10 Fun Things To Do Near Websterville, Vermont (Washington County Guide)
If you blink, you might miss tiny
Websterville, Vermont – but don’t let its size fool you. Tucked into Washington County, just a few minutes from Barre and about 15 minutes from Montpelier, Websterville is a great little home base for exploring central Vermont.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a foliage road trip, or just passing through, here are
10 things to do near Websterville, VT that combine small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and classic New England flavor.
1. Walk the “Granite Capital” in Downtown Barre
Just a short drive from Websterville,
Barre calls itself the “Granite Capital of the World,” and once you’re there, you’ll see why.
Stroll along Main Street and you’ll notice:
- Granite statues and carvings on almost every corner
- Historic brick buildings and old-school storefronts
- Cafés, bakeries, and small local restaurants
If you like towns with character, you’ll enjoy just wandering around, ducking into shops, and grabbing a coffee while you people-watch. On a sunny day, it feels like stepping onto the set of a New England movie.
Travel tip: Parking is usually easy to find along the street or in small public lots. Plan at least an hour or two to walk, browse, and snack.
2. Explore Rock of Ages Granite Quarry
You can’t visit Websterville’s area and skip the legendary
Rock of Ages Granite Quarry in nearby Graniteville, only a few minutes away. This place is huge — the main quarry is nearly
600 feet deep, and you can see it from a viewing area that will make your jaw drop.
Guided tours (seasonal) often include:
- A look at the massive open-pit quarry
- Behind-the-scenes views of stone cutting and polishing
- Explanations of how local granite ends up in buildings and monuments across the country
There’s also a fun granite bowling lane where you can test your skills on a real stone surface. It’s a quirky detail that kids and adults both remember.
If you’ve ever wondered how something as simple as a rock can shape a whole town’s identity, this stop will answer that.
3. Pay Your Respects at Hope Cemetery
A cemetery might sound like an odd attraction, but
Hope Cemetery in Barre is not your average graveyard. It’s really an open-air granite art museum.
Many of the gravestones here were carved by master stonecutters, often for their own families. You’ll see:
- Detailed angels and angels’ wings
- Life-size statues of people and objects
- Unique shapes like race cars, soccer balls, and even armchairs
Walking through, you get a sense of the town’s deep connection to the granite industry and the people who built it. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and surprisingly moving.
Good to know: Drive slowly through the cemetery and be respectful. It’s still an active burial ground, not just a tourist site.
4. Hike or Bike the Millstone Trails
If you’re staying right in or near Websterville, you’re wonderfully close to one of the area’s true outdoor gems: the
Millstone Hill trail network.
Built through old quarry lands, these trails wind past:
- Abandoned granite quarries filled with clear water
- Stone ruins and leftover equipment from the industry’s early days
- Thick forests, mossy rocks, and scenic overlooks
You’ll find trails for:
- Hiking – from easy strolls to steeper climbs
- Mountain biking – popular in summer and fall
- Snowshoeing and fat biking – in winter
If you love the idea of exploring a place where nature and history are tangled together, this is the spot. Bring water, good shoes, and a camera – those quarry views are hard to forget.
5. Visit Vermont’s Capital: Montpelier
From Websterville, you’re only about 15–20 minutes from
Montpelier, the smallest state capital in the United States. Don’t let the size fool you, though. This little city is packed with charm.
Here’s what you can do in an afternoon:
- Walk past the gold-domed Vermont State House and take photos
- Browse local bookstores and craft shops downtown
- Grab a coffee, crepe, or local beer at one of the many cafés and restaurants
- Stroll along the Winooski River walking paths
In fall, the hills above town glow with color. In winter, lights and wreaths make downtown feel cozy and festive. It’s an easy, low-key way to spend a day near Websterville.
6. Taste Local Goodness at Nearby Farms and Sugarhouses
You’re in Vermont, so you know two things are never far away:
maple syrup and
dairy farms.
