Last Updated: May 2026
Vermont has a way of slowing you down, and Quechee was no exception. We spent several days exploring the Upper Valley region — watching molten glass transformed into art at Simon Pearce, crossing four of Vermont’s iconic covered bridges, peering into the dramatic Quechee Gorge, tasting farmhouse cheese at Billings Farm, and wandering through some of the most extravagant spring wildflower scenery we’d seen anywhere. It was the kind of trip that makes you want to move here.
Simon Pearce Glassblowing
Simon Pearce’s mill in Quechee is one of those places that justifies an entire detour. Set inside a restored 19th-century woolen mill on the Ottauquechee River, the glassblowing studio lets visitors watch artisans shape molten glass into bowls, vases, and wine glasses entirely by hand. The heat radiating from the furnaces is intense — you can feel it from the viewing gallery. The restaurant upstairs, with its views of the dam and waterfall, is equally impressive. We could have spent an entire day here.
Four Covered Bridges
Vermont has more covered bridges per square mile than any other state, and the Quechee area is a perfect base for bridge hunting. We tracked down four in a single afternoon — each with its own character and history.
Taftsville Covered Bridge
Built in 1836, the Taftsville Bridge is one of the oldest surviving covered bridges in Vermont. Its multiple kingpost and queenpost truss design is distinctive, and it sits beautifully over the Ottauquechee River just east of Woodstock.
Quechee Covered Bridge
The Quechee Bridge spans the Ottauquechee River right in the village, within easy walking distance of Simon Pearce. It’s a classic Town lattice truss design, recently restored, and one of the most photographed bridges in the region.
Middle Bridge & Lincoln Bridge
Rounding out our covered bridge tour, we found the Middle Bridge and the Lincoln Bridge — both well off the tourist track and all the more charming for it. The Lincoln Bridge in West Woodstock is a Pratt truss design, one of the few of its type still standing in Vermont.
Quechee Gorge — Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon
Called “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” Quechee Gorge plunges 165 feet into the Ottauquechee River below. The view from the Route 4 bridge is striking, and a short trail winds down to the gorge floor where you can stand at the water’s edge and look up at sheer rock walls. It’s one of those natural features that genuinely surprises you — you don’t expect something this dramatic tucked into the Vermont countryside.
Vermont Spring Wildflowers & Countryside
We hit Vermont at peak spring — and the countryside rewarded us extravagantly. Every roadside was in riot, with trilliums, violets, lupines, and apple blossoms competing for attention. Woodstock and its surrounding hills may be the most beautiful place in New England in late May and early June, and we stopped constantly to photograph what felt like a different scene around every corner.
Billings Farm & Museum
Billings Farm in Woodstock is a working dairy farm and living history museum that tells the story of Vermont’s agricultural heritage. We watched the dairy herd being brought in, sampled farmhouse cheddar, and toured the restored 1890s farmhouse. It’s a wonderful stop for anyone who wants to understand where Vermont’s food culture comes from.
Sugarbush Farm & Vermont Spirits
Sugarbush Farm sits high on a ridge above Woodstock, offering panoramic valley views alongside their award-winning smoked and waxed cheeses. We sampled half a dozen varieties before loading up the RV fridge. Down the road, Vermont Spirits distillery pours their Gold Vodka — made from whey, a dairy byproduct unique to Vermont — alongside VT Gold, a maple-based spirit. Two products that could only come from this state.
A Side Trip to Claremont, New Hampshire
No visit to the Upper Valley would be complete without crossing the Connecticut River. We drove over to Claremont, New Hampshire to visit Sandy’s aunt De — a welcome dose of family time in the middle of a long road trip.
Visitor Information
Simon Pearce
The Mill at Simon Pearce is at 1760 Quechee Main St, Quechee, VT. The glass studio is free to visit and open daily; the restaurant upstairs is excellent and reservations are recommended. Visit simonpearce.com for hours and reservations.
Quechee Gorge State Park
Located off Route 4, approximately one mile east of Quechee village. A day-use fee applies. The trail to the gorge floor starts near the bridge and is a moderate half-mile descent.
Billings Farm & Museum
Billings Farm is at 69 Old River Rd, Woodstock, VT. Open May through October; check billingsfarm.org for seasonal hours and admission rates.
Covered Bridges
All four bridges are free and accessible year-round. The Vermont Agency of Transportation publishes a covered bridge map available at Vermont welcome centers and tourist offices.
Practical Tips
RV parking: Simon Pearce has a large lot that handles RVs easily. Billings Farm also has ample space in their main parking area. For Quechee Gorge, the state park lot near the bridge fits most rigs.
Best time for wildflowers: Late May to mid-June is peak spring bloom in Vermont’s Upper Valley. The roadside wildflowers are extraordinary — build extra time into your driving days just for stopping.
Covered bridge loop: All four bridges can be visited in a two-hour self-guided loop from Quechee. Download the Vermont Covered Bridge map from the Vermont Tourism website before you go.
Vermont Spirits tasting: The distillery is family-run and tastings are informal and generous. Call ahead to confirm hours, as they vary by season.
Sugarbush Farm: The dirt road up to the farm is steep and narrow — manageable in a car or small camper van, but not recommended for large rigs. Leave the motorhome at the bottom and drive up in a toad vehicle if you have one.
