HONEYPOT FARMHOUSE GUIDE TO WINTER ACTIVITIES IN SOUTHERN VERMONT FOR PEOPLE WHO DON’T SKI.
“Help! I don’t ski, but my family/friends are planning a trip to Vermont this Winter, and I want to go. Is there anything for me to do?!”
Not everyone comes to Vermont to chase powder, and we’ll let you in on a little secret…that’s part of what makes winter here so special. Southern Vermont is built for cozy days, low-key adventures, good food, and the kind of simple winter magic you can’t find in the city.
Whether you’re looking for a mellow afternoon by the fire, a family-friendly outing, or something outdoorsy that doesn’t involve strapping two planks to your feet and rocketing down a mountainside with reckless abandon, here’s your locals’ guide to everything else to do around these parts.
APRÈS SKI SPOTS (EVEN IF YOU DIDN’T SKI)
You don’t need to carve turns to enjoy the après scene. These local favorites offer warm fires, lively crowds, and winter-friendly comfort food.
Location: Peru, Vermont
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: Approximately 12 miles
Address: 51 SeeSaws Run W, Peru, VT
Active Hours: Opens “mid afternoon” (often around 2 or 3pm); call for current hours
Johnny Seesaw’s is one of those places that feels like winter all year-round. Centered around its iconic round fireplace and giant U-shaped bar, the property also features an outdoor fire pit where guests roast s’mores under the mountain sky. The cozy outdoor shed serves warm drinks like hot toddies and boozy hot chocolate and light bites like fancy hot pretzels, hot dogs, and poutine, making it a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring—even if that exploration didn’t involve skis.
The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, and depending on the night, you may find live music or just a lively crowd gathered around the fire swapping stories. It’s one of the region’s long-loved après spots for good reason: warm, unfussy, and distinctly Vermont.
What sits as a small stream, waterfall and pond during the warm months, turns into a sweet, little unofficial snow tubing track for kids and kids-at-heart. Enjoy at your own risk, of course.
Location: Ludlow, Vermont
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: Approximately 10 miles
Address: 300 Mountain Road, Ludlow, VT 05149
Active Hours: Typically late afternoon through evening
The Loft Tavern (aka, “Tom’s Loft”) sits right at the edge of Okemo’s Clocktower base area (essentially in their parking lot) and has long been a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Expect a lively, good-natured crowd, classic dive-bar charm, and our pick for the best wings in the region. Wood paneling, ski memorabilia, and the steady hum of conversation give the place a comfortably worn-in feeling.
It’s the kind of bar where you can show up in snow pants, wrap your hands around a local IPA, and settle into your seat with zero pretension. Even if you didn’t ski a single run, you’ll blend right in; the après crowd here has always been a mix of adventurers, families, and people simply looking for a cozy place to end the day.
Location: Londonderry, Vermont
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: Approximately 9 miles
Address: 495 Magic Mountain Access Rd, Londonderry, VT 05148
Active Hours: Open afternoons and evenings during the winter season
At the base of Magic Mountain, Black Line Tavern offers an après experience that’s as unpretentious and fun as it gets. Known for its live music—especially the classic-rock cover bands that draw a loyal local following—the tavern feels like the gathering place for everyone who lives, works, or simply loves the mountain.
The space may be a bit rough-around-the-edges, but feels warm and welcoming, with big windows overlooking the slopes and a menu full of crowd-pleasing comfort food. Grab a seat at the bar or near the stage and enjoy the chill, well-worn vibes that make this spot such a staple.
Location: Stratton Mountain, Vermont
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: Approximately 19 miles
Address: 5 Village Lodge Rd, Stratton Mountain, VT 05155
Active Hours: Most shops and cafés open daily; hours vary
With its cobblestone walkways and lodge-style storefronts, Stratton Village is the closest Vermont has to the ski villages “Out West”. Even if you never step foot on a lift, you can spend an entire afternoon here wandering between cafés, restaurants, and shops.
Stop for a drink at one of the many bars and restaurants (Grizzly’s being the main hang) people-watch by the fire pits, or buy yourself something chic and warm to bring back home. The atmosphere is lively, and perhaps a bit bougie, but never overwhelming, and the mountain backdrop gives everything that classic ski-town glow.
