Shire Inn Day Tours

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Day 1 - Up North

Just 15 minutes north of the Inn, you can visit Rock of Ages, one of the largest quarries of granite in the world. The Visitors Center is fascinating .   Following your tour, continue on through Barre for a visit to Hope Cemetery to see some of the finest works of the Barre stonecrafters on your way to the capital, Montpelier, for a tour of the recently restored, golden domed Vermont State House, the oldest legislative chambers in the US, still in use in its original condition, and the third most visited attraction in Vermont.   Then it is on  to Waterbury, where you may tour, and sample the wares, at Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory, one of the most most popular stops in Vermont.  Just up the road is the Cold Hollow Cider Mill offering cider and a variety of Vermont made products for yourselves or gifts to bring back.  A few miles North, you'll come upon the wonderful village of Stowe with it's antique and specialty shops as well as a selection of places for lunch.  Then follow the mountain road to the base of the highest mountain (4,393 ft.) Mount Mansfield.  Depending on the season, you may drive or take the chair to the top for a spectacular view.   Or, just rent bicycles or rollerblades and follow the paved path in the valley.   After a full day of exploring, you head back to the Shire Inn for our acclaimed cuisine and an evening of relaxation.                      

Day 2 - Go South

Another popular destination is historic Woodstock, with art galleries and fine shopping.  On the way, you should stop at "Quechee Gorge Village" with a bit of something for everyone.  There are over 400 antique booths; offerings from over 160 artisans and craftsmen, a Christmas shop, a sports memorabilia shop and the old fashioned "Original Yankee Diner".  On a bit further, you'll pass over the Quechee Gorge Bridge.  Park on the far side and return on foot for the view.  Those wishing to do so, can follow the path to the bottom.

  Now you are ready for some lunch and there is no place better than the Simon Pearce Restaurant at the Mill where you can also shop for pieces of Pearce glass.  Continue on to Woodstock, stopping at the Taftsville Country Store on your way.  While in Woodstock, don't miss "Gillingham's" an old fashioned village variety store, or the Billings Farm Museum, a working dairy farm, and the Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences.

Return to the Inn via Vermont Route 100, recently named one of the top ten scenic byways in the US.  On the way, you'll pass the Killington Ski Area where you may wish to return to bike or ski, depending on the season -- or take the gondola or a chair to the top for spectacular views!

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