Iron Kettle Spring, Shaftsbury, Vermont

## Overview Iron Kettle Spring is a roadside public drinking spring located along Route 7A in Shaftsbury, Vermont, just north of the hamlet of South Shaftsbury in Bennington County. The spring emerges from the ground through a large metal pipe, offering a steady flow of water to passersby. A posted sign at the spring notes that the water has not been tested and recommends boiling before consumption. The spring takes its name from the nearby Iron Kettle Restaurant, a local landmark that has operated in various forms over the years and is currently home to an active business. Route 7A itself is a scenic byway that runs through the heart of southwestern Vermont, passing through historic towns and rolling countryside — making Iron Kettle Spring a convenient stop for travelers exploring the region. ## Directions 1. From the center of South Shaftsbury (near the Shaftsbury Country Store), head north on **VT Route 7A**. 2. Continue along Route 7A for a short distance. The spring is located on the **left (west) side of the road**, next to the Iron Kettle Restaurant building (currently an operating business). 3. The address is approximately **5414 VT Route 7A, Shaftsbury, VT 05262**. 4. The spring is roadside and visible from the highway — look for the metal pipe emerging from the ground near the restaurant. ## What to Expect Iron Kettle Spring is an easy, no-hike-required stop right along Route 7A. The water flows from a large metal pipe set into the ground, and the spring is accessible at all hours. There is no formal parking area specifically for the spring, so visitors typically pull off to the side of the road near the Iron Kettle Restaurant. A sign posted at the spring clearly states that the water has not been tested and should be boiled before drinking. Visitors should take this advisory seriously and treat the water accordingly before any consumption. The surrounding area along Route 7A is scenic and rural, with views of the Green Mountains to the east and the Taconic Range to the west. Shaftsbury is also known as the longtime home of poet Robert Frost, and the region offers plenty of additional stops for history and nature enthusiasts. The spring makes for a pleasant pause on a drive through this beautiful corner of Vermont.