Discover the charm of Vermont's White River Valley, a region of 11 unspoiled towns centered around the historic Shire town of Chelsea. From local farmers markets and artisan shops to covered bridges and scenic hiking trails, the area offers authentic New England experiences that will make you want to return again and again.
Explore the Neighborhood
Explore the Area
Explore the Neighborhood
Discover local favorites and hidden gems near Hubble Shire Farm
Places Nearby
20 placesHistoric Village
Chelsea: A Village Apart
Chelsea is the Shire town of Orange County, Vermont and is located in the heart of the White River Valley. Settled in 1784, Chelsea has always been known for its two commons, a striking feature which has from its earliest days set the village apart. One "green" or common is typical to the New England countryside. But two such areas, with the court house presiding over one and the church on the other, give the village its unique setting.
Today, Chelsea is home to artists, farmers, lawyers and herbalists. Sample local agrarian delights at Chelsea's Farmer's Market just steps from the house on the North Common every Friday from May 17-September 27, 3pm-6pm. Browse paintings, ceramics, textiles and woodworks of established and emerging artists at North Common Arts. Enhance your cuisine with locally cultivated herbs, tisanes and edible flowers from Free Verse Farm. Pamper yourself with homemade skincare products and essential oils available at Mary's Side Street Thrift Shoppe on the Green. Indulge in a tasting of premium, farmstead goat milk gelato right where it is made, at Chelsea's own Sweet Doe Dairy (advanced reservations required and based on farmers' availability). Or chat with locals at the North Common Cafe.
Regional Exploration
White River Valley
Most people discover the unspoiled White River Valley along the way to other destinations. They often return making it their destination! Vermont's White River Valley is comprised of 11 charming towns.
The extensive East Barre Antique Mall in East Barre boasts three floors of antiques, furnishings, artwork and porcelains. In the nearby village of Randolph, the Chandler Art Gallery and Music Hall serves as the area's cultural oasis. Chef Sarah Natvig of Randolph's Black Krim Tavern was recently awarded "Chef of the Year" for 2019 by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, and The Worthy Burger is a worthwhile stop to sample over two dozen local craft beers. Vermont Law School is just 15 minutes away in the town of South Royalton, which is also home to the White River Gallery at BALE (Building a Local Economy). The White River Gallery is located in an Italianate Victorian building on South Windsor Street and exhibits works by professional artists of renown. Live with the best of the best in textiles and home furnishings from Anichini, a brick and mortar store located in Quechee, Vermont. Quechee is also home to Simon Pearce & Restaurant and the Hot Air Balloon Festival. While in Quechee, a stroll by the inimitable Gorge is a must.
Scenic Drives & Nature
Covered Bridges & More
The First and Second Branches of the White River rise in the hills just north of Chelsea and are paralleled by Routes 110 and 14. Either route takes you through rolling farm country and past horses, barns and covered bridges. A drive up Route 110 from South Royalton to Chelsea will show you a myriad of covered bridges, one of the heaviest concentrations of covered bridges in the state.
Specifically, you will pass the Howe Bridge, the Cilley Bridge, the Mill Bridge just past Tunbridge Fairgrounds, and the Larkin Bridge. Farther along Route 110 is the Gifford Bridge and the Hyde Bridge. The beauty of the region stems from the rocky riverbeds dotting these branches of the White River and from the second-and third-growth forest that lines the sides of the state highways through Chelsea and nearby Corinth.
Enjoy miles of local hiking, snowmobile trails and waterfalls. Or simply gaze at the stars!
The Moxley Covered Bridge
Chelsea Album, W.S. Gilman's, The Herald Printery (1980)
