Norwich, Vermont, is a charming town in the Upper Valley region of the state known for its strong community spirit. It is home to artists, writers, and musicians and has a vibrant downtown with a variety of shops and restaurants. Norwich is surrounded by beautiful scenery and has easy access to outdoor recreation.
For those that prefer a small-town feel with all the amenities of a larger city, Norwich is the perfect place to call home. If your looking for homes for sale in Norwich, VT and wondering what to do there, the following are ten of the best things to do in Norwich, VT.
Gile Mountain
One of the best recreational activities for Norwich residents is climbing beautiful Gile Mountain. The mountain offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, and it is a great place to get some exercise. The mountain is home to well-known hiking trails, and
the 1.4-mile out-and-back trail is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. On top of Gile Mountain is a 67-foot tower that offers an excellent view of the surrounding area.
Montshire Museum of Science
The
Montshire Museum of Science is located in Norwich and is an excellent place for a family day trip. The Museum has over one hundred exhibits on a wide variety of topics related to science and technology. There are also several interactive exhibits created to engage and educate visitors of all ages. Indoor exhibits include Rigamajig, Science Discovery Lab, Making Music, Give it a Whirl, and Bubbles. The museum's outdoor exhibits are nestled in 100 acres of natural beauty. There's a variety of outdoor experiences for all ages to enjoy. Visitors can take a stroll down one of the many nature trails and take in the expansive views of the Connecticut River. The forest-inspired play area is perfect for little ones who want to explore and discover, and the outdoor exhibits offer a more educational look at the ecology of the Upper Connecticut River Valley. In addition to exhibits, the Museum also provides various programs and events throughout the year.
Norwich Historical Society
Founded in 1761, Norwich is a charming New England town with a rich history.
The Norwich Historical Society museum is perfect for learning about the town's fascinating past. From its founding to its role in the Revolutionary War and Beyond, the museum offers a wealth of information about the town’s history. The museum is also home to a variety of artifacts, including furniture, clothing, and documents from the early days.
Norwich Book Store
In an era of Kindle and Audible, it’s refreshing to know that people still value the experience of holding and reading books.The
Norwich Book Store has been in operation since 1994 and is located just five minutes from Dartmouth College. The store is a well respected shop, which offers a wide selection from all the general categories. Norwich Book Store also offers community programming and author events. Give them a visit, you won’t be disappointed!
King Arthur Baking Company
Norwich is known for being the home of the King Arthur Baking Company, which was founded in 1790. The company is responsible for some of America's favorite baking products, including its famous all-purpose flour. Stop in, enjoy a mouthwatering chocolate croissant, or take a class at their state-of-the-art baking school. Learn the craft of making perfect homemade bread, tarts, scones, pastries, and pies! They have classes for all levels of culinary expertise - Kid's classes, home baker classes, and classes for professionals. While you're there, stop by the cafe for a quick bite. The cafe uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients to prepare delicious soups, salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. And a visit to a bread company wouldn't be complete without taking home some fresh baked goods. Grab a loaf of artisan bread, a pie, a cake, or cookies. The onsite store has a wide variety of cooking tools and ingredients that will delight your inner chef.
The Norwich Inn
Photo courtesy of The Norwich Inn
The Norwich Inn is a historic, full-service Vermont country inn located near Dartmouth College. The Inn features 38 guest rooms, the Jasper Murdock’s Alehouse Pub & Dining Room, and a microbrewery featuring hand-crafted English Ales. The Inn also has one of the largest wine selections in Vermont. The Norwich Inn is a beautiful property that is perfect for anyone looking for a luxurious getaway or a casual evening sharing drinks with friends.
Dan and Whit's General Store
Dan and Whit's General Store is a family-owned business that has been in operation since 1891. The store is one of the most famous and iconic general stores in Vermont. The store's motto is "If we don't have it, you don't need it." Dan and Whit's stocks a wide variety of items, from groceries to clothing to hardware. The store is well-known for its friendly and helpful staff. In recent years, Dan and Whit's has expanded its online presence and now offers an extensive website so customers can purchase items from the comfort of their own homes. Dan and Whit's continues to be a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
A Classic Vermont Store!
Other Activities Close By…
Dartmouth Skiway
Dartmouth Skiway is the perfect place to enjoy a day of skiing, snowboarding, or tubing. With a fun and laid-back atmosphere, it is easy to have a great time on the slopes. The Skiway’s owners pride themselves on running a welcoming, family-oriented slope that contrasts typical stodgy ski venues. And when you're ready for a break, the McLane Family Lodge is the perfect spot to warm up with a delicious mug of coffee or hot chocolate. The Skiway is cashless, so be sure to bring a credit or debit card or checks for making purchases.
The Vermont Toy Museum
The Vermont Toy Museum is a one-of-a-kind destination for toy lovers of all ages. Located near the Quechee Gorge, the museum houses an impressive collection of dolls, yo-yos, action figures, and antique toys. The lunchbox exhibit is a particular highlight, showcasing iconic examples from the 1950s and 1960s. The Star Wars toys are also not to be missed. In addition to the toys on display, the museum also houses an intricate model train exhibit and gift shop. The perfect place for a fun day trip, the Vermont Toy Museum is a must-visit for anyone who loves toys.
Norwich, Vermont, may be small, but it certainly offers a classic Vermont lifestyle for those who value the unique. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, excellent food and drink options, history and museums, you’ll find everything you crave in this quaint New England town. If you are interested in purchasing
Norwich, VT real estate, contact
Alan DiStasio to learn more.