Southern Vermont Art Center

Description:

• This fine-art center is well worth the short detour from town. Located partly in a striking Georgian Revival home surrounded by more than 400 pastoral hillside acres (it overlooks land that once belonged to Charles Orvis of fly-fishing fame), the center features a series of galleries displaying works from its well-regarded collection, as well as frequently changing exhibits of contemporary Vermont artists. An inventive and appealing modern building across the drive, designed to display more of the 800-piece permanent collection, opened in 2000. (It was designed by the noted contemporary architect Hugh Newell Jacobsen.) Check the center's schedule before you arrive; you may be able to sign up for an art class or workshop while you're in town. Also, leave time to enjoy a light lunch at the Garden Cafe and wander the lovely grounds, exploring both the sculpture garden and the woods beyond.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010