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File: Caleb Kenna Downtown Bristol Bristol, a quiet Addison County town surrounded by the Green Mountains, is just a 20-minute drive from Middlebury. Founded in 1762, the town offers a mix of historic charm, lively restaurants and lush scenery. Main Street features a small downtown with boutique shops and a long-established brewery. From there, winding dirt roads lead to some of Vermont’s most untouched natural wonders. Plan a day trip with hiking and dining, or stay overnight at a quaint farmhouse inn built in 1797.
If you want to visit Bristol, Vermont, here is a suggested itinerary.
Note: Check the website for opening hours on the day of your visit.
Mini Factory
The Mini Factory is multiple uses: a café, coffee shop, market and, most famously, a jam factory. Owner V Smiley’s jams aren’t your grandma’s: they’re sweetened with Vermont honey and come in flavours like pear, lemon, sage, white pepper and marmalade. Try one with a grilled buttermilk biscuit, then peruse the jars of jams, spices and vinegars that adorn the pastel pink and yellow walls for a unique taste of Bristol.
16 Main Street, Bristol
Bristol Ledge
Look carefully for Bristol Ledge or you’ll miss it. There is no parking at the trailhead for this challenging trek, so park in town and walk east on Main Street, turn left onto Mountain Street and take the first right onto Mountain Terrace. At the end of the road is a gate marking the start of this short and easy 2-mile excursion, which offers spectacular views of the Green Mountains. Dogs are welcome.
Mountain Terrace, Bristol
Bristol Falls
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Ian Dartley Bristol Falls
Follow the locals. Beautiful Bristol Falls (also known as Bartlett Falls) is known to attract hundreds of Vermonters on a single summer day. Limited parking is available along Lincoln Road, two miles east of the town center, and a well-trodden cobblestone path leads to the falls. The falls are filled with smooth rocks perfect for picnics, as well as pools for swimming and splashing. New England Waterfalls describes this sparkling waterhole as “stunning,” making it a great place for a refreshing swim on a hot day.
Lincoln Street, Bristol
Shop at small stores
For souvenirs from your stay in Bristol, stroll downtown and stop by local boutiques: find handmade beeswax candles in shapes ranging from asparagus to pinecones at Vermont Honeylight (22 Main St.), Vermont-made cushions, plates and mugs at Art on Main (25 Main St.), vintage housewares at Your Home (9 Main St.), and quintessential Green Mountain State gifts like maple syrup and Bristol-branded apparel at Vermont Marketplace (19 Main St.).
Bobcat Cafe & Brewery
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Ian Dartley Bobcat Cafe & Brewery
Located in the heart of downtown Bristol, this long-time brewpub is renowned for its snarling cat emblem, which gives it its name. Still going strong since opening in 2002, Bobcat serves up comfort food like chicken wings and Korean barbecue ribs, paired with refreshing cocktails and handcrafted beers. It’s a popular spot with a local crowd and classic old-fashioned tavern décor.
5 Main St., Bristol
Tillerman
This inn and restaurant has a unique vibe: “Old New England meets Northern California, flower markets, farmers markets and a warm, vibrant community.” Savor wood-fired pizzas made with Vermont ingredients and relax in one of the farmhouse’s thoughtfully appointed rooms, built in 1797. Free community events range from live music in the courtyard to outdoor ice skating in the winter.
1868 N. 116 Rd., Bristol
