From winding roads through charming downtowns, to views along mountain ranges, find your next excursion along a byway route in Vermont. from, Take a quick 5-minute drive to Norwich, VT and visit the. a short hike before setting out in the morning. The Junction is your typical diner but the quality of the food is out of this world especially if Jane is cooking and Amber's waiting on you. We help people connect with the world and each other by stepping out their front door and embarking on journeys big and small. We would also recommend this beautiful condo rental for longer stays. First, we search for hotels on TripAdvisor so we can read reviews from other travelers. Jamaica State Park is one of our favorites in the whole state of Vermont! A 5-Day Vermont Route 100 Road Trip Itinerary, Mount Snow: Four Seasons of Recreation Opportunities. Franconia is home to Franconia Notch State Park, and this is where youll likely to spend all your time during your stop. Im the creator and writer behind New England Wanderlust, and my passion is sharing my knowledge on the very best things to do and see in New England, and beyond. (It's a great spot for selfies.) Find out why we adore Wilmington, Vermont! Do a wine tasting at Seven Birches Winery. If you're there in the Summertime make sure you have some ice cream at Tim and Doug's, You can take a walk through the Pick and Shovelwhich is the area's hardware store/laundromat then take a walk down by the water, just head North past the big salmon statue. Glamping and Vacation Rentals: For weekend getaways and shorter vacations, we love glamping (check out our glamping resource guide). Taking I-89 is the quickest way to get from Boston to Stowe, VT, and will still allow you to stop in some fun places along the way if you wanted to make stops. Here are some of our favorite tourist attractions and natural areas on route 100 between Waitsfield and Johnson. 6:14 pm arrive in Stowe. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13544162', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Boston. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Here are the books, maps, and resources we used to plan this journey. Towns of Carlisle and Harvard are nearby also. So even though there are great fall colors along the road, there are few turnouts to stop and admire the scenery. This 71-mile scenic Vermont road trip is part of the larger Route 100 corridor, which in my opinion is one of the most scenic drives in New England. Just be quiet because the locals don't like A lot of traffic. The Bluebird Express gondola runs from 10 am to 5 pm between mid-June and mid-October. If you have any other questions about road-tripping through Vermont, or about traveling on Route 100, simply leave a comment and well answer ASAP. Rt 2 has some spectacular views and is a beautiful drive, but it is not a super highway like 89 and 93. Montpelier is on the northern fringe of central Vermont, and is 182 miles from Boston and 198 miles from Hartford. While Route 100 begins a bit further southwest, theres really not too much youre missing. Boutin's is more of a take out place and your last stop before you get to Canada. Well start our journey in Southern Vermont, in the little town of Wilmington, and head north on Vermont Route 100 to Newport, just south of the Canadian border. Around the region, some of the best covered bridges you can see are Upper and Lower Cox Bridges, Slaughterhouse Bridge and Warren Bridge. Day 2: TBD. In the summer months, you can rent kayaks and bikes from the, For casual waterfront dining, check out the, . Its just as beautiful in person as it is in the photos. "What she loves about Portsmouth "I can stand at the stove and look out one window and see the Atlantic Ocean and look out the other window and see my garden. Not only is this one of Vermonts top tourist attractions, but they also have pretty delicious cider donuts. There is a rest stop at this spot, with a commanding view. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Here are some of the best things to do in Lincoln, NH during your drive: Pretty much directly on this route, youll find Franconia, NH, and this is one of the best places in the White Mountains to explore a lot of the outdoors. Youll be stopping in several small towns, swimming in the West River, and taking in the views from the top of Mount Snow. Mansfield is one of two areas in the state where you can find an alpine tundra ecosystem. Since Vermont is small, most of these routes can be completed in a few days. Right before you jump onto I-91, youll pass by Keene, NH, and this is a great stop to make in southern New Hampshire if youre looking for a fun town to explore with shops, restaurants and breweries. I always suggest you check out my post on the best New England products and gifts you can buy before taking a road trip anywhere in New England! The scenic drive in Central Vermont is a loop road trip of around 250 kilometers. Alternatively, you may use. The Derby Village Inn is beautiful and has really good German food. We love browsing Bartlebys Books, the 1836 Country Store, and Red Fox Shop. You wont be driving much today because this section of Vermont Route 100 is packed with things to do! However, if youre looking to take one longer trip by combining the White Mountains with Stowe, you can certainly explore other fun towns in the White Mountains like Conway and Jackson. A 'plan B' option would be to take I-89 through the heart of New Hampshire and on to Woodstock. So you'd be on the same road driving north from Montpelier towards Stowe. Take the Loon Mountain gondola to the summit for