Things to do & places to visit in Waitsfield, Vermont, United States

Sitting at the center of the Mad River Valley along scenic Route 100, Waitsfield provides visitors with a romantic vision of small town America set against the backdrop of snowy mountain peaks. The Mad River Glen Ski Area has been providing powdery downhill adventures for over sixty years, and the area is equally popular with hikers in warmer months. The town of Waitsfield also hosts several theater companies and arts facilities, organizing everything from opera festivals to photo exhibits.

Waitsfield city in Vermont, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Thursday, May 02, 2024, 17:26.

Top things to do (30)

Top places to visit (27 attractions)

5.0 Mad River Distillers at Mad River Taste Place (23 reviews)
- Rum knocks bourbon from its throne
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Distilleries

Mad River Distillers ferments, distills and bottles whiskey, brandy and rum on our farm in Warren, Vermont. We use regionally sourced non-GMO grains, local fruit and fair trade certified sugar. Our tasting room is in Waitsfield at the Mad River Taste Place, where you can enjoy our local spirits, as well as Vermont cheese, beer, cider and specialty foods. See more..
5.0 The Kitchen at The Store (22 reviews)
- Take the cooking classes they're well done.
Lessons & Workshops

Fair warning, I have worked in commercial kitchens and cook very well and have taught cooking classes. Having cleared the air, I heartily suggest taking advantage of one of The Store cooking classes. Chef Ariana leads well and encourages beginners and skilled participants to try all different cooking skills. She invites questions and answers them well and thoughtfully. Be sure to come hungry for you will be eating your efforts. Big thanks to Chef Ariana 's assistant who kept the kitchen clean, assisted chef as needed and helped everyone if you asked. Today's class was Mexican Flare and in two hours we made: Homemade Pico de Gallo, Guacamole, Baked Chips, Colorado Pork, Butternut Squash Empanadas, Mexican Rice with Corn and Black Beans, and Mexican Cinnamon Flan. See more..
5.0 The Skinner Barn (20 reviews)
- Simplicity and Elegance
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Skinner Barn is a beautifully restored historic dairy barn built in 1891 by the Daniel Skinner family. Of classic post and beam construction, it offers a special environment for educational classes, cultural events, parties, and receptions. Flanked by the majestic Northfield Ridge to its east and the mountains that host the Sugarbush and Mad River Glen ski areas to its west, The Skinner Barn offers a quintessential Vermont setting.The upper floor of The Skinner Barn has been restored with loving attention keeping the historical character of the structure intact. This open space, originally designed for hay storage, is now used as an assembly space for a wide range of functions from weddings & rehearsal dinners to theater camps, theater productions, dances and cabaret performances. See more..
5.0 Hartshorn Organic Farm (15 reviews)
- Amazing farm tour and lunch
Temporarily closed - Closed until Jun 1, 2023 Spent 2-3 hours Farms

Spend some time on an authentic working certified organic fruit and vegetable farm in the beautiful Mad River Valley of Vermont. We offer a wide array of veggies & fruits, Hartshorn's maple syrup, and other goodies. Participate in a fun, experiential food and farm tour. Learn about organic agriculture, pick some veggies and fruit. Check out the half acre, year round, hydroponic greenhouse and savor the sweet tender flavor of the greens. See what Amy's organic medicinal herb, veggie, fruit and flower gardens look like (homeowner scale.) Top if off with a homemade farm to table lunch. We have pick your own strawberries and blueberries. Take a ride around the farm on our cow train (only available at certain times). Shop our farm stand. Check out Dave's fall corn stalk display creation, get your pumpkins, mums, apples, and gourds for your Fall decorating. See more..
5.0 Mad River Taste (14 reviews)
- Unexpected but wonderful!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

The Mad River Taste Place is a learning center, tasting gallery, retail store and gathering place focused on local, artisan food and drink. Over 50 makers are represented with a wide selection of products that range from cultured butter, naturally leavened bread, handmade chocolates, an extensive and changing selection of Vermont cheeses, old-world style charcuterie, craft beer, hard cider, wine and distilled spirits. Many of these products are made within just a few miles of the Taste Place. Our cheesemonger and cicerone are on-hand to offer guided tastings of cheeses, beer, hard cider and distilled spirits. Learn about the producers and what makes their products superior. The difference will be obvious as soon as you taste it. After a hike or morning ski, stop in for a classic European ploughman’s lunch of cheese, charcuterie and bread. Keep the meal local with a pint of Tin Hat hard cider, Lawson’s Sip of Sunshine or a French Press pot of locally roasted Awake Coffee. See more..
5.0 Bundy Modern (4 reviews)
- Such a relaxing, interesting experience
Theaters

