Stop At These Roadside Attractions In New England

Posted on June 6, 2026July 6, 2026 by Ben Rueter

Sometimes the best part of a vacation is the journey. That’s especially true when it comes to visiting New England. Incredible views, an amazing display of colors, and some truly fun, odd, and weird roadside attractions that beg you to pull over and look at.

Take a break and stretch your legs at some of the many odd, weird, and interesting roadside attractions on your way to The Norwich Inn. A classic road trip is the best way to experience New England, and staying a day or two in Norwich, Vermont, is one more way to soak up more of this region’s wonderful vibes.

9 Roadside Attractions Near Norwich, Vermont

Find the time to snap a photo or learn a thing or two when you stop at these roadside attractions on your way to our Inn.

Main Street Museum Cabinet of Curiosities: This museum offers a small collection of odd and interesting artifacts, all tied to the complex and the area. It also claims to have Elvis Presley’s gallstones.
Sugarbush Farm’s Tiny Church: Sugarbush Farm is a fantastic attraction, and one of its more distinctive features is the tiny church. Previous owners of a maple sugar farm built the church.
Path of Life Garden: A small artisan park that takes you to the path for Sorrow, Contemplation, the Tree of Wisdom, and a Buddha.
America’s Longest Covered Bridge: New England is known for its covered bridges, and there is no better place to see why than at America’s longest covered bridge. It was built in 1866 and stretches 449 feet long.
Birthplace of the Prophet Joseph Smith: The founder of Mormonism, Joseph Smith, is honored with a monument. The monument is atop a hill and surrounded by 350 acres of landscaped grounds owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Experimental Balloon and Airship Museum: Visit this museum to see the largest collection of experimental airships in the world. The museum is also known as Brian’s Museum of Rusty Dusty Stuff and The Scrap Palace, too. It contains 150 experimental airships, and many other oddities such as a SPAM collection, a sculpture made of hundreds of crutches, and a life preserver labelled “USS Titanic.”
Vermontasaurus: Perhaps the most popular attraction at the Experimental Balloon and Airship Museum is the Vermontasaurus. This is a 25-foot-high and 122-foot-long structure built from scraps of wood, metal, and other materials. It’s truly a unique and confusing structure to admire.
Birthplace of BASIC: Across the river, you can come across a historical marker that commemorates Dartmouth College professor John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz, who created the computer programming language BASIC.
Ruggles Mine: Located in Isinglass Mountain near the town of Grafton, the Ruggles Mine is an otherworldly attraction featuring massive rock columns and pitch-black tunnels.

Enjoy The Weirder Side of New England

We think you’ll find many of these weird and odd roadside attractions on your way to Norwich, Vermont. Talk more about your adventure after you check into The Norwich Inn.

The Norwich Inn’s history dates back to 1797, so your well-deserved Upper Valley getaway certainly won’t be short on historical significance. Call us today at 802-649-1143 to learn more about our lovely Inn (or check availability online).

Best Things To Do For Half and A Full Day In and Around Norwich

Posted on May 1, 2026June 1, 2026 by Ben Rueter

Thinking about making plans to visit New England soon? Then it’s time to start creating your itinerary. You’ve selected a wonderful place to visit, whether you’re here for a quick half-day trip or an extensive full-day exploration of the region. The area has quaint shops, charming towns, and extraordinary hiking trails. Whether you experience some or all of it, you are bound to leave with some cherished memories.

To make the most of your time and enjoyment in New England, book your stay directly with the ever-charming Norwich Inn. We are ideally situated near popular things to do in Norwich, Vermont, Hanover, New Hampshire, and more of New England. Norwich is great for those with limited time who want to maximize it, and perfect for those who wish to get lost and explore the New England countryside with all of the many things to do.

Half Day vs. Full Day In New England

It all depends on how much time you have. New England is a welcoming area in the United States. It has something special, no matter your time constraints. Here is a rundown of some of the best things to do for a half day or a full day around Norwich, Vermont, and Hanover, New Hampshire.

A Half Day In New England

If you are passing through or have other plans in mind but also want to taste a little bit of what makes New England shine, there’s something here for you. These are some of the most popular “light” activities in the region.

