Activities Available to Guests at the Quill Gordon Bed and Breakfast

With only a strip of floodplain between the Quill Gordon and the riverbank, the famed Battenkill is the center of outdoor recreation for guests of the bed and breakfast. The river offers catch-and-release fishing, canoeing, tubing, kayaking, swimming and other aquatic activities. It also offers a relaxing and picturesque setting for picnics, hikes, walks and naps in the hammock. Brook and brown trout abound in the river’s waters and full-service guiding is available from the Quill Gordon’s own Martin Oakland, who has spent his whole life on the Battenkill and is an accomplished fisherman. Veteran fishers and newbies alike can benefit from a trip to the nearby Orvis flagship store and fly fishing school in Manchester, as well as the fly fishing museum.

Hatches are nothing short of prolific due to the cold water throughout the year and insects are able to survive the hot summers, unlike many other freestone rivers. Hendricksons, Blue Quills and Red Quills can be found early in the year. As the season wears on, many other types of Mayflies will keep you busy. You’ll also find many Stoneflies and Caddis hatching from April to July. By August, terrestrial fishing can prove to be very good. Hatches continue right through October and the end of Vermont’s trout fishing season. It is not unusual for guests to catch trout in the 15-17″+ class. The Battenkill provides both a great setting in which to learn the basics and some of the most difficult fishing a veteran angler could ask for.

Guests will also find cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and other winter sports right outside their rooms. Within a short distance are other outdoor activities like: downhill skiing and snowboarding at resorts including Bromley, Stratton, Magic and Willard mountains; summer activities at Bromley’s adventure park, such as the alpine slide, their new zip line, a climbing wall and more; golfing at local clubs including the Equinox, Ekwanok, Manchester C.C., Stratton, Mt. Anthony and Arlington’s own public course, which is almost close enough to walk to; hunting in the area forests; and much more. Indoor activities include: cultural pursuits such as theatres, museums, galleries and other entertainment; shopping at outlets, antique stores, and other retailers; plus casual or fine dining; and more.