Nature & Scenery | Farming | Culture | History | Recreation | Railroads Products & Services
The site of a military outpost built in 1724, Brattleboro
is the Byway's most southerly Waypoint and now one of its largest urban centers.
Its cosmopolitan atmosphere was established in the 19th century by a mineral
springs resort that attracted travelers to a promised "water cure"
and continues today thanks to the School for International Training, whose students
and teachers come from many countries. A vibrant downtown that celebrates the
performing and visual arts is focused along a Main Street that follows the curve
of the adjacent Connecticut River. Brattleboro declares it can provide "all
of Vermont, close to home."
Brattleboro is the Waypoint community for an area that includes the towns of
Vernon, Guilford, Dummerston, and Putney, VT, and Hinsdale, Chesterfield and
Westmoreland, NH. Plans are underway to create a Waypoint Interpretive Center
in the River Garden, located on the banks of the Connecticut in the center of
this vibrant community.
The designated Byway routes in the Brattleboro area are Routes 5 and 142 in Vermont and Route 63 in New Hampshire.
Nature & Scenery
The exposed rock and forested slopes of New Hampshire's
Mt. Wantastiquet create a dramatic backdrop for Brattleboro's downtown, and includes
trails of the Mt. Wantastiquet State Forest. The Connecticut is joined to the
south of town on the New Hampshire side by the Ashuelot River and to the north
on the Vermont side by the West River, where a large cove, known as the Retreat
Meadows, is a gathering place for migratory waterfowl on the Connecticut River
flyway. For more about birding and nature observation in the Brattleboro area,
visit the Connecticut
River Birding Trail.
The Belle of Brattleboro (802-254-1263), an excursion tour boat that operates
seasonally, offers river tours of the Connecticut and a portion of the West River.
The Bonnyvale Environmental Education
Center is a strong voice for resource protection in the region.
In addition to the Connecticut River Scenic Byway routes, New Hampshire has a
listing of other scenic
drives.
For more about Nature
& Scenery on the Connecticut River Byway
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The Brattleboro Farmers' Market is one of the oldest in the region, and is supported by a wide range of producers from the area who grow vegetables, fruits, berries, and flowers, and organic meats. The Brattleboro Retreat Farm is a conserved working dairy farm that includes a "petting zoo" of farm animals.
Brattleboro celebrates its agricultural heritage on the first Saturday in June with an annual "Strolling of the Heifers" parade and festival through the historic downtown. This internationally renowned parade and festival -- the Green Mountain State’s light-hearted version of Spain’s Running of the Bulls -- has been named one of Vermont’s “Top Ten Summer Events.”
Across the river in Keene, Stonewall
Farm is a working New England farm and non-profit education center, dedicated
to promoting the importance of local agriculture and the stewardship of natural
resources.
Contemporary sheep farming now includes milking sheep to produce specialty cheeses.
Award winning-sheep cheeses are made and ripened in a "cheese cave"
at Vermont
Shepherd, in Westminster, near Putney, VT.
In the Brattleboro area you can buy many agricultural products directly from
the producers. You can pick up Christmas trees at Wilson's Tree Farm in Putney,
or visit a working dairy at the Robb
Family Farm in West Brattleboro. Dessert puddings
are the specialty of Echo
Farm in
Hinsdale. The eagerly anticipated Cheshire
Fair in nearby Swanzey, NH, draws spectators and participants to the animal
competitions, displays of fruits, vegetables, and crafts, and the sights and
sounds of farm life past and present.
For more about Farming on the Connecticut River Byway
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Culture
At the cultural heart of Brattleboro – itself a regional
cultural center – is the Brattleboro
Museum & Art Center. A few steps away is
the Art Deco Latchis
Theater, which houses a movie theater, hotel,
restaurant and brewery all under one roof. The Brattleboro Music Center, a dance
school, a childrens' theater and other local theater companies all offer a lively
schedule of performances. The downtown is an historic district with plenty of
restaurants and bookstores.
The city of Keene, NH, just east of the Byway, is another regional cultural center.
Among its attractions are the Colonial
Theater and the Apple
Hill Center for Chamber Music. For more information
about the arts, contact the Grand Monadnock Arts Council (603-357-3906, 800-639-9029),
the Horatio Colony Museum (603-352-0460) and the Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery
at Keene State College (603-358-2720).