Jasper Murdock’s Alehouse: This is the brewery at The Norwich Inn. You can try some authentic New England beers from brewers right here, as well as a selection of regional favorites, too.
Sugarbush Farm: You shouldn’t leave New England without sampling some of its maple syrup, and Sugarbush Farm has some excellent treats available. They offer cheeses, maple syrup, and smoked meats. Buy some for yourself or give them as a gift from your travels.
Billings Farm & Museum: This is a standout attraction, whether you have little or lots of time in Woodstock, Vermont. This is a working farm and museum. You can get up close with some of the farm animals and learn about the inner workings of a farm. You can also pop into the gift store for delightful gifts and sweets, and marvel at the beautiful landscape around the farm.
Norwich Farmers Market: It’s one of the best farmers’ markets in the area. You can sample some of the vendors’ foods and treats. You can also enjoy some of the town’s live music and arts and crafts.

A Full Day In New England

If time is a little tight for you, feel free to take your time, stretch your legs, and absorb some of the best sights and sounds from around Norwich, Vermont.

King Arthur Bakery: It’s a major draw to the area. King Arthur Bakery has a great gift shop, but one of the most unique things to do here is to take one of the many cooking classes they offer. It’s a great way to fill your afternoon with something fun and delicious.
Gile Mountain: For those who love the outdoors, one of the best hiking destinations is trekking up Gile Mountain. The hike up the mountain isn’t very long (less than an hour), and at the end, there is a fire watch tower. If you are here in the fall, get up into the tower to see one of the best views in New England.
Montshire Museum of Science: If you are spending a full day in the Norwich area with children, then take them to the Montshire Museum of Science. There are always new and interesting exhibits. In addition, there are many interactive elements that are fun for children and teens.
Dartmouth College: Tour one of the most historic colleges in New England. It’s just across the Connecticut River in Hanover. Dartmouth is one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution, so there is a wealth of history to discover.

Spend Some Time In New England

You are going to have a great time here, whether it’s an hour, two hours, half a day, or a full day. There are more than enough things to do in Norwich, Hanover, Woodstock, and more of New England. The Norwich Inn is right at the center of some of the best attractions listed above.

How To Experience New England After Dark

Posted on April 7, 2026May 7, 2026 by Ben Rueter

Don’t let the sunset mark the end of your vacation day. The best vacation spots offer entertaining nighttime activities, and New England is no exception. You’ll find plenty of after-dark attractions in Vermont and New Hampshire that might even outshine the daytime fun.

Make exploring New England’s nightlife easy by booking your stay directly with The Norwich Inn. Whether you want to enjoy a cold beer at our on-site brewery or venture out to experience New England’s nature after dark, your late-night adventure starts here.

3 Things To Do After Dark In New England

Plan on staying up late when you visit Norwith, Vermont, on your next vacation. Here are some nearby attractions best experienced in the evenings or at night.

Jasper Murdock’s Alehouse: This is the in-house brewery at The Norwich Inn. The menu focuses on your pub favorites, casual fare, and a few select seasonal entrees. If you are looking for only a drink, you can order cocktails, craft beer, and wine.
Montshire After Dark: Join other adults for drinks and good conversations at the Montshire Museum of Science. It’s an interactive chemistry-themed “Mixer” that incorporates hands-on science and engineering activities.
The Norwich Bookstore: For avid readers, The Norwich Bookstore is a must-visit, whether it is day or night. The bookstore frequently hosts evening book readings, signings, and meet-and-greets.

Don’t Go To Sleep Just Yet

New England is still well worth enjoying after dark, and if you want, you won’t even have to leave The Norwich Inn. Enjoy some of the best craft beers at Jasper Murdock’s Alehouse throughout the night or when you return from whatever evening adventures you complete.

Where To Find The Best Cheese In Vermont

Posted on March 1, 2026April 1, 2026 by Ben Rueter

Cheese is a big deal in Vermont. You’ll find a wide variety of flavors of cheese, some that you might not even know existed. People travel from all over New England, specifically to sample some of Vermont’s best cheeses. You can do so by making it part of your culinary journey through New England while in Vermont.

On your quest through the state, consider making the Norwich Inn your home base for the weekend. Norwich is across the Connecticut River from Hanover, so that you can experience the best cheese on the West side of Vermont.

Where Are The Best Cheeses In Vermont?

There are more than a few ways to enjoy Vermont’s best cheese. You pair it with an award-winning wine or use it to make a cheeseburger. Here are some of the best places near the Inn to consider eating when you visit Vermont.

