Wander Bear Creek: Activities Guide

Wander Bear Creek Wonders: Top Year-Round Activities to Enjoy

Photo courtesy of Bolton Valley Resort

Waterbury, Vermont offers a plethora of year-round activities to keep you entertained. From exploring local museums and hitting the slopes at a nearby ski resort to enjoying craft brews at a local brewery and bowling, there's something for everyone. And, of course, no visit is complete without a stop at the iconic Ben & Jerry's ice cream flagship store. Check out our list of top activities below!

Prohibition Pig - Brewery

Photo courtesy of Prohibition Pig - Brewery

Distance from Wander: 5.8 miles

Location: 2 Elm St, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676 

Hours: 12PM-7PM daily 

Phone: (802) 244-4120

Website: https://www.prohibitionpig.com/ 

Located around the corner from the restaurant, Prohibition Pig Brewery's Back Bar offers casual lunch and dinner with fresh beer and the town's best margarita, accompanied by live bluegrass every Wednesday night. They warmly welcome well-behaved four-legged friends on the patio. From starters like smoked brisket chili to sandwiches like chopped pork and brisket, paired with a wide selection of draft beers, canned beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Prohibition Pig Brewery.Beers are also brewed onsite!

Tip: For another tasting experience, discover the Smugglers' Notch Distillery Tasting Room (https://smugglersnotchdistillery.com/), where they've crafted award-winning spirits since their Double Gold Award-Winning Vodka debut in 2010. Explore a range of spirits, including bourbons, gins, rum, rye, flavored vodka, Maple Gin, and Vermont Bourbon Maple Cream Liqueur.

Vermont Historical Society Museum 

Photo courtesy of Vermont Historical Society Museum

Distance from Wander: 17.7 miles

Location: 109 State St, Montpelier, VT 05609

Hours: 10AM-4PM Tuesday-Saturday; Closed Sunday & Monday  

Phone: (802) 828-2291

Website: https://vermonthistory.org/ 

The Vermont History Museum in downtown Montpelier offers an acclaimed multimedia exhibit on Vermont's history, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts. The museum showcases a variety of exhibits including "A Stitch In Time," "Calvin Coolidge: Vermont's President," and "Fairbanks Scales: Weighing the World." The museum also features a gift shop for unique Vermont-themed souvenirs.

Bolton Valley Resort

Photo courtesy of Bolton Valley Resort

Photo courtesy of Bolton Valley Resort

Distance from Wander: 16.4 miles

Location: 4302 Bolton Access Rd, Richmond, VT 05477

Hours: Vary seasonally 

Phone: (802) 434-3444

Website: https://www.boltonvalley.com/ 

At Bolton Valley, visitors can enjoy year-round activities, making it a perfect destination for all seasons. In winter, guests can explore 71 Alpine trails, 100 kilometers of Nordic terrain, and extensive backcountry routes, ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Summer brings the excitement of the Bolton Mountain Bike Park, with trails for all skill levels, including lift-served downhill tracks, and a vibrant disc golf scene with live music. Spring and fall offer serene hiking opportunities with stunning views of Vermont's Green Mountain ridgeline, complete with chair lift rides and delicious dining options at the resort.

Tip: Check out the calendar of events online for live music and other activities throughout the year!

Ben & Jerry’s Factory (Flagship Location)

Photo courtesy of Ben & Jerry’s Factory

Distance from Wander: 4.3 miles

Location: 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd Route 100, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676

Hours: 10AM-6PM (Tour times vary) 

Phone: (802) 337-1201

Website: https://www.benjerry.com/waterbury 

Embark on a delightful journey through the history of Ben & Jerry's ice cream at their Waterbury factory, the only one open to the public. Explore the "flavor graveyard," a unique tribute to retired flavors, and take a guided tour of their humble beginnings, where you'll witness the ice cream-making process. Indulge in a tasting of their euphoric flavors, including non-dairy and vegan options, and enjoy the picturesque mountain views on the outside grounds. Pre-purchase your tickets online to secure your spot, as availability may be limited, and make unforgettable memories with family and friends as you savor the taste of Ben & Jerry's iconic ice cream.

Stowe Bowl

Photo courtesy of Stowe Bowl

Distance from Wander: 11.4 miles

Location: 1613 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672

Hours: 4PM-10PM Sunday-Thursday; 4PM-11PM Friday & Saturday

Phone: (802) 253-2494

Website: https://www.sunandskiinn.com/pages/stowe-bowl 

Stowe Bowl is an 8-lane bowling venue that's anything but ordinary. With its boutique, swanky ambiance, it offers more than just a game of bowling; it's an experience. Savor delectable food and craft cocktails while you bowl, and bask in the cozy lounge atmosphere, all enhanced by state-of-the-art audio-visual features. Located at the Sun & Ski Inn and Suites, it's open to the public, making it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a fun-filled evening in Stowe.