Together with its surrounding towns of Quechee, Bridgewater, and Plymouth, this area ticks all . The top of Mt. If you want to make the drive more of a day trip and stop along the way, then take a non-interstate route, Route 100 being one option. Of course, summer isnt the only time to experience the charms of Route 100! It's one of Molly and Addie's favorite pit stops. There are 4 main routes you can take when driving from Boston to Stowe, VT, and each one offers different things to see along the way (some stop will overlap, however). Simon Pearce. If getting outdoors to tackle some adventurous things is not the right fit for your road trip, then you can skip this destination (and maybe do Woodstock instead). Wilmington is one of my favorite little hidden gems in Vermont, and while its pretty small, its worth walking down Main Street to visit the shops and just admire the quaintness of the town. Visit the cute little downtown area shops. Where to Camp: With 75 huge campsites for both tents and RVs, a swimming beach, and a playground area, Prouty Beach & Campground is a fun and inexpensive way to explore Newport and the surrounding communities. also we are thinking of staying in Concord Mas so any tips would be great. We use Kayak to compare prices and find deals from dozens of car rental agencies at once. The next fun stop you can make on this route is Hanover, NH, and to get there, its only 15 minutes off-course each way from the direct route, making it an easy stop to make. Though not as well-known as the New York town of the same name - you know, the one with the music festival - Woodstock, Vermont, has plenty to offer. For the rest of the drive after Rockingham, youll follow the stops on the I-89 Route. The rooms in the annex are big and spacious. Yes! I actually really love Hanover, and its a great stop to make if youre looking to explore a new town with some really cute shops and great places to eat. The drive through Vermont is so beautiful and there are plenty of terrific stops that can easily turn the two-hour drive into a day-long affair. The beaches and picnic areas that surround the lake are free to use, and theres even a clothing-optional zone just a short walk from the picnic area, The town itself is small, with only 2,000 full-time residents. 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. 69 helpful votes. Mansfield in Stowe is Vermonts highest mountain. Vermont Route 100. Where to Stay: There are numerous lodging options in Stowe, and we would be hard-pressed to pick a favorite. Rte 100 is simply one scenic road. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Most people will likely do one-way of this road trip in 1-2 full days to make it a weekend getaway from Boston, which will still allow you to see lots of great things. Along the way, youll find a wealth of recreation opportunities, not to mention fabulous shopping, dining, and lodging. The brewery and visitor center are located on Cottage Club Road in the village of Stowe. For lodging, we recommend checking out their sister site, Main + Mountain, which has 13 modern rooms in the walkable downtown area. Boston . I absolutely love this area.. Take some of the backroads for example Ball Ground road and but it is a beautiful drive. 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. I know the rest area you are talking about, and it is a great view especially during foliage. Youll want to do Franconia if youre feeling like being out in nature, or Littleton if you want to be in a cute town. Also if you go up to Derby which you really shouldn't miss you can stand in the library where you are halfway in the United States and halfway in Canada it's a pretty cool experience plus cool experience plus unlike the wall they guard Mexico there's a couple flower pots that guard the border into Canada.. Don't cross on it's an honor system but there are people watching. If you dont need to make any stops along the way, you only need a few hours to make the drive. Whether youre excited to take a few days and make lots of stops, or are shorter on time, but know you can still see some great things along the way, one things for sure its going to be a blast. Here are some highlights along the route. Just a half-mile from Waterbury Center State Park is Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Flickr/Brandi. The scenic drive follows mostly Route 12 south from Montpelier to Woodstock, before heading north on Route 100 and 100B back to Montpelier. Not only is this one of Vermonts top tourist attractions, but they also have pretty delicious cider donuts. This is by far the easiest route from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Mansfield, the peak that is locally called the nose. From the nose, you can hike along the ridge of the mountain to the chin (2.8 miles round trip), which is the official highest point in Vermont. Theres no swimming at Moss Glen Falls, so if youre passing through on a hot summer day, please continue north to Warren Falls for a little dip. I wasn't going to cookI went to Simmons College in Boston for creative writing. Lots of back roads to explore once you get to Woodstock. The owners and Dave are absolutely delightful. The further north you go, the better your chances of seeing one of North Americas largest mammals, the massive moose. By now your tummy must be growling. Waterbury is about 14 miles north of Waitsfield. We are bananas for their clothbound cheddar! 