A Year-Round Guide to Food, Fun, and Relaxation in the Mad River Valley
Waitsfield, Vermont: a small town with a big personality. Known for its mountain views, it’s a destination rich with history, a strong sense of community, farm-fresh food, artisan shops, and some of the most accessible outdoor recreation in New England. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before your visit, from iconic sites and seasonal activities to the best restaurants and options for lodging in Vermont.
A Little History and a Lot of Charm
Founded in the late 18th century, Waitsfield was named after General Benjamin Wait, a Revolutionary War officer. Like much of Vermont, it began as a farming community before evolving into a hub for small industry and tourism. Today, Waitsfield’s historic buildings and covered bridges give a nod to its past, while its farm-to-table dining scene, artisan shops, and thriving arts community keep it vibrantly in the present.
Fun Fact: In the early to mid-1800s, at the height of the sheep farming boom, there were more Merino sheep in the Valley than there were people!
What to Do in Waitsfield, Vermont
No matter when you visit, you’ll never be short on things to do in the Mad River Valley. From snow-covered slopes to shady riverside picnics, the Valley is a four-season playground.
Outdoor Adventures in Every Season
Skiing and snowboarding are huge draws in the winter, and Mad River Glen is the place to be. Famous for its “ski it if you can” motto, natural snow, and old-school single chairlift, it’s a mountain with character. If you’re visiting in summer or fall, the lifts reopen for scenic rides with sweeping valley views. Just a short drive away in Warren, Sugarbush Resort offers skiing and snowboarding for all abilities, along with year-round activities like golf, disc golf, ziplining, and scenic lift rides. Between the two, you’ll have no shortage of mountain adventures no matter when you visit.
Hiking is just as iconic here. The trails in the Mad River Valley include moderate treks along the Mad River Path to more challenging routes, like the Long Trail near Appalachian Gap.
Waitsfield also offers excellent biking trails for both road cyclists and mountain bikers. Stop into Stark Mountain Bike Works or Clearwater Sports for rentals, maps, and local advice on the best singletrack or backroad loops for your skill level. Whether you’re after the adrenaline of dirt trails or a relaxed ride along the Mad River, there’s a route for you.
Come summer, it’s time to hit the water. Natural swimming holes like Warren Falls, The Great Eddy Bridge, and Riverside Park give you the chance to cool off like a local. Many are just minutes from our lodges. Riverside Park, for example, is in the backyard of Warren Lodge, complete with fire pits and grills for the perfect riverside day.
Fun Fact: Built in 1833, The Great Eddy Bridge is the oldest operating covered bridge in Vermont.
Things to Do in Town
If you’re here on a Saturday between mid-May and mid-October, the Waitsfield Farmers Market is a must. Held on the Mad River Green, it’s one of the largest in Vermont and features farm-fresh produce, artisan goods, food trucks, and live music.
Art is everywhere in Waitsfield. Artisans’ Gallery showcases the work of over 100 Vermont artists, from pottery to jewelry. Blockhouse Studio offers a creative hub for classes and community art events. The Madsonian Museum of Industrial Design is a quirky stop filled with beautifully designed everyday objects, from vintage toys to classic cars. For a more contemporary experience, book an appointment at the Bundy Modern, a striking modernist building housing bold contemporary works.
Local farms also offer unique experiences. Gaylord Farm, Knoll Farm, and Neil Farm are all just minutes from our lodges. Knoll Farm is especially beloved for its monthly live music nights and seasonal blueberry picking with mountain views.
Relaxation and Wellness
After a day of exploring, it’s easy to find your Zen in Waitsfield. The Valley is home to a range of saunas, yoga studios, and some of the best spas in Vermont, where you can unwind. From outdoor cedar saunas with mountain views to restorative massage services, these wellness spots make your trip feel like a true retreat.
Waitsfield VT Restaurants: Where to Eat and Drink
For a small town, Waitsfield delivers big on flavor.
Mornings are best spent with a fresh pastry and a maple latte from Three Mountain Café.
Lunch might mean tacos with house-made hot sauce at Mad Taco Waitsfield, or a Vermont maple creemee at Canteen Creemee Company.
Dinner options range from casual to refined. Peace Burger serves up smashed patties and shareable sides, while Afterthoughts Bar next door keeps the night going with craft cocktails. The Blue Stone is perfect for pizza and craft beer lovers, and Scrag & Roe offers an upscale, seasonal menu focused on local ingredients. Open seven days a week, Hyde Away is another dependable choice for hearty comfort food and Vermont beers on tap.
Beer fans shouldn’t miss Lawson’s Finest Liquids for fresh IPAs and pilsners in a welcoming taproom. Visit on a Tuesday for “Tuesday Tunes” or Thursday for their Fresh Catch seafood pop-up, where the raw bar and lobster rolls are as good as the beer.
For more ideas, check out our Mad River Valley dining experiences guide for more local favorites and new finds.
Where to Stay in Waitsfield, Vermont
When it comes to lodging in the Mad River Valley, each of the Mad River Lodges properties offers a different kind of experience, so there’s something for everyone.
Mad River Lodge
2354 Mill Brook Rd, Waitsfield, VT
Great for couples, solo travelers, and smaller families, this modern lodge is close to the legendary Mad River Glen and is easily accessible to the App Gap for hikers on the Long Trail.
White Horse Lodge
999 German Flats Rd, Waitsfield, VT
Perfect for groups or families traveling together, White Horse offers larger rooms, a game room, and a stocked fishing pond right on the property. It’s close to Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, making it a smart choice for winter and summer sports enthusiasts.
Tucker Hill Lodge
65 Marble Hill Rd, Waitsfield, VT
Couples will love the fireplace lounges, classic Vermont charm, and forested setting of Tucker Hill. The property has the most fireplaces of all three lodges and feels like a true escape from the everyday. With 12 scenic acres, it’s a favorite for guests who want peace and privacy with quick access to hiking and biking.
The Warren Lodge
731 VT Route 100, Warren, VT
Just a short drive from Waitsfield, The Warren Lodge offers riverfront tranquility with a wide range of accommodations. From cozy motel-style rooms ideal for couples to spacious family units with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms, it’s designed to suit nearly every kind of traveler. Off-site condos are also available, and larger groups of up to 10 guests can easily be accommodated with adjoining units. Guests love the laid-back vibe, on-site grills, fire pits, and direct river access for swimming and relaxing.
A Local Perspective From the Franc Family
We first discovered Waitsfield on ski trips and summer visits, and it didn’t take long for us to feel a connection to the Valley’s mountains, rivers, and welcoming community. In 2015, we began purchasing and thoughtfully renovating older properties, breathing new life into them while preserving their character to help keep this community thriving. Today, our four lodges each offer their own personality, comfort, and location near the best the Valley has to offer. Our hope is that you’ll love it here as much as we do, and that you’ll keep coming back to experience every season in the Mad River Valley.
Start Planning Your Visit to Waitsfield Vermont USA
With so many things to do in Waitsfield, Vermont, from hiking and skiing to farmers’ markets, breweries, and art galleries, it’s no wonder the town is quickly becoming one of the most beloved year-round destinations in New England. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a weekend of adventure with friends, the Mad River Valley delivers.
Book your stay and discover Waitsfield, Vermont for yourself. You’ll come for the views, stay for the food, and return for the way it makes you feel: connected, inspired, and ready to appreciate today.