-date the new-age Vermont brewery scene. Recent hits include the genre-bending Schwarzpils, the aptly-named Mash Up, and the crowd-pleasing N2B Cream Ale, a proclaimed “lawnmower beer.”

A Self-Guided Journey on the Vermont Beer Trail

There’s no better reason to visit the Upper Valley this August than the annual Vermont NanoFest, the region’s premier dabbler. At the NanoFest, grinning beer enthusiasts can taste-test many of the state’s top-rated breweries, which is a welcomed alternative to a lengthy drive on the Vermont beer trail. Participants include Red Clover Ale Co., Green Empire Brewing, and Upper Pass Brewing Company. We also urge thirsty beer nerds to visit some of the area’s top-rated taprooms in White River Junction, Bridgewater Corners, and beyond. Use this Vermont brewery bucket list as your trail guide.

To book a long-awaited craft beer-inspired escape to Norwich, please give us a call today at 802-649-1143 (or check availability online).

7 Reasons to Visit Norwich This Spring

Posted on by Ben Rueter

7 Reasons to Visit Norwich This Spring

An Older Couple Hiking on This Vermont Spring VacationSpring has officially sprung in Vermont. The snow is finally melting, the flowers are blooming, and the days are getting longer. It’s the perfect time of year to make the trip to our Vermont hotel, The Norwich Inn. Keep us in mind for your spring travels, and continue reading below for seven reasons to visit Norwich this spring.

1. Our Brewery

There’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of warm weather than with a cold beer. Cheers to the newly-arrived spring season at our Norwich brewery, home of Jasper Murdock Ales.

2. The Outdoors

Norwich spring is a special time of year, where Vermont transforms from a winter wonderland to a summer playground. There’s no better time of year to enjoy all that Vermont has to offer than during the spring. Get outside and get active this spring.

3. Sample the Baked Goods

What better way to kick off a Norwich spring day than with a trip to the iconic King Arthur Baking Company, where you can sample your fill of sweets or take a baking class to learn to make your favorite treats at home.

4. Visit the General Store

Have a classic small-town experience with a visit to Dan & Whit’s General Store this spring. Their motto is “if we don’t have it, you don’t need it,” in reference to their all-encompassing inventory.

5. It’s Hiking Season

Springtime in Norwich means it’s officially time to hit the trails, now that you no longer need cross-country skis. Our favorite hikes include Gile Mountain Trail and Montshire’s Ridge and Hazen Trail.

6. It’s Warm Enough to Find a Good Swimming Hole

It may not be summer yet, but it’s starting to get warm enough to explore the local swimming holes. This spring, head to Twenty Foot Hole on the Black River for a break from the heat.

7. The Farms and Orchards

Experience the best of Vermont’s world-famous produce at the Sugarbush Farm. Sugar Bush Farm started as the first production site of cheese packaged in wax bars in 1945 and now boasts a plentiful production of cheese and maple products set amongst a charming hillside location. 

To learn more about the lovely town of Norwich, Vermont, or to book your stay, head to our website. We can’t wait for you to get here.

The Norwich Inn’s Guide to Exploring Rural Vermont: 3 Day Trips

Posted on by Ben Rueter

The Norwich Inn’s Guide to Exploring Rural Vermont: 3 Day Trips

A couple on a Vermont day tripVermont is a land of rolling hills, rocky peaks, wooded trails, and craft beers. In short, Vermont is a mecca for adventure in the Northeast. Additionally, as one of the Thirteen Colonies, each town, county, and wilderness area is layered in a rich history tied to the birth of our nation. Near the prestigious Dartmouth College, The Norwich Inn stands as it has since 1797, as a mecca of hospitality and fine dining in a quaint town marked by its general store. While our delightful Vermont inn and small-town atmosphere draw visitors from all over the country, we’re also perfectly positioned for a variety of Vermont day trips. Continue below to read our three-part guide to exploring Vermont.

Strafford, Vermont 

If you’re visiting New England in search of a winter wonderland, Strafford should be on your shortlist of Vermont day trips. Just under half an hour on the road from The Norwich Inn, the Strafford Nordic Center provides locals and visitors with over 30 kilometers of groomed, skiable trails for skiers of all abilities.

The Hazen Trail

If you’re in Vermont during the fall, spring, or summer months, hit the trails and check out some of the area’s best hiking. The Hazen Trail is an ideal Vermont day trip for nature lovers. The hike takes you through heavily-forested areas along the Connecticut River and is a moderate hike that’s just over four miles point-to-point. Much of the trail is on the Montshire Museum of Science property and may require a pass.

