Things to See & Do

Enjoy the Local Attractions in Marshfield, VT to Make Your Stay More Memorable

Vine Plant

When choosing to stay at MIM, there are many local attractions in Marshfield, VT, for your family to enjoy. We have a few ideas for your itinerary based on the length of your stay. These include:

A 1- Day Visit
  • Visit Bragg Maple Farm — Sample the Maple syrup or have a creamier.
  • Tour Cabot Creamery — See a free film about this historic cheese-making co-op plus enjoy FREE cheese tasting.
  • Photograph Covered Bridges — Martin Bridge and Coburn bridge are both only a couple of miles away.
A 2- or 3-Day Visit

All of the Day Trip ideas, plus…

  • Spend a day in Montpelier — Tour the Statehouse, shop at Artisan’s Hands, lunch at Hunger Mountain Co-op, sample some spirits at Barr Hill Distillery, and browse the two independent book shops.
  • Sample some brews at Three Penny Tap Room–Hill Farmstead on tap.
  • Dinner at Namaste or The Skinny Pancake.
  • Catch a film at The Savoy Theater.
A Full Week Visit
  • Explore Groton State Forest — A 15-minute drive gets you into the park. Hike to the top of Owl’s Head, swim at Boulder Beach, or rent a kayak at Osmore Pond.
  • Day-trip to Hardwick — Visit the Galaxy Bookshop, Buffalo Mountain Co-op and wrap up the day with dinner at The Scale House or Positive Pie Hardwick.
  • Visit the Dog Chapel in St. Johnsbury.

Vine Plant

Call to learn more about our motel or to make a reservation. 

(802) 426-3383

Options for Hiking, History, Dining, and More

We are centrally located only minutes from Vermont’s charming state capital, Montpelier. Stowe is 45 minutes away and Burlington approximately 1 hour. The Canadian border is just 1 1/2 hours to the north.

MIM is the perfect hub from which to explore in any direction. It would be easy to spend several weeks touring the area and still not sample everything this neck of the woods has to offer, but hey, you have to start somewhere! So here are just a few more suggestions to help you plan your next visit:

