Kid-Approved Vermont: A Winter Escape to Bristol & Mad River Valley
Nestled in the Green Mountains, the small town of Bristol is a hidden gem with a quaint Main Street featuring yummy restaurants and delightful shops. It’s also a lesser-known access point to the Mad River Valley and all the winter and summer fun to be found there.
On the western edge of Bristol sits the Vermont Bed and Breakfast at Russell Young Farm. About 18 minutes from Mad River Glen, 27 minutes from Sugarbush’s Mount Ellen, and a half hour from Cochran’s, it’s a great spot to stay if you want to explore some of Vermont’s down-home skiing and riding. Our family of four decided to check it out for a two-night stay this winter.
Vermont Bed and Breakfast at Russell Young Farm
The Vermont B&B sits only a mile or so off of Route 17, which will take you from Bristol to the Mad River Valley over the Appalachian Gap, but it feels far off the beaten path, surrounded by mountains and farmland. We stayed in the guest house just beyond the B&B and up a snowy hill, which was equipped to comfortably host two families or an extended family.
We were immediately welcomed by the presence of a fussball table, air hockey, and sauna in the garage, which checked boxes for everyone in the group! Inside, the home is cozy, well-appointed, and perfect for families, with the kids’ room and main bedroom upstairs. The view from our bedroom was also incredible, with the peak of Camel’s Hump, Vermont 3rd highest mountain, showing off in the distance.
Downstairs the cozy living room with an easy gas-fed fireplace is perfect for snuggling up with a good book, or playing board games. We delved into a family game of Sorry each morning during breakfast at the dining table with views of the forest behind the house. The kitchen is also well equipped with all the necessary items needed for cooking your own meals.
The Tillerman
Once we settled in on our first evening, it was off to dinner at the Tillerman, just 10 minutes down the road. The Tillerman Inn & Restaurant hosts wonderful outdoor family events with music and food in the summer and serves as a cozy spot for dinner in the winter.
We sat at the long table in the gorgeous parlor off the entrance. A roaring fire greeted us and we settled in for a cozy dinner of wood-fired pizza, and delightful appetizers and drinks. While the dinner was delicious, you clearly pay for the atmosphere as well, so I should note that it’s a bit expensive for a family outing. That said, I’d look forward to checking it out in the summer, and would definitely consider it again for a parents-only night out!
After getting our fill at the Tillerman it was back to the house for some family fussball fun and a wind down before a big day of skiing.
Mad River Glen
Fresh snow and frigid temps greeted us after a cozy night at Russell Young Farm, but nothing could keep the kids from their morning sheep visit — or us from heading over the App Gap to Mad River Glen. The mountain’s no-pretense, full-of-soul energy is unmistakable.
We kicked things off on the Sunnyside Double so our five-year-old could cruise “Fox Run,” while still having the flexibility for one parent to explore steeper terrain with our older son and reconnect at the chair. Even the beginner pod feels classic Mad River — winding, scenic, and just challenging enough to keep it interesting.
After refueling at Stark’s Pub (think hearty burgers, grilled cheese, and local pours from Lawson’s Finest Liquids), it was time for a milestone: our nine-year-old’s first ride alone on the legendary Single Chair. Watching him load — nervous, excited, determined — was a core memory in the making. We spent the afternoon weaving through twisty trails and glades, finding powder stashes and soaking up summit views.
The day ended not just with great skiing, but with a small act of kindness — a hot cocoa topped with extra whipped cream, “on the house.” At Mad River Glen, the terrain is iconic, but the community is what truly stays with you.
Night Out in the Mad River Valley
Big Picture Theatre & Café
Post skiing, we decided that we’d stick around the Mad River Valley for Friday evening festivities and dinner. One of the Valley’s memorable businesses is the Big Picture Theatre and Café. After closing in fall 2024 due to pandemic-related challenges, a community effort rallied to revive the venue, and it reopened as a non-profit community hub in 2025.
