Eating, Entertainment, Essentials
Here’s a list of resources to help you settle into our campuses and their surrounding areas. We hope this will be helpful to new and returning members of the Bread Loaf community.
Happy exploring!
Location hours and contact information are subject to change, so please check the business website or give them a call prior to travel.
Bread Loaf, Vermont
Food & Drink
- Casual and creative cuisine with style dedicated to cooking from scratch, serving generous portions, and supporting local producers. Wed-Mon, 8a-3p. 141 Main St, Vergennes; 802-877-2772
- Fast-food drive-up serving up its namesake root beer, plus burgers, chicken, and fries. Call for hours of operation. 1557 Rt 7, Middlebury; 802-388-2876.
- Lively choice for craft beverages and inventive wood-fired pizzas loaded with local, organic, seasonal toppings. Outdoor seating, fireplace, great cocktails. Check the website for hours of operation. Marble Works, 137 Maple St, Middlebury; 802-388-3300
- Hefty portions of farm-to-table fare (many with a French flavor) crafted in a romantic atmosphere. Tues-Sat, 4-8p. 253 Main St, Vergennes; 802-877-9991
- Cozy haunt offering homey pub grub & samples, half-pints & pints of creative house-crafted brews. Wed-Sun, 4-8p. 5 Main St, Bristol; 802-453-3311
- Traditional French plates made with local ingredients, served in a casual bistro-style space. Wed-Sat, 11:30a-9p and Sun, 10a-9p. Reservations suggested. 11 Center St. [Rt 7], Brandon; 802-247-9997
- Italian deli offering gourmet and imported food items, plus wine, and a variety of sandwiches. Tues-Sat, 10a-6p. 99 Maple St, Marble Works District, Middlebury; 802-388-3385
- Casual restaurant serving Italian favorites such as pizza, sandwiches, and wings, plus beer, and wine. Tues-Sat, 11a-8p. 8 Main St, Bristol; 802-453-2400
- Cheery brewery and tasting room offering several original European-style beers with creative names, plus merchandise. Open daily, 12-5p-ish. 610 US-7, Middlebury; 802-989-7414
- Enduring American bar & grill stuffed with old memorabilia and known for prime rib and salad bar. Wed-Fri, 4-8p and Sat-Sun, 12-8p. 26 Seymour St, Middlebury; 802-388-7166
- Casual sandwich shop for cheesesteaks and other comfort fare, with local and organic ingredients. Tues-Thurs, 11a-3pm. 610 US-7, Middlebury; 802-382-8646
- Mouthwatering pizza, pastas, calzones, salads, and hot oven grinders. Takeout only. Wed-Mon, 10:30a-7p. In the Shaw’s Plaza, 10 Washington St, Middlebury; 802-388-3164
- Bakery and cafe dishing up pastries and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch, featuring hand-crafted brioche-style buns and baked goods. Mon-Fri, 7:30a-2p and Sat-Sun, 8a-2p. 7 Bakery Ln, Middlebury; 802-989-7026
- Inspired American dining (with a global influence & local ingredients) in a quaint 1800s inn. Check website for hours of operation. 25 Stewart Lane, Middlebury; 802-388-9925
- Health-conscious cafe serving smoothies, shakes, and creative vegan meals. Check website for hours of operation. 16 Merchants Row, Middlebury; 802-458-8243
- Brewery, taproom, and retail store, open 7 days a week. Check website for hours of operation. 155 Carroll Rd, Waitsfield; 802-496-4677
- Cozy spot for coffee and baked goods like muffins, plus local artwork for sale. Mon-Fri, 8a-4p. 24 Merchants Row, Middlebury.
- Casual eatery serving tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and other Mexican standards, along with margaritas. Open daily, 12-8p. 3 Mill St, Middlebury; 802-382-9070
- Noodles, fried rice, and other Chinese & Thai fare dished up in a relaxed environment. Call for hours of operation. 1499 Rt 7 South, Middlebury; 802-388-0339
- Family-run shop making hand-rolled bagels and frosted donuts, plus sandwiches, and wraps. Call for hours of operation. 11 Washington St, Middlebury; 802-388-0859
Middlebury College Dining Services (check website for hours of operation and exact locations):
- Crossroads Cafe - Local, organic, and sustainable products whenever possible, including: fruit smoothies, protein shakes, incredible lattes, baked goods, and sushi. In the Davis Family Library.