Sugarbush Farm 

Vermont is known to many as the land of fall foliage and maple syrup, and Sugarbush Farm provides just that. Sugarbush Farm started as the first production site of cheese packaged in wax bars in 1945 and now boasts a plentiful production of cheese and maple products set amongst a charming hillside location. Tour the farm, sample the products, and enjoy this classic Vermont day trip. 

The Norwich Inn is home to an in-house brewery and one of the largest wine selections in the state. For more information on our charming inn or to learn more about Vermont, please read further.

Crisis Management 101 | Enhancements at The Norwich Inn

Posted on by Ben Rueter

 

Crisis Management 101 | Enhancements at The Norwich Inn

“Never let a crisis go to waste” is a quote attributed to Winston Churchill as the world emerged from World War II. Sometimes a severe challenge such as COVID-19 can cause some to shift paradigms: how they view their world…even at a country inn. Maybe it’s getting around to things we always wanted to do; maybe it’s totally new.

Refinished Floors and a Restored Bar Top

In the former category, since our restaurant has had reduced hours and mandated capacity restrictions, we’ve been able to refinish the floors in a number of our dining venues while also restoring the bar top to its original luster. We are lucky to have Dale, our talented and versatile maintenance manager, put his skills to work. Everything looks like new. 

We’ve also instituted a Shuttle Service to area attractions: Dartmouth College, King Arthur Baking Company, and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

The Newhart Room

Photo of The Newhart Room.In the latter category, we’ve re-imagined our original Dining Room into a multi-purpose space. Now our guests can eat, drink, work, meet, watch TV, or all of the above. We ran a contest to name the new space, and the winner was “The Newhart Room.” Where did that come from? Media sources have it that The Norwich Inn and the Town of Norwich were the inspiration behind the popular TV Show, “Newhart,” an eight-season, Golden Globe-nominated sitcom featuring Bob Newhart.

We’ve also incorporated “Whistle,” which is a premier customer service and communication platform for hotels. Whistle improves customer service through real-time engagement utilizing text and mobile message communication with our guests.

Enhanced Al Fresco Dining

The Norwich Inn has always had seasonal al fresco dining. While it had been popular, the surge in demand for the outdoors caused us to re-evaluate how to enhance and broaden the space. First, a sail cover was installed over our Patio, decorated with string lights. Second, we opened our Beer Garden to foodservice. Between the two venues, The Norwich Inn now has the most ample outdoor dining capacity in the area.

On tap for the 2021 season is a total redo and expansion of the Patio with upgraded coverage and new heaters.

While “COVID era” challenges have been daunting, it has caused us to rethink what we do to increase our relevance and enhance the guest experience.

To learn more about the historic Norwich Inn, please visit us online.

The Norwich Inn, an Ultimate Central Vermont Winter Getaway

Posted on by Ben Rueter

 

The Norwich Inn, an Ultimate Central Vermont Winter Getaway

Photo of a Snowy Road in Vermont During Winter's Peak.Central Vermont’s Upper Valley, home to the historic Norwich Inn and newly-rebranded King Arthur Baking Company, is a paradisal winter haven, particularly for those who cherish artisan ales, historical significance, and natural beauty. Start planning the ultimate Central Vermont winter getaway by browsing through The Norwich Inn’s various themed packages, such as “Romance in Vermont.” There’s nothing quite like the winter aesthetic, especially here in the rolling hills that hug the patient Connecticut River, including the early-morning hoarfrost, the icicle-infested covered bridges, and the snow-topped architecture.

15 Ways to Embrace Winter near The Norwich Inn

Photo of a Man Snowshoeing in Vermont During Winter.The Norwich Inn’s idyllic Main Street location is a short drive from the region’s top attractions, including Dartmouth College, Artisans Park, and the aforementioned King Arthur Baking Company. There’s no shortage of museums, outdoor pursuits, and culinary delights within 25 minutes of the inn. In hopes of enhancing your upcoming Central Vermont winter escape, we’ve compiled 15 ways to embrace Jack Frost’s inevitable arrival, including snowshoeing, downtown shopping, and craft beer tours.