SNOW TUBING
Snow Tubing at Okemo & Magic Mountain
Location: Ludlow & Londonderry, Vermont
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: 10 miles (Okemo), 9 miles (Magic)
Addresses:
• Okemo: 77 Okemo Ridge Rd, Ludlow, VT 05149
• Magic: 495 Magic Mountain Access Rd, Londonderry, VT 05148
Active Dates: Late December through March, weather permitting
As you already know, snow tubing offers the thrill of zooming downhill without the learning curve of skiing. Both Okemo and Magic Mountain maintain lift-served tubing lanes with banked turns and well-groomed tracks. Conditions change frequently, so calling ahead is essential.
The atmosphere at both hills are family-friendly and energetic, with plenty of laughter echoing across the snow. Sessions typically run in timed blocks, and tubes are included with admission.
Nearby Pit-stop:
At Okemo, a stop at The Loft in the Clocktower parking lot is hard to beat. It’s a classic dive-bar with a surprisingly roomy interior and seriously good wings—perfect for warming up after tubing. If you’re not hungry but craving drinks, Main + Mountain is nearby. Their New England Sour is our favorite—it’s like a whiskey sour, but finished with mulled wine and cocoa on top. Indoor seating is small but cozy, and the heated outdoor tables make it an easy place to linger and soak up the après energy.
Over at Magic Mountain, start your post-tubing pit-stop at Ungrounded in South Londonderry for true “coffee culture” coffee—lattes, cold brew, or drip—and don’t miss the pastries next door at Capucine’s Florist & Boutique.
Ice Skating
Location: Manchester, Vermont
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: Approximately 22 miles
Address: 410 Hunter Park Rd, Manchester Center, VT 05255
Active Dates: Late fall through early spring
Riley Rink is a full-size indoor arena offering public skating sessions, themed events, and open-stick hockey times throughout the week. It’s climate-controlled, easy to access, and always bustling with families, recreational skaters, and locals escaping the frigid outdoors. Skate rentals are available on-site, making it an easy option even if you don’t have your own gear.
It’s an especially good choice on days when outdoor ice conditions aren’t ideal or you’re just looking for a guaranteed skate. Call ahead or check their online calendar, as schedules can shift during tournament season.
Nearby Pit-stop: After skating at Riley Rink and want a bite or a drink, The Crooked Ram is one of our top picks—if it were closer to Honeypot, we’d be there every week. The space has three areas: a front bar with craft beers, wines, and charcuterie; a dining room with elevated fare; and a back garden serving wood-fired pizza and seasonal dishes. (Note, however, that the back garden is NOT open in the Winter.) Wherever you sit, the Ram’s Board is a must-try.
SLEIGH RIDES
Location: Peru, Vermont
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: Approximately 8 miles
Address: 825 Route 11, Londonderry, VT 05148
Active Dates: Mid-December through February, weather permitting
Taylor Farm offers the quintessential Vermont winter experience: a horse-drawn sleigh gliding through snowy meadows and quiet woods. Blankets keep you warm as the horses lead the way, and midway through, you’ll stop at a rustic bonfire to toast marshmallows before looping back to the farm.
The whole outing lasts about 45 minutes, which makes it ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking for a gentle winter adventure. Reservations are required, and rides tend to book quickly on weekends.
Nearby Pit-stop: On your way home, stop at Mildred’s Table at The Vermont Country Store to warm up over some sleeper mac and cheese, or if you’re on a date, sidle up to the bar at The Left Bank for what might just be the best martini in the state!
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Location: Peru, Vermont
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: Approximately 11 miles
Address: 246 Styles Lane, Peru, VT 05152
Active Dates: Late December through March, snow permitting
Wild Wings is perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful, beginner-friendly experience. The trails wind through quiet, wooded loops, with gentle terrain and just a few slightly more challenging routes. Rentals and lessons are available, and the small lodge offers a cozy spot to warm up afterward. This makes it ideal for first-timers, people who want an unhurried pace, or anyone just hoping to enjoy Vermont’s winter scenery without rushing.
Nearby Pit-stop: For a casual bite, JJ Hapgood is an easy favorite. Their homemade wood-fired pizzas are New York snob-approved, with classic-rock inspired names (a nod to the owner’s familial ties to Sir Paul McCartney). The menu rotates often (so check their Instagram for what’s current), but we loved the Johnny B. Goode (with fresh local mozzarella, housemade red sauce, smoked gouda, pickled jalepeño, hot honey, and freshly-shaved parmigiano reggiano). The Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich (w/ sriracha aioli) is also one of our favorites. If you just want something for the road, Bromley Market has surprisingly excellent BBQ to-go that hits the spot after a chilly morning.
