Tucked away in a not-so-remote part of Wallingford, Vermont is a one-of-a-kind vacation rental.
A place where modern amenities mingle with eye-popping relics and colorful art in ways that are both surprising and delightful.
While the colonial farmhouse known as Sparkle on the Rocks has been a landmark in rural Wallingford since 1840, its availability as one of the most unique vacation rentals in Vermont is a more recent development.
With room for eight guests in four bedrooms, this beautifully decorated farmhouse is the perfect escape for a family reunion, girlfriend getaway, or intimate special event.
Wallingford is a welcoming community and one of the most adorable towns in Vermont. And there are lots of things to do nearby if you can pull yourself away from your cozy digs.
Welcome to Sparkle on the Rocks
If you’ve ever driven through Wallingford on Route 7, you may already be familiar with the iconic Sparkle Barn, an eclectic and colorful gift shop that has been welcoming visitors since 2017. Proprietor Stacy Harshman opened the Sparkle Barn with the hopes of curating a whimsical collection of artwork and gifts while building community in her hometown.
Sparkle on the Rocks is a beautiful extension of the Sparkle Barn, which is located right across the road. The space Stacy has created is bold and tranquil. Antiquated and modern. Above all else, it is welcoming — giving visitors a thousand reasons to live in this perfect Vermont moment, in this perfect Vermont spot.
I was fortunate to enjoy Sparkle on the Rocks for a weekend retreat with a handful of New England journalists. We spent a few days enjoying the property, sipping cocktails, cooking and eating delicious food, and connecting with each other and our creative selves.
Whether you prefer to be indoors or out, a stay at Sparkle on the Rocks is a captivating experience and a fantastic home base for exploring a beautiful region of Vermont.
Boutique Lodging in a Historic Vermont Landmark
There’s an instinctive letting go that happens the moment you enter the oasis that is Sparkle on the Rocks in Wallingford.
Perhaps it’s the fact that every whimsical detail inside and out of this special home makes you grin with appreciation. Or maybe it’s the quiet serenity that envelopes you as you indulge in a glass of wine while meandering the 17 acres or relaxing on the porch to take in the views.
Leave your worries at the door and prepare for a little bit of Vermont bliss.
Amenities and Details to Help You Plan Your Trip to Sparkle on the Rocks
Sparkle on the Rocks is located in Wallingford, Vermont — just south of Rutland and north of Manchester and Dorset. The property is family-friendly, but it also works well for a girlfriend’s getaway or an intimate gathering of friends.
Here are all the best details to make your stay memorable for all the right reasons:
- Four beautifully decorated bedrooms with two queen and two king beds.
- Three full bathrooms and one half-bath
- Luxurious linens and towels
- A large kitchen and dining room — perfect for cooking elaborate meals or entertaining
- An outdoor porch/dining area
- Multiple seating areas, including a library, an office, and a meditation/music room
- 17.8 acres with walking trails
- A fire pit with ample seating
- Bespoke art pieces throughout
- Smart TV
- Individually controlled air conditioning and heating in each bedroom
Explore Wallingford VT and the Surrounding Areas
Wallingford is a tiny village tucked between the Taconic Mountains in the west and the Green Mountains in the east. The village can be explored in an afternoon. Here are a few local businesses to check out:
- Sweet Birch Coffee Roasters and Bakery: Decadent pastries and coffee drinks with indoor and outdoor seating.
- Handmade in Vermont: Housed in a historic 1790s building, this is the largest showroom of Hubbardton Forge lighting, as well as numerous pieces by Vermont artisans.
- Wallingford Locker: Custom-cut and smoked meats — locally owned since 1961.
The Sparkle Barn
Craving a little more color (or sparkle) in your life?
Looking for the perfect gift for a sparkly friend?
You can walk to the Sparkle Barn from your vacation rental, and you’ll soon find yourself transported into a world of whimsy and enchantment, where you’ll be welcomed by unicorns, kinetic sculptures, glowing rocks, and flowers that bloom larger than life.
With everything from journals and greeting cards to lawn ornaments and fanciful garden sculptures, the more time you spend wandering around the Sparkle Barn, the more you’ll discover.