- Midd Express - Middlebury College’s convenience store. An abundance of snack foods, bottled beverages, grab and go options, and plenty of Vermont Made products. They also offer general store items such as cards, postage stamps and toiletries. In the McCullough Student Center.
- Tavern on the Tee - Featuring seasonal bar foods with a dynamic view. At the Ralph Myhre Golf Course.
- The Grille - Delicious salads, fresh hand tossed pizza, sandwiches, burgers, and comfort foods with student-inspired twists for lunch. Located in the McCullough Student Center.
- and more!
- Comfortable restaurant serving an American menu of steaks, salads, and seafood options, plus cocktails. Located in the Middlebury Inn. Check website for hours of operation. 14 Court Sq, Middlebury; 802-388-4961
- Member-owned grocery store stocking a selection of organic produce, bulk foods, and pre-made fare. Open daily, 8a-7p. 9 Washington St, Middlebury; 802-388-7276
- Producers of V Smiley Preserves’ award-winning honey-sweetened jam and marmalade; serving coffee, pastries, drinks, groceries, and food that spotlight Vermont ingredients. Check website for hours of operation. 16 Main St, Bristol; 802-453-3280
- Unpretentious bar & grill supplying comfort fare, plenty of TVs tuned to sports & a riverside deck. Mon-Sat, 11:30a-9p-ish. 25 Bakery Lane, Middlebury; 802-388-6724
- Deli serving sandwiches on homemade bread, also offering fresh baked goods, soups, salads, and quiche. Mon-Fri, 10a-2:30p. 137 Maple St (Marble Works Plaza), Middlebury; 802-388-0014
- Cafe, bakery, and deli serving breakfast, sandwiches, and more. Tues- Sat, 7:00a-4:00p and Sun, 8a-2p. 14 College St, Middlebury, VT; 802-388-3371
- Sister store. Cafe, bakery, and deli serving breakfast, sandwiches, and more. Mon-Sat, 7am-2pm. 51 Ossie Rd, East Middlebury; 802-989-7220
- Trendy bar and grill serving comfort dishes including burgers, nachos, and a variety of craft beers. Tues-Sat, 4-8pm. 161 Main St, Vergennes; 802-877-9962
- Relaxed venue serving a range of pies, including Sicilian, plus wings and garlic knots. Mon-Fri, 11am-8pm and Sat 1-8pm. 21 MacIntyre Lane, Middlebury; 802-388-7755
- Chinese, Thai, and Malaysian food in a small casual shop. Call for hours of operation. 20 1/2 Seymour St, Middlebury; 802-388-3883
- Storied fixture offering homestyle American meals, blue plate specials & a bakery counter. Open daily, 7am-8pm; 3886 US-7, Middlebury, 802-388-7052
- Specialty coffee bar serving espresso drinks, drip coffee, and baked goods in a cozy setup. Check website for hours of operation. 30 Seymour St, Middlebury; No phone.
