10 Relaxing Things To Do Near Castleton Four Corners, Vermont (Rutland County)
If you’re dreaming of a quiet Vermont escape,
Castleton Four Corners is one of those tiny places you could almost blink and miss—yet it sits in the middle of a whole lot of beauty and small-town charm. This little crossroads in
Rutland County, Vermont makes a great base for exploring lakes, mountains, and classic New England villages.
Whether you’re coming from Boston, New York City, or anywhere else in the U.S., this area offers the kind of slow-paced trip that helps you actually relax. Let’s walk through
10 easygoing things to do near Castleton Four Corners that are perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers.
1. Chill by the Water at Lake Bomoseen
Just a short drive west of Castleton Four Corners,
Lake Bomoseen is the largest lake entirely within Vermont, and it’s the area’s summer hangout spot.
You can:
- Swim at the public beach
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard
- Take a slow pontoon boat ride
- Enjoy a sunset drink at a lakeside restaurant
On a warm July afternoon, it’s the kind of place where time seems to stretch out. Kids build sandcastles, locals fish off the dock, and visitors just sit back and listen to the water lap against the shore.
If you like a quieter vibe, visit early in the morning. The lake is calm, there’s light mist on the surface, and you may feel like you have the whole place to yourself.
2. Explore Slate History at the Slate Valley Museum
About 20–25 minutes from Castleton Four Corners, in Granville, NY, you’ll find the
Slate Valley Museum, which tells the story of the slate industry that shaped this region of Vermont and New York.
Inside you’ll learn:
- How slate was mined and cut by hand
- Why so many rooftops around here are made of colorful slate
- Stories of immigrant workers who came to the Slate Valley
If you enjoy old tools, local history, or just understanding how a place came to look the way it does, this stop is worth it. You’ll start noticing slate everywhere—on barns, houses, and even sidewalks.
3. Walk Back in Time on Castleton’s Historic Main Street
A few minutes from Castleton Four Corners, the village of
Castleton feels like a classic Vermont postcard. Brick buildings, white church steeples, and tree-lined streets make for a peaceful stroll.
Take a gentle walk along Main Street and look for:
- Historic homes from the 18th and 19th centuries
- Old stone walls and shaded side streets
- The influence of nearby Castleton University, which gives the village a young, energetic feel
If you enjoy slow travel, just sitting on a bench and people-watching here can be surprisingly satisfying. Grab a coffee, wander the sidewalks, and imagine what this town looked like 150 years ago.
4. Hike or Picnic at Bomoseen State Park
On the western side of Lake Bomoseen,
Bomoseen State Park offers classic Vermont woods and water in one stop.
Things to do:
- Walk easy trails through the forest
- Pack a picnic and find a shady table
- Swim at the state park beach area
- Look for birds and other wildlife
The hikes here aren’t extreme, which makes them great for families or anyone who doesn’t want a super steep mountain climb. On a cool fall day, the colorful leaves and the quiet crunch under your boots are hard to beat.
5. Drive Scenic Roads Through Rutland County
One of the simplest pleasures near Castleton Four Corners is just
driving the back roads. This area of Rutland County is full of rolling hills, farms, and small villages that are beautiful in every season.
Try this kind of loop:
- Start at Castleton Four Corners
- Head toward Poultney, then up toward Fair Haven
- Circle back toward Castleton and Lake Bomoseen
Along the way you’ll see:
- Red barns and hay fields
- Mountain views in the distance
- Roadside farm stands in summer and fall
If you visit in October, the foliage can be stunning. It’s the kind of drive where you pull over often just to take photos—or simply stand still for a moment and breathe in the cool, clean air.
6. Enjoy a Vermont-Style Farm or Maple Visit
While Castleton Four Corners itself is tiny, the surrounding countryside has that classic Vermont mix of
dairy farms, small orchards, and sugarhouses.
Depending on the season, you might:
- Visit a farm stand for fresh corn, tomatoes, and berries
- Sample local Vermont maple syrup and maple candy
- Pick apples in late summer or early fall
Spring “sugaring season” (usually March) is special. Some local sugarhouses open their doors so you can see how sap is boiled down into maple syrup. If you get a chance, try maple on snow or warm maple syrup over fresh vanilla ice cream—it’s as Vermont as it gets.
7. Take a Day Trip to Rutland for Shops & Local Flavor
About 25–30 minutes east, the city of
Rutland gives you more options while still keeping that small-town Vermont feel.
In downtown Rutland you can:
- Browse local shops and galleries
- Check out the farmers’ market (especially on Saturdays in season)
- Grab lunch or dinner at a cozy café or pub
Rutland often has community events, street art, and seasonal festivals. It’s a nice change of pace if you’ve spent a lot of time on the lake or in the woods and you’re ready for a bit more activity—without heading to a big city.
8. Go Fishing, Boating, or Just “Dock Sitting”
The Castleton area is dotted with lakes and ponds, not just Bomoseen. Depending on where you stay, you might be close to:
- Lake Bomoseen
- Glen Lake
- Smaller ponds and quiet fishing spots
Even if you’re not a serious angler, there’s something peaceful about early morning on the water. You can:
- Cast a line for bass or perch
- Take a slow paddle around the shore
- Sit at the end of a dock with a cup of coffee and watch the day wake up
If you’ve been staring at screens all week at work, this kind of simple, quiet time can feel like a reset button for your brain.
9. Visit Nearby Poultney, a Charming Little College Town
South of Castleton Four Corners, the village of
Poultney has its own calm charm. It’s close enough for an easy side trip and gives you another look at life in small-town Vermont.
In and around Poultney you can:
- Walk the main street and check out local cafes
- Spot historic buildings and old stone walls
- Access trails and nearby outdoor areas
It’s the kind of town where you might stop “just for a coffee” and end up staying for a couple of hours, wandering and talking with friendly locals.
10. Relax and Stargaze in the Dark Vermont Night
One of the most underrated things to do near Castleton Four Corners doesn’t cost a thing:
look up at the night sky.
Because this area is more rural and has less light pollution than big cities, you can often see:
- A sky packed with stars
- The Milky Way on clear nights
- Occasional shooting stars
Grab a blanket or a couple of lawn chairs, find a safe, dark spot (even a backyard, lakeshore, or field edge), and just lie back. It’s a simple experience, but it’s powerful. Many visitors say this quiet stargazing time becomes their favorite memory from the trip.
Planning Your Trip to Castleton Four Corners
To make the most of your visit to this corner of
Rutland County, Vermont, keep a few things in mind:
- Best time to visit: Summer for lakes and swimming, fall for foliage, spring for maple syrup, and winter if you enjoy snow and nearby ski areas.
- Getting around: You’ll want a car. The best spots are spread out and part of the charm is the scenic driving.
- Pace: This is a slow-down-and-breathe kind of place. Don’t try to cram in too much. Leave room for unplanned stops and quiet moments.
If you’ve been craving a break from busy city life, the
Castleton Four Corners area is perfect for long walks, calm lakes, and small-town Vermont charm, all within easy reach of the rest of New England and upstate New York.
Share Your Castleton Four Corners Experience
Have you spent time around
Castleton Four Corners, Lake Bomoseen, or elsewhere in Rutland County?
- What was your favorite thing to do?
- Did you find a hidden swimming spot, a great little café, or an amazing foliage overlook?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments—your experience might help someone else plan their Vermont getaway.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for peaceful, off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Vermont.
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