Vintage Village

A historic tavern is the centerpiece of this charming Vermont town.

February 14, 2007|Steve Jermanok, Globe Correspondent

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Next door, the Grafton Village Cheese Co. (Townshend Road, 802-843-2221, graftonvillagecheese.com) receives 6,000 gallons of buttermilk from Vermont Jersey cows every day to create its award-winning cheddar. Watch the short video on how the cheese is handmade as you peer through the glass window to see the works in process. Then stroll over to the gift shop to sample the wares. Their 6-year-old Stonehouse is the oldest cheddar made in the state, while the 2-year-old Classic Reserve Cheddar is still the most popular. Be on the lookout for a traditional farmhouse cheese, aged in a cave, which is set to be unveiled by the end of the year.

Those wanting to delve a little deeper into the origins of Grafton should stop at the Grafton History Museum (Main Street, 802-843-1010, graftonhistory.org). Displays include old photographs and firsthand accounts of living and working in Grafton at the turn of last century.

Check out the Grafton Library (Main Street, 802-843-2404) to see if any authors are giving readings in town.

Party

Mingle with the locals the first Friday of every month at the Old Tavern at Grafton's Phelps Barn (92 Main St., 800-843-1801, old-tavern.com). All other times, grab a Vermont microbrew, like McNeill's, made in nearby Brattleboro, and plant yourself in one of the cozy chairs and sofas that line the two-story rustic abode.

If you're craving live music, drive the 12 miles to Bellows Falls and see who's playing at The Windham (40 Village Square, in the lobby of the Windham Hotel, 802-463-2229, thewindham.com).