- An array of traditional Thai dishes & sushi in a relaxed space. Call for hours of operation. 22 Merchants Row Frk, Middlebury; 802-989-7376
- Sandwiches, baked goods, wine, books, Vermont products, gifts, and more. Check website for hours of operation. 30 N Main St, Rochester, VT; 802-767-4258
- Cozy spot serving breakfast and lunch, including sandwiches, plus a market and year-round creemee window. Check website for dinner/specialty pop-ups. Tues-Sat, 8am-5:30pm. 54 College Street, Middlebury; 802-989-7201
- Cozy, casual option with ample vegetarian fare for lunch or dinner, plus views of Otter Creek. Check website for hours of operation. 1 Bakery Lane, Middlebury; 802-388-4856
- 1790’s farmhouse with heartfelt, inspired food. Open kitchen with a wood oven in the heart of the restaurant. Wed-Sat, 4:30-8pm. 1868 N 116 Rd, Bristol; 802-643 2237
- Charming French restaurant in the heart of Vermont’s countryside with a focus on simplicity, quality, and warm service. Wed-Sat, 5:30-9pm. 3629 Ethan Allen Hwy, New Haven, VT; 802-453-6309
- Vermont-inspired comfort fare featuring a rotating selection of local craft brews, microbrews, hard ciders, and kombucha; plus seasonal outdoor dining. Check website for hours of operation. 86 Main Street, Middlebury; 802-388-0002
- Wood-fired bakery, espresso, farm to table, and épicerie. Thurs-Sun, 8am-3pm. 247 Main St., Vergennes; 802-870-7257
- Relaxed fine dining with menus that offer creative, and highly seasonal cuisine in an intimate and romantic - yet comfortable and personable - setting. Call for hours of operation. Reservations recommended. 457 E Main St, East Middlebury; 802-388-4015
- A Cider House and Tap Room welcoming visitors for self-guided tours, tastings, merch, and 15+ ciders on tap. Family and pet friendly. Limited food options, so bringing your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks is welcomed. Call for hours of operation. 1321 Exchange Street, Middlebury; 802-385-3656
Fun
Bicycle Shops and Rentals
Boat and Kayak Rentals + Adventures
Bookstores
Explore and more…
- - Intentional sourcing of the finest chocolates in the world. Whether you’re a chocolate connoisseur or new to the world of fine chocolates, their knowledgeable chocolate associates are dedicated to guiding you on a mindful tasting journey.
- - Dotted across the Vermont countryside. Fun to explore.
- - World-renowned ice cream factory with tours and an “udderly” incredible gift shop!
- - Thriving institution where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds turn for information, connection, and enrichment. Beautiful architecture and children’s area in the historic town of Vergennes.
- - Swimming, boating, fishing, and picnic area. Hiking to spectacular views and marked nature trails.
- - Picturesque Vermont town with a walkable downtown with restaurants, cafes, a playground, brewery, and more.
- - Largest city in the state. Home of the University of Vermont. Explore the Church Street pedestrian-only marketplace, bike the Burlington Bike Path along the shore of spectacularly beautiful Lake Champlain, enjoy the extensive Saturday morning , or have a picnic on the shores of Lake Champlain.
- - Picnicking, short walking trail, camping, and a small pool with fun slide for kids along Lake Champlain.
- - Handcrafted pewter, oil lamps, candlesticks, and tableware. Adirondack chair jewelry and more. See pewter being made in the flagship workshop or stop in their retail shop, both in Middlebury.
- - Science center with displays about Lake Champlain and more. Fascinating to both adults and children! Take your Student ID to Middlebury College’s Davis Library to receive a discounted entry pass.
- - Middlebury College’s own Ralph Myhre Golf Course with 18 holes, cart rentals, and gorgeous views.
- Hiking and Swimming Holes (note that swimming holes are not lifeguarded)
- - stretches from Williamstown, MA, through Vermont, to the Canadian border - runs just north of the Bread Loaf campus (with trailhead parking at the apex of Rt 125).
- - Interfaith nature trail in Ripton with spiritual quotes and culminates at a Sacred Circle.
- and offer stunning vistas of the Champlain valley and Adirondacks for just about one hour of uphill travel.
- all around the state. Some close by with little to no hikes: in Bristol and the (where Rt 125 crosses the arch bridge into the town of East Middlebury).
- - Trails throughout Middlebury that wind for over 16 miles, crossing through pasture lands, woods, and marshes. Great bird watching!
- More local-ish hikes with stunning views and watering holes include: , , , , and .
- - Shops, restaurants, spa, yoga studio, beautiful views of the former watermill, and more down behind Main Street in Middlebury.
- - Excellent children’s collection and summer programming. Temporary cards can be issued to Bread Loaf students upon request, which include access to materials and museum passes; inquire at the circulation desk.
- – On the grounds of a former girls’ camp on Lake Champlain in Ferrisburgh, this state park offers gorgeous views, kayaking, picnicking, swimming, and a short hiking trail along the lake.
