10 Fun Things To Do Near East Barre, Vermont (Washington County Travel Guide)
If you’re planning a Vermont getaway and looking at the small village of
East Barre in
Washington County, you’re already on the right track. This quiet spot sits just a short drive from Barre, Montpelier, and some of the Green Mountains’ best outdoor adventures.
You won’t find big city nightlife here. But if you love small-town charm, local food, covered bridges, and easy access to the outdoors, East Barre is a great home base.
Below are
10 fun things to do near East Barre, VT, all within roughly a 30–40 minute drive or less.
1. Explore Barre’s Granite History & Visiting the Rock of Ages Quarry
Just a few minutes from East Barre, the city of Barre is known as the
Granite Capital of the World. If you’re into history, geology, or just cool views, this is a must-do.
Top stops:
- Rock of Ages Granite Quarry – Tour one of the world’s largest granite quarries. Stand at the edge and look down into a massive, turquoise pool hundreds of feet below. It feels a bit like staring into the Grand Canyon of granite.
- Granite Museum of Vermont – Learn how granite is cut, carved, and shipped all over the country. You’ll also find stories about the immigrant stone cutters who built Barre’s culture.
I still remember the first time I looked down into the Rock of Ages quarry. My brain didn’t quite process the scale at first. It’s that big.
2. Wander Through Downtown Barre’s Public Art & Local Shops
After the quarry, head into
downtown Barre, only about a 10-minute drive from East Barre.
You can easily spend a relaxed morning or afternoon here:
- Walk the granite sculptures along Main Street and around City Hall Park.
- Pop into local cafes, bakeries, and small shops for coffee, pastries, and Vermont-made gifts.
- Catch a show at the historic Barre Opera House if your timing lines up.
Downtown Barre has that classic New England feel—brick buildings, church steeples, and friendly folks who actually say “good morning” when you pass.
3. Visit Montpelier, America’s Smallest State Capital
From East Barre, it’s only about a 15–20 minute drive to
Montpelier, the capital of Vermont and the smallest state capital in the country.
What to see and do:
- Vermont State House – You can’t miss the gold dome. Take a guided or self-guided tour and learn a bit of state history.
- Stroll downtown – State Street and Main Street are lined with independent bookstores, coffee shops, and farm-to-table restaurants.
- Walk along the Winooski River – Short, easy strolls with pretty views, especially in fall when the leaves explode with color.
If you enjoy walkable little cities with a calm vibe and plenty of good food, Montpelier is a perfect half-day trip from East Barre.
4. Hike (or Snowshoe) in Groton State Forest
Love the outdoors? Just 20–30 minutes east of East Barre you’ll find
Groton State Forest, one of central Vermont’s best spots for hiking, paddling, and camping.
Inside the forest are several state parks, including:
- New Discovery State Park
- Boulder Beach State Park
- Big Deer State Park
Things to do in Groton State Forest:
- Hike family-friendly trails with views of lakes and rolling mountains.
- Swim or paddle a canoe on warm summer days.
- Snowshoe or cross-country ski in winter (bring your own gear).
Think of it as a giant natural playground just a short drive from your base in East Barre.
5. Swim, Paddle, or Relax at Waterbury Reservoir
About 35–40 minutes northwest of East Barre,
Waterbury Reservoir offers a classic Vermont lake day.
Why go:
- Calm water that’s great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing.
- Sand beaches where you can spread out a towel and relax.
- Picnic spots perfect for a simple lunch with mountain views.
Busy summer weekend? Get there earlier in the day to grab a good parking spot. On a quiet weekday, you might feel like you have your own private lake.
6. Take a Scenic Drive on Route 302 & Discover Covered Bridges
If you enjoy scenic drives, the roads near East Barre won’t disappoint. One fun route is along
Vermont Route 302, which runs east toward Groton and beyond.
Along the way, keep an eye out for:
- Historic covered bridges tucked along side roads and small rivers.
- Classic red barns, rolling fields, and forested hillsides.
- Small general stores where you can grab a coffee, maple candy, or a sandwich.
Driving here feels like stepping into a postcard. If you visit in late September or early October, the fall foliage makes it even more incredible.
7. Taste Local Vermont Maple, Cheese, and Craft Beer
You can’t come to Vermont and skip the food and drink scene. While East Barre itself is small, you’re just a short drive from local producers and breweries in Barre, Montpelier, and nearby towns.
Look for:
- Maple syrup farms and sugarhouses (especially active in March and April during “sugaring” season).
- Cheese shops featuring Vermont cheddar and other local specialties.
- Craft breweries and cideries in Barre, Montpelier, and the wider Washington County region.
Ask locals where they go for their favorite pint or maple creemee (a soft-serve ice cream made with maple syrup). Vermonters usually love to share their favorite spots.
8. Walk or Bike Local Rail Trails and Country Roads
If you like to explore on two feet or two wheels, the East Barre area gives you plenty of options.
Some ideas:
- Local rail trails and bike paths in Barre and Montpelier for easy rides.
- Quiet back roads around East Barre, perfect for a peaceful walk in the evening.
- Short, mellow hikes in nearby town forests if you’re not into steep mountain climbs.
I’ve found that some of the best memories come from simple evening walks—no big plans, just watching the sky change colors over the hills.
9. Discover Vermont’s Small-Town Events and Farmers Markets
One of the joys of staying near East Barre is getting a taste of local life. Depending on the time of year, you might find:
- Farmers markets in Barre, Montpelier, or nearby towns with fresh vegetables, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
- Local festivals and fairs celebrating everything from maple syrup to music.
- Community events like outdoor concerts, craft shows, or seasonal celebrations.
Farmers markets are especially fun if you want to meet locals, support small businesses, and pick up picnic supplies.
10. Use East Barre as a Quiet Base for Day Trips
One of the best “things to do” in East Barre is actually how you
use it: as a peaceful home base.
From East Barre, you can easily take day trips to:
- Stowe – About 45–50 minutes away for mountain views, skiing in winter, and great restaurants.
- Waterbury – Famous for food stops and easy access to outdoor fun.
- More of the Green Mountains – Plenty of trailheads and scenic viewpoints within an hour’s drive.
You get the best of both worlds: quiet nights in a small village and action-packed days exploring central Vermont.
Tips for Visiting East Barre, Vermont
To make the most of your time near East Barre:
- Rent a car – Public transit is very limited, and many of the best spots require a short drive.
- Check seasonal hours – Some attractions, like state parks and sugarhouses, have limited seasons.
- Pack for changing weather – Vermont weather can shift quickly, especially in spring and fall.
Final Thoughts: Why East Barre Is Worth a Stop
East Barre, Vermont, may not be a big-name destination, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s:
- Quiet and relaxing.
- Close to Barre, Montpelier, and Groton State Forest.
- A budget-friendly base for exploring central Vermont.
If you’re looking for a slower pace, local flavor, and easy access to nature, this little corner of Washington County deserves a spot on your Vermont travel list.
Share Your East Barre Experience
Have you visited
East Barre or nearby Barre and Montpelier?
- What was your favorite thing to do?
- Did you discover any hidden gems—like a cozy café, a quiet swimming hole, or a scenic back road?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments so other travelers can benefit, and feel free to
share this guide with friends or family planning a Vermont trip. Your real-life experiences help make this kind of local travel guide even better.
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