some awesome views. Where to Stay: There are a few motels and a bed and breakfast within the city limits, but weve had the best luck with the local vacation rentals. The stops Ive listed are the easiest ones to make during the drive as far as proximity to the route. Be on the lookout for these gentle giants, especially along the roadside, where they pose a threat to unsuspecting motorists. I-89 thru New Hampshire and Vermont is very beautiful for an interstate - a section of it near Springfield NH is considered one of the most scenic stretches of interstate in the US. My parents had a restaurant, my brother's a chef, my other brother runs a restaurant, my sister owns a restaurant. But the best thing would be to turn it into a weekend road trip and take your time. Depending on how much time you have to make the drive, there are so many options for great stops along the way. 1760 Quechee Main Street, Quechee, VT, (802) 295-1470. Route 100 would not be a fun drive in a massive downpour or blinding blizzard, but otherwise, there is no wrong time of year for an adventure along this well-maintained road. After you spend some time at the lake, head back into Wilmington for a little meandering. There are several trails leading to the top, but if you dont have time for an all-day hike, consider the. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. Road type: Primarily pavement, steep upward access to dirt road. Take 95 to Westerly at the state's extreme southwest corner, then hit Route 1A and enjoy a colorful . Plymouth Notch is the birthplace and boyhood home of our 30th president, and his homestead and the surrounding village are virtually unchanged since the 20th century. Woodstock, Vermont, just about three hours by car from Boston, is a quintessential New England getaway, especially for autumn leaf-peeping. Meander around the 600 acres, visit the Calvin Coolidge Museum and Education Center, and check out dozens of historically preserved buildings. Tip: This route can be driven in the reverse direction as well. Waterbury is about 14 miles north of Waitsfield. Read more of our interview with Mary Dumont. Still, look where I ended up. Show only these on map . Luckily for us, this drive was connected to the route from Worcester. The border crossing is in Highgate Vermont and you take Interstate 89 down to Burlington. I hope that helps! Vermont has beautiful, accessible waterfalls. Theyre Escape Campervans and you can rent one for your journey on Route 100 in Vermont (or anywhere else, for that matter). But here are some stops you can make before getting to the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge. There are signs posted around the area. Ready to embark on a Vermont road trip you wont soon forget? Where to eat: American Flatbread Pizza undoubtedly the best wood-fired pizza in the state of Vermont. A stay in this historic inn includes a full Vermont breakfast. I suppose it's not the most scenic view in America, but it's pretty darn impressive, especially during foliage season. I know the rest area you are talking about, and it is a great view especially during foliage. Re: driving from woodstock to boston - which route more scenic?? Just a half-mile from Waterbury Center State Park is Cold Hollow Cider Mill. The owners relocated from Thailand in 2015, and have been wowing locals and visitors with their delicacies ever since. Best Things To Do in Vermont in the Winter, Best Things To Do in New England in the Fall, The Best 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary (+ 5 & 10 Day Options!) Oh my gosh, breakfast at Mirabelle's Caf is just so good. The final leg of . Its a county park, right next to the bike path, and less than a mile from downtown Newport. They also offer superfood bowls and smoothies. I can also recommend lavender essential farm For an experience you can not find anywhere else. The village is known as the Plymouth Notch Historic District and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Want to end your route 100 trip with a lakeside vacation? If you are coming from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Weston is another one of those picturesque New England villages, complete with a little town green, several unique stores, and the famous Weston Playhouse. Vermont is renowned for the longest ski season in the East. October is the busiest month for tourists in Vermont, who come from all over to see the leaves change. I-89 is nice and there are some long range views across the rolling landscape (more so in Vermont than NH), but I think I'd be pretty disappointed if I was anticipating one of the most scenic stretches of interstate in the US. The rooms in the annex are big and spacious. Not to be missed on a hot summer day! If we are planning on hiking, we also purchase a Falcon guide in the Best Easy Day Hikes series.Outdoor Gear: We are REI Co-Op members. Which is the easiest start and route to go. I'm serious they have reindeer and you are at the 45th latitude, which means you are halfway between the equator and the North Pole. If you dont have time to stop and see the sites along the route, it doesnt make sense for you to take this option. Time: 67 minutes. Re: Route from Boston to Vermont. The last leg of your road trip on Vermont Route 100 is characterized by a wild stretch of road. Lift tickets are $20 for adults (13+) and $15 for kids (5-12). I'll clarify - each year back in the 60's and 70's some government agency chose a stretch of interstate somewhere in the US as one of the most scenic. For lodging, we recommend checking out their sister site, Main + Mountain, which has 13 modern rooms in