Bundy Modern Beautiful building and grounds. Our group of 8 spent about 45 minutes taking in this very special space. The owner, Wendell, was charming and extremely interesting as he kindly shared the history of the building and the sources of the art on display. This was a highlight of our weekend in Warren, VT. Highly recommended. See more..
5.0 Complexions Professional Skinicare (3 reviews)
- Tiny Oasis of Pampering
Spas
If you are looking for an individually focused, professional, friendly and high quality experience, you will not be disappointed. Joanie is wonderful! See more..
5.0 Country Mile Vermont (3 reviews)
- Winter in the Vermont Backcountry !
Multi-day Tours • Ski & Snow Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Walking Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

Wow! My wife, dog, and I just returned from a 5-day inn-to-inn cross country skiing trip, and we’re still buzzing about it… Peter skillfully taught us the back country skills we needed during our first day, then supported us throughout with an exceptional experience. No detail of this comprehensive tour was missed. Highly recommended! See more..
5.0 Alpino Vino (1 review)
- Great experience
Wine Bars
We booked Alpino Vino for a private event during our wedding weekend. The evening was one of the most memorable parts of the weekend. Josh, the owner, worked with us to create a wine list that fit our preferences and budget. Josh’s thoughtful selections were crowd pleasers, and we got several compliments on the event from our guests. Josh has done a great job remodeling the inside. We highly recommend Alpino Vino for a drink in the MRV or for hosting your private event. See more..
5.0 Clearwater Sports (1 review)
- Excellent Service and wonderful adventure!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Gear Rentals • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing

I brought a group of ladies to Clearwater for a kayaking adventure. We had an incredibly fun time and the staff at Clearwater Sports is wonderful and extremely accommodating. We cannot thank them enough for the great time we had! We will be back!! See more..
5.0 Cider Mountain Massage (1 review)
- Great massage in the Valley!!
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Spas

This was my first visit to Cider Mountain Massage and I will definitely be back! My therapist, Anastasia, really took the time to work out all my knots (and there were many)! My massage was extremely relaxing even with deep tissue work, which is unusual in my experience.... could be the aroma therapy and hot towels... I left feeling rejuvenated. Professional, excellent pressure, clean comfortable rooms, and convenient location! See more..
5.0 Lawson's Finest Liquids (1 review)
- WOW!
Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Experience the family friendly, stunning timber frame taproom while sipping on world class IPA’s, unique maple brews and other widely appreciated styles of beer, wine, cider and non alcoholic drinks. Enjoy the brewery, four-season beer garden, and local light fare in the picturesque Mad River Valley. Packaged beer and retail merchandise to take home. See more..
5.0 Pine Brook Covered Bridge (1 review)
- Awesome little covered bridge!
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
The little bridge is worth a visit for covered bridge enthusiasts. I love walking across it and listening to the stream below it. See more..
5.0 Walker Contemporary (1 review)
- Hidden Gem
Thursday: Art Galleries • Art Museums • Children's Museums

Est. 2007 Born and raised in Vermont, Stephanie Walker, owner, Walker Contemporary, has 18 years of experience as a contemporary art dealer. Walker began her career at a gallery specializing in 19th & 20th century American impressionist work and then became the Director of a contemporary art gallery on Newbury Street in Boston, where she remained for almost ten years. Before opening her own gallery in Boston in 2008, Walker spent a year living in Los Angeles; traveling all over the country, especially up and down the West coast to fairs, galleries and artists’ studios. It was a pivotal opportunity that solidified and deepened her passion for working with contemporary art and artists. After three years in Boston, Walker moved operations to her home state of Vermont and opened Walker Contemporary in Waitsfield. Walker is deeply committed to the advancement of outstanding contemporary art through the promotion of dedicated, innovative and passionate, emerging and mid-career artists who push the limits of both material and process in order to challenge and inspire the way we see. The gallery is located in historic Waitsfield Village in the beautiful green mountains of Vermont. See more..
4.5 The Big Picture Theater & Cafe (106 reviews)
- Waits field is so pretty- and we discover a fantastic restaurant!
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Theaters

So our family was driving around the pretty roads of Waitsfield Vermont to look at the Fall Colors and happened to find the Big Picture Theater and Cafe. So we walked into the charming restaurant filled with happy people and travelers and had a truly memorable meal. Was it the remarkable chief? Was it the wonderful visual elements of the dining area? Was it the atmosphere of happy people chatting? We think so! We look forward to stop in again. See more..
4.5 Mad River Glen (86 reviews)
- Fall fun at peak leaf color!
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Ski & Snowboard Areas • Valleys

