The Barre center point is about 7 miles southeast of Montpelier-Barre Amtrak and 11 miles southeast of Downtown Stowe.
With its cold, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers, Barre welcomes visitors in every season. From December through February, you can expect lows in the teens and an average of 7.5 feet of snow. In spring and fall, you can look forward to highs around 60 degrees. Remember to pack rain gear if you're planning a spring visit, as May and June are the rainiest months of the year. In the summer, you can expect highs around 80 degrees and occasional thunderstorms.
Don't forget to check Barre's event calendar before you arrive, as the city hosts numerous events throughout the year. In late July, the Barre Heritage Festival welcomes thousands of visitors to enjoy live music, fireworks, local food, and family-friendly games and fun. In early December, the Winter Festival of Vermont Crafters celebrates the holiday season with a craft show as well as entertainment for locals and visitors alike.
Before you book, be sure to browse the best deals on hotels in Barre. Check out the best group rates and special discounts in town.
AAA members can save at the Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Center. Conveniently located in the heart of nearby Montpelier, this upscale property is ideal for business travelers. You'll appreciate the easy access to the capital, amenities like a fitness center and restaurant, and in-room amenities like coffee makers and free Wi-Fi.
Government employees can get discounts at the Comfort Inn & Suites at Maplewood. With 90 guest rooms and a group booking rating of 10 out of 10, this midrange property is great for groups of any size. Settle in and enjoy the spacious rooms, free breakfast, workout room, and free Wi-Fi.
AARP members can get low rates at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Waterbury Stowe. You'll love the scenic location, the comfortable rooms, and the ample extras. From the indoor pool and the 24-hour fitness center to the free breakfast and complimentary Wi-Fi, this midrange property has all your travel needs covered.
Looking for the best all-around accommodations in town? Browse the best midrange hotels in Barre.
When you want to book a solid stay at a hotel you know, the Quality Inn is a smart pick. This property has over 40 guest rooms with all the essentials, including microwaves, mini fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Use the free Wi-Fi to catch up with family and friends back home, and stay in shape using the exercise room and heated pool. In the morning, start your day right with the Quality Inn's free breakfast buffet.
Located in nearby Waterbury, the Best Western Plus Waterbury Stowe offers plenty of value in any season. You'll love the sunny indoor swimming pool, the well-equipped fitness center, the relaxing hot tub, and the family-friendly game room. Host your event in the hotel's 100-person event space, and make your meeting or conference a hit with customized catering. This Best Western also offers laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, and in-room workspaces, making this hotel ideal for business travelers.
Book your stay at The Stowe Inn, and you can enjoy a rustic getaway a short drive from Barre. This boutique inn has 36 rooms and offers average group discounts of 18.5%. It also has three available meeting rooms, making it a good choice for retreats and group stays. Whether you're traveling with a group or with family, you'll appreciate the antique decor, the on-site restaurant and bar, the sunny outdoor areas, and the cozy indoor spaces. The center of Stowe is just a block away, so it's easy to stretch your legs and explore on foot.
Whether you're eager to learn about the area's long history with the granite industry or you want to explore the cultural offerings, you'll find just what you're looking for in Barre. To learn the lay of the land, stop by the Vermont History Center first. Exhibits rotate regularly here, but you'll typically find fascinating displays about Barre in wartime, Vermont history, local oddities, and much more. The history center is also home to the Remembrance Courtyard, a peaceful place to ponder bygone days in Barre.
Nearby, the Vermont History Museum is also worth a visit. Located near the State House, this museum houses exhibits that tell the story of Vermont, showcase local history, and explore various topics of local interest, such as seasonal pastimes.
To learn more about Barre's biggest industry, head to the Vermont Granite Museum. Located in a former granite processing plant, this museum offers interactive exhibits that highlight the history and technology behind the granite industry. The museum offers tours from May through October so visitors can learn more about the art and culture of granite.
For a more hands-on exploration of the granite industry, make your way to the Rock of Ages. Here, you can take a guided quarry tour that includes a peek into the 600-foot-deep Smith Quarry, the largest of its kind in the world. Like many season-dependent attractions in Barre, the Rock of Ages offers tours from May through October.
To experience the best cultural attractions in Barre, stop by Studio Place Arts. Stroll through the art galleries, get a glimpse of the artists' studio spaces, or take a class or workshop. In the evening, make your way to the Barre Opera House, your destination for performing arts and concerts.
Why wait to book your trip? Reserve a room at your hotel of choice and start mapping out your visit to Barre.
Below are reviews of the city of Barre, VT from an actual visitor's perspective.
Ladder 1 restaurant, the giant granite chair and zipper on Main st. Salad and Greens restaurant. Hope Cemetery. State capital within miles, shopping areas.