Grafton, Vermont: Travel Guide

Location: Grafton, Vermont

If someone gave you a paintbrush and told you to paint the most idyllic village you could imagine, it would look exactly like Grafton, Vermont. There is a general store, a small brick post office and an old tavern. Then add a sheep meadow, a covered bridge spanning a river and of course some happy clouds.

Grafton, Vermont makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time. A time when things were simpler. A place where you walk to the general store for the paper in the morning and sip coffee in a rocking chair on the front porch.

Remember the Chevy Chase movie Money Pit where he moves to the country side to write a book? That was filmed in Grafton, Vermont.

If you are planning a trip, here are the best things to do in Grafton Vermont.

Table of Contents

The Best Things to Do in Grafton Vermont

1. Stay at the Historic Grafton Inn

No visit to Grafton Vermont is complete without stopping at the Grafton Inn. This historic property sits right in the heart of the village and has been welcoming guests since 1801.

The inn has hosted famous people such as U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau and Rudyard Kipling just to name a few.

Each room is uniquely decorated, giving the inn a cozy and personal feel. There are also three dining options on-site if you prefer to stop at the inn for a meal.

Located in the Main Inn, the 1801 Tavern offers a true taste of Vermont with seasonal, farm-to-table dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can also enjoy a drink in the Pine Room Bar for a more relaxed setting.

Our favorite place to eat is at the Grafton Inn is the Phelps Barn, which I will talk about next.

Note that the inn closes for private events which are often held on Fridays and Saturdays during peak season from May through October. Call ahead to confirm.

2. Enjoy Dinner and Live Music at Phelps Barn

Even if you are not staying at the Grafton Inn, make time for dinner at Phelps Barn. The space is warm and inviting, with long wooden tables and a large cracking fireplace that makes it especially cozy in the winter.

They often host live music, which adds to the atmosphere and makes it a fun experience. This is one of those places where you can truly unwind and enjoy the slower pace of Grafton Vermont.

3. Visit Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center

For outdoor adventure, Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center is one of the best places to visit in Grafton Vermont.

In the warmer months, you will find hiking and mountain biking trails. In the winter, it transforms into a hub for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and even sleigh rides.

Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center is one of our favorite spots for snow tubing, and the cozy cabin with hot chocolate is the perfect way to warm up afterward.

4. Explore the Nature Museum

The Nature Museum is a must visit, especially if you are traveling with kids. While it is small, it offers hands-on exhibits that teach children about local wildlife and ecosystems.

Outside, the magic forest playscape is a highlight and is open daily, even when the museum is closed.

If you are visiting in the fall, try to plan your trip around the Fairy Festival. The entire town creates magical displays throughout the forest, and it is truly unforgettable.

5. Stop at MKT for Food and Shopping

MKT is more than just a general store. It is a gathering place in Grafton Vermont where you can grab a coffee, enjoy a farm-to-table meal, or pick up local goods.

It is also a great spot to find unique gifts. And if you are visiting in the warmer months, do not miss trying a maple creemee.

6. Visit Grafton Village Cheese Company

Cheese lovers will not want to miss Grafton Village Cheese Company. Known for its award-winning cheddar, this stop is a highlight of any visit to Grafton Vermont.

They offer free tastings and a well-curated selection of local and international cheeses, along with specialty foods and gifts.

7. Take a Walk Through the Village

One of the best things to do in Grafton Vermont is simply take a stroll. The village is small and incredibly scenic, making it perfect for a leisurely walk.

A favorite route starts at the Grafton Inn and leads down Main Street to MKT. From behind MKT, you can follow footpaths past gardens, playgrounds, and even a covered bridge.

It is a peaceful way to experience the charm of Grafton Vermont.

8. Grafton Forge

Grafton Forge offers a unique hands-on experience where visitors can watch blacksmith demonstrations and learn about traditional craftsmanship.

Kids especially love this stop, and sometimes they even get the chance to create their own piece to take home.

9. Browse the Mercantile

If you enjoy shopping, the Mercantile is a fun place to explore. You will find a mix of home goods, gifts, and local brands.

It is a great place to pick up something special to remember your trip to Grafton Vermont.

10. Tour Plummer’s Sugarhouse

Located just a few miles outside the village, Plummer’s Sugarhouse is a classic Vermont experience.

You can learn how maple syrup is made, sample sweet treats, and even take a tour. It is both fun and educational for kids.

11. Take a Yoga Class at Mountain Mind and Movement

This yoga studio focuses on restoring balance to both body and mind. It is located on the grounds of The Grafton Inn. I have really enjoyed candle lit yoga classes.

On warmer days, we have practiced on a patio overlooking a field. Visit the Mountain Mind and Movement website for a class schedule.

12. Visit Village Park

Village Park is a great spot for families. There is a large open field, a gazebo, and trails that connect to the Nature Museum.

It is perfect for letting kids run around while enjoying the natural beauty of Grafton Vermont.

13. Hike to Creature Rock

If your family enjoys hiking, the trail to Creature Rock is a fun and manageable option. It is short but a bit steep, and kids love climbing on the rock formations and exploring the caves.

The physical address of the trailhead is 758 Ledge Rd, Grafton, Vermont.

14. MoRae Jewelers

Located on Pleasant Street, a block from the Grafton Inn, MoRae Jewelers offers a unique selection of custom silver and gold jewelry.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Grafton Vermont

Grafton Vermont is one of those rare places that feels untouched by time. Whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway or just passing through, it offers a mix of history, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm that is hard to find elsewhere.

There is so much to do in the picturesque village of Grafton, Vermont, but it is also the perfect place to slow down and do nothing at all. Relax in a rocking chair on the front porch with a glass of wine in hand, let the kids toss rocks in the river, and just enjoy being together as a family.

If you are looking for a peaceful New England escape, Grafton Vermont should absolutely be on your list.

To view our Airbnb listing, click here.