  1. Explore Central Vermont’s world-renowned beer scene, with stops in White River Junction, Bridgewater Corners, and Burlington.
  2. Spend a day shopping in Hanover and Norwich, separated only by the serene Connecticut River.
  3. Plan a visit to the Upper Valley’s most absorbing art and history museums.
  4. “Snap” photographs of the Upper Valley’s prettiest (and snowy) covered bridges.
  5. Go snowshoeing in the densely-forested backcountry.
  6. Take a cooking class at King Arthur Baking Company.
  7. Spend an afternoon at Artisans Park, home to the snowy Path of Life Sculpture Garden, Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company, Great River Outfitters, and so many more world-class artisanal shops.
  8. Embark on a guided, shuttled Central Vermont brewery tour.
  9. Support the Norwich Farmers Market by preordering a bushel of locally-sourced goodies.
  10. Plan a wellness retreat, complete with yoga, forest bathing, and hiking.
  11. Sip on a famous Whistling Pig Red Ale, the pride of Jasper Murdock Ales, inside The Norwich Inn’s authentic Irish-style pub.
  12. Tramp through the countryside en route to a handful of frozen waterfalls.
  13. Walk through Dartmouth College’s snow-covered campus.
  14. Embark on a culinary voyage across the Seven Seas of flavor inside Jasper Murdock’s Alehouse.
  15. Blade along the Lake Morey Ice Skating Trail, the longest in the country. Or skate on Hanover’s frozen Occom Pond.

The Norwich Inn, a Central Vermont Winter Basecamp

Photo of a Norwich Inn Guest Room in Vermont. Visit us this Winter!The Norwich Inn plays host to countless Central Vermont winter getaways—mainly couples in need of some long-overdue romance and sophistication. Not only does the inn boast a historic brewery, a diverse culinary experience, and ample charm, but guests will also discover a distinctive mixture of accommodations, including Victorian-style guest rooms, the renovated Walker House, and the pet-friendly Ivy Lodge. And we now offer shuttle services to several nearby attractions, including King Arthur Baking Company and Dartmouth College.

To book a long-awaited wintertime escape to New England’s most peaceful region, please give us a call at 802-649-1143 (or click the green Book Now button).

Snowshoeing in Vermont: Traversing the Upper Valley

Posted on by Ben Rueter

 

Snowshoeing in Vermont: Traversing the Upper Valley

Photo of a Solo Man Snowshoeing in Vermont's Upper Valley.With the holiday season fast approaching, many New Englanders are turning their attention to the upcoming winter sports season. Vermont itself remains one of North America’s most beloved skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing destinations, especially here in the tranquil, undeniably awe-inspiring Upper Valley, home to the historic Norwich Inn. Snowshoeing in Vermont’s rolling, densely-thicketed backcountry remains one of the most underrated ways to celebrate winter’s snowy arrival. Thus, in hopes of enhancing your upcoming getaway to The Norwich Inn, we’ve compiled 10 unique Upper Valley snowshoeing hubs, ranging from Connecticut River-side strolls to steep mountain climbs.

Snowshoeing in Vermont: 10 Unique Upper Valley Experiences

One of the most alluring aspects of snowshoeing in Vermont is that just about anyone can try it without much research. There’s never been a better time to explore new terrains. Oh, and sturdy pair of snowshoes have never been more inexpensive. Below, you’ll find 10 snowy wonderlands that are within minutes of The Norwich Inn. As you might expect, snowshoeing in Vermont is generally a free pursuit, leaving room in your wallet or purse for a King Arthur baking lesson, a brewery tour, or a trip to the Winter Market.

  1. Gile Mountain: Embark on a moderate climb en route to one of the Upper Valley’s many spellbinding overlooks.
  2. Appalachian Trail: While the Appalachian Trail spans nearly 2,200 miles, you’ll only need to leave time for two or three hours of glorious outland snowshoeing on this 3.3-mile excursion.
  3. Montshire’s Ridge: This easy-breezy ridge trail hugs the meandering western banks of the Connecticut River, just a few miles south of Norwich.
  4. Parcel 5 Loop: Parcel 5 is a lush, oft-overlooked forest loop worth revisiting.
  5. The Cornish Town Forest: In a rather quiet forest, only a few ticks southeast of the Cornish-Windsor covered bridge, lies some of the truest snowshoeing trails in the Upper Valley.
  6. Hartland Winter Trails: Get ready for a half or full-day of well-groomed snowshoeing adventures. Hartland is home to approximately 20 kilometers of secluded wilderness.
  7. Boston Lot Lake: There’s never an offseason for recreation near Boston Lot Lake, a hidden gem sandwiched between Lebanon and Hanover.
  8. Mink Brook Nature Preserve: Speaking of Hanover: The Hanover Conservancy’s Mink Brook trail system boasts 112 acres of preserved beauty, home to a bevy of winter woodland critters, such as whitetail deer, black bears, and thriving birdlife.
  9. Bicknell Brook: One of the region’s most photographed waterfalls remains frozen in time inside peaceful Bicknell Brook.
  10. The Pogue: The trek to and from Mount Tom is nothing short of enthralling (and tiring). Woodstock’s Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is definitely worthy of an extended visit this winter. 

