Near Stowe And Burlington Is Vermont's Small Mountain Town Day Trip With Idyllic Nature, Covered Bridges, And A Farm

There are several Cambridges in the world, each town with its own unique sights. Sometimes it's a world-renowned university town, like Cambridge in the U.K. or the Ivy League schools in Massachusetts' Cambridge. But there are also the quiet ones, like the delightful Cambridge, Vermont, home to a population of just 190 residents, where nature reigns supreme. This small mountain town is around 45 minutes away from both the bustle of Burlington and the charming town of Stowe, tucked between mountains and valleys and wrapped in a sea of trees. The rural countryside of Vermont in the Upper Green Mountains region is a beautiful area, one that attracts visitors year-round but most especially during autumn when the forest brightens into vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds.

While Burlington is Vermont's top college city and Stowe is world-renowned for its fall leaf-peeping, Cambridge isn't trying to be like its more famous sister cities. It's all about quiet country life and nature here. The town limits boast three historic covered bridges, a local farm, and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. Take a day trip to Cambridge to see the sights and enjoy time in nature, whether on a hike through the woods, skiing down a mountainside, or cycling along a rail trail. 

Regardless of the season, visitors can enjoy the many opportunities to get outside and enjoy the stunning landscapes and covered bridges in Cambridge. Fall foliage overlaps nicely with the apple harvest in Vermont in September and October. Apple cider, cider slushies, and cider donuts are common treats in the area during this season. Wintertime is less busy, but there are several nearby ski lodges, which embrace cold weather fun and keep winter visitors cozy in between runs down the slopes. Spring sees the forest coming back to life, and summer is a comfortable temperature with average highs in the 70s for exploring trails and visiting local farms. No matter what time of year you visit, Cambridge has a surprise or two in store.

In Cambridge, the Peter Krusch Nature Preserve is less than five minutes from town and features a 2-mile nature trail through the woods, along a babbling brook. Go for a bike ride or snowshoeing, depending on the season, along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail with three trailheads in the Cambridge/Jeffersonville area. The trail is 95 miles long and is open year-round for non-motorized recreation. 

While in Jeffersonville, you'll be under five minutes from each of the town's covered bridges: the Gates Farm Bridge, the Cambridge Junction Bridge, and the Grist Mill Bridge. Last but not least, Mount Mansfield, Vermont's tallest peak, is just 20 minutes south of Cambridge, near Stowe. Whether you want to hike, drive, take the gondola, or ski, the views from this incredible spot stretch to the horizon. For more historic bridges, head 40 minutes northeast to Montgomery, the "covered bridge capital" of Vermont. If it's more gorgeous leaf-peeping you're after, head into Stowe, the self-proclaimed "fall color capital" of America. Of course, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to scenic road trips to take in Vermont, no matter the time of year.

After a busy morning of nature hikes and covered bridges, don't skip a stop at a local farm in Cambridge. In the heart of Pleasant Valley and just seven minutes from Cambridge is Valley Dream Farm, a family-owned and operated organic produce farm. Open seasonally, usually May until November, the farm welcomes visitors looking to shop, dine, or have a party. Purchase your own flower plants or veggie starters from the greenhouse, take home organic produce from the farm stand, or enjoy a farm-to-table dinner experience with your loved ones. The Farm to Table Dinners held on Tuesdays require pre-registration and include a farm tour and hayride before settling in for appetizers and a seven-course meal. The surrounding landscape is so beautiful that the farm is a frequent host for weddings and their guests.

If you don't quite have time for a full-blown farm tour and meal, head to Boyden Valley Winery and Spirits instead, showcasing Vermont-grown and produced beverages. The farm has been in the family since 1914, evolving its products over the decades, but it is still worked today by the family and a small team. Their tasting room is open seasonally and does not require reservations, but if you want the full experience, consider booking a full whiskey tour instead. It includes an in-depth 90-minute guided tour of the bourbon-making process on the farm, a tasting and cocktail lesson in the lounge, and you'll walk away with a bottle of their signature bourbon. Tours are offered once a day from Thursday to Monday, so book your spot ahead to avoid disappointment.