  • Virginia Stranahan Town Forest — Entrance to our 600-acre town forest is only 1.5 miles away. Open for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing; we can show you the way to a wonderful outdoor experience.
  • Cross Vermont Rail Trail — Only two miles away. Enjoy a quiet walk or take your cross country skis for a groomed, mostly level glide. Three miles from the access point will get you to Plainfield, where you can have a slice of pizza at Positive Pie or grab some organic fruit at the Plainfield Co-op.
  • Geocaching — Join other high-tech adventure seekers in this new form of treasure hunting! Use your GPS device to track down the many caches hidden within a 20-mile radius of Marshfield Inn and Motel.
  • Martin Covered Bridge — Newly restored and reinstalled over the Winooski River, this farm bridge is only a mile from our motel. Leave your car in the parking lot and wander through the bridge, reading the history on display as you go. Continue on the trail, passing the rock circle, all the way to the Rail Trail for a little walk or a longer hike.
  • Spruce Mountain — This three-hour hike is rich in bird life. Access the trail in Jones State Forest, 4.2 miles south of Plainfield Village.
  • Onion River Outdoors — Pick up some new gear or clothing in this Montpelier shop and spend the day exploring.
  • Stephen Huneck Gallery and Dog Mountain — This 400-acre mountain-top farm features a wonderful gallery filled with Huneck’s artwork. It’s a must-see for any dog lover. Visit the Dog Chapel and sculpture garden that celebrate the spiritual bond we have with our dogs. Just east of St. Johnsbury. Of course, bring your dog!
  • Groton State Forest — It is 25,000 plus acres featuring hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Put in at one of the many boat launches. Check out the Montpelier/Wells River rail-trail for 14.5 miles of biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling.
  • Rock of Ages Granite Quarry — Watch a master sculptor turn a block of granite into fabulous statuary, interact with the dramatic new hi-tech displays, tour the operation, and then bowl a frame on a granite bowling lane!
  • Vermont State House — Watch the legislature in action, January through mid-April. Tour this Renaissance Revival “most beautiful of capitols” designed by Thomas Silloway.
  • St. Johnsbury Athenaeum and Art Gallery — A monument to the nineteenth-century belief in learning, the opulent library and gallery were recently lovingly restored. See the majestic painting Domes of Yosemite by Albert Bierstadt.
  • Kismet — On State Street in Montpelier. Organic, artisanal foods, gluten-free and dairy-free specialties, love their garden martini!
  • Positive Pie — Yes, New York-style pizza right in Plainfield village. You can count on them for fresh slices of pizza, soups, salads, and sandwiches. They also have locations in Montpelier and Hardwick.
  • Morse Block Deli — Located on Main Street in Barre, this deli uses premium meats and cheeses produced locally and in-house, locally baked bread from La Panciata in Northfield, and sources a large portion of produce locally. Good selection of Vermont craft brews on tap too!
  • Hugo’s Bar & Grill — Is a new American Bistro in a historic building on main street in downtown Montpelier.
  • The Skinny Pancake — At the corner of State and Main in Montpelier. Tell me, who can resist fresh crepes? Choose sweet or savory; try the buckwheat crepes if you need a gluten-free option. Open seven days early ’til late.
  • Sarducci’s Italian Restaurant — This Montpelier mainstay never disappoints. A relaxed, convivial atmosphere and a large menu mean there is something for everyone. Open all week.
  • Cabot Creamery — Catch the free film about the cheese-making facility at this Farmer’s Co-op. Then sample their award-winning varieties, including the “Best Cheddar in the World.”
  • Sarah’s Country Diner — Just down the street from the Cabot Creamery, Sarah’s is in the back room of Harry’s Hardware. Tuesday through Saturday, she cooks up truly homemade food for breakfast and lunch. Homemade bread, soups, and daily specials.
  • Vermont Flower Farm – If you love hostas, astilbes, and perennials, then this is the place for you! It is only 3 miles from our place on Rt. 2, and I promise you will find a huge selection of plants. Diana goes there every chance she gets.
  • The Country Bookshop — In the village of Plainfield, just 3 miles from us. 30,000 books in all subject areas with a specialty in folklore, folk music, and books on bells and carillons. Also, old postcards and paper ephemera.
  • Harry’s Hardware and The Den – Located in Cabot Village. Everything a rural community needs–gas or diesel, nuts and bolts, feeds, farm and garden supplies, tools, sporting goods, local products, or just a great place to gather over Vermont craft beers on tap. Live music most Saturday nights.
  • Three Penny Taproom – When you love beer, especially great beer; then this is the place for you! 24 taps and over 60 bottled beers will keep you engaged. Their kitchen satisfies your belly with sandwiches, cheese plates, soups, and more.
  • Bear Pond Books – Located in Vermont since 1973. Browse, then buy to your heart’s content!
  • The Knitting Studio — Their customers have dubbed them ‘Vermont’s Friendliest Knitting Store.’ Visit them to stock up on yarn or go on a Tuesday for Knit Night from 6 p.m. ’til 8. On Main Street in Montpelier.
  • The Corn Maze – Located in Danville from July through October. A fun challenge for the whole family. Take your sunscreen, water bottle, and a snack. It’s a different maze every year and a unique experience every time!
Outdoor Adventures
