Bristol has the feel of an old Western mining town - self-contained, hemmed in by mountains, with a short stretch of storefronts that sell pretty much anything a Vermonter would need. Mount Abraham, at 4,006 feet, is in neighboring Lincoln and is the highest point in Addison County. There's a legend in Bristol about a lost silver mine; it will start a memorable conversation at any of the numerous low-key, down-to-earth restaurants. Independence Day is celebrated in Bristol with a long parade of fire trucks, local celebrities and kids hoping to scoop up hard candy. Lake Winona offers good fishing for largemouth bass and northern pike. A tiny island in the middle is perfect for adventurous picnickers.
