10 Best Things To Do Near South Barre, Vermont (Washington County)

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10 Fun Things To Do Near South Barre, Vermont (Washington County Travel Guide)

If you’re looking for a quiet slice of Vermont with easy access to small-town charm, mountain views, and great food, South Barre, Vermont is a sweet home base. It sits just a few minutes from Barre City in Washington County, and less than a half hour from the state capital, Montpelier. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a leaf-peeping road trip, or passing through on a longer New England vacation, there are plenty of things to do near South Barre within a short drive. Below are 10 fun things to do near South Barre, VT that mix outdoor adventure, local history, and good old-fashioned Vermont charm.

1. Explore Granite History at Rock of Ages Quarry

Just up the road in Barre Town is one of the area’s biggest claims to fame: the Rock of Ages Granite Quarry, one of the largest granite quarries in the world. You can:
  • Take a guided quarry tour and look down into a massive granite pit
  • Visit the visitor center and learn how granite is cut and polished
  • Watch stonecutters at work (seasonal)
  • Try the quirky outdoor granite bowling lane
Standing at the viewing platform, staring into that huge pit of blue-gray stone, really puts the scale of Vermont’s granite industry into perspective. It’s an easy half-day trip from South Barre and great for families, history buffs, and curious travelers. Travel tip: Tours are usually offered seasonally, often from late spring through fall. Check hours before you go.

2. Walk Among Art at Hope Cemetery

It might sound unusual to visit a cemetery on vacation, but Hope Cemetery in nearby Barre is more like an open-air granite art museum. Local stonecutters, many of them Italian immigrants, used their skills to design stunning and sometimes very personal memorials, including:
  • Angels with detailed wings and flowing robes
  • Life-sized sculptures of loved ones
  • Sports-themed stones, including race cars and soccer balls
  • Beautiful carved flowers and symbols
Strolling through, you’ll see why Hope Cemetery is famous. Each stone tells a story. Bring a camera and walk slowly—you’ll notice something new around every corner. Good to know: It’s a peaceful, respectful place. Keep voices low and treat it as a quiet art walk.

3. Stroll Downtown Barre for Local Eats and Shops

From South Barre, you’re only a short drive from downtown Barre, a classic Vermont small city with friendly locals and plenty of character. You can:
  • Grab coffee and pastries at a local café
  • Stop into small shops selling books, gifts, and Vermont-made items
  • Check out the murals and public art around town
  • Catch a show at the Barre Opera House (check their schedule)
If you like to “travel by taste buds,” this is a great place to sample:
  • Hearty diner-style breakfasts
  • Maple-flavored treats
  • Craft beers from nearby breweries
It’s easy to park the car, wander on foot, and soak up the laid-back Vermont vibe.

4. Visit the Vermont State House in Montpelier

Just about 15–20 minutes from South Barre, you’ll find Montpelier, the smallest state capital in the country. The standout landmark is the Vermont State House with its gleaming golden dome. You can:
  • Walk the grounds and snap photos of the gold dome and classic columns
  • Take a guided tour (often free, depending on the season)
  • Learn about Vermont history and how the state government works
The State House feels more like a grand historic home than a big, intimidating government building. It’s a nice stop even if you’ve only got an hour or two in Montpelier. Insider feel: On a sunny day, the lawn in front of the State House becomes an informal picnic spot for locals. Grab a sandwich from a café downtown and join them.

5. Wander Montpelier’s Charming Downtown

Since you’re already in Montpelier, don’t rush back to South Barre just yet. The downtown streets are lined with:
  • Independent bookstores
  • Cafés and coffee shops
  • Farm-to-table restaurants
  • Local clothing and outdoor gear shops
This is a walkable, people-friendly downtown. Side streets lead to:
  • The Winooski River, which runs right through town
  • Colorful murals and small parks
  • Hidden gems like tiny bakeries and used record shops
If you like small-town America with a creative streak, you’ll feel at home here. Travel idea: Plan a full Montpelier day trip:
  • Morning: State House and downtown walk
  • Afternoon: Nearby hike (see next section)
  • Evening: Dinner and maybe a live music show

6. Hike for Mountain Views at Spruce Mountain or Hubbard Park

Vermont is a hiker’s paradise, and Washington County has some great options close to South Barre. Spruce Mountain (Plainfield) About a 25–30 minute drive from South Barre, the Spruce Mountain trail rewards you with a summit fire tower and sweeping views. What to expect:
  • Moderate hike, usually around 3–4 miles round trip
  • Wooded trail most of the way
  • Panoramic views from the top, especially stunning in fall
Hubbard Park (Montpelier) If you want something gentler, check out Hubbard Park right in Montpelier. You’ll find:
  • Easy walking trails through the woods
  • A stone observation tower with views over downtown
  • Picnic spots and peaceful corners to relax
Both spots are great for stretching your legs after time in the car, and they’re family-friendly choices right near South Barre.