For more about Culture
on the Connecticut River Byway
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Fort Dummer was the earliest European outpost north
of the present Massachusetts border, built in 1724 during a period when armed
conflict with Native Americans persisted all over New England. The fort was
abandoned, but settlers returned in the late 1700s to establish a community
along the Whetstone Brook. It blossomed with the growth of industries like the
Estey Organ Company,
the world's largest manufacturer of reed organs, which in 1880 employed more
than 500 and made more than a quarter million organs before pianos eclipsed
their popularity.
Brattleboro's architecture is well represented in several National Register
Historic Districts. Visit the Brattleboro
Historical Society and the Guilford
Historical Society.
State historic markers in
the area offer a glimpse into the past, where tangible reminders remain or where
events may have passed without a trace.
Two historic steel bridges from the early 20th century span the Connecticut
River between Brattleboro's downtown and Hinsdale. Covered bridges in the Brattleboro
region of Vermont include the Creamery
Bridge over Whetstone Brook, the Green
River Bridge in Guilford over the river of that name, and Vermont's longest
covered bridge, the West
Dummerston Bridge over the West River.
New Hampshire covered bridges in the area include
four in Swanzey that span the Ashuelot River: the Slate
Bridge, the West
Swanzey Bridge, the Sawyer's
Crossing Bridge, and the Carleton
Bridge. Two more covered bridges over the
Ashuelot are in Winchester – the Ashuelot
Bridge and the Coombs
Bridge.
For more about History
on the Connecticut River Byway
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Recreation
The Vernon Dam on the Connecticut River creates a pool
or low-current area that extends north beyond the mouth of the West River. The
West is popular with canoeists and kayakers. A ski jump in Brattleboro draws international
competition.
The region is home to a growing number of hiking trails. Mt. Wantastiquet itself
is a popular hiking destination. The Connecticut River Joint Commissions provide
a map
of river access points in the Mt. Wantastiquet Region.
Canoes and Kayaks are for rent at the Vermont Canoe Touring Center (802-257-5008)
located at the confluence of the Connecticut and West Rivers, at 451 Putney Road,
where the Veterans Bridge crosses the West River.
State parks in the area include:
Fort
Dummer State Park, Brattleboro
Pisgah State Park, Chesterfield
Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area, Chesterfield
For more about Recreation
on the Connecticut River Byway
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Railroads
Brattleboro’s Union Station was among the last generation
of major railroad passenger stations built in Vermont. It was constructed of stone
in 1915-1916 for the Central Vermont and Boston and Maine Railroads. The station
is now home to the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. Amtrak maintains an office
on the ground floor adjacent to the tracks.
For more about Railroads
on the Connecticut River Byway
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Products, Lodging, Dining, Services & Local Links
call
1-877-CTBYWAY for more information
Brattleboro
Chamber of Commerce
Southern
Vermont Regional Marketing Organization
For more about Products
on the Connecticut River Byway
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VERMONT
Brattleboro Area Farmers’
Market
Two locations: Rte 9, West Brattleboro, Saturdays 9am-2pm. Also on Main St.,
Merchants Bank Square, Brattleboro, Wednesdays 10am-2pm, mid-June - September.
Linda Dierks, 802 254-8885.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Keene Farmers' Market
Commercial parking lot off of Gilbo Ave., Keene, NH. Tuesdays & Saturdays,
May-October, 9am-2pm. Fruits, vegetables, herbs, plants, flowers, syrup, honey
and baked goods. Rain or shine, 603-835-6722.