  • Virginia Stranahan Town Forest — Entrance to our 600-acre town forest is only 1.5 miles away. Open for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing; we can show you the way to a wonderful outdoor experience.
  • Cross Vermont Rail Trail — Only two miles away. Enjoy a quiet walk or take your cross country skis for a groomed, mostly level glide. Three miles from the access point will get you to Plainfield, where you can have a slice of pizza at Positive Pie or grab some organic fruit at the Plainfield Co-op.
  • Geocaching — Join other high-tech adventure seekers in this new form of treasure hunting! Use your GPS device to track down the many caches hidden within a 20-mile radius of Marshfield Inn and Motel.
  • Martin Covered Bridge — Newly restored and reinstalled over the Winooski River, this farm bridge is only a mile from our motel. Leave your car in the parking lot and wander through the bridge, reading the history on display as you go. Continue on the trail, passing the rock circle, all the way to the Rail Trail for a little walk or a longer hike.
  • Spruce Mountain — This three-hour hike is rich in bird life. Access the trail in Jones State Forest, 4.2 miles south of Plainfield Village.
  • Onion River Outdoors — Pick up some new gear or clothing in this Montpelier shop and spend the day exploring.
  • Stephen Huneck Gallery and Dog Mountain — This 400-acre mountain-top farm features a wonderful gallery filled with Huneck’s artwork. It’s a must-see for any dog lover. Visit the Dog Chapel and sculpture garden that celebrate the spiritual bond we have with our dogs. Just east of St. Johnsbury. Of course, bring your dog!
  • Groton State Forest — It is 25,000 plus acres featuring hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Put in at one of the many boat launches. Check out the Montpelier/Wells River rail-trail for 14.5 miles of biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling.
Vermont Heritage
  • Rock of Ages Granite Quarry — Watch a master sculptor turn a block of granite into fabulous statuary, interact with the dramatic new hi-tech displays, tour the operation, and then bowl a frame on a granite bowling lane!
  • Vermont State House — Watch the legislature in action, January through mid-April. Tour this Renaissance Revival “most beautiful of capitols” designed by Thomas Silloway.
  • St. Johnsbury Athenaeum and Art Gallery — A monument to the nineteenth-century belief in learning, the opulent library and gallery were recently lovingly restored. See the majestic painting Domes of Yosemite by Albert Bierstadt.
Good Eats
  • Kismet — On State Street in Montpelier. Organic, artisanal foods, gluten-free and dairy-free specialties, love their garden martini!
  • Positive Pie — Yes, New York-style pizza right in Plainfield village. You can count on them for fresh slices of pizza, soups, salads, and sandwiches. They also have locations in Montpelier and Hardwick.
  • Morse Block Deli — Located on Main Street in Barre, this deli uses premium meats and cheeses produced locally and in-house, locally baked bread from La Panciata in Northfield, and sources a large portion of produce locally. Good selection of Vermont craft brews on tap too!
  • Hugo’s Bar & Grill — Is a new American Bistro in a historic building on main street in downtown Montpelier.
  • The Skinny Pancake — At the corner of State and Main in Montpelier. Tell me, who can resist fresh crepes? Choose sweet or savory; try the buckwheat crepes if you need a gluten-free option. Open seven days early ’til late.
  • Sarducci’s Italian Restaurant — This Montpelier mainstay never disappoints. A relaxed, convivial atmosphere and a large menu mean there is something for everyone. Open all week.
  • Cabot Creamery — Catch the free film about the cheese-making facility at this Farmer’s Co-op. Then sample their award-winning varieties, including the “Best Cheddar in the World.”
  • Sarah’s Country Diner — Just down the street from the Cabot Creamery, Sarah’s is in the back room of Harry’s Hardware. Tuesday through Saturday, she cooks up truly homemade food for breakfast and lunch. Homemade bread, soups, and daily specials.
Just Plain Fun
  • Vermont Flower Farm – If you love hostas, astilbes, and perennials, then this is the place for you! It is only 3 miles from our place on Rt. 2, and I promise you will find a huge selection of plants. Diana goes there every chance she gets.
  • The Country Bookshop — In the village of Plainfield, just 3 miles from us. 30,000 books in all subject areas with a specialty in folklore, folk music, and books on bells and carillons. Also, old postcards and paper ephemera.
  • Harry’s Hardware and The Den – Located in Cabot Village. Everything a rural community needs–gas or diesel, nuts and bolts, feeds, farm and garden supplies, tools, sporting goods, local products, or just a great place to gather over Vermont craft beers on tap. Live music most Saturday nights.
  • Three Penny Taproom – When you love beer, especially great beer; then this is the place for you! 24 taps and over 60 bottled beers will keep you engaged. Their kitchen satisfies your belly with sandwiches, cheese plates, soups, and more.
  • Bear Pond Books – Located in Vermont since 1973. Browse, then buy to your heart’s content!
  • The Knitting Studio — Their customers have dubbed them ‘Vermont’s Friendliest Knitting Store.’ Visit them to stock up on yarn or go on a Tuesday for Knit Night from 6 p.m. ’til 8. On Main Street in Montpelier.
  • The Corn Maze – Located in Danville from July through October. A fun challenge for the whole family. Take your sunscreen, water bottle, and a snack. It’s a different maze every year and a unique experience every time!