Things to Do for the Non-Skier
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
- Big Picture Theater (5 minute drive) 2 screens
- Capitol Showplace, Montpelier (35 minutes) 6 screens
- Majestic 10 Cinemas, Williston (45 minutes) 10 screens
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