Farmstands, Pick
Your Own, Farm Stays
VERMONT
Elysian Hills Tree Farm
Bill & Mary Lou Schmidt
209 Knapp Road, Dummerston, VT 05301
(Off Rte. 5, between Exits 3 & 4, I-91)
802 257-0233
Organic rhubarb, Gilfeather turnip seed, Wholesale/Retail
Mountain Mowings Farm
Mary & Randy Hickin
1999 Black Mountain Road, Dummerston, VT 05301
April - December
802-254-2146
Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, vegetables, perennials, jams, pickles,
Farm Stand, PYO
Walker Farm
Jack, Karen & Kristin Manix
1190 US Route 5, East Dummerston, VT 05346
April 7 - Thanksgiving
802-254-2051
Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, choice container plants & heirloom
vegetables, farm stand
The Blueberry Haus
Dan & Brenda Knock
809 Guilford Center Road, Guilford, VT 05301
July & August
802 257-0068
Blueberries, Farm Stand, PYO
Green Mountain Orchards
The Darrows
West Hill Road, Putney,VT 05346
Mid-July thru mid-October
802-387-5851
Blueberries, apples, farm stand, PYO
Harlow’s
Sugar House
Donald W. Harlow
563 Bellows Falls Road, Putney, VT 05346
(3 mi north of Putney Village on Route 5)
March 1 - December 31
802-387-5852 harlows@sover.net
Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, apples, farm stand, PYO
The
Scott Farm and Naulakha
Dummerston, VT
The Sugarhouse at the Scott Farm sleeps 2 people and pets are welcome. The Dutton
Farmhouse sleeps 8 people - no pets at this property and children are most welcome.
Just down the road is Naulakha, the former home of Rudyard Kipling. This is
a Trust property which sleeps 8 people. Mr. Kipling loved children and he would
be happy to know that they are still welcome at his home today.
Sweet
Tree Farm
East Dummerston, VT
(802) 254-4634 Email: daberman@aol.com
Tucked back behind a stand of trees and surrounded by scenic pastures, our vacation
rental offers total peace and quiet. A two bedroom house which features a well-equipped
kitchen and cable TV. The best way to contact us is by e-mail.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
The Apple Place
Roger Bienvenu
781 Old Walpole Rd., Surry, NH 03431
10am-6pm, daily, August 25-October 25
603-352-3976
Apples: Paula Red, Macintosh, Cortland & Macoun
Farmstead Acres
Marshall & Pati Patmos
143 London Rd., Westmoreland, NH 03467
9am-4pm, Friday-Sunday, Thanksgiving weekend-Christmas
603-352-8730
E-mail: patmos@cheshire.net
Cut-your-own Christmas trees: balsam fir, white spruce, Scotch & white pine;
wreaths, roping, greens, crafts & decorations
High Hopes Farm
Joanne & Bruce Smith
582 Glebe Rd., Westmoreland, NH 03467
8am-6pm, daily, July-Christmas
603-399-4305
E-mail: highhopesorchard@monad.net
Pick your own, wholesale, and retail: raspberries (July), blueberries (mid-July
through August to early September)
Inn
at Valley Farms B&B and Cottages
Walpole, NH
603-756-2855
E-mail: info@innatvalleyfarms.com
Working organic farm complete with an elegant 1774 Colonial home offering antique-furnished
rooms with private baths and gourmet candlelight breakfast using our own organic
fresh eggs and produce. Farm also offers two three-bedroom cottages and a farmhouse
perfect for families, small groups or extended stays. Visit our farm animals,
collect eggs, and pick produce, edible flowers, and herbs from our extensive
gardens in season or just relax in this tranquil setting. Hiking, great views,
extensive orchard, fine dining, and some of the world's best chocolate just
minutes away.
VERMONT
Brattleboro, VT – ESTEY ORGAN COMPANY
Here, in Brattleboro, was located the world’s largest
manufacturer of reed organs. For more than a century, reed and pipe organs made
in Brattleboro were sold to homes and churches around the world. The unusual
slate-sided factory complex on Bridge Street and the adjacent Esteyville neighborhood
were developed in the early 1870s. Philanthropic and civic-minded, the Estey
Company patented many manufacturing improvements and was a pioneer in equal
pay for women.
Located on Canal Street, U.S. Route 5, opposite end of Bridge
Street.
Brattleboro, VT – ‘NAULAKHA’: Rudyard Kipling’s
home
Rudyard Kipling’s home near Brattleboro for 4 years
after marriage to the American, Caroline Balestier, and after visiting her home,
famed British writer built isolated ‘Naulakha’. Here he wrote the
‘Jungle Books’ and other stories, and two daughters were born. In
1896 the Kiplings returned to England.
Located on U.S. Route 5, North of Brattleboro.
Brattleboro, VT – SITE OF FORT DUMMER
One and one-half miles south on Route 142 is the marker
for Fort Dummer, built in 1724, becoming Vermont’s oldest permanent white
settlement. The actual site is now flooded by the water from the Vernon Dam.
Located near Railroad station.
