Best Things to Do in Essex (Vermont)
By jhenr | Updated July 17th, 2022
Essex, Vermont may be small, but it still packs in a lot of history and hidden gems. That’s why you won’t want to miss these attractions when you visit Essex, whether it’s just the day or you plan to stay awhile and make Essex your new home! Make sure to add these to your Essex bucket list so you can check them off as you go!
1st Republic Brewing Co
For a casual night out with friends or co-workers, head to 1st Republic Brewing Co. When visiting Essex, Vermont, try one of their specialty burgers or order your favorite Mexican food dish—you can’t go wrong. You can even catch a game on their flat-screen TVs and enjoy a pint or two on their deck.
ArtHound Gallery
Essex, Vermont is home to some of Vermont’s most forward-thinking businesses. Among them is ArtHound Gallery, which showcases a curated selection of cutting-edge art.
From paintings and photography to sculpture and installation pieces, every gallery features new works by Vermont’s finest artists. Do yourself a favor and check out as many as you can before leaving Essex—you won’t be disappointed!
Essex Outlets
Essex, Vermont’s state motto might be Freedom and Unity, but who wants to live a life of sacrifice? Essex Outlets offers an alternative: 80% savings on thousands of brand-name items.
Located near Vermont’s largest city, Essex is great for a day trip. Have a bite to eat at one of their restaurants, take in a movie or enjoy the shopping experience!
Above Reality Inc. Hot Air Balloon Rides
Hot air balloon rides give you an unparalleled bird’s eye view of Essex, Vermont. Ride as high as 1,000 feet and watch Vermont’s forests transform into a living landscape painting.
This year marks their 20th Anniversary, so go ahead and make your reservations in advance to ensure you get a spot on one of Above Realty Inc.’s weekend morning flights over Lake Champlain. Watch sunrise or sunset while drifting peacefully above the trees below.
Spa at the Essex
If you’re trying to make Essex an extended destination (that is, you want to stick around for more than a day or two), be sure to treat yourself to a massage at Spa at The Essex.
The facility is within walking distance of Essex Mountain Inn and has a beautiful view of Mount Mansfield and Lake Champlain; their spa services are some of Vermont’s best.
They offer a special day pass for the family with access to the indoor heated pool, fitness center, and spa lounge. Treat yourself. You deserve it!
Purple Sage Salt Cave
For an authentic Essex Vermont experience, head to Essex’s Purple Sage Salt Cave. Local natural mineral springs are enhanced with dozens of naturally occurring minerals.
Some services they provide are skin and beauty services, massage services, far infrared sauna, salon services, and their most known relo therapy salt caves, among many more.
In addition to being great for your health and skin, you can also purchase artisan soaps and bath salts made right here. Treat yourself to this one-of-a-kind relaxation spa day!
The Links at Lang Farm
A true Vermont gem, the Links at Lang Farm is a public golf course with incredible views of the surrounding mountains, The mountain terrain, and natural stone hazards make for a challenging yet fun course.
This excellent option for experienced and beginner golfers alike is just 15 minutes from Essex Junction, so it’s easy to schedule an afternoon playing 18 holes during your next visit to Essex, Vermont.
Metrorock
Essex, Vermont, has a thriving rock climbing community. If you’re looking for a fun way to stay active on your next trip to Essex, or brush up on your acquired climbing skills, go rock climbing at Metrorock.
They offer some of Vermont’s best outdoor rock climbing lessons and have dozens of top-notch routes for beginners and experienced climbers alike.
The Strike Zone
Grow your game at The Strike Zone. Located in Essex, Vermont, is this thrilling adrenaline-pumping Training Facility for Baseball, Softball, and T-ball.
You have the option to do a private lesson with cage rentals and pitching machines and have a complete analysis of your hitting and catching for speed accuracy. Practice your game to perfection!
Dragonfly Treasures
What’s more charming than a real country store? The answer is nothing. So visit Dragonfly Treasures for one of Vermont’s most unique shopping experiences. It’s not a huge place by any means—but it has just about everything you could need on your road trip through Essex, Vermont.
You can find clothes to wear while exploring outdoors and gifts to bring back to friends and family at home. There are local crafts and even souvenirs from different states across America!
Maple Street Park And Pool, Essex Junction
Maple Street Park And Pool are nestled within a neighborhood near downtown Essex Junction. There are baseball fields and a basketball court, as well as a swimming pool that hosts swim lessons and other activities throughout June, July, and August.
The outdoor park is open year-round for residents of any age to play a game of softball or volleyball—it’s also home to summer movie nights on Thursday evenings through August.
JULES on the Green
Nothing quite says Vermont like a visit to JULES on the Green for fried cheese curds and microbrews. Located just off Main Street in Essex Village, Jules’s is a great spot to kick back with friends or family after exploring Essex’s shops and restaurants.
The restaurant is 100% peanut and tree nut-free so that you can dine safely!
Conclusion
Essex is a small town located in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom region. It’s a vacation destination for many who travel there to enjoy its natural beauty and untouched landscapes. Essex has everything from hiking trails to art galleries for you to explore, so be sure to check out one of these twelve Can’t-miss attractions on your next visit.