Simon Pearce Glass Factory Tour — Quechee, Vermont

Discover the Simon Pearce Glass Factory Tour in Vermont

Located in Quechee, Vermont, the Simon Pearce Glass Factory Tour allows visitors to watch master glassblowers transform molten glass into elegant handmade pieces. Guests observe artisans working with blazing furnaces, shaping glass with traditional tools, and crafting bowls, vases, and decorative objects in a working studio overlooking the Ottauquechee River.

Why it’s special: Simon Pearce is internationally known for its handblown glass and handcrafted pottery, all produced using traditional techniques in a scenic mill powered by a historic river dam.

History & Story of Simon Pearce

Simon Pearce was founded by Irish designer Simon Pearce, who brought centuries-old European glassblowing traditions to the United States in the early 1980s. After establishing the brand in Vermont, Pearce transformed a historic woolen mill in Quechee into a glassblowing workshop and retail destination.

The mill’s location beside the Ottauquechee River allowed the facility to harness hydroelectric power, reflecting the company’s commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability. Today, Simon Pearce glassware is recognized worldwide for its clean design and hand-crafted quality.

What You’ll See & Do on the Simon Pearce Glass Factory Tour

• Watch skilled artisans gather molten glass from glowing furnaces
• See glassblowers shape bowls, vases, and decorative pieces by hand
• Learn about traditional glassblowing tools and techniques
• Observe how finished glassware is cooled and polished
• Browse the showroom featuring Simon Pearce glass and pottery collections

Hands-On Elements: Demonstrations allow visitors to observe every step of the glassblowing process from furnace to finished piece.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography is permitted in the showroom and designated viewing areas of the glass studio.

Souvenirs & Extras: Handblown glassware, pottery, and home décor available in the on-site Simon Pearce retail store.

Pricing of the Simon Pearce Glass Factory Tour

Adult price: $0 per adult (free)

Visitors can observe the glassblowing process from viewing areas during store hours.

Visiting information for Simon Pearce Glass Factory Tour

Duration: Approximately 20–30 minutes
Age limits: All ages welcome
Accessibility: Visitor viewing areas, restaurant, and store are wheelchair accessible
Working Hours: Monday–Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Glassblowing demonstrations typically occur throughout the day depending on production schedules.

Nearby attractions to Simon Pearce Glass Factory Tour

• Quechee Gorge
• Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) Nature Center
• Billings Farm & Museum

FAQs About Visiting the Simon Pearce Glass Factory Tour

Can visitors watch glassblowing live?
Yes. Guests can watch artisans create glass pieces in the working studio through viewing areas overlooking the production floor.

Is the glassware made entirely by hand?
Yes. Each piece is handblown using traditional glassblowing techniques and tools.

Is there a restaurant at the Simon Pearce mill?
Yes. The Simon Pearce restaurant overlooks the river and waterfall beside the historic mill.

Can visitors buy glass products on-site?
Yes. The showroom sells a wide range of Simon Pearce glassware, pottery, and home décor.

How far is Quechee from Woodstock, Vermont?
Quechee is located about 7 miles from Woodstock, making it a short and scenic drive.