- – Take a historic narrated cruise on Lake Champlain this summer. Depart Burlington from the King Street Dock. Lunch and dinner cruises also available on the Spirit of Ethan Allen. Ferries to New York from Burlington, Charlotte, and Shoreham.
- – Swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness trail. Summer classes include ballet, tennis, swimming, and more!
- - This website offers a calendar of family-friendly events, as well as categorized activities like swimming holes, classes, berry picking, hiking, playgrounds, camps, and more.
- - Montreal is less than three hours from Bread Loaf and offers a welcome break from rusticity for those craving a little city life and cultural difference. They host a spectacular international fireworks competition throughout the summer. Please remember to bring your passport, visas, and all papers necessary for crossing the border.
- Playgrounds
- - Second largest city in the state. Home of the Paramount Theater and the Chaffee Center for the Visual Arts. Beautiful scenery, incredible works of art, shopping, and dining in a historic, walkable downtown district.
- - Situated on Lake Champlain, the 1,400-acre working farm is a National Historical Landmark with an environmental education center, inn, walking trails, stunning architecture, dairy, market garden, farm animals, and more.
- - Highly curated market offering a place to gather, shop, enjoy a drink and purchase items ranging from snacks to kitchen treasures, home goods, cards, gifts, and more.
- - National Historic Site that has been a working farm, breeding and selling Morgan horses since the 1870s. Guided tours, video presentations, gift shop full of “horsey” items.
Movie Theatres
- - A community hub for the arts offering dining, movies, music, and special events.
- - big theaters, big movies - some in 3D!
- - Quaint historic movie theater in Middlebury with old and new films/documentaries, a trivia night, Mexican food, and other special events.
Museums & Galleries
- - Located in the 1829 Judd-Harris House. Wide array of furniture, portraits, textiles, clothing, paintings of Addison County residents and scenes, plus a space dedicated to children and teens.
- - A collection of several thousand objects ranging from antiquities to contemporary art and includes distinguished collections of Asian art, photography, 19th-century European and American sculpture, and contemporary prints.
- - Their mission is to deepen our understanding of each other by engaging with communities across the state to document and share everyday expressions of tradition, innovation, and culture.
- - Dedicated to the preservation and the sharing of the history of Lake Champlain.
- - A historical journey through Vermont’s famous maple sugaring industry.
- - Presents a nationally significant Underground Railroad story tucked inside a quintessential Vermont experience.
- - It’s mission is to broaden their audience, engage curiosity, animate creativity, and give an extraordinary, educational museum experience. The Museum currently includes 39 distinct structures on 45 acres, each filled with beautiful, fascinating, and whimsical objects.
- - Each month, they curate juried exhibitions that invite photographers from around the world to share their work based on unique themes.
- - Located in the heart of Middlebury, this gallery contributes to the local culture with vibrant exhibitions from emerging and established artists from Vermont and beyond.
- - Visual arts space within Middlebury Town Hall Theater. Single exhibitions featuring local artists.
Special Events
- - Celebration of the cherished traditions and vibrant community spirit that define Vermont’s rural heritage, including: animals, rides, food, tractors, demolition derby, 4H exhibits, crafts, and more.
- - One-stop-shop for discovering a wide range of events in Addison County, VT— from art openings and exhibits to live music, theater, and educational opportunities.
- - Free outdoor concert series in the heart of Middlebury.
- - Local agricultural products including produce, meat, eggs, cheese, plants, flowers, CBD, and wide variety of Vermont crafts.
- - Hosted by St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Fabulous deals on jewelry, toys, sporting goods, garden accessories, plants, household goods, linens, antiques, and collectibles. You’ll often find fresh squeezed lemonade and homemade baked goods!
Travel, Necessities, etc.
Banks/Credit Union
Mailing Services
Fitness Centers/Swimming Pools
Grocery Stores
Hair Salons + Barbershops
Lodging
Taxis
Thrift and Discount Stores
- (Children’s & Maternity Consignment Shop)
Worship Services and Halls
Below focuses on locations in Middlebury. Here is a more complete list of services around Addison County.
Monterey, California
Food & Drink
- Serving breakfast, coffee, lunch, and pizza in the historic Cooper Molera Adobe on Munras Ave.
