There are so many great things to do in and around Brattleboro.  If you are like us, we sometimes obsess over trying to figure out a “plan” when we travel.  So for those who want a plan, and for others who may just be wondering what there is to do around Brattleboro, we have now put together a sample itinerary of a great trip to Brattleboro Vermont.

Our sample covers a 5 night stay (we could have gone on even longer!) but combines a fun mix of outdoors, arts, entertainment, dining and of course some relaxing too.  You can check out what we have put together on our Inn website under the “Our Area” tab.

If you are from Vermont, or have any suggestions for the itinerary, we would love to hear your thoughts!  Leave us a comment or send us an email.  Let’s make it easy and fun for people to choose Brattleboro as their summer getaway!

Of course, we hope you’ll stay with us at Forty Putney Road Bed and Breakfast when you do take the trip to Vermont!

The New England House restaurant, located in West Brattleboro Vermont, is a great location for a delicious hearty dinner.  The New England House specializes in our favorite comfort foods like Steaks, Chicken Pot Pie and Pastas.  Tim and I are especially big fans of the New England House as the nights begin to get cooler and the days become shorter.

There are three major reasons we love to head to the New England House specifically in the fall and winter.

1. Their steaks.  They are by far the best steaks here in Brattleboro. Great fresh cuts of meat served well prepared and cooked just right.
2. The portions.  When it comes to steak and comfort foods, quality is as important as quantity!  All of their entrees include a salad and sides and come at a reasonable price.  Most entrees are between $10-$20.
3. The atmosphere.  We love the warm and cozy atmosphere at the New England House in the fall and winter.  We often choose to eat in their pub in front of their huge wood burning fireplace in the front of the room, or next to the warm wood burning stove in the back.  The smell of fresh burning wood in a warm room with a hearty meal is just what the doctor ordered after a full day of sightseeing or hiking (or innkeeping!).

The New England House is located on Route 9 in West Brattleboro.    Of course, if you do go, be sure to tell them that you heard about them from Amy – at Forty Putney Road B&B!  And if you are looking for a great place to stay in the area, be sure to check out our romantic Inn just around the corner from all that Brattleboro has to offer, including the New England House!

Many of you may be familiar with some of the big name grocery stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joes. Some of you may not realize that those stores are based on a much older community based grocery store, the Cooperative. The Brattleboro Food Co-op began in 1975 as a small buying club. Today, the Co-op is a 16,000 square foot supermarket that is enjoyed by the Greater Brattleboro community. The Brattleboro Food Co-op is community owned and supports many Vermont and other local food producers. The Co-op is stocked with healthy foods at reasonable prices in a relaxed and friendly environment. The staff is knowledgeable and eager to help shoppers in any way that they can. The Co-op is located in downtown Brattleboro, VT and a must stop if you are in the area. If you are not in need of groceries perhaps you will take advantage of the wonderful deli that you can eat in or take out for a picnic. Maybe you are looking for some Vermont cheese, beer or wine – you’ll find great selections of each at the co-op. The Brattleboro Food Co-op is the place to go for a taste of Vermont, second only to the breakfast you will receive at Forty Putney Road Bed and Breakfast, of course.

What does the Brattleboro Food Co-op have to do with Forty Putney Road Bed and Breakfast? Well I am a working member of the Brattleboro Food Co-op which in addition to giving back to a great local place also gives us a 10% discount. Tim and I are very interested in supporting our local farmers and other producers and the co-op makes that easy to do. I love the fact that I am using locally made cheeses and locally grown produce at each breakfast. It is lots of fun trying interesting ingredients and unique juices for breakfast. We invite you to join us in supporting the Brattleboro Food Co-op and all of the people and producers that make it so special.

Other than the Putney Road Pub located right here at Forty Putney Road Bed and Breakfast, the Flat Street Pub located on Flat Street in downtown Brattleboro is the hot spot to grab a drink. With 20 microbrewed beers on tap, a nice wine and cocktail list Flat Street Pub has a drink to suite everyone. My personal favorite is the BBC Drayman’s Porter, while Tim is a huge BBC Coffeehouse Porter fan.