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. We also love the mission of the farm, as its all about education and sustainability, much like Cultivar. Hi Loretta, This route will take you through some nice parts of that area before getting to Stowe. This is honestly a really great road trip to take year-round, including winter. If you dont have time to stop and see the sites along the route, it doesnt make sense for you to take this option. Vermont has beautiful, accessible waterfalls. Take 95 to Westerly at the state's extreme southwest corner, then hit Route 1A and enjoy a colorful . More than 3,000 artifacts were unearthed, including stone tools and spear points. Thanks for sharing your insider tips, Melissa! When is the best time to see fall foliage on Route 100 in Vermont? If we went from Boston to Brattleboro to Woodstock, google maps show it to be 3 hrs 19 minutes. I am originally from Newport. This is the longest covered bridge in New England, and if you love seeing these beautiful structures in the region, this is a great one to see while driving from Boston to Stowe, VT. Download a printable itinerary so that you dont miss any of these amazing stops! There are 10 designated Vermont byways, all worthy routes for drivers who want to explore the Green Mountain State's history, artistry, culinary delights, and natural wonders. Hi there! Keep reading below for my suggestions on routes to take based on how much time you have, and what stops you want to make. The drive includes Rockingham, the Vermont Country Store, Chester, Cavendish, Proctorsville, Ludlow and Cuttingsville. I hope that helps! The first Hen of the Wood opened in 2005 in Waterbury, VT and a few years later, the chef, Eric Warnstedt, was named a F&W Best New Chef. In the summer and fall, you can enjoy lift-serviced mountain biking, or simply ride the gondola to the top of the mountain for fantastic views of the Somerset Reservoir and the surrounding Green Mountains. If youre up for further adventures, you can head north into Canada (Montreal is two hours away) and the. 4. 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. This is the site of the Salmon Hole Massacre where a group of French men and Native Americans ambushed British Soldiers in 1748. Hoagies has the best pizza in town and right next door is the local Vista grocery store and it has the best rotisserie chickens I've ever had. . Here are some of the best things to do in Woodstock, VT during your drive: Click here to read about even more fun things to do in Woodstock, VT! The beginning of this road trip is 60 miles from Albany International Airport in New York, 126 miles from Logan International Airport in Boston, and 205 miles from JFK in New York City. Youll be stopping in several small towns, swimming in the West River, and taking in the views from the top of Mount Snow. Our Favorite Resources for Road Trips and Outdoor AdventuresThese are the resources we use to plan road trips, save money while traveling, and shop for outdoor gear. Hi Tara Here are the best things to do when stopping in Quechee during your drive: Click here to read all about the best and coziest places to stay in Vermont in the fall! As you head out of Stowe and into Hyde Park, be sure to take in the spectacular views of Mt. Weve got a lot more travel ideas for New England and the Northeast, so feel free to look around. While there isnt much to the town, Jamaica State Park is a gem of a spot in both summer and fall. Once you arrive, youll be able to see a cute covered bridge, shop at some unique places, and also get a really nice lunch at whats been called one of the most romantic restaurants in the country by Travel + Leisure. If youre taking this drive in the winter, youll definitely want to stop at Ice Castles! This short, ADA-accessible walk will offer an amazing view of Smugglers' Notch and its . With 75 huge campsites for both tents and RVs, a swimming beach, and a playground area. Simon Pearce glassblowing factory and restaurant on the Ottauquechee River in Quechee, Vermont. The best way to get to Stowe from Boston is to drive, which is probably how youre planning to get there since youre reading this post! Montpelier is the capital of Vermont, and somehow, it still maintains a lot of character and charm, and is most definitely worth stopping in while driving from Boston to Stowe, VT. Mansfield behind you. On this route, your next stop would be the Windsor-Cornish Covered Bridge. 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. 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. 