- Simply known as “the pub,” this Monterey favorite has served locals and visitors alike with fresh beer and regional gastropub fare since 2014 and has plenty of outdoor seating.
- British owned and operated pub featuring drafts, food, karaoke, live music, trivia, and more!
- Coffee shop and roastery focusing on direct trade specialty coffee.
- Features local certified organic fresh farm produce, eggs, plants, fresh cut flowers, and specialty items such as olive oil, hummus, pizza and bread. Thursdays year- round, 10am-2pm, near Devendorf Park.
- American comfort food tavern serving burgers, pasta, ribs, seafood and more! On Washington St.
- Housed in the historic city’s first firehouse built in 1910 and a designated a “Sustainable Seafood Watch Ambassador,” Montrio offers fine dining and has a pet-friendly outdoor patio.
- Home-style Mexican food sourced from ingredients from local farmers’ markets.
- Family owned and operated, proud to serve large, mouth-watering breakfast all day - plus a lunch menu featuring burgers, hot and cold sandwiches, and south-of-the-border favorites.
- Brewery and taproom located in Seaside, CA, serving a full diverse menu of beer and food, plus pinball and a pet-friendly patio.
- Low-key downtown venue serving classic, sustainably minded poke bowls, sushi rolls, Cal-Asian snacks, and more.
- In a little adobe on Hartnell Street, a French-style bakery and cafe featuring macarons, tarts, cakes, cookies, breads, and of course, croissants.
- Cocktail bar and nighttime hotspot featuring live jazz, cabaret, and even drag shows.
- A “truly green business” serving breakfast and lunch. Proud to use organic & locally sourced produce, turkeys roasted on site, and grass-fed beef. An assortment of house-baked bread and pastries available plus local-roasted organic coffee.
Fun
- Explore the Monterey Peninsula on bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, and guided tours.
- Visit this spectacular coastline deemed an American National Scenic Byway and California Scenic Highway, less than an hour from Monterey.
- World-class festival of music and ideas transcending the traditional boundaries of performance and presentation, inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach.
- Made famous by John Steinbeck, a charming waterfront street with restaurants and boutiques.
- Right down the block from MIIS!
- One of several public golf courses in the area.
- Popular beach and park for swimming, picnicking, and surfing.
- Penguins, jellies, sharks, and more on Cannery Row in Monterey.
- Rent kayaks at Monterey Bay or Elkhorn Slough tidal salt marsh, or take a sea kayaking class.
- Travel to nearby Salinas to learn about the author’s creative legacy.
- Local new and used bookstore on Alvarado St. also offering workshops, readings, and events with writers and artists.
- Historic pier with fishing, whale watching, shopping, and dining.
- One of the oldest natural history museums in the US, with coastal flora, fauna, and historical artifacts.
- Housed within the Monterey State History Park, a unique adobe museum of California history from the Native American era and spanning Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. military rule.
- A glorious way to get around and see the area!
- The terrain is rugged, wild, and heavily forested with Monterey Cypress, Monterey pine, and coast live oak. Joggers and walkers use the park, as do people who want to exercise their dogs off-leash. The Open Space borders Pebble Beach, offering pedestrian access to 17-Mile Drive.
Travel, Necessities, etc.
Fitness
- - 24 hour gym.
- - A women’s based boutique gym and fitness studio.
- - Local yoga, barre, and Pilates studio in Monterey.
- Find !
Shopping
Travel
- - Stops downtown, notably at Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Aquarium. From 10am-6pm.
- - Round-trip shuttles through Monterey, Marina, Prunedale, SJC, and SFO.
- - Local bus transportation serving greater Monterey.
Oxford, England
Food & Drink
- Authentic Thai restaurant, with lunch, dinner, and vegan options.
- The oldest pub in Oxford! Featuring refined pub classics, a variety of menus, and heated outdoor seating.
- Bike shop-themed cafe with a terrace and cozy decor. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and coffee.
- Pub where (supposedly!) Radiohead and others made their stage names. Featuring a lovely outdoor beer garden.
- Steeped in history, but there’s nothing dated about their delicious, fresh food and wide selection of drinks.
