Rolling Hills and Farm Stands

Duration

3-4 hours

About

The back roads of Norwich, Vermont and Thetford, Vermont offer some of the finest bike riding in the entire state. And lucky for you, these roads lead you to great views, swimming holes, covered bridges, and two of the best farm stands we've ever been to! You'll meet a Vermont Bike & Brew staff member behind the Norwich Inn (where they brew Jasper Murdock's beer) and get comfortable on your bikes before choosing between the short route (17 miles) and the long route (28 miles).

On either route you'll make a stop at Sweetland Farm where Vermont Bike & Brew guests can drop their name into a raffle for a chance to win a Sweetland Farm T-shirt. You can also refill your water bottle here and load your pannier up with a selection of local treats. Sweetland Farm offers a Snack Basket special for Vermont Bike & Brew guests - just select this option after you select your bikes and before you check out! You can pick up your Snack Basket at Sweetland Farm and bring it to a nearby picnic and swimming area.

If you're on the short route, you'll take a wandering, scenic route back to Norwich. If you're on the long route, you'll ride to East Thetford to visit Cedar Circle Farm and Hello Café. Open until 3pm, Hello Cafe has fantastic espresso that you can enjoy while wandering the greenhouses and farm store before making the return trip to Norwich along Route 5. Route 5 parallels the Connecticut River and is an extremely popular route for road bikers, but if you're wary about riding with cars you'll be better off on the short route. The speed limit on Route 5 is 50mph and there is a good shoulder the whole way.

Back in Norwich, stop at King Arthur Baking Company for pastries, coffee, or a soup/salad/sandwich type lunch. We're lucky to have this national brand headquartered right here in Norwich! Their kitchen is open until 3pm.

Lastly, go poke around one of the most iconic general stores in the whole state - Dan & Whit's. Their motto “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it” holds true and they’re open 365 days a year. Have fun exploring the store and give yourself a few extra minutes to find your way out – this ain’t no corner store. Located directly next door to the Norwich Inn.

You came for the beer, right? Jasper Murdock’s Alehouse at The Norwich Inn was the 5th brewery in Vermont and they've only had four master brewers in 31 years! The pub is small and cozy and makes you feel right at home but if the sun is shining, take your beer out to the porch or patio. The Norwich Inn serves dinner starting at 4:30pm.