BRATTLEBORO, Vt. - A thriving, artsy town along the banks of the Connecticut River, Brattleboro is bucolic enough for city-weary visitors while offering plenty of activities for energetic travelers. Three- and four-story historic buildings offer interesting and independently owned places to shop and dine, including at least five bookstores and almost as many coffee shops. In fact, there seems to be more than one of everything here: CD and used record stores, clothing boutiques, sporting goods emporiums, kitchen shops, home goods and gifts stores, restaurants, and arts and crafts galleries galore. Nearby, nature enthusiasts can hike, bike, kayak, and canoe. Though you could easily bring the kids, Brattleboro is ideal for a couple’s weekend getaway.
Explore town and nature in Brattleboro, Vt.
Stay
Plan in advance and you might snag a reservation at the Artist’s Loft Bed & Breakfast and Gallery (103 Main St., 802-257-5181, www.theartistsloft.com, suite $138; add $20 with breakfast; add $20 during foliage season). This spacious 2-room aerie with river and mountain views is the inn’s only accommodation. Sharing the third floor with an adjacent art gallery, the suite - overflowing with books and art - feels like staying at the home of an old friend. For something a bit more hotel-ish, say, with an elevator and more than one room, head to the Latchis Hotel (50 Main St., 802-254-6300, www.latchis.com, doubles: $105-$170). A restored 3-story Art Deco marvel, the hotel and its theater (see below) are operated by the Brattleboro Arts Initiative, a nonprofit community organization.
Dine The Riverview Café
(36 Bridge St., 802-254-9841, www.riverviewcafe.com, lunch $8-$14; dinner $9-$20) has a prime downtown location, a panoramic water view, and 10 beers on tap, but the biggest surprise is the food that’s served without fuss or pretense. Chef and owner Tristan Toleno’s menu features the basics - salads, burgers, grilled steak, and seafood - but relies on locally sourced products that tip the scales from ordinary to excellent. Tasty picnic fixings for your outdoor excursions can be found at Amy’s Bakery Arts Café (113 Main St., 802-251-1071, $6-$10). For a romantic end to a perfect day, saunter over to Alici’s Bistro (51 Harris Place, 802-254-5600, www.alicisbistro.com, tapas and entrees $6-$30) where Turkish born chef-owner Musa Alici whips up culinary treats. Upstairs dining has a cozy, French bistro feel, with red walls, gold tablecloths, and wood chairs. Downstairs, the intimate Martini Lounge’s red couches and colorful pillows offer spots to lounge and dine. Outside decks on both levels hover in the treetops above the river.
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