77 Main Street, Burlington, VT, (802) 651-7070. Day 2: TBD. We use They Dyrt Pro to find campsites and read reviews before booking on Recreation.gov or state park websites. This section will break down why each stop is worth making during this trip, and Ive kept them all grouped together by route to make it easier to plan your own road trip from Boston to Stowe, VT. At 4,395 feet, Mt. The town itself is small, with only 2,000 full-time residents. Show only these on map . Kim Knox Beckius is a Connecticut-based travel writer, author, photographer, and editor. Thinking of taking a Vermont covered bridges driving tour? That's around 30 people and five dogs, all piled into an old farmhouse that we've dubbed "The House You Can't Break." 3. You can pick it up in Williamstown, south of Bennington VT. Williamstown is a college town that I find very pretty with lots of interesting buildings. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. About 18 miles north of Ludlow, turn right on Route 100A and drive a mile to President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site. Heres an overview of the best stops to make on this route: This route will take you along the border between Vermont and New Hampshire, and this is a good one to take if youre looking to see some of the Vermont countryside on your way, and stop at one of the best country stores in Vermont. Flights: We use Kayak to search out flight deals. We are thinking of staying in Woodstock. This section of route 100 is characterized by very small towns, mountainous terrain, and acres of farmland. You wont be driving much today because this section of Vermont Route 100 is packed with things to do! The aisles are stocked to the rafters with penny candy, maple syrup, apothecary items, household goods, and lots of local goodies. But here are some stops you can make before getting to the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge. There are 2 really good restaurants in the area the Junction and Boutins. This will be about 10 minutes off the direct route each way, and its just outside of Woodstock, VT. 100 Cottage Club Rd, Stowe, VT, (802) 882-8165. My hope is to inspire you to have an unforgettable Northeast adventure of your own, and show you just how beautiful this little corner of the world truly is. Stop at Taftsville Covered Bridge on your drive from Quechee. They give out free beer samples to taste, and we always leave with the max amount of Heady Topper they sell: four 4-packs. On a clear day, you can see west to Lake Champlain, north to Canada, and east to New Hampshire. Youll find a lovely, walkable Main Street, cute stores, and plenty of restaurants. Waterbury is about 14 miles north of Waitsfield. Answer 1 of 5: Hi there we are driving from Woodstock vermont[ after a 2 day stop] to boston and wanting to see most scenic and historic route. Scenic Drives. Then, we use Booking.com to make reservations (they have the best prices, plus a flexible cancelation policy).Camping: Camping is one of our favorite things to do on long road trips. This beautiful four-bedroom home on Lake Memphremagog sleeps 10! 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. We love browsing Bartlebys Bo, If youre looking to pitch your tent, head a few miles east to, , where youll find a quiet, wooded campground with private sites and hot showers. For a unique lodging opportunity, check out this. Check out their Woodstock Reserve Cheddar from their Billings Gillingham Family cheese collection. Franconia is home to Franconia Notch State Park, and this is where youll likely to spend all your time during your stop. you can buy before taking a road trip anywhere in New England! The speed limit on Route 100 varies wildly from 25 mph in town centers to 50 mph between towns, so no matter what time of year you plan to drive it, plan on taking your time! Everything in the store is locally grown or sourced. If you take the most direct route without any stops, Boston is about 3.5 hours to Stowe, VT, but youll definitely want to factor in traffic getting out of Boston (especially on weekdays). Here's what I recommend for the best scenic routes in Vermont: Lift tickets are $20 for adults (13+) and $15 for kids (5-12). We just found this site. Get a pizza for lunch or dinner at the original American Flatbread Company restaurant. 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. Sometimes there's live music, and it's really dog-friendly. Summertime is equally gorgeous, though, when the Green Mountains are their characteristic lush green and outdoor recreational opportunities abound. Route 91 will be MUCH quicker, and you'll see some great scenery - 91 is at a higher vantage . Do you need to rent a car to take this amazing drive?Click here to check out the best prices on Discover Cars! Alternatively, you may use. Each place here can also be done quickly, if needed. 