Bristol is a wonderful town with its own nostalgic character. It is halfway between Middlebury and Burlington - you'll find commuters choose to head both North and South for work, while happy to call Bristol home. Covering 41 square miles, Bristol is surrounded by serene woodlands, delightful mountain scenery and crystal clear streams and rivers: swim at Bartlett Falls, canoe and kayak at Bristol Pond, fish the New Haven River, or hike the many trails surrounding, including up to The Ledges right from downtown Bristol for an incredible bird's eye view of town and much of Addison County beyond. Four-season natural beauty is within easy reach by car, bike, foot or fishing pole.
On the food and beverage circuit, Bristol is home to a lively locally owned bakery (Bristol Cliffs Cafe), a range of restaurants (people come far and wide for the Bobcat Cafe & Brewery, locals can't get enough of Cubbers Pizza, and foodies have long-hailed Mary's Restaurant at the Inn at Baldwin Creek to name just a few options), two celebrated catering groups each with their own storefront (Almost Home Market, and the grassroots Tandem, a performance and event venue), the popular Hatch 31 where you'll find pub fare and some great live local music, a complete grocery store and a great selection at Bristol Beverage. You'll find all necessary amenities (and plenty of extras!) here too, with Kimball Office Services, Recycled Reading of Vermont, Art on Main art & craft gallery, the fun and funky at Emeraldrose Gifts and newly opened Emeraldrose Grows where you'll find resources for organic and sustainable growing. Of course there's a full service pharmacy and post office and Martin's Hardware, the local go-to for building and home (and with all the contractors in the area, it is a necessary resource in this small town!).
Want to plan a trip to Bristol around a local event? Watch for the annual 4th of July festivities - bringing not only residents of the four towns surrounding, but enthusiasts from all of Addison County and several from Chittenden County, too! With fireworks, live music and food vendors on the 3rd, and an outhouse race (do not miss it!), 5K run, music, vendors and a sizable parade on the 4th, it's no wonder the streets are packed for Independence Day. The Bristol Harvest Festival celebrates the changing of the seasons with live music, farmers produce and product, art, craft and vendors. Pocock Rocks closes Main Street for the annual Street Fair, with food, music and fun - mark your calendars for mid-June. And don't miss the Three Day Stampede in for the Cure, usually in July - one of the largest, if not THE largest single site lawn sales in Vermont, with proceeds going to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! Visit the Discover Bristol site, for more fantastic local recommendations - there's so much to do in Bristol!
RESOURCES:
- Contact the Town Clerk at 802-453-2410 (Administrative Offices are located at 1 South Street), or visit the town website: http://www.bristolvt.org
- Bristol Core has a hand on the pulse of local life, promoting an active and engaged community; you'll find the organization a great resource
- Bristol Recreation Department offers classes, workshops, facilities and a large handful of well-attended events to the community surrounding
- Five Town Friends of the Arts is based here, providing opportunities and support to regional arts organizations and individuals whose mission is to enrich community life through the arts
- The Bristol Hub is the local teen center and skatepark, providing an alternative to traditional after school activities. It's also right next to the ball fields, town tennis courts, pump track, horse shoe pits (and more!)
- Lawrence Memorial Library offers all the essentials, online resources, and a charming space to retreat to six days a week.
- Adjacent to the Bristol Hub is Mt. Abraham Union High School (which services Bristol, New Haven, Lincoln, Monkton and Starksboro residents). Mt. Abe is part of the Mount Abraham Unified School District (MAUSD), and its Elementary Schools: Bristol Elementary, New Haven's Beeman Elementary, Lincoln Community School, Monkton Central, and Starksboro's Robinson Elementary.
Area: 42.2 mi²
Population: 3,868
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