Hill Farmstead Brewery

Top choice in Northern Vermont


The brainchild of Shaun Hill, known for his uncompromising adherence to creativity and quality, this unassuming-looking brewery down a remote dirt road – voted 'world's best' four consecutive years – has developed a cult following for its small-batch brews. Its eternal classic – hoppy Edward IPA – is complemented by a host of seasonal brews, available by the glass in the on-site taproom or in growlers and cans to go. Visit midweek if possible; long lines prevail in foliage season and on holiday weekends.

Craving a less conventional visit? One annual brew, Vera Mae, is made with dandelions from Hill Farmstead's own fields, which the general public is invited to come help pick.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Northern Vermont attractions

1. Bread & Puppet Museum

6.82 MILES

Formed in New York City by German artist Peter Shumann in 1963, the renowned Bread & Puppet theater collective presents carnivalesque pageants, circuses,…

2. Lake Willoughby

13.78 MILES

This stunning fjord-like lake, 30 miles north of St Johnsbury, sits sandwiched between Mt Hor and Mt Pisgah, whose cliffs plummet more than 1000ft to the…

3. Old Stone House Museum

16.5 MILES

This well-preserved but little-visited museum is just one of many lovely 19th-century buildings reposing under the shade of ancient maple trees in the…

4. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium

17.63 MILES

In 1891, when Franklin Fairbanks' collection of stuffed animals and cultural artifacts from across the globe grew too large for his home, he built the…

5. St Johnsbury Athenaeum

17.66 MILES

Home to one of America's oldest art galleries, this elegant public edifice was initially founded as a library by Horace Fairbanks in 1871. Comprising 9000…

6. Dog Mountain

18.28 MILES

Signposted 2 miles east of St Johnsbury, this captivating spot celebrates the legacy of Vermont artist Stephen Huneck. There's an entire gallery devoted…

7. Helen Day Art Center

23.03 MILES

In the heart of Stowe village, this gently provocative community art center has rotating exhibitions of traditional and avant-garde work. It also sponsors…

8. Stowe Craft

23.12 MILES

Stowe has no shortage of galleries and fine craft shops with artists of local and international renown; this one offers some of the most adventurous,…