Hotels near King Arthur Baking Company: The Norwich Inn

Photo of a Norwich Inn Guest Room. Click Here to Learn About Snowshoeing in Vermont.After an unforgettable three or four hours of snowshoeing in Vermont’s Upper Valley, return to The Norwich Inn to unthaw and unwind. The inn (established in 1797) is not only an absorbing, picturesque slice of Vermont’s history, but it’s also a long-standing brewery and a culinary destination. Travelers from all across New England flock to the inn to sample Jasper Murdock Ales while simultaneously dining on classic Northeastern fare in a distinctly romantic setting. 

We’re proud to be one of the top-rated hotels near the newly-rebranded King Arthur Baking Company and always jaw-dropping Dartmouth College. To book a well-deserved, snow-packed getaway to beautiful Norwich, please read about our various on-site accommodation options. And, when you’re ready, click the green “Book a Room Now” button.

Plan a Visit to Vermont’s Newly-Rebranded King Arthur Baking Company

Posted on by Ben Rueter

 

Plan a Visit to Vermont’s Newly-Rebranded King Arthur Baking Company

Photo of a Person Kneading Bread at King Arthur Flour in Vermont.King Arthur Flour, the first (and oldest) flour company in the United States, has officially rebranded. Welcome to the Norwich family, King Arthur Baking Company. After 230 years, the Vermont-based company, which began as a small, English-milled flour operation in Boston, thought it was time for an update to “better represent who [they] are today.” Despite the new name, the new brand (the crown of a “wheat king”), and the new rhetoric, Norwich’s King Arthur Baking is still the same time-defying marvel. And, luckily for you, The Norwich Inn is the closest hotel to King Arthur Baking’s 14-acre flagship campus, home to the most beloved baking school in the country.

King Arthur Baking’s Flagship Campus in Norwich, VT

While the Upper Valley’s natural beauty and neighboring Dartmouth College entice droves of travelers to the region, the area’s main draw remains King Arthur Baking’s multi-purpose complex, conveniently located on U.S. Route 5. Main Street’s Norwich Inn lies a mere mile north of the dreamy, modernized campus. Perhaps a scenic bicycle ride to and from King Arthur Baking should be in store this autumn? Although, The Norwich Inn offers $5 (each way) shuttle services to the campus.

Photo of Baked Goods at King Arthur Flour in Vermont.The 14-acre estate is home to a sleek, aromatic cafe, a well-stocked retail store, and, of course, the baking school, including four distinct classes. The outdoor patio is an idyllic place to picnic or work remotely with a cup of joe and a fresh-baked chocolate croissant by your side. Prized cafe menu items include the soupe du jour, the turkey and chipotle jam sandwich, and the wood-smoked bacon and egg sandwich. Once COVID-19 is in the rearview mirror, we expect King Arthur Baking’s full-service gourmet dinner experience to resume. Don’t forget to return home with a cookbook, baking tool, jar of artisanal jam, or vat of locally-sourced maple syrup.

King Arthur’s Growing Online Presence

One of the main reasons Norwich’s King Arthur Baking wholly rebranded was its growing online presence, combined with the nation’s current state. Because of various stay-at-home orders and quarantine measures, many Americans are spending much of their newfound time in the kitchen. Amateur bakers from all over the world began utilizing King Arthur’s Baker’s Hotline, in hopes of providing aid to those struggling with a new recipe. According to recent food trends, the hotline received over 45,000 questions in three months. The folks at King Arthur Baking also provide hundreds of recipes to coincide with the most recent seasonal shifts. They cover it all: doughnuts and cobblers to shortcakes and popovers.

