Things to Do for the Non-Skier

By Susan Buchanan | February 13, 2015

Suggestions for the Non-Skier: from the Tucker Hill Inn

Sledding

Of all the things to do for the non-skier, this is definitely high on the list.  Rent Mad River Rockets (local sled) from Clearwater Sports,  $15 fee, and hike up or snowshoe up the Lincoln Gap Road (closed to traffic in winter).  Your reward: the best sled run in the area.  This is also available as a guided tour with advance reservations at $55 per person including sled and snowshoes 11 am to 2 pm daily.  Clearwater Sports Tel. 802 496 2708

Covered Bridges

Nearby: Pine Brook & Great Eddy in Waitsfield, Lincoln Gap Bridge in Warren, 4 bridges in close proximity in Northfield Falls. Ask the Innkeepers for maps.

Snowshoeing

If you’ve never been snowshoeing it’s easier than riding a bike, great exercise and a great alternative to skiing on a really cold day. You’ll wonder why you have so many layers on!  Rentals available from Clearwater Sports, Mad River Glen, Ole’s and Blueberry Lake Cross Country and Snowshoe Centers (approx. $20 for day, $12 half a day)

  • Mad River Glen: great trails, maps provided, small usage fee. General Stark’s Pub for après options!
  • Mad River Glen: 10.30 am daily, their award winning Naturalist program will take you into the backwoods and highlight animals and plants in the area.
  • Phen Basin: There’s a great trail starting at the  Battleground condos on Route 17  – Snowshoe past the Battleground tennis courts and then follow the trail. Uphill climb.  Very scenic
  • Millbrook Trail: at the entrance of our car park.  About 1.5 hours of snowshoeing in the woods.
  • Guided backcountry snowshoe tours: 11 am to 2 pm daily, $55 per person,  advanced reservations required.  Clearwater Sports Tel. 802 496 2708

Ice Skating

Local outdoor rink in center of Waitsfield (behind TD Bank and Shaws) – the “Skatium”.  Indoor rinks at Waterbury and Montpelier too.  Call for hours (Skatium: 802 496 8845 Waterbury: 802 244 4040, Montpelier 802 229 5900

Craft Beers, Wines and Spirts

See Middlebury Tasting Trail Info in Guest Lounge Tourist Rack too

  • Waitsfield: Mad River Distillery at corner of 17/100 offers tastings Wed to Sunday
  • Montpelier/Northfield Route 12: Fresh Tracks Winery & Tasting Room
  • Burlington: Switchback Brewery & Tours, Magic Hat Brewing Company, Zero Gravity
  • Middlebury: Drop In Brewery, Otter Creek, Lincoln Peak Winery
  • Greensboro: Hill Farmstead

Movies

Cookery Classes

 StoThere on Route 100 (5 minutes from the Inn)  offering classes usually around mid-day $60 per person  Full Schedule: kitchenatthestore.com

Learn to Knit

Shades of Winter Yarn Shop offers lessons on request.  Cozy store in the center of Waitsfield   Tel. 802 496 9040

Tennis, Swimming, Work Out, Rock Climbing …

Tennis/Swimming/Work Out Facilities/Rock Climbing Wall/Yoga/Pilates:

  • The Bridges, Sugarbush Access Road: Guest fee $16  www.bridgesresort.com
  • Sugarbush Health and Racquet Club (SHaRC): Guest fee $17  www.sugarbush.com

LUNCH OPTIONS (A few of our favorites)

Waitsfield/Warren: The Warren Store (deli/sandwiches), Elusive Moose, Big Picture Theater, The Den, Sweet Spot  (coffee, pastries & homemade ice cream)

Montpelier: La Brioche & Main Street Bar & Grill (New England Culinary Institute), Three Penny Tap Room (craft beers and craft food), Skinny Pancake (crepes)

Rochester: Rochester Country Store & Cafe

LOCAL SHOPS AND EXHIBITS  (our favorites)

  • The Store (Route 100N)
  • The Collection (Mad River Shopping Center, Route 100N)
  • Artisan Gallery & Not Just Blackboards (Bridge Street)
  • 40 Bridge Street Designer Fashions (Bridge Street)
  • Mad River Glass (Route 100N)
  • Bowl Mill & Michael Egan Glass Blowing (Route 100S in Granville)
  • Robert Compton Pottery (Rt 116 in Bristol – discount to guests of Tucker Hill)

TOURIST SPOTS

  • The State House at Montpelier
  • Shelburne Museum and Shelburne Farms, Shelburne
  • Ben & Jerry’s, Route 100N Waterbury (nearby is the Cider Mill, Cabot Cheese Outlet and Lake Champlain Chocolates Outlet Store)
  • Lake Champlain Chocolate Factory, Burlington
  • Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, Shelburne
  • Cabot Creamery, Cabot
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