HONEYPOT GUIDE TO THE BEST SOUTHERN VERMONT GOLF COURSES—AND MINI GOLF COURSES!
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking for a casual round, Southern Vermont offers so many stunning options within our lush, Green Mountain backdrop. But not everyone golfs, of course (is that a pun?), and with that we decided to keep this guide super-inclusive and family-friendly by featuring some respectable (decent?), mini-golf options that give everyone the chance for a hole-in-one… even Brian.
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: About 12 miles
Location: 89 Fox Lane, Ludlow
Fox Run Golf Club is hands-down one of our favorites in the area. Tucked into the base of Okemo Mountain, this 18-hole public course offers that laid-back charm you expect.
Originally opened in the 1960s as Okemo Valley Golf Club and reimagined in the early 2020s, it’s now considered one of the top mountain courses in the region—and once you’re out there, it’s easy to see why. The layout hits that sweet spot: elevation changes, well-placed bunkers, and just enough challenge to keep you on your toes, but nothing that’ll wreck your round. The greens stay in great shape, the pro shop and driving range are solid, and the best part? It’s usually quiet. No crowds, no pressure—just you and a whole lot of Green Mountain magic.
Don’t Miss: The view from the 10th tee which opens up to a cinematic sweep of the mountains—especially spectacular in the fall, when the foliage goes full Vermont.
Dropping a bomb here, but after your round, skip Calcutta’s, the on-site restaurant, which is solidly… mediocre. Instead, head back towards Honeypot and stop by Off the Rails for some classic bar-fare and to chip a few balls into their pond. Somehow, after a few beers, using the net to fish your balls out of the water becomes surprisingly satisfying. Their Pulled Pork Pizza hits all the right notes, and we’re a sucker for the Fried Pickles with Horseradish Ranch.
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: About 22 miles
Location: 155 Golf Course Rd, Springfield
If you’re in the mood for a classic Vermont golf day—rolling fairways, peaceful woods, no rus —Crown Point Country Club hits just right.
It’s been a fixture in southeastern Vermont since 1953, designed by William F. Mitchell, a golf architect known for creating courses that blend naturally into their environment. Rather than imposing a vision, Mitchell worked with the land, crafting layouts that feel organic, intuitive, and timeless. Crown Point reflects that philosophy with a par-72 course that’s both inviting and subtly strategic—tree-lined fairways, smooth greens, and just enough variation to keep your decisions thoughtful.
The par-72 layout keeps things interesting without going over the top—tree-lined fairways, well-paced greens, and just enough variation to test your club choices. There’s also a full practice area—driving range, putting green, chipping zone—if you want to dial things in before or after your round. Tee times are easy to come by, and the whole place has a calm, welcoming vibe.
After your round, the Crown Point Pub & Grill is right there and a solid option to unwind. It’s casual and welcoming, with a deck overlooking the 18th green. If you’re there in the morning or early afternoon, skip the usual and go straight for the build-your-own omelet or the sausage gravy & biscuits. Both are hearty, no-nonsense options that hit the spot—especially after a long walk on the course.
Fun fact: the course is just minutes from the historic Crown Point Military Road, built in the late 1750s during the French and Indian War to connect Fort Crown Point on Lake Champlain with Fort No. 4 in New Hampshire. You’re playing where history literally marched through.
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: About 25 miles
Location: 251 Stratton Mountain Rd, Stratton Mountain
Stratton Mountain Golf Course was originally designed in the ‘60s by Geoffrey Cornish—a name you’ll hear a lot if you golf around New England. Stratton has 27 holes, broken into three nines—Mountain, Lake, and Forest—and you can mix and match them depending on how much golf you’re up for (or how ambitious you’re feeling).
Each layout has its own thing going on: Mountain brings the elevation shifts, Lake plays more open with some sneaky water features, and Forest gets tighter and more technical. The conditions are consistently solid, and there’s a short-game area tucked near the Forest nine if you want to dial in your wedge game.