Hotels near King Arthur Baking Company: The Norwich Inn

Photo of a Norwich Inn Suite, Just Minutes Away from King Arthur Flour in Vermont.The Norwich Inn is not only the nearest hotel to Vermont’s own King Arthur Baking Company, but we also offer special baking school packages. For example, the Long Live the King package includes a 20 percent discount on lodging, a complimentary Jasper Murdock Ale, a block of Whistling Pig Ale Cheddar (in collaboration with Vermont Farmstead Cheese), and a free shuttle to King Arthur’s campus. The package runs through March 31, 2021. Remember: Classes are subject to availability, so please check times at your earliest convenience. The Norwich Inn itself was established in 1797; thus, it typically allures romance-starved couples, history buffs, and lovers of fine ales and gourmet cuisines. Please give us a call today at 802-649-1143 to learn more about the Long Live the King package and our many on-site luxuries.

 

Vermont Brewery Tours: Explore the Upper Valley

Posted on by Ben Rueter

 

Vermont Brewery Tours: Explore the Upper Valley

Craft beer is a way of life in Vermont’s Upper Valley, where the region’s natural beauty melds flawlessly with the historical significance and artisanal quintessence. And there’s no better example of artistry, history, and beauty than The Norwich Inn, established in 1797. The Norwich Inn is a culinary destination, a historic hotel, and, of course, a 27-year-old microbrewery. So, it should come as no surprise that the inn collaborates with Vermontology Guided Tours to offer a one-of-a-kind beer, spirit, and food experience in the heart of the Upper Valley. New Englanders flock to The Norwich Inn to take full advantage of the two-day Vermont brewery tour package, which includes a seven-hour shuttled adventure, private tastings, two nights in an old-world guest room, and so much more!

The Vermont Brewery Tour: 6 Stops in 7 Hours

Photo from the Vermont Brewery Tour at The Norwich Inn, including Beer, a Growler, and a Pumpkin.

Before diving fully into the seven-hour Vermont brewery tour, it’s important to note that you may or may not stop at these destinations. Because of COVID-19, elements of the tour are fluid due to altered hours and availability. Rest assured, you’ll still enjoy seven full hours of world-class beer, spirits, and artisanal edibles. This all-inclusive Vermont brewery tour includes stops at a local cheese shop, several taprooms, two distilleries, and the world-famous King Arthur Baking Company (formerly known as King Arthur Flour). Buckle up—it’s going to be a flavorful ride!

1. Cabot Creamery Co-operative

Before opening the tasting tour with a bevy of distilled spirits, you’ll make a quick stop at Cabot’s Quechee location. Their homemade cheeses pair beautifully with just about every type of adult beverage.

2. Vermont Spirits

The Vermont brewery tour’s first core stop is the Quechee Gorge Village, home to Vermont Spirits. The earnest tasting room is spacious and quiet, and you’ll likely have the whole distillery to yourselves.

3. Long Trail Brewing Co.

Next, you’ll trek westward en route to Long Trail Brewing for a flight of craft beer and some American grub, such as a burger, kale salad, or turkey Reuben. Long Trail and Jasper Murdock Ales are two of the oldest craft breweries in Vermont. 

Photo of a Beer Flight During a Vermont Brewery Tour.4. Windsor’s Artisans Park

Windsor’s glorious, eight-business Artisans Park is one of the Upper Valley’s finest attractions. And it’s home to Harpoon Brewery, SILO Distillery, and Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company (among others). The experience can vary, depending on what your group hopes to see and taste. The Path of Life Sculpture Garden is a must-see!

5. River Roost Brewery

On the way back to Norwich, you’ll stop in Hartford at River Roost Brewery, a tiny operation that’s perfect for small groups and tours. Despite its modest taproom, River Roost remains one of the top-ranked breweries in the U.S., according to Untappd’s beer society.

6. King Arthur Baking Company

We’re still getting used to saying “Baking Company,” as it’s been “Flour” for 230 years. Despite the new name and logo, King Arthur’s flagship campus remains the same quintessential New England attraction. Watch a live cooking demonstration, shop on a variety of goods, sip on a hot beverage, savor a dessert, and admire the landscape’s natural beauty.

