Nearby - GNOME SHIRE COTTAGE

Food
Breweries
Waterfall Tour
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
Easy Hikes
Mountain Biking
Winter Activities
Animal Lovers
Covered Bridge Tour
Maple- Sugarhouses
Wellness
Farmers Markets
Arts
Swimming
Kayaking/Canoeing
Autumn Activities
Apple Orchard/Farm Visits/Corn Maze

The Activities are Endless

Staying at Gnome Shire Cottage puts you in the perfect central location to explore Stowe, Elmore, Morrisville, and Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Here are some of our favorite things to do nearby.

Vermont offers 4 seasons of fun, from hiking, biking, kayaking and swimming to skiing (cross country and alpine), snowshoeing, snowmobiling. The endless beauty of Autumn- cider, apple orchards, breathtaking views. We couldn’t list all that is around Gnome Shire but here is an attempt to list our favorites.

Explore Near Gnome Shire Cottage

Stay central to adventure, food, and Vermont charm

Gnome Shire Cottage is ideally located along the Lamoille River and directly on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, offering easy access to some of Northern Vermont’s best outdoor recreation, small towns, and local food.

Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (Right Outside Your Door)

Step outside and you’re directly on one of Vermont’s best hidden gems.

• Walk, bike, run, or snowshoe, cross-country

• Nearly 95 miles of scenic trail

• Flat, beginner-friendly, and beautiful year-round

• Connects charming Vermont towns across the region

Brad’s Favorite Waterfall & Scenic Dirt Road Tour– A curated route featuring hidden waterfalls, scenic dirt roads, and must-see stops near Elmore and Stowe.

Local Hidden Gems (5–15 Minutes)

• Hardwick Trails – A well-maintained network of wooded trails for hiking, trail running, and peaceful nature walks

• Wolcott Town Forest (New) – Recently developed trails for walking and mountain biking, offering a quiet, uncrowded outdoor experience

• North Branch Cascades – A beautiful roadside waterfall and short hike, perfect for a quick and rewarding stop

• Fisher Covered Bridge – A historic Vermont covered bridge over the Lamoille River. Originally built in the 1908 and restored over time, it’s a scenic and meaningful local landmark that reflects Vermont’s rural heritage. The last railroad covered bridge in Vermont .

• Elmore Sugarhouse

Elmore State Park (Elmore Mountain) (5–10 Minutes)

A local favorite for a quick escape into nature.

• Swimming at Lake Elmore

• Hiking Mount Elmore and the fire tower

• Kayaking, picnicking, and relaxing by the water

• Cabot Creamery and Cabot Yellow Barn Store- The Yellow Barn is 5 minutes down the street as you enter Hardwick- see more info here.

Stowe (25 Minutes to downtown,40 minutes to Slopes)

Enjoy everything Stowe offers

• Skiing & snowboarding

• Hiking Mount Mansfield

• Shops, breweries, and restaurants

• Stowe Recreation Path

Burke Mountain & Kingdom Trails (45–50 Minutes)

• Burke Mountain – Skiing in the winter and scenic hiking in warmer months

• Kingdom Trails – One of the top mountain biking destinations in the country, with world-class trails for all skill levels

Day Trips & Regional Access

• Montpelier (1 Hour) – Vermont’s capital with great dining, shops, and culture

• Craftsbury Outdoor Center (20–25 Minutes) – Nordic skiing, rowing, and outdoor recreation

• Greensboro / Caspian Lake (25–30 Minutes) – Crystal-clear lake and classic Vermont scenery

• Jay Peak Resort (1 Hour) – Skiing, waterpark, and year-round activities

Local Food & Coffee Favorites

Hardwick (5 Minutes)

• Positive Pie – wood-fired pizza, dinners, salads, appetizers, bar and relaxed atmosphere

• Cork and Fork – elevated dining with a great wine selection

• The Village Restaurant – classic breakfast and lunch diner vibe on the Lamoille River

• Front Porch Coffee – per their website:Front Seat Coffee is a welcoming and community-driven coffee shop known for high-quality coffee, fresh baked goods and a warm inviting atmosphere. They sometimes have live music.

•Caja Taqueria- Tacos,Nachos, Burritos

Morrisville (7 Minutes)

• Gondola’s Snack Bar– Seasonal- but they do have a year round location in downtown Morrisville. Right down the rd on Rt 15 of Creemees and Smash burgers!

• Siam Valley Thai Cuisine – fresh, flavorful Thai dishes

• Hoagies Pizza & Pasta – casual and reliable comfort food-sports bar vibe.

• Pizza on Main – NY Style Pizza, Hip Vibe

• The Charlmont Restaurant & Pub – local pub-style dining

• Thompson Flour Shop – scratch-made baked goods breakfast and lunch

• Black Cap Coffee & Bakery – excellent coffee and pastries

• Goldfinch Gourmet-Breakfast, Lunch, Sweets

•Black Diamond BBQ

•Lost Nation Brewing- has food!

•Veranda Bar & Grill at Copley Country Club

•Moogs Place- hip place, good food, bar. See website for calendar of live music, open mic etc.

• 10 Railroad– variety of eats, bar on the Rail Trail near Oxbow Park

Craftsbury (20–25 Minutes)

• Blackbird Bistro – a cozy café known for standout food, coffee, and a relaxed Vermont vibe. I like the scenic drive up Town Hill Rd (dirt rd) but the GPS will probably take you via Rt 14.

Breweries Near Morrisville (7 Minutes)

Morrisville has a great local craft beer scene.

• Lost Nation Brewing – A standout local favorite located directly on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. Offers a great selection of house-brewed beers along with a full food menu, making it a perfect stop after a day on the trail

• Rock Art Brewery –Local brewery with windows overlooking the production area plus tours & a tasting room with drafts.

•Soulmate Brewing- downtown Morrisville

• Ten Bends Beer-technically in Hyde Park

Rentals & Guided Experiences

Whether you’re looking to explore the Rail Trail, get out on the water, or try something new, there are several great local options nearby.

Bike Rentals & Shops

Guests can rent bikes locally and ride directly onto the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, making it one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore the area.

• Chucks Bikes (Morrisville) – Full-service bike shop offering rentals, repairs, and gear, with easy access to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

• Power Play Sports (Morrisville) – Bike sales, service, and seasonal rentals, conveniently located just minutes away

• Riverside Cycles (Hardwick) – Local shop with rentals and service, great for quick access to Hardwick Trails and surrounding areas

Water & Outdoor Tours

• Clyde River Recreation / Clyde River Tours – Kayak and canoe rentals with guided and self-guided trips on one of Vermont’s most scenic rivers. I am particulary fond of this place, and it is near Lake Willoughby.

• Vermont Canoe & Kayak – Rentals and guided trips on lakes and rivers throughout the region

•Umiak Outdoor Outfitters– Kayaking plus adventures all seasons