Mad River Valley and Green Mountains scenic beauty
Waitsfield sits in the heart of Vermont’s Mad River Valley, bordered by the Green Mountains to the west and the Northfield Range to the east. Founded in 1782, the town is known for its natural scenery and well-preserved historic character reflected in homes and storefronts. “It’s very downhome and it’s not commercialized at all,” says Frank Giubardo, owner of The Swanson Inn of Vermont. “It’s not the glitziest experience, but it’s beautiful. There’s hiking everywhere, lakes, ponds and the scenery is just great. Leaf season from mid-September to the end of October is when it’s the busiest here – that’s when the foliage changes all colors.” Winters bring a rush of visitors for skiing at Mad River Glen and Sugarbush, while warmer months offer hiking, biking and paddling on the Mad River. For year-round residents, this means enjoying four seasons of recreation, a lively arts and farmers market scene, close-knit neighborhoods, and a daily connection to the town’s rich history and scenic surroundings.
Historic Cape Cod and Colonial homes in Bent Hill and Bragg Hill
Classic Cape Cod homes, traditional farmhouses and Colonial homes here date back to the 1820s, speaking to the area’s early New England roots. These historic homes are often set on wooded lots that span several acres, offering privacy and sweeping mountain views. With a median sale price around $520,000, the community also features raised ranch-style homes and custom-built contemporaries from the 1970s. Standout neighborhoods include Bent Hill, Waitsfield Common and Bragg Hill.
Waitsfield Elementary and Harwood Union High School academics
Kids in the area might start school at Waitsfield Elementary, which earns an A from Niche, then continue to Harwood Union Middle & High School, which earns a B-plus. Harwood High is known for its Harkness Practice teaching style, an approach that emphasizes student-led discussion and collaborative learning.
Mad River Park Recreation Fields and Lareau Park swimming hole
Mad River Park Recreation Fields features well-kept soccer and lacrosse fields, a walking path and a pavilion for community events. Lareau Park is another local gem, known for its swimming hole and sandy beach along the Mad River. For those who like hiking or mountain biking, Wu Ledges offers trails through the woods with great views of the valley, while Chase Brook Town Forest features paths and boardwalks over streams.
Main Street shops and Waitsfield Farmers Market
Downtown Waitsfield centers around Main Street, where most of the town’s shops, restaurants, and markets are concentrated. It's home to local grocery stores like Shaw’s and Mehuron’s. Three Mountain Café, in the Mad River Green Shopping Center, features specialty coffee and baked goods year-round. During the warmer months, the shopping center transforms into the Waitsfield Farmers Market, running each Saturday from mid-May through mid-October. The market features more than 50 local vendors offering fresh produce, grass-fed meats and maple syrup, along with live music. Local dining options include The Blue Stone, a popular pizza restaurant and bar, and Lawson’s Finest Liquids, a taproom known for its local brews and farm-to-table small plates.
Vermont Route 100 access and proximity to Burlington International Airport
The community is situated near Vermont Routes 100 and 17, linking to Waterbury, Stowe and Rochester. For air travel, Burlington International Airport is the closest major airport at around 40 miles away, offering domestic and limited international flights. Public transportation options include seasonal bus service through Green Mountain Transit’s Mad Bus, which operates routes throughout the Mad River Valley during the winter months, connecting Wakefield with nearby towns and ski areas.
