Explore the Area

An empty ski lift chair hanging over snow-covered mountain terrain with mountain ranges in the background and a partly cloudy sky.
Scenic view of a mountainous landscape with trees in the foreground, featuring green and red foliage, under a clear blue sky.

  • We recommend downloading AllTrails, a mobile App that provides directions, reviews and tips for hiking in both public and private lands. If you prefer print material, ask to borrow one of the many hiking guidebooks in Willow’s library.

    The Pinnacle

    Putney Mountain Hawk Watch

    Deer Run Nature Preserve

    Newfane Town Forest

    Dover Town Forest

    Townshend State Forest

    Both Pinnacle and Putney Mountain can be accessed from either from Grassy Brook Road or going up Putney Mountain Road in Brookline.

    From the parking area on Putney Mountain Road it is a very short hike to the top of Putney Mountain which has views.

    From Grassy Brook Road there are several trails to the ridge between Putney Mountain and Pinnacle Mountain. Pinnacle Mountain has a small hut on top and great views.

Man standing in a river, smiling, with green and clear water around him.

  • Rock River Preservation – A succession of four textile-only to clothing-optional swimming holes located just three miles from Willow. From the website: “The river provides sanctuary and solace to varied local groups of users. From a town path starting at the end of Williamsville Road in Newfane, visitors first encounter a family beach at a known as "Indian Love Call", which has been enjoyed by generations of children and teens. Farther from the public roadways, a separate, clothing optional area known as "Third Beach" welcomes a mixed crowd. At the terminus of the trails, a sandy bank known as "Fifth Beach" is a traditional gathering place for gay and bisexual men and their friends.”

    The Ledges – A clothing optional forest and beach area located in Wilmington Vermont on the Harriman Reservoir. The crowd is mixed - women and men of all ages.

    Hamilton Falls

    Sunset Lake – No swimming allowed, but great for fishing.

    Warbler Tour – Willow’s terrific neighbor and friend Richard Foye offers to take small groups on private warbler tours in the forests around South Newfane. Ask for more information.

    Raku Studio Tour - Willow’s neighbor and friend Richard Foye is also a master Raku ceramicist. Several of the rooms at Willow feature lamps and decorative vases made by Richard. Ask us for more information.

    Private Art Studio Tours – Southern Vermont is home to many artists working in every medium. Willow’s owners have made a point to share information on local artists with our guests. Ask us for more information.

    Village Yoga – a Private yoga studio located 15 minutes away in the center of Newfane.

Freshly baked croissants in a silver tray in a bakery or cafe setting.

  • Newfane Country Store - Great sandwiches and bakery, friendly atmosphere, free wifi.

    1846 Tavern & Restaurant - Solid dinner menu, long list of fresh oysters, great collection of New England sports memorabilia.

    Peter Havens Restaurant - Excellent food and wine, elegant atmosphere

    T. J. Buckley's - Small venue, great food. A real Vermont foodie experience. WE send our guests here all the time and everyone loves TJ’s dedication to high quality dining.

    SoLo Farm & Table - serving a Chef's Tasting Menu Dinner Thursday & Saturday Nights. Chloe & Wesley Genovart live on the farm, grow the food and “offer a seasonal ingredient-driven menu that is ever evolving and changing.” Sustainable, local, and high quality meals. Willow’s guests have raved about this experience. NOTE: SoLo is on break during November until mid December.

    Dosa Kitchen - If you like South Indian food, DON'T MISS THIS FOOD TRUCK! The make Dosas - savory or sweet crepes made of rice flour and lentils -- filled with flavorful goodies. They are gluten free and totally decadent. They are parked outside Grafton Cheese on Route 30 in Brattleboro Saturday through Monday 11:30am-3:30pm.

Scenic view of a lakeside landscape with colorful trees, scattered houses, rolling fields, and mountains in the background under a sky with pink and purple clouds.
The exterior of a shop named Fayetteville Corner decorated for Christmas with garlands and lights. The windows display Christmas trees and holiday decorations, and there's a wooden sculpture of a woman in front of the door.

  • Fayetteville Corner - Newfane Center. Stop in for Mark’s cakes and coffee, peruse high-quality antique furniture, rugs, copper cookware, tableware, and home décor.

    The Shops at Collector’s Cottage - 135 VT-30, Dover. A series of mini boutiques featuring multiple retail stores under one roof.A wide variety of unique items that include custom and hand made furniture, period to mid-century antiques , local fine arts, local made wood workers, vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, imported gifts, primitive hand made home decorations, vintage pieces, hand knit clothing and so much more.

    Stone House Antique Center - 557 VT-103, Chester, VT

    Windham Antique Center - Bellows Falls

A tall tree with a thick trunk and many branches covered in yellow and orange autumn leaves, with a clear sky in the background.
Two men taking a selfie in a forest with green trees in the background, one with gray hair and beard, wearing a black shirt and backpack, and the other younger with dark hair wearing a beige cap and light gray shirt, holding a red phone.
A peaceful lakeside scene with trees and a clear sky, reflecting in the calm water.
Black and white cat standing on a white railing outside with a blurred background of trees and grass.
A peaceful park scene with a calm pond reflecting trees and blue sky, surrounded by green and autumn-colored foliage.
A black metal outdoor table with four matching chairs on a grassy lawn, with a large white house and trees with autumn foliage in the background.
Serene sunset over a pond, with trees reflecting on the water, some houses and outdoor chairs visible in the background.
A large white house with black shutters, surrounded by trees and a green lawn, with a gravel driveway in front.
A serene pond surrounded by lush green trees with partly cloudy sky above, and white and pink hydrangea flowers in the foreground.
Autumn landscape with colorful trees, a calm lake reflecting the trees, and tall grasses in the foreground.
Two moose standing among trees and autumn foliage in a forest