Norwich Farm Creamery: Start local with one of the closest creameries to the Inn, which is Norwich Farm Creamery. It’s a “ small-scale Grade A creamery producing Bottled Milk, Chocolate Milk, Ricotta Cheese, Yogurt, Ice Cream, and Rice Pudding.” You may also see their products in shops throughout Norwich and other towns.
Sugarbush Farm: This is great for its cheese, but also for its maple syrup and smoked meats. There is also a rich history associated with the farm, such as it being the “first in Vermont to start packaging cheese in waxed bars so they would travel well without refrigeration.”
Cobb Hill Cheese: If you travel south along the Connecticut River, you will arrive at Cobb Hill Cheese. This creamery offers cheese tastings, farm tours, and you can pay to shadow a Cheesemaker for a day and ask any questions you may have about the process.
Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company: If you are a fan of craft beer, then this is an excellent place to visit. Here you will find unique cheeses such as Cheddy Topper, Fat Tire Alehouse Cheddar, and Voodoo Ranger Alehouse Cheddar. Grab all of their beer cheese and buy their Beer Lover’s “Six-Pack.”

Find The Best Vermont Cheese With Ease

You’ll be in cheese heaven when you visit Vermont. Even the grocery stores in Norwich and the surrounding communities are a treat to browse the local cheese selection. Bring some cheese back to share and have a drink when you stay at the Norwich Inn.

Stay Warm With These Things To Do In Hanover, New Hampshire In Winter

Posted on February 3, 2026March 3, 2026 by Ben Rueter

Don’t let chilly weather ruin a wondrous New England vacation. There are so many fun and beautiful things to do in the snow. Too much fun in the snow will leave you wanting to warm up. There are plenty of things to do in Hanover that will keep you toasty warm.

Get back out there and explore the winter wonderland that is all around Hanover after warming up at The Norwich Inn. Norwich is across the Connecticut River from Hanover, so you can experience the best of both of these New England towns easily.

Best Places To Warm Up Around Hanover

When you find yourself a little chilly, whether it’s fall or winter, there is always a place to warm up and relax around Hanover.

The Norwich Inn: You can warm up right away when you arrive at The Norwich Inn. Warm up in our lobby near the fireplace or step into The Brewery at The Norwich Inn. Enjoy an authentic Vermont Craft Beer from the Norwich Inn or one of the many guest taps from regional breweries.
Dirt Cowboy Cafe: Gain some energy and warm up with a mug of coffee at Dirt Cowboy Cafe. It’s a casual coffee shop where you can get drip coffee, lattes, and hot chocolate, too.
Hood Museum of Art: One of the biggest attractions in Hanover is Dartmouth College. The Hood Museum of Art is an excellent on-campus attraction with much to appreciate. Explore American, European, and Indigenous art covering hundreds of years of history.
The Nugget Theater: Catch a movie at The Nugget. It’s an iconic attraction in Hanover with more than 100 years of history.

Stay Warm and Enjoy Hanover

Staying warm will allow you to enjoy all of the things to do in Hanover and more. One of the coziest places to stay warm is right here at The Norwich Inn.

Guide To Some Of Norwich, Vermont, Area’s Best Snowshoeing Trails

Posted on January 3, 2026February 3, 2026 by Ben Rueter

The New England region becomes a haven for winter sports enthusiasts when a fresh coat of snow covers everything. Norwich, Vermont, offers plenty of fun snow-related activities, and one that really showcases the beauty of New England in winter is snowshoeing. Snowshoeing in Vermont, particularly around Norwich, is unlike that in other parts of New England.

There are many gorgeous trails and some that aren’t far from the best inn in the area. Book directly with The Norwich Inn for a true New England experience this winter.

Where Are The Best Snowshoe Hiking Trails Near Norwich, Vermont?

Snowshoeing around Norwich, Vermont, is a popular activity for locals and visitors alike. While you can strap on your snowshoes and head out into the wilderness, there are several that stand above other winter hiking trails.

Mosley Hill: The Mosley Hill is part of the Appalachian Trail Loop. The loop is 3.5 miles long and features significant elevation change. However, you will be treated to a magical winter sight from up high.
Gile Mountain: Another stunning view from up high in Vermont. It’s one of the Upper Valley’s best views, and it’s only moderate difficulty.
Montshire’s Ridge: Just south of Norwich is Montshire’s Ridge. One of the highlights of this trail is that it hugs the Connecticut River, which is especially stunning in winter.
The Cornish Town Forest: If you are looking for peace and calm, this is a phenomenal place. You will find the trail a few miles away from the Cornish-Windsor covered bridge, which is a great place for a winter selfie.
Mink Brook Nature Preserve: The Hanover Conservancy’s Mink Brook trail system offers 112 acres of preserved beauty. One reason you should consider visiting here is the protected woodland creatures to be seen. Bring your camera for some spectacular photos.