Two Nights at The Norwich Inn

Photo of a Vermont Brewery Tour inside Jasper Murdock—Bombers of Beer, Anyone?The Norwich Inn’s two-night Vermont brewery tour package includes a wide variety of exclusive luxuries, as seen below. Unlike an “average” stay, each package comes with special perks, such as a take-home bomber and an on-site dining credit. Keep reading to learn more about what’s included:

  • Two nights lodging at The Norwich Inn
  • A welcome beer flight (per person) inside Jasper Murdock’s Alehouse
  • Pick up at 10 a.m. via Vermontology Guided Tours
  • Return to the inn at 5 p.m. for one pint of beer (per person)
  • $25 dining credit per room, good for food or beverage at any time during your stay
  • A take-home 22-ounce bomber (per person) of the Jasper Murdock Ale of your choice
  • A block (per room) of our Whistling Pig Ale Cheddar Cheese made in conjunction with Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company

The package costs $339 per person (double occupancy) or $499 per person (single occupancy). Groups of four (or more) receive a $25 discount per person. While most tours are scheduled for Thursdays, weekends may be available. Please call 802-649-1143 to inquire.

Plan a Visit to Vermont in the Fall: Upper Valley Edition

Posted on by Ben Rueter

 

Plan a Visit to Vermont in the Fall: Upper Valley Edition

Photo of a Barn in Southcentral Vermont in the Fall.Leaf peeping in Vermont’s Upper Valley remains a classic New England “rite of passage.” As summer gradually converts to autumn, the Upper Valley’s diverse forestry magnificently transforms from various hues of green into a colorful, eye-popping meld of marigold, amber, crimson, and kelly. Amateur photographers, honeymooners, and nature enthusiasts alike cannot resist Norwich’s allure. Visiting Southcentral Vermont in the fall is just what the doctor ordered, especially if you’ve been feeling cooped up this summer. An idyllic place to start and finish each day of heart-warming New England foliage is The Norwich Inn, a historical landmark, craft brewery, and fine eatery.

15 Ways to Embrace Vermont in the Fall

There are literally hundreds of ways to embrace Southcentral Vermont in the fall, especially if you have a fleet of eager kiddos who can find pleasure in just about anything outdoors-related. However, there’s ample sophistication, solitude, and nostalgia around every corner of this sprawling, rolling landscape. In particular, the Upper Valley is a sublime destination for couples with a penchant for absorbing history, artisanal delights, and bales of natural beauty.

If you plan to visit Vermont in the fall, we highly recommend bookmarking this makeshift “bucket list.” Some things simply cannot be overlooked, especially during the most colorful of seasons.

  1. Aerial View of Southcentral Vermont in the Fall.Snap photos of several covered bridges, all of which are surrounded by lush, vibrant foliage.
  2. Spend an afternoon at Artisans Park, home to the 14-acre Path of Life Sculpture Garden.
  3. Browse through the local farmers market, and return home with some unique goodies.
  4. Hop into the car and just drive.
  5. Embark on a self-guided Upper Valley brewery tour, where Oktoberfest lagers and pumpkin ales are abundant.
  6. Hike to the top of a jaw-dropping overlook, such as Gile Mountain’s fire tower.
  7. Book the “Great Outdoors” package, which includes hiking, biking, a 20 percent off lodging discount, and a $25 gift card to King Arthur Flour.
  8. Go “waterfalling” in search of true tranquility.
  9. Taste-test an assortment of seasonally-inspired, fall-flavored cuisines at Jasper Murdock’s Alehouse (and wash it down with an annual Oktoberfest märzen).
  10. Survive a wacky, themed corn maze.
  11. Fill a 10-pound peck with scrumptious apples at a nearby orchard.
  12. Stroll through a pumpkin patch in search of “the one.”
  13. Enjoy a picnic at King Arthur Flour’s flagship campus, which happens to feature a bevy of towering, colorful trees.
  14. Paddle down the Connecticut River in a canoe or kayak.
  15. From barn to bottle: Spend a few hours at Silo Distillery’s farmstead.

Classic New England Vacations and Vermont Fall Colors

We sincerely hope that this list of classic autumn activities inspires you to visit Southcentral Vermont in the fall. With September rapidly approaching, please don’t miss out on a romantic getaway to The Norwich Inn. As one of the top-rated hotels near Dartmouth College, our 1797 estate grows quite busy during peak seasons (such as fall). When you’re not picking apples, photographing covered bridges, hiking to summits, and shopping artisanal crafts, The Norwich Inn is the perfect place to unwind, relax, and recharge. Please give us a call today at 802-649-1143 (or check availability online) to book a well-deserved escape into Vermont’s vibrant Upper Valey.