The course is part of the larger Stratton Mountain Resort, which means it’s well maintained, with resort-level
amenities and scenic views of the surrounding peaks. It’s a favorite among both serious golfers and casual visitors thanks to its versatility—whether you’re there for a laid-back vacation round or a competitive outing, you’ll find the course accommodating. Rentals and lessons are available through the golf school, and there’s even a short-game practice area tucked near the Forest nine.
After your round, swing by the Green Apron—it’s the go-to for a bite that doesn’t try too hard but still delivers. The Apron Smash Burger is our pick: two 4oz patties, Cabot cheddar, crisp romaine, tomato, and onion on a brioche bun. Simple, solid, and exactly what you want after 18 holes. Not in a burger mood? Ask about the
daily catch—usually served up with fries and house tartar—it’s a staff favorite for good reason. Grab a seat on the deck if the weather’s decent—the view’s always worth it.
Still have some energy (or an appetite)? Stratton Village is just a short stroll from the course, with spots like Fire Tower Tavern and Bar 802 offering a few more ways to wrap up the day—whether that’s dinner, drinks, or both before heading back to Honeypot.
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: About 18 miles
Location: 229 Beech St, Manchester Center
The course was also designed in the ‘60s by Geoffrey Cornish, Manchester is a perfect example of what makes a Cornish Course great—gently rolling fairways, mature hardwoods, and greens that ask for some finesse but never feel punishing.
The vibe is low-key like you’d expect for Vermont, the course stays in excellent shape, and it rarely feels crowded. It’s walkable, peaceful, and framed by wide-open views of the Taconic and Green Mountains—the kind of setting that makes even a rough round feel like time well spent.
After your round at Manchester Country Club, you’ve got no shortage of great spots to wind down. Al Ducci’s is a longtime local favorite—an Italian market and deli with a bit of New York energy. We’re always a sucker for a classic Italian 3-meat sub, but they’ve got a “Maxed Out Italian” sandwich that’s bonkers.
If you’re in the mood for something livelier, Haig’s is a fun, easygoing sports bar with solid food, a strong drink list, and one of the best outdoor hangout setups in town—fire pits, games, swings, and a mixed crowd of locals and visitors. Bonus: they don’t take reservations, so it’s often a reliable option when other places are booked.
But if you’re up for one of our absolute favorites in town, head to The Crooked Ram. If it were any closer to Honeypot, we’d have a permanent table. Up front, there’s a small craft beer and wine bar with charcuterie, small plates, and bottles to-go. Behind that, the dining room serves thoughtful, high-end fare year-round. And
in the warmer months, the garden out back turns out some of the best wood-fired pizza around. Wherever you land, don’t skip the Ram’s Board—perfect with a drink and just the right amount of over-the-top.
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: About 28 miles
Location: 12 Country Club Rd, Bellows Falls
Bellows Falls Country Club has been quietly doing its thing since 1923—and doing it well. This modest 9-hole course packs a surprising amount of challenge into a small footprint. Narrow fairways and small greens demand careful shots, making it a perfect spot for players who want to sharpen their short game or simply enjoy a thoughtful, paced round. Most folks double it up for a full 18, taking in the peaceful, walkable setting without feeling rushed. The low-traffic atmosphere means you’ll often have the course to yourself, making it easy to soak up the scenic surroundings.
When you wrap up your round, head into the clubhouse and grab a seat at the Pin Seeker Pub—it’s someplace you’ll actually look forward to and doesn’t feel like afterthought. The vibe is relaxed, whether you’re out on the deck or tucked inside, and the menu leans into fresh, local ingredients without getting too fancy.
If you’re hungry, go for their signature Pin Seeker burger—their best-seller for a reason—stacked with house-smoked bacon, fried jalapeños, onion rings, and beer cheese, all on a soft potato bun. It’s bold and messy in the best way, and pairs perfectly with a cold beer after a day on the course.
