10 Relaxing Things To Do Near Saxtons River, Vermont (Windham County)
If you’re dreaming about a quiet corner of Vermont with covered bridges, country roads, and friendly faces,
Saxtons River in Windham County should be on your list. This tiny village feels like the kind of place you see in a movie: white church steeples, old brick buildings, kids riding bikes down Main Street.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway from Boston or New York, or you’re already exploring southern Vermont, here are
10 easygoing things to do near Saxtons River that blend small-town charm with classic New England scenery.
1. Stroll Through the Village of Saxtons River
The best way to start?
Walk the village itself. Saxtons River is small, so you can explore it on foot in a relaxed hour or two.
You’ll find:
- Historic homes with wide front porches
- Old churches and brick buildings that look straight out of the 1800s
- The gentle sound of the Saxtons River running behind town
Take your time. Grab a coffee from a local spot (hours can be seasonal, so it’s smart to check ahead), sit on a bench, and simply watch village life go by. On a cool fall day with the leaves glowing orange and red, it honestly feels like a postcard.
2. Follow the Saxtons River for a Scenic Walk or Easy Adventure
The
Saxtons River itself is the quiet star of the area. It winds along the village and through the countryside, and there are several pull-offs and spots where you can get close to the water.
Things you can do along the river:
- Take a peaceful walk along local roads that follow the water
- Skip stones or dip your feet in on a warm summer day
- Bring a book and listen to the river while you relax
If you enjoy photography, early morning or late afternoon light on the river is beautiful. Mist rising off the water on a cold morning makes for stunning photos.
3. Enjoy a Country Drive on Route 121 and Back Roads
One of the simplest pleasures near Saxtons River is just…
driving around.
Route 121 runs through the village and offers:
- Rolling hills and classic Vermont barns
- Old stone walls along the road
- Quiet stretches where you might not see another car for miles
Take a slow loop from Saxtons River toward
Grafton or over to
Bellows Falls. In fall, you’ll be surrounded by bright foliage. In winter, the snow-covered fields and smoke drifting from chimneys feel cozy and calm.
Tip: Gas stations can be spread out, so top off in Bellows Falls or Springfield before a longer meander.
4. Explore Historic Bellows Falls (About 10 Minutes Away)
Just a short drive east,
Bellows Falls offers more to see while keeping that old Vermont feel.
Highlights include:
- Bellows Falls Canal and Falls: See the Connecticut River, old rail bridges, and the remains of the historic canal system.
- Downtown storefronts: Small shops, cafes, and murals add color and character.
- Railroad history: It’s a fun spot for train lovers, with tracks, old depots, and passing freight trains.
If you like small towns with a little grit and a lot of history, Bellows Falls is worth an afternoon. Grab lunch, walk along the river, and imagine what this busy mill town was like 100 years ago.
5. Hike or Snowshoe Near Grafton
Head west from Saxtons River and you’ll reach
Grafton, another charming Vermont village tucked into the hills. The area around Grafton offers
gentle hiking and walking trails that are great for families or casual walkers.
Depending on the season, you can:
- Hike mellow forest trails with soft pine needles underfoot
- Snowshoe through quiet woods after a fresh snowfall
- Look for wildlife tracks in the snow—deer, fox, and sometimes moose
Trails change and conditions vary, so it’s a good idea to stop at a local inn, outdoor center, or town office for current suggestions. But from late spring through fall, you’ll have plenty of options for easy hikes with pretty views.
6. Step Back in Time in Westminster and Rockingham
Saxtons River sits in a region full of
early New England history. Two nearby towns,
Westminster and
Rockingham, offer peaceful drives and classics like old cemeteries, farmhouses, and rural churches.
In this area, you can:
- Explore scenic back roads bordered by maple trees
- Spot 18th– and 19th–century homes and barns
- Stop at small historic sites and markers along the way
It’s not a flashy, big-attraction kind of experience. Instead, it’s slow, simple, and very Vermont. If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys pulling over for a picture whenever something catches your eye, you’ll love this drive.
7. Discover Covered Bridges Around Windham County
What’s a trip to Vermont without a
covered bridge (or three)?
Near Saxtons River, in Windham County and just beyond, you can find classic wooden bridges tucked into quiet corners. While locations can change with repairs and closures, the general area offers:
- Small, single-lane bridges over rivers and brooks
- Beautiful photo spots in any season, especially fall
- Quiet gravel roads leading to hidden corners of the countryside
Search for “covered bridges near Saxtons River VT” before your trip, jot down a short list, and make your own mini bridge tour. It’s a fun afternoon drive for couples, families, or solo travelers.
8. Taste Local Vermont Flavor at Farm Stands and Sugarhouses
Southern Vermont is maple country. While Saxtons River is small, the surrounding
Windham County countryside is dotted with farms, sugarhouses, and seasonal stands.
Depending on the time of year, you might find:
- Fresh maple syrup and maple candy
- Local cheeses and jams
- Apples, pumpkins, and fresh cider in the fall
If you’re here in late winter or very early spring, ask around about
maple sugaring season. Some sugarhouses welcome visitors, and you might get to see syrup being made and taste it warm—nothing from a grocery store compares.
9. Enjoy Quiet Time at a Local Inn or B&B
One of the best “things to do” in and around Saxtons River is simply to
slow down.
Stay at a local inn, B&B, or guest house in or near the village and:
- Wake up to the sound of birds and not much else
- Enjoy a big country breakfast before exploring
- Spend the evening reading, playing board games, or chatting by a fireplace
If you’re coming from a big city, the quiet can feel almost unreal at first. But after a night or two, it’s easy to see why so many people escape to small Vermont towns to recharge.
10. Use Saxtons River as a Base for Day Trips Around Southern Vermont
Even though Saxtons River is tiny, it’s
well-located for seeing more of southern Vermont and nearby New Hampshire.
From the village, you can take easy day trips to:
- Brattleboro: About 30–40 minutes away, with arts, food, and shopping.
- Springfield: A small city with services, dining, and river scenery.
- Keene, NH: Just across the border in New Hampshire, with a lively downtown and classic New England college-town feel.
You can spend your days exploring and your evenings back in a quiet village. It’s the best of both worlds: more to do when you want it, pure calm when you don’t.
Planning Your Trip to Saxtons River, Vermont
A few quick tips before you go:
- Best time to visit: Fall for foliage, summer for rivers and drives, winter for that snow-globe feel, and early spring for maple season.
- Weather: It can shift quickly. Pack layers, a rain jacket, and good walking shoes.
- Food & hours: Small-town businesses may have limited or seasonal hours, so check online or call ahead.
Saxtons River isn’t a place of big tourist attractions or theme parks. Instead, it offers something harder to find these days:
quiet, space, and a slower pace of life. If that sounds like what you need, this little Vermont village might be exactly the escape you’re looking for.
Share Your Saxtons River Experience
Have you been to
Saxtons River or nearby towns in Windham County?
Which drives, riverside spots, or hidden corners did you like best?
I’d love to hear your stories, tips, and favorite things to do near Saxtons River.
Drop a comment with your experiences, and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s dreaming about a peaceful Vermont getaway.
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