Cambridge, Vermont

Recreation Combined with Art and Culture

Cambridge Junction

A prime example of recreation combined with arts and culture, Cambridge Junction, on the eastern edge of the Town of Cambridge, was once an important train stop. The tracks that ran through the valley and along the river are now the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. Today the Trail is designed for biking, walking, snowmobiling and cross country skiing. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail traverses the northern part of Vermont. When it is fully extended, it will be more than 90 miles long. It also connects to the Cambridge Greenway that takes you into Jeffersonville. The historic Cambridge Junction Covered Bridge is near the trailhead. On the way out of town, stop in to have a beer with locals at Robbie’s Wildlife Refuge.

Cambridge Village

Cambridge Village lies in the serene and fertile Lamoille River Valley near the intersection of Routes 15 and 104. The Cambridge Village Market is a country store and gas station with great subs. A hub of recreation combined with arts and culture, the market is a mainstay of the community. You might spot a building painted purple – it’s Rusty’s Pizza and Pie (formerly Angelina’s) where you can get pizza, quiche, hummus and more. There is also a cute little family park with benches, a garden and a Pirate Ship (provided by Cambridge Area Rotary).

Jeffersonville

Named for Thomas Jefferson, Jeffersonville sits at the confluence of recreation combined with arts and culture. Jeffersonville is located at the intersection of Routes 15 and 108 in the geographic center of Cambridge. Two art galleries illustrate Jeffersonville’s history as a center for landscape artists. That history continues. The Cambridge Arts Council commissioned the painting of two silos at the entrance to town. The organization also hosts the annual Festival of the Arts on the second Saturday in August as well as a number of other summer events. There’s a nice selection of chews & brews including Smugglers’ Notch Distillery, 158 Main Restaurant, The Village Tavern, Cupboard Deli, The Farm Store, and Burger Barn.

Plenty of recreation offerings are available including canoeing and kayaking on the Lamoille River. Visitors may rent from Bert’s Boats and Vermont Canoe and Kayak. Check out the Cambridge Greenway connecting to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail with bike rentals by Bootlegger Bikes. Brewster River Park and the Little Canyon Covered Bridge are great for kids. The Cambridge Community Center offers indoor basketball, soccer, pickleball, and more. The Cambridge Historical Society maintains the historic Warner Lodge.

Smugglers’ Notch

The historic Notch acquired the name of Smugglers’ Notch when smugglers circumvented Thomas Jefferson’s early 1800’s embargo. Later on, smugglers transported bootleg liquor during Prohibition in the 1920s. Now a center of recreation combined with arts and culture, the area is popular with hikers with multiple trail options available. The Sterling Pond hike is one of the most popular, with a tranquil body of water at the top and also the highest pond in Vermont. During the winter the Notch is closed to all vehicles. Cross country skiers and snowshoers take advantage of the quiet of the Notch in winter.

The area is also home to Smugglers’ Notch Resort, a four-season mountain resort offering award-winning family experiences. Enjoy condominium lodging in a cozy mountainside village.

The Resort is famous for its skiing and snowboarding terrain – from never ever to the only triple black diamond in the East. In the summer and fall there’s biking, swimming and disc-golf. Year-round offerings include restaurants, shopping, and hiking. The Resort’s FunZone 2.0 is an indoor playground with Laser Tag, Climbing Walls, Slot Car Racing, mini-golf, inflatable games, Arcade and an obstacle course for older children and adults. Other activities are available at certain times throughout the year including bingo, Karaoke and live music.