A quick heads-up: the Pin Seeker Pub requires dinner reservations, so if you’re tee-time is on the later side,
give them a call at 802-463-9807 to lock in your seat.
Let’s face it—real golf is a HUGE time-commitment, requires tons of practice, and is probably the last thing you want for a family of four that includes young kids. While some of us at Honeypot Farmhouse play, and love real golf, most of our family prefers the far more-casual “mini golf” variety. While we’ll be some of the first to tell you that our neck of the woods is far from a haven for the “sport”, there are a few decent spots worth swinging your putter around.
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: About 20 miles
Location: 1800 US-7, Danby
If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills mini-golf experience, Otter Creek Fun Center is the place to go. The mini-golf course is low-key and fun, with a chill vibe that’s perfect for families. It’s not about fancy obstacles here—just a great time with the kids while you enjoy a casual round.
For a quick snack after your round, the clubhouse here serves some great maple creemees. For anything more substantial, the food and drink options are a bit limited right in this stretch of Route 7, so you might as well just hit some of our favorite spots in Manchester on your way back to Honeypot. We’ve already mentioned them earlier, so check out our thoughts above on Al Ducci’s, Haig’s and The Crooked Ram.
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: About 15 miles
Location: 77 Okemo Ridge Road, Ludlow
Located at Okemo Mountain Resort, Lumberin’ Cal’s is an 18-hole mini-golf course that brings the lumberjack legends of Ludlow to life. As you play, you’ll encounter the adventures and folklore of the larger-than-life characters who once roamed Ludlow’s forests, axe in hand.
Beyond its historical theme, the course offers a unique and enjoyable experience for all. It’s packed with fun features, including multiple pathways to the cup, allowing you to mix up your strategy. A nice feature here is their “intentional luck” design, which means the course is built to offer every player a fair shot at winning, regardless of skill level. Creative obstacles like ramps and bounces give younger players and beginners a chance to score well, making the game more about fun than precision.
The course is challenging enough to keep it interesting for older kids and adults, but still totally enjoyable for younger players. And with its beautiful mountain backdrop, it’s a perfect way to spend a few hours with the family.
After you’ve sunk your final ball, stop by Tom’s Loft Tavern, right in the Okemo parking lot, for a cold beer and our vote for the best buffalo wings around. Open year-round, Tom’s has that classic “great American dive bar” vibe—perfect for a post-game bite.
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: About 18 miles
Location: 3984 Vermont Rt. 11 Peru
This low-key course at Bromley Mountain is exactly what it needs to be—simple, easy, and a fun break between alpine slides or other summer activities. It’s well-kept, easy for kids, and mellow enough for adults who just want to kick back for a bit. Would we drive 18 miles just for the mini golf? Probably not. But if you’re already at the mountain, it’s an easy win.
Feeling hungry while you’re around? Good news, there are some real gems nearby. For a fantastic sandwich, JJ Hapgood is your spot – it might cost a few extra bucks, but the quality is always worth it. And seriously, don’t sleep on Bromley Market for BBQ to-go; (some of the best around, no joke). Then there’s Landgrove Inn for dinner, which just screams classic Vermont coziness. Their seasonal dishes are incredible. Have the crispy roast duckling and perfectly cooked pork chop. And trust me, you need to try their homemade desserts, especially the creamy panna cotta or decadent chocolate cake.
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Welcome to Honeypot Farmhouse— Your family's year-round VT retreat. We're under 10 miles from Okemo & Magic, 14 miles from Bromley, & less than 35 miles from Stratton, Mt Snow & Killington. We just renovated our 1850s home to be a balance of modern and cozy; where we—and you—will never want to leave. Come for a fun-filled weekend on the mountains skiing or a relaxing getaway in nature. End your day curled up by the fire in our cozy Great Room or over a glass of wine in our open-concept kitchen