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 . Back Road Ramblers shares practical and in-depth road trip itineraries, small-town travel ideas, and easy outdoor adventures for the wanderer in everyone. If you are short on time, you could certainly drive straight to Castle Hill and then start your route 100 journey near Ludlow (east of Proctorsville). We love getting the breakfast popover with eggs and smoked salmon and we're big fans of the breakfast tostada, too. First, we search for hotels on TripAdvisor so we can read reviews from other travelers. 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. Heres an overview of the best stops to make along the route (or close to it): Taking I-93 the whole way to Stowe is the best option if youre looking to also tack on the White Mountains region in New Hampshire. The small, neighborhood restaurant serves up an eclectic mix of local dishes, all created fresh daily and lovingly prepared. There are several trails leading to the top, but if you dont have time for an all-day hike, consider the auto toll road at Stowe Mountain Resort. If youre up for further adventures, you can head north into Canada (Montreal is two hours away) and the Eastern Townships are right over the border, southwest into Burlington and the Champlain Valley, or south on the Connecticut River Byway. WEB EXCLUSIVE! One of the most beautiful things about a Vermont Route 100 road trip is that you travel through the Green Mountain National Forest and the mountains, but youre never very far from a village or town, which means youll have easy access to gas stations, grocery stores, hotels, and campgrounds. Relax by the lake, spend some time downtown, and eat at one of our favorite Vermont restaurants. For this road trip, however, were going to stick to these 3 awesome stops. This route also includes destinations already mentioned earlier on the list (Woodstock and Waterbury), so keep in mind that you can absolutely add these two towns to this itinerary. Woodstock, Vermont, just about three hours by car from Boston, is a quintessential New England getaway, especially for autumn leaf-peeping. After you spend some time at the lake, head back into Wilmington for a little meandering. Route 100's allure is its multitude of "only in Vermont" stops. In the summer months, you can rent kayaks and bikes from the, For casual waterfront dining, check out the, . Dont forget that you can also split up the drive, and maybe take scenic Route 100 to get there, and then take the quickest way home. 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! Here, youll find some of the best things to do in Vermont, and its pretty much on the direct route to Stowe. After leaving Plymouth, continue north on 100A to the town of Bridgewater Corners, where youll find the famous, This quaint riverside pub and restaurant is the perfect lunch spot, and the view is pretty great too! When booking a hotel room, we start by reading reviews and looking for deals on, , when were ready to book, we find the best deals on, If we are traveling with our family or need more space, we look for apartments or houses on. 1,856 posts. 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 can't wait to mee the reindeer next time I'm in town. Where to stay: If youre looking to pitch your tent, head a few miles east to Molly Stark State Park, where youll find a quiet, wooded campground with private sites and hot showers. Its privately owned, so you can only admire the scene from a distance. Vermont's 10 scenic byways are some of the best ways to enjoy the foliage. It is home to Ben & Jerrys Factory Store, where guided tours are offered daily. The town is so cute that it looks like it belongs in a Christmas movie. If you're looking to pick up dessert, go for their epic black forest cake or the mixed berry trifle cake. From Wilmington to Stowe, itll take about 2.5 hours without any stops. We get a lot of questions about traveling through Vermont, so we just wanted to take some time to answer the ones we get most often. This picturesque waterfall is more of a roadside attraction than anything else, but its definitely worth a visit. Kids under 5 ride for free. Emily tells me that when I really love food I get very quiet, close my eyes and just nod, then follow with a long, "Mmmmm." Use an app like Yelp to find restaurants that are just off Route 100 and missed by many tourists. Read more of our interview with Mary Dumont. After your hike, be sure to stop at the Alchemist Brewery and Visitor Centerto try out New Englands most famous beer, Heady Topper. Stowe is known as a ski town, but its equally lovely in the summer and fall, with, Mt. Several waterfront overlooks allow you to take in the majestic views of the massive glacial lake, which covers 41 square miles. 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. The two that are right in Waitsfield are Great Eddy and Pine Brook. 