Cbbi

Greetings - we have eluded the hurricanes thus far and our vacation to Vermont is almost here. So busy worrying about hurricanes I haven't spent enough time planning this trip. Can someone suggest a plan for our first day as we drive from Burlington to Montgomery. We will be spending the night in Burlington after a late flight arrival. I was thinking we would try the B&J tour, stop in Stowe for lunch and do the Alpine Slide and then drive on to Montgomery. Is this reasonable -- or will we run into crowds at B&J tour on a Saturday? Crowds in Stowe due to Octoberfest? Should we try the Fall Fest at Barre? or hang around Burlington our first day? So many choices...I don't know what to do. We have 3 children. Thanks in advance for any advice.

dfrostnh

The B&J tour is usually crowded so that might be better for another day. You should try to get to Stowe in time for the Octoberfest parade. Otherwise, I don't recall there is much Octoberfest that will appeal to children. I didn't think it was too crowded in town.
We enjoyed the Great Vermont Corn Maze in Danville (vermontcornmaze.com) and this is something the kids would enjoy. It would be worth a drive but expect to spend 2-3 hours there. My husband loves ferry rides and enjoyed Ausable Chasm on the other side of Lake Champlain from Burlington.

bm

As dfrost said, the B & J tour will be crowded, but when in Rome, right? Stowe will most likely be crowded as well as it's a big destination for tourists. But it's beautiful and if you've never been to VT before it's a must. Once in Stowe, take 108 north and to the ski area and take the gondola up to the top of the ski area. The alpine slide is fun too. Then follow 108 N through Smuggler's Notch to Jeffersonville. Take Route 15 east to Johnson and stop at the Johnson Woolen Mill Factory Store. Then hop on 100C north to 100 north and then on to Montgomery (not sure of route #s after you get on 100, but I'm assuming you'll have a map with you). It will be a full day and the scenery is wonderful.
Also, near Montgomery, take the tram to the top of Jay Peak for more wonderful views.

Cbbi

Thanks so much for the replies -- bm we plan to follow your route -- any ideas for lunch along the way? Love the Johnson Woolen Mill Factory Store idea -- if Mom (me) survives the slide it will be a nice treat for me!

Also have now planned a day for the corn maze -- think we'll pack a picnic and are looking into the ausable chasm dfrost - thanks.

bm

If the timing is right, try Jana's Cupboard in Jeffersonville. It's on Route 15 near the intersection w/108.
Now that I have my map with me, take Route 58 off Route 100. It connects Lowell to Montgomery (AKA the Hazen's Notch Road)...I havent had the opportunity to go on it myself, but for those I know who have, say it's a beautiful drive.

bm

PS:
http://www.johnsonwoolenmills.com
also, there is a covered bridge on 100C in Johnson village in case you're interested in seeing those. Plus, there are many more in Montgomery.