Within a short drive of Websterville and Barre, you can find:
- Maple sugarhouses offering syrup, candies, and maple cream
- Roadside farm stands with fresh veggies, jams, and baked goods
- Small creameries selling cheese, milk, and ice cream
If you’re visiting in March or early April, ask around about “
maple open house” weekends. Many small sugarhouses open their doors and let you see how sap is boiled down into syrup. The smell alone is worth the trip.
Traveling with kids? Turn it into a “Vermont food hunt” and see how many local treats you can taste in one day.
7. Enjoy the Arts: Barre Opera House & Local Galleries
For a small city, Barre has a surprisingly lively
arts scene. The historic
Barre Opera House, just a short drive from Websterville, hosts:
- Live music and concerts
- Theater performances
- Comedy nights and community events
Check their schedule before your trip—catching a show here is a fun way to spend an evening after a day of hiking or exploring.
Around downtown Barre and Montpelier, you’ll also find:
- Small art galleries
- Studios featuring local painters, photographers, and sculptors
- Occasional art walks and special events
If you like to balance outdoor adventure with culture, this area makes it easy.
8. Take a Scenic Drive Through Central Vermont Back Roads
Sometimes the best thing to do near Websterville is simply to get in the car and wander. Central Vermont is made for
scenic drives.
From Websterville and Barre, you can:
- Head toward small towns like Plainfield, East Montpelier, or Calais
- Follow winding roads lined with old barns and sugar maples
- Stop at country stores for snacks and souvenirs
In
fall, the foliage turns hillsides into a sea of red, orange, and gold. In
winter, snow makes every farmhouse look like a postcard. Even in summer, rolling green hills and open fields are worth pulling over for a photo.
If you love road trips, this area is like driving through a living New England calendar.
9. Get Outside on the Winooski River & Local Trails
If you’re craving more fresh air, the
Winooski River and nearby trail systems give you plenty of options not far from Websterville.
Depending on the season, you can:
- Kayak or canoe calm stretches of the river (check local outfitters in Montpelier or nearby towns)
- Walk or run riverside paths
- Birdwatch in quieter sections with marshes and trees
In winter, many local fields and trails turn into:
- Cross-country ski routes
- Snowshoe loops
If you’re used to busy city parks, the quiet here will feel almost shocking—in the best way.
10. Relax, Unplug, and Soak in Small-Town Vermont Life
One of the most underrated things to do near Websterville is also the simplest:
slow down.
This part of Washington County is perfect for:
- Sitting on a porch with a coffee and watching the light change on the hills
- Reading a book without traffic noise or city distractions
- Chatting with locals at a diner or café
- Stargazing on clear nights—away from bright city lights
Sometimes a trip doesn’t need a packed schedule of “must-see” attractions. Websterville and the nearby towns are great places to breathe a little deeper, reset, and enjoy simple things: good food, quiet roads, and fresh air.
Planning Your Trip to Websterville, VT
To make the most of your stay near Websterville:
- Base yourself in Websterville, Barre, or Montpelier—each gives easy access to all the spots above.
- Rent a car if you can; public transportation is limited, and the best places are often down back roads.
- Check seasonal hours for Rock of Ages tours, sugarhouses, and ski or bike trails.
- Pack layers—Vermont weather can change quickly, even in summer.
Whether you’re into hiking, history, scenic drives, or just slow travel, you’ll find plenty of
things to do near Websterville, Vermont without ever driving very far.
Share Your Websterville Vermont Experience
Have you been to Websterville, Barre, or Montpelier? Did you hike the Millstone Hill trails, visit Rock of Ages, or discover a hidden café or farm stand?
I’d love to hear about it.
- What was your favorite thing to do near Websterville?
- Any local tips future travelers should know?
Drop a comment below with your stories, questions, or suggestions.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a trip to Vermont. The more people discover these small, special places, the better—just as long as we all remember to treat them kindly.
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