Be sure to head upstairs to the ‘Bloom Room,’ where you’ll be transported into a fantasy world of giant flowers, ladybugs, and butterflies. Take a breather in the comfy, colorful chairs and experience the delight of this perfectly magical spot.
Hiking in Wallingford, VT
In addition to the walking trails that meander around the property at Sparkle on the Rocks, be sure to take advantage of the hiking trails in the nearby White Rocks National Recreation Area ( part of the larger Green Mountain National Forest). Here are a couple of our favorite trails:
- White Rocks Cliff Trail (4 miles round-trip, 1400 feet of elevation gain): This trail has a lot going for it — several stream crossings, a beautiful waterfall, and far-reaching views of Wallingford and the Taconics. You can even see Sparkle on the Rocks from the overlook!
- White Rocks Ice Beds Trail (1.6 miles, round-trip, 540 feet of elevation gain): This trail starts in the same spot as the one above, and while it doesn’t feature the epic view, it takes you to the foot of a giant rock slide where pockets of ice remain throughout the summer, and you can experience cool breezes on the hottest days.
- Little Rock Pond (5.4 miles, round-trip, 1,250 feet of elevation gain): Hike the Homer Stone Trail in South Wallingford to one of the prettiest ponds on the Long Trail (and one of the best for swimming). This trail has a river crossing that could be difficult in the spring or after heavy rain.
Head North to Explore the Rutland Murals
For years, Rutland was known as a no-nonsense, working-class city with a cute historic district and a history as one of the world’s leading exporters of marble.
Today, downtown Rutland is home to five unique art galleries and 20+ larger-than-life murals that have been painted on historic buildings and walls throughout the city.
Exploring the Rutland murals and other incredible outdoor art installations makes for a unique day trip, especially if you want to get outside without breaking a sweat!
The very first Rutland mural to kick off the project was “The Hidden Tunnel” by Kathryn Wiegers, who created a dreamy painting of a little boy staring through a secret tunnel in a brick wall on the side of the Rutland Co-Op in 2009.
Since then, local, national, and international artists have added new murals almost every year.
Read More: Discover the Beautiful Murals of Rutland, Vermont
Spend an afternoon at Emerald Lake State Park
Emerald Lake State Park in East Dorset is a favorite with locals and is widely regarded as one of the best places to cool off on a summer day in Vermont. In fact, Emerald Lake is one of our favorite spots in all of Vermont for swimming, and we think you’ll agree!
We’ve been spending summer afternoons and weekends at this delightful park for many years, and relaxing here is always a highlight of our summer. Emerald Lake is just 12 miles from Sparkle on the Rocks, so pack a picnic, swim in the turquoise water, meander the trail around the lake, or rent a kayak for a relaxing paddle around the island.
Head South to Explore Manchester, VT
Good food and great shopping, plus plenty to do both inside and out, make Manchester a perfect destination for a day trip from Wallingford.
Here are a few things you won’t want to miss in Manchester (about 21 miles from Sparkle on the Rocks):
- Explore Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home: Hildene was the summer estate of Robert Todd and Mary Lincoln. Tour the historic home, walk through the gardens, visit the farm animals, and check out the restored Pullman Car.
- Discover the Outdoor Sculptures at Southern Vermont Arts Center: This is one of the largest outdoor sculpture parks in Vermont.
- Hike the trails at the Equinox Preserve: Climb to the top of Mount Equinox, the tallest mountain in the Taconic Range, or stroll to Equinox Pond.
- Dine at The Copper Grouse: Attached to the Kimpton Taconic Hotel, The Copper Grouse is known for its upscale cocktails and elevated tavern fare made with locally sourced ingredients. It’s open for
Need more ideas? Here are 17 things to do in Manchester, Vermont.
Let’s make this trip a reality! Book your stay at Sparkle on the Rocks on VRBO or by calling the Sparkle Barn directly at (802) 446-2044.
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Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Vermont Explored and Back Road Ramblers, an American road trip blog. She is also the co-author of the 3rd edition of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont, released in May 2023, and the author of 100+ Wonderful Ways to Experience Vermont.