Guilford, VT – ROYALL TYLER: Early American Playwright
Boston-born Royall Tyler’s play, ‘The Contrast’
was the first American drama to be performed in this country (1787) and his
novel, ‘The Algerine Captive’ presented the first Yankee types in
our literature. He came to Guilford in 1791 and was Chief Justice of the Vermont
Supreme Court for 9 Years.
Located on U.S. Route 5, at Guilford Center.
Guilford, VT – VERMONT SOUTHEAST GATEWAY:
Connecticut Valley Route
On this former wilderness trail to Canada, the pioneers built old Fort Dummer
in 1724 below Brattleboro, then the frontier’s most advanced outpost. Guilford,
then the largest town in Vermont, was the scene of bitter strife between the
‘Yorkers’ and the Green Mountain Boys led by Ethan Allen.
Located on U.S. Route 5, near Massachusetts state line.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Chesterfield, NH – CHIEF JUSTICE HARLAN FISKE STONE
Born October 11, 1872, in a modest cottage 1.7 miles
west of here on Horseshoe Road. Stone graduated from Amherst College and Columbia
Law School, returning to the latter as Dean, 1910-1924. Attorney General of
the United States in President Coolidge's Cabinet, he was appointed a justice
of the Supreme Court in 1924, and Chief Justice in 1941, serving until his death
April 22, 1946. A teacher, lawyer, judge and judicial craftsman of the highest
order, he held the affection and respect of the lawyers of the nation.
Located on NH 63, at its intersection with the Old Chesterfield
Road in the village of Chesterfield.
Chesterfield, NH – FIRST METHODIST MEETING PLACE
IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
In 1772, "the people called Methodist" held
their first religious meeting in this state on the James Robertson farm, 1.2
miles north of here, on Christian Street, with Philip Embury as the preacher.
On June 20, 1803, Francis Asbury spoke here using as his text: "Let us
run with patience the race that is set before us."
Located on the north side of NH 9, about 1 mile west of its
junction with NH 63.
Hinsdale, NH – HINSDALE'S AUTO PIONEER
In the Holman and Merriman Machine Shop opposite this
location, George A. Long of Northfield (Mass.) in 1875 built a steam-propelled
four wheel automobile with a fifth wheel for steering. This vehicle, fired by
hardwood charcoal, had a bicycle-type frame, ordinary wooden wheels, solid rear
axle and could maintain 30 miles per hour, roads permitting. This early inventor
patented and built another automobile, propelled by gasoline, now in the Smithsonian
Institution.
Located at a parking lot on the south side of NH 119, about
.2 mile east of its junction with northbound NH 63.
Keene, NH – HAMPSHIRE POTTERY
About 150 feet north of here stood the famous Hampshire
Pottery Works, founded by James Scolly Taft for the manufacture of earthenware.
In 1878 Majolica ware was a major product, followed in 1883 by the addition
of useful and decorative art objects and souvenir pieces. With the introduction
in 1904 of the famous "mat glaze," Hampshire Pottery was recognized
as a leader in its field.
Located in front of the Keene Public Works Office Building
on lower Main Street.
Keene, NH – KEENE GLASS INDUSTRY
The first of two famous Keene glass factories was established
near this site in 1814 and produced window glass for the New England area until
1853. Another glass works (1815-1842), 1.5 miles southeast of here on Marlboro
Street, made bottles and flasks now known as "Keene Glass" and prized
today by museums and collectors.
Located on the east side of Washington Street at Fuller Park.
Swanzey, NH – DENMAN THOMPSON (1833-1911)
A famous theatrical trouper who lived and died in West
Swanzey. He gained a national reputation by his portrayal of the character,
"Joshua Whitcomb," the New Hampshire farmer on a trip to Boston. From
this he subsequently evolved "The Old Homestead," a play of long runs
before enthusiastic audiences.
Located in a small triangular plot at the junction of NH
32 and West Swanzey Road, opposite Monadnock Regional High School.
Westmoreland, NH – PARK HILL MEETING HOUSE
This church, built on the northeast corner of Cole Cemetery
in 1762, was moved in sections by ox cart in 1779 to this location, then known
as Federal Hill. A steeple with a bell cast by the Paul Revere Foundry was added
in 1826. This edifice is recognized as one of the most beautiful churches in
New England.
Located on the north side of NH 63 in the Park Hill section
of Westmoreland, in front of the Meeting House.
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