Spend a Day at Artisans Park in Windsor, VT
As summer subtly transforms into autumn here in historic Norwich, VT, we welcome thousands of “leaf peepers” to our beautiful slice of New England. While most couples and families will spend their afternoons searching for the region’s most vibrant colors, we typically recommend visiting the nearby Artisans Park in Windsor, VT. Artisans Park is just a swift, 16-mile drive from The Norwich Inn, one of the only historic hotels near Dartmouth College. This multi-purpose park is home to eight unique, thriving businesses, including a distillery, cheese market, and adventure outfitter. When you’re not sipping on a Jasper Murdock Ale, dining on gourmet cuisine, and lounging in a historic suite, make sure to visit Artisans Park for a distinctive “taste” of Vermont.
Path of Life Sculpture Garden
Before or after a brief shopping spree, stroll along the Path of Life Sculpture Garden to soak up some of the largest pieces of art in Vermont. As with any art collective, the Path of Life is still expanding. Yes, the art is quite beautiful and thought-provoking, but the sheer beauty of the landscape is the main attraction for many—and don’t forget to snap photos of the vibrant fall colors. The hemlock maze, much like the one seen in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, is an absolute marvel. If you’re hoping to savor lunch in the park, remember to pack a picnic and enjoy it near the maze or by the lake; otherwise, Artisans Park has two on-site dining options.
Glass Art and Tasty Treats
The Upper Valley continues to witness an uptick in Vermont tourism thanks to our growing artisanal shops, including Simon Pearce, Blake Hill Preserves, and the Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company. Purchase a dazzling piece of glass art, a couple jars of infused jams, and a block of small-batch cheese before returning to The Norwich Inn. While not a “shop,” Great River Outfitters also operates inside Artisans Park. This wildly-popular, adventure-based outfitter provides travelers with inexpensive yet impressive guided trips during all four seasons.
Food and Drinks at Artisans Park
Perhaps our favorite aspect of Artisans Park is its dual-headed adult-beverage staples: Harpoon Brewery and SILO Distillery. Harpoon has, of course, become a leader in the New England beer scene, but don’t forget about SILO’s balanced, palatable spirits—we’re partial to their barrel-aged gin and spiced whiskey. If you’re feeling hungry, both Harpoon and Artisan Eats have classic American fare, such as burgers, brats, grilled cheese, and much more!
Best Places to Visit in Vermont: The Norwich Inn
The historic Norwich Inn is the perfect escape for your next Vermont vacation as we not only have an on-site brewery, fine dining, and lavish suites, but we’re minutes away from Artisans Park, Dartmouth College, and Whaleback Mountain. Don’t forget to browse through our upcoming specials to enhance your visit—we’re on the heels of NanoFest, King Arthur Flour’s Harvest Conference, and the “Run the Witch” 50K. So, give us a call today at 802-649-1143, or visit us online to book a quintessential New England getaway.