the walkable downtown area. For lodging, we recomme. Alternatively, you may use. Best things to do in Hanover when passing through on the road trip: Quechee is a really fun little town to explore while driving from Boston to Stowe, VT, and itll be about 10-15 mins off the direct route to get there. They have the tastiest heirloom tomatoes and garlic scapes, and we love their fantastic strawberry rhubarb pie and elderflower lemonade. Main Street is lined with restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. This one is very similar to taking I-89 the whole way, but the detour going slightly west on I-91 affords you the option of stopping in Keene, NH and Rockingham, VT to see some cool things before connecting up with I-89. The top of Mt. One awesome stop near Wilmington (thats not technically in Wilmington, but only a short 10-minute drive from Main Street) is Hogback Mountain Country Store & Lookout. Not sure what to pack for your Route 100 road trip? Download a printable itinerary so that you dont miss any of these amazing stops! Your choices are to do it in one day, pretty easy though do avoid the greater Boston area, or to either take Route 7 south straight down to Stockbridge, or take Route 100 to Wilmington, VT and then take Route 9 West to Route 7 South to . The Peterboro-Dublin-Harrisville area is picture postcard New England. Honestly though..so you are on a time constraint. Here are some of the best things to do in Keene, NH during your drive: Rockingham, VT is home to one of two Vermont Country Store locations in the state, and its definitely worth stopping in for a visit. After your hike, be sure to stop at the Alchemist Brewery and Visitor Centerto try out New Englands most famous beer, Heady Topper. An archaeological dig in 2010 revealed a large campsite on the banks of Salmon Hole. Follow Route 100 south to STratton and take Route 30 east to Brattleboro. Washington, DC. Where to Eat: Locals love Dots Diner for a big, traditional breakfast, and wed recommend Alpenglow Bistro for your special date night. Tickets cost $30 - $40 and the journey takes 2h 15m. For this road trip, however, were going to stick to these 3 awesome stops. 100 Cottage Club Rd, Stowe, VT, (802) 882-8165. There are too many fun stops to mention, so Im going to focus on my favorites. 4:36 pm Williamstown (Vermont) stay for about 1 hour. We also pick up a couple of fresh, made-to-order sandwiches from their deli to eat on the road. 4. If the White Mountains is a must-see for you (especially in the fall! The Green Mountains are a little slice of heaven for outdoor lovers of every persuasion. The Vermont Country Stores are like the ultimate New England general store, and youll find pretty much everything from Christmas and home decor to jams, maple syrups and other locally-made products. Most were dated between 1000 and 1600 AD, but the oldest artifact discovered is believed to be more than 7,000 years old. Stowe is one of the most fun towns to visit in Vermont year-round, so taking a trip there from Boston is an awesome idea. Where to Eat: For casual waterfront dining, check out the Eastside Restaurant & Pub. It crosses the long trail. Will be arriving in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ), 16 Elm Street, Woodstock, VT, (802) 344-6668. Really depends on what you want to do. If it seems overwhelming, and youre not even sure where to begin, Ive got you covered! Share the road with fewer drivers by traveling Route 100 midweek, particularly during the height of the fall and ski seasons. Lake Whitingham is the perfect place for swimming, sailing, paddling, and fishing, and yes, youll see a good number of cruisers, speedboats, and jet skis too. There are 2 really good restaurants in the area the Junction and Boutins. This section of Vermont Route 100 heads through the southern section of the Green Mountain National Forest. Heres a review of our favorite Vermont waterfalls. Daily service between Washington, DC and St. Albans in northern Vermont. We earn a commission from affiliate links that may be included in this post. In the summer months, you can rent kayaks and bikes from the Great Outdoors to explore Newports natural beauty. Walk around the very cool downtown area, and visit the shops. Simon Pearce is more than just an excellent source for wedding gifts. Itll take you about 2.5-3 hours to get from Boston to Wilmington, depending on traffic getting out of Boston. About 18 miles north of Ludlow, turn right on Route 100A and drive a mile to. If you just want to get to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This is a very popular ski mountain, but its open in all four seasons. The reservoir was constructed by the CCC in the 1930s as a flood control project to protect the towns and villages along the Winooski River. What makes this so magical is that the studio and restaurant sit right on the falls of the Ottauquechee River. Once youve completed the 189-mile drive on Route 100 from Wilmington to Newport, you can hop onto Interstate 91 and head south again. Beautiful Route 100 in Vermont. Of them, the Vermont Scenic Route 100 Byway is a popular standout. Hen of the Wood. Bingham Falls in Stowe. Weston, VT: Visit the Vermont Country Store, Plymouth Notch, VT: Visit the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, Long Trail Brewing Company in Bridgewater Corners, Waterbury, VT: Home of Ben & Jerrys Ice Cream, Stowe, VT: Home to Vermonts Highest Peak, Resources for Planning Your Vermont Road Trip Itinerary on Route 100, What to Pack for Your Vermont Route 100 Road Trip, complete guide for planning a road trip on a budget. Best route