Popular Vermont ski area and New England's best ski buy. See more..
4.5 Mad River (34 reviews)
- So pretty. Such a treat to just look at- or walk, or stand it, or swim.
Bodies of Water

Over the years our times spent walking and wading and swimming in the Mad River are so memorable. It's a gem. See more..
4.5 Artisans' Gallery (31 reviews)
- very wide variety of arts and crafts represented
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Art Galleries

We stopped in on our way to dinner, and stayed longer than we expected. From folk art to fine art, carving, knitting, stained glass, etc. Very impressive. See more..
4.5 The Round Barn Farm (27 reviews)
- Charming inn in a gorgeous pastoral setting nea a charming town in a beautiful green valley
Historic Sites

The Joslyn Round Barn was Built by Clem Joslyn in 1910. Clem eventually sold the farm to his cousin Ralph, who spelled his last name with an “i” (go figure!). It was used as a dairy barn from 1910 until 1969, when Marge Joslin said to Ralph, "either the cows go or I go." Marge (and Ralph) stayed until 1986 when Jack and Doreen Simko bought The Round Barn Farm in March of that year. They spent eighteen months restoring the farmhouse into a seven guestroom Vermont inn, then turned their attention to the Round Barn. See more..
4.5 Waitsfield Farmers Market (25 reviews)
- Great Meeting Place
Speciality & Gift Shops

Great place to go to meet old friends and buy the best produce around. Also great eats while roaming the booths! See more..
4.5 Mad River Glass Gallery (25 reviews)
- Amazing Glassworks
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Galleries

The Mad River Glass Gallery is located in the heart of the Green Mountains of northern Vermont and features the gallery and working studio of David and Melanie Leppla. On Main Street in historic Waitsfield Village is where David and Melanie produce their world reknowned sculptural and functional glass. Visitors can view the artists working from the gallery observation window overlooking the hot glass facility. Their works have been collected by individuals and institutions world wide, including the Museum of American Craft, National Museum of Art (Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian Institute), New Orleans Museum of Art, and the Musee des Artes Decoratifs (Lausanne, Switzerland) among others. See more..
4.5 Madsonian Museum of Industrial Design (10 reviews)
- Worth visiting every few months
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Every time I visit the museum they have a new theme and new Industrial Design products to enjoy interacting with or just viewing. I've brought multiple people with me and we've all had a good experience. Good for kids as well as adults. See more..
4.5 Historic Waitsfield Village (5 reviews)
- All things bright and beautiful
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

If you travel and find yourself in Waitsfield Village, you must stop at a store called "All things bright and beautiful". It has been in existence for at least 30 years (it did move location across the street from its original location). The store is a cross between a Christmas decoration store, stuffed animals and all types of odds and ends that are fascinating. It is run by two sisters, the McTiggles ( I believe is their names) who know more about Waitsfield history than most. One sister creates and makes decoration from wood and handpaints them. She can make a Christmas decoration of your dog if you provide her with a picture. They are delightful and welcoming!! See more..
4.5 Mad River Path (3 reviews)
- Walks Surrounded by Quintessential Vermont Countryside
Scenic Walking Areas
6 or 7 different walking/hiking paths comprise the Mad River Path. The level of difficult and the length of the paths differ greatly. There is a lot of variety from walking along the Mad River to hiking in the forests to walking through meadows. I would suggest that before embarking on any of the sections that it would be a good idea to download the maps from the Mad Path River web site. I was not able to obtain any maps from either the visitor center on Rte. 100 or the Warren General Store. See more..
4.0 Waitsfield Covered Bridge (6 reviews)
- One of the Oldest Covered Bridges in VT
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges

One of the oldest covered bridges in Vermont, it is a historical landmark. We stayed near the bridge at the peak of fall and the colors in the surrounding areas were beautiful. Wonderful to see and get pictures by. See more..
4.0 Infinite Sports Rentals (5 reviews)
- perfact day
Gear Rentals
my wife and I love to ride bikes. so we asked who rents them and were led to infinite sports. we came on a Friday and reserved them for Saturday. the man helping us was very friendly and informative. he gave us a couple of routes to ride and we drove in the car to pick the best one. the next day we came in, the man adjusted the bikes, then we did some paper work and were on our way. this was a highlight of our trip. we rode past a few farms and some beautiful houses and had some kodak moments The bikes were well maintained and shifted well. we were out there for almost 3 hours and burned 800 calories. it was also easy to give the bikes back. a great day. See more..
Green Mountain Cultural Center (0 review)
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Theaters
See more..