The river, the pool, the location, and the people combine to make West River Camperama a great place to spend your summer! However, if you would like to visit the surrounding area and check out what it has to offer, we have gathered a list below.
Downtown Brattleboro
The one and only Brattleboro dances on the edge of Vermont - an urban arts oasis nestled in the foothills, where you can find cows on parade, the Metropolitan Opera, and world-class aerial circus arts all living comfortably in a vibrant, historic downtown.
The heart of Brattleboro is the thriving downtown community of independent merchants offering the most unique combination of local and global retail, dining, and service experiences in a compact 3 block footprint that hugs the Connecticut River.
Brattleboro is consistently recognized as a top destination with Arts and Entertainment that rivals any big city and draws thousands of visitors every season. As a Designated “Historic Downtown” we have inspiring architecture and interesting stories around every corner, while numerous local colleges and a bounty of outdoor recreation keeps us young!
Downtown Brattleboro is host to some of the most unique festivals, parades, and experiences around, not just in Vermont, but anywhere. Whether it’s the “Strolling of the Heifers”, the annual Halloween “Littles on Parade”, the “Literary Festival”, Monthly Gallery Walks, or one of the many Art, Film, and Dance Festivals, Main Street is always humming with energy.
Bellows Falls Fish Ladder and Visitor Center
Open to the public since 1989, The Nature Museum focuses on the region’s plants, animals, and geology. Hands-on exhibits, dioramas, and mounted specimens engage learners of all ages and connect visitors to the natural world in New England. Observe the fish ladder from above and below, explore interpretive exhibits, speak with a knowledgeable environmental educator, and check out other hands-on and engaging activities that change throughout the center’s open season.
Whether you’re curious about migrating fish species, want to dive into their popular craft making table, or take a good look at some of their special exhibits, The Bellows Falls Fish Ladder and Visitor Center is a place to learn, explore, and experience a unique perspective of the Connecticut River.
Estey Organ Museum
The Estey Organ Museum, dedicated to the history and heritage of the Estey Organ Company of Brattleboro, Vermont, makers of reed organs, pump organs, melodeons, and pipe organs. This museum and its site in Brattleboro, Vermont are of interest to many people, ranging from organ aficionados to architectural and social historians. The Estey Organ Company and its remaining slate-clad buildings represent a highpoint in 19th century manufacturing, whose products can still be found all over the world today.
Sherwin Art Glass
Everything you see in the gallery is all glass, free-blown and hand-made by Chris Sherwin in Bellows Falls, Vermont. Most of his work features unique and specialized "on-the-pipe" torchwork design, go watch glassmaking demonstrations firsthand.
Santa’s Land USA
Since opening in 1957, Santa’s Land USA has been proud to serve over a million families in the last 60 years. They are a small, family park opened from the summer until Christmas Eve.
Shop in their gift house, take a ride on the Alpine Express Train, Carousel and Kiddie Rides. Mini Golf. Visit with Santa and his elves, and get a sweet treat, hot chocolate or some fries at their concession stand. Santa’s Land USA is for young children and all adults who believe in the Magic of Christmas! Makes a great day trip!
Brattleboro Museum & Art Center
The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (BMAC) was founded in 1972 by two groups of Brattleboro citizens committed to saving their town’s historic train station from the wrecking ball. One group wished to transform the former Union Station into a museum of local history, the other into a center for art classes and exhibitions. At the behest of the Brattleboro selectboard, they agreed to work together, and BMAC was born.
In addition to presenting contemporary art exhibitions, they offer 50–60 cultural and educational events each year. These include artist talks, workshops, performances, film screenings, studio tours, and an eclectic assortment of events aimed at serving families who do not necessarily see themselves as contemporary art museum-goers — for example, an annual LEGO contest and exhibit, the world’s longest-running domino-toppling event, and monthly art and food making collaborations with the Brattleboro Food Co-op.
Creamery Covered Bridge
Creamery Bridge, so called after the old Brattleboro Creamery which stood beyond it, is one of the few in the country to be painted. It is barn red and the inside shows traces of a coat of fire-resistant whitewash applied long ago. In keeping with its urban setting there is a street light inside. Years ago village covered bridges often were lighted at night with oil lanterns and many a boy of the old school earned $2 a year by tending them.
Brattleboro Historical Society
Brattleboro Historical Society was founded in 1982 as a non-profit organization by a group of local historians and civic leaders interested in Brattleboro’s past. The Society’s mission is to collect and preserve historical artifacts, documents, photographs, and data of persons, places, and events significant to Brattleboro from its earliest days to the present, and to disseminate Brattleboro’s history through research, exhibits, and interpretation of the collection for the education and enjoyment of the community.