up from Boston? At 216.6 miles, Vermonts longest state highway is also one of the most scenic and well-loved, meandering through the Green Mountains, as well as charming New England villages, Lake Whitingham is the perfect place for swimming, sailing, paddling, and fishing, and yes, youll see a good number of cruisers, speedboats, and jet skis too. Facebook/Hen of the Wood. If roughing it isnt your thing, we recommend checking into the Wilmington Inn, which is located right on Main Street and very close to the Valley Trail if you want. I-89 Most Direct Route (3.5 Hours Without Stops), I-91 To I-89 (4 Hours 40 Minutes Without Stops), Route 100 (5 Hours 45 Minutes Without Stops), Best Stops To Make On This Route If Youre Short On Time, 10 Best Stops To Make When Driving From Boston To Portland, Maine (2023), 21 Fun Stops To Make On The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway (2023), Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod For Every Type Of Traveler (2023), 31+ Ways To Have The Best Summer In New England (2023), 21 Best Breweries In Portland, Maine You Have To Check Out In 2023. It allows us to explore the outdoors, cook our own food, and save money. For really unique dining, you have to check out, . A Complete Guide to Vermont's Route 100 Scenic Drive. REI also has a great return policy.Check out our complete guide for planning a road trip on a budget, 6 Incredible Things to do in Oatman, Arizona, Highway 12 Utah: A Journey on Americas Most Scenic Road, My partner and I plan to visit Vermont in early to mid October. Any suggestions on a route from Brodheadsville PA zip 18322 to the start of Route 100. I think you should go with the October dates, but you may also want to reverse direction and travel from north to south so you get closer to peak colors. If your goal is to see fall colors, you will have the best luck in the southern part of Vermont - Bennington, Manchester and Route 7. This short, ADA-accessible walk will offer an amazing view of Smugglers' Notch and its . The second Vermont Country Store location is in Weston, which is right on Route 100, so you cant miss it! Finally, make your way to Ludlow, Vermont, located in Okemo Valley and home to Okemo Mountain Resort. Learn how Vermonts famous ice cream is made, and be sure to stop at the flavor graveyard to pay your respects to the dearly de-pinted. Explore all that this beautiful mountain road has to offer, from pristine lakes and secret swimming holes to magnificent vistas and quiet campgrounds. Have lunch at The Mill, the restaurant inside the Simon Pearce store, and the one that was named as one of the most romantic in the country! The country store is also really fun to explore. If youve got five days to spend in the Green Mountains, then we have the perfect road trip itinerary for you on Vermont Route 100. Thanks for sharing your insider tips, Melissa! However, if youre looking to take a road trip and see some of the beautiful sites along the way (which I highly suggest! Driving directions: The Mad River Byway takes you along two of Vermont's most scenic roads, Routes 100 and 100B. Where to Eat: Doc Ponds has a limited menu, but those tacos are divine! Stowe is known as a ski town, but its equally lovely in the summer and fall, with, Mt. The Best Time to Drive Vermont's Route 100, Highlights Along the Vermont Scenic Route 100 Byway, notorious for the number of speeding tickets, Pay close attention to posted speed limits and don't let the scenery distract you from obeying them. As you head out of Wilmington on Route 100, youll quickly enter the town of West Dover, home of Mount Snow. Covering more than 2,000 acres, Lake Whitingham is the largest lake in Southern Vermont. Edited to add link to rest area location: https://goo.gl/maps/dTcft4dHUDP2. Last time we were there, we walked down Cherry Street toward Lake Champlain and we could smell the garlic coming from the hoods of their large wood-fired oven. Vermont Route 100 runs straight through the center of the state, from north to south. The bakery is pretty big, and you can see all of the bakers with their headbands working in the back. Back Road Ramblers shares practical and in-depth road trip itineraries, small-town travel ideas, and easy outdoor adventures for the wanderer in everyone. This is a very fragile area, and hikers are asked to stay on marked trails and to keep dogs leashed at all times. We are thinking of staying in Woodstock. The trail is an easy 1.6 miles round trip and brings you to one of the states most lovely waterfalls. Bus service is available through Dartmouth Coach from Boston Logan Airport, South Station, and New York City, and private car service can also be arranged by appointment. Kim Knox Beckius is a Connecticut-based travel writer, author, photographer, and editor. This is about a two hour drive. A scenic drive through Smugglers' Notch is a Stowe bucket list item for fall. This quaint riverside pub and restaurant is the perfect lunch spot, and the view is pretty great too! In addition to that, Waitsfield is a really cute little town to visit, with some nice shops, great eateries and is also very scenic. "What she loves about her restaurant That it's part of Strawberry Banke, a historical museum with gardens full of heirloom vegetables. . By now your tummy must be growling. Lets get started! New England is speckled with great, old-fashioned country stores, and the Woodstock Farmers' Market is one of our favorites. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13544394', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Boston- any suggestion of where to stay along the way ??