Location: Stratton Mountain, Vermont
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: Approximately 20 miles
Address: 41 Sun Bowl Rd, Stratton, VT 05360
Active Dates: Late December through March, snow permitting
Stratton Nordic Center is more expansive than Wild Wings, with roughly double the trail mileage, offering wide-open fields, wooded paths, and separate areas for both “classic skiing” and “skate skiing”, as well as snowshoeing trails. Classic skiing is the traditional forward-glide style in parallel tracks, easy to pick up and steady for beginners, while skate skiing pushes the skis out in a V-shape, is faster and more athletic. Rentals and lessons are available, and staff help match you to the trails that fit your level.
Nearby Pit-stop: After skiing, head into Stratton Village to warm up and refuel. Grizzly’s at the Base Lodge is the go-to for people watching and lively chatter, with a rustic barn-inspired atmosphere and live music—perfect for recapping your day with one of the best views around. Upper Standard Coffee serves expertly roasted coffee, Belgian waffles, Vermont grilled cheese with organic tomato soup, ice cream, and more—ideal for a quick pick-me-up or a light lunch. And for heartier fare, Honeypie in Jamaica has inventive burgers, bespoke sausages, and sandwiches—we love “The Vietnamese” sausage and “The O.G.” burger.
Shopping
Location: Manchester, Vermont
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: Approximately 22 miles
Address: Manchester Center, VT (multiple storefronts around Depot St & Main St)
Active Dates: Year-round
Manchester Designer Outlets are more than just a shopping stop—they’re a charming, walkable village with a mix of well-known brands and unique local boutiques. Alongside stores like Polo Ralph Lauren, Theory, J.Crew Factory, and Pendleton, you’ll find a rotating collection of smaller specialty shops and Vermont-based retailers offering home goods, jewelry, clothing, and locally made gifts. The combination of fresh mountain air, easy walkability, and quaint storefronts makes browsing here feel far more pleasant than your typical outlet experience.
Nearby Pit-stop: For a quick bite, Al Ducci’s is a classic Italian deli transplanted to rural VT—try their classic “Italian 3 Meat” Sandwich. Lost Marble Brewing is perfect for craft beer lovers, with rotating small-batch selections like the Cosmic Bloom blueberry cream ale and Marble Dust IPA.
SNOWMOBILING
Location: Stratton, Vermont
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: Approximately 19 miles
Address: 5 Village Lodge Rd, Stratton Mountain, VT 05155
Active Dates: Late December through March, weather permitting
Stratton Snowmobile Tours offers guided adventures through scenic backcountry terrain, with rides suitable for beginners and families. Moonlight tours are especially magical, gliding through quiet woods under the glow of headlamps and moonlight.
The guides handle all the navigation and safety instruction, so you can simply enjoy the views. Dress warmly—snowmobiling always feels colder than you expect.
Nearby Pit-stop: After your snowmobile adventure, swing by Meulemans’ Craft Draughts for a few cans to-go of your next favorite brew. Tell the knowledgeable staff what you’re into, and let them steer you towards something wonderful that you never knew existed.
CRAFT BREWERIES
Location: Manchester, Vermont
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: Approximately 21 miles
Address: 4529 Main St, Manchester Center, VT 05255
Active Dates: Year‑round; hours vary by season
Lost Marble Brewing is a fantastic new addition to the area’s craft beer scene. They offer a rotating selection of small-batch brews in a welcoming, modern taproom. It’s an easygoing spot to unwind after a day of shopping or adventure, whether you’re grabbing a pint on-site or picking up 4-packs of cans to bring back to the Farmhouse.
The vibe is friendly and unfussy, and the beer lineup changes frequently, giving you a reason to stop in more than once during your stay. We love Cosmic Bloom, which is a blueberry cream ale, and their Marble Dust IPA has converted many of the IPA haters in our family to “IPA curious”.
The pizza is top-notch. We love “The Teamster”, a fancy take on a “chicken bacon ranch” pie, and “The Reserve” with locally sourced goat cheese and truffled spinach pesto. We’ve also heard that their maple-brined tandoori chicken wings are wonderful, but have yet to try personally.