Townshend Lake
Townshend Lake offers ample recreation opportunities. A boat ramp provides access for canoeing, kayaking and small motor boats (10hp or less). The lake is stocked once a year with Rainbow Trout for the enjoyment of anglers. The three group shelters are surrounded by many individual picnic tables with BBQ grills for smaller groups to enjoy. The Ledges Overlook Trial offers stunning views of the Green Mountains along the 1.7 mile loop with Townshend Lake Nature Area a short drive up Route 30 offering access to the West River Trail.
Brattleboro Area Farmers’ Market
The Brattleboro Area Farmers’ Market is southern Vermont’s premier farmers’ market featuring over fifty vendors who offer agricultural products, handmade crafts, and delicious prepared food. They offer two markets: Their Saturday Market (May to October) runs from 9am to 2pm, and their Downtown Market (end of May to September) runs Tuesdays from 4 to 7pm. Live music every Saturday from 11am to 1pm. Go here for more information.
The Latchis Theatre
The only Brattleboro movie theatre around, The Latchis Theatre features new hit films, special live events, and unique screenings of independent cinema. The Latchis Main Theatre has stood as is since 1938 and is a member of the League of Historic American Theatres. Bedecked with Greek murals by the Hungarian-American painter Louis Jambor, swaddled in velvet curtains, and accented with a panoramic view of the Zodiac on the ceiling, our performance space has welcomed the likes of Rosanne Cash, Collegiate A Capella champions, and the New England Center for Circus Arts. Beginning with Vaudeville and silent films, their stage has shown exceptional music, art, and moving pictures to Southern Vermont for over seventy years.
Hiking in Brattleboro and Southeastern Vermont
In Brattleboro you can start in Fort Dummer State Park. From Exit 1, head into town. Take a right at the first light (Fairground Road) past the high school and follow the signs to the park. This is the site of the first settlement in Vermont. Across the river from Brattleboro is Wantastiquet WantastiquetMountain. Just after crossing the second bridge, turn left on Mountain Road. There is a small parking area at the trail head a short way in. There are two trails: one allows you to parallel the Connecticut River (about 2 miles, easy and level), or you can climb the mountain (about 45 minutes up) for a wonderful view of the town, river and mountains beyond.
The Vermont Country Store Weston and Rockingham
In 1946, Vrest and Ellen Orton opened The Vermont Country Store in the quaint village of Weston, Vermont. Vrest was inspired by childhood memories of his father’s general store in North Calais, Vermont. The Weston store became the first restored rural general store in the nation. The Vermont Country Store is owned by Lyman Orton and sons Cabot, Gardner, and Eliot. Together, they are 7th & 8th generation Vermonters, and 4th & 5th generation storekeepers. They still adhere to the old-fashioned values set forth by their father and grandfather Vrest and take pride in being the Purveyors of the Practical and Hard-to-Find. From their two stores, catalog, and website, they're stocked to the rafters with quality merchandise from around the block and around the world.
Festivals and Events
The Brattleboro area supports many events that enliven their community. Many of these are annual festivities organized and sponsored by independent organizations while others are sponsored by the citizens in conjunction with the Recreation and Parks department.
Mount Snow
Super downhill skiing and riding just 35 minutes from our campground! Located in southern Vermont in West Dover, Mount Snow is the most accessible Green Mountain getaway from southern metropolitan areas.
From exploring the highest mountains in Southern Vermont, to the endless opportunities of their deepwater lakes, you’ll find countless things to do in and around Mount Snow. They have plenty to do during the warm months/summer - check out the list of activities/events.
Stratton Mountain Village
Shop, dine, spa, stroll through Stratton’s classic alpine gathering place then enjoy skiing and dining just 35 minutes from our campground!
Stratton Village is at the heart of it all, with live music, family activities, artists and entertainers, wildlife exhibits, tastings, trunk shows and sidewalk sales … mark your calendars for four seasons of special events.
They have plenty to do during the warm months/summer - check out the list of activities/events.
STRATTON MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK
Stratton’s new lift-served downhill mountain bike park is now open on weekends and holidays through mid-October. Serviced by the American Express six-passenger lift to mid-mountain, the terrain in Phase 1 will offer 4.6 miles of beginner, intermediate and advanced trails. Vermont based Sinuosity has designed the layout with a focus on hand building trails, a technique used by the company to minimize the environmental impact as much as possible. Phase one of the project will have eight open trails that will be lower mountain only.
GREEN MOUNTAIN ORCHARDS
Located in the hills above the village of Putney, VT, Green Mountain Orchards is one of Vermont's largest apple orchards. The orchard is a beautiful, wholesome place to visit any time of year. Come pick your own apples, blueberries, peaches, pumpkins, and more. The farmstand is famous for its apple cider, cider donuts, pies, and other baked goods.
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