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. Once you get to Stowe, this is a very easy little side trip to take, as its only about 20 minutes from town, so keep that in mind if you dont have time to stop here during your drive. We have reservations at Castle Hill Resort in Proctorsville starting on Sunday 10-25-21. Our address: 14 The Green, Woodstock, Vermont 05091. Cape Air. Here are some of the best things to do in Montpelier during your drive: One of the best stops to make while driving from Boston to Stowe, VT, or really, during any Vermont road trip, is Waterbury. Want to end your route 100 trip with a lakeside vacation? After we're done eating, we shop! Ideally, though, it's most fun to spend the whole day here and go on one of the Sun to Cheese Farm tours, where you can meet the cows and see the cheese being made. For more information, please refer to ourPrivacy Policy. The reservoir is surrounded by mountains and is a gorgeous spot to spend the day, hike a trail, or go for a swim. Daily service between Washington, DC and St. Albans in northern Vermont. Still, look where I ended up. This is about a two hour drive. Take the Loon Mountain gondola to the summit for some awesome views. A scenic drive through Smugglers' Notch is a Stowe bucket list item for fall. Jeffersonville, Johnson and Hyde Park. But the reason I like Keene as a cool stopover point on a road trip is because it has that nice downtown feel, but also feels relaxing and quaint. Pick up fresh produce and kitchenware a little ways off the juncture of 89 and 91, and before you hit Burlington's best breakfast spots and dining gems, make a detour to a world-famous brewery or family-friendly farm. Oh my gosh, breakfast at Mirabelle's Caf is just so good. Whats your favorite Vermont road trip? Here are some of our favorite tourist attractions and natural areas on route 100 between Waitsfield and Johnson. The foliage is stunning, especially if you can capture it early in the morning when the lake is still. Then we head upstairs to the on-site restaurant, The Mill at Simon Pearce. Located across from the village green on Main Street, the Vermont Country Store is a step back in time you wont want to miss. It is a class 4 road and you should have 4 wheel drive. Montpelier is on the northern fringe of central Vermont, and is 182 miles from Boston and 198 miles from Hartford. It will be beautiful no matter how you do it. Vermont loves its farmsand when you see the next destination on . 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. Gillingham & Sons is still going strong. We are planning on visiting Vermont the end of this week. Its no wonder Yankee Magazine named Vermonts Route 100 one of the best summer road trips in New England. Best route up from Boston? Ready to embark on a Vermont road trip you wont soon forget? 13 hours 45 minutes Daily Departure. You'll discover . I'm Sam. My husband and I bought several acres in the mountains near Jay, 4 years ago. I always suggest you check out my post on the best New England products and gifts. is a fun and inexpensive way to explore Newport and the surrounding communities. we are driving from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Waitsfield is an awesome place to visit if you want to see a lot of covered bridges. We recommend driving this route from south to north. The first town in the White Mountains youll hit on the drive from Boston to Stowe, VT along this route is Lincoln, NH. A 'plan B' option would be to take I-89 through the heart of New Hampshire and on to Woodstock. Beautiful Route 100 in Vermont. Much like their location in Rockingham mentioned earlier, this is the ultimate New England country store experience, so youll definitely want to stop here and fill up a basket with goodies to take home. This is a narrow pass through Mt. Tour the covered bridges in the area. New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Head over to Quechee Gorge Village for unique shops. You can find them on Facebook and The Derby Cow palace. This isnt necessarily the best place to stop and stroll through town and do some shopping and dining, but its definitely one of the best for seeing some of the most exciting nature attractions. Buttermilk Falls is a popular swimming spot at the base of a lovely waterfall. We loved Stowe, VT. Woodstock Village Green to South Woodstock to Jenne Farm and back again. 1. The last leg of your road trip on Vermont Route 100 is characterized by a wild stretch of road. Chef Mary Dumontshares some of her favorite spots to hit on her annual trip to VT. Why she won Because she prepares beautifully intricate dishes using products from her historic New England region and her huge kitchen garden.Born Lowell, Massachusetts; 1974.Experience Jardinire, Campton Place and Elisabeth Daniel, all in San Francisco; Blackbird in Chicago; Sonoma Saveurs in Sonoma, California.How she got started "My family is in the business. 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. Driving directions: The Mad River Byway takes you along two of Vermont's most scenic roads, Routes 100 and 100B. Flights arrive daily at Burlington, VT (BTV), Lebanon, NH (LEB), Manchester, NH (MHT), and Boston Logan, MA (BOS) airports. Grab lunch with a view, as well as taste the local beer, at. a short hike before setting out in the morning.