7. Taste Local Flavor at Barre and Montpelier Breweries

If you enjoy craft beer, this corner of Vermont won’t disappoint. Within a short drive of South Barre, you can sample fresh, local brews and get a feel for the region’s laid-back nightlife. Look for:
  • Small breweries and taprooms in Barre and Montpelier
  • Seasonal beers featuring local ingredients (like maple or local hops)
  • Cozy tasting rooms, often with board games or live music
You’ll often find:
  • IPAs and pale ales
  • Stouts and porters for colder days
  • Lighter options like lagers or wheat beers for summer
Safety tip: Vermont roads can be dark and winding at night. If you plan to sample a few beers, think about a designated driver, walking if you’re staying nearby, or checking local rideshare options.

8. Go Maple Crazy at a Sugarhouse (Seasonal)

If you happen to visit South Barre in late winter or early spring, you might catch Vermont’s famous maple sugaring season. Nearby sugarhouses and farms sometimes offer:
  • Tours of the sugarhouse where sap is boiled down
  • Fresh “sugar on snow” (hot maple syrup poured over packed snow)
  • Maple candies, maple cream, and—of course—bottled syrup to take home
Even outside of sugaring season, many roadside stands and country stores sell:
  • Pure Vermont maple syrup
  • Maple popcorn
  • Maple cookies and donuts
Maple is a big part of Vermont’s identity, and Washington County is no exception. Trying maple products near South Barre is almost a must.

9. Discover Local History at Small Museums and Galleries

The South Barre area and greater Washington County offer several smaller museums and galleries that give you a more personal look at Vermont life. Depending on the season and your timing, you can:
  • Visit local historical societies to learn about Barre’s granite workers and immigrant communities
  • Check out art galleries featuring Vermont artists, including granite sculpture and paintings of local landscapes
  • Find rotating exhibits on topics like railroads, agriculture, or daily life in 19th-century Vermont
These aren’t giant, all-day museums, but that’s part of the charm. You can pop in for an hour or two, talk to volunteers who really know the area, and get a deeper understanding of what makes South Barre and its neighbors unique.

10. Hit the Back Roads for a Classic Vermont Drive

Sometimes the best thing to do near South Barre is also the simplest: go for a drive. Within Washington County, you’ll find:
  • Rolling hills and working farms
  • Red barns and old stone walls
  • Covered bridges scattered along country roads
  • Roadside farm stands with fresh produce in season
In the fall, the foliage can be stunning. Think bright reds, burnt oranges, and glowing yellows covering the hillsides. But even in summer or winter, the scenery has its own quiet beauty. Driving tip: Take it slow. These aren’t highways—they’re winding back roads with curves, hills, and sometimes wildlife. But that’s exactly what makes the drive special.

Final Thoughts: Why South Barre Makes a Great Vermont Base

South Barre, Vermont may not be a big-name tourist city, and that’s the point. It gives you a relaxed home base close to:
  • Historic granite quarries and art at Rock of Ages and Hope Cemetery
  • Small-city charm in Barre
  • The state capital and culture in Montpelier
  • Mountain views and hiking trails in Washington County
  • Classic Vermont flavors, from maple syrup to craft beer
If you’re dreaming about a New England trip that feels genuine and down-to-earth—not crowded or overly polished—South Barre and the surrounding Washington County area are well worth a spot on your travel list.

Share Your South Barre Experience

Have you visited South Barre or nearby Barre and Montpelier? Did you tour the Rock of Ages quarry, climb the fire tower, or discover a favorite café? Tell us about it!
  • Share your favorite thing to do near South Barre in the comments.
  • Have a hidden gem to recommend? We’d love to hear it.
  • If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends planning a Vermont trip.
Your tips and stories help other travelers discover just how much there is to do near this small but memorable corner of Vermont.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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