Learn About Vermont's Precision Valley

The Windsor-Springfield area of Vermont was a center of technology in the 1800's and early 1900's - dubbed "Precision Valley" it was home to precision manufacturing, and the work that happened here set the stage for everything form aeronautics to communications technology. Creativity wasn't limited to the mechanical arts. This valley also became home to sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and his "Cornish Colony" of artists who arrived at his estate for a retreat and also for instruction, as Saint-Gaudens was a talented teacher as well as artist (technically this historic site is across the river in New Hampshire, but the views were of Vermont so. . .). Explore the history of the area with the American Precision Museum, Old Constitution House, Saint-Gaudens gallery and grounds, and add on even more historic sites with Windsor's self guided downtown tour. 

And what better complement to exploring past innovation than a stop for refreshments along the way from some of today's innovative food makers? Artisan's Park in Windsor features eight different food artisans and craftspeople - check the calendar for upcoming events. Pick your own apples, berries, peaches, pears and other treats and visit the petting zoo at Wellwood Orchards in season; see what the apple harvest can transform into at Wood's Cider Mill. The Inn at Weathersfield offers fine farm-to-table dining in The Hidden Kitchen; the Hartness Inn Tavern offers meals in the former mansion of one of Springfield's most famous inventors.