Nearby Pit-stop: Swing by Mother Myrick’s Confectionary for some absolute bomb chocolate-covered orange peel, signature butter crunch, and their divine Lemon Lulu Cake
Location: Proctorsville, Vermont
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: Approximately 13 miles
Address: 60 Village Green, Proctorsville, VT 05153
Active Dates: Year-round
Outer Limits Brewery is technically the closest brewery to Honeypot, and a great stop if you’re looking for solid beer and even better food without going too far. After being closed for a few years following the Great Vermont Flood, they reopened in summer 2025, and have been bringing locals and visitors back ever since. We like Lost Marble’s beer a twinge better, but Outer Limits totally holds its own, and is simply too close by to overlook.
The beers are honest and enjoyable across the board. While we’re still hoping for a permanent Vermont‑worthy juicy IIPA on draft someday, the current selections are always rotating and fun to explore. Build your visit around a custom beer flight so you can sample a variety, and pair it with their wood‑fired pizza or crispy wood‑fired wings—the Maple Sriracha and Cajun wings are especially good. When it’s on the menu, the Winter Warmer is a perfect cozy pour on a chilly evening.
The indoor space has a chill, unfussy atmosphere, and in warmer months the picnic tables out front make it an easy, laid‑back stop after a day outside.
GLASS BLOWING
Location: Manchester, Vermont
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: Approximately 19 miles
Address: 79 Elm Street, Manchester Center, VT 05255
Active Dates: Year-round; classes offered daily with advance booking recommended
Manchester Hot Glass offers a hands-on introduction to the art of glassblowing in a working studio located right in downtown Manchester. Visitors can choose from a range of guided experiences, including making ornaments, paperweights, pumpkins, and other small glass pieces. No prior experience is required, and instructors walk participants through each step of the process.
Classes are short, engaging, and both beginner and kid-friendly, making this an excellent option for those looking to get their creative juices flowing. Finished pieces are cooled and typically available for pickup the following day, or they can be shipped home for convenience.
Nearby Pit-stop: For food and drinks afterward, we’ve mentioned them before, but The Crooked Ram and Haig’s are just too good not to. The Crooked Ram offers craft beer, high-end dining, and a seasonal garden with wood-fired pizza. We never skip the “Ram’s Board”. Haig’s keeps it casual and fun with solid pub food, drinks, and a lively outdoor area. Reliable, good vibes, and worth mentioning twice.
For more food and drink options in Manchester, check out our Bars & Restaurant Guide.
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Location: Manchester Center, Vermont
Distance from Honeypot Farmhouse: Approximately 20 miles
Address: 4802 Main St, Manchester Center, VT 05255
Active Dates: Year‑round; hours vary by season
If you’re looking for a quirky, fun indoor break in Manchester, Pastime Pinball is a gem worth carving time out for. This isn’t just another arcade—it’s a playable pinball museum featuring 60+ top‑rated machines from the 1950s through today, all set to unlimited play once you’ve paid admission at the door.
The vibe here feels a lot like stepping back to an era before pocket-screens took over. You’ll find vintage electromechanical games with charming bells and chimes, modern themed tables, and even a retro snack bar on the mezzanine. It’s family‑friendly and social, with players of all ages and skill levels trying their hand at classic silhouettes and pop‑culture favorites alike.
Yes they do serve beer, but the bar is a separate area, and drinks are not allowed near the machines themselves.
Nearby Pit-stop: If you’re hungry after all that pinball, Sam’s Wood Fired Pizza is a local favorite—friendly service and seriously good pizza. We’re obsessed with the Jack’s White (olive oil & garlic base with shredded mozzarella) and the classic Donnie B (pepperoni, sausage, onions, peppers, garlic, and mushrooms on a red pie).
For something a bit more elevated, Depot 62 is worth the stop. It’s a café inside a home furnishings store with a unique gallery-like vibe, but the food is what really stands out. The Turkish-inspired menu is excellent—especially the Anatolian Hummus with sujuk & leeks, and the kofte kebabs are a must. Sitting inside the boutique, the atmosphere is unique, and the staff adds to the experience.
inter in Southern Vermont isn’t just for skiers, there’s truly something for everyone. Cozy indoor activities like glassblowing at Manchester Hot Glass or playing vintage machines at Pastime Pinball offer unique, hands-on fun, while outdoor adventures such as snow tubing, sleigh rides, or exploring the Nordic trails at Wild Wings and Stratton let you enjoy the crisp winter air without strapping on skis.
After your adventures, warming up with local favorites for food and drinks is part of the charm. Even without skiing, Southern Vermont delivers cozy charm, memorable experiences, and the kind of simple winter magic that makes the season unforgettable.
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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