- Serving natural fast food that not only tastes good but does you good too.
- Espresso bar also offering pastries and sandwiches.
- “Proper British pub food” in a 17thcentury historic pub and restaurant. Reached by a delightful walk through the neighborhood of Jericho and Port Meadow.
- Casual restaurant serving locally-made savory pies.
- Rich history after first opening its doors way back in 1381, serving everyone from C.S. Lewis to Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Tucked down narrow passageways, a family-friendly spot with a generous food, drink, and dessert menu, plus a spacious beer garden.
- An ecologically-minded cafe serving organic, locally-sourced breakfast, lunch, tea, and coffee - with a front row view of Radcliffe Camera.
- Famous British chain of Asian-inspired dishes featuring communal dining and noodle bowls.
- Market chain serving bento boxes, sushi, ramen, and more.
Fun
Adventures
- - Punting by the hour. Venture into the countryside or through University Parks.
- - Punting along the River Cherwell. Options for self-hire.
- - Offers a range of specialty river cruisers, including afternoon tea cruise, picnic cruise, and evening cocktail cruise.
- - Near the center of Oxford, for walking, lake, kids’ splash park, pool (fee) and tennis courts.
- - A green oasis in the heart of Oxford. Enjoy walks, ponds, Swift Tower nesting boxes for endangered swifts, and artfully constructed bridges.
- - A nearby Site of Special Scientific interest, with cattle, horses, and wildfowl for walking, picnicking, fishing, and swimming at your own risk.
- - 50 acres of open space with views of Oxford, a fitness trail, and children’s play area.
- - UK’s oldest botanical garden, with plants from around the world and an arboretum housing English plants as well as rare and endangered trees from around the world.
- - Each is unique and replete with historical significance and charm. Explore beyond Lincoln College on your own or join a guided tour. Your Bodleian Library card can earn you free admission to many of these colleges.
- And if you’re looking for adventures beyond Oxford, there are so many options for weekend or daytrips, including: the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Stonehenge - many of which are accessible by train.
Museums
- - The University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology.
- - A museum dedicated to telling the story of Oxford and its people.
- - Right around the corner from the Bodleian Library, the History of Science museum is described as a “meeting point for people, science, art and belief.”
- - Historical site tracing back to William the Conqueror. Climb St. George’s tower, descend into the 900-year-old crypt, and explore 18th century prison cells.
- - Houses a stunning collection of natural history specimens and offers teaching, research, and events focused on the natural world.
- - A unique University of Oxford museum featuring colonial and world history objects arranged by type into a “democracy of things.”
- - Ostensibly a children’s museum, but certainly of interest to students of literature, The Story Museum celebrates the human need for stories through magical, interactive exhibits.
Nightlife
- - Oxford’s oldest LGBTQ+ bar and venue.
- - A bar and restaurant with a games room and lively happy hour.
- - A rooftop bar, club, and cocktail lounge with 360 views of Oxford spires.
Travel, Necessities, etc.
Gyms
- - Open 24 hours, no contract.
- - Oxford University sports center. Bread Loaf students need to purchase a “concessions” level membership.
- - Open 24 hours, no contract.
Shopping
- - Several locations; a famous purveyor of new and rare books since 1846.
- - British drugstore chain that carries lots of other essentials.
- - a 1770s indoor bazaar with artisan grocers, boutiques, and cafes right around the corner from Lincoln College.
- - All over!
- - Inexpensive household items, toiletries, and snacks.
- - With several locations, a unique bargain shop with clothes, gifts, and housewares sold for a good cause.
- - Extensive mall, easily accessible from Lincoln College.
Travel
- - Bus service to/from Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
- Bikes are a popular form of transportation in Oxford and London, with many streets closed to motor vehicles.
- - Self-serve bikes near train stations throughout London.
- - Bike rental via app.
- - Find and unlock bikes and electric Scooters via an app.
- - Full listing of local maps, routes, and fares.
- - Coach bus that runs between Oxford and London.
- - Fastest way between central London and the Stansted Airport.
- - This webpage covers different options for hiring a cab in Oxford.
- - Real-time departure and arrival information for any National Rail station in Great Britain.