Food, well that is another story. You should know that all food is prepared behind the bar in a toaster oven, on a panini maker or on a George Forman Grill. We highly recommend their cold appetizers such as the ploughmans platter. Right now though, I would not recommend Flat Street as a place to go to dinner, but more of a place to have drinks and a snack or appetizer. Of course, word is that that is soon to change and that the basement is currently being renovated into a second bar and a full service restaurant. I truly beleive that when this renovation is complete it will fill that much needed void here in Brattleboro – a place for a great beer selection and great casual dining together.

Flat Street Pub is the “Cheers” of Brattleboro. Locals and tourist alike can find a comfortable place to sit and great conversation here. Be sure to say hello to the great staff including bartenders Martha (shown in photo), Amy and Justin as well as server Hope. They will all take great care of you. If you are looking to strike up a conversation with one of the locals the best way to identify them is by their glass mug. Yes, Flat Street Pub has a mug club. In the last photo you will find a some of these mug club members.

So pull up a seat…let everyone know your name…at Flat Street!

If you want to feel like a local here in Brattleboro and still enjoy an upscale experience then Peter Havens is the place for you…

The owner Tom will personally describe the specials of the evening to you and make you feel welcome. Rumor has it that Tom will never forget your name only adding to that local feeling (we were surprised that he remembered us six months later.)

The rest of the staff is friendly, professional and poised. Peter Haven’s is located in the heart of downtown Brattleboro on Elliot Street. The décor is modern yet still elegant. The lighting is just right making you feel comfortable and relaxed. Because Peter Haven’s is a local favorite you will want to be sure to make reservations in advance as this restaurant will book up quickly. If this is a last minute decision for you and you do not mind waiting a few minutes there are 8 seats at the bar reserved for walk-ins without reservations.

The menu at Peter Haven’s offers variety. You will have choices such as duck, scallops, fish, pasta, chicken, etc. The food is very good and consistent which is important to me when I go to one of my favorite restaurants. I recommend that if Tom is telling you about one of his fish specials you strongly consider ordering it. The fish specials are very fresh and always brilliantly prepared. So if you want to ensure that you will have a great meal while in Brattleboro then Peter Haven’s should be on your short list of restaurants.  Be sure to tell him that Tim and Amy sent you!

As far as fine dining goes in Brattleboro, Alici’s Bistro ranks in our top 5 favorite places. The atmosphere is unmatched here in Brattleboro. Alici’s is located on the Connecticut River, with a view of the mountain tucked in the beautiful natural landscape of the area. The outside decks only enhance the experience. Several nights a week live entertainment is offered early enough to enjoy with your meal.

The main dining room is upstairs offering a modern décor. I like that the main menu offers half portions on most items, I like to make sure I have enough room for dessert when I go out to eat. Tim and I love the Lobster Bisque as it is filled with lobster and a savory flavor. The menu offers a wide variety of choices without being overwhelming. My favorite part about Alici’s menu is that they are not afraid to use some seasoning on their food, the flavors are unique and all work well together.

On the lower level you can find an enclosed Martini bar and on the outside deck a cigar bar. The Marini Bar is a perfect location to enjoy a light meal from their Light Fare Menu. Tim and I regularly enjoy the live music with great drink and appetizers. If you are a scotch or whiskey drinker like Tim then this is the place for you. There are not many bars or restaurants in Brattleboro that offer a unique scotch and whiskey menu, but Alici’s certainly does. Tim has enjoyed a few obscure single malts while relaxing on the deck at Alicis.

The staff is always attentive and welcoming. The owner can often be found on the floor greeting and chatting with his guests. Best of all Alici’s is only about a 4-5 block walk for our Vermont Inns door step. It doesn’t get any better then that! Be sure to tell them that Tim and Amy from Forty Putney Road sent you for VIP treatment!