Swim Holes and Beaches
Our family frequents these River swim holes and lakes for summertime fun.
One of the favorite Mad River Swimholes! Park near the restaurants and walk over to the rock beach for swimming, jumping from the 6 foot rock, some sandy areas for young kids. If you have older kids, jumping from the bridge is a rite of passage.
14 locals recommend
Waitsfield Covered Bridge
Bridge StreetOne of the favorite Mad River Swimholes! Park near the restaurants and walk over to the rock beach for swimming, jumping from the 6 foot rock, some sandy areas for young kids. If you have older kids, jumping from the bridge is a rite of passage.
A wonderful place to access calm, warmer water for younger kids. Also a great place to launch paddle boards, kayaks and canoes (life jackets required by state law) as well as tire tubes! You often find fishing and frogs, and if the time of year is right, wild blueberries and raspberries can be harvested. There are also mountain biking trails across from the lake.
63 locals recommend
Blueberry Lake
A wonderful place to access calm, warmer water for younger kids. Also a great place to launch paddle boards, kayaks and canoes (life jackets required by state law) as well as tire tubes! You often find fishing and frogs, and if the time of year is right, wild blueberries and raspberries can be harvested. There are also mountain biking trails across from the lake.
Bristol Falls is about 30 minutes away from the condo (Lincoln gap toward Bristol). In addition to jumping from the cliffs, there is a cavern behind the falls. It is a fun option for cooling off after a hike along the Long Trail (at the top of the gap) or just for the day. We often visit the skateboard/scooter/bmx park and pump track in Bristol before the falls. The town of Bristol is a short drive from the falls and has many dining options and an excellent creemee stand as well.
Bristol Falls
880 Vermont 17Bristol Falls is about 30 minutes away from the condo (Lincoln gap toward Bristol). In addition to jumping from the cliffs, there is a cavern behind the falls. It is a fun option for cooling off after a hike along the Long Trail (at the top of the gap) or just for the day. We often visit the skateboard/scooter/bmx park and pump track in Bristol before the falls. The town of Bristol is a short drive from the falls and has many dining options and an excellent creemee stand as well.
Warren Falls is a wonderful swim hole for the adventurous. A short walk from the parking lot (limited parking) takes you down to the main pool. There are additional pools higher up, as well. This swim hole can have a party atmosphere later in the day, so we found that earlier in the day is often better with younger kids.
123 locals recommend
Warren Falls
3919 Vermont Rte 100Warren Falls is a wonderful swim hole for the adventurous. A short walk from the parking lot (limited parking) takes you down to the main pool. There are additional pools higher up, as well. This swim hole can have a party atmosphere later in the day, so we found that earlier in the day is often better with younger kids.
The North Beach Park is a short drive or walk along the Burlington Path from downtown Burlington. It typically has calm water, facilities to change and rinse off, and snacks, BBQ, etc. It makes for a lovely option for a day trip to Burlington.
67 locals recommend
North Beach Park
The North Beach Park is a short drive or walk along the Burlington Path from downtown Burlington. It typically has calm water, facilities to change and rinse off, and snacks, BBQ, etc. It makes for a lovely option for a day trip to Burlington.
Lareau Park Swim Hole is one of the best for kids of all ages. With sand for the toddlers, shallow areas, and large rocks for jumping, many an hour can be spent here relaxing.
15 locals recommend
The Lareau Park
6051 Vermont Rte 100Lareau Park Swim Hole is one of the best for kids of all ages. With sand for the toddlers, shallow areas, and large rocks for jumping, many an hour can be spent here relaxing.
A fun swim hole a short walk across the field to the right. There is a rope swing and an old tree to jump from. You can also access one of the Mad Path trails off to the left (one of our favorites)
6 locals recommend
Riverside Park
770 840 Vermont Rte 100A fun swim hole a short walk across the field to the right. There is a rope swing and an old tree to jump from. You can also access one of the Mad Path trails off to the left (one of our favorites)
Food scene
Wonderful pizza made with local produce/farm products. in the summer gather for drinks while kids run in the fields while you wait for your pizza, or all year, eat inside or get parbaked take out - but order early for take out!
163 locals recommend
American Flatbread
46 Lareau RdWonderful pizza made with local produce/farm products. in the summer gather for drinks while kids run in the fields while you wait for your pizza, or all year, eat inside or get parbaked take out - but order early for take out!
Wonderful Thai for take-out or dine in, just minutes from Sugarbush resort
40 locals recommend
Fit to be Thai'd
1838 Sugarbush Access RdWonderful Thai for take-out or dine in, just minutes from Sugarbush resort
FABULOUS! A must for every visit to the Mad River Valley. Slow Burn Tacos and Chicken Mole enchiladas among our favorites. In the spring-Fall enjoy a beer outside while waiting for your order. In the shopping center in Waitsfield about 15-20 minutes away.
137 locals recommend
The Mad Taco
5101 Main StFABULOUS! A must for every visit to the Mad River Valley. Slow Burn Tacos and Chicken Mole enchiladas among our favorites. In the spring-Fall enjoy a beer outside while waiting for your order. In the shopping center in Waitsfield about 15-20 minutes away.
A trip to Burlington for the A-Dog Skate Park or North Beach woudl not be complete without a stop at Al's French Fry for the old fashioned burger jjoint experience. Excellent fries and fabulous corn dogs! Also serve creemees/ice cream, with a play ground and ample out door parking.
17 locals recommend
Al's French Frys
1251 Williston RdA trip to Burlington for the A-Dog Skate Park or North Beach woudl not be complete without a stop at Al's French Fry for the old fashioned burger jjoint experience. Excellent fries and fabulous corn dogs! Also serve creemees/ice cream, with a play ground and ample out door parking.
