72 Hours in Norwich
Two nights and
Three Days in Norwich
Located in the heart of the Upper Valley, Norwich is the quintessential New England village. With a Main Street historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this is the dream long-weekend destination for those who love architecture, history, and New England beauty. Norwich strives to protect and preserve their architectural heritage for today and beyond.
Offering a variety of things to do and providing a sense of place for both residents and visitors. Follow this three-day itinerary to experience all the history and charm that’s packed into this quaint town.
Visit At a Glance
These three days offer suggestions for things to do surrounding lodging, dining, shopping, and nearby attractions. Use this itinerary as a guide for further discovery – bookmark these locations and walk the downtown. Another great way to find a hidden gem is to ask a shop owner for their favorite local spot.
Key Points of Interest
Each day is comprised of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
- Day 1: Spend the day exploring Main Street, from the history to the shops and architecture.
- Day 2: Spend your second day in Norwich visiting some of its iconic attractions and taking in the view from above.
- Day 3: Discover a new way to explore Norwich and find hidden gems you may have missed, including covered bridges and quaint shops.
Spend the day exploring Main Street, from the history to the shops and architecture.
– DAY 1
Norwich Historical Society
The Society maintains the historic 1807 Lewis House in the heart of Norwich’s historic downtown. Stop by and pick up a map for a guided tour – they offer everything from hikes to haunted walks. Follow a tour map at your own pace or, in the summer months, join a guided walking tour.
Dan & Whit’s
No trip to Norwich is complete without a visit to this true utilitarian general store, which boasts the motto “if we don’t have it, you don’t need it.” Shop for essentials or browse to see what strikes your fancy.
Norwich Bookstore
This locally owned bookstore offers a great selection of books for every interest and hosts events such as readings and book clubs. Purchase a new book and take it across the street to the Norwich Green to read and relax.
Norwich Knits
Shop national brands as well as yarn and fiber from local sheep and dryers. Also offering classes and workshops, Norwich Knits offers a sense of community.
Jasper Murdock’s Alehouse
Located inside the main Victorian Mansion at The Norwich Inn, Jasper Murdock’s offers a variety of seating options whether you’re looking for a casual bite to eat or something more formal. With a focus on local, many of the ingredients in their house-brewed beers are grown on site.
Norwich Inn
Located on the corner of Main Street, The Norwich Inn has been a long-standing fixture in Norwich since 1797. Take in the history inside the building from one of the 38 guest rooms or relax on the front porch and enjoy the history and architecture along Main Street.
Spend your second day in Norwich visiting some of its iconic attractions and taking in the view from above.
– DAY 2
King Arthur Baking
Visit King Arthur’s flagship campus for all things baking. Watch artisan bakers at work in the bakery, shop for all your baking needs or sign up for a baking class. Enjoy a coffee and pastry, sandwich, salad, or pizza from their café.
Montshire Museum of Science
Discover hands-on science and a world of new ideas at one of the country’s top science centers. Enjoy the more than 150 exhibits, special exhibitions, 100 acres of trails and outdoor exhibits, Woodland Garden, and outdoor Science Park.
Norwich Farmers Market
Operating Saturdays May through October, the Norwich Farmers Market offers a wide selection of local produce from Vermont and across the Connecticut River in New Hampshire. Shop for unique, locally made crafts and browse the variety of meats, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, plants, flowers and more.
Crossroad Farmstand
After visiting King Arthur, head around the corner and stop by this farmstand for local, seasonal produce.
King Arthur Baking
Enjoy a coffee and pastry, sandwich, salad, or pizza from the café and take it to go or enjoy their indoor or outdoor dining areas.
Gile Mountain
Just a short drive from the center of Norwich, Gile Mountain offers a short hike with one of the best views in the Upper Valley. The 1.6-mile hike leads to a fire tower observation area, which looks out over an amazing vista. Take in the views that surround, including several towns in all directions.
Hazen Trail
This moderate 4-mile hike features a heavily forested trail along the Connecticut River. Most of the trail runs alongside the Montshire Museum property so note that a pass may be required.
Discover a new way to explore Norwich and find hidden gems you may have missed.
– DAY 3
Union Village Covered Bridge
You can’t visit Vermont without stopping for a photo op at one of the state’s iconic covered bridges. Located in Thetford, a few miles north of Norwich, Union Village Covered bridge was built in 1867 and crosses the Ompompanoosuc River.
Valley Quest
Enjoy a self-guided tour and treasure hunt at one of nine special locations in Norwich and learn the community’s distinct natural and cultural heritage. With tours available at locations all over Norwich, stay in town or venture into the woods for tours on history, nature and architecture.
Carpenter & Main
Enjoy a dinner of French classics at this Colonial-style restaurant, crafted by chef and owner Bruce MacLeod.
Vermont Bike & Brew
Whether you’re a seasoned biker or could use an assist, Vermont Bike & Brew in Thetford offers something for everyone. Rent an e-bike or winter fat-bike for your own adventure or join a brewery tour to explore a different side of Vermont and its craft beer industry.
About the Vermont Inspiration Guide
This itinerary comes from the Vermont Inspiration Guide through a partnership between the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. This free annual publication highlights Vermont’s restaurants, retailers, attractions, and outdoor adventures and can be ordered online along with other trip planning resources.