I noticed they hosted family nights on Fridays, so we stopped by and arranged to catch up with some friends. They transformed the theatre into a play space for kids with crafts, snacks, and other activities. Volunteers from Inklings Children’s Books and within the community help entertain the kids. I was able to slip away for a meet-up at the bar and restaurant with a friend! It was a nice way to unwind on the Friday evening, especially post-skiing.
Mad River Barn
The Mad River Barn is an inn, restaurant, and event space just down the road from its namesake, Mad River Glen. The Pub at the Barn was just what we needed after a busy day. As soon as we got in, we were greeted by friendly staff, easily got a table, and the kids ran off to play with other kids at the shuffleboard table, living room-esque TV space, and fussball table.
Mom and Dad were able to take a breather and have a chat, while ordering kid-friendly food, like homemade mac’n’cheese and chicken fingers, plus and delicious bites for ourselves. I had the pomegranate and pear winter salad, plus tomato soup! The Barn has a great vibe all around and is so welcoming for families. The food and drink are top-notch, too, without blowing the bank. We can’t wait to go back.
Once we filled up, it was time to head back to the house for a good night’s sleep. After getting the kids to bed, we curled up in front of the fire with reading materials.
More Mad River Valley
Whether visiting the Mad River Valley through Bristol of Waitsfield, be sure to check out some of these gems in the area as well:
- Sugarbush Resort for more skiing and for the snowboarders in your life!
- The Collection, a classic toy store in Waitsfield
- Inkling’s Children’s Bookstore, a charming community hub for families with littles.
- The Warren Store, a classic Vermont country store with rustic charm and everything you could need.
- American Flatbread at Lareau Farm for a unique family-style experience and outdoor fire
- Lawson’s Finest Taproom for Vermont brews and great snacks for the kids, plus a lovely outdoor space
- Canteen Creemee Company for unique creemee combos, outrageuous add-ons, and killer fried chicken.
- The Mad Taco for the best tacos in Vermont
Family Touches
In the morning, I headed down the B&B to meet with host Carin and family. We’d be remiss to not mention how amazing our hosts were. While the guest house was lovely, I had to check out the B&B itself. A renovated 1870 farmhouse, it was idyllic from the outside. Inside, it held the farmhouse vibe with a fresh feel.
Carin and family live at the B&B, and they were just wrapping up breakfast when we arrived. The B&B itself is even more warm and welcoming than the guesthouse since it’s part of the family’s home. It features 3 guest rooms, a cozy but bright living room with a huge fireplace, and long dining room table for hosting breakfast. Behind the scenes is a large kitchen where the magic happens. Magic like sugar-on-snow!
Carin surprised us with this oh-so-Vermonty treat on our way outside! If you haven’t tried it, it’s simply warm maple syrup on a bowl of snow, and it’s typical to eat it with a pickle. We savored it as she walked us around the property and showed off the new tiny house under construction, soon to be added to their rental lineup.
Departing the guest house and B&B later that morning, we waved at the family and dogs and took one last look at the amazing views surrounding this property.
On the Way Home, A Stop in Bristol
Leaving around brunch time to head back up to Burlington, we decided to head into Bristol for a little snack stop. We ordered some treats from the Minifactory on Main Street to pick up along the way. The Minifactory is a funky, modern little cafe featuring coffee, drinks, good, jams, and a small grocery section.
I wasn’t prepared for how amazing the food was. We ordered an assortment of sweets like Japanese milk bread with jam, and griddled buttermilk biscuits with honey, plus biscuit sammies with ham and cheese. Everything was amazing. I don’t know what they are doing there to make everything mouth-watering perfection – but we can’t wait to return to get more, and stay to enjoy the bright fun atmosphere. I’d recommend it to anyone making their way through Bristol.
Bristol tip: Also on our spots to stop are Holy Halvah for Vermont-made halvah, a sesame-based fudge-like delight. They also serve creemees with halvah toppings in the summer! Across the street from Minifactory is the Bobcat Bistro, a Bristol staple since 2002 – great for dinner.