Make Trails In Norwich, Vermont

These are some excellent trails with unforgettable views. Norwich, Vermont, has some of the best snowshoeing trails and opportunities in the Upper Valley, and you can easily enjoy the winter wonderland outside and the cozy warmth of your lodging through The Norwich Inn.

Best Travel Apps For Those Visiting New England And The Upper Valley

Posted on December 19, 2025 by Ben Rueter

If this is your first time visiting New England or the Upper Valley, several travel apps can help enrich your vacation in this incredible region of the United States. So before you set foot in places like Norwich, Vermont, or Hanover, New Hampshire, consider downloading one or more travel apps for things to do in the area and helpful insights to some of your activities.

You can start your journey by booking The Norwich Inn directly. Whether you aim to explore the Upper Valley or you intend to tour Dartmouth College, The Norwich Inn is the ideal place to stay.

What Are The Best Travel Apps For Visiting New England?

Make some space on your phone and download one or more of these travel apps for your New England adventure.

Vermont Outdoors: For those who are here for the Upper Valley’s amazing nature and outdoor activities, then you need to check out Vermont Outdoors. The app is managed by the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife and provides rules, regulations, weather updates, and helpful facts about wildlife and nature.
Eat Vermont: Vermont is home to some of New England’s best restaurants. Help yourself find some of the best nearby by downloading this app. It covers restaurants, farmers’ markets, breweries, and more.
Dartmouth Sports: Fans of Dartmouth’s sports teams need to stay up to date with the official Dartmouth Sports app. You get information about upcoming games, scores, stats, and more.
Visit New England: If Norwich is your first stop on a New England tour, then Visit New England is a good way to learn about things to do and discover new attractions. The app covers a ton of things to do in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
New England’s Best: USA Travel: This is another excellent New England travel app that builds an itinerary and gives you information about unique things to do. Learn about the state you are visiting, or focus your attention on the town and road you are currently traveling through.

Keep A Guide Of New England On Your Phone

It’s handy to have a guide nearby with these travel apps for the New England region. The Norwich Inn is the best place to start an adventure through New England.

Book directly with the Inn to earn a $25 dining credit at the Inn and a $25 gift card to the Dartmouth Coop. Call 802-649-1143 and mention the Visit Dartmouth Package, or use the promo code DART online.

Learn The History And More About Dartmouth College Before You Tour

Posted on November 26, 2025 by Ben Rueter

One of the most iconic and historic locations in the Upper Valley is Dartmouth College. It’s an incredible campus and a major draw to the area. Whether you are a history buff or a prospective Dartmouth student, you should tour the campus as soon as possible.

You can enhance your Dartmouth College visit and explore the surrounding area to its fullest when you book directly with The Norwich Inn. Continue reading to learn more about Dartmouth College’s history and how The Norwich Inn can improve your experience.

Visit Dartmouth Package

If you want to visit Dartmouth College, then the obvious place to stay is with The Norwich Inn. We are off I-91 and a little more than one mile from the center of the campus. For those visiting Dartmouth College, we offer a $25 dining credit at the Inn and a $25 gift card to the Dartmouth Coop. You must book directly with The Norwich Inn to qualify.

Call 802-649-1143 and mention the Visit Dartmouth Package, or use the promo code DART online.

Things To Know About Dartmouth College Before You Visit

It will enhance your Dartmouth College experience by giving you a sense of the campus and its history. These are some important things to know about Dartmouth College.

The college has more than 6,700 attending students.
The college’s nickname is “Big Green.”
Thirty-four varsity sports teams compete in the Ivy League conference of the NCAA Division I.
Established in 1769 by Eleazar Wheelock.
It’s one of the nine colonial colleges founded before the American Revolution.
Dartmouth College has its own ski mountain.
There are many outdoor activities, such as hiking and swimming, along the Connecticut River. There are many clubs for camping, rock climbing, kayaking, skiing, and more.
Winter is a big event for Dartmouth College. Every year, it hosts its Winter Carnival that includes fun events like the polar bear swim, human dog sledding, and more.

