Tucked away in the scenic Champlain Valley, Middlebury, Vermont is a charming destination perfect for senior travelers looking to experience the beauty of New England.
With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and relaxed pace, Middlebury offers an ideal blend of culture and tranquility.
Whether you’re strolling through the town’s historic district, exploring local art galleries, or taking in the serene beauty of nearby mountains and lakes, Middlebury is a welcoming retreat for those seeking a rejuvenating getaway. In this guide, we’ll share essential travel tips to ensure that senior visitors can make the most of their time in this picturesque town, from accessible activities to tips for comfortable and leisurely travel. Whether you’re planning a solo adventure or a group getaway, Middlebury is ready to charm you with its warm hospitality and timeless beauty.
Tip 1: If your flight arrives late to Leahy Burlington International Airport, consider spending a night at an airport hotel, and then driving to Middlebury in the morning when light is better.
Compared to most streets in big cities, the rural roads of Vermont can be very dark and poorly lit. If senior travelers are exhausted with jet lag, it might be a good idea to rest a night before heading to your ultimate destination. Our recommendation is to check in to nearby Best Western Windjammer or any convenient hotel at the airport and get some rest before hitting the road.
Tip 2: Try having breakfast in the city since you’ll already be in Burlington.
Our favorites include the Grey Jay in the downtown area. They do not take reservations, so be prepared to wait a bit. Alternately, the Friendly Toast is a fun breakast spot with a huge menu and lots of tempting morning cocktails.
Tip 3: Drive 50 minutes south on Route 7 to Middlebury, and enjoy the scenery.
You’ll catch glimpses of the islands in Lake Champlain, beautiful rolling hills, farms and fields. There’s a good chance you’ll see goats, horses, and cows. You’ll also pass the lovely Shelburne Museum on your right, but we’ll come back to that later!
Tip 4: Check in to Swift House Inn and learn its history.
Swift House Inn is a wonderful destination for senior travelers. The inn has a fascinating history dating back to the early 19th century. There is a large gently rolling lawn to stroll around and enjoy the gardens. You can have a picnic outside or enjoy beverages in the many outdoor seating areas. If the weather is blustery, head indoors and curl up next to one of the inn’s many fireplaces. This is your headquarters! (Pro-tip: If you stay in the Main House rooms 21, 22, or 23, you may hear some bar and restaurant sounds on the weekend. Let the concierge know if this will be a problem for you.)
Tip 5: Head out and explore downtown Middlebury. Be sure the check out the Falls!
There’s a pleasant footbridge that connects the Marbleworks to downtown Middlebury and offers striking views of the waterfalls. On winter nights, the falls are illuminated with colorful lights. During the day, you can see how the mist freezes into sculptural shapes. Speaking of art, check out Edgewater Gallery. Explore the Henry Sheldon Museum for interesting local curios and archives. Poke around in boutiques like Sweet Cecily and the Vermont Book Shop. These are great places to pick up gifts to take back home to loved ones.
Tip 6: Make sure you call ahead and make sure the restaurants that you hope to eat at will be open.
Compared to most big cities and suburbs, many eateries and restaurants are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Any other day of the week, Middlebury will have many dining options including our own Jessica’s restaurant at the inn, with some of the best farm-to-table cuisine you’ll find in this state including an award-winning wine list and creative cocktails. But Monday and Tuesday is a night with limited options. Mad Taco and Two Brothers are solid options that we enjoy often. But if you find yourself hungry with no place to eat and it’s very late, senior travelers will have to go to the grocery store or the gas station to pick up emergency rations.
Tip 7: Visit the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail and read poems in the wild.
This is an accessible, short, and easy trail with a mile-long boardwalk. All along the way, Robert Frost poems are placed at advantageous points that make sense with each vista. From summer to winter, this trail is a great way for senior travelers to experience “hiking” but without the pain or struggle.
Tip 8: Take a gondola ride at a ski resort and enjoy the view.
You don’t need to be able to ski or snowboard to enjoy the views of resorts such as Killington. Purchase a day pass to access the gondolas, which are often heated and offer incredible views of the craggy and tree-covered Green Mountain. It’s possible to have lunch at the resorts as well, but check ahead for hours and availability since they vary with season.
Tip 9: Check out Woodstock, Vermont, the cutest small town in America.
Once you’ve checked out every nook and cranny of Middlebury, you might want to travel farther afield. This Woodstock—not the one from your hippy days in New York—is a New England lover’s dream. The drive to Woodstock is also its own attraction and will have plenty of gorgeous red barns and fields to gaze upon as you pass. We like to have lunch at the Woodstock Inn and walk around and enjoy the little boutiques. There are plenty of dining options. A little bit of warning, this is a very popular town which can at times be inundated with tourists from New York and Boston. Middlebury is a quieter option.
Tip 10: Visit the Winter Lights at Shelburne Museum.
The walking tour includes dazzling holiday lights wrapped around every conceivable, tree, building, and structure. Our favorite is the boat Ticonderoga. If mobility is an issue, consider reserving a driving tour. They offer a handful of these throughout the season.
Tip 11: Tuck into a hearty breakfast at Swift House Inn.
No matter what day of the week it is, rain or shine, working day or holiday, breakfast will be served for inn guests at Swift House Inn. If we’re expecting a big crowd, we’ll set out a buffet of fresh sausage, bacon, ham, frittatas of various flavors, pancakes, and French toast. There will also be yogurt, inn-made granola, fresh-cut fruit, and baked goods from our very own baker. You can also get eggs cooked to order as well as oatmeal. Coffee beans are roasted in town at little seed coffee roasters.
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