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Downtown Bristol

Vibrant, Dynamic, Historic

Bristol is a vibrant and dynamic community with a compact and pedestrian-friendly village and a Main Street with friendly shops that retain its historic charm. Recycling is picked up by horse and wagon. The Sodbusters’ horseshoe pitch is home to a 2-time World Champion, and the summer Town Band Concerts on the green are a tradition dating back to the Civil War. Bordered by the New Haven River, the Green Mountain National Forest, and the farms and fields of the Champlain Valley, outdoor enthusiasts find hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, swimming, snowshoeing and skiing within just minutes of the town's single traffic light.  
 
Main Street is lined with friendly shops that satisfy every interest: from gifts to furniture and home accessories, Vermont arts & crafts to books and music, clothing to flowers to yarn, and yoga. Restaurants offer everything from pizza to seared duck, breakfast muffins to pop-up gourmet dinners, and local beverages from coffee to kombucha to small-batch brews and wines. The downtown block also hosts a summer music festival and street fair, and a winter celebration of fire and light.  The Bristol 4th of July Celebration includes the longest-running Outhouse Race in the country, Harvest Festival kicks off foliage season, and the Chocolate Walk and Best Night bookend the holidays. 

In Bristol, you’ll find sights like these:  
 
Bristol Falls  
Bristol Memorial Park 
Green Mountain National Forest
Bristol Vermont

Get to Know us

Find out what sets us apart. Learn more about attractions, get the inside scoop on must-do stops and plan your visit by getting to know the area's regional tourism association.

Bristol - a historic Vermont downtown

WHAT TO DO

Vermont’s downtowns are home to unique places to stay, restaurants serving locally grown artisan food and drinks, and places to stop and shop. Plan your vacation with our directory.

Shopping in downtown Bristol

SHOPPING DOWNTOWN

Vermont's downtowns offer access to unique local businesses with one-of-a-kind gifts, treats and treasures. Learn more about shopping in Bristol.

Mountain biking at Kingdom Trails

A Long Summer Weekend Up North

Vermont's northern region is home to vibrant downtowns, beautiful views and plenty of adventure. This itinerary will help you to plan a trip of your own.

WE COULDN'T ASK FOR MORE

Downtown Bristol serves up quintessential small-town charm and a strong community that embraces visitors right away. Explore by video, then plan to visit in person.

The Tillerman

The Tillerman, Refurbished, Welcomes Guests to Bristol

An on-property creek, a restaurant focused on farm-to-table local dining, and unique artwork await at the recently restored Tillerman, standing ready to welcome guests to Bristol.