See Dartmouth College For Yourself

It’s one of the most historic colleges in New England, and the best way to experience Dartmouth College’s history and more is through The Norwich Inn. Book directly with the Inn to earn a $25 dining credit at the Inn and a $25 gift card to the Dartmouth Coop. Call 802-649-1143 and mention the Visit Dartmouth Package, or use the promo code DART online.

This Christmas, Give Your Family The Gift Of A New England Vacation

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Ben Rueter

A great and sometimes overlooked Christmas gift is giving someone a vacation. Maybe it’s because there are an astounding number of vacation destinations in the United States. One that stands out from the rest for an ideal family vacation is the New England region.

No matter the season, you are going to find fun and spectacle in New England and, more specifically, the Upper Valley area. This Christmas season, consider giving your family a vacation to New England through The Norwich Inn. We are located in Norwich, VT, an ideal location for sightseeing and appreciating the stunning scenery that can only be found in New England.

Why Give The Gift Of A New England Vacation?

One of the best gifts is that of a vacation. New England is an especially relaxing and beautiful place to spend an extended vacation. Here are some reasons why you should take advantage of the unique charm of New England for a family vacation.

Christmas can be a stressful time of the year, so a vacation can help relieve some of that stress.
With winter break for families with children or college students, it’s easy to find time to bring the family together for a weekend or more.
A Christmas vacation is an excellent way to bond with your immediate and extended family.
You’ll easily find great prices for attractions, events, and more during Christmas.
There is no shortage of winter fun in the Norwich, VT, area. Whether you like to spend time inside by a warm fire or out on the ski slopes, there is something for everyone in New England.

What Things Are There To Do For A Family On A Christmas Vacation?

There is a wide range of activities to enjoy year-round in and around Norwich, VT. While Christmas time has a special charm to it, whether you are here for the holidays or planning next year’s summer vacation destination, there is something for everyone. Take a look below at a brief rundown of some of the most popular attractions.

Give The Best Christmas Vacation Gift

This is just an example of some of the things to do and the benefits that await you when giving your family Christmas vacation gifts. The Norwich Inn is a cozy slice of New England life, no matter the time of the year.

4 Great Movies Filmed In New England

Posted on September 1, 2025October 1, 2025 by Ben Rueter

Movies that exude cozy vibes and beautiful scenery tend to take place (or at least are shot) in New England. Not only is New England a stunning location, but it’s also easy to visit many iconic movie locations when you visit. Whether you find the exact location yourself or a place even more beautiful, an excellent starting point is from The Norwich Inn in Norwich, Vermont. It’s not hard to find more than a few stunning destinations that may have inspired your favorite movies set in New England.

Watch These Movies That Take Place In New England

Grab a warm mug of apple cider and your favorite blanket. It’s movie time, and these are some of the best movies that will put you in the best mindset for a vacation to Norwich, Vermont.

Ghost Story (1981)

Some parts of the 1981 movie Ghost Story were filmed in Woodstock and White River Junction —specifically, the Tally House and the bus station. This movie is also the final film starring Fred Astaire and Douglas Fairbanks.

The Skulls (2000)

Just across the river from The Norwich Inn is the town of Hanover and Dartmouth College. The college has a beautiful campus, which that compliment also extends to the entire town as well. The Skulls’ narrative takes place in Toronto, Ontario; however, many scenes were shot in the town of Hanover. Dartmouth College serves as a stand-in for the University of Toronto, with several notable buildings visible in the movie.

Me, Myself & Irene (2000)

Me, Myself & Irene was shot all over the state of Vermont and Rhode Island, so you get a sample of many different New England locations in one movie. The comedy stars Jim Carrey and Renée Zellweger in a story of a Rhode Island state trooper, played by Carrey, who suffers a psychotic breakdown. He later becomes involved with a woman named Irene, played by Zellweger, whose ex-boyfriend, a mobster, is hunting.

Star Trek (2009)

North of Norwich, there is a small town called Barre. In Barre, you will find the Rock of Ages Smith Quarry, where a small portion of the 2009 Star Trek movie was filmed. The scene is very early in the movie, where a young James T. Kirk is dangling from the edge of a massive and unique-looking cliff. That’s the Rock of Ages Smith Quarry.

See Why Hollywood Comes To New England

Once you arrive, it will be immediately noticeable that New England is a fantasy land during fall, but it’s also a stunning place to see outside of the season, as you’ll find by the variety of movies filmed here. By booking directly with The Norwich Inn, you are one step closer to walking onto the set of one of your favorite movies in New England.