A not so hidden gem - the Canteen Creemee is the place to be for more than creemees. They have an eclectic menu of tastey eats and often have a wait for food - a sign that it is good! Our family loves the burgers and cross-cut hotdogs, but the fare only goes up from there!
55 locals recommend
Canteen Creemee Company
5123 Main StA not so hidden gem - the Canteen Creemee is the place to be for more than creemees. They have an eclectic menu of tastey eats and often have a wait for food - a sign that it is good! Our family loves the burgers and cross-cut hotdogs, but the fare only goes up from there!
Mad River Barn station
A Fun restaurant and bar - family friendly!
The Reservoir
1 S Main StFANTASTIC FOOD! Excellent restaurant in Waterbury area.
Hiking Trails
A Moderate hike that kids can do - about 1.5 miles each way. Views to the west from the ledge. Some steep sections at the onset, but then mainly easy after that.
20 locals recommend
Sunset Ledge Trail Head
3573 Lincoln Gap RdA Moderate hike that kids can do - about 1.5 miles each way. Views to the west from the ledge. Some steep sections at the onset, but then mainly easy after that.
Activities in the Mad River Valley
A Saturday morning tradition in summer and fall! Come pick up local produce, baked goods, cheeses, wines, spirits, food, while enjoying music.
24 locals recommend
Waitsfield Farmers Market
Mad River GreenA Saturday morning tradition in summer and fall! Come pick up local produce, baked goods, cheeses, wines, spirits, food, while enjoying music.
Sugarbush hosts a number of events and activities throughout the year, beyond skiing.
There are posted maps of the snowshoe trails, which make for lovely hiking year-round - including one trail that starts right behind the condo!
They have mountain biking trails and scenic chairlift rides, as well as various other events and activities for all ages. Be sure to check out their event's calendar!
214 locals recommend
Sugarbush Resort
102 Forest DrSugarbush hosts a number of events and activities throughout the year, beyond skiing.
There are posted maps of the snowshoe trails, which make for lovely hiking year-round - including one trail that starts right behind the condo!
They have mountain biking trails and scenic chairlift rides, as well as various other events and activities for all ages. Be sure to check out their event's calendar!
A nearby ski resort that is owner run - home of a famous single chair lift
33 locals recommend
Mad River Glen
A nearby ski resort that is owner run - home of a famous single chair lift
Groceries/shopping needs
the BEST deli meat in the valley! The store made salads are also a hit! Rt 100 noodles are a favorite! Lots of beer and wine and all a market typically offers, with many local producers/bakeries on shelves.
67 locals recommend
Mehuron's Supermarket
5121 Main Stthe BEST deli meat in the valley! The store made salads are also a hit! Rt 100 noodles are a favorite! Lots of beer and wine and all a market typically offers, with many local producers/bakeries on shelves.
Shaw's
820 Waterbury-Stowe RdThe best grocery for non-specialty food items. Also has beer/wine.
Wonderful on mountain option for breakfast, sandwiches, beer, wine, and a small selection of grocery items. They are not open late, so plan ahead.
33 locals recommend
Paradise Provisions
2367 Sugarbush Access RdWonderful on mountain option for breakfast, sandwiches, beer, wine, and a small selection of grocery items. They are not open late, so plan ahead.
Warren Store has breakfast and lunch counters, baked goods, some groceries, and a clothing/VT product store upstairs.
84 locals recommend
Warren Store
284 Main StWarren Store has breakfast and lunch counters, baked goods, some groceries, and a clothing/VT product store upstairs.
Bisbee's is a great resource for quick solutions and household needs. Charging cables, lids for a yeti, etc. And they have popcorn in an old fashioned cart!
Bisbee's Ace Hardware
109 Mad River GreenBisbee's is a great resource for quick solutions and household needs. Charging cables, lids for a yeti, etc. And they have popcorn in an old fashioned cart!
Previously called "Mac's" it is now "Jiffy Mart" - A typical gas station market, some food and snacks, beer wine, sodas, etc.
MAC'S WARREN
114 Main StreetPreviously called "Mac's" it is now "Jiffy Mart" - A typical gas station market, some food and snacks, beer wine, sodas, etc.
Activities beyond the Mad River Valley
If you like to skateboard or scooter or do bike tricks, this park in Burlington is worth the trip! A poured concrete park along the Lake Champlain waterfront and the Burlington bike/walking path, it is a short drive from the center of everything Burlington has to offer. After your ride you can travel north up the path to the North Beach Park swim area to cool off!
9 locals recommend
Andy A DOG Williams Skatepark
1 Lake StIf you like to skateboard or scooter or do bike tricks, this park in Burlington is worth the trip! A poured concrete park along the Lake Champlain waterfront and the Burlington bike/walking path, it is a short drive from the center of everything Burlington has to offer. After your ride you can travel north up the path to the North Beach Park swim area to cool off!
Come tour your favorite VT ice-creamery and learn how it is all done! Sample the goodies and enjoy the chairs by the playground after!
254 locals recommend
Ben & Jerry's
1281 Vermont Rte 100Come tour your favorite VT ice-creamery and learn how it is all done! Sample the goodies and enjoy the chairs by the playground after!
The Colchester Causeway is an old railroad track across Lake Champlain that has been converted into an elevated path for walking and biking. It has SPECTACULAR views and a ferry ($) to cross opening to the islands in the middle of the lake.
6 locals recommend
Causeway Road
Causeway RoadThe Colchester Causeway is an old railroad track across Lake Champlain that has been converted into an elevated path for walking and biking. It has SPECTACULAR views and a ferry ($) to cross opening to the islands in the middle of the lake.