Animal Lovers Guide Near Gnome Shire Cottage
If meeting animals is your kind of vacation, Northern Vermont is full of memorable stops. From reindeer in the Northeast Kingdom to golden retrievers in the mountains, llama treks near Smugglers’ Notch, and the famously heartfelt Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, there are some genuinely special places within easy day-trip range of Gnome Shire Cottage. Whether you’re traveling with kids, looking for a sweet couple’s outing, or just want an excuse to spend the day around animals, this is one of the most fun ways to explore the region.
One of the most unique animal experiences in the region is the Vermont Reindeer Farm in Orleans/West Charleston in the Northeast Kingdom. The farm describes itself as home to the only real live reindeer in Vermont, and visits are by appointment. Their experiences include “Reindeer School,” up-close time with the reindeer, and visits with other farm animals as well. It is a wonderfully quirky, memorable outing and feels especially magical in fall and winter, though the farm offers seasonal experiences throughout the year.
For dog lovers, Golden Dog Farm in Jeffersonville is one of the happiest outings in Vermont. The farm is home to the Golden Retriever Experience®, where guests can spend time with a whole “happy” of golden retrievers in a beautiful Vermont setting. The farm also offers other experiences tied to maple, bees, and the property itself, but for many visitors the goldens are the main event. This is the kind of stop people plan trips around.
Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury is a must for dog people. Set on 150 acres, it includes open grounds, trails, ponds, the Stephen Huneck Gallery, and the beloved Dog Chapel. The property welcomes people and dogs, and it has become one of the most distinctive dog-centered destinations in Vermont. Even visitors without their own dog often love the setting, the views, and the spirit of the place.
Northern Vermont Llama Co. / Llama Treks
If you want something a little different, Northern Vermont Llama Co. offers llama treks in the Smugglers’ Notch area. These guided outings let guests hike with llamas on local trails, which makes for a fun and very Vermont-style animal adventure. Smugglers’ Notch Resort also features these llama treks as an activity, which makes them a great fit for guests already planning a day around the Stowe/Smuggs side of the mountains.
Mountain View Farm Animal Sanctuary
For guests who enjoy meaningful, slower-paced animal experiences, Mountain View Farm Animal Sanctuary in East Burke is another good addition. The sanctuary rescues and cares for farm animals and offers tours by appointment. It is more educational and reflective than some of the other stops, and it pairs well with a Northeast Kingdom day trip.
A fun day trip for animal lovers
One of the best things about building an animal-lovers itinerary from Gnome Shire Cottage is that you can shape it to your mood. Dog people may want to pair Golden Dog Farm with a scenic drive through Jeffersonville or Smugglers’ Notch. Guests heading east toward the Northeast Kingdom could combine Dog Mountain with Vermont Reindeer Farm for a full day of memorable stops. If you want something gentle and family-friendly, llama treks or a sanctuary visit make a really nice addition to a relaxed Vermont stay.
Good to know before you go
Many of these places are appointment-based, seasonal, or event-based, so guests should always check official websites or booking pages before heading out. Some experiences sell out well in advance, especially fall foliage weekends and holiday periods.
Stay at Gnome Shire Cottage
Gnome Shire Cottage makes a great home base for guests who want to explore the softer, more playful side of Vermont — scenic drives, small farms, mountain towns, and memorable animal encounters included. If your ideal trip involves meeting reindeer, golden retrievers, llamas, or simply spending more time outdoors with